A Demon Made Me Do It

Chapter 15. Lucky


Sighing, I signal Gyan to bring me another drink.

“Bones, you’re being ridiculous.” I shift uncomfortably in my seat.

“Am I? Some demion shows up and the next thing I know you’re telling me we can’t hang out anymore because your feelings are all confused. Why shouldn’t I kill him? He’s a nobody…a nuisance…and he’s got you all messed up in the head.”

I roll my eyes and take several long swallows. The way Bones is acting, I know I’m in for a long night. At least he’s speaking to me again, although listening to him plot Kieron’s demise isn’t much of an improvement.

“Trust me, it’s not his fault, it’s hers. Like I told you before. You wanna kill someone, kill Liora. Be my guest.” I swish my hand like I’m swatting away a fly, and spin my chair around to check out the rest of the room. Same as always. And no Kieron in sight.

Where is he, anyway? I haven’t seen him in a few nights…

“You know I can’t do that,” Bones says and chugs his whiskey.

I press my lips together and start tapping my feet to the loud music. I’m glad Bones stopped me at the Bridge tonight so we could come to the Bar together. But his attitude is testing my patience. I don’t even know what I’m feeling. How am I supposed to explain it to him?

“Is it because he’s part human and I’m not…is that why you like being around him so much?” he asks a few minutes later.

I sigh again, and twist a long lock of hair around my finger. If only Bones could understand. But he’ll come around eventually…he has to. I’m sure it’s just his precious ego being hurt that’s pissing him off. He’s not accustomed to having any competition for my affections; he’s used to having anyone he wants throw themselves at his feet.

“Partly…I think. But that doesn’t change the fact that I still need you…he’s not replacing you. You’re my very best friend, and I don’t know what I’d do if that ever stopped. I just want to be friends with him, too.”

His eyes meet mine. Despite my growing feelings for Kieron, Bones can still melt my insides when he wants to. “Yeah well, just remember, I’ve been around longer and I’m not leaving. No outsider’s gonna change that.” He sets down his drink and wraps his strong arms around me.


I get the familiar flutters I always feel when Bones holds me close. This time, though, it’s my relief that things are okay between us again. I hug him tight, giving him a kiss on his warm cheek.

“Thanks,” I whisper. “You don’t know how much it means to me to hear you say that.”

Bones pulls away and looks me up and down. “But I’m telling you now…if he steps outta line…if he does anything, even one thing to hurt you,” he holds up his finger before gliding it across his neck, “then all bets are off. I’m gonna let the whole pack loose on his pretty-boy punk-ass and scatter his limbs to the furthest corners of the territory. I don’t care who he thinks he is, nobody messes with my girl.”

I roll my eyes again. Bones can be so dramatic sometimes. But the sentiment is sweet. “Everything will be fine…”

Bones’ magnanimous mood ends abruptly as Kieron enters the Bar. He stiffens and clenches his jaw. I focus on remaining stoic, cool. Now is not the time for me to make it obvious how happy I am to see Kieron again. It has only been a few nights, but I’d been growing increasingly concerned…

As Kieron casually makes his way toward us, I hear Bones growling softly under his breath. “Play nice,” I whisper. He turns back to his drink.

I’d made the effort to look especially hot for Kieron tonight, hoping I’d see him. Even though I’m planning on tormenting later this evening, no long dresses here. The low-cut, teal-colored cat suit hugs my curves perfectly, and leaves little to the imagination. Although Liora certainly doesn’t have even the slightest clue how to be sexy, I don’t want there to be any doubt in his mind which of us is more desirable. I’m the one who’ll rock his world and blow his mind. Not her.

“Good evening, Lucky, Bones,” Kieron says, taking the seat beside mine. Bones just grunts, but Kieron is unfazed by the rude greeting. “Bones, I heard there was another incident along the western border…do you know anything about it?”

Bones takes several long, deliberate gulps of his drink before acknowledging Kieron’s presence.

“Do I look like I’m on patrol right now? Why don’t you bug someone who doesn’t have the night off,” he says.

“Bones…” I place my hand on his arm.

“No, its fine, Lucky. I just thought he may have heard something. If he doesn’t know anything…”

Bones jumps out of his seat so quickly he nearly makes me spill my drink. “Why don’t we go outside and I can explain to you exactly what I do and do not know,” he growls, eyes blazing.

Kieron’s face remains passive as his eyes lock with Bones’. He slowly rises to his feet, but I push him back down.

“No. Stop it. You, sit,” I say to Kieron. Then I grab Bones’ sweater and yank him to the back corner.

“What the hell, Bones? Not two seconds ago you said you were gonna be cool with this.”

“I just don’t like the guy, Luck. What can I say…he just rubs me the wrong way. I mean, you heard him…practically called me a clueless idiot back there just because I didn’t want to tell him what happened last night.” Bones scowls, his eyes still flashing with anger.

I sigh. “You’re being overly-sensitive. He’s just making small talk. Settle down.”

He rolls his eyes and lets out an exasperated moan. “I only promised you I wouldn’t kill the guy…for now. I never said I wanted to be buddy-buddy with him.”

“You don’t have to be buddy-buddy…just don’t be a total dick.”

He smirks. “Can’t promise that, love. There are some things in this world that are just out of my control. You enjoy your evening. I’ll see you around.”

“Bones…”

He turns to leave, but stops when he sees the stunning red-head hurrying toward us. “Lucky, Bones, good you’re here.” Her normally jovial face is clouded with concern.

“Hey, Catalina. What’s wrong? You seem upset,” I say.

“I need to talk to you guys…it’s important. Have a minute?”

“Of course,” Bones says, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “Here, let’s get you a drink, and you can tell us what’s got you so worked up. Come on.” He steers her over to the bar, several seats away from where Kieron sits alone. I signal for Gyan to bring Catalina her drinks.

She eases onto a barstool, giving us a pensive glance. “I’m sorry to bother you, and I’m sure I’m just making a big deal out of nothing…”

“What is it?”

She pauses to take several long swigs from the glass Gyan sets down. Bones and I exchange silent looks, both noticing the worry in her eyes.

“I was just wondering…have you guys seen or heard from Ivy or Cody recently?” she finally asks.

“No, not for several nights.” I’ve been so wrapped up in my own drama, I’m not sure when I last saw either one of them. “I just figured they were taking some time off or something…” I glance at Bones and he shakes his head.

“That’s just it…everyone just assumed they were off doing their thing. But I stopped by their house today to get back some shoes Ivy borrowed and…” Catalina hesitates, then gulps the rest of her drink.

“And what?” Bones and I ask in unison.

“And, well, their house looked…weird…the way they left it. It was all done up as if they were going to have a romantic time…bed turned down, flowers everywhere, champagne bottles in buckets of water, the stereo was even playing soft music. But it was obvious no one had been there in a while. It seems really odd they would have left it like that…”

“What are you saying? You think something happened to them?” I ask, my heart starting to pound.

She nods, fear in her eyes. “Yes, but no one seems to care. Everyone thinks they’re fine, and why wouldn’t they be? Ivy’s more than strong enough to take care of both of them. But something’s not right here. It’s not like her to just take off for this long and not say anything to me. She didn’t even get a replacement for her post here at the Bar. She just didn’t show up…same with Cody.

“That is weird,” I admit.

Bones nods in agreement, his brow furrowed. “What should we do?”

“That’s just it; I don’t know what to do. The few demons I’ve mentioned this to say I’m overreacting and not to start trouble where there isn’t any. But I’m not…I’m just worried, and I hoped maybe you guys could help…”

“There’s been some fighting along two of the borders lately, and I know there have been several incidents of humans being murdered in the local towns. But I don’t see how any of that would involve Ivy or Cody,” Bones says.

Catalina sighs, and nervously tugs at her crimson waves. “So you think I’m overreacting, too? I don’t know if that makes me feel better or worse.” Her pouty lips turn down in a frown.

“I don’t think you’re wrong to be worried,” I say, “But what’re we supposed to do? If they’re in the territory and had trouble or something, Bones and the other boys would know. And if they’re out of the area, well, how would we find them? They could be anywhere…” I stop mid-sentence as I realize the answer to my question is sitting at the bar.


Kieron.

He sees me looking at him, and I wave him over. Bones growls softly behind me. “Stop it. He can help us,” I mutter.

Kieron comes to stand behind me, and I fill him in on what Catalina had said. He immediately looks concerned. “Any ideas why they might be in some sort of trouble? Did they have any problems with other demons that you know about?”

Catalina and I shake our heads, and Bones glares at him silently.

“No…none that I ever heard of. Everybody likes Ivy, and Cody’s as nice as they come….”

“Hmm. Any first-searchers been sent out?”

Catalina shakes her head again. “No, like I told them,” she says motioning to Bones and me, “no one’s worried about them at all.”

Kieron’s gaze falls on me. “But you’re worried?” he asks.

I lean back against the bar and nod. “If Catalina feels something’s amiss, I believe her.”

Kieron presses his lips together for a moment. “Okay. I’ll go see what I can find. If I can stop by their house first to pick up the trail, this’ll go a lot faster.” He absently runs his hands through his hair. Bones looks like he wants to eat his face off.

Catalina’s face brightens. “You mean it? You think you can help?”

“He’s a Latros,” I say proudly. Bones narrows his eyes and growls again.

“Oh, thank you, thank you,” Catalina gushes. “I’ll feel so much better once I know everything is fine and I’m just being a hysterical drama queen.” She jumps up and gives Kieron a big hug. I know she’s just grateful for his help, but seeing her lithe body pressed up against his grates on my nerves.

“I’m going too,” I say, leaning closer to him.

“So am I,” Bones says.

Well, this oughta be interesting.

******





The three of us race through the night; me on Diablo, Kieron on his Ducati, and Bones as a hellhound. Following their senses, Kieron and Bones have both led us in the same direction so far. But I fear their macho desire to outdo one another will spell trouble for our little tracking party if either of them crosses the line.

“Bones, knock it off!” I yell as he cuts Kieron off for the third time. Kieron swiftly dodges Bones’ sideswipe, and soon retaliates with a near-miss of his own. I groan inwardly and roll my eyes. Boys…

Without warning, Bones screeches to a halt. Kieron skids his bike around once he realizes his racing partner is no longer beside him.

I ease Diablo to a prancing trot. “What is it?” I ask. Kieron pulls up beside me and looks around suspiciously.

Bones points his nose in the air and moves it in several small circles. Then his body shivers and shakes. Kieron averts his eyes from Bones’ nude form.

“It stops here,” he says. Then he looks at Kieron. “Why’d you keep going? Did you sense something I didn’t?”

Kieron nods, still looking away. “I’ve been following something else for several miles. An energy mixed almost indistinguishably with Ivy and Cody’s.”

“Wait, someone care to fill me in…where are Cody and Ivy? What other energy?” I ask, surveying the surrounding area. It’s dark, but Illyria’s moons provide enough light, and my pupils are at maximum dilation. I can see perfectly. Problem is, there’s nothing to see.

“Their scent was solid up to the meadow. It was especially strong by the river. But it trailed away from there and gradually faded…” Bones says.

“Something else was with them,” Kieron adds. “An energy that started by the river. I think we need to follow it and see where it takes us—”

“What kind of energy?” I interrupt him. “We’re looking for Ivy and Cody, not some mystical spark plug.”

Kieron has a strange look on his face. “I think they’re connected. Follow me,” he says and revs his engine. He speeds off, Bones quickly transforms and chases after him, and I take up the rear. The three of us fly over the miles of open countryside.





When we reach the border of Dryndara, we stop. Any further and we’ll be trespassing. Although these neighbors, the Hlbafa, aren’t as hostile as some of the others, we’re forbidden to cross over without permission. Otherwise we’re fair game for attack.

“What now?” I ask.

Kieron shakes his head and shuts off the engine. As he props the motorcycle on the kickstand, I dismount and walk over to him.

Bones sniffs the air again, then resumes his human shape. “I don’t smell anything. Are you sure…”

“I don’t think they came here of their own free will,” Kieron says under his breath. My heart starts racing. With Bones and Kieron at my side, I know we’re a force to be reckoned with. But not knowing what forces we face makes me uneasy.

Kieron closes his eyes, tilts his head to the sky, and slowly turns in a circle. Bones and I exchange confused glances. I shrug.

A moment later, Kieron opens his eyes. “There,” he says, pointing to a patch of trees in the distance.

“What’s there?” Bones and I ask in unison.

Kieron seems to be in a trance. He grasps my hand, and the vacant look in his eyes unnerves me; it’s as if he’s a million miles away. I sense Bones’ irritation as he moves to stand beside me. But Kieron ignores him, speaking to me in hushed tones.

“Cody and Ivy are in trouble, and I’m not sure if the danger has totally passed. I’ve located their positions and will go check on them. For right now, I think it’s better if you stay here. Please wait for my signal that all is clear.”

Despite my growing dread I give a low chuckle. “Think again. Those are my friends in there. If you think I’m staying here like some kind of…”

“We’re all going,” Bones says, and wraps his hand possessively around my arm. “Lucky is one of the best fighters around. She doesn’t need you treating her like a Sapie child.”

“It’s on the other side of the border, behind that grove. Crossing it has its own risks, but that’s not what worries me. What this is…what I think has happened…This is different than anything you’ve ever been prepared to face.” Kieron’s face has an eerie, haunted look to it.

I jerk my arm out of Bones’ grasp, and my hand from Kieron’s. “You two work it out. I’m going in.” I run across the border before either of them can stop me.

They dash after me as I leap over a fallen tree and make my way to a small, hidden clearing. The stench is overwhelming, and I scrunch my nose in disgust. I stop and glance around, my eyes suddenly freezing on a gruesome sight. Jumping back in horror, I let out a blood-curdling scream.

Instantly, Kieron’s hand is over my mouth, muffling the cry. Bones makes a pained, whimpering sound, and I feel like I’ve just been whacked in the gut with an ax. I squeeze my eyes shut, unable to bear the sight of what is left of Cody’s bloodied, mangled corpse.

“No, no,” I moan, pressing my face into Kieron’s chest. “Who would do this? Why?”

“Shhhhh…” he whispers in my ear. “They may still be here.” He wraps his arms around me. Instantly, rage overtakes me, and I push him away, sending him staggering back against a tree.

“Tell me where so I can rip their heads off!” I yell, my eyes blazing with fury.

Kieron rushes to me and slaps his hand over my mouth again, urgently signaling for me to be quiet. Only the terrifying intensity in his eyes forces me to remain still.


Bones slowly pads over to the lifeless body and nuzzles it with his nose. His droopy eyes display an unspeakable grief demons rarely show. Bones and Cody had been close friends for over twenty years, and I know Bones is allowing himself to feel pain out of respect for his lost comrade. But he’ll soon shut off the feelings that are causing him such unbearable suffering.

Lucky bastard.

I fluctuate between choking back sobs and screaming at the top of my lungs. I want to hit something. I want to destroy everything in my sight. I want to find whoever did this and rip them to pieces. But something in my gut is telling me to obey Kieron’s cautions. I grit my teeth and look at him, but his attention is elsewhere.

The hairs on my arms stand up at the sound. “Did you hear that?” I gasp, and quickly disentangle from his embrace.

“No, Lucky…wait.”

I don’t have to go far; she’s only a couple hundred yards away. I almost don’t see her, as her body is mostly covered by a fallen tree.

Frantically, I throw off the wooden branches. But uncovering Ivy’s body reveals a sight even worse than death. I’d thought Cody looked horrific…

I’m momentarily frozen...stunned by what I see. Her blonde hair is stained bright red from the wounds. Her face, so swollen it’s unrecognizable, is various shades of green and yellow. But that isn’t the worst of it. Her eyes have been carved out of their sockets, and tears of blood run down her cheeks.

But she’s still alive…barely.

She lets out a moan so soft I can hardly hear it, but it’s enough to spring me into action again.

“Shhhhh,” I whisper, cradling her head in my lap. “I have you, sweetie. Everything’s going to be okay. You’re fine…” I look up at Kieron, who’s scanning the area for hidden dangers.

“Is anyone out there,” I whisper. My breath stops until he finally shakes his head.

“No, they’re gone…for now” he says, coming to kneel beside us. When he sees the extent of Ivy’s injuries, his face contorts in stunned disbelief.

“We have to help her.” I speak quietly, under my breath.

“No. We have to get out of here, now.” His command is as urgent as it is panicked.

“I’ll carry her.” I lift her broken body.

“No, you cannot. They will trace you. Put her down,” he orders.

“I’m not leaving her here to die,” I hiss.

“She has been marked by them. She is already dead.” His eyes are as hard as steel.

“By who? Kieron, we have to get her out of here!”

“If you do that, you’ll soon be dead, too. And so will everyone you care about if you take her back to Dryndara.” His face is marked with anger and fear.

I can’t believe what he’s suggesting. It’s like he doesn’t even care that my friend is badly hurt and I have to save her.

When I don’t move, Kieron pries my hands away from Ivy’s body, forcing me to set her back down. “Don’t touch her anymore. Their energy is still all over her. Their toxin is poisoning her, and she’ll be dead shortly. It’s amazing she’s lasted this long.” He looks deep into my eyes. “You cannot save her.”

“Kieron, I have to. She’s my friend…” I push him away, and try regaining my grip on her. But he clamps his hands around my wrists and shakes them loose.

“You take her anywhere, dead or alive, and they will find her. And you. All of us. And it will be bad. Very bad. Worse than the worst thing you can imagine. We are not safe, and we need to get out of here now!”

“No! You may be afraid of them, but I’m not! What demons did this? I will find them and kill them. You can run away—”

“A demon didn’t do this, Lucky,” Kieron says, his voice low and heavy. He glances around nervously and leans closer.

“Of course a demon did this…look at her. Look at Cody! No human could possibly even remotely…”

“It wasn’t a human. It wasn’t a demon.”

“Then what was it? Tell me, or I’m taking her out of here right now…”

He tightens his grip around my wrists so I can’t move. I had no idea he was so strong. But it’s the terror in his eyes that’s got my attention.

“Lucky, it wasn’t demons who did this…it was Light-angels.”

******





Wordlessly, I stare into his blue eyes, my mouth no longer able to function properly. The crunching of twigs behind us causes me to jump, and Kieron looks over his shoulder.

“Is she alive?” Bones asks in a dull voice, grief clouding his masculine features.

I slump down, my gaze slowly moving from Bones over to Kieron, down to Ivy’s motionless body, and back to Kieron again—a silent, desperate plea in his eyes.

Almost imperceptibly, I shake my head no.

“Probably for the best. Don’t imagine one would want to live without the other,” Bones says. Now he sounds cold and detached. He holds up a small black band. “Found this in what was left of Cody’s hand. I’m guessing they either just had their blood-binding ceremony or were about to when they were…attacked.”

I glance down at Ivy and gasp. I hadn’t even noticed she was wearing the sacred gown of the blood-binding ritual. She and Cody had finally made it official, or were about to.

I close my eyes, my insides thoroughly shredded as I release my grip on her and stand up.

“Whatever demons did this are in for a world of hurt. Let’s go,” Bones says, before falling onto four paws and sprinting off toward Dryndara.

I can’t believe I’m leaving Ivy here to die alone. But I know Kieron’s right. I know we have no choice. My legs wobble as I gaze upon her battered body one last time. Kieron wraps his arms around me and holds me steady.

“We can’t leave her here to suffer like this,” I whisper. “I just can’t…”

He nods grimly. “We need to be fast.”

I feel like I’m dying a million deaths as I release the explosion of electric fire from my hands, and instantly reduce Ivy’s body to ash.

“I will kill you for this! Do you hear me? I will find you and I will kill you!” I scream at the top of my lungs, not caring who or what hears me.

Kieron gives me a haunted look, and grabs my hand. We take off running.