Catherine muffled a gasp, not wanting to reveal any weakness. A part of her gibbered in horror while the pragmatic part—honed by her mother’s teachings—searched for a way to find out what she needed to know.
The demon that stepped away from the pile of flesh was a stunning blonde with a curvy, full-figured body, startling blue eyes and full lips tinted a natural, not enhanced, deep pink.
“Very dramatic, Jahi. But then, you always did like to play with your food.”
Catherine whirled to face the open door. Standing under the archway was a handsome man she’d seen before. Mr. Davar. The man her mother had introduced her to, the one who’d sent Lillian on her trip to find a priceless object.
A smile played on his lips. “Hello, pet. I hear you have some information we need.” Like before, his words curled around her with malicious intent.
This was the second time someone had inferred she knew something. Which she most certainly did not. What could she possibly know that would interest a demon? “I don’t know what you are talking about.”
Mr. Davar took his place on the other side of the beautiful woman, Jahi. They had her boxed in and she got the feeling the shovel was not going to be helpful. That didn’t stop her from gripping it tightly.
“We’ve been told you know where to find my treasure, and, more importantly, how to use it,” Mr. Davar said.
Despite her concern with the situation and fear for her mother—who was likely dead—Catherine’s curiosity was piqued. Maybe finding out what they wanted would help her figure a way out of the situation. And what happened to Lillian. “My mother didn’t tell me anything.”
“Ah,” he crooned, “your mother told us everything we needed to know. About you. About the item. And how you are going to help me get the skull.”
“The skull? I don’t know anything about a skull.”
Mr. Davar pivoted and went to the sofa. He sat down and settled into the cushions, one arm draped across the back. He waved a hand at her. “Come. Join me. I’ll tell you a little story.”
Fat chance. As if she’d sit beside him. Or go anywhere near Jahi. The hungry look in the demon’s eyes left Catherine with a knotted stomach. Her thoughts must have shown in her face.
Mr. Davar jerked his head at Jahi. “Step back, my love. You are making my little pet nervous.”
The blonde frowned but tossed her head and moved around, putting the desk between them.
“Now,” Mr. Davar said, “why don’t you come over here so we can talk?”
Keeping a wary eye on Jahi, Catherine sidled across the floor and went to stand near the chair sitting opposite the sofa. Close enough she could hear him clearly, but far enough she felt certain she could flee should he try anything. But she didn’t drop the shovel. Flimsy protection, yes, but there was comfort in having the small tool.
“I want to know about my mother,” she said.
Mr. Davar crossed his legs and waved a hand. “I’ll tell you all about your mother after I tell you my story.”
She stared at him a moment, then slowly lowered herself into the seat.
“Good.” A wide smile stretched across his face, much like she was a child and he the proud parent. Icy fingers trailed up her spine.
“Once upon a time,” he began then stopped. “Such a ridiculous way to start a story, but I suppose it makes sense in this case. So, once upon a time, ancient humans worshipped their gods and created these wondrous crystal skulls to provide homes for their gods. What they didn’t realize is the gods they worshipped were actually imprisoned demons. Fallen angels, in fact.
“The demons manipulated the magic these early humans possessed to cause great strife and thousands of deaths before the skulls were lost.” A huge smile split his face. “Ah, those were the days, indeed. Whole civilizations destroyed. A very enjoyable time, wasn’t it, my dear?” He directed his question to Jahi.
In response, the female demon’s eyes seemed to get brighter. And hungrier.
Catherine tried to conceal a shudder, which she suspected she failed at when both Davar and Jahi directed their heated gazes on her.
“What does this have to do with me? And my mother?”
“Ah, the impatience of youth.” Davar waved his hand. “I’m getting to that.” He shifted, recrossing his legs in the other direction. “The demons in the skull had made a mistake when they killed off their priests and slaves. Many of the skulls went dormant while their demons slept and soon were lost to humans. Occasionally, some powerless ones were dug up, which accounted for the little tricks humans touted as evidence of some kind of mystical or alien influence. However, for the most part, they were little more than toys. Except one.”
He paused as the smile slipped from his narrow face. The blue of his eyes darkened, still bright but now shadowed with cruel intent. From the corner of her eye, Catherine caught a furtive movement as Jahi sidled nearer. As she kept her gaze partially on Davar, she also looked at Jahi and lifted the little shovel. “Don’t move, bitch.”
Guess there must have been something in her voice because Jahi stopped and her eyes narrowed. Under the lowered lids, scarlet peeped forth, a flash of blood red.
“Leave her alone, Jahi. Let me finish my story. It has quite a fascinating ending.”
When Catherine was sure Jahi would listen to Davar, and with the shovel still in her hand, Catherine turned back to Davar. “Finish, will you? It’s been a long day and I’m tired.”
As the last word left her tongue, she slammed her lips shut. Where had that come from? She was not the type to mouth off to anyone, much less a demon. Of course, she’d never had the opportunity to with a demon but, still, it was highly unlike her. It was almost as if she’d been possessed by a sharp-tongued chick from an action-adventure movie.
If anything, Davar’s gaze got darker—then, to her surprise, he broke out in a laugh. Or something resembling a laugh, but more like a guttural, rasping sound. “Yes, my pet. After all, the end is the most important part. As to what comes next… Very well. As I said, the skulls had erred and many dwindled away until they had less than a quarter of their original glory. But one demon was much smarter, and even though her civilization was lost too, she managed to attach herself to a priest—the last of his kind.
“For years, this demon and her priest waited. But humans are ever fragile and soon the priest died and the demon, for all her foresight, found herself lost to the sands of time. Until 1926 when a young human female found the skull and brought it home with her. Yet this human did not have the power the demon needed to rise again, and so the demon in the skull languished for many years, passing from mortal hand to mortal hand—none with the gifts to use the skull and the demon’s powers.
“This is where you come in, pet.”
Catherine couldn’t help herself and blurted, “The crystal skulls are myths and legends. Fabrications of real-life ceremonial crystals. The Mitchell-Hedges skull is certainly more interesting but it is still just as fake as the rest.”
Davar let out a bark of laughter. “Ah, my pet, you do know of the stories.”
She lifted her chin. “I know they are just that—stories.”
“That is where you are wrong. The Mitchell-Hedges skull is exactly the one you are going to help me get, and when we do, you will help me use it to destroy my enemies.”
Catherine stared at him for a minute, not sure if she should laugh, cry or scream. This demon actually believed the skull possessed the power to will others to die. Oh yes, she knew the stories. She’d always been fascinated by the tales surrounding the skulls, especially the Mitchell-Hedges, but that didn’t mean she believed them.
At least, not in the way others did. Like her ability, there were just things that couldn’t be explained. Or shown. Her beliefs only went so far.
“If you help me find the skull and show me how to use it,” he continued when she didn’t respond, “I’ll grant you your greatest wish.”
She pulled her head back as she felt her eyes widen.
Her greatest wish? No one knew what she wanted most.
He smiled. “I will tell you about your father.” His smile widened. “And your sister.”
Catherine couldn’t stop the gasp that escaped. She was less surprised about his knowing of her father, but a sister? When she took a deep breath to calm her racing heart, she said, “A sister? I don’t have a sister.”
“I know you weren’t told of this, but you most definitely have a sister. Help me get the skull and use it, and I will tell you all about her. And where to find her.”
Catherine shook her head. “I don’t believe you. My mother never mentioned a sister. I would have known—here.” She pressed a hand to her heart.
He nodded. “Your mother thought she was doing the right thing, for her, mind you, by giving up your sister.” His chin lowered and he tapped his lips with a long finger. “Probably the only thing she did that was in someone else’s best interests instead of her own, even if she did it out of self-preservation.”
“I don’t understand. I would have known had my mother had another child.”
He tsked. “She didn’t actually have another child. She was merely given a second child to raise.” He shrugged. “Your mother didn’t want that child so she gave your sister away.”
“Doesn’t matter. I still don’t believe you.” Catherine surged to her feet and Davar lifted slowly to his. “I’ve heard your story. Tell me. Where is my mother?”
A small smile tugged at Jahi’s lips as she moved to Davar’s side.
“Your mother is dead. I had no further use for her.” Jahi licked her fingers one at a time as if she’d just taken a bite of fried chicken. “Yes, and she was quite delicious. There was so much pain and guilt. Very tasty.”
Catherine’s knees weakened. From the moment the demon entered the room looking like her mother, she’d suspected her mother was dead. The knowing didn’t make it any easier, and in such a way.
Oh, Mother, I’m so sorry.
“Enough,” Mr. Davar snapped. “My patience is wearing thin. It’s time to go.”
He jerked his head at Jahi. She reached for Catherine, who, without thinking, swung the shovel at the demon as though the fireplace tool were a baseball bat and clipped the woman on her shoulder. The blonde screeched and stumbled backward. Anger or pain—it didn’t matter. Before Catherine could turn and bolt for the door, Mr. Davar had her upper arms in his punishing grip.
He yanked her back against his front. One hand came up and grabbed her neck. He hissed in her ear, “Listen, mortal. You will take me to the skull and tell me how to use it.”
Catherine trembled, frozen at the menace in his tone and the cruel grip of his fingers.
The door to the study flew open and crashed into the wall with a loud crunch. Stripped from one of its hinges, the slab hung drunkenly. A slender leg, clad in dark jeans, kicked at the other hinge, sending the whole thing spinning into the room, nearly knocking into Jahi. The female demon spit like a cat and pivoted away from the flying wood, then turned and faced the gaping hole.
Through the splintered doorframe, a tall woman, hair flaming a rich auburn, strode into the room. In her hand, she carried a sword—its long blade gleaming from the glow of the fire dancing in the fireplace. Eyes scarlet like Jahi’s but appearing lit from within, unlike the flat red of the demon’s, glared at Davar. The woman’s lips pulled back and showed lengthening canines.
“Let go of the human, Beliel,” she snarled. “And instead of cutting you into tiny pieces, I may just send you running back to Hell.”
Chapter Fifteen
Mari spared a quick glance at the slender human woman standing near Beliel. Wide eyes—a pale blue that seemed familiar—stared at her. One of the bastard’s hands was at the woman’s throat, his fingers wrapped around her neck.
His bitchtress, Jahi, shifted and Mari swung her sword at the succubus. “Uh-uh. Don’t move.”
Jahi hissed at Mari but stayed in place at a look from Beliel.
“Sister, I never thought you would give up freedom to work for the Light.” He spoke with a slight bitterness.
Mari shrugged. “I haven’t given up my freedom. I’ve just chosen the better side to be on.”
His lips peeled back, lending an edge of sharpness to his thin face. “Better side? The Light? You’ve given up, sister.” A sly look came into his eyes. “You could come work with me. Be my right hand.”
At that, Jahi’s head whipped around and she glared at Beliel.
“Don’t worry, my dear,” he drawled. “She’d never take your place.”
Jahi’s expression cleared slightly before she turned back to face Mari. The succubus wore her skepticism in the vertical lines cutting into the space between her brows.
“Not interested, Beliel.” Mari lifted her sword and pointed it at him. “Now, let go of the human.”
He shook his head. The woman choked as his fingers tightened around her neck. Red flushed her face and tears leaked from the corners of her eyes. “I’m afraid I must decline. I need this delightful little mortal.” He released his tight grip and she sucked in a gasp.
“Well, now, son, we can’t let you do that.” Jackson’s smooth drawl came from behind Mari.
He stepped around her and stood at her side. Instead of his sword, he held some kind of gun pointed at Beliel. Where, by Cerberus’s heads, did he get a gun? And how many times did she have to tell him guns did not work on immortals?
“What is this, sister? A pet of your own?”
“I’m no one’s pet, hoss. Let the woman go.”
Well, she’d give the Texan points for courage, if not for intelligence. He had no idea the kind of demon he faced. Beliel was not like Jahi, and certainly not like Pammon, or any of the other lesser demons Jackson had previously fought. She hoped she could keep the handsome mortal from losing his head and his soul.
“Beliel,” she snapped to force his attention back to her. “You know we cannot let you take the woman.”
He jerked his head at Jahi and she came up to the other side of the mortal female. After shoving the female into the succubus’s grasp, he held out his arm and his own sword appeared. “You will stop me, sister? You and your pet? I don’t think so.” A sneer curled one side of his lips. “Jahi, my dear. Your turn.”
At the same time the succubus twisted the woman’s head around and placed her mouth on the mortal’s, Mari shifted, sweeping her sword in an upward arc. In a blur, Beliel met her with his. Sparks flew from the two great swords. Movement from the side as Jackson leapt for Jahi distracted Mari enough for Beliel to duck under her guard and kick her in the stomach.
She swore as she crashed backward into the splintered doorframe. Then, using the momentum, she bounced off the wood and pushed herself forward. The arrogant ass must not have expected her to rebound as fast as she did. It was her turn to score as she dodged his strike and hit him with an elbow to the chin. His head snapped back.
She heard a shout—Jackson—but couldn’t take the time to look as Beliel came at her with renewed ferocity. The swords clashed, drew apart and clashed again. When the pommel of his sword caught on hers, she used the advantage and shoved forward until their swords were crossed in front of their faces, their bodies within inches of each other.
“I see you’ve gained some skills in your service to the Light,” Beliel rasped.
She let a small smile tug on her lips. “Not everyone has been sitting around plotting world domination. Makes you soft.”
A growl rumbled from his chest into his throat. “The humans do not deserve what the Father gave them. If they will not protect the planet, I will.”
Mari couldn’t control her burst of laughter. “You expect me to believe you are doing this for the good of the planet? Don’t be ridiculous. You are doing it because you are tired of Daddy running the show and since you couldn’t get him out of Hell, you’ve decided to make Hell on Earth.”
His eyes widened. “So,” he whispered, “someone is telling secrets.”
Before she could react to the twitch in his cheek, she was thrust away from him, her sword ripped from her hand. It fell to the floor, clattering as it hit the tiles. In shock, she stared at the fallen weapon. How had he managed to dislodge her so effortlessly?
He spun and strode to Jackson.
“Jackson! Watch your back,” she shouted as Beliel approached the Texan who struggled with Jahi to release the woman.
Beliel planted the tip of his sword under Jackson’s chin and the mortal froze. The human female sagged in Jahi’s arms. “Is she the one?” Beliel asked.
Jahi nodded.
“Good,” he said, a smooth purr of satisfaction. “Jahi, if you will.”
With one arm holding up the female, Jahi reached out and touched Jackson’s neck. He stiffened. His throat pulsed as he swallowed hard. The movement pressed his skin against the sword’s edge and a thin stream of blood coated the steel.
Mari swung her arm and smoothly snatched up her sword. “Jahi! Let him go.”
Jahi gave her a sideways look as she dragged a finger through his blood and licked the tip. “Mmm. This human tastes so delicious. No wonder you want him as your pet.” She turned an imploring gaze on Beliel. “Can we take him with us, my prince? He’d be a lovely addition.”
Mari didn’t think. Her arm lifted and swept toward the fire which leapt to her fingers. Cradling the flames, she held her hand out to the succubus and Beliel. “Release him. Right now.”
She heard the black rage in her voice and briefly wondered where it had come from. The fire, as if to match her mood, flared, the flames spitting and crackling.
Beliel nodded his head toward Jahi. “Let him go, my dear. You can play with him later. We got what we came for.” He glanced down at the mortal female. “Take her.”
Even as lust glazed his eyes, Jackson threw himself backward, away from the sword’s deadly edge. At the same time, Mari threw the fireball, then lunged after it and Beliel was forced to defend himself and Jahi. Knowing that Beliel, weakened as he was, would be unable to apport without Jahi’s assistance, Mari kept hitting at him until he had no choice but to retreat. She was not going to lose Jackson or the mortal female.
The Death Skull: Relic Defender, Book 2 Page 16