Hellhound Born (Kasadya #3)

by Karen Swart

  “Please tell me they are dead?” I asked, remembering what I had just lived through.

  “All of them,” Chax said next to me.

  I looked up at him and nodded.

  “Good. No more surprises then. And with that, I hope Ballen gets a really nice message. So what are we going to do today?” I turned and looked at everyone.

  Some mouths gaped open while others greeted me back. I was going to prepare for the battle. I was going to make sure each and every one of them walked away unharmed. But more than that, I was going to make sure that all demons, regardless of rank, would know my name.

  “You ready for the next round?” Raphael asked.

  I swore I could hear Chax hiss next to me.

  “You bet I am. Let’s get this party started. A nice prince’s head would be mighty fine right now,” I replied and walked out of the door.

  “Are you mad?” I heard Chax yell behind me, but I didn't stick around to watch him dish it out to Raphael.

  I shifted to my room and headed straight for the shower. Nearly done, I heard the door open and someone calling my name.

  “I'll be right there, just finishing up,” I called out. I sure hoped it wasn’t a guy.

  Getting out, I made sure.

  “Who’s waiting to see me naked?” I asked whoever was waiting for me.

  I grabbed the towel and wrapped it around my body.

  “Oh, hell no! I don't want to see your ass,” Nanini moaned on the other side.

  I smiled and opened the door. Nanini, Lada, Abby and Raven were waiting for me.

  “Hey squirt,” I greeted Raven, messing up her hair as I walked past her.

  A few curses followed.

  “Why are you so freaking happy? Did you hit your head or something?” Lada asked when I reached my wardrobe.

  I flashed her a smile then said, “Yeah, I think a few million times since I started to serve.”

  “Did you miss the part where Fallen kidnapped you and tried to kill you?” Raven asked.

  “Nope, I can’t miss details like that. But you know what?” I asked, smiling at her. Confused, she shook her head.

  “They won’t be a problem anymore.” I finished and put on some underwear.

  “I am sorry about Seth,” Nanini blurted out and I stopped to look at her.

  Only then did I notice the red puffy eyes.

  “Nanini, I didn't even see that one coming. How could you have known?” She nodded, but still didn't look miserable.

  I reached for my pants and remembered that my top was ruined.

  “Ah crap,” I muttered to myself.

  “What’s wrong?” Lada asked, looking at me.

  “My top was ruined; I need a new one,” I complained, trying to think of a solution.

  “Why not try this pair?” Abby said, her finger pointing to a heap of leather standing on my table.

  Well hello! What do we have here?

  I walked over and grabbed the first piece, unfolding it to take a peek.

  “Wow,” Raven replied and I smiled.

  My new pair of leathers looked like the others I had, and I couldn’t help but think of Chax. He was getting me these clothes, wasn’t he? Smiling, I got dressed and the girls chatted about what happened before and during my unconscious stage. According to Abby, Chax was off his rocker and almost took down the house looking for me.

  We walked down the stairs and found the rest waiting outside.

  “You girls ready for some fun?” I asked them.

  Raven was mad. Apparently, she still couldn't go on these expeditions, and I had to admit, I totally agreed.

  “Kasadya,” Chax said behind us, stopping me from stepping outside. I turned to look at him

  “Yes?”

  “Are you sure you are up to this? Maybe some rest would be advisable.” He regarded me, as his eyes traveled over my body seeing me fully dressed for battle.

  “Chax, evil doesn't rest. I am fine. Don't worry.” I turned and marched outside before he could stop me. The Fallen started to shift in, many coming to greet me and give their sympathies concerning the betrayal of certain Fallen. I saw Nina standing a few feet away and walked over to her.

  “Hello,” I greeted her, expecting her to be her usual self and trying to pick a fight with me.

  Instead, she smiled at me and said, “Hey Kas. Glad to see you up and ready for the next session.”

  My mouth dropped open, but I quickly snapped it shut before she could notice.

  “Are we like, Okay now?” I asked, the need to know pressing me forward.

  She smiled and nodded. “After all that, we are tight.”

  Okay, well, then that’s better, I guess.

  “Fallen!” Michael yelled and everyone turned to look at him.

  “Let us battle!” With that battle cry, we all shifted and I walked over to my spot.

  A hand grabbed me and spun me around. Green eyes, both furious and concerned, caught hold of mine.

  “You focus in there, and this time, try not to get killed,” Chax ordered.

  I smiled and replied saucily, “Yes Sir.” I taunted him with a salute.

  He wasn't pleased at all, but took his place. I grabbed my swords and readied myself. Luxuria came into view, then immediately shifted out, leaving an angry and spewing demon prince in her wake. Swords blazing, he attacked, but I was able to block his attempt and counter with my own weapons. We continued on for a while, until both of us got tired of the swiping and blocking. The ground gave way under my feet, but with a smile, I lifted myself up with my wings. But this time I had a new move of my own. I pressed back and let my hellhound take over. With a huge bang, the prince flew back into the net. He got up, shook his head and looked for me. But I was already at his back, my swords aiming for his neck. I hit the target, but my swords ricocheted off of him. I was spun around by my own force. Stunned, I turned to look at him.

  Getting back on his feet, the demon smiled at me. Then, using his finger, he showed me his neck. He was protected by a metal plate necklace. He resembled the girls in Africa with golden rings that stretched their necks, usually for beauty.

  Okay, new plan. How to kill the prince?

  He sprung forward and an invisible force slammed into me. I stepped back two steps and stood my ground. Hellhound? There was only silence. Clearly, this would be up to me. I was slammed back again and hit the wall of the net. Getting up and stretching my wings, my eyes caught sight of a demon screaming on the other side of the net. He cradled his injured arm against his chest, the lower half missing. My eyes whipped back to the demon prince, who was advancing on my quickly. I searched for my swords, spotting them just behind the prince. I bolted forward and slammed into him with all that I had. His blades missed me by inches. I leapt away and hit the ground rolling, picking up my swords before rising to my feet. The prince was already up and headed towards me. First, I had to take care of the swords and then I would work on that damn necklace of his.

  Our swords engaged, the sound of metal on metal ringing through the air. I quickly ducked backwards, as one of his swords nearly took my head. I quickly battled back, and, with a quick swipe, I sliced his left hand off just above the wrist. He roared with fury, as he dropped the sword in the other hand to clasp his now bleeding appendage.

  “You will pay for that!” he bellowed.

  I could tell that he was fully concentrating on me now. I lifted my wings and wrapped them around me. Another force hit me, but this time I didn’t go flying backwards. Opening up my wings a little so that I could see him, I sent him my own little message. With my own g-force punch he was flying backwards into the net.

  Right, that damn necklace!

  I quickly thrust my wings back behind me as I dropped both my swords and advanced towards him. Stunned, he had no time to react as I wrapped both my hands around the necklace.

  “Now, watch me use your pretty collar to rip off your head!” I roared, sneering down at him.

  Then, pressing both my feet
into his chest, I pulled with all the strength I had. He screamed and yelled, grabbing me with one hand, the other nothing more than a useless stub.

  I need more power!

  I opened up my wings and started to flap backwards.

  Slowly, after what seemed like freaking forever, I felt the first tear of his flesh.

  I need to rip it.

  I bent forward a little, giving it a little slack, then pushed back and used my wings. The bands of the necklace tore into his flesh, but hadn’t removed it yet. He kicked and screamed, spitting all over my face in the process. I repeated the move once more and finally, I felt the bands rip free. Third time was the charm. His screams were cut off, and as I opened my eyes on more, so was his head.

  “Idiot, never use metal to try and protect your neck.” I grunted and threw the head away.

  I turned and gazed at the battle around me. The others had formed a circle around Chax, trying to protect him from the demons attempting to get to him. And he looked a little pissed about it. He pushed Max out of the way to try and get to a demon, but Max just pushed him back into the circle. My laugh was cut short as the first divinity bolt hit me.

  I couldn’t believe it! It was even more powerful than the last one. I dropped to the ground, blowing dust in front of me as I tried to breathe through it.

  This part is really starting to suck big time.

  Another bolt ripped through me and I roared with pain. I felt it move through me, and for a moment, I panicked. It was focusing on my wings this time. I could feel it run up the bones, to the tip of them. Then, finally, a huge bolt hit me. I tried to scream, but mercifully, the darkness claimed me just as I opened my mouth.

  Chapter 12

  I felt the softness of a bed under my body, and smelled the familiar scent of peaches.

  “Kasadya,” a voice whispered and I could feel a hand stroke the side of my face.

  I didn’t want to open my eyes; I could tell it was going to hurt. I groaned really loud, starting to dislike waking up from these episodes.

  “Come on. I need to see you and make sure you're alright,” Chax continued.

  I groaned even louder.

  “No, it’s going to hurt.” I rolled my eyes around behind my lids, hoping it would help. Whether I liked it or not, sooner or later, I would have to open my eyes. He laughed at me and that had me forcing my eyes open.

  Can it be?

  Can Chax De Luca laugh?

  Impossible!

  And holy crap! My eyes sting!

  “You're getting stronger with recovery, which is a good sign,” Chax said, amusement in his voice.

  Blinking away the acid-like burn in my eyes, I found him sitting on the bed next to me.

  “Glad you find this amusing,” I grunted.

  My throat was parched and felt like it was full of sand.

  “Here is some juice. And I don't find it amusing, except for the part in which a warrior fears to open her eyes.” Another laugh followed.

  Squishing my eyes so I could barely see through them, I accepted the jug of cold juice. I looked him over, this time there were no wounds and he even appeared slightly rested. My eyes lingered on the chair near the bed, where he had evidently been spending his time.

  “Did you sleep in that chair, all this time?” The idea was both flattering and disturbing at the same time.

  He turned to look at the chair then back at me.

  “It helped with your recovery,” he stated as if it’s nothing new.

  “How so?” I asked, after drinking some of the juice.

  He sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair. He looked nervous.

  “It’s... It’s the bond. It helps to speed up the recovery process when we are near each other.” My eyes flew wide open with his answer.

  Wow, this bond stuff is pretty serious.

  Rising from the side of the bed, he went over to the chair and sat down. He released a breath, and for the first time he looked...old.

  I felt guilty seeing him like this. I knew I could be a handful, but add all the stuff I was doing now, and I was sure to be ten times worse.

  “I'm sorry for all of this.” My stomach was rumbling with hunger, but I wanted to do this first.

  Looking at him, I could see how lucky I really was. I could also see how much he was doing for me. And I couldn’t forget all that he had already done for me.

  He frowned, “About what. Not all of this was entirely your fault Kasadya. It’s part of our lives, so we have to face it.” That may be true, at least about the divinity part, but the rest was all my doing.

  “Thank you for everything Chax. For saving my life, and not just once, but quite a few times. But, most of all, for sticking with me.” Inside my heart, I could feel the weight of my words.

  He was a pain in the ass, don't get me wrong, but when I closed my eyes, there were so many times that my life would have been over, if not for him. Even now, he was by my side, no matter what. Taking all the crap that came with me. Hell of a job description he had. He was silent, which made the moment even heavier.

  “It’s my pleasure Kasadya,” he whispered.

  An awkward silence descended on the room with his words. I gulped down my juice and kept my eyes on my lap, fearing to look up, into those green eyes.

  “There will be no battle today. It’s an order from the Archangels. Everyone gets a day off. The others have already left. Is there something you would like to do?”

  Well, now that was a great question. I had no idea what to do with a day off. I hadn’t had a day off since.....the beach.

  “I don't know, to be honest. I don't really do off days.” He regarded me for a while and then nodded, getting up.

  “Get cleaned up and get dressed in comfortable clothes, I'll meet you in the kitchen,” he said, stepping out of the room and closing the door.

  I cleaned up and got dressed. I was nervous.

  I mean, a whole day alone with Chax, that’s not good.

  I was either going to mess it up or get hurt. Dreading the rest of the day, I made my way into the kitchen and found him at the counter.

  “Good. I see you picked the right clothes. Sit down. First we eat and then we can go,” Chax said when he noticed me.

  My stomach dropped, and suddenly I didn't feel all that hungry anymore. Still, I walked over to the counter and sat down. He walked over and placed a plate before me. My stomach began to grumble while my mouth started to water.

  “Is this lasagna?” I took a bite with my fork and stuffed it in my mouth.

  “Yes, I started it about two hours ago. I just heated it up a bit,” he confessed, sitting down in front of me with his own plate.

  I was moaning in pleasure, enjoying each bite. I couldn’t remember the last time I had had lasagna. My dad hated it, so I think it was at school. I looked up at him with a smile.

  “You can whip up a mean lasagna Chax.” Red spots appeared on his cheeks and I almost choked on my food.

  Busting out laughing, I sat back and watched him.

  “Thank you,” he muttered.

  I can’t believe it. First, he laughed and now he’s blushing.

  There was so much more I wanted to learn about him, maybe a day with him wasn’t such a bad idea after all. We finished our meal quickly. Once the plates had been placed in the sink, he grabbed a backpack from the counter and flung it onto his back.

  “Ready?” he asked, offering his hand.

  With a bravery I didn’t know I possessed, I placed mine in his and we shifted. We landed in the middle of a forest. The trees were so high, I had to throw my head back to try and see the treetops.

  “Wow, their huge,” I commented.

  “They are older than most cities. This is the rain forest,” Chax replied.

  I looked back at him, gaping. “Holy crap.”

  He laughed again and started to walk. I followed him through the forest, looking all around. He suddenly stopped and indicated for me to be quiet. I did what I was told an
d silently walked up to stand next to him.

  Pointing at a tree he whispered, “Jaguar.”.

  My eyes searched the tree, but I didn't see a jaguar. I looked at him questioningly. He shook his head and placed his hands on mine, steering it to the spot where the jaguar was located. And what do you know, there, lying on a branch, was a jaguar, camouflaged by leaves.

  It stared back with yellow eyes, watching us.

  This is so awesome.

  He indicated, with a tug on my shirt, to start moving again. We quickly climbed over a huge rock formation. On the other side we found monkeys, jumping and playing in the trees. Again, he indicated to be quiet as we made our way under the trees and sat down on the ground. I almost started laughing when a baby lost its grip above us and fell into Chax’s lap. At first, both of them were in shock. The monkey must have sensed that Chax wasn’t a threat, because it quickly used Chax as a ladder and climbed back into the tree. He must have called his buddies, because soon Chax was covered in monkeys. They poked around, touching his stuff. One grabbed his necklace and pulled him around. That’s when I couldn't hold it in anymore and burst out laughing. Monkeys screamed and scattered into the trees.

  “Sorry, but that’s was so funny.” I snickered at Chax, who replied with a smile of his own.

  “Come on, there still a few things to see.” He grabbed my hand and pulled me up.

  We adventured through the forest the entire day. He showed me different plants and advised me on what they could be used for. I learned about frogs and other animals too. Almost every other plant in the forest was poisonous.

  “You know so much. Do you spend a lot of time here?” I asked, after yet another no-no plant was pointed out.

  “During all my time on earth, I have ventured here a lot. I find it both quiet and interesting,” Chax replied, helping me over a tree trunk.

  For a moment, I was sad. I would never get to do this.

  There was still so much to see in this world, and I would never get the chance. All the wonders I would miss when the battle came. He must have felt the sudden change in my emotions, because he stopped and I bumped into him. He grabbed me to prevent me from hitting the ground.