Eternal Bond and Brimstone

by J. N. Colon

  “I am kind of hungry.” I swallowed hard, ravenous. “But I probably shouldn’t have any.” Something was tickling the back of my brain. It was telling me eating a nefa would be a bad idea. Cosmically bad.

  Astaroth guided me closer until the edge of the chilly stone table touched my shirt. “And the knowledge? Don’t you want that?”

  “What knowledge?” I couldn’t take my eyes off the delicious looking orbs. Their crimson flesh was luminescent in the firelight.

  “Any knowledge, my little bird.” Hot breath blew down my neck. “Don’t you want to know where your mother is? Don’t you want to know what she’s like for yourself instead of having others tell you?”

  I bit my bottom lip as tears welled in my eyes. My mother was always a touchy subject. I never got to meet her, and every ounce of information was secondhand. “No, I don’t want that.” My voice was as weak as I felt.

  “Who’s the liar now?” Astaroth’s long, smooth fingers coiled across my wrist like a boa constrictor tightening around its prey.

  He was right. I did want what he was offering.

  I knew exactly how Eve felt in the Garden of Eden when Lucifer urged her to taste the fruit.

  “Or what about the Nephilim?” His whisper seemed to fill up the entire cavernous room. I couldn’t escape it. “Don’t you want to know how he feels? Don’t you want to know if he cares for you all on his own or if it’s just the bond?” His hand lifted mine, slowly moving it forward. “You want to know if he saved you out of duty or because he couldn’t bear to see you slip away.”

  “I want to know.” The words tumbled out of my mouth without my consent.

  But I did mean them. I wanted to know all of those things he was promising. If eating this fruit could give me the answers I wanted, why not take it?

  My fingers curled around a shiny scarlet orb, plucking it from the tray. I brought it toward my mouth, a heavenly sweet scent flooding my nose. If it smelled this good, it must taste like bliss.

  “That’s it, little bird.” Astaroth had released me and was standing on the other side of the table. A slow smile began to split his lips, one that gave me chills. “I knew you could never resist.”

  His ominous words drifted in one ear and out the other. The nefa in my hand was calling me—like a siren song. I needed it now.

  My mouth opened, and I could almost taste the divine, succulent flesh.

  “Do not eat the nefa, Lena!” A booming voice erupted through the room. “Astaroth lies. He is deceiving you just as Lucifer deceived Eve.”

  The words slapped some sense into me. I stumbled back, dropping the fruit. The radiant sphere bounced and rolled across the onyx marble, swallowed by the deep shadows beginning to descend.

  The spell had been broken.

  The rustling of enormous wings brushed across marble hidden deep in the recess of the chamber. “The fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil will not give you what you want.”

  Moisture vanished from my tongue. I licked my numb lips. I’d almost eaten the fruit from that tree in the Garden of Eden?

  Astaroth’s smile turned into a snarl, and crimson bled into his blue irises. “You despicable, loathsome excuse for a Fallen.”

  Holy Snickers. Another fallen angel?

  A pair of gold eyes smoldered within the darkness. “Did you really think I wouldn’t be able to sense her?” the other Fallen asked, his voice low and threatening.

  Sharp lines cut into Astaroth’s face, and his body swelled with power. “I’d had hoped you were too busy hating yourself.” A growl slithered from his mouth so loud it shook the marble floor beneath me. “Where are you, brother?”

  My pulse was quaking, hard and fast. I backed away from the ebony table, my gaze searching for the door we’d stepped through. It wasn’t there. Nothing but slick marble remained.

  Flames slithered around the room, crawling higher. The walls began to disintegrate. Ash rained down like a snowstorm, and smoke spiraled into the vast darkness above.

  “Come out!” Astaroth bellowed. “Face me!”

  My knees knocked together. The roaring flames and snarling Fallen drowned out my panicked breaths.

  Gone was the calm, charming gentleman. This was the real Astaroth. He was more demon than angel. Fire danced in his crimson eyes, and sharp, stinging wrath spun around him. One touch from him could slice my flesh open.

  The shadow of wings grew along the floor, stretching from the dim corners. They belonged to the other fallen angel.

  I shivered. He may have stopped me from chowing down on that otherworldly fruit, but that didn’t mean he was a good guy. He just didn’t like Astaroth.

  Flames licked closer, singeing my hand. I jumped back and sucked in a sharp gasp. Thick, sooty smoke filled my lungs. Crapola. That burned like a mother.

  A cough tore through my body, and I stumbled, knocking into the stone table. The crimson nefas spilled across the floor, catching fire.

  Heat sizzled over my skin, and I tried in vain to clear my lungs. Shit. I couldn’t breathe. I was going to die. My mind might be the only thing in hell, but the pain slowly drowning me felt too real. What was happening to my body right now?

  Invisible fingers sank into my chest. I doubled over, expecting to see an actual hand clutching my core. The towering room spun.

  “It looks like your time here is up, little bird.” Astaroth’s voice was easily carried over the raging fire. “I’ll be seeing you again.”

  Agony seared across my palm, and I cried out. Son of a biscuit!

  I lifted my hand. The shape of the coin that had brought me to hell was being branded into my skin. The flesh bubbled and reddened right before my eyes.

  My stomach heaved, and I dropped to my knees. The fiery room began to fade. Heavy smoke swirled around me, and I fell backward, expecting to hit the hard marble. But only emptiness greeted me.

  Chapter 25

  Warmth was all around me, comforting and familiar. And safe. Voices drifted, one calling my name. I knew that voice. My soul knew it. But something was wrong. It was frantic, desperate even.

  “Lena! Lena, wake up!” Hands gripped my shoulders, shaking me. “Open your eyes.” Thick fingers gently tapped my cheeks. “Come on.”

  Finally, my lids became unglued, and I slowly blinked. Jayson’s worried face came into focus first. His eyes locked on mine, the gold melting back to hazel.

  “Jayson? What—” I sat up with his help, my head spinning. I was in his bedroom on the floor. My palm burned as if I’d stuck it on a hot grill. I lifted it and gasped. The imprint of the coin marred my skin.

  My stomach rolled as memories flooded me. I’d been in hell. Astaroth was there. He’d tempted me with the nefas, with knowledge.

  My eyes shifted back to Jayson, my mouth opening to tell him every terrible detail—until the hardness in his expression registered.

  “What were you thinking?” he hissed. “You could have died!”

  I inched back from him, from his fury. “I didn’t know what would happen.”

  “You shouldn’t have touched it.” His voice was a rumbling growl, vibrating the floor beneath me.

  “Jayson,” Max snapped. He was standing in front of the dresser, the box the coin had tumbled out of clutched in his hands. “She didn’t know. It’s not her fault.”

  “Yes, it is.” Jayson leaned back and stood, his imposing frame towering over me. “You shouldn’t have been in my room going through things that aren’t yours. You don’t belong here.”

  My jaw unhinged as I stared up at him. He looked like an avenging angel—and I was some lowly demon he was about to smite. Only I was a girl who’d stumbled into a fight between Heaven and Hell. I never asked for this. I never asked to be some Heaven-kissed avis. And I certainly hadn’t asked this thick-headed Nephilim to save my life.

  I crawled to my feet, my veins burning hotter than Astaroth’s fires. “I’m here to stay whether I want to or not.” I poked his iron chest, ignoring the throb of pain
it caused. “And let me tell you something, buddy. If I could pack up and leave this Podunk town, I would. But I can’t. You made sure of that the night you shoved part of your soul in me.”

  His teeth clenched. “Pardon me for trying to save you.”

  A humorless laugh tumbled out of my mouth. “Don’t act like you did this out of the goodness of your heart. You did it because you think I’m some important puzzle piece to whatever these demons are after.” Maybe he was right. Astaroth certainly had an interest in me.

  What would have happened if I’d eaten the fruit? Would I have gained some kind of knowledge like Adam and Eve? Would I have been punished as well?

  Max cleared his throat. “Jayson, I really think you need to—”

  “Stay out of this, Max,” the Nephilim hissed. “This doesn’t concern you.”

  I shook my head. “You are nothing but a bully.”

  He stepped so close his toes touched mine. “Is that so?”

  “Yes,” I hissed, unwilling to back down. “You boss everyone around and think you have the right to like it’s your job.” I shoved his chest, but the jerkface wouldn’t budge. “I’m done with your crap.”

  I pivoted to storm out, but Jayson gripped my arm.

  “The last time you ran away from me, a demon caught you by the throat.” His hot, ragged breath spilled down my neck. “I can’t let that happen no matter how much you’re pissing me off.”

  I yanked out of his grasp. “I’m leaving. I’m getting in my car and driving to my friend’s house.” Hopefully, Jessica was back from her trip to Macon with Sebastian. “Do you know what friends are?”

  His lips curled back as a growl slithered between his teeth. And he was supposed to be one of the good guys? He acted more like an angry demon than an angel.

  I spun around and marched out the door. Jayson didn’t try to stop me.

  The tears remained at bay until I turned off our street. Once the first sob slipped into the dark car, more followed. I hoped the jerk couldn’t feel my emotions. I didn’t want him to know how much he’d hurt me.

  I cranked up the radio, blaring “Free Bird” so I didn’t have to hear my cries. I’d literally just been through hell, and all I wanted was to tell Jayson what happened. He was the one person I could turn to about this. And he threw it back in my face. He knew where that coin had taken me, and he didn’t even ask what happened.

  My palm throbbed, but the brand of the coin was fading. At least it wasn’t permanent.

  Another wave of tears spilled down my cheeks. Why did Jayson have to be the one to save me with some freaky angel bond? Why not Seth? He seemed like an easier person to be around. He wasn’t in a constant mood or felt the need to control everything.

  I slammed my hand on the steering wheel and cursed. Why did I have feelings for that jerk? My lips burned with the memory of his kisses. I didn’t understand how he could be so sweet one minute and so callous the next.

  It hurt way more than it should.

  My car suddenly shook, yanking me out of my morose, depressing thoughts.

  What the frack? I wiped the wetness from my cheeks and turned down the radio. It wasn’t the gas. I had half a tank.

  The check engine light flickered on, and my heart sank. This thing was not about to die on me.

  The car gave another frantic shake and puttered out. Just craptacular.

  I pulled over on the shoulder, staring out into the darkened neighborhood road. My car was completely dead.

  Could my night get any worse? I’d been sucked into Hell and tempted by a fallen angel. I got into a massive fight with my Neanderthal neighbor whose soul was linked to mine.

  I reluctantly trudged out of the car and leaned against the door, sucking in deep breaths of cold air. I wasn’t calling my dad. He was busy at the store. And I definitely wasn’t calling Jayson. I didn’t need that jackass for anything.

  My eyes surveyed the street. Jessica’s house was only a few blocks away. It was less than a ten-minute walk.

  Phantom fingers wriggled down my spine, raising the hair on my arms. Oh no. Not now.

  My pulse quickened as I searched the darkness for a demon. Clouds of steam puffed in front of me, the air growing icier by the second.

  I swallowed hard as a figure materialized within the shadows. Glowing crimson eyes appeared, then the shape of a gambler hat followed. An ominous whistle drifted on the wind.

  My heart shot into my throat, clogging my airways. I couldn’t breathe. Moloch was slowly but surely slithering down the street toward me.

  I spun around and grabbed the car handle just as the automatic locks engaged. The keys were still hanging in the ignition, and my cellphone gleamed in the center console.

  No! I banged my fist on the window. That creepy SOB blocked me from calling for help.

  Headlights flooded the road, and Moloch stepped back into the shadows. The car pulled to a stop beside me, and a window rolled down.

  My knees shook as I bent to look inside. “Thanks for stopping. Do you think—” My words cut off as Melinda’s smug smile came into view.

  Of all the people…

  “Need some help, loser?” She flipped her golden locks over her shoulder.

  My lips thinned. It was either her or Moloch.

  That spine-chilling whistle began again, and the demon appeared, walking steadily toward me.

  I cursed and leaned forward. “Please give me a ride. That guy is following me.”

  Her brow arched as she glanced in her rearview mirror. “Ugh. Get in. I totally hate your guts, but I’m not going to let some dirty old man kidnap you.” She shivered.

  My hero.

  I hopped in, and she pulled off, tires screeching. “Thanks,” I muttered. I never thought there’d be a time when I’d rather ask Melinda Mickens for help over Jayson. She poured a drink on me just last night.

  “Whatevs.” Her long red nails tapped the steering wheel. “Where to?”

  “Jessica Appleby’s. It’s not far,” I said, rubbing my temples.

  “I know where she lives.” Melinda turned down another road. “Mystic Hollow is small. Everyone knows where everyone lives.”

  She had a point.

  “So, about last night at Austin’s,” Melinda began, smacking loudly on her gum.

  I groaned and rested my head on the back of the seat. “I’m not interested in Austin.” Even if that asshat Nephilim didn’t want anything to do with me, it still didn’t stop my thoughts from wandering to him instead of the quarterback.

  She scoffed. “Doubtful, but I heard Jayson Casteel followed you guys upstairs and chased Austin away.”

  “Yeah, he kind of did.” My brain hurt thinking about the many times Jayson acted like a massive jerkface.

  “What’s going on with you two?” Her gray eyes flicked in my direction before she turned down another street. “He’s uber-hot but scary as hell.”

  I gave a noncommittal shrug. “He’s not that scary.” He was more irritating than anything.

  “You guys have a fight?” she asked. “Because you look all red-faced and snotty from crying.”

  My jaw clenched. This was the longest car ride ever. I could have gotten to Jessica’s faster if I walked. “That’s none of your business.”

  “I’ll take that as a yes.” A smoky laugh slipped out of Melinda. “I guess that means you stormed off and told him not to follow you.”

  My gaze shifted to the perky blonde, her body stiff. “Sort of.” I sat up straight. “Why do you ask?”

  “No reason.” She flashed a tight smile. “I just want to make sure Jayson’s not going to show up and rip my door off to get to you or something.”

  A cold chill slithered down my spine. I glanced out the window, and my heart quickened. We were nowhere near Jessica’s. In fact, we were headed toward the outer limits of Mystic Hollow. “Um, Melinda, where are you taking me?” Was I about to be a part of some hazing ritual?

  Wonderful. I’d entered a Lifetime movie where the popul
ar girl abducts the outcast to maim and torture. I was going to wake up naked in a field somewhere.

  “Stop the car, Melinda,” I demanded. I reached for the handle, but she accelerated, her red pump slamming on the gas.

  “It’s a shame though.” Her nails tapped the steering wheel again. She bit her lip, fighting the ominous smile crawling over her face.

  Nothing but trees surrounded us now. “What’s a shame?”

  “That I don’t get to taste any of that sweet, angelic power.”

  My heart plummeted to my feet. “What did you say?”

  Melinda’s giggle sent goose bumps across my skin. “You heard me, Lena.”

  I yanked on the handle, but the door wouldn’t budge.

  “Silly child.” Her head snapped in my direction, deep ebony spilling through her eyes. “There’s no getting out of this.”

  Acid crawled up my throat. Melinda was possessed by a dweller.

  Before I could think of an escape plan, her hand whipped out, her fist slamming into my temple. Flashes of crimson exploded in my head. The interior of her car disappeared, and my world slipped into oblivion.

  Chapter 26

  My lids fluttered opened to unfamiliar metal walls and high ceilings, foreign symbols painted along the rusty, gray surfaces. Concrete stretched beneath my boots, and a cold bite lingered in the air. The left side of my face throbbed.

  A faded red tractor was parked in the corner. Other farming equipment and machinery spotted the area. A few bales of hay were stacked together. I was in a large barn.

  I shifted, unable to move much. My arms and legs were tied to a hard, uncomfortable metal chair.

  Crap on crackers.

  “Sleeping beauty finally wakes.” There was no mistaking the saccharine tone of Melinda’s voice. Of course, it wasn’t really her. How long had she been possessed? Had I ever met the real Melinda Mickens? Maybe she wasn’t such a psycho.

  “Is Melinda still alive?” I croaked, licking my dry lips. My throat still ached.

  Demon Melinda gave a cruel smile, pretty much the same one the girl had given me plenty of times before. “Maybe.” She giggled and stalked closer. “She’s a nasty one, isn’t she? She really hates you.” She ran her long scarlet nail down my bruised cheek. “You won’t be a problem for her soon. Moloch is going to suck you dry.”