First And Last

chapter Thirteen



The following night, we were in Brooklyn, surrounded by an apple orchard. Big surprise!

Good thing my magic could give a little jolt or I think everyone would be in serious trouble. With all that had happening, no one was getting much sleep, including me. We were all running on empty and everyone looked tired. But not anymore, who needed caffeine with witches around.

The night was dark, almost two o’clock the last I checked. That part wasn’t unusual, I’d become so used to vampire hours, it didn’t even wear on me. Still, sleep was necessary. Staying up all day worrying about what was to come didn’t help much.

A farm house sat about a mile in, indicating just how large this apple orchard was. On most days, I assumed this farm was filled with happy memories of families coming from the busy city to pick their own apples when fall hit. Now, it was anything but happy.

“Quinney, Tyde, Misa,” I called out. My demons appeared instantly.

Quinney glanced around as she took in the surroundings, then looked back to me. “Another summoning?”

I nodded. The call had come in from Detective Garver. I’m sure Sabi had witnessed it, but what did it matter. We needed this to happen, as crazy as that sounded.

Zia stepped out in front of us and raised her hands. We all waited, her abilities gave her the same gift as Haven. Being that she and Finn where probably still in a squabble, Zia agreed to come and release the vision.

Only a moment later, the image was before us. Mammon stood outside the pentagram with his athletically defined body, slender face, short black neatly cut hair.

Of course, he stole that body, he was probably nasty as shit under there. The other demon, Armeaous, Ameros…oh hell, whatever his name is, sat on the outside of the rune, looking weak.

Shockingly, this scene was far worse than the last. Being that there were four bodies lying within the pentagram, and the twenty…

After a second count, I had gotten it right. Twenty demons surrounded the outside of the pentagram, each of them with a deep slash across their wrist, blood dripping within the circle. Horror consumed me as my assumption came true. The bodies that lay lifeless on the ground rose as four Demon Lords possessed the humans’ bodies.

“F*ck,” I gasped. Kyden’s handed tightened around mine. “Holy f*ck, does everyone see this?”

No one answered.

The vision faded. We stood, shocked, our gazes quickly searching each other out, tried to find words for this. The power that exuded from the Demon Lords was shit raving scary, the fear evident on every single face here, including Kyden’s.

“That,” Tyde finally sputtered, but hesitated, a little lost for words. “I wasn’t expecting him to gain this much power so quickly.”

“To summon the last four…at once…” Quinney agreed.

I interjected at that. “The last four, but wait, that’s not seven.”

“You’re right,” Misa said in a hushed tone. “That’s only six with the last being Satan.”

Holy f*cking f*ck!

I figured there’d be more time. This wouldn’t be now…couldn’t be now. Did they expect me to banish them? I needed more knowledge, more time to understand all this.

I wasn’t ready. It took a second to respond appropriately. “This is f*cking insane. Why have I been drawn into this craziness? What the hell is it with me? Why do I have to face these freaks? Why can’t it be someone else?”

Everyone stayed quiet while I yelled and had a Nexi meltdown. “I’m not doing this, by the way,” I told them in a very stern voice. “There’s no way in hell. Let them have the Underworld. I’ll give it to them. I’ll send a note, I’m not going there. Did you feel them? Did you sense their strength? They’re going to kill me.”

Kyden opened his mouth.

“Oh no, you just shut it.” I stopped that immediately. “No way. I’m going back to Carson City and forgetting all about this. Yep, that’s what I’m going do. None of this is real. There, I said it, it’s all made up and I don’t believe in it.”

Suddenly, Zia grabbed my hand and the world went black around me.

* * * *

My eyes slowly opened, the haze of sleep drifted away. I yawned, stretched, then the memory of what happened came back to me.

I shot straight up in bed. “I can’t believe you did that.” I shouted.

Loud laughter came from the living room and Kyden’s rush of amusement coursed through our bond. I stormed out and pointed directly at Zia. “I can’t believe you did that to me.”

She gave an unashamed smile. “You needed to calm down.”

“Don’t ever do it again,” I snapped with a firm stomp of my foot. “That is so not right, using your magic to knock me out. I won’t forget this, let me tell you.”

She didn’t even seem to be listening. In fact, no one did. Everyone focused elsewhere. As I looked around, I noticed why. Sabi was in Ryker’s arms, drenched in sweat, looked utterly despairing.

“Jesus, are you okay?” I gasped, hurried forward and knelt by the couch.

She shook her head and grabbed my hand. My mind faded away as I was lost in her premonition. It was a little jumbled. Flashes of the Demon Lords using the rune, but then it would flash to my smiling face. It wasn’t clear.

When the vision faded, I gave her the exact befuddled look I was feeling. “Okay, that made zero sense.”

“It’s because it hasn’t been decided,” Sabi replied, breathless. “It will go one way or the other, but I’m not sure which one because it keeps changing. The visions just won’t stop.”

Aw, poor Sabi. I was kind of glad at this moment I didn’t have her gift, it looked utterly exhausting.

“Are you feeling alright?” Kyden asked.

I glanced at him and smiled. “Better.” Which was true. The hysteria had faded, but I was still scared silly.

Demon Lords were nothing I’d ever felt before. One of them wasn’t all that different from Pye. Six of them together was impossible. How was I going to do this? Doubt flew through me.

“Don’t doubt yourself,” Kyden said sternly. “You have the ability here.”

“How do you know that? No one knows that. It’s just a big guessing game, and what if they’re wrong. I don’t want to die.”

“You won’t.”

“And you know this how?”

He shrugged. “I just know.”

I sighed and rubbed my hands over my face. “I just want this all to be over.”

Why me? Why couldn’t somebody else do this—scratch that—I wouldn’t want anyone else to deal with this. Why did we have to deal with it all? Why did evil have to exist in the first place? Couldn’t we all just play nice?

Suddenly, hands grabbed mine. I looked up at Haven. “You’ve got this.”

I was glad to note that she was herself again, not this crazy kick-ass woman who I’d never met before. Still, her words didn’t ease me. “How do you know?”

“I feel it in you, it’s there. I’ve felt it since the moment you came here. There’s something strong within you, Nexi. If only you could see it and believe in it, these Demon Lords have nothing on you.”

I snorted. “I’m not so sure about that.”

“Of course they don’t.” Her smile came sweet and sent warmth right to my heart. “Because you have something they don’t.”

My brows rose. “Which is?”

“Us…this…,” she rubbed her stomach, “you have reasons to make everything right. That’s why you will overcome this. I believe in you.”

“She’s right, you can do this.” Zia added.

“Get in and get out,” Finn said next.

From there, the others followed suit with encouraging words. Kyden was the last to speak.

He knelt down in front of me and took my face in his hands, massaged my cheeks gently. “You’ve been gifted with an ability to stop this. This needs to be done and I truly believe there’s something within you that’s bigger than any of us know. I agree with Haven, I feel it in you. It will protect you.”

“I’m scared.” There, I admitted it.

“Of course you are,” Kyden whispered, in a tone I rarely heard from him. “But it’s a fear that has no merit. You can do this. I do not doubt it for a moment.”

I looked into his eyes, into the eyes of everyone around me, I couldn’t disappoint them. Not now, not ever. Haven was right. I did have reasons to make this right. If it meant my life, over theirs, then there was only one choice.

Did I want to die? No. Did I think it was possible? Yes. I didn’t come this far to see all the people I love, who I’ve fought so hard for, to be lost now.

“I love you all,” I said, looked from face to face. “You all know that, right?”

Every head nodded.

Kyden smiled, sweetly. “We’re going then?”

“Yes, we’re going.”

* * * *

Twenty minutes had passed and my nerves still hadn’t settled. We waited in the Council’s Hall, and everyone I loved was huddled around me, focused and standing strong. None of them doubted me here. I could only pray it wasn’t misplaced. What if I failed?

A little shuffle at the doorway caught my attention. I glanced toward it as Ember stepped into the Council’s Hall. “I came as fast as I could.”

“Thank you for coming,” Zia said. “We’ll be leaving shortly, but we have some questions.”

Ember stopped in front of me, her smile warm. “All set to go?”

“No,” I responded.

She gave a knowing nod. “We never are.” Then, she glanced to Zia. “What is it you need of me?”

“Please go over the ritual with Nexi again,” Zia replied. “We need to be sure she’s completely prepared.”

Ember looked back to me, serious. “The biggest concern will be how to keep the demons away from you. You need time to draw the rune. I can promise they will attack instantly.”

“That is of no concern,” Kyden interjected. “We’ll guard her.”

Ember seemed appeased by that and continued. “You’ll have to act quickly then. Your friends will not stand long against them.”

“I’ll be quick.” I hoped that would be the case when I got down to it. “But do I have to use anything to draw the rune?”

“Use anything?” She appeared baffled.

I shrugged a little. “The Demons use black ash and blood. Is there anything, umm, from White Magic that I need to use?”

Understanding dawned on her face and she shook her head. “The ability to draw runes lives within you. Just draw the rune in the air as you’ve done before. There’ll be a bright flash and when the pentacle glows before you, you’ve relinquished its powers.”

“What must she do once the rune is drawn?” Kyden asked.

Ember’s look wasn’t encouraging. “To awaken the rune you have to recite these words, Primoris quod permaneo.”

Dammit! I should’ve practiced this. My Latin sucked, but I gave it a try. “Prina qu permo.”

“Primoris. Quod. Permaneo,” Ember said slowly.

After ten more tries, I began to catch on. Latin was in no way an easy language. Frustrating, but at least it provided everyone with a little amusement in these dark times. Then, a thought came to me. “What exactly does, First and Last, mean?”

“It’s a metaphor for God. He was the first, and with what you’re trying to accomplish he’ll be the last. You represent him by banishing ones who disbelieve in his ways.”

“Whoa,” I was too awed to come up with anything more eloquent.

“The rune will guide you. That’s not of any concern. When you’re drawn in, you’ll hear a voice, you know who this will be?”

I nodded grimly. “The devil himself.”

“He’ll try and tempt you. You have to fight him hard. Trust me when I tell you, it’s not any easy task.”

Which brought a question to my mind. “What did he tempt you with?”

She shook her head. “I didn’t get that far. He was able to overtake me the second I landed in his realm.”

Not a very settling thought. “All right, so I have to keep him out of my head, ignore what he is telling me and then what?”

“You’ll have to recite these words, Quondam patefacio, iam propinquus.”

“Great, more Latin.” My gaze fell to Kyden. “How am I going to remember this?”

“It will come to you when you need it.” His tone was full of confidence. “I’m sure of that.”

He was sure but I sure as hell wasn’t.

Forgetting my doubt, I repeated the line aloud at least twenty times before I got it right. That was a bit of my downfall. My memory is short term. Give me a book, I’ll read it, and the words are stuck for a little while. Ask me an hour later what I read and I’d come up blank.

Considering I was about to be put into a deadly situation, let’s hope that my short term memory lasted and didn’t leave me blank in my moment of need.

Finally, after the words seemed engrained in my mind, I asked Kyden, “What does Quondam patefacio, iam propinquus mean?” I was quite proud of myself that it came fluently.

“Once open, now closed.”

Words always sounded so much more important in Latin. It just seemed all so simple—too simple. Looking into Ember’s gaze, I could see doubt raged fiercely within her. That just affirmed that denying the Devil was in no way an easy feat.

Again though, my thoughts just kept coming back to what would happen once I got there. “What will he tempt me with?” I asked Ember.

“I cannot say. For everyone it is different, but he will use something that will be hard for you to deny.”

Maybe this wasn’t going to be so hard after all. There wasn’t anything I wanted. What could he offer me that would be strong enough to go against my morals? I couldn’t think of a single thing.

“What will happen once she has completed this?” Kyden asked.

Fierce trust ran through me. Never had he felt so sure about anything. Normally, something of this caliber would send Kyden into ‘you are mine, I will defend you’ mode, but tonight I felt nothing from him other than confidence and a deep belief that we would come out of this all right.

What had changed? Why was his belief in me so deep now? I examined him while trying to figure it out. Long ago, he never would’ve let me enter into something like this, now he pushed for it. Sure, he was going to be with me, which I knew was his biggest concern. It wasn’t that I was fighting; it was that I was fighting without him. Still though, this was just so out of character for him.

He glanced to me and smiled softly as he read my thoughts. “Our bonding has given me insight.”

That surprised me. “What kind of insight?”

“I don’t doubt for a moment that you’ll be safe. It’s almost as if I know you were born to do this. To be here at this very moment.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because you’re right, it is my nature to conceal you from danger. To stop you from acting foolishly, but everything about this tells me not to. That I’ve been given your ability to shield so that I may protect you through this battle against the Demon Lords. There has to be a reason for that. There is something bigger happening here. It’s strong within you. Everything that’s happened has been to lead us to this moment, and as I told you once, I do not believe in coincidences.”

I pondered that for a moment. Was I a believer in fate? Did I believe that life had a plan and events happened with a purpose to lead you to a place where you are destined to change something—to stop it?

No, I hadn’t been. But I wasn’t the same person I was when I stepped foot into the Otherworld. I began to think back through every event that had happened. If Lazarus hadn’t taken Tryianna’s life, I never would have left the Otherworld. I wouldn’t have been raised by humans, which ultimately would have had a lasting effect on my beliefs.

Swiftly, every piece fell into place like clockwork.

If Lazarus hadn’t killed my family and captured Kyden I never would’ve been compelled to see his demise. If Lazarus wasn’t dead, I never would’ve met Astoria who led me to Magnus. If Magnus and I never been mated, I would never have become the Leader of the Underworld, never would have met my guards, who led to me to discover I could draw runes.

My God, Kyden was onto something. Fate might be a bitch, but she was a bitch with a plan.

Suddenly, Haven poked my shoulder. “Would you two stop that, I want to hear what you’re saying.”

I laughed glancing to her, that was a very long conversation between Kyden and I, and no one heard it. I could only imagine what my face looked like. “Sorry.”

“And you should be,” she retorted.

Quinney entered back into the hall and called out, “It’s time, the Demon Lords have gathered.”

Kyden took my hand firmly, and even if the fierceness within his hold didn’t tell me he was confident in this, the emotions running through me would have. “We’ve got this.” He smiled.

I gave a firm nod. “Easy peasy.”

He laughed softly, before he took me in a knee-wobbling kiss. I guess to remind me what I needed to come back to. I didn’t mind the reminder. After he released me, he took my hand and we followed the others out into the Foyer. Misa and Tyde waited, both wearing an expression of battle. They were ready.

“Before you go,” Ryker said from down the hall. “I need you out here a moment.”

I looked at Kyden, wondered just what Ryker was up to. Kyden shrugged, clearly, he had no idea and the curiosity showed on his face. He kept my hand in his as we followed Ryker down the hall toward the door that led outside.

The moment I cleared the door, I gasped, surprised at what—who—stood before me.

“What is this?” Kyden asked.

Ryker’s smile was sly. “You don’t think we would let you have all the fun without us, do you?”

Obviously, he wasn’t the only one who felt that way since the grounds of the Otherworld were filled with Supes. Not just any Supes—my Supes. Everyone who had touched my life since I’d first called the Otherworld home.

The Mistress vampires, Thalia and Ellery stood off to the left with Hayes included, and their entire entourage. A hundred, or more, vampires stood behind them. Hadley, the vampire from the FBI who assisted me with Astoria was here, and so were some of her comrades, who also included Detective Broden and Detective Foley. Briar stood right out in the center and many other White Witches I had met.

I couldn’t forget about Brax and Zade. Of course, the other Council members would be here to support me. They stood off to the right surrounded by every witch, guardian, werewolf and vampire who made up the Council’s guard. The number of Supes here was staggering. Even Ember had followed us out and stopped next to me. Clearly, she was going to partake in this alongside us.

Everyone was here. Everyone wanted to help me.

I was so touched, tears began to well up and my throat tightened as I gasped a sob. Then, my gaze stopped on one particular face I hadn’t expected to see tonight.

Valor.

Beside him was Dante, his son, and Thor, the Texas Alpha, along with at least ten more Alphas standing strong behind him. Of course, Valor’s daughter Isla was nowhere to be found, and I’d bet it wasn’t her decision not to be here. Wolves were as protective as Guardians—enough said.

Valor smiled sweetly and approached me, took my hand in his. “You’re in a bit of a tight spot, aren’t you?”

I laughed through the tears. “I’d say.” Then, I hugged him with all the love I felt.

When I released him, Rynn filled my line of vision. She was Kyden’s best bud, Briggs’ mate, and a young wolf I helped a while back to adjust to her new life as a werewolf.

She stepped forward and hugged me. “I’m here to pay my debt to you. You helped me once, it’s only right I do the same.”

Over her shoulder, Briggs nodded firmly, and even gave me his mischievous grin.

Tears where so heavy in my eyes I could barely see. They’d all come? All the lives I’d touched had actually meant something and they’d come to help me. My heart swelled with so much emotion, breathing became difficult.

A few tears fell down my cheeks. Kyden caught them as he pulled me toward him and wrapped his arms around me. “You see, Álainn. They all believe in you, all here to see you succeed. All the lives you’ve affected and now they’re here to save yours.”

As much as this touched me, and it did so deeply, I couldn’t allow everyone to be put in danger. Enough of us were already in heaps of it. After two deep swallows to gather myself, I said, “I’m so grateful that you all came, but I’m sorry, I cannot let you do this.”

Shouts of disagreement burst out around me. I hushed them by raising my hand. “It’s not safe for any of you and I won’t risk it.”

“We can handle ourselves.” Thalia shouted out, appalled

“These are demons. Demons, Thalia. How are you going to fight against them?”

A slow, shrewd smile spread across Thaila’s sweet face. “It’s not the demons we’ll be worrying about. I’m sure their only focus will be you.”

I was confused. What the frig was she talking about?

Valor must have seen my confusion and clarified. “Those of the Underworld who have pledged allegiance to the Demon Lords will be there, Nexi. We can assist you. It’s our duty and our right to give you aid here.”

Understanding dawned. The thought hadn’t even crossed my mind. Not only would the Demon Lords be there, but all the beings from the Underworld would be too. They would attempt to stop this—to stop me.

As crazy as this was, and oh, it was crazy, I just never put two and two together. Plus, I could see on every face here that they wouldn’t be stopped. It appeared they all thought they owed me something for Lazarus’ destruction, saving Dante’s soul from Magnus, helping Rynn or any of the other trouble I’d gotten myself into. I knew they wouldn’t listen to reason.

Kyden rubbed the small of my back, drew my gaze back to his. “They’ll buy us time so you can draw the rune.” He sighed deeply and stared at me, nearly begged for me to listen. “It’s the only way. Without their help, our efforts will be meaningless.”

Resigned that I had no say in this, I sighed and glanced across every face here. “Please do not get yourselves killed. You’ll give me a pile of guilt I’ll never get over.”

Low laughs rumbled through the night sky.

“Worry about yourself.” Kyden grasped both of my hands, pulled me close to him. “Nothing else.”

My mouth parted to answer him, when abruptly, I was ripped from his arms and wrapped in someone else’s. It took me a second to realize Talon hugged me fiercely, and whispered in my ear, “I love you and undeniably so. You have become so dear to my heart.”

Talon was about a zero on the emotional scale, so this was quite huge. “Oh, Talon, I love you too.” I began to cry all over again.

He released me, took my face in his hands and kissed my cheeks. “See yourself safe.”

I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him as tight as I could. Fate had always handed me a difficult card to deal with, but in moments like these, I also saw what it brought too. Family. Just cause it wasn’t blood, didn’t mean it wasn’t just as strong. “You be safe as well…”

Suddenly, a shriek cut me off. I backed away and saw Haven, hands on hips as she glared at Finn. “I’m going, so don’t even think about stopping me. Remember what happened last time you acted stupid. I’ll do it again. Don’t push me.”

Finn leaned in and whispered something to her.

“No. I’m going.” Haven flicked her hair over her shoulder, full of defiance. “I’m done talking about this.”

My gaze met Zia’s and she smiled at me. I wasn’t even sure if I sent her a telepathic message or she just knew where my thoughts were headed. It didn’t matter, as long as we were on the same wavelength, I was happy.

Haven would throttle me for it later—if there was a later—but this was a choice I was going to make for her. She didn’t need to come to this, it was just too dangerous. I would never risk her life, or her younglings, and that was that. If I had to face her wrath later, then so be it.

Zia snuck in behind Haven and reached out to touch her shoulder. A second later, Haven started to drop and Finn immediately caught her in his arms. I always envied that ability of Zia’s. Spirit gave me the magic to heal, but not the power to manipulate the body in any other way as Zia could. I couldn’t have it all.

Finn smiled in thank you as he scooped her up in his arms. “Let me take her home, then I’ll be back to join you.” He turned and began to walk away.

I trotted forward and grabbed his arm. “No, Finn. Stay with her.” His mouth parted, his objection almost near, but I put a finger over his mouth to stop him. “Choose her. It’s more important.”

His eyes softened, objection forgotten. That’s why I loved Finn so much. His world revolved around Haven. He couldn’t argue my point and the small smile on his face told me he wasn’t about to. He nudged my arm with his, playfully. “Get in and get out.”

“Simple, right?” I grinned.

He laughed, leaned in and kissed my cheek, then gave a nod of support to Kyden before he left.

With Haven safe, I glanced back out to the crowd and felt surrounded by love. Everyone was here to make right all the things wrong. The strength from this crowd exuded around me. I swear I could feel the spark of it through the air. Confidence, loyalty and adrenaline made the wind smell rich with power.

Suddenly, a hiss followed by a deep growl came at my feet. “Do you know what you are putting me through?”

I looked down at Willow. “Putting you through?”

“I’m your protector, and you keep going off to the Underworld where I can’t help you. You’re giving me so much stress I’m starting to lose my hair.” She wiggled her butt, where her hair did look a little thin.

“So sorry, Princess Willow.” I scooped her up and kissed her fluffy face. “Let’s hope this is the end of it.” I handed her to Kyden.

After he gave her a scratch and she snuggled into him, he placed her on the ground. She looked back up to me. “Just don’t go and do something stupid, like get killed.”

Willow could be a little bitch, but she was mine, and I only hoped this wouldn’t be the last time I saw her.

Kyden tucked his finger under my chin, raised my gaze to his. “Are you ready then?”

I let out a harsh gust of air. Was I ready? Could I ever be ready? I doubted it, but this needed to end. For all I’d gone through already, what were a few Demon Lords? Scary, for sure, but I didn’t have to face there alone. There was some resolve in that.

Whatever happened, it happened with us together. “Yeah, I’m ready to go knock on ol’ scratch’s door.”