₦airaland Forum

solomonbrown64:
.....I know it's been a while but I only ask for your patience. A lot has been going on and that has slowed my work a bit but let's see what happens in the coming weeks.

Ah thank God oooooo can't wait oooo solo don't keep me (us) waiting pls

Solomonbrown64 what's happening any its been ages oooo am still waiting for our story bro.....

chain youngzubi no forget to mention me if you ready start the next part.....

we shall find out soon enough when am fully back.... misplaced my phone..... lost all my doc and files... will be back soon famz

nice one Jere op... kai you give me joy for this ending... God go give you joy too....

correct guy were sabi

bimberry1307:
wow! what a revelation. thanks op

choiioo soul Weldon boss

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE



It was quiet. . . Way too quiet.


“I don’t like this at all,” Michael said as he walked alongside his friend through the dense woodland they now found themselves in. “If we’re going to get out of here it needs to be soon.”


He’d noticed the screams and bellows that had filled the air around them had died down to almost nothing. It had left him with a feeling of unease that was growing with every second they were left alone. Why hadn’t anyone come for them since his fight with the guards? Surely Varesh would be even more pissed now. Surely he wasn’t about to let them leave?


They entered a small clearing “Here’s as good a place as any, I guess,” Evo said as he began to remove his duster. He placed it on the ground next to him and retrieved what he needed from the pockets. He looked up and his raised eyebrows told Michael what was about to come out of his mouth.


“So, a shifter eh?” He had an annoying grin on his face; the one that he always wore when he was about to make a smart-ass comment. Why Michael had even mentioned that he’d dated that bitch back there he didn’t know−would have been better if he’d just kept his mouth shut.


Evo retrieved his knife from his ankle strap and continued. “Well, I think it’s pretty cool that you dated a shifter.”


“I told you I didn’t know she was a shifter at the time”


“Shame.” Evo still hadn’t wiped that look off his face and Michael wanted to slap it. “Just think how cool that would’ve been. I mean, if you got bored she could just shift to look like someone else. You could have had a different woman every night.”


Michael wondered how long it would take. “Like you’d need to date a shifter. You do that anyway.”


“True. But with a shifter you could’ve had her change into anyone you wanted. Like that Megan Fox chick.” He shook his head. “Damn. Why have I never dated one?”


Michael didn’t even respond. It was just like Evo to make good out of a bad situation. It didn’t surprise him at all that he would be happy dating a shifter even though they were demons. He knew his buddy didn’t really have a preference when it came to getting laid.


“We need to hurry. What do I have to do?” Michael knew it was only a matter of time before they were spotted. He didn’t trust the place at all.


“We have to cut the shit out,” Evo replied as he held out his arm, preparing to slice his own flesh again. He put the wand between his teeth and placed the knife onto the healing flesh of the slice he’d made before. He began to open the wound again, biting down hard on the wand to stifle his grunts of pain. Veins popped out from his neck as he began to remove the lumpy mixture from his arm.


After pausing to catch his breath for a second, he took the wand out and seemed to brace himself for the next part. He wiped at his seeping wound and lit the end of the wand with his lighter, before blowing out the flame so that it was just glowing at the end. He inhaled a deep breath and began to cauterize his wound like he had the last time. When he was done, he wiped the sweat from his brow and turned to Michael. “Your turn.”


After they were done, Evo had just begun to chant the strange words he’d spoken to get them there, when a piercing screech tore through the air.


They paused to look at each other.


Whatever it was was close.


Another. . . This time from a different direction. The demons were circling them.


“Shit!” Evo grabbed his coat and quickly put it back on. He shoved the torn shroud and all the rest of the ritual stuff back into his pockets, keeping hold of his knife and holding it out in front of him.


Screech! Screech!


Both men turned so they were back to back, listening to the echoes of demonic cries that were now surrounding them. Michael knew Varesh was never going to let them leave and they were about to face something much bigger than they had before. His spine began to tingle as awareness pricked his senses, bringing his gaze to the thick trees in front of him. He saw shadows moving, lots of them.


What appeared from the black forest sent a bolt of dread soaring through the pits of his stomach.


Black skinned demons, the color of ash, now surrounded the area. Their long bodies curled over−hands with long curling fingers dragged along the floor; their faces were distorted baring sharp, jagged teeth and pointed ears. There were hundreds of them all snarling like rabid dogs ready to pounce.


So that’s what Varesh meant by “his soldiers”. The bastard was building an army.


“Evo. We can’t fight these. There’s too many of them.”

“You don’t say.”


Before another word could be said the demons charged.


Evo handed his knife to Michael over his shoulder.


“Take this.”


Michael paused. “What about you?”


Evo wiggled his finger within eyeshot. “I have this remember.”


"The ring"


Michael grabbed the knife and faced the onslaught that was now almost upon them.


This was it. He’d guessed there would be a big price to pay for what he’d done in front of Varesh. The demon was never going to deal with being overthrown by him.


All that was left was to fight, but he feared for his friend.


He threw his arm out and held his only weapon in front of him, hoping that it would at least do some damage before he was outnumbered.


He didn’t get a chance to try.


Out of nowhere a hooded figure jumped in front of him. He held his hand out and white hot sparks flew out from his palm while he turned slowly, taking out the whole of the first wave of demons, all of them flying backwards from the force of whatever it was the stranger had thrown at them. They lay on the ground motionless.


Evo spun around, his eyes wide with a similar look of what-the-Bleep? as what Michael had. “How did. . . What. . . Who the hell are you?” he managed.


The hooded figure faced them with a wicked smirk. “I’m the bloke who’s about to save your arses,” he said in a strange British accent. “Now, can we save the introductions for somewhere a bit safer?”


The stranger began to run. “Come on then!” he called back.


They had no other choice but to follow. Unfortunately, so did those horrific sounds that the demons made.


Michael threw a look over his shoulder. Shit! That blast hadn’t killed them and they were now getting pretty close. “They’re gaining on us.”


Evo was lagging slightly behind. “Hey! Guy with the hood. . . Can’t you fire some of that sparkly shit at them again?” he panted.


“No. That was all I ‘ad” the guy shouted back. “Bleep!” He halted suddenly and Michael nearly plowed him down.


“Oh shit!”

thanks for the mention

oh where is my....... chaiiiii soul come and continue o

finally caught up with this lovely piece of yours.... thumbs up dear... keep it flowing

Jerryolumide:
kill yourself

E be like say Your brain dey shake abi your brain dey pay you. Which one

Jerryolumide:
another one

So because of another one where you wan ask for you come dey quote the whole story How e dey do some people nah...

TheBlessedMAN what can i use in describing you now cause am short of words bro... God press you with more blessing

This is one story that gives me chills kai soul, you're truly a soul litter...... God press you with blessings and more wisdom

tunjilomo:
Once a month?

nah have been uploading lately but the fanz ain't encouraging me to go on.... just start from where you stopped....

honourable356:
Youngzubi stop messing up a nice plot with the impossible. I mean,you see how real everything is until you suddenly got to the secret agent side of the story...

*****the red guy fly up from wia im bin stand,for air he release multiple bullets within seconds all oga frank men from a to z full ground as the red guy land stand for ground gawwam!! with the two golden pistol for im hand*******



Unless they were few other people recruited by the said secret agent, it is quiet impossible for one person in the "open" to successful gun down to the head more than ten men all armed to the teeth and standing at different position...with just two pistol and with an undeniable accuracy.

Haba!!!!

This is over exaggeration.... even Jack baeur can't do this and neither can any special force soldier perform such stunts. It is not possible to shot many people down while in the air with just two pistol to the extent that by the time you land,you have successful killed them all with a bullet to the head. Haba nah!!!!

Wait,wait,wait a minutes...are you in a hurry to finish the story? Then you are making a mistake..a big one.

Why rush??
Calm down....
Give detail description that will get your audience nodding firmly in agreement.

Indeed you can do it...it is just a matter of time before you get it right.
Be rest assured that i will be on your neck every now and then until you give me no reason to object repeatedly.

Ride on!

Who da Bleep is this one

choiii I naked bow for you poo my oga... more brain to your head

olaiyadoam
BiadeForla
Hadow
Cadec007,
Solomombrown64, Theblessedman
Jomagibs...
drstainlex nkemdave
tunjilomo
Ultimategeneral Osasnidas
Nightie rosalieene Afz9095
Evold opeade939 Ann2012 Wonderz1 DZTZl mitchelljnr mekonglobal donteanz bimberry1307 do4luv14 Oroolorun explosive04 Phayth helenbee joshnes Bleeze2 Evold queenbetsy kaycee9242 preciousbouy Horladstar paqman rowdymind EkopSparoAyara queenitee boffinjay RegArmani coolio1 Solly1 TeameeMoses Phoenixchap cassbeat Teehsticckz bakeuhappy (welcome ma'am) Favouritetega smooth278 virtuedagirl queenbetsy arrestdarrester tonyxxx stevodot22 charminee Mynet11Godwinfury Oluwaseunliz
Souloho19

olaiyadoam
evold
you guys should help me mention more people here

********



After they’d decided to rest up at Jaret’s, and they’d both been given a little tour around the house and shown to their separate guest rooms, Lacy was lying in a large, oak, four-poster bed, a small lamp on the sideboard next to her, with the hope of any sleep evading her. Her mind was jumbled with thoughts that weren’t welcome, but it seemed they were set in for the evening. She looked around the large room, noticing the many paintings that filled the walls. Jaret definitely loved his art. There was a mix of subjects from old oils of Edwardian females doing household chores to modern abstracts of color and shapes. It was a strange mix, but they brightened the room which had red painted walls and continued the washed wood flooring that had run through the rest of the house.

After tossing and turning some more, she decided to take a trip to the kitchen to see if Jaret had any cocoa. She put her sweats and T-shirt back on, and made her way out of the room.

She was walking along the landing as quietly as she could so as not to disturb anyone when she saw Alethia stepping out of Jaret’s room up ahead. She contemplated ducking out of the way, but before she could move Alethia looked up and saw her.

Lacy smiled awkwardly as the deity walked towards her. “It’s not what you think. I just gave him something he needed that’s all.”

Lacy felt a little uncomfortable, and really it wasn’t her business, but knew they were about to discuss it anyway. Alethia might as well join her. “I was just going to look for cocoa.”

“Sounds good.”

When they were both sat at the kitchen table with a hot cup of chocolate each and some cookies that Alethia had found, Alethia looked at Lacy, her face was serious. “Look, I don’t know if you’ve realized, but Jaret isn’t human either.”

Lacy hadn’t, but wondered why she felt so surprised. Alethia didn’t look any different to any other humans either and she was getting used to running into otherworldly beings.

“He’s a Cambion.” She looked at Lacy as if she was supposed to know what that was. After obviously noticing that Lacy hadn’t a clue what she was talking about, Alethia began to explain. “A Cambion is a hybrid. Jaret is the offspring of a human and an Incubus.”

Oh. So, at least her list of creatures I’ve met this week was getting longer.

“Wow. Incubus huh? I’ve read about those. Of course, I thought they were just a silly myth then. So they really feed on. . . ?”

Alethia’s brows raised a little. “Yes. But Jaret is only part Incubus so his need isn’t as great as a full breed. He only has to have sex once or twice amonth.

“Oh,” was all Lacy could reply for a moment. “Was that why you. . . ” she tilted her head to the side and Alethia copied the gesture waiting for her to finish her sentence. She didn’t.

“Yes. I asked him for a favor, a big one, so it was the least I could do. He’s going to need to be at full strength for what he’ll be doing shortly, so it’s best to make sure. And unless you were going to offer. . . ”

Lacy winced at that. Alethia laughed. “It was just sex. It meant nothing, to him or to me.”

Even though it was a strange situation, Lacy kind of understood. “What is it?

The favor you’ve asked of him.”

Alethia took a sip from her mug and placed it down on the table in front of her. “Because of what Jaret is—his father being full Incubus—he can enter Hell, however, and whenever, he pleases. No one bats an eyelid down there as long as he doesn’t cause any trouble. His father still resides down there somewhere and Jaret’s been trying to find him since he was old enough to transport himself there. He once told me how he hated it though. He tried to explain, thankfully without too much detail, how gruesome it is. How some of the macabre things that go on down there would disturb even the strongest of minds. It took some convincing, but he agreed to go and look for Michael and Evo in exchange for something.”

Lacy felt a whisper of hope rise from her stomach into her chest. They’d gone from no chance of warning Michael and Evo about using the ring to there being an actual half demon willing to help them. There was still a worry that either of them could have already used it by now, but she hoped and prayed that wasn’t the case. She noticed Alethia looking a little perturbed and remembered that there was to be an exchange for Jaret’s help.

“What is it that he wants in return, Alethia?”

The goddess rolled her eyes. “He wants to call on me once a month.”

“Oh. I see. I’m sorry.”

Alethia straightened her shoulders. “Don’t be. It could have been worse. I burnt down his house remember. I think I’ve gotten off lightly. Besides, in no way was sex anything to do with our breakup,” she smirked. “He was always very good at that.”

Lacy laughed. She got the feeling that Alethia would be using him once a month just as much as he would be using her. “I bet Evo won’t be too happy about the two of you.”

Alethia frowned. “What’s it got to do with him?”

“Well, didn’t you two spend some. . . time together last night?”

The deity’s amber eyes widened. “Yes. He came to my hotel room, but we didn’t do that.”

“Oh. I thought that−”

“You think I’d sleep with that womanizing jerk? Lacy, I do have some morals. I may have just had sex with Jaret, but it’s not like we haven’t done it before. He was my husband after all. And it was for a good cause. But Evo. . .

Lacy felt terrible, but to be fair, it wasn’t exactly her fault. He’d made it seem that way. “I’m sorry it’s just that. . . Evo made out that he seduced the ring from you.”

Alethia nearly choked in her cocoa before pulling the mug away from her mouth. “Oh please. He may think he’s that good in bed, but let me tell you. . .

anyone who says they are, usually aren’t. Self praise is no recommendation. No, Evo didn’t seduce the ring from me, he damn well stole it. He must have drugged me or spelled me or something, though I’ve no idea how. I’m a goddess for God’s sake.” She let out a soft laugh. “I was warned about him, but didn’t really take it seriously. That guy knows everything about everything. I’ll never underestimate him again, that’s for sure. You wait till I see him. . . ” The humor disappeared from her face the moment she’d said those words. She looked over the table at Lacy. “Jaret will find them. I’m sure of it.”

Lacy didn’t speak through fear of breaking down. They had to. And Jaret was the only chance they had.

After an hour chatting about nothing in particular, Lacy realized how much fun Alethia was. This was the first time she’d spoken to her casually and her sense of humor surprised Lacy. She’d been very serious since Lacy had met her, which was understandable given the circumstances. She’d appeared as old as her years−however many that was−but now she seemed a lot younger, more relaxed and playful.

They both looked at each other as they heard the thud of bare footsteps coming down the hall.

“Talk of the demon. . . ” Alethia whispered and gave a little wink. The kitchen door opened and in walked Jaret scrubbing his hand through his dark brown hair until it was a scruffy mess nested on top of his head but it didn’t make him any less good looking. He had nothing but pajama bottoms on, hanging low on his hips and Lacy struggled to look away from his bare torso.

He was all muscle. Defined in a way only fitness models were. Alethia caught her staring and her face pulled into a teasing smile. Lacy lowered her eyes; feeling a little embarrassed she began to curl the corner of the black, woven place mat that was laid out in front of her. Well, how could she not look? She appreciated beauty just like any other woman. Stop right now. She ordered herself.

She sensed him walk right past them. “No point in me tryin’a get any shut eye with you pair is there?” His voice was a little husky.

Alethia answered. “Don’t be grumpy. It’s not like you need it.”

When Lacy brought her eyes back up, she stifled a gasp. Jaret was standing over by the coffee machine facing away from them and a huge tattoo covered his entire back. It was a colorless masterpiece. Like something Michelangelo himself would have produced. She saw Alethia had noticed her awe and she twisted herself around to look at him. “Ah, yes. Jaret likes to show off his art.

It’s his pride and joy.”

“Who is that?” Lacy asked of the large female figure dressed in a short toga with armor over her shoulders and knees. She was jumping in the air with a long spear in her hand and was poised as if ready to plunge it straight into the strange looking creature that was cowering on the ground below her. It looked like some kind of battle scene. There were dark thunderous clouds in the background which made the whole thing look eerie somehow. It was beautifully chaotic.

Jaret didn’t answer. He just shrugged his shoulder, which suggested he wasn’t really interested.

“Jaret’s mother was human. She was attacked by a demon that became obsessed with her and eventually raped her after possessing the body of someone she trusted; a man who was her friend and colleague from work.

Anyway, long story short, after having Jaret, she spent a lot of her time in and out of psychiatric hospitals because she was never able to deal with what happened. Jaret fought for her. He tried to help her as best he could, but in the end she killed herself.”

Lacy’s hand pressed over her heart as she gasped a little. “I’m so sorry.”

Jaret walked over to the table with his coffee and sat down next to Alethia.

He pushed her arm and rolled his eyes at her. “You tryin’a depress the poor girl?” He turned to Lacy. “It was a long time ago. Anyway, she’s in a better place than she ever was down ‘ere.”

Alethia continued as Jaret sipped his coffee. “The female on his back is his mother depicted as an angel, a warrior of the Creator about to kill the demon that raped her.”

“One day it will be me.” Jaret said with narrowed eyes. He looked like he was imagining that day. He blinked and then looked at Lacy.

“So, what is it that your fella’s arfter down there?” he asked.

Her fella? She wasn’t sure that he was hers. Lacy didn’t correct him.

“Apparently he and Lucifer have a mutual enemy.”

“Why would he be so stupid to even try and talk with that evil barstard? Clearly dying the first time wasn't enough for ‘im, eh?”

Lacy winced at that. Alethia slapped his arm.

“Well. . . it’s true,” he continued. “Lucifer don’t just talk. He’s not someone who takes appointments. He tortures first, talks arfter.”

Lacy lowered her gaze. “Yes. I would imagine that’s true,” she said quietly.

That’s exactly why she didn’t want Michael to go.

“Then you’ll know what ‘im and ‘is friend’ll be up against when ‘e get’s there then.”

“Jaret. She doesn’t need reminding. None of us do.” Alethia’s dark brows drew tight. “All we need to know from you is what you intend to do to help them. Because you’re going to help them, aren’t you?” Not a question by the sound of her gritted teeth. “Or you’re going to pay me back for our little rumble in the worst way I can think of.”

Jaret laughed. “Oh, Alethia. . . Yer know ‘ow sexy I find yer when yer threaten me.”

The goddess huffed. “Jaret!”

“Babe, yer know I’m only messin’ wiv yer.” He put a serious face on “All I can do is go daan there an’ look for ‘em. . . arsk around. But ya know ‘ow received my presence is when I visit that place. Not well.”

Alethia nodded her head and looked at Lacy. “Because he’s a half breed.

He’s considered an enemy by most,” she explained.

Jaret smiled. “I’ve never caused any trouble, so most just ignore me.”

“Why would you go there at all?” Lacy couldn’t help asking. If it was such a horrible place, why would anyone choose to go there? Michael didn’t exactly choose. He felt he had no other option. But Jaret. . . surely he wouldn’t choose to go there at all. Especially as it was one of Hell’s demons that hurt his mother.

“Debt collecting mostly. I’ve won a few decent ‘ands in poker an’ those barstard demon’s don’t like payin’ up. And I hope one day I’ll find my father daan there.” He sank the rest of his coffee and got up from the table, grabbing the other two mugs and walking to the sink.

Lacy mouthed poker to Alethia with a questioning glance. Alethia shrugged and rolled her eyes, “don’t ask” written all over her face.

Jaret placed the mugs in the basin and began to walk towards the door. “I’m gonna grab a shower then I’ll be off.”


********

wooooooooooooow where was I all these while..... soul more blessing to you brother.....

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO


“I can’t sit here like this anymore. I have to be doing something.”

Lacy was feeling far too anxious to be sitting watching the TV. After getting the super to fix Michael’s apartment door, she’d sat and analyzed the items spread out on the coffee table. Some of which made her stomach tense. Then she’d figured she’d see if there was anything to watch so she could at least try and take her mind off of Michael.

It hadn’t worked.

She couldn’t stop her imagination from working overtime as she thought about what both men could be going through right now as she sat and watched trash TV. It wasn’t right.

Alethia had spent most of her time in Michael’s room in a telepathic conversation with her father and other family members in an attempt to sway them to help but it didn’t seem to be working.

The door to the bedroom opened and Alethia walked out shaking her head with a sorrowful look towards Lacy. “They refuse,” she growled out of frustration. She explained how her father had told her that they weren’t about to get involved in a war they weren’t a part of for the sake of two people, one of which was already dead, who had chosen their own path by entering Hell in the first place. Oh, and that Alethia was to stay put. “My father is a stubborn bastard. I’m sorry.”

The disappointment hit Lacy hard, but she knew the deity had tried her hardest. If the gods weren’t willing to help even when one of their own was asking then things were worse than she’d initially thought.

Lacy started pacing around the room. She stopped at the small window and stared out at the students wandering around the university grounds below with books and files tucked under their arms, completely oblivious to what was happening all around them. She let out an exasperated sigh. “I can’t do this. . .

stay cooped up in this apartment waiting. I’m concerned for Evo, of course I am, but what if it’s Michael that uses the ring? I don’t want either of them getting trapped, but Michael. . . ” She swallowed the lump that had cut off her words. She wanted to scream; to shout to anyone who could hear.

Alethia walked up to her and placed her hand on her shoulder. “We’ll find another way. I don’t want anything to happen to them either. Michael is a kind soul and, for your sake, I want to see him return unharmed. Evo. . . Well, I’m kinda fond of the idiot. He reminds me of someone—”

Alethia’s face lit up like she’d just remembered the answer for the million dollar question. She began to rush around the apartment, quickly gathering up her things. She put her coat on and passed Lacy hers.

“Come on, I know someone who could help us.”

Lacy didn’t hesitate. She shoved her arms in her coat and had her purse over her shoulder before she’d even finished putting it on properly. “You do? Who?”

“A last resort,” she said, her brow furrowed so much that she looked like she could’ve been in pain. “But it won’t be easy.”

“What do you mean?”

“I know he’ll be hostile towards me. We kind of fell out years ago.” Alethia placed her hands on Lacy’s elbows indicating what form of transport they would use. Lacy did the same to her.

“Who is he?”

Alethia grinned. “My ex-husband.”


After shifting through the air, which Lacy was now beginning to get a little used to, even though it was still weird, the gray mist dispersed from around them to reveal their surroundings. They were standing on a cobbled street in front of a Georgian looking town house that was nestled in the middle of a row of similar looking buildings. Lacy looked around to see that they were in a wide street lit by ornate, black street lamps, that looked like it was in the middle of. . .

London?

“Are we in London?” she quickly asked Alethia who simply said, “Yes.” As if it was no big deal. All Lacy could do was gawp at her with mouth wide open. It was one thing to shift a few miles away to the other side of town, but to end up on the other side of the Atlantic in just a couple of minutes was completely mind boggling.

“Close your mouth.” Alethia smirked. Lacy snapped it shut just as the deity knocked on the front door.

The house had three stories and five bays, and was in pale red brick with a white stone surround around the black panelled door. It was kept well and the size and location of the building suggested that whoever lived inside certainly wasn’t short of money.

Alethia knocked again and before she’d removed her hand the door swung open; behind it stood a classically handsome looking man. His dark wavy hair was pushed back from a pale face with a chiselled jaw and prominent cheekbones. He was dressed in a white towelling robe and his feet were bare.

Lacy couldn’t help but stare at the man’s deep hazel eyes that were now pinned widely on Alethia as if the guy had seen a ghost. All of a sudden the door slammed shut, leaving the two women staring at the brass knocker.

Alethia huffed. “I told you. . . hostile.”

She knocked again, harder this time. “Jaret! Open the door.” And then again, and again until. . .

It swung open again just enough for a head to appear from behind it. “Go!

Leave you crazy woman,” the man snapped in a strong cockney accent. As he was about to repeat the assault on his own front door, Alethia put her hands up and pushed back to prevent him from shutting them both out again.

“Wait! Jaret, please. I haven’t come to cause any trouble.”

“Then you won’t mind leaving just the same will yer.” He pushed harder on the door, but Alethia—who was surprisingly strong and had now wedged her foot in the way—wasn’t letting up.

“Jeez! I just need to talk,” she said calmly.

Jaret, seeming to admit defeat, pulled back from the door, opened it wide and walked inside without another word.

Lacy looked at Alethia who tipped her head suggesting that she follow her inside.

They walked down a long hallway with a high ceiling edged with decorative moldings. There were paintings hung on the walls, which looked old and expensive: different scenes of valleys and landscapes. At the end of the hallway they turned into a spacious modern kitchen that was bright with pale lemon colored units and dark, granite work tops and lots of stainless steel. Jaret was standing at the counter pouring hot water from the kettle into a mug and stirring it intently−a cigarette hanging from his mouth.

“It’s not a friendly hour to be callin’ on someone,” he mumbled. Of course, Lacy thought, there was a five hour time difference, which meant it would be around one thirty in the morning. “So, talk then.”

Alethia flicked her eyes at Lacy then back to Jaret, who had finished making his coffee and had now turned to face her with cup in hand.

“I need your help,” she muttered quietly and looked down at the floor. From what Lacy knew of her, the goddess was no introvert so it was strange to witness.

“I’m sorry. What was tha’?”

Alethia raised her head, looked Jaret in the eye, and spoke with more resolve this time. “I. . . We need your help.”

Jaret laughed so hard he spilled some of his coffee down the front of his crisp, clean robe. “Shit!” He stuck his cigarette in a nearby ashtray, grabbed a towel and began to scrub the material.

“It’s not funny.” Alethia looked aggravated.

“I disagree,” he said and resumed drinking his coffee.

It was clear to Lacy that the exchange that was taking place may take a while, but nevertheless; she was actually a little amused by what was happening.

“I seem to recall you owe me one,” Alethia said to her ex-husband who was now stubbing out his cigarette. He looked up at her, his dark eyebrows drawn into a deep frown.

“Oh, no. You ain't pullin’ that one on me. You lost that privilege when you burned down me last gaff.”

“Your last ga. . . house was our house, remember.” Alethia corrected.

“Still din’t give you the right to burn it daan.” He crossed his arms in front of him and leaned against the counter waiting for Alethia’s response.

Look, I know you’re upset−”

“Upset?” Jaret interrupted. “Upset is when my ‘orse falls at the final fence. . . YOU burned down me ‘ome.”

She let out a sharp, exasperated exhale. “Look. Can we please not get into this right now?” she asked through almost gritted teeth as she threw a look towards Lacy as if to say “Not in front of present company.”

Jaret also looked at Lacy and his mouth set in a line. “Who is this, anyway?

And what’ya doin’ in London?”

Lacy gave him an uncertain smile.

“This is Lacy Holloway. She’s a friend of mine and the main−and only−reason I’m here.”

Pleased to meet yer. Sorry about the. . . ” He waved his hand between him and Alethia.

“It’s okay,” Lacy replied. As she watched the two of them across the room, she wondered how long they’d been married. Jaret was definitely a looker so she could see why he’d grabbed Alethia’s attention. She also wondered what had happened that was so bad to make Alethia burn his house down and made a mental note not to piss her off.

“Can I get yer some tea? Coffee?” Jaret offered with a hint of a smile. Lacy was sure she saw a slight dimple in his chin.

“No, Thanks.”

“Alethia?” The smile had definitely gone when he asked her.

“Coffee, thanks.” She pulled out a chair from the glass dining table at the end of the room. “Can we sit?”

“Go ‘head,” he said over his shoulder as he began filling up the kettle.

After they’d all sat down and fresh coffee was on the table, Alethia began to explain the situation to Jaret, who, for some reason, seemed to have perked up at the mention of Hell. She explained that if either Michael or Evo used her father’s ring they would be trapped in a place that no one would be able to get to. She wasn’t even sure where the demons went that got captured by the ring, only that they never returned.
They never returned?

All of a sudden, after the new information that Alethia had casually dropped into their conversation, Lacy felt the air in the room become thicker and she found she was struggling to breathe. She knew it was the beginning of one of her infamous panic attacks and didn’t want to embarrass herself in front of the two sat at the table so she made an excuse to use the bathroom. Jaret explained where the one downstairs was. She made it there and managed to lock herself in just in time.

She put the toilet seat down and closed the lid. As soon as she sat down, she bent forward, placing her head between her knees. She tried to usher away the thoughts that she’d so vividly conjured up in her mind of Michael trapped in a dark pit surrounded by feral demons who’d been trapped there for centuries.

The thoughts only added to the lightheadedness she was now experiencing due to over breathing. She tried to slow her breaths down, remembering how Michael had helped her, and after what only felt like a couple of minutes there was a soft knock at the door.

“Lacy. Is everything okay in there?” Alethia’s muted voice sounded through the door.

Lacy was still a little shaky, but the worst had passed. She stood and looked at herself in the mirror; smoothed down her hair and made sure she looked okay before unlocking the door.

“Well, you look fine. I thought we lost you for a minute, though, like you’d sneaked out the back door or something.”

Lacy found that odd. “I just needed to pee.”

“For nearly an hour?”

“What?” No. That couldn’t be right.

Alethia smiled at her. “Look, I know that talking about this whole situation is hard for you. You don’t have to explain.”

She actually couldn’t even if she tried.

“I’m glad though. Jaret and I had a much needed talk while you were gone and thankfully things seem to be okay.” She cocked an eyebrow. “For now anyway.”

Oh, well. Lacy was glad. At least she’d inadvertently helped those two get back to speaking terms.

* * *

Oroolorun:
Na Book of Revelation ask me to be either cold or hot, so I chose to be HOT!

Choiii you mara get as e be oooo....

Oroolorun:
Fridge ke, na inside cold room for Ijora Olopa I dey sef, ice wey dey embalm fish na im dey make me sweat hot o.

Ah na hell fire you dey stay ni

Oroolorun:
[color=#006600][/color]
That one sef is not working




you are very funny.

Your matter critical be that oooo.... Na to put you inside fridge be that oooo.... At least that one go cold well

shey him don hit fp ni

Oroolorun:
I took it but it's not working.

Have you tried using ice block

Oroolorun:
Ha! tomorrow lon-lon, when I thought an update had been drop already. Ok o, but nothing like hopefully, let tomorrow be tomorrow o.

Take chilling pills

He was still surrounded by the strange haze as he advanced on the guards who were now standing in front of his friend, crouched and ready for attack. Michael watched as the demons’ eyes changed to crimson and immediately felt an invisible force pushing at him. But whatever the guards were trying to do had no effect. He pushed through the invisible shield and felt it weaken, watching the stunned expressions on the skeletal features that stood before him.

He heard a roar behind him, then felt pressure at his back. He slowly turned his head to see that Varesh had hurled a fireball at him, but as Michael watched it approach, it was like time had suddenly slowed down. Before it reached him, Michael inhaled deeply and curved his back until he was hunched over−like somehow he knew how to stop it. The fireball hissed as the flames dissipated on impact.

Michael looked up again to see the guards repeating their earlier reprisal still with little effect.

“Evo!” he heard himself shout through all the commotion before expelling more of the strange energy from his body which sent the two guards flying through the air. Michael just about registered Evo’s shocked expression before he grabbed him and they both began to run.

Another fireball headed towards them and Michael pushed Evo in front of him to shield him from the onslaught as two more followed. He knew Varesh wasn’t going to let them leave, but he wasn’t about to go down without a fight; even though he wasn’t sure where his fight was coming from. Michael threw Evo to the ground in front of him and crouched over, protecting him as the three balls of fire hit his back one after the other with little effect.

“Are you okay?” He was still covering Evo who seemed a little perplexed as to what was going on.

“I will be when we get out of here.”

Michael pulled Evo to his feet and they continued to run. They headed towards a narrow opening in the cliff face on the other side of the ledge.

Michael glanced back and was surprised to see that they weren’t being followed. The fact that Varesh hadn’t ordered his guards to follow and had just let them run was unsettling. Nonetheless, they continued towards the opening.

Michael ushered Evo through the narrow gap first not wanting to take any chances. If they were being followed, then Michael would be the one to fight not his friend. As soon as Evo was through, Michael followed without hesitation.

When they were out of the way of the immediate threat Evo stopped to catch his breath and grabbed Michael’s arm as he went to pass him. “Wait. . . Whoa.

Just stop for a minute, okay?” he panted.

“Not a good idea. We need to keep moving.”

The tunnel they were in was dark, but short enough so that the light shone through from the other side illuminating Evo’s face. He had the oddest look. don’t know what went down with you and those demons before my ass woke up. But what the hell was that?”

Michael feigned innocence. “What?”

“Never mind ‘what?’. . . What just happened to you back there? How the hell did you manage to fight off four huge demons without even touching them, then go and save our asses from an onslaught of hellfire, all without a hair out of place? And who was the tasty broad?”

Michael chose to ignore the last question. He could just imagine Evo’s reaction when he told him he’d dated a shapeshifter, even if it was without him knowing it. He sighed and leaned against the stone wall facing Evo. The sound of dripping water was all that occupied the small space as Michael tried to come up with an answer, but only one thing had entered his mind from the moment the strange power had taken over his body.

“I’m one of them, aren’t I?”

He heard Evo’s breath catch. “Demon?”

“Yes. It’s the only explanation.” The only one he could find anyway. He’d suspected it for a while; ever since the first night he’d met Evo, when his eyes had changed. Since then he’d felt the change but just put it down to him getting used to his body. Then there was what happened in Lacy’s house when they discovered she’d been taken. He’d felt so much power rushing through him back then and it unnerved him.

But why was he so surprised? After all, he’d escaped Hell. Wasn’t it obvious what he was?

Evo surprised him by gripping onto his shoulders hard. “You’re not a fucking demon. There’s no way.” His friend burned him with a look that said “I won’t let that be true.”

He couldn’t blame him for feeling that way. “How could I not be, Evo?

There’s no other way to explain what’s happening to me. I had no control over that back there. It’s just like rage consumed me and took over my body. Like I was just telling myself what I wanted to happen and then it happened without any effort.

“It’s not the first time I’ve thought about this. For the last few months I’ve felt like I was getting stronger. Fighting these creatures has been getting easier.

And now, after what just happened out there, I feel stronger than ever.”

“But, what about your eyes? Why do yours glow white when theirs are blood red? Surely they would be the same.”

Michael shook his head. He had no idea.

Both men were quiet for a moment until Evo dropped his hands from Michael’s shoulders and said, “Well, demon or not, I think that was pretty fucking awesome what you did out there.” He smiled at him reassuringly.

Michael appreciated it. It didn’t make him feel any happier about the situation, but knowing that his friend was trying to make him feel better, he had to smile back. All be it a small one.

“Come on,” Michael said. “We have to find some place safe so we can get out of here.”

They headed for the tunnel’s exit. And as Michael walked on ahead, he tried his best to ignore Evo’s next sentence.

“Now, about that female. . .

Michael began to pace back and forth on the rocky ledge; his patience wearing thinner by the minute. He didn’t know how much longer he could keep himself under control but was sure if Jess didn’t start talking, he was going to do something he probably wouldn’t walk away from. Not the way those guards were now looking at him anyway. Things couldn’t get any more bleeped up. His friend was in some kind of unconscious state on the floor next to him; his ex girlfriend was standing in front of him in a place that she shouldn’t even know existed, and the more angry he was becoming, the stranger his whole body felt, like there was a bomb inside of him ticking down to the moment of detonation.

He wasn’t sure why he felt that way or what would happen when it reached zero, but it was very close.

“You need to calm him down,” one of the guards said to Jess with a voice that was deep enough to vibrate through the very rock they were standing on.

That caused Michael to stop and face them. He saw something in Jess’s eyes —uncertainty may be?—and wondered if his own eyes had changed like they normally did when he was angry. Maybe that had thrown her off. Whatever it was, she was definitely showing a little vulnerability, which Michael was happy to see.

“She needs to start talking,” he shot back at the guard.

She didn’t.

Instead, she closed her eyes and inhaled a deep breath. Within an instant her form began to change right in front of his eyes. He watched in disbelief as the woman turned from the pretty, slender brunette, whom he’d had a brief fling with, to a naked, bald, pale skinned creature with pointed ears and long pointed claws at the end of each finger.

Michael couldn’t believe what was standing in front of him. “You’re a shifter.” Not a question; an obvious observation born from encountering one or two during his time as a hunter.

“I can be whatever you want me to be,” she said before her form began to change again, but this time, as Michael watched the pale demon’s figure wriggle and distort, his breath caught the instant he recognized who was appearing in front of him. “Perhaps you’d like me better like this.”

Lacy

The bitch had turned herself into Lacy. She even mimicked her voice.

He bit down on his teeth to try and keep inside the whirlwind of emotions he was suddenly consumed with; anger winning over the hurt and the guilt he felt for dragging Lacy into this mess. She stalked towards him and for a moment, when she reached up and gently touched his cheek, he allowed himself to imagine that she was real, that all of this had been a crazy dream and he was waking up to her affections and a normal life; the only way he’d allow himself to be with her.

No!

He inhaled sharply and gripped her wrist, pulling her hand away from his face and shoving her back away from him, not allowing himself to think that it was Lacy he’d just been rough with. “Get away from me, now!” he spat.

“Oh, sweetie. . . you were so much more fun when we were dating.” She smirked and quickly changed herself back to Jess, much to his chagrin, while returning to her guards. It was getting harder to look at her knowing that he’d been close to her and that her deception had caused his current situation.

He’d never known such loathing.

“That’s enough Nhang!” a familiar voice projected across the open space that lay behind the guards. As Michael waited, and the three figures standing in front of him swung their heads around, two more horsemen had appeared from the darkness and were riding towards them. Michael then saw that there was another behind them. He looked at the third horseman in disgust as the familiar demon came into view. All three were now riding in a row. Two guards either side of Varesh. They pulled up next to the cliff face to the left of where Michael was standing and all three demons quickly dismounted. The two guards tied up their horses, then one of them took the reins from Varesh who left them attending the animals.

He walked straight over to Jess. . . or Nhang, whatever the hell her name was. “I think you’ve already been far too polite with our guest,” he told her before walking right past her and stopping a few feet away from Michael. Some of his dark, dishevelled hair fell over his face, but Michael could still see those fiery red eyes that were now almost burning him as the demon looked him straight in the eyes.

“I assume you and Nhang have been formally introduced?” Varesh asked without taking his eyes from him. He seemed taller than Michael remembered.

Still, it was hard to judge a creature’s size while you were being hurled against a load of scrap metal and almost disembowelled by a burning hand of Hellfire.

“You took your time,” the female shapeshifter said with annoyance. “I almost gave up on you.”

Varesh looked visibly annoyed at her words. “It was more difficult than you’d imagine getting those vultures to let me out. I ended up having to bribe one or two of them, which was a little insulting. Thanks to that bitch of a friend of his,” he raised his chin towards Michael, “I’m minus fifteen of my soldiers.”

His soldiers?

Michael continued to stare at Varesh, showing him that he wasn’t intimidated even though the demon had to be at least fifty pounds heavier and six to eight inches taller. Michael swept his eyes over him, his black pants were torn in places, like they’d been sliced with a sharp object, and one leg had material bound around the thigh as though a wound had been strapped. His knee-length, leather duster was worn in places and open enough to show thick muscle. The creature in front of him was strong as well as powerful and Michael had felt that power first hand. Still, he wasn’t threatened by him in the slightest.

“And the prisoner?” Nhang (because Michael had decided Jess was too nice a name for her anyway) asked.

“Contained.” Varesh threw her a quick glance over his shoulder, “and uncooperative as would be expected from someone whose kingdom has just crumbled around him.”

Kingdom? That didn’t sound good. “What are you talking about?”

Varesh smirked at him and said, “Let’s just say your little meeting with Lucifer has been postponed.”

Bleep! He’d taken down Lucifer? Michael was suddenly aware that things weren’t going according to plan and that, no matter what, he and Evo had to get out of there. Though how he was going to achieve that remained to be seen. The whole thing had just gotten so much bigger than he’d originally thought. It appeared there was a new king in town and if he was powerful and clever enough to overthrow a legendary ruler, a powerful creature that even the Creator couldn’t control, then, in a word, they were all bleeped.

He glanced down at his buddy again−still breathing. What had she done to him? And what the hell had they gotten themselves into?

Varesh must have seen him and before Michael could register the demon’s movement. . .

“Allow me,” was all he said before throwing out a ball of white light from his palm that shot straight at Evo, the force of which threw his body backwards along the rocky ground.

“NO!” Michael bellowed as he watched in horror as his friend hurled towards the cliff edge but he stopped before he got there. To Michael’s surprise, Evo groaned and shot to his feet holding his head. He took a couple of steps backwards before looking around and realizing the sheer drop that was behind him. He wobbled for a moment, but, to Michael’s relief, immediately rushed away from the edge.

“Shit! What the Bleep?” He turned his attention to the little crowd in front of him, fixed his eyes on Michael and did exactly what Michael was hoping he’d do: shut the hell up. He joined Michael at his side, eyes widened momentarily as if to ask “What the Bleep’s going on man?” but Michael didn’t answer. Instead, he spoke to Varesh.

“What has all of this got to do with me? Why would I be part of this plan?

Why did that bitch kill me?” Michael almost growled that last part as he felt the strange vibration return to his body. At the same time he saw a look of shock that quickly changed to fury in Evo’s eyes.

“You have a lot of questions hunter.” Varesh began to walk away; turning towards Nhang he walked over and stopped at her side. He faced Michael and Evo with a slight grin on his face.

“I’m surprised. Do you know nothing of your heritage?”

“My heritage? What are you talking about?”

Varesh threw a sideways glance at Nhang who spoke quietly. “Looks like he’s been kept in the dark about all of it. Better for us that he doesn’t know.”

It annoyed Michael that his questions were still being ignored. “Why don’t you talk to me and not about me? Doesn’t know what? Start talking.”

“Your questions are of no concern to me. That is a conversation for you and the Creator. I’m not interested in briefing you about something you clearly know nothing about. Now, tell me why you are here. What is it that you wanted to discuss with my dear cousin?”

Cousin?

“It no longer matters. Evo and I have no argument with you. Whatever it is you think you know about me isn’t true. I have nothing to do with this war so just leave me and my friends alone and we will be no bother to you.”

Varesh laughed and Nhang looked at him with a malevolent grin, which infuriated Michael to the point where he had to fight to calm himself down before he acted out what he was now imagining doing to the bastard demon in front of him.

“I’m afraid you’re wrong about that. And our conversation is over.” Varesh waved a hand to the guards behind him then pointed at Michael. “I want him.

Dispose of the other one.” he ordered, then turned to Nhang and the two of them began a quiet conversation as the guards advanced towards Michael and Evo.

“Okay. What do we do now?” Evo asked quietly out of the side of his mouth.

Before Michael had time to answer two of the guards had disappeared into thin air only to reappear behind him, each one grabbing an arm so that he was unable to move. The other two did the same to Evo.

They towered above him. Michael tried to pull free, but their grip was like an iron vice. He watched as the other two guards began to haul Evo away towards the edge of the cliff.

“Uh, Mike. I’m not sure I like where this is heading.” Evo shouted back to him over the howling wind that had suddenly increased in volume and strength.

Neither did Michael. He tried one last time to pull himself free from the iron hands that held him back but it was useless. As he watched his friend being hauled off, he felt his anger rise through his body. Helplessly fighting to free himself, he felt the strange vibration rising up from his legs, through his torso, down his arms to the tips of his fingers. His head and face felt warm and he knew his eyes were probably illuminated now. He closed them and took in a deep breath.

It was hard to register what happened next. In an instant, his head began to sing and he felt a pop as a warm rush of energy appeared to leave his body.

When he opened his eyes again, he was surrounded by a thick, white haze and no longer felt the guard's grip around his arms.

He was free.

Michael heard a distant voice, deep and throaty, calling out. “Stop him!”

Then, before he knew it, he was moving towards the guards that had Evo. He didn’t feel his legs move, nor did he feel he had control over any part of his own body. It was almost like he’d willed himself to go and save his friend and his body was somehow taking him there.

Floating. . . Was he floating?

*** Continuation ***
The brown haired woman whom he once knew was being flanked by two of the horsemen. Not being able to judge their size while they’d surrounded him and Evo earlier, he was surprised to see the sheer magnitude of the demons as they faced him now minus their horses.

“Ah yes, about that. . . not my real name.”

“Where’s Lucifer? It was him I requested to speak with.”

The woman’s mouth turned up at the side as she leered at him with dark brown eyes. “He’s unavailable right now. And will be for the foreseeable future.”

What?

Michael got to his feet and faced them. The more this was playing out in front of him, the harder he found it to trust his own mind. Lucifer was gone?

Where? Jess was here? No. It just couldn’t be happening. “This isn’t real.

You’re not real. It’s this place. . . it’s messing with my head again.” He threw a quick glance at Evo who was still unconscious, but was relieved to notice a slight movement in his back. He was still alive. Thank God. But why was he still face-planted on the floor?

“Afraid not. I’m very real. As real as the last time you saw me. The night we spent together.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

Jess looked strange. She hadn’t really changed from what he could remember, but there was something about the way she was regarding him. She looked arrogant, cocky, a trait that was never a part of her demeanor when she’d worked for him. That was one of the reasons he was refusing to believe it was really her.

She began to walk towards him as she answered. “Oh, silly me. I almost forgot. The suppression.”

“What. . .

Suddenly, Michael gripped his head as memories began to fill his mind; a whirlwind of images flying through his head like a video on fast forward: both he and Jessica laughing together at the office, sitting opposite each other in a restaurant, walking through the park, her arm linked through his. They were affectionate towards each other. Still gripping both sides of his head, he paused when he realized the memory of his old self that followed wasn’t a familiar one. Jack stood with Jess in front of the fireplace in his apartment. He thought she looked particularly nice that evening. Her brown hair was up in a neat chignon at the top of her head with a few wispy strands framing her face. Her knee length, blue dress hugged her figure in a way that would attract any man’s attention if they’d been out in public, but tonight it was for his eyes only.

When Jess had started working for Jack’s company she’d immediately caught his eye. She was a pleasure to look at−attractive in a classic film star kind of way−but she knew it too. He honestly never saw himself dating her though. He enjoyed the harmless flirtation from her and would often reciprocate, but he wasn’t ready for any kind of relationship, even a casual one. So he was surprised that he’d actually enjoyed her company over the last couple of weeks.

After much repartee, mostly from Jess, he finally asked her out on a date. Jack took her to The Delauney, a swanky brasserie up town, figuring it would be the kind of place she’d be into even though he didn’t much care for the pretentiousness. Afterwards, they went for drinks in a more understated bar down the street. They chatted, they laughed and then Jack dropped Jess off home with nothing more than a good night kiss. This happened many more times over the coming weeks.

At Jack’s penthouse suite at The Cincinnati on a chilly October evening, Jess reached up and clinked her wine glass against his whiskey glass.

“To us,” she said warmly

Even though he didn’t really think there was officially an ‘us’, he smiled and took a sip from his glass. She took it from him and placed it with hers on top of the fireplace. He noticed a gleam in her eye as she stepped into him. They’d kissed a few times, but even though she’d hinted, they’d gone no further. But maybe that would change tonight. He was a man after all. Without a word she placed both of her hands on his chest and leaned in to kiss him. He bent his head slightly, meeting her lips with his and slowly sliding his hands around her waist, feeling the curve of her back through the soft material of her dress. Their kiss intensified and he enjoyed it. For the first time, he’d begun to feel aroused by her, imagining her naked in his bed and willing to take things further. He pulled her body closer into his and felt her slight gasp against his lips.

He was just about to move with her over to the sofa, when he began to sway a little, nearly losing his footing. He abruptly broke their kiss and steadied himself by gripping onto the fireplace. He must have gotten carried away, though his head had never spun from kissing a woman before.

“Jack? Are you okay?”

Her voice sounded strangely distant. The room was spinning uncontrollably now, like he’d stepped onto a carousel that was on warp speed, everything rushing past him in a blur of color and light. He struggled to hold himself up and felt himself falling, bringing the ornaments from the fireplace with him as he hit the floor.

What the hell was wrong with him?

He found it hard to speak, but he tried, reaching out to the blurry blue figure that he saw crouched before him.

“Help. . . me. . . ” he managed to say, his voice weak.

“I am helping you Jack. It’s for your own good. You’ll see.”

Distant. . . Her voice was so distant. What did she mean? Did she do this?

He blinked his eyes tightly over and over in an attempt to clear his vision but it was no use. He was struggling to hang on to consciousness.

The last thing he saw before he went lights-out was Jess’s face right in front of his. . . smiling.

When the events of his final day on earth finished playing out, the pain began to subside and all Michael could do was stare at the woman in front of him.

“We didn’t do. . . anything, right?” He didn’t know why it was relevant, but felt the need to ask anyway.

“Oh, no. You were far too incoherent for that, unfortunately. The drugs that I slipped into your drink made sure of that. They did make it easier to smother you to death though.”

The realization of what had actually happened that evening made his legs weak and he fell to his knees, playing what he’d just been allowed to remember over and over again in his mind. He’d had no recollection of any of it yet now, it was so vivid it was like it had only happened moments ago.

“You killed me? Why? Did someone make you do it?”

Her scornful laugh tugged at his patience. “WHY, JESS?”

Suddenly her face turned serious. “It was our only chance to get you down here without any resistance.”

“Our? Who put you up to this?”

“Jack I−”

“Don’t call me that!” he snapped, “Jack doesn’t exist anymore.” The sound of his other name coming from her lips made him angry.

She tipped her head to the side. “Very well. Nobody put me up to this.

Killing you was all my idea. It was always part of the plan.”

“What plan? You need to explain what the Bleep is going on here Jess and fast. And what the hell’s wrong with him?” He looked at Evo before rising back up to his feet. The weakness he’d felt just moments before had now been replaced by rage. His whole body was vibrating with a need to grip the woman in front of him−if that’s what she was−around the throat and shake the explanation right out of her. He guessed her guards had sensed it too as they looked visibly anxious and moved closer to her.

Jess threw up her hand to halt them and they responded straight away by retreating back to their posts, clearly showing that she was the one in control right now. She looked down at his friend and then back to him.

“I’m just keeping him quiet. He’ll stay that way until I see fit to wake him.

It’s only you who I am interested in having this conversation with.”

“You’re keeping him quiet? How?”

She didn’t answer, but she had a look on her face that he couldn’t quite place.

Michael began to pace back and forth on the rocky ledge; his patience

wearing thinner by the minute. He didn’t know how much longer he could keep

himself under control but was sure if Jess didn’t start talking, he was going to

do something he probably wouldn’t walk away from. Not the way those guards

were now looking at him anyway. Things couldn’t get any more bleeped up. His

friend was in some kind of unconscious state on the floor next to him; his ex