I pulled into the small parking lot in front of the shop Wicca’s Delight. The store had always been Emma’s pride and joy, as well as a decent moneymaker. Emma’s bloodline spanned centuries, a long line of very powerful witches, and Kara was graced with the magical blood. I sat with the car running as I peered through the large windows that lined the front of the store.
Kara was nowhere that I could see, but there, looking more chipper than ever, was her mother, Emma. She looked exactly the same as the day I left. Her long, dark brown hair was pulled back into a braid; she had deep blue eyes, a slender body, and an angelic face. And at the age of thirty-eight, she could have passed as Kara’s older sister. I mean, she looked like she was maybe twenty-seven. I watched her shuffle gracefully around the store, stocking and cleaning; she appeared to be talking, but with no one else in the store, I imagined she was singing.
I sat in my car for what seemed like forever. The sun had set a while ago, so my idea that maybe Kara was on break was clearly not the case. Memories of my past flooded me as I watched Emma moving back and forth, answering the phone in between stocking. She had been best friends with my mother since elementary school. Talk about everlasting friendship. Emma and my mother created the very definition. The friendship seemed to pass to Kara and I because we were inseparable; until my mother was murdered, that is.
I buried the past with my anger, willing myself to forget. I burned my childhood home along with every memory in it. I still owned the barren property and paid for the lawn upkeep. A single willow tree stood in the center of the lot in memory of my mother. I hadn’t thought of my past for at least three years, and now, I was drowning in it.
A man wearing a black pinstriped suit and black fedora walked towards the store entrance, interrupting my thoughts as I instantly recognized him.
“Devlin,” I said to myself with a smile.
Devlin was a prominent business owner and a full-blooded demon who enjoyed bounty hunting on the side. Unfortunately, he was very good at it. Devlin was also very handsome. He was tall, almost seven feet, with very broad shoulders and a wide chest that slimmed at his waist. He was built like a concrete wall.
I watched as Devlin approached Emma, a smile taking over as her eyes scanned his body. He tipped his hat as he greeted her, no doubt trying to get in her pants. Devlin had a reputation with the ladies; he could never keep his snake in his pants. He would be working his charm on her, which was stronger than any I had ever witnessed. He could control humans without even touching them, and if he did touch human skin, they were instantly his.
I couldn’t hate him though; he was in the same business I was, not to mention he was a hoot to hang out with. I considered Devlin to be a friend and a pretty good one. We had even worked together on several occasions.
I tensed, as the two seemed to be having a heated conversation. It was obvious Emma was very upset about something Devlin had said. I have fantastic hearing but at this distance and with the glass barrier, I couldn’t make out a word. Suddenly, Emma slammed the pile of books on the counter, her braid wagging as she shook her head and thrust her finger up, poking Devlin’s solid chest. What the fuck was she thinking? I wondered if she was really brave or just plain stupid.
When Devlin grabbed her arm, none too gently, and glared down at Emma, I didn’t wait to see what would happen next. My car was off and I was at the door before I could process another thought.
I opened the door, hearing the wind chime sing against the glass. Step one was about to be thrown out the fucking window. Fuck! Not a good start, Ravyn! I silently chided myself while I stepped into the store.
Devlin turned to find me leaning up against the checkout counter, a devilish smile firmly planted on my lips. Emma’s eyes also found me, her anger quickly melting into shock.
“Ah, Ravyn. What a delicious surprise!” Devlin’s rich English accent spilled out as his eyes greedily groped my body.
“Devlin,” I greeted him, stepping toward him. “May I ask why you are being so hostile with my darling Emma?” I asked in a calm, steady voice.
He wisely let go of her arm before stepping away from her, as his eyes flicked from Emma to myself. “My dear, you make false assumptions. When did you get back in town?” Devlin’s charm had no affect on me and he knew it, but he always kept up the appearance of a constant gentleman, which was his nature unless he was angered.
“I just got back. I could use a drink if you don’t have any further business here?” I suggested, truly wanting a drink but also just wanting to get Emma clear of my kind.
I could see Emma struggling to find the words for my sudden appearance back in her life and gave her a deadly smile that kept her mouth shut.
“As luck would have it, you, my dear Ravyn, are just the person I was hoping to see.” Devlin smiled a little too widely.
He was up to something, or maybe he had information for me. Either way, it looked like I was headed to the very popular club DEVLIN’S.
“I’ll drive since you''re buying. Leave me with Emma for a moment if you don’t mind.” My firm voice wasn’t asking for his permission, and Devlin knew to wait outside.
Emma stared at me. A cocktail of emotions stirred through her as I stared back. “Rav—”
I held my hand up, stopping her before she could even say my name. Then my touch found her hand as our eyes locked. “Go home, lock the doors, and stay there. Answer the door for no one other than myself or Kara.” With my orders, the emotions drained from her. I left her standing confused and compelled to obey my words.
Devlin was gone, which made me believe he knew more than he wanted to admit, but there were two unpleasant-looking men waiting by my car. I didn’t recognize either of them, which was normal since they were human.
They were dressed in the same dirty torn-up jeans and bulky coats. One was much older; they looked like father and son. They tried to appear menacing, and maybe they might have if I were just a little human woman, but I’m not.
“You boys need something?” I asked casually as I rounded the front of my car, taking note of the young man’s nervous twitches. It’s a telltale sign of trouble, and these two were about to find out I was the only trouble in this parking lot.
“You the one they call Ravyn?” the old man asked as he followed a couple steps behind me.
I stopped and smiled at the man over my shoulder. “That’s my name.” No sooner did the words leave my mouth than his fist was coming at my face. He was slow even for a human; I caught it before it got anywhere near my face. I would have had plenty of time to kill them both before they could react if the young man hadn''t had a gun.
Three quick shots rang out behind me; three bullets penetrated my back. If that wasn''t bad enough, something large and sharp ripped through me, revealing itself just below my sternum, thankfully missing my heart.
“I got it, Pa! I killed me a vampire!” the young hillbilly exclaimed with pride.
I, on the other hand, was pissed. That stupid fucker just called me a vampire and worse, tried to kill me with silver bullets and a fucking wooden stake!
I doubled over howling in pain, twitching as I crumbled to my knees. I even sprinkled in some horrible gasping noises. My little act drew the two men next to my dying self.
“Is she dying, Pa? I thought they ’splode or go to ash.”
The young retard was so serious in his questions I couldn’t stop myself from laughing. I had a good laugh as I rose to my feet. The men were truly stunned by my performance; they stood frozen in fear and confusion as I yanked the stake from my chest. Holding it like an Oscar, I finished my charming act.
“I’d like to thank the Academy and all of my fans.” I looked from one man to the other as I accepted my award in my fake crying voice. Killing is more enjoyable when you mix in a little humor.
Since the two believed I was a vampire, I gave them a vampire death. Ripping their throats out, I drank every last drop. My wounds healed almost immediately after my meal, which meant I would need a little help digging the bullets out, but my shirt and coat were ruined.
Tossing my ruined coat in the passenger seat, I started the car. Its luscious purr made me smile as I pulled onto the street. I looked at the clock, 11:18 p.m. Time for that drink at the favorite demon watering hole in downtown Chicago, which happened to be owned by the one and only Devlin.
He would get a kick out of my almost fatal encounter with the hillbilly vampire hunters. Maybe he knew something about them? Was he looking for me to warn me? Any information gained from Devlin was never free. Suddenly, I cringed at the thought of owing him a favor. Devlin always wanted sexual favors in return.
As I rolled down Michigan Avenue, the aptly named DEVLIN’S came into view. It was one of the shorter buildings on the posh street. It stood only seven stories tall, but you couldn’t miss it. The rectangular building appeared to be made of black glass with white strobe running lights up each corner, similar to the lights on Luxor in Vegas. The large red neon DEVLIN’S sign sat perched on the very top of the building.
The turnoff led me directly into the building; the bottom three floors served as a parking garage, which happened to be valet only. Stopping next to the long black lacquer valet booth, I put the car in neutral, then dug my slim wallet and fresh pack of cigarettes out of my coat, pulling two fifties from the wallet before I stepped out of the car.
A tall, husky black man wearing a black suit approached me immediately, followed by a slender woman wearing black jeans and a red shirt that read VALET in black lettering. Her long black hair was tied in a ponytail, her red lips smiling at me as she eyed my car. I hated to admit it, but I was a regular here and knew the pair well enough to be friendly.
“Hey, Ravyn,” Lola greeted me as she handed me the valet ticket.
“Lola, take good care of my baby,” I said, slipping her a fifty dollar bill.
“You know it. Have fun.” She winked as she got into the car and drove into the parking garage.
I turned my attention back to Butch, the security guard, who was now standing directly in front of me, which made me take a step back. I looked up to find him smiling with brows raised.
“What’s up, Butch?” I greeted him as he eyed me.
“Rough day?” he asked. I looked down, realizing I had forgotten to remove my weapons. I had also forgotten about the holes decorating my shirt. I spun around slowly to show Butch just how rough my day had been. “Hmm. Definitely a bad day. You here for Devlin?” His smooth, sweet voice hinted at concern.
Turning back to him, I nodded. “Official VDA business. Is he here?” I asked. VDA stands for Vatican Detective Agency. I even carried an identification badge in my wallet. Perks of the job.
“You know you can’t go in the clubs with those weapons,” Butch reminded me.
“Yeah, tell Devlin to buzz me up. I’ll leave them in his office until I leave.”
Butch returned to the valet booth and picked up the phone. He spoke quietly as he informed Devlin I was here to see him. Butch hung up and escorted me to the large glass elevator behind the booth and hit the button. When the doors opened the song “Elevator” by Krizz Kaliko thumped loudly. The song was programmed to loop constantly in the elevator, which seemed fitting for Devlin’s clubs.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
“Have a good night, Ravyn,” Butch said with a smile as I stepped in.
The plush royal purple and silver colored carpet had a spiral design to it, which was pretty badass if you ask me.
As the elevator passed each floor it revealed what entertainment each level held. Fourth floor was a sports bar, filled with TVs, pool tables, and dartboards. Fifth floor held the dance club, complete with a packed dance floor, circular bar, thumping music, and flashing lights. The sixth floor held a strip club, very clean and luxurious. Red velvet sofas, chaise lounges, and loveseats lined the room, along with a small top shelf bar, and of course the stage, complete with a brass pole.
I passed by the clubs, heading to the seventh floor, which was Devlin’s penthouse and office. There was no button for the seventh floor. The only way to get there was by security code, which had to be entered by Devlin’s own fingers. Smart. Very smart.
When the elevator stopped, Devlin was waiting, leaning against his front door wearing only jeans. I stepped out into the small corridor in front of his door, exhaling a loud sigh. Another smart move; kudos to Devlin.
“Ravyn, dear, I apologize for leaving you to drive yourself here, but business was calling.” He smiled; it was a very sexual smile.
“I need a hand and a shirt if you don’t mind.” My tone was grumpy and impatient as I walked to his door.
He opened it and followed me in. “I see you found trouble.” He chuckled, fingering one of the holes in the back of my shirt before giving my ass a good smack. I let the ass smacking go since I was in need of some medical assistance.
Devlin’s house was all white with black accents here and there. It was also extremely modern, with swerving couches and curved tables. Nothing had a straight edge, not even the white walls. The fluorescent lights only magnified the astounding white, causing me to squint something terrible. It was a cool bachelor pad, but I could never live in such a place. It was far too bright for my sensitive eyes.
“My dear, I forget how the light bothers you.” It was something close to an apology, then the lights were off and the fireplace provided soft natural lighting in the open room. “In my bedroom, dear. I’ll have you fixed up in no time,” he assured me.
“Thanks.”
I lay on Devlin’s massive round bed with my weapons in a pile on his floor, along with my shirt. Devlin straddled the back of my thighs, making me sigh again.
“Try to relax. You’re all tensed up,” he insisted as his finger poked at my back.
“I’m trying,” I snapped as his finger pressed on one of the bullets lodged under my perfectly healed skin.
“Found one,” he said, chuckling. “You do heal amazingly well for a half-breed, dear. Then again, you seem to be amazing at everything you do.”
“Ha! If I were that amazing you wouldn’t be digging bullets out of me right now.” I felt the cool wet marker trace around the bullet.
“So hard on yourself.” Devlin finished tracing the other two, then got up. “Don’t go anywhere.”
Like I was going anywhere anyway. I closed my eyes, wishing I could start this day over. If I could, I never would have gone to Vatican City. I would have been better off not knowing anything about it. I think? Oh, who was I trying to kid? I would have found out she was a target anyway. Damn it!
Devlin came back just in time to hear me sigh again, and then again when he insisted on groping my ass, again! I was in no way scared of Devlin and should have been used to his hands all over my body by now, but my head was too full at the moment and that would not bode well for his sex games.
“Devlin, please. I’m in no mood for your wandering hands right now,” I said, my voice too exhausted to be threatening.
“You sound like you could use the Devlin special, my dear,” he offered.
His fingertips gently brushed along my side, instantly making me tense and shiver at the same time. I suddenly burst into laughter at his ridiculous comment. “Is that what you’re calling it these days?” I asked, trying to contain my laughter. “What you should call it is the painfully sadistic pounding!”
Devlin’s sinfully charming smile returned as he leaned over to retrieve one of the small daggers tucked in my gun belt. “You should try it again, my dear. You’re the only one who has ever complained. Besides, your dissatisfaction holds my fascination,” he proclaimed in a somewhat deflated tone.
“Devlin, you know I have no interest in your penis, or any other penis for that matter. I did what I thought I had to do. The sooner you realize that, the sooner you can get over your fascination.” I knew I was wasting my breath. The male body just doesn''t tickle my peach. But I was glad that our friendship didn''t suffer for it. He seemed to understand while always looking for a shot at redemption.
Yes, I prefer women, but I have used my banging female body to get information. I learned quickly that fear works more miracles than sex, and playing my cards right with Devlin meant I would never suffer through the painfully rough sex again. I was about to start playing my cards when I heard his front door open.
“Devlin? Where are you?” Lilith’s high-pitched voice sang into the bedroom.
She was Devlin’s prized hottie and live-in lover. Lilith was not a demon, but a goddess. Yes, a goddess. Picture the original blonde-haired, long-legged, large perky-breasted, golden tan-skinned Barbie. That was the spitting image of Lilith, only she had lavender eyes. Lilith was also a friend of mine, who happened to be a former lover. If demons have a bad sexual appetite, then for Lilith, it was like crack. She was always looking for it and always got it.
“In the bedroom, my love,” Devlin called to her.
“Is everything o…” Lilith stopped as she entered the room carrying a small medical box. “Ravyn,” she purred breathlessly.
“Hello, Lilith,” I said while checking her out. She wore a white sleeveless dress, which hugged her body, stopping just below her backside, no panties and white thigh-high stilettos to match.
“What have you gotten yourself into now?” she said with concern, setting the medical box next to Devlin and giving him a tender kiss before sitting next to me. Her fingers slid through my hair.
“You know me, Lilith. Always drawn to the action,” I said. Devlin chuckled, no doubt at the double meaning.
Lilith had nothing in return for my comment, for which I was thankful. Instead, she tugged at the pillow on which my head was resting and held out a different one to replace it.
“Here, use Devlin’s pillow. I like mine too much to see it ruined.”
“Thank you, Lilith,” I said as I switched pillows with her.
“You might want to let that baby demon out right about now,” Devlin teased, but also warning me of impending pain as he plucked the tools from the medical kit.
“Baby demon!” I scoffed at the most irritating of pet names he had given me. “My demon may be a bit broken, but I am still a fucking badass. Even you have to admit that, Devlin,” I exclaimed my awesomeness proudly while letting my barely-there demon out. Lilith’s high-pitched giggle agreed.
Devlin replied with the cold, sharp steel of the knife coupled with a chuckle. The unexpected slicing of my skin made my body tense and my hands clutch Devlin’s pillow, and my claws ripped right through it. I buried my face in the pillow while trying to grit and bear the pain.
Yes, I feel pain, as do plenty of other demons, but it is a temporary pain due to my incredibly fast healing abilities, which most demons don’t have. Devlin and Lilith were quiet as they worked in tandem to dig the bullets out before I could heal. After the first one was removed, I steadied my body and forced it to remain relaxed for the next two. I was successful, as were my two doctors. The procedure lasted a total of six minutes, seven if you include my healing.
The two disappeared into the bathroom, so I pulled my “baby demon” back in before they returned. Lilith sat on the bed and began wiping my back down with a wet towel, cleaning it of blood.
“There. All done,” she declared as Devlin approached with a tall metal trash can in hand. Lilith tossed in the bloody towel, where it joined the others.
“Ravyn, dear? Will you be keeping your shirt as a memento?” Devlin asked.
I sat on the edge of the bed with my back to the pair and grabbed my ruined shirt, tossing it over my shoulder to Devlin. I gathered my weapons and covered myself with one arm, then grabbed Devlin’s massacred pillow.
“Sorry about this,” I said, holding the pillow up.
“Hmm, I guess I should be grateful for your baby demon or I would be without a bed as well,” he snickered, leading the way back into the living room where he retrieved a new black tank top, adorned with Devlin''s name in red lettering across the chest.
"Hey, how do you know Emma? I mean, you two looked rather acquainted,” I asked, pulling the shirt on.
"You''ve been out of town for quite a long time, Ravyn. There are some things that have been brought to my attention while you were away. Things you''re not going to like. I think it would be good to have this discussion over a drink."
I knew then that he had plenty of information for me, and it was probably about my new assignment.
I asked, "Shall we get that drink then?"
Devlin nodded before disappearing back into the bedroom, only to return a moment later wearing his own DEVLIN''S t-shirt, which fit snugly over his wide chest. I followed Lilith to the front door, laying my weapons on the entry table when Devlin''s large hands caught my waist and pulled me back against his warm, hard body.
"Do not forget where you are tonight, my dear. I will not have you lose that temper of yours in my establishment,” he warned softly in my ear.
I nodded, removing his hands from my body as I turned to look up into his eyes. My senses were now heightened with suspicion. Devlin had only reminded me to mind my manners one other time, and that was when my bounty was sitting at his bar.
"I''ll behave, I promise. Did you know those men were waiting for me when you left Emma''s?" I asked. The surprise in his eyes revealed he had no clue what I was talking about.
"Ravyn, dear, I would never leave a friend to enjoy a fight without me. I thought we were better friends than that." His tone carried a slight sadness.
Giving him a smile, I wrapped my arm around his waist, pulling him out the door. "We are."
With an arm draped around me and Lilith, Devlin''s calming allure rushed over me as we stepped into elevator. It was one of his amazing gifts. He also had the gift of humor. I was glad to have Devlin by my side on this night. It being Friday night, the odds of us having a quiet conversation were slim, but at least I was in good company.
The elevator doors opened to the dance club. The music thumped rather loudly for my sensitive ears, although a non-demon establishment would have been much worse. Devlin smiled down at me before slowly leading us into the crowd, which parted like the Red Sea. A thick cloud of cigar and cigarette smoke enveloped us along with the smell of booze, sweat, fear, and perfume.
We made our way to the always-reserved large circular booth tucked away in the corner furthest from the DJ booth and dance floor. It was Devlin''s official spot, where he could keep an eye on everything happening in his club. From there, you could see behind the half-moon bar, along with the entrance and dance floor. The only private place was the restroom, but Devlin was a smart business man and always cautious.
The booths were crimson leather, the tables black lacquer. There was shiny black marble flooring that led to the beautiful black wood dance floor in the back. It was the bar that was the real eye-catcher though. It featured a black marble bar top and lighted red panels making up the lower half. Mirrors lined the wall behind the hundreds of bottles on the shelves, which also glowed crimson. It was easy on the eyes here in Devlin''s club.
Remy, the regular and spectacular bartender, was serving as cocktail waitress tonight and rushed to our table as soon as we were seated. Her long wavy hair was a natural deep, dark red, which almost looked purple in the red lights of the club. She had pale, flawless skin and big bright green eyes. She was about the same height as me and as slender, though her assets were a bit bigger.
Tonight Remy wore black leather shorts that barely covered her bottom and a green half tank top with DEVLIN''S across her chest in black lettering. The large ruby belly button ring looked great on her, as did the black lace choker with a ruby pendant. Remy was my most recent former lover.
“Hey Devlin, Lilith . . . Ravyn?” Remy''s soft raspy voice greeted us, but her eyes stayed fastened on me. "What can I getcha to drink?"
"I''ll take the usual dear.” Devlin smiled softly.
"Kettle One and cranberry for me please, sweetie,” Lilith said to Remy''s chest.
Remy looked at me with an anxious smile and waited. "The usual,” I replied with a wink that made her smile widen before she walked away with a little extra sway in her hips.
Devlin grinned at me while shaking his head. "She''s been asking about you quite a bit.”
Lilith rolled her eyes at the comment, which I chose to ignore. "So tell us about your travels and what finally brings you back to us,” Lilith asked with excitement. She always loved to hear my stories.
Remy came back with a bottle of Patron Silver for Devlin and a bottle of Jack Daniels for myself, along with two rounded tumbler glasses, and Lilith''s vodka and cranberry. We indulged in our drinks and smokes while I told them about my travels, then about my encounter with the vampire hunters outside of Emma''s shop.
The two didn''t look as stunned as I would have. Instead, they looked uneasy about the situation. "You guys know about these crazy people?" I asked.
Devlin leaned back in the booth as Lilith snuggled against him. "They have become an issue while you have been away,” he acknowledged before emptying his glass.
"Vampire hunters? An issue? You mean they have been killing our kind, mistaking us for vampires?" I asked, trying to loop my mind around this ridiculousness.
"They have been successful in killing several half-breeds in the area.” Devlin disclosed the disturbing news carefully.
I was stunned. Even though I rarely made friends with half-breeds like myself, it hit too close to home. It was easier to kill half-breeds. Our hearts still pumped life through us, after all. Therein lies the connection with the vampire myth; a stake through the heart would definitely kill a half-breed. Full-bloods like Devlin and Nebiros, on the other hand, would laugh at a stake through their non-beating hearts.
"Who?" I finally asked.
"Ben, Skylar, and a few others you didn''t know." Devlin was solemn in his announcement.
Ben and Skylar were married. They were our friends and good people who had law-abiding careers. Their downfall had been the curse of survival by blood.
"Skylar was with child," Devlin said.
I had to close my eyes and bite my anger back. Taking a deep breath, I felt a cool, soft hand cover mine. I didn''t have to open my eyes to know it was Remy who had cozied up next to me. I could feel the desire rolling off of her. Opening my eyes, I looked at Devlin.
"I want any information that you have on these crazy fucks,” I said with an eerie calm.
"I was hoping you would say that. I''d like to help you with this one," Devlin offered.
That''s when I heard the DJ announce the request. "This one goes out to my girl, Kara!” The song “Dance Without You” started up.
I froze and noticed Devlin tensed at the same time. My eyes scanned the dance floor, but a crowd seemed to form a circle around it, blocking my view. Remy and Lilith left the table and headed to the dance floor as if they had been called to it. I glanced back at Devlin, who looked very nervous.
"Devlin, is that my Kara on your dance floor?" I asked, clenching my teeth.
He stood. "Ravyn, you promised me. Now go sit at the fucking bar and stay there,” he ordered and waited for me to grab my new seat at the bar.