"You're angry with yourself," Nico observed. He'd walked silently beside Mac for half their journey before speaking up.
"I," Mac began.
"Stop mistreating Ari. She doesn't deserve it," Nico said. "You've said yourself that we have to work together. Tonight, Ari and I worked together. We took down two-thirds of the enemy's demons. What did you do, other than upset her—and us?"
"I'm sorry."
"Tell that to Ari." Nico disappeared, just as Ari could. Mac knew he'd find Nico with their van; he broke into a trot to get there faster.
"I'm sorry I hurt your neck," Erly apologized to Laronda. "But getting you up that tree was the best choice I could make."
"Don't apologize—you were right," she rubbed her neck. "No puncture wounds, so that's a plus. Who knew those—things—were going to burst out of the ground around us? We could have died."
"The tree and limbs protected us," Erly sighed as he pulled on his shirt. They'd ran for the van shortly after the demons left the ground around their tree and launched themselves into the sky.
"I have to tell you, that's the spookiest situation I've ever been in," Laronda nodded. "Do you hear something?" she jerked her head around.
"Somebody's here," Erly nodded toward the van's door. He tensed, ready to make the change and defend himself when Nico opened the door.
"Thank goodness," Laronda breathed.
"You guys okay?" Nico asked.
"We're fine," Erly replied. "How about you?"
"We got two-thirds of what was out there. The Adversary pulled the last third away. Who knows where they are now?"
"We need to hunt 'em, don't we?" Erly frowned.
"Yeah. Claudio thinks there may be around three hundred. That many can do a whole lot of damage before we find them again. Plus, more will be in the making—bet on it."
"Do you know what happened to the missing people?" Laronda asked.
"Those demons need a food source," Nico ducked his head. "Live humans are meat to them, just like the alligators and other wildlife in the refuge."
"Those things eat people?"
"They want meat. Doesn't matter what the source is. The only thing they want more is to serve the Adversary, who will no doubt tell them to feed on his enemies."
"That don't sound good," Erly muttered.
"How do you know this?" Laronda asked Nico.
"I have dreams. Well, nightmares, actually—of what has happened in the past, and what can happen in the future. Sleeping hasn't been exactly restful—not for a long time."
"Is there anything you can do about it?" Erly asked.
"The only time I went without nightmares is when Ari's lion was sleeping at the foot of my bed. The minute she left, the nightmares came back."
"Damn shame," Erly shook his head. "Sorry to hear that."
"You're exhausted, aren't you?" Laronda said.
"Kinda. Maybe I'll ask Ari's lion to curl up on the bed again tonight."
"I figure we'll leave tomorrow after breakfast—I'd say you need your sleep," Laronda observed.
"Well, well, glad to see you two safe," Del, Lance and Mona arrived. Del poked his head in the open door to give Laronda and Erly a tired grin.
"Erly had to drag me up a tree, but we made it," Laronda told him.
"Where's Mac?" Lance, who leaned in behind Del, noticed Nico wasn't with his constant guardian.
"He's walking and fuming," Nico shrugged. "I already told Ari where I am; she'll be here with the vamps any minute."
"I see them," Mona called out.
Mac's bad mood continued as he swung into the van and found a seat. Everyone else was already loaded in and waiting for his arrival.
Nico sat in the back row, surrounded by Erly and Laronda. Mac was forced to sit with Mona and Lance in the center row. Claudio had taken the front passenger seat, no doubt to discuss what he and the other vamps had seen and done when nobody else was with them.
He watched as the bus containing Ari and the other vamps pulled out first; Del put the van in gear to follow them.
"We killed some, but that was before they took flight," Claudio told Del. "Once that happened, we were helpless to follow them."
"In your past experience, did any of the demons have wings?" Del asked.
"No. Sadly, this is a new development. I have no idea what could have changed to produce this twist in their creation."
"Somehow, they've increased their power," Mac didn't sound happy. "Perhaps it's because the world has become unstable and deeply divided."
"Certainly something to consider," Claudio agreed. "I will discuss this with the other scholars when I make my report."
"It won't be easy telling the families of the missing that their loved ones are gone for good," Mona said.
"The Department will assist in handling it," Laronda said. "Did anybody else get the willies when those things started shrieking?"
"Every part of them is designed to instill fear," Mac said.
"You are worried," Claudio turned in his seat to look at Mac.
"More than ever before," he admitted. "It's like the game changed without our knowledge, and we no longer understand the rules."
"We are different, too, Mac," Nico said. "You know it's true. Ari—have you seen anyone do what she did tonight?"
Mac rolled his shoulders uncomfortably. "No," he admitted.
"Can the Adversary find us?" Erly asked. "I mean, if he could call that vermin away from here," he didn't finish.
"As long as you're near enough to Nico, Ari or me, he can't," Mac replied. "Just as we can't locate him—for the same reason. We have power to protect us against his second sight, just as his protects him and his—what did you call them? Vermin?"
"Vermin," Erly confirmed. "Ugly, flying vermin."
"We weren't close enough to the vermin the Adversary called away," Nico offered quietly. "I'm just glad you and Laronda survived their rising."
"Erly put us between two thick limbs on an oak. If they'd risen next to us, they'd have brained themselves on the tree," Laronda explained. "Erly saved us both."
"It's a cat's natural defense to climb," Erly said. "Instinct saved us."
"Then we'll drink to instinct when we get back," Laronda told him.
"Will these creatures pass on the disease, like their uh, previous selves?" Mona asked.
"These will eat you first," Mac rumbled. "You need to let your captain know that more zombies will likely be in the offing, since we killed two legions of demons tonight."
"We'll alert our Department, too. Any idea where the strikes will occur?" Del inquired.
"They'll be looking to replace a lot in a short amount of time," Nico sighed. "I expect crowds of people to be exposed to the disease."
"That's awful," Erly breathed. "Can't go anywhere or do anything anymore."
"If you wish to wait until the vampires rise in the evening tomorrow, you are welcome to return to Dallas on our jet," Claudio offered. "This way, the young man can visit the beach while he is here."
"I think that's a good idea," Del turned briefly toward Claudio. "Thank you."
"What the hell are those things?" Jeff Walker squinted at Teresa's laptop screen, trying to make sense of what he was seeing.
"They look like biblical images of demons," Teresa mumbled, attempting to zoom in and edit the images to make them larger and clearer. "See—they have horns, bat wings, they're naked—and loud," she added, turning up the sound.
"Too bad the clip is only fifteen seconds long, and nearly half of it is just empty sky after you fell on your ass," Jeff observed.
"It's enough," Teresa snapped at him. And leave my ass out of this. What I want to know is this—we saw a bright light, and then those things were just—gone. Does the FBI know what those things are, and do they have a laser or something to kill them?"
"Now I know why they wanted everybody out of the refuge," Jeff shook his head as he studied the still image Teresa paused. "Those things look evil."
"If
they killed your friends, they're exactly that," Teresa said. "I need to get this to my boss. I think he can sell this to the national networks with no trouble."
"You think this has anything to do with those zombie videos—you know the ones on the conspiracy websites?"
"I don't think that's a conspiracy any longer," Teresa's brow furrowed in a frown. "This sure as hell isn't a conspiracy. We saw it. I wonder if anybody else saw it?"
"All the more reason for you to put this out first, I guess," Jeff suggested.
"I couldn't agree more. Look, if you're willing to go on camera to answer questions about this, I think I can make it worth your while," Teresa told him. "You and Mike, both."
"Sure. Whenever you want. I don't figure I'll be asked to go back to work for a day or two, at least."
"Ari, would your lion sleep in my room? When you're that close, I can sleep without nightmares," Nico asked as their crew trooped into the beach rental.
"If it helps you sleep, then of course," Ari told him.
"Thank you."
"If you need me, I'll be in the doghouse," Mac said behind Nico. "Why didn't you tell me that Ari can keep the nightmares away?"
"I didn't know until she slept on the end of my bed. The nightmares came back the minute she left my bedroom."
"I—none of the others had this much trouble, even the ones who dreamed," Mac blew out a ragged breath. "Nico, I owe you an apology. Ari, too."
"Apology accepted," Nico told Mac. "I'm exhausted and I just want to sleep."
"I'll take a quick shower and be in right after," Ari said, turning toward the stairs and the bathroom where her toiletries were.
"Thanks, Ari," Nico called out as she went up the stairs.
"Now," Nico turned toward Mac. "Don't you think it's time you told me why you keep pulling her in and then pushing her away?"
"This I would like to know also," Renault now stood beside Nico. "You upset Arianne almost daily, when there is no need for it."
"It has to do with the curse laid on me centuries ago," Mac's shoulders drooped. "I've never been this pressed to struggle against it before."
You're jealous of Renault, Nico's words breathed into Mac's mind. I don't know why I didn't see it before. It's still not the reason you're upsetting Ari, though, is it?
Nico, it's—my life will end if I give my heart, Mac forced himself to admit.
Some things may be worth your life, Renault broke into the silent conversation, before lifting inches off the floor and gliding away. I will keep watch tonight. Sleep well, young Nico, he added.
"How the fuck," Mac's words exploded in a forceful hiss. "How did he get telepathy?"
"Ari," Nico shrugged. "Renault has an imprint on his palm. If he didn't deserve it, it wouldn't be there. Go to bed, Cormac Flynn. Tomorrow, we begin our search for the Adversary—and his vermin."
"I recognize the wisdom of your words," Mac dipped his head to Nico. "You have become more than wise."
"Tormented into it," Nico replied grimly. "I'm going to get in the shower, then I'm going to bed. See you in the morning." Nico relocated, leaving Mac alone in the tiled entryway of the house.
"I have to go. There's work to do," Darnell whispered to his wife, only half-waking her. "I'll call later."
Striding quickly from his bedroom, carrying a small bag with a few articles of clothing and his toiletries inside, Darnell went downstairs before making a call to Bobby Ray.
"Huh?" Bobby Ray's voice betrayed his waking state as Darnell pressed the phone to his ear.
"It's time. Meet me at the new compound. You got the address I sent you, right? Bring your friends and cousin. Anybody who wants in on this, bring 'em. We have work to do."
"I'll get right on it," Bobby Ray replied, sounding more alert.
"Good. I'll be there, waiting when you get there. My eyes are open wide now, Lieutenant. We'll build our army together, and we'll strike down our enemies together."
"Want me to bring the Reverend?"
"If he wants to come. If he does, tell him to bring his wife, too. She's a decent cook, and we need that. In fact, bring wives and girlfriends if you want. It's a big place. We'll need somebody to cook and clean."
"I'll let them know."
Darnell hung up the phone before sending a mental summons to Belhar.
"You called?" Belhar's arrival was sudden. Darnell didn't fail to notice the wisps of fog (or was it smoke?) drifting away from Belhar's grotesque form as he solidified.
"Get me to the compound. We have work to do."
"It will be as you say, Master." Belhar didn't hide his glee as he transported the Senator to the recently-purchased hunting ranch in Texas' Hill Country.
"They'll be back late tonight," Janie told Hunter, who'd asked about Erly and the others. "How are you doing, sweetheart? Want scrambled eggs or over-easy?"
Janie already had a soft spot in her heart for the young werewolf; Val did, too. "I'll take scrambled. I can cook 'em, you know. You don't need to wait on me hand and foot," Hunter said.
"It's been so long since we had a young one in the house," Janie smiled as she cracked three eggs into an iron skillet while Mary Kate pulled a pan of biscuits from the oven. "Makes me feel young myself."
"Happy to be of service," Hunter grinned. "I feel better—some. Working with Kev and Henry has helped a lot, and I learned stuff I didn't know before. Erly can patch that leak in the barn when he gets back. I can help."
"Val will certainly appreciate that. The orphan calves will, too."
"Hunter, how's it going?" Val walked into the kitchen after being out moving cattle to a new pasture.
"I'm good," Hunter said. "Kev told me that if I learned to ride a horse, I could help move the cows next time."
"I think we can work on that," Val nodded. Janie handed him a cup of coffee. "Thanks, Mom," he said and sipped from the cup. "We have an ATV for emergencies, but the horses don't spook the cows like that contraption does."
"That reminds me," Janie said. "Hunter, do you have a driver's license?"
"No," Hunter admitted. "Aunt Cathy always said we'd get to that after I turned sixteen, but," he shrugged.
"Once we have your new ID from Del's Department, we'll work on that, too," Val said. "That way, you and Erly can drive into town and buy supplies to fix the barn."
"Erly does have an aversion to driving anywhere," Hunter nodded. "He had a car, but I don't think he drove it for more than a year."
"I heard that both houses were searched for evidence," Val took a seat beside Hunter. "I hope you took everything you wanted, because it's considered a crime scene, now."
"That pisses me off—that they think Erly and I are capable of," Hunter stopped for a moment before wiping angry tears off his face.
"You're an easy target," Janie soothed while placing a plate of food in front of him. "I don't doubt for a second that a nearby bunch of prejudiced hooligans are responsible for those murders."
"Burke says at least three weapons were involved—I wonder how they're explaining that," Val said. "Since they're only looking for two people. Rangers may have other information, but they're not sharing. Burke got this from a friend of a friend who knows the Sheriff down there. On a brighter note, Burke gave the down payment to the realtor listing the Franks Ranch yesterday. I sign papers tomorrow and closing will be in three weeks. The best news is that we have permission to cover up that ravine."
"Thank goodness," Janie breathed. "I can't walk outside without getting a whiff of that mess."
"Val, Janie, I think there's something on television you need to see," Francine walked into the kitchen.
"What's that?" Val set his coffee cup on the island and turned toward the housekeeper.
"I think it's what our bunch had to deal with last night. It's my guess they didn't know that somebody recorded those—things."
"Here," Mary Kate turned on the television that sat in a counter corner. "Which channel?" she asked her sister.
"Local news—they all
have it."
"Holy cow," Hunter exclaimed as he leaned forward to get a better look. "Those things look like," he didn't finish.
"Like demons," Janie gasped. "Mac said demons. I didn't believe him. Those things are loud, too—can you hear that?"
"How do they kill those things?" Hunter asked, awe and terror in his voice. "They fly. We don't fly. None of us do."
They watched as the same short video clip was shown over and over, while a news anchor droned in the background. "Val, is this what's in our future?" Janie turned a frightened gaze toward her son.
"Pack up every pan and scrap in this kitchen, woman," Benny Killebrew growled at his wife. "Can't you see I'm in the middle of writing my resignation letter? We have a higher calling now, and you're gonna like it. Understand?"
Phyllis sniffled as she began opening cabinets to pull everything out of them.
Chapter Sixteen
"I don't believe this." Mona sat next to Lance in the beach house family room, watching demons rise from the wildlife refuge.
"Had to be recorded from a boat in the water," Del said. He and Laronda walked in carrying mugs of fresh-brewed coffee. "Erly and Ari say breakfast will be ready in ten."
"It's only a matter of time before the same websites start harping that this is revenge from witches for killing some of their own," Mac strode into the room and took a nearby chair to watch the recording on the local news.
"Oh, look—it's our very own park ranger," Mona snarked as Jeff Walker appeared on the screen.
"We were on a boat in the gulf last night, and saw those things," Jeff confirmed. "I'm terrified that my friends—all those missing people in the refuge—are dead."
"You're saying that the FBI was on the scene last night?" A female journalist, off-camera, asked.
"That's what I heard. They shut down the entire refuge yesterday, and there were flashes of bright light last night while those—creatures—were flying. I hope they have a weapon that will kill those things. They look evil to me."
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