Demons: The Ravyn Series Read online

  I drank quickly as my hand pressed lightly at the back of her neck, keeping her against my mouth. Her body began to tremble and shudder against me as her moans echoed through the cabin, the orgasm erupting through her body. Taking only what I needed I pulled away, licking her wound and the evidence of my true nature away.

  I moved the woman to the empty space beside me, her eyes revealing her blissful state as she reached for me. “You’ve had too much to drink, my dear. Sleep now and wake with no memory of this.” Her eyes closed as soon as the words left my mouth. The creature quickly shrank back within me, feeling the relaxing calm her blood offered me. The whirling thoughts cleared out as they always did after I fed.

  Now before you go jumping to conclusions, I am NOT a vampire! Vampire’s don’t even exist, however, demons do. We demons come in many different shapes and sizes, different colors as well. All demons have an affinity for blood, it makes our powers stronger and quenches the only hunger we suffer from. Some need to drink more than others, while a few can survive without it. I prefer to feed every few weeks, though if I am badly injured, feeding speeds up the healing process. I also have a tendency to feed during sex.

  I rarely fed on the same person, but every human has a distinct flavor and the flight attendant was like my favorite home cooked meal. That being said, I fed from her a little too often and doing so, created a need within her. It was as if her body knew exactly what I was and what I would take from her.

  I also prefer to drink from women. They taste better and I enjoy using my power of suggestion which gives a certain sexual pleasure to the donor. I don’t care to give that pleasure to men. I can also make a feeding particularly painful as well.

  Demons have a human form and a demon form. If we didn’t, things would get pretty messy on earth with all of us roaming around in scary demon form. I, however, would have very little trouble fitting in. As far as I could tell, my demon form was broken. Meaning I change very little in appearance, which is probably attributed to me being a half breed. My terrifying demon form consists of my fingers growing slightly longer, accented by two inch dagger like unbreakable finger nails, my fangs, my eyes turn completely black, and of course the extra armor like bone which encases my heart and hurts like a bitch. Other than that my almost translucent skin is the only thing that makes humans stare at me. Well, unless they’re checking me out.

  A majority of demons are among the most beautiful people in human form. And nearly all demons carry some sort of animal trait within, so when they release the demon their form changes. Some get as little as larger ears or a tail while others become very animalistic. I’ve witnessed full blooded demons who appear to be humanoid tigers and even a wolf. This is probably were the werewolf myth stems from. But just like the vampire myth they were cases of frightened humans making up stories.

  Some demons live peaceful little lives, trying to be as human as possible. While some are very into business and success and some revel in chaos and destruction. As for myself, I settle on causing chaos and destruction for those who initially caused the chaos and destruction. I kill as ruthlessly as they do and for that, I am no better than the scum bags I kill. But I’m damn good at it. Besides, better to kill the bad instead of the innocent, right? This was my constant claim of reasoning, but it’s not the whole truth. I loved the fight and the bad guys offered a better one.

  I know what I am. I’m dangerous and my abilities far exceed most demons. Which is exactly why I left my childhood friend. I never knew what I was nor what I was capable of, but one day six years ago everything changed.

  My mother was human and the father I had never met was apparently a full blooded demon which makes me a half-breed. Half human-half demon. Full bloods are born with all of their powers and abilities. Half-breeds are not. Our demon must be awakened, usually by a devastating life event. Mine was my mothers murder. My demon roared to life and I changed. My fathers parting gift to me I guess.

  I was scared, so I ran. Disappeared and swore never to return. I hated leaving Kara, but she was safer, or so I thought, with me gone. Now she had a price tag on her head for some unknown reason. I could only hope this was some false accusation by the Prophets. Maybe she wouldn’t even remember me. I could only hope. Thankfully, the rhythmic hum of the jet began to lull me to sleep.

  Young Kara sat on worn shag carpeting in the small room her legs crossed, Indian style. The room almost pitch black, only the soft glow of orange light seeping through the thin curtains from the street light outside. The dim light reflected off the shiny wax of the arrangement of unlit candles laid out in front of her. I laid on my side, just a few inches behind her on the floor, watching as her thoughts entered my mind without a peep. Are you watching? A gentle hand on the small of her back my only response.

  One by one, the candles burst to life. When they were all lit, she giggled with excitement. She held her open hand over the flames then quickly closed it and with that, the flames were extinguished. I clapped softly in approval as I witnessed her power. “You’re getting stronger. Pretty soon you will be able to beat me,” I played.

  She leaned back and rested her head on my stomach. Her long honey blond hair pooled over my exposed skin, feeling like I was being draped in satin. Her eyes were the prettiest I’d ever seen, like big dark turquoise gems. They seemed to melt away my rough edges. She had long lashes and high cheekbones, small pert nose, and plump perfectly curved lips. Kara didn’t have a single flaw and as if her face wasn’t perfect enough, she had the body of a super model goddess, only in a shorter package.

  “Yeah? You think so?” she giggled. My hand played with her hair, as it always seemed to be drawn to it. “No,” I replied, with a straight face. She stared up at me, a sexy smile dancing across her lips. Suddenly, a book flew off the shelf towards me. I caught it with ease, only inches from my head and read the title aloud, “To Kill a Mockingbird.” I then held it out to her. “You going to read it?” I grinned.

  She snatched it from me. “How do you move so fast?” she wondered aloud, in defeat. “I don’t know. How do you do the things you do?” I questioned. Kara moved, sliding her body next to mine. Her eyes searching mine for truth as she lay next to me. “Do I scare you?” she questioned back. “Terribly. I’m pretty sure you could bury me in books and set me on fire without lifting a finger.” I laughed loudly as she giggled with me and hit my stomach, not amused by my joke. I rolled onto my side to face her, she watched me, but remained still. “Do I scare you?” I gazed into her eyes searching for a reaction. She didn’t so much as blink as she held my stare. “No,” she whispered with a smile.

  My eyes popped open just as the wheels of the jet skidded onto the tarmac. A soft growl revealed my irritation. “Damn dreams!” Worse though, my dream was a playback of long lost memories. Memories I never wanted to dig up.

  I looked through the small rectangle window, furrowed my brow and let the scowl wash over my face. I could already smell the foul air of Chicago and the door was still sealed tight as the jet was taxied to the private sector of Midway airport. It had been two years since I had been home and it was still a shit hole, but it was my shit hole. I had earned a feared reputation among my kind in the Chicago land area and was proud to have it.

  The jet rolled to a stop as I looked at the still sleeping woman. Deciding not to wake her, I opened the door and smiled when I was greeted by my car just outside the door. My crimson red Ferrari 458 Italia glistened in the late afternoon sun, welcoming me home. Sexy, is the perfect word to describe it. Along with money, came a taste for finer things and yes I enjoyed those finer things very much.

  I lit a cigarette and pulled my cell phone from my pocket as I headed for the car. I figured now was a good time to call Nebiros, my good friend and self proclaimed guardian. He was more like a father to me, though he would never claim to be a fatherly figure. If I could say anyone had my trust, it was Nebiros. Actually I would be willing to trust him with my life.

  “Ravyn, how was your trip, my dear?” Nebiros answered on the second ring, his hoarse, baritone voice instantly sent a calm through me. Some times, I wished I had his calming abilities.

  “Not good, I declined my services.” I couldn’t help but sigh, I was in up to my ears.

  “Ah, I see. What is your reasoning, sister?” He asked, his words always carried an ancient eloquence.

  “Kara Wombley,” I grumbled, not in the least bit thrilled with this case.

  “I see. Thee Kara, I presume,” Nebiros said, with a sudden interest.

  “Yes, Nebiros! Thee Kara!” I snapped, flicking my cigarette butt across the tarmac before sliding into my car.

  “I have always fancied meeting her. I suppose I will have the chance at last,” he said with a light chuckle. “Tell me what you know, my dear.”

  I told him every detail of my business trip as I weaved through the always heavy Chicago traffic, heading towards Kara’s house. It was actually her mother’s house. I knew it well because I grew up in the home right next door.

  Nebiros seemed unaffected by Gabriel’s sudden kindness and the fact that Kara was the target. He also agreed that I would not be the only one currently hunting her down, since the Prophet’s ordered the hit. They were sloppy. Often sending the information to anyone with a bad reputation, like the Old West wanted posters. Only Kara’s would read: WANTED DEAD.

  After filling in Nebiros, he thought it best if we split up. Nebiros would go to Kara’s home and I would check her mother’s business. Between the two of us we couldn’t miss her. I just hoped I wasn’t too late.

  After hanging up, I headed straight there, trying to think of a plan. The only plan I could come up with involved three steps. First, stay out of sight. I didn’t want Kara or her mother, Emma, to know I was around. Second
, kill anyone who got near them. Of course, only bad guys. And third, find out why the Prophets wanted her dead. Once those were complete, then I would figure out the next step or steps.

  I thought it was a good start. After all, this couldn’t be a very hard case. I have certainly had tougher ones, like the time I had to track and kill an irate Kraken. Talk about tough. No, I’m not talking about a squid. A Kraken is a huge dragon looking thing with four arms and two legs. Its hands and feet are webbed and accompanied by massive claws, and it has a long flat tail with sharp spikes cresting the tip. It has teeth like a crocodile only more of them and much bigger. Top that off with armor like scales, the Kraken was a major pain in my ass. So by all means, this should be an easy case.

  Chapter Two

  Ravyn

  Unexpected Surprises

  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, along with a decent money maker. Emma’s blood line spanned over centuries, a long line of very powerful witch’s, 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, her deep blue eyes, slender body, and angelic face. And at the age of, now thirty-eight, she could have passed as Kara’s older sister. I mean she looked like she was maybe twenty-seven. I watched her shufflee 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 to be forever. The sun had set a while ago, so my thinking maybe Kara was on break was no longer an option. 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. The very definition was created by Emma and my mother. 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 own the barren property and pay for the lawn up keep. A single willow tree stands 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 pin striped suit and black fedora walked towards the store entrance breaking 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’s in the same business I am. Not to mention he was a hoot to hang out with. Devlin was one I considered to be a friend and a pretty good one. We 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 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 is 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 door. Step one was about to be thrown out the fucking window. Fuck! Not a good start Ravyn! I silently chided myself as I stepped into the store.

  Devlin turned to find me leaning up against the check out counter, a devilish smile firmly planted on my lips. Emma’s eyes also found me, her anger quickly melted to 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 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 wide. 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 was 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 tell tale 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 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.