Demons: The Ravyn Series Read online

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty One

  Chapter Twenty Two

  Chapter Twenty Three

  About the Author

  Demons

  Book One

  of

  The Ravyn Series

  by

  Natalie Kiest

  I would like to dedicate this to my amazing sister and her wonderful husband. Thank you for always supporting me no matter what my silly endeavor may be. To my crazy niece and nephews for always keeping me on my toes. And of course mom and dad, for everything.

  Copyright © 2014 by Natalie Kiest

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  ISBN 978-0-9915244-7-1

  Chapter One

  Ravyn

  The Mission

  The sun had just begun to make its presence known to the East, in a spectacle of brilliant blues, purples, and fiery pinks. The city was quiet, with the exception of the morning song of waking birds and the steady march of boots around me as well as my own. If I had to guess, I would say the damp morning air of spring carried a chill with it. I kept my head focused on the stone path ahead while my eyes glanced at the four guards to my right. Judging by sight of their breath gracing the air, I was right.

  A smug grin lined my lips as I tried to contain my laughter at the stern, serious expression on their faces. There was no doubt that all eight of the guards around me wore the same expression. How could anyone take these silly looking men serious? Though I deeply admired the tradition of the Swiss Guard, I couldn’t help but wonder if the colorfully striped uniforms were meant to throw off any opponent. I mean they looked like a bunch of flaming gays dressed for war.

  We walked briskly along the ancient stone Passetto toward the Swiss Guard barracks. It was a rare occasion for me to be in Vatican City, but when I am asked to come, I have no choice. This was the usual drill, secretive and always escorted. I didn’t mind much considering it all was more for show, since the Guard really didn’t stand a chance against me.

  The city itself was a natural wonder, an architect’s wet dream. Every building wore the same white, sienna, or tangerine color. All with clay roofs of one of the mentioned colors and all faded with age. For one like myself, it was the power which pulsed through the ancient city like a raging heart beat, that held my fascination. Small as it may be, it held more secrets, wealth, and power than any human would care to know about. In my eyes this was the city’s saving grace.

  Staring out at the city below, I noticed one of the guard’s eyes fastened to my thighs. More to the point the custom chrome pistols with ivory grips with an inlayed raven perched on top of a human skull, holstered high on each leg. At least, I’m pretty sure that’s what held his attention. My long, black leather trench coat flapped behind my long legs doing little to cover the pistols nor my body as it failed to keep pace.

  My usual outfit of snug black leather pants, black Doc Martin steel toe boots, and black tank top showed off my toned, slender body as well as my small boobs. Most women would complain, but in my line of work, it was one less thing to worry about getting in the way. I was perfectly happy to have such small, perky breasts.

  I gave the young man, who might have been fairly handsome if wearing a different outfit, a flirtatious smile. “Like what you see?” My raspy voice teased, unable to stop myself. His eyes widened as his mouth gaped. Clearly, he wasn’t expecting that. When the guard behind him rapt him in the back with the long, wooden handle of his halberd, the young man snapped his attention forward, returning to the stern expression. The seriousness in which these men took their job caused me to laugh openly as we approached the barracks.

  The silly looking guard standing at attention quickly pulled the large arched oak door open. The guards at my sides all stopped in a perfectly timed step just outside the door, allowing me to waltz into the dimly lit room without even a pause in my step.

  The door slowly creaked until it clicked loudly behind me, as if to say there was no escape. The heavy smoke of burning frankincense immediately stung my nostrils while the pungent scent of holy water burned at my lungs. I quickly ignored the annoying scents as my eyes settled on the figure behind the desk.

  The rising sun forced its way through the single stained glass window, which favored a portrait of Jesus, shining on the man behind the large desk. His bright, red robe emanated a purple hue as the blue color in the glass settled upon him. He was handsome. He had short brown hair and brown eyes with a strong jaw line and high cheek bones that framed his face. If I had to guess, I’d say he was in his mid thirties and from the short time I had spent with him, I knew the robe hid his well defined, toned body.

  The man behind the desk motioned to the plain wooden chair in front of me as he continued to skim through the pile of papers on his desk. Stepping in front of the chair, I pushed the open flaps of my coat back behind my pistols as I took a seat. A devilish smile pulled at my naturally crimson lips when his eyes parted with his papers to find my body. Crossing my legs, I lit my cigarette and watched his eyes rake over my body.

  My skin was pale, almost translucent, without a single blemish nor scar. My black hair lay just at my shoulders, straight and always a wild sexy mess. I was a deadly dream to any God fearing man such as Gabriel. Though I much preferred a woman’s company, I loved to get under Gabriel’s skin.

  When his eyes finally met mine I gave him a wink while blowing a couple smoke rings in his direction. Clearing his throat, he averted his eyes back to his papers and began shuffling them around on his desk. “Ravyn, you look well,” he said, after a few long minutes of silence. Finishing with his papers, he reached into his desk and slid an ashtray and a large manila envelope toward me.

  I grabbed the ashtray then leaned back, leaving the envelope where it was. “Gabriel why am I here? You could have delivered this to me, like always,” I started with a bit of a childish huff. “You know I hate coming to this God forsaken place. Please, explain why it was so important for me to be here before I lose my temper,” I finished my griping.

  I had good reason to gripe. Coming to Vatican City was against the terms of my contract, not too mention I hated being here. The hypocrisy of their laws made my skin boil, but it was the same hypocrisy which brought me here. I was not welcome in this city, unless, of course, for unofficial business. Being here in Gabriel’s office meant only that, business of the unofficial kind.

  “Ravyn, you know why you’re here. I had business to tend to. Now stop whining,” Gabriel said, irritated by my child like behavior. Technically, I could be categorized as a child. I was only twenty-three and had the body of a seventeen year old, but I was just plain irritated. “Damn it, Gabriel, why don’t you take this case? I was planning on taking a vacation,” I pouted, though I really hadn’t planned anything and Gabriel saw right through me. “You? A vacation? Ha! You wouldn’t know what to do. You would just mope around looking for some trouble to stir up,” he laughed loudly.

  The bastard knew me too well. I loved my work. Although I had only been at it for five years, I was fucking good at it. Did I mention the Vatican paid incredibly well? I was already set for an eternity. “Shut up, asshole. When was the last time you took a vacation? You love your work more than I do!” I pointed out.

  Gabriel looked down at the envelope, tapping his finger against it, blushing as if he’d just been caught red handed. “I’m on vacation,” he confessed causing me to laugh loudly. The rat bastard had accused me of never taking a vacation and he’s working during his! “See Gabriel? We do have some things in common,” I rubbed in as I put out my cigarette then slid the ashtray back across his desk.

  Gabriel narrowed his eyes, obviously pissy about my comment. He never really liked me. He put up with my never ending shit because he had to. After all, we had to accomplish the jobs given to us. Truth is, he hated what I was. He also hated how he lusted over my body. “Ravyn, we have nothing in common. Why do you insist on making things difficult every time I see you?” he said through clenched teeth, barely letting the words escape.

  I was standing, leaning over, elbows firmly planted on his desk with my chin resting on my hands, invading his space before he noticed I even moved. His eyes widened but he held his ground, his face only inches away from mine. “Why are you always such a cocksucker? What I am has nothing to do with what we have in common. Besides, it was you who hired me,” I pouted in a very playful tone.

  “Yes, Ravyn. I am well aware I hired you. It pains me to admit it, but you are the best. Now sit, so we can get on with our business.” There’s the professional Gabriel I know. I smiled and eased myself back down into the chair. There was always a playful argument when you put us in a room together. Truth be told, I wanted nothing more than to rip his damn head off. I snatched th
e envelope from his desk, just wanting this visit to be over with already.

  The smell of fear and disgust was heavy now, almost overpowering the foul frankincense. How we have made it this far without killing one another was a miracle. Though I learned long ago to act the part in order to get what I wanted and every time I stepped foot around Gabriel, I put on a show. Always showing him what he wanted: a beautiful, childlike, submissive girl. I hated it. It was the exact opposite of what I really am, but I didn’t want to lose such a cush job.

  Peeling the envelope open, I pulled the file out and froze as my eyes locked onto the small photo of the beautiful, young blonde clipped to the documents. My heart seemed to stop and though I didn’t have the need to breathe, the air caught in my throat. I shook my head, trying to snap myself out of the shock. It worked and I quickly scanned the first page.

  TARGET: Kara Wombley

  AGE: 21

  ADDRESS: 2637 53rd Ave. Oak Lawn, IL

  TYPE: Witch

  MISSION: Terminate

  My eyes fell from the letter and if it was possible to become even paler, I would have. I struggled to find words, but none came. Who could possibly want to hurt Kara? She was as harmless as a fly, even less harmless if that was possible.

  “Ravyn? Do you know her?” Gabriel broke my thoughts. I nodded as I pushed the paper back into the envelope then tossed it onto his desk. My mind tried to work frantically trying to think of a possible explanation, but there simply wasn’t one. Kara was the most innocent person I had ever known. I knew everything about her. We grew up together. Her innocence was the reason I had left six years ago. Had she changed? Maybe gotten into the wrong crowd? No, that just wasn’t Kara.

  “Ravyn!” Gabriel yelled, breaking my thoughts again. “Huh?” “I can assign someone else to the case,” Gabriel softened his tone, an attempt at a sincere gesture. “Why? Why is she the target?” I asked, searching for an answer. “You know I don’t get details, only the package. I can tell you that this was ordered by the Prophets. How do you know her?” He looked at me with great concern.

  By the Prophets? I thought as I felt a sudden anger spur through me. It wasn’t unusual, since my temper had a very short, almost non existent fuse. “Cut the shit, Gabriel! You know I know her! You know everything about my past,” I shouted, letting my anger boil over. Gabriel played head games when he could and I was in no mood. He knew more about my past than I cared to remember.

  “True. Calm down and humor me for a minute,” he paused, waiting for me to acknowledge him. I nodded. Gabriel leaned back in his chair, his eyes studying me. “I’m assuming that you're not going to take the case.” I threw him a look of death, which said he was correct. He raised his hands as if to say let me finish. I bit my lip in attempt to keep my acidic words from flying out. “I am also assuming that if I put anyone else on this case, they’ll be going up against one nasty, pissed off, little lady,” Gabriel finished cautiously.

  I almost hated him for how well he knew me. “Yes, Gabriel you will. Until I find out why she is the hot item on the executioners list, no one touches her,” I warned. “And when you find out the ugly truth?” he questioned. “Who said it would be ugly and if it is, I will take the case,” I unhappily agreed.

  I could see the satisfaction glinting in Gabriel’s eyes. I narrowed my eyes, wondering what that satisfaction could be. He cleared his throat and stood. “Well, I can’t very well have a rogue agent out there. One month, Ravyn. If you haven’t figured it out by then, then you’re both as good as dead. I will find out what I can and meet with you in a week. I’ll be arriving in the states soon anyway,” Gabriel instructed in his very business like tone. “Why would you help me?” I asked, finding his actions beyond bizarre. The Gabriel I knew wouldn’t touch my dirty demon paws.

  Gabriel cocked his head to the side, his brows raised, and the disappointment on his face read like a large print book. “Think what you may of me, but it is best to play with the beast than against the beast. Besides, no matter how much I dislike you, I need you. And I must say, curiosity is at play. I have never seen you show any kindness, nor have you ever turned down a case.” Gabriel spoke as if he were reading poetry. I wasn’t ready for that response, but it sure did sound like him.

  I stood, satisfied with his response and gave him a nod. “You know what they say about curiosity,” I smiled. “Yes, yes. Something about killing cats, I believe. If the saying is true, then I believe we are both under the knife,” he spoke eloquently. I turned, not wanting to respond to that. “Take the envelope. I don’t need any suspicion.” He smiled, and bowed his head as I grabbed it then left the room in a hurry.

  I was glad to be leaving Vatican City. Though I found it ironic that I had killed so many for this so called religion. I often found my self chuckling after killing for the Church, a church which hired demons to do their dirty deeds as if it would keep their souls clean. In my eyes, they were no more innocent than I, especially Gabriel. He loved killing as much as I did. Though his reasons allowed him peace of mind. Mine, on the other hand, allowed me a good fight and a good pay check. I knew there was no heaven or hell. The Church even knew this but they used it as a power play.

  I plopped onto the plush, mocha colored, leather sofa on my private jet. Laying down, I stretched out, letting my body sink into the luxurious material. Closing my eyes, I focused my thoughts on solving this case before the Vatican could interfere. No matter how I looked at it, Gabriel’s generosity was not sitting well with me. I didn’t trust him. With the exception of a handful of people I could call my friends, I didn’t trust anyone.

  For the first time, I was questioning the Church. Questioning how they found their victims. I had always known they had dirty dealings just like everyone else, but now I wondered why. I wondered how many of my victims had been as innocent as Kara. Something inside warned me that she would be the catalyst to my undoing with the Church. I also knew it would not end peacefully. They never allowed demons to live when their work for the Church was finished.

  I shoved my thoughts aside as the gorgeous young flight attendant prepared my drink. Her wavy light brown hair fell just below her shoulders, dark brown eyes wanting what I often took from her over the years. I quickly chugged the warm whiskey. “Are you okay Ravyn?” the beautiful stewardess asked. “I’m fine, thank you,” I replied knowing I would soon take from her again. For the first time, I wondered what her name was. In the five years I had taken greedily from her, I cared little to actually find out.

  She leaned over, refilling my glass. Swallowing the contents, I set the empty glass on the heavily lacquered end table, then sat up a little too quickly for the woman. “Leave the bottle,” I instructed as I tuned in on the steady beat of her heart. She smiled and set it on the table next to the empty glass. Her movement was fluid, without fear or hesitation. My hand caught hers, ever so gently pulling her closer, until her shins bumped against the edge of the couch. Releasing her hand, I let mine settle on her hips.

  The desire began to swirl in her eyes as my hands slid down her thighs. Reaching for the hem of her mid thigh black skirt, I allowed my fingers to find her soft bare skin. Hooking my thumbs on the hem, my hands slowly crept back up, pushing her skirt up.

  Her breathing picked up, excited by my powerful touch. I leaned back and she followed, unwilling to break from my touch. I watched the craving grow in her eyes as she straddled my lap, pushing her perfect body against mine. She was my puppet as long as my touch remained. A necessary power for demons. I had learned to control my power over the years, but this only caused me to become sadistic in nature.

  My mouth watered and gums tingled, while my throat grew tight with overwhelming hunger. The familiar cracking resonated from within my body as my bones adjusted to fit the deadly creature within me. I could feel my sharp fangs grow needy as they pulsed with what felt like electric current.

  Sweeping her hair from her neck, her vein pulsing with anticipation, I could wait no more. My fangs penetrated her skin like it was nothing more than butter. My jaw locked around her delicate skin. Fangs still buried deep, I pulled back gently stretching her skin allowing the blood to easily course into my welcoming mouth.