Demon Possession

by Kiersten Fay

  With confusion Cale put the book back on the bar and opened his mouth to speak, but then a beautiful brunet with a slim waist and a low neckline appeared at his ear, her hand slid across his shoulder. “Can I buy you a drink Calic?” She cooed.

  Cale turned to her with a knowing smile. “Sure pet, I’l be right with you.” Satisfied the woman left, trailing her hand along his back as she went. He turned to Anya, “So … what now?”

  What now indeed. “Now I learn everything.” With that she lifted the heavy book into her arms, and left the pub.

  Ethanule lay on the uncomfortable hard metal of his bed,staring up at the ceiling, arms behind his head. He wondered if Anya had opened the book yet.

  She seemed a little taken aback when he told her she was a princess to their people. Her father had told him that her memory would be fuzzy, but he hadn’t anticipated this complete lack of knowledge. Perhaps it was only because Princess Analia had been the youngest of the three.

  A sudden scent of meats and cheeses fil ed Ethanule’s nostrils and his stomach growled for satisfaction. When he looked up he saw the female demon entering with a plate of food. He’d like to say that the introduction of the food brought him to his feet, but he’d only partly be lying. The demon had demonstrated strength and bravery on his asteroid. She’d fought the longest after being shot with the same drug that had taken down her demon kin. This female demanded respect, even if she was just a demon. And she wasn’t bad to look at either.

  With venom in her eyes, she walked toward him. “Hungry?” She snapped. Her tone was contradictory to an offering of food. She must stil be angry about being captured. He hid a smile and faked nonchalance with a shrug.

  “Not hungry?” She hovered the plate over a nearby trash can. “I’l just get rid of this then.”

  “Wel if you’re just going to throw it away. I don’t approve of wasting food.” He held out his hands as if to take it, though the force field was stil in place.

  “Oh, you want it then?” She held out a piece of meat to him like a master to a pet.

  Crossing his arms he raised an eyebrow at her. “Look demon, either give me the food or throw it out, I don’t give a damn either way.” His stomach chose that moment to betray him with a growl and the sexy little demon quirked a triumphant smile. “Did you only come here to torment me?”

  She set the tray down, andhe tried not to notice her curves through the thin clingy material of her shirt,or that impossibly short skirtshe wore. Her tail flicked when she looked back and caught him staring. Her smile was gone, replaced with a hardness that didn’t fit her.

  “I came to judge for myself.”

  “Judge? I’m a prisoner. I think everyone’s made up their minds, what’s more to judge?”

  “You said a lot to Anya, maybe it’s true,” She turned her violet gaze on him, “And maybe it’s not. If it’s not true, I warn you now to come clean. Because if you fil her head with false hope …” Her eyes flashed red. “You won’t live to see what Sebastian wil do to you because, Pirate, I’l make sure I get to you first, and I’l rip your entrails through your gut and make you watch while your insides are being torn from your body.”

  “Graphic.” When she bared her tiny fangs he put his hands up in surrender. “Everything I told her is the truth.”

  The demon tilted her head at him, deciding whether or not to believe him. Her eyes had gone back to their original deep violet and, brows furrowed, she looked troubled. “So she’s real y a princess?”

  “Yes, the youngestof three.”

  “And what happened? Why was she sent to that place?”

  “Like I told the princess, I’l offer no more until I’m freed.”

  The demon narrowed her gaze, “You’re a pirate.”

  “We’ve established this.”

  “Pirates in general are untrustworthy. You’l do and say anything to get what you’re after. So, Pirate, what are you after?”

  The princess, his mind supplied. It was the princess he wanted, even though he was ogling this demon female before him. Princess Analia was promised to him by the king himself. “I wasn’t always a pirate. I’m just trying to save my people.”

  “How long have you been a pirate?”

  “Three hundred and fifty years.” He answered without thinking.

  “That’s a long time of taking what you want with no consequences. You must have grown fond of the lifestyle.”

  That was true enough. He’d had to act the part for so long he was no longer sure if he was a soldier or a pirate. He’d had to do a lot of underhanded things to get into the right position. Was it al for the princess, the King, his home? Or was a little bit of it for himself? He did enjoy it more than he thought he would.

  “That’s what I thought.” The female said.

  “I didn’t say anything.”

  “It’s al over your face. Once a pirate, always a pirate.”

  He’d prove her wrong about that. It had been his duty. He was a loyal soldier,doing a king’sbidding. And now he wouldfocus on beinga loyal and honorable husband to the princess. The demon turned on her heels without another word, her hips swaying as she went. “You know you’re not bad looking for a demon.” Maybe he was a little more pirate than he wanted to admit.

  “You are not even slightly good looking for a pirate.”

  After many hours of scanning the area, Sebastian final y felt they were in the clear. If theExtargawas anywhere near, their scans would have picked up its signature.

  Cale, smel ing of lust and alcohol, came to take command and relieve Sebastian. He didn’t have the energy to chastise him, after debriefing Cale, Sebastian left, eager for his Anya.

  He didn’t have to look far. Anya was in his room, seated on the couch.Herbook was spread open on the coffee table, and Anya was clutchinga piece of paper in her hand,staring grimly out the window. As he approached she turned to him, the look on her face tore at his inside.

  “What is it? What’s wrong?”

  She said nothing, only held out the paper in her hand. He took it and began to read.

  My Dearest Analia,

  I cannot begin to convey the depth of my remorse for the injustices you have unwittingly been dealt. The punishment for my failure has become yours to bear, and I beg your forgiveness for it. I promise you, the decision to send you away had been sudden and eminent. I had not the time to ful y see. Al I could decipher from my visions was that sending you away would eventual y bring you back to me,and back to our people, but the rest was muffled. If I had knowledge of the atrocities that would befal you and your dear Mother I would have gladly given up my kingdom, and condemned our people to their fate.

  Your Mother wil be greatly missed.

  However much I wish to, I cannot change the past. What’s done is done and I must be strong for our people. So must you. Now is a time of great tragedy among the Faieara. Shortly after I had you and your sisters removed from our planet we were attacked and overtaken by a swarm of destruction. They cal themselves Kayadon.

  At the word Kayadon, Sebastian’s Fangs descended. It was the same people that had destroyed his home. Sebastian’s Mother and Cale’s mate had been convinced to betray their race for those murderers. He read on:

  The Kayadon live only to consume, and our planet is plentiful. They also live for power and have usurped my throne. Our home has become my prison and I have become nothing more than a figurehead to keep our people compliant, while the Kayadon ravage our lands.

  I sentyou away to give you and your sisters time to grow into your powers. The reason you must grow into your powers is because your destiny, along with your sisters, is to return to our home planet,and trigger the rebel ion againstthe Kayadon.We may defeat them yet.I have seen this as a possible future. As with al my visions, there are many possible futures. None are set in stone. And for our people, many end in tragedy. But the quest I have sent you on is the only future I must believe in. If our people are to survive, you mustfindyour sisters and bring them ho
me.

  The book you now possess is fil ed with the information you require for success. Fol ow my instructions. Find your sisters. Save our people.

  I believe in you, and I love you.

  Alestar

  King of the Faieara.

  Your Father.

  “Where did you get this?”

  Anya pointed to the book. “It was behind the cover.”

  “And what else is in the book?”

  “The first few pages are written in a language that I can’t read. After that, there is information about my planet and the Kayadon. I only skimmed through it.”

  She sounded hurt, scared, and defeated. “How am I supposed to do what he asks of me?”

  Sebastian sat, pul ing her against him. “We’l figure it out. Ethanule said he can decipher the text, we wil find your sisters, and wewil defeat the Kayadon.

  “I can’t ask you to get involved. It’s a huge risk and it’s not your fight.”

  “I am involved. Where you go I go. I vow to keep you safe. Plus, it’s personal. The Kayadon destroyed my home planet. They kil ed and enslaved my people. You have no idea how badly I … we would love to take them out.”

  Anya’s eyes widened and it took her a few moments to speak. “Just like that, no discussion with your family, or the crew? What about those who don’t have a personal grudge against the Kayadon?”

  “Everyone wil be given a choice. They can either leave the ship or join the fight.”

  Anya shook her head. “It’s too much to ask … people may lose their lives. I couldn’t ask that of anyone.”

  “You want a discussion? Fine.” Taking her hand in his Sebastian helped her stand before pul ing her out the door. He knew what their answers would be but Anya seemed to need to hear it from them.

  “Aidan,” Sebastian cal ed when he entered the control room. “Take command, Cale come with me.”

  “I just got here.” Cale complained.

  Without another word Sebastian left, stil pul ing Anya with him. Silently Cale fel in step behind him. Next they gathered Marik and headed to the pub.

  When Sebastian had everyone seated he turned to Anya, “May I read part of the letter?” She eyed the note for a moment before giving a tight nod.

  Sebastian began a few paragraphs in, leaving out the personal beginning. When he finished he looked up, his gaze met by six sets of flashing red eyes.

  “This letter was found inside the book. I don’t know about any of you, but I no longer believe in coincidences. Something larger is at work here. Anya came to us for a reason.” Sebastian couldn’t help but glance at her. Her head was down and her hands were fighting in her lap, but she was leaning toward him slightly, a smal sign of trust. He placed a hand on her shoulder and she rested her cheek against it. “Anya wil not ask for your help, but I wil . This is not an order, it’s an opportunity to take our revenge. I’m going to do everything in my power to avenge our people and hopeful y save hers in the process. It’s your choice to come with us or not.” The entire bar had fal en silent. Sebastian had spoken loud enough for everyone to hear. Within an hour, word would reach everyone on the ship.

  Sonya stood. “Of course we’re coming. We’ve al dreamt of ripping out Kayadon throats. I can’t believe you thought you even needed to ask.”

  Cale’s fists were clenched tight, eyes glowing red while rage pooled around him. Sebastian knew his thoughts were of his fal en mate. He could smel the faint draw of blood from Cale’s nails gouging into his palm. Marik mirrored Cale’s anger. The painful loss of his sister was something Marik always kept to himself, but Sebastian could see it now.

  “Wel how do we find these sistersof yours?” Cale growled.

  Anya met Sebastian’s eyes before answering, “Part of the text needs to be translated.” Which meant—

  “The pirate,” Sonya practical y snarled.

  “He won’t do it. Not while he’s locked up.” Anya said.

  “Oh he’l do it,” Cale assured. “Or he’l become acquainted with my claws.”

  “We can’t keep him locked up. It’s not right.” Anya continued. “Besides, he wants to help, just as much as you do. He lost his home too.”

  That quel ed any further protest. Anya was right of course, but that didn’t mean they had to like it. “He’l be freed for his help.” Sebastian’s voice rang out with the air of a leader, not to be questioned, though he knew that what he was about to say would be met with screeching protest. “He’l be expected to work.” Sebastian shot Sonya a meaningful look.

  “No. Don’t even think—”

  “Anya cannot work both in thegal eyandhere at the pub, while continuing her training with Cale and learning about her people. The pirate wil take her job in the pub.”

  “The pirate has a name.” Anya said,thoughshe went ignored.

  “Damn it Sebastian!” Sonya roared. “He can’t be trusted. He’l probably just hide out in the back drinking al my liquor likethedegeneratehe is.”

  Anya interjected, “He’s notadegenerate. He was a soldier—”

  “I don’t care if he was the freaking king himself, I don’t like him and I don’t like this plan.”

  “Please Sonya.” Anya implored. Sebastian thought Anya must have some special gift of persuasion because with thatsimple pleaSonyarelented.

  “Fine,” Sonya said through gritted teeth. “But if he doesn’t do his job perfectly I reserve the right to slash his throat.”

  “No.” Sebastian interjected.

  Rol ing her eyes she replied, “Kidding. I’l just rough him up a bit before I kick him out of my pub.”

  Chapter 23

  Sebastian entered sickbay, seeking Ethanule alone. He dismissed the doctor and pul ed up a chair near the cel where Ethanule was lazily watching his every move. The faint buzz of the force field fil ed the silence.

  Then Ethanule spoke,with the air of authority that Sebastian was used to usinghimself. A tel tale sign of a practiced leader. “What brings the great captain to my neck of the woods?” He asked.

  Sebastian had a hard time trusting this male, but Anya trusted him and he trusted Anya. “You’re being offered a smal window of opportunity to prove yourself. We’ve decided to offer you asmal position as part of the crew. This means you wil work for the privilege to stay aboard my ship. If you fail in any way, you wil be extracted to the closest space city and left behind. Do you have any questions thus far?”

  “Yeah, what do you mean by work?” Ethanulerol ed onto hisback, staring at the ceiling as if Sebastian were nothing more than an amusing guest.

  “You wil work in the pub, it’s run by Sonya, my sister. She is not fond of you,and wil be watching you closely.”

  “Sister? Is this the demon female that was with you on the asteroid?”

  Sebastian nodded.

  Ethanule laughed. “She hates me.”

  “Yup, so you’d better work hard.”

  “Where is Princess Analia? Does this mean she believes what I’ve been saying?”

  “What this means is that you’re being given a chance to prove that you’re trustworthy. Anya is eager to get the book translated and find her sisters. We are eager for revenge against a common enemy. The Kayadon destroyed our planet.” Sebastian paused. “If there is anything you need to tel me, now is the time to say it.” Ethanule remained silent, stil concentrating on the ceiling. “Because if something comes up later, something we should have known now, your credibility wil be destroyed in an instant, and you’l be right back here, or worse. Think about that.”

  “I want to speak to the Princess. I’l say nothing without her present.”

  Sebastian leaned in and Ethanule final y met his gaze. “I’d like to believe we’re on the same side, you and I. I’d like to believe that you are loyal to your people and your King and your planet, and you went through what you went through for those reasons alone. I’d like to believe that. But at this point I can’t rely on what Iwantto believe. Throughout my years I’ve known despicable people
and I’ve learned the importance of caution. I’ve learned not everyone can be trusted at first glance. Like you, for example. You make me nervous. I don’t know you. My instincts say not to trust you. But, for Anya’s sake, I’m wil ing to give you the benefit of the doubt.” He looked Ethanule deep in the eyes. “Don’t make me regret that decision.” Then Sebastian stood and turned off the force field.

  Ethanule bolted upright. “No making me swear my al egiance? No need for a heartfelt declaration of my honesty and loyalty?” He said sarcastical y.

  “I wouldn’t believe you if you did.” Sebastian turned toward the door and Ethanule fol owed.

  “Are you taking me to the Princess?”

  Sebastian grated his teeth.Ethanule’sinterest in Anya was unnerving. It might be al in his head but there seemed to be more behind Ethanule actions than a desire to help his people. It was in the way he spoke of her, the way his eyes had sparkled when he first saw her, and the way they’d gone dead when she’d been in Sebastian’s arms. Sebastian shook the thought away.

  Anya was waitingfor thembythe door ofher old room, the heavy book sat at her feet, leaning against the wal . A light flowing dress, the color of her eyes, draped around her. She smiled when she caught sight of them and the tension in Sebastian’s shoulders eased a little. He scooped her up and she gave a little squeal of delight. In the next moment his lips were on hers in a kiss that was meant to show his affection, but was also a warning to the other male. A show of what was his. Ethanule irritatingly cleared his throat and Sebastian noted that the man’s features had gone cold.

  Interesting.

  “Good evening Princess,” He gave a respectful bow.

  “Please just cal me Anya.”

  Ethanule straightened, “Princess Anya.”

  “No just Anya.”

  For a flicker of time Ethanule looked uncomfortable being offered the casual use of her name, but he covered it quickly, replying, “Anya then,” and bowed again.