Dimmest Of Night (Dimmest Of Night Series) (13 page)

“I’m going to be the last notch on that bed post of yours.” He swore to me.

Laying me down on the bed, crawling up on top of me. Looking down at a solid chest of muscles, my clothes then disappeared. “You seem really sure of yourself.”

“Do you deny me?”

Shaking my head, “No.” I said barely above a whisper. Wishing that everything was that simple. Knowing, that every moment with him, could very well be my last. His lips came back down on mine with a fury, like he had something to prove. My resolve to try to keep my distance these next few days, slipping away. His hands were now all over my body, his lips following the path of his hands. Every spot he touched, warmed underneath him. For those few moments, he was wiping away all my worries. Making me forget everything but him and I. My mind floating away, my hands roaming up his back I was lost in the heat of the moment. I would have done anything for this man. Given anything to this man.

The night was a blur, and we acted like two teenagers that couldn’t get enough of each other. My intention was not to wear him out so badly, that he fell asleep already. No, I wanted those two days with him desperately. However, it was now or never. I either grow a set and leave now, or possibly watch the man I love die. Either way, I knew the odds of both of us coming out of this situation alive was slim. My mind was telling me it was either him or I. That decision was easier than I ever thought it would be. Of course, it’s me. I would lay my life down for him, and not hesitate in the least. Sighing and looking over at his face, he looked so peaceful. His hair strewn everywhere, his skin still showing a twinge of red from the exertion of our love making. He was what every woman dreamed about. What I only imagined in my deepest fantasies. In my messed up life he was the only light I could see. Even though we had but the shortest time together, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Gently, lifting his arm up from my stomach, I slid slowly to the side of the bed. Putting his arm back down softly, hoping I wouldn’t wake him up. Sliding out of bed onto my knees and stared across the bed at him I gently kissed his hand, a tear sliding down my cheek. “I love you.” I whispered looking away before I lost my nerve. Tiptoeing to the closet I fought the urge to look back at him. Pulling out a pair of black jeans, a black tank and a black sweater I piled them on the floor. Grabbing my black boots, I made my way across the floor pausing with each creak. Finally, making it to the bathroom I closed the door, letting out the breath I was holding in.

Putting my clothing on, I didn’t look at myself in the mirror. Even though my heart was in the right place, the guilt and sadness was killing me. This wasn’t the most opportune time to sneak out, after a night of love making, but I had little other choice. Opening the bathroom door up slowly, peaking out to make sure he was still asleep. Satisfied, I made my way across the room to the door. Looking at the locks and cussing under my breath, I had forgotten one of the locks was a keypad lock. Turning around and looking at the double doors that led out onto the balcony, I had no choice. Slowly I made my way across the room again, relieved that in his haste to get inside with me he left them all unlocked. Opening one side up, I stepped outside and shut it letting out that breath I was holding again. The tears started streaming down my face again and I hesitated. A huge part of me wanted to go back in that room and lay back down next to him. How easy would that be? The bigger part of me wanted him safe. That side won. Turning I looked down from the balcony at the massive drop to the ground. If I fell, I probably wouldn’t survive. Not that my chances at this point were very good. Swinging my gaze to the side of the house, it had trellis working going down to the ground. Along side that was the gutter. Hell I hadn’t shimmied down a gutter since I was sixteen.

Scared and not sure that it would hold, I swung my leg over the side of the balcony. Putting one leg on the gutter I put the other on the trellis work, hoping it wasn’t as rotten as it appeared. Saying a quick prayer, I let go of the balcony and put both hands on the gutter. One unsteady step at a time, I worked my way down close enough to the ground, and then jumping off onto the grass.

Stepping out and taking one last look up at the window. My love was asleep in that bed, hoping one day he would understand why I did it. Turning towards the woods, it was starting to get light out. Knowing I wouldn’t have much time before Blane was awake, I had no plan really. I couldn’t go back home to my apartment, my things. I didn’t really have any friends. No family at all to speak of. Right at that moment I felt as lonely as I have ever felt.

My throbbing head was sending me to my knees what seemed like every couple seconds. Doing my best to fight through the emotions that were slamming into me. The sun was now filtering through the forest, lighting my way. I didn’t really want to get on the road, afraid of being seen. Not sure what Blane would think or do, but I couldn’t take that risk. Sighing, I sat on the ground, leaning up against a tree. Trying to force myself to relax and breath through the pain. My muscles ached, and I felt like I had been walking for hours already. In reality, it probably had only been a half hour at most. Wishing that I had ate before I left, waking up Blane for food would have been counter-productive. Now my body was tired, and weary. My insides felt like they were vibrating. My hands were cold and clammy, cussing at myself once again as I brushed the dirt off my pants in aggravation. Now so far away from Blane, my empath abilities were becoming unbearable, more and more with each step I take. Usually, they hit me like a ton of bricks, luckily I was pretty far away from civilization and it hadn’t gotten that bad yet. Looking around I knew the closer I get to town, the worse it was going to get. Hoping that I could continue to fight my way through the pain.

Leaning my head back onto the rough surface of the tree, rubbing my temples. I know I shouldn’t stop. Telling myself to get up and start walking again. Wondering, if Blane was still asleep or if he was already looking for me. Standing up on unsteady legs, I picked a direction and kept moving.

.  .  .  .  .  .

Waking up, he was startled when he realized he had fallen asleep. Putting his hand out across the bed and finding it empty he sat up, concerned. In one leap his feet hit the floor, making his clothes materialize on his body as he walked to the bathroom. Knocking, with no response he opened the door. Looking in, his blood ran cold. Looking towards the door to the hallway the locks had not been bothered. Turning and walking to the balcony, one door was opened slightly.

“Damn it!” Had I fallen asleep and not waken when someone took her? That seemed rather unlikely. Knowing her screams would have woke him up. Running onto the balcony and looking down, he jumped down to the ground. Looking around on the ground he spotted one set of tracks going off into the woods. Looking into the woods, wondering how this could be? His ego wounded, his mind not knowing what to think. Running, following the tracks into the woods. He wanted to teleport out, get to her faster. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible. Not knowing how much of a head start she had he ran as quickly as he could. Dodging branches and brush, hoping a demon hadn’t gotten to her. At the same time, hoping that was the only explanation for her disappearance.

Stumbling, I caught myself before I fell face first into a tree. Steadying myself against the hard, cold bark I rested again. I knew I couldn’t keep stopping, my body and my mind had other idea’s however. My headache was getting worse and I was starting to feel a lot of emotions that weren’t my own. This told me I was getting closer to either civilization, or just a house in general. Knowing I was out in the middle of nowhere, I guessed it was a house. Looking around the dense forest, I was actually surprised I hadn’t been attacked yet. Knowing this was the real reason why not having anywhere to go wasn’t top on my list. They will catch up with me sooner, rather than later. Just hoping they would kill me rather than torture me. I didn’t have a death wish, but I really didn’t want tortured either.

I knew this tree wasn’t the best option to sit at, being out in the open but I was too tired to care. Sinking down and pulling the tie out of my hair I let the weight of it fall onto my shoulders. Hoping it would help my headache a little. A little was about all the relief I got. A twig snapped out in the distance, making me jump. Scanning the woods uncomfortably I came up empty handed. Reassuring myself that it was only an animal. To be on the safe side, I slumped down onto the ground out of sight. The only thing I could feel at that moment was my heart pounding in my chest. Now hearing rustling coming closer I stood quietly, turning to run.

Running straight into a demon, I shrieked and stumbled back falling onto the ground.

“Sssso nicccce to ssssee you alone. Where’ssss the little angel?” He slithered out.

He was disgusting looking. Brown scaly skin, with a long forked tongue that stuck out when he spoke. Flame red eyes, that were small slits on his head, deformed nose. I could feel the bile rising up in my throat.

“Don’t worry about him.” I said protectively, standing up and starting to run the opposite direction. When he reappeared in front of me again, I knew running was futile.

“No usssse running little girl. You are going to my masssster.”

Disappearing, he was now at my back his long scaly arm around my neck. Dragging me backwards while I kicked and screamed until he squeezed so hard the world went dark.

.  .  .  .  .  .

Setting off into a sprint, he could hear her screaming. Finally teleporting to the spot he thought it came from in the forest, it was empty. Looking around at the ground he could now see two sets of foot prints, one not human. “Damn it.” He roared as the threw his head back, never admitting defeat. He wanted her back. It was now personal and he was going to kill anyone, or anything that got into his way.

Just as he was plotting his revenge and how to get her back, that familiar voice sounded in his head.

“Blane, you are needed at the chambers of the High Council immediately.”

“I can’t now. My assignment. She is missing.” He said, trying to hide the fact that it was getting personal, that he was in love.

“We have something that will help. Come immediately.”

Resisting the urge to cuss, “As you wish.” Teleporting away from the forest and into the heavens.

Walking up the familiar steps into the grand majestic building, usually he took his time. Admiring and missing the place he called home. Now, he was in a hurry and resented the interruption. Now when he thought of home, it was with Carma. Anywhere Carma was, that was his home now.

Walking up to the table that rose high above him in a balcony, he looked up at the members. Bowing his head and bending on one knee. It killed him, each time he had to do it. That act was just not built into him. Being submissive to anyone was enough to piss him off. The only one to ever make him truly go to his knee’s was merely a female human. One that he was sick with worry for.

The council member in the middle seat rose and looked down upon him. “What or who you are preparing to fight for your newest assignment, should not be fought by any earthbound angel.”

“I will not back down from this assignment.” Blane said with as much respect in his voice that he could muster.

“No one is asking you to.” Raising his hands in the air, and looking towards the sky he mumbled something under his breath.

Blane fell to the ground in misery, his back was burning with a pain he hadn’t felt in hundreds of years. Sweat was piercing his skin, roaring in pain he could feel his bones crunching, reconstructing in his back. The skin breaking apart, allowing his wings to break free. Pushing himself onto his knees, his wings were allowed to take their full span. Looking back at them, they were the same white wings with hints of sliver and blue streaming through them. He didn’t know why he thought they might have changed color, but he was glad they hadn’t.

“I don’t understand.” He would rather not have them at all, than to be given them only to have them taken away again.

“You need to be at full strength to be able to fight this demon, and take back this female that they call Carma.”

Now confused, they never interjected before. He had fought some pretty nasty demons in his past, almost killing him. Why is this one assignment so important? He knew in his gut something didn’t add up.

“If you succeed, you will get to keep your wings and return to heaven as soon as we deem the girl safe and the risk minimal.”

There was a time not to long ago that he would have been happy to hear those words. Now, they cut him deep like a dagger. He did not want to return, not without her. Still happy to feel the weight of his wings on his back again he had to focus on the task at hand, and that was getting Carma back safely.

“That will be all for now Blane. We will send Alexander for you when it is time for you to come back. We are done here.” The Council member said dismissing him.

In other words, they knew with my powers back, that a simple call wouldn’t be enough to fetch me back into heaven. They would have to send brute force to insure my return.

Bowing his head, this time he didn’t have to walk out before teleporting. Being to full powers again, was exhilarating. Teleporting outside of the building he spread his wings and dove into the clouds, enjoying the feel of the wind rushing through them again. He felt better. He thought he would feel whole again, but now someone took another piece of his soul. That someone he was determined to find. Plummeting to earth and into the woods he was at just mere minutes ago, the ground shook when he landed with force.

Studying the tracks again, he recognized what species of demons it was. Three long toes that go to a point, and a thin heel. He knew who sent them for her. Those two days were cut short. It didn’t matter now, he would no longer have to prepare to say his goodbye’s just in case. Now, he knew he was coming back. Smiling, he was going to enjoy making this demon feel pain for taking her. This demon went by many names, many alias’s. The only name coming to his mind now was pain in the ass. Looking down at the ground, he mentally prepared himself, and disappeared into hell.

Coming to, my head was killing me and my arms hurt. My vision blurred, I tried focusing on the environment surrounding me. It was cold and damp and I could hear water dripping. Not what I imagined hell to be like. I expected hotter, with fire. I imagined that would come in time. Trying to move my arms, my wrists were clamped down with chains above my head to the cold stone wall. My feet were wide apart, clamped down to the rocky floor. I was scared to say anything, to mutter in pain. Knowing once they knew I was awake whatever demon, or demons would be on me like a pack of wolves. My body shaking either from shock, or from the cold, maybe both.

Looking down at what remained of my clothes, they were tattered. I remember putting up a fight, but I assumed most of them were gone for their amusement. I should have felt ashamed, standing in nothing but my bra and panties, shreds of clothes hanging off of me. However, I didn’t. The only thing I was feeling at that moment was anger.

“Ah my little empath is awake. What a prize you are.” A man said walking in.

He was dressed in a fancy, black business suit. His hair was long and jet black, with red streaks going through it. He had dark eyes, to dark and they made me want to look away. Anywhere but in that deep cesspool. He looked human, but not.

“Kiss my ass demon.” I said, lifting my chin up. If I was going to die, I was going out fighting.

“Oh, now. I might save that for later.” He said walking slowly over to me, lifting my chin up to look at him.

“I’ll die first.” Adverting my eyes in a different direction.

“You are mine now love. I can do with you what I want.”

Leaning in, taking his tongue and running it up my neck. There it was again, the bile raising in my throat. I don’t know what it was, fear maybe? My body always has such a violet reaction around demons. If I could have I would have kneed him in the groin, not caring what kind of punishment I got.

Pulling away, “You smell like him. Like Blane.” His eyebrow went up in concentration. “This may be more fun than I initially thought.”

Licking his lips and pressing in on me, he kissed my neck.

“I think I might just have to put my scent on you. To look into Blane’s eyes when he realizes that you now belong to a demon.”

“I belong to no one, especially you.” It was half the truth. I belonged to Blane and I didn’t mind.

Taking his hand, he ran it across my cheek pulling my hair back out of my face. “You are even more beautiful than I could have imagined my little empath.” Kissing my neck now. “You know you could make it easier on yourself and just take me willingly. I would keep the beatings to a minimum if you satisfied me. I may even make you my queen. You are quite stunning. You would make a good addition to my females. You could go straight to the top.”

Turning my head, trying to get away from him, “When hell freezes over. And I’m not your angel.” I spat. Before I knew what happened my head was thrown against the wall and my cheek was welling up in a bruise.

Taking his handkerchief out and rubbing his knuckles off, “You should really mind your tongue. I would hate to scar that pretty little face of yours.”

My eye was tearing up from the explosion of pain coming from my cheek. I had never been hit by a man, or demon alike before. I can say it was even worse than I could ever have imagined.

“If you think you’re going to get allegiance from me by knocking me around, your more of an idiot than I thought.”

The side of my head hit the stone again and this time I could feel blood trickle down from my lip. That hit was so hard that my vision wavered for a couple seconds afterward. Now he was using his handkerchief to wipe my blood off of his knuckles.

“Like I said Carma, you could become a great asset to me. I tend to be more gentle to my assets. I don’t plan on killing you, rather using your abilities of discerning lies to disarm my enemies. However, if you decide not to cooperate I will have no problem killing you. Even torturing you before I do.”

“What would make you think that I would ever help you?”

Getting close to my face again, “Maybe, I’ll kill Blane faster if you do. I won’t put him through near the torture you will feel if you don’t help me.”

Ouch, now that hit me where it hurt. Looking at him, I knew it wasn’t wise to make deals with demons. I knew Blane would come after me, most likely he would find me and he would die for his efforts. Even if I could save his life, Blane wouldn’t quit until either he was dead, or the demon was dead. Any deals probably wouldn’t matter. Still, something to keep in the back of my head.