Demon Possession

by Kiersten Fay

  The only way to keep his promise was to keep her with him, and that wasn’t an option. The effect she had on him was dangerous. He already craved her.

  Already he would give her anything she asked for. He had no intention of al owing the attachment to grow any stronger than it already had. It was a good thing she hadn’t wanted him to staywith her this night. If he had a whole night with her, Sebastian feared he would be lost … addicted. And then he might never be able to let her go.

  Marik watched Anya cruise through the salon like a zombie. Either she’d slept poorly or her mind was on other things. Probably both. Like everyone else, he’d heard the explosions last night and knew if they were in any real danger they would have heard about it over the intercom. But Anya had definitely been frightened by the event. Sebastian was here earlier,and told him what happened. Marik could understand her fear. Long after he’d gained his freedom he’d been just as jumpy.

  Though Anya had been enslaved longer, she was coping a lot better than he had. Marik envied her strength. Two hundred years of torment could have broken him completely but she was like a bright bal of energy,eager for her new life, and ready to forget her old one. Perhaps Anya had an easier time of locking away the bad and forcing it out of her mind. It had taken him a long time to be ableto block out his own memories,he stil struggled with it at times.

  “Anya.”Marik cal ed after her, as she prepared to carry out an order of food.

  “Yeah?” Stopping inmid-doorshe craned her head to lookbackat him.

  “Don’t forget the soup.”

  “Oh. Right”

  She had been like this al day. She wasn’t herself. She was forgetful and less attentive than usual, her features drawnin constantworry.

  The party tonight should cheer her up. Marik quirked his lips and went back to cooking.

  Before Analia’s shift was over, Marik had sent her away to get ready for the party tonight. Sonya joined her in her room to fuss with her hair and help her pick an outfit. The dress she wore was aV-neck with straps that crossed in the back, which was low and sloping. The color was an off white—which Sonya said set off her skin tone, whatever that meant—andthe hemended just above her knees.

  Before, the pair of shoes she was wearing would have scared the hel out of her, now she slipped them on like an expert.

  Sonya was kind enough to show her some dance moves andevenpracticed with her a little. They laughed themselves to the floor as the moves became sil ier and more exaggerated. Anya was nervous for the date-that-real y-wasn’t-a-date, but Xandar didn’t know that yet. She hadn’t seen him since the day he asked her out.

  A ringing in the room let her know he was here and her nerves became flat out panicked. Sonya let out a smal giggle. “It’s okay. Remember you’re in charge.”

  “I’m in charge.” Anya repeated in a ghostly tone.

  That made Sonya laugh even harder. “Next time say it like you mean it.”

  Anya, sticking out her tongue, moved to open the door. Xandar stood there in a pair of nice pants and a button down shirt. His hair was spiked. He looked

  … like he always did.

  “Hey Xandar!” Sonya cal ed from inside the room. “We’re almost ready.”

  Xandar rol ed his gaze slowly over Anya, stopping for a moment at her breasts.Awkwardly,Anya shifted her stance. “Hi.” She said lamely.

  “You look … I mean … good. You lookreal ygood.” He final y met her eyes and smiled.

  “Thanks.” She said,and then raised her voice so Sonya could hear her. “I thought this was a dress up thing.”

  Again Sonya laughed and came up beside her, dressed in a tight red top that laced up the center,and a flowing skirt to match. Her black hair was in waves down her back. “It is. Xandar is just a slob.”

  “Hey.” He said,in a mock hurt voice. “This is as dressed up as you’re ever going to get me.” He winked at Anya. “Dressing up is not what I’m into.”

  Sonya threaded her arm through Analia’s and walked her out of the room. “Down boy.”

  As soon as they came close to the salon, Sonya practical y bounced with glee next to Anya.She must real y like parties.

  Then they entered the salon where Anya had herfourthmajor shock in two days. A huge banner that readHAPPY BIRTDAY ANYAhung on the wal .

  It looked as though everyone on the ship was gathered here,and they were al smiling at her. Clapping and cheers erupted through the room. Anya had a sudden irrational urge to turn and run away.She gaveSonya,whosesmile was radiant, a questioning look.

  “It’s a party for you.” She offered with warmth. “Consider it a belated birthday slash freedom slash just because party.”

  Anya’s throat instantly tightened and she struggled to bite back a brewing sob, while her eyes pricked with what promised to be a river of tears. “This is …

  so wonderful Sonya … I can’t believe you did this.”

  Xandar pul ed her against him with one arm. “It was nothing. You deserve the best.” His touch sobered her, actual y helped her to put a damper on her emotions.

  Pul ing away from Xandar Analia hugged Sonya with al her strength. “Thank you.”

  Xandar interjected, “Hey, the three of us should take this love fest to another room.”

  Sonya punched him in the arm and led Anya deeper into the crowd of people.

  Spotting Marik, Anya leaped into his arms. “You knew about this, didn’t you!”

  “Of course I knew. I made the cake.”

  “Cake?”

  Marik’s eyes lit up. “That’s right. You’ve never had cake.” He pointed to a long table fil ed with a mixture of food and drinks. At one end was a thick rectangular blob. Anya leaned her head on Marik’s shoulder. “Thank you.”

  “Don’t thank me til you try it. Oh, and let me know when you’re about to so I can watch. I have a feeling it wil be similar to the chocolate incident.”

  Anya giggled at him. “Oh, we’re turning that into an incident? That was more like an ambush.” Looking around the room, Anya noticed that there were two people missing from the crowd. “Where are Calic and Sebastian?”

  Marik looked at Sonya for the answer. “They’l be here,” was al she offered. Music began to blare through the room and Anya found herself being pul ed through the crowd again, waving at familiar faces as she went. “Come on Anya, let’s dance.” Sonya began moving her body to the beat of the music, Anya fol owed suit. Though Sonya was obviously more experienced, Anya thought she was keeping up nicely. Suddenly, Xandar was dancing next to her. When more people joined in she relaxed a bit, noticing many of them danced as poorly as she did.

  After a few songs, people left the dance floor and started to gather around the food. Anya remained on the dance floor with Sonya and Xandar,and a smal surroundingcrowd. Dancing was great! It was fun and freeing getting lost in the beat of the music. Xandar seemed to be playing a game where he would mirror her moves, when she tried to match his moves as wel Xandar took that as his cue to wrap his arms around her waist. As much fun as she was having, there was something amiss in his touch. Just when Anya was about to pul away, she spotted Cale and Bastian enter. After spotting her with Xandar, Cale kept a watchful eye on Sebastian as if at any moment he would have to tackle him to the ground. Sebastian had a look of … unmitigated calm. But at closer inspection his fists were clenched and his jaw was tight.

  In one hand Cale wielded a sword—why would he bring a sword?—Anya had a sudden inkling that Bastian might snatch it to take off Xandar’s head.

  For the sake of Xandar’s safety, she broke away from him and continued dancing with a little less enthusiasm. Xandar didn’t take the hint, staying close to her.

  Sonya hadn’t noticed their entrance, until Anya asked her why Cale had brought a sword.Sonya’seyes flashed to the door and she waved them over.

  “Hi guys! Isthatwhat you’ve decided on? Figures.”

  Bastian answered, “What could possibly be a better gift than a sharp and deadly sword.�
�� He said the last part with a sneer in Xandar’s direction.

  Anya only heard the wordgift. It was the sword she practiced with every morning. “What do you mean by gift?”

  “This is for you,” Cale said, handing her the hilt. “To keep.” He added, noting her expression.

  “I can’t take this!” Shaking her head. “Guys, thank you for everything, but this is too much.”

  “It’s not up for debate,” Cale interrupted. “I expect you to bring it to every training session.” Reluctantly she took the sword, then threw one arm around Cale with the other ful of heavy metal. RigidlyCaletapped her shoulder. Then she moved to Sebastian,whosebody stiffenedas she embraced him. Their kiss stil hung between them, heavy and obscure. Anya lingered a little longer than she should have, taking in his masculine scent, before she reluctantly pul ed away.

  Gazing at the sword Anya said, “I don’t think I can carry this thing around al night.”

  Xandar let out a hearty laugh, “That would certainly make things interesting,if you know what I mean.” He didn’t notice the death-looks of three demons.

  Somehow she had become theirs to protect. Her lips curled at the thought.

  Xandar continued, oblivious, “Are you thirsty Anya? I’l get us some drinks.”

  “Uh, sure. Thank you.”

  Sonya took the sword from her and handed it back to Cale. “Find a place for that, Anya can take it with her on the way out.” Cale disappeared with the sword. “I told them to find you something nice. Never send a male.” She sighed. A new song began to play and with renewed excitement Sonya pul ed a random male from the sidelines to dance with her, leaving Anya and Sebastian to themselves.

  They stood in silence for a moment before he spoke. “Are you having a good time?”

  “Yes, thank you. It’s amazing that you guys did this.”

  “Have you eaten?”

  “No, not yet. I’ve just danced so far.”

  “I noticed.” He murmured. “You should try the cake. I hear it’s layered in chocolate.”

  She laughed at that, Bastian raised an eyebrow. “Yes, Marik wants me to warn him before I do,so he can watch me go mindless from the taste, as I’m sure I wil .” That pul ed a smile from Bastian and she relaxed a little.

  “Here you go.” Xandar moved in beside her and handed her a cup fil ed with a red liquid.

  “What is it?”

  “I’m not sure, you’l have to ask Sonya. I think it has some alcohol in it though.”

  Anya took a sip. A fruity tang encompassed her taste buds. “Mmm.”

  Xandar slipped an arm around her waist. A show of possessiveness? Sonya mentioned that males can become possessive when they strongly desire a female. Anya swal owed hard.

  “Do you want to dance some more? Or we could grab some food and take a seat.”

  Bastian’s features had darkened and he was scowling dangerously at Xandar. “I think we should eat now.” She quickly said.

  “Good I’m starving.”Xandargrabbed her hand and pul ed her toward the table of food. Anya turned backfora last glance at Sebastian, but he was gone.

  After gathering a plate of food they sat at one of the empty tables. Xandar refreshed their drinks and they both began to eat. As always, the food was excel ent. Marik was amazing. She sipped her drink and thought what it would be like to cook for herself when she was final y on her own. Inwardly she cringed. She should ask Marik to teach her a few things at the first opportunity.

  “You dance wel for someone who’s never danced.In factit’s hard to believe you’ve never danced before.”

  “Wel it’s true. I haven’t.”

  “Why is that?”

  “Never had the opportunity.”

  “How is that possible?”

  I was locked away by a madman for my entire life. “I was never asked to dance.”

  “So I’m your first? That’s nice to know. Are you ready to dance again?”

  Anya smiled, feeling slightly affected by the alcohol. “Sure why not.” Deciding this would be her last drink of the night, she finished what little was left and they entered the dance floor.

  Sonya was stil dancing, occasional y pul ing in an unsuspecting male to dance with her. Each of her partners would nervously glance around the room, Anya suspected, to locate her brothers.

  Xandar pul ed her against him and started swaying to the music. “I real y like you Anya.” Xandar stared into hereyes the way Sebastian sometimes did, but she didn’t react the same way. There was nothing in his eyes that made her heart skip, her stomach flip, andmake hershiver with anticipation al at the same time. She needed to tel him she wasn’t interested.

  I’m in control.

  “Xandar I …”

  “May I cut in?” A gruff voice spoke from behind her.

  Xandar gave a look of annoyance. “Sure, as long as it’s okay with Anya.”

  “It’s okay,” she said trying to keep the excitement out of her voice.

  Xandar stepped back and Sebastian’s hands were suddenly around her waist. Her body reacted to him instantly, warming to his touch, her heart began to pound. The music became measured and steady. As he led her through the dance floor, their movements became synchronized. It didn’t escape her notice that he was taking her farther and farther away from her date. It didn’t matter. Al that mattered was that she was once again in Bastian’s arms, nothing felt better. It made her realize how uncomfortable she’d been with Xandar.

  Together they swayed to the music, him looking down at her, her looking up. With his eyelids drooping he said, “I love it when your eyes go silver.”

  Remembering his kiss her gaze fel to his lips. “Are they?” When he pul ed her closer their dance slowed and everything around them disappeared. His muscular chest rubbed against her. “Bastian,” Her voice was low and throaty. His liquid gold eyes growing heated, she thought he might kiss her right here on the dance floor.

  He broke the spel when he said, “I don’t like seeing you with Xandar.”

  Anya took a moment to catch her breath.“It’s only a date.”

  “You can do better than him.”

  “Can I?” They were stil swaying to the music, bodies pressed against each other. “Who would you consider better?” Sebastian didn’t answer. “What concern is it of yours anyway?” Stil he remained silent. “Xandar is a nice enough guy, and he actual y had the guts to tel me he likes me.” Though she didn’t return the feeling.Why was she defending him anyway?

  Maybe because Sebastian kept her at a distance when it was obvious he wanted her. Why would he kiss her, or dance with her if he didn’t? He seemed to pul her to him and then push her away in the next instant. Even now, she could feel the turmoil inside him.Why? Does the thought of her being a slave repulse him?

  Suddenly a wave of nausea rushed through her and she had to grab her head to keep the room from spinning, which didn’t work anyway.

  “What’s wrong?” Sebastian steadied her.

  “I feel dizzy.” As she said the word, the world flipped upside down and she had to grab onto Sebastian for support. “I need to lie down.”Right here on the floor would be perfect.

  From far away she heard Xandar’s voice. “Anya, are you okay?”

  Sebastian answered for her. “She’s not feeling wel . I’m taking her back to her room.”

  “I can take her,” Xandar protested.

  “No, you stay and enjoy the rest of the party.” Sebastian’s tone left no room for discussion. He led her from the room, al owing her the dignity of walking out on her own before he scooped her up in his arms and carried her the rest of the way. “How much did you drink tonight?”

  “Two?” It was a question not an answer.

  “You don’t know?”

  “Two.” She repeated, more sure this time. “Stop bouncing.” She groaned, closing her eyes,and immediately openingthem whenherdizzinessgrewworse.

  Sebastian was saying something but she didn’t hear him. Every fiber in her was concent
rating on not retching al over him. After what seemed like hours she felt a soft cushion beneath her and a blanket came over her. With her hands, she searched for the back of the couch to get her bearings. When she found nothing she cringed.Not the couch. The bed. Anya let out a sound of protest but didn’t dare move.

  Sebastian leaned over her. “Do you need anything?”

  “Couch.”

  “Aren’t you more comfortable in the bed?”

  She was,dammit! And she was too tired to argue further. Drifting she closed her eyes for what she thought was only a second. When she opened them again Sebastian was setting a glass of water on the nightstand. Sweeping the back of his hand along her forehead, then her jaw, the touch eased her nausea slightly.

  Then, without warning or provocation her body exploded with want. Needing to be touched everywhere. But her body had become like a lead weight, sinking into the soft mattress, she was unable to reach for Sebastian as he pul ed away from her. Fuzzily she heard him speak.

  “Sleep wel . I’l return in the morning to check on you.” Then he turned to leave.

  An intense wave of fear swept through her, almost stealing her breath. In a shaky voice she cal ed to him before he was out the door. “Bastian!”

  With one hand on the doorframe he turned to her. “Yes?”

  “Don’t leave.” Her voice was barely a whisper. With obvious concern, he came back into the room. “Please don’t leave me alone.”

  Sebastian saw the fear in her eyes. “What are you frightened of?”

  At first she didn’t answer. “I don’t know. I feel … wrong. I’m just … don’t leave me alone. Please.”

  Fierce primal protectiveness overcame him. He wouldn’t deny her request and he didn’t like that she felt unsafe in her own bed. The desire to join her and wrap his arms around her until she felt at ease almost overwhelmed him. But hewouldkeep his distance.

  Claiming the couch he said. “Very wel ,I’l sleep here for tonight, how’s that?” For a moment he thought she might protest his chosen location, but she relaxed against her pil ow and only watched him for a moment before closing her eyes.Hethought, just before her lids joined, thatthey had fired silver, but assured himself he was mistaken.