Wicked Flames (Solsti Prophecy) (20 page)

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!
If Ria was giving Gin the “my mother is dying” spiel, that meant one thing.

That story was Ria’s cover for getting Gin out of town in the event of a supernatural emergency.

Gin ended the call, her face pale. “I have to go. Ria’s mom is really sick. Lung cancer. She-she’s dying. Ria needs me.” She began gathering up her things.

“Is she close by?”

“Yes, in a little town called Mansfied. It’s a twenty-minute drive west.”

He knew exactly where it was. A seemingly plain brick farmhouse right off the interstate, it was actually a heavily warded and well-armed safe house, prepared specifically for a threat to Gin. It had no neighbors within a square mile, which would minimize potential threats to others. No sense in sticking forty thousand college kids in the middle of a demon battle. He rubbed the back of his neck. “She’s gotta be upset. I can drive you two.”

“Yeah, she’s a mess. But she said she’s packing her car now and coming over to my place to get me.” Gin removed the slide from the microscope and threw it in the trash. She frowned at the dishes of soil on the table. “I’ll just toss those. I need more time to run the full test, anyway. I’ll do it later.”

Mathias helped her into her coat, gritting his teeth and wanting like hell to send Ria a
WTF
text. But she was a professional. Her job was security, and he knew she’d be tearing over to Gin like a hellhound to uphold her duty.

Duty
. His duty was to get her on their side.
She doesn’t get to opt out.
Arawn’s words echoed in his mind. It was time to lay his cards on the table. But not with an unknown threat looming. He’d do it when they got to the safe house.

He wrapped an arm around Gin’s shoulders as they made their way outside and over to his car. He cranked the engine, sparking the big vehicle to life, and headed out of the parking lot.

Gin buckled her seat belt and sighed. “Ria’s been telling me how her mom just keeps hanging on, fighting the cancer even though the doctors haven’t given her a good prognosis. And for her to take a bad turn now…right before Christmas…poor Ria.” Her shoulders sagged.

He reached over to caress the back of her neck. “I wish there was something I could do.”

She shook her head. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be unloading all this on you. You just got here. You haven’t even met Ria and suddenly you’re hearing her life story.”

I already know her life story
. “Hey, it’s all right. It matters to you, so it matters to me.”

He turned the corner onto her street. “Thank you.” She cast him a tiny smile. “I don’t ever have a dull day. Welcome to my crazy life.”

No, welcome to mine
. “I’m glad we met.” He brushed a lock of hair off her shoulder.

“Me too.”

He nodded, about to reply when Ria’s silver Honda whipped around the turn ahead, barreling into Gin’s parking lot.

“Whoa, holy—! That’s Ria! Where’d she learn to drive like that?” Gin gasped.

They pulled in after Ria. In a heartbeat, Gin was out the door and running to Ria. Flinging her arms around her friend, Gin talked quickly. “How are you holding up? We can leave as soon as I throw a few things together. I’m so sorry, girl.”

Ria embraced Gin, but kept her eyes locked on Mathias, who stood a few feet behind Gin. She mouthed one word.
Deseratis
.

Shit.
Fuck!

She pulled back from Gin’s arms and studied her face, changing her own expression to one of worry. “Thanks, sweetie.”

“I’ll be ready in a flash. Come on up.” Gin bounded for the door, dragging Ria by the hand.
 

Ria glanced back at Mathias, eyebrows raised. He knew her unspoken question.
Stay or go?

He could stay down here and monitor the parking lot. Ria was good, but if there were several Deseratis and they managed to break through the wards, she may need his help. Plus, there could be a hostage situation with the neighbors. “I’ll come up too.” He caught up to the women.

“Watch out for Muffy!” Gin called as she yanked open the door.

“Muffy?” Ria asked.

“Little white dog wearing a cone. Likes to escape. You can’t miss her.” Gin took the stairs two by two, then ran down the hall to her apartment. Flinging it open, she yelled, “Be right back!” She darted into her bedroom.

Mathias turned to Ria. “How many?”

“Eight. Dumb fucks weren’t careful. I saw the pop of light from a portal. They came into a forest preserve on the south side of town.”

“You saw them?”

“Yes.”

“How long ago?”

“Right when I called Gin. Where were you two?”

“In the science building. She wanted to look at the dirt through some fancy ass microscope.”

Ria looked at her watch. “Shit. Any answers on that?”

“No, but it’ll have to wait. You get her out of here. I’ll clean up the mess, talk to Arawn, and follow you to the Mansfield house.”

Ria nodded. “I’m glad you’re here, big brother.”

“Okay, I’m ready!” Gin bolted from her room, stopping short when she saw them talking. “Oh my god, I never even introduced you two!”

“We, uh, figured it out.” Mathias opened the apartment door. “I’ll walk you girls outside.”

As they hurried down the stairs, a sense of dread slithered over Mathias. The Deseratis were close. But the possibility of involving Gin’s neighbors was a no-go. They had to get out of the building and away.
Now.
“You two should wait inside by the front door. I’ll warm up the car.”

Gin looked at him like he’d grown a second head. “You don’t need to do that. We were just driving. The cars are warm already.”

“That’s a generous offer, Mathias.” Ria spoke from behind Gin, her blue eyes wide. “I’ll take you up on that.”

They reached the foyer, dimly lit with the sun’s valiant effort to shine through the clouds. Gin shook her head and muttered, “It’s not that cold. But it’s up to you, Ria.” She stopped by the tall narrow windows flanking the door. “Who are they?”

The smell of burnt sugar curled past his nose, but Mathias didn’t need his superior sniffer to know what was coming. Eight male Deserati demons lurked in the parking lot. They turned at the sounds near the front door, no doubt audible to them even through the glass.

“Shit,” Ria muttered, linking her arm through Gin’s.

“Who are those guys?” Gin’s voice rose with her confusion.

“Get her to the car and go,” Mathias growled to Ria. He pushed open the door and strode forward.

Ria followed him, dragging Gin toward her Honda.

“Why are they staring at us?” Gin hurried behind Ria, craning her head to look at the Deseratis.

“I don’t care, and I don’t want to socialize. There’s no time.” Ria’s voice was low and impatient.

“Um, well no, I guess not.” Gin turned a startled gaze to Ria. “I mean—never mind. I’m sorry, you must be worried sick.” Gin squinted her eyes in the bright sun, looking back to Mathias. “I’ll call you when we get there.”

“You two aren’t going anywhere.” The largest Deserati stepped forward.

“Excuse me?” Gin said, indignant.

Ria pushed Gin behind her and faced him. “Get the fuck out of my way.”

“You killed my brother yesterday. I saw you through my scrying glass.”

“Your brother shouldn’t have gone into a dark alley with a female he didn’t know.” Ria stood motionless save for the flex of a muscle in her hand. Mathias knew she could grab her dagger in the space of a heartbeat.

“Ria?” Gin squeaked. “What’s going on?”

“Both of you are about to take a trip. Our mistress wants to meet you,” the Deserati said. He took a step closer.

“Let’s take this somewhere else.” Mathias stalked closer. “No need for collateral damage. Or rumors about magical beings.”

“On that we agree, Hunter. But not because of any concern for the little humans in this town. No, we think it’s best if your leader has no idea what became of his soldiers and their little pet.” He flicked a finger and the air around the parking lot wavered like a mirage. An invisible barrier surrounded them, shielding the rest of the world from the sights and sounds within.

“Magical beings? Pet? Soldiers? Someone tell me what the hell is going on!” Gin pushed against Ria’s arm, trying to get around her.

Shit
. This wasn’t how it was all supposed to go down. But Mathias had one second to take out the lead Deserati. One chance. The miserable bastard’s eyes were locked on Gin. Summoning a ball of demon fire in each hand, Mathias muttered, “Sorry, Gin.”

She looked to him, perplexion turning to shock as her eyes dropped to his hands.

With preternatural speed, he flung them at the leader and the demon next to him. They struck home, engulfing the demons instantly.

Gin screamed. The fear in her voice cut him to the quick. She dropped to the ground, covering her mouth, staring in horror at the smoking remains in her parking lot. She turned to him, and the look on her face went beyond shock. Beyond confusion.

No, the stare she leveled at him was new and ugly. It was the look of recognition, disgust, accusation, and betrayal.

It was cold frozen hatred.

C
HAPTER
20

N
O
!

This can’t be happening
.

Oh my God, no!

The cold pavement beneath her knees couldn’t compare to the ice storm swirling through her body.

Mathias was one of
them
.

Nausea rolled her stomach. They’d slept together. No, no no! She couldn—

“Gin!” Ria was in her face, yelling. “Get up! Get behind my car! Now! Move!”

Gin scrambled to her feet, staring at her friend. Ria was usually so laid back. She got that Ria was concerned about her mother, but—

“Behind my car! Now!” Ria screamed at her, then twisted faster than Gin would’ve thought possible. Ria kicked her foot high as she turned, striking an approaching man in the jaw. He grunted, landing hard on the pavement.

She did NOT just do that
! Gin’s jaw dropped and she scampered behind Ria’s car, but didn’t get down. “Ria, what are you doing? You don’t know—”

The man sprang to his feet as if he’d never been down. As if Ria’s boot hadn’t just clocked his face. He lunged for Ria, twisted her arm behind her, and spun her so her back was against his chest.

No!
Confusion slammed Gin hard. The parking lot was chaos. And why was the air around their group wavering like a mirage? “Ria!”

Ria dipped her head forward, only to slam it back into the man’s nose. His grip loosened and she whirled to face him. She had a…
knife
in her hand. A really big knife.

Where was she hiding that?
Gin stared in shock. Ria fought the man with moves that would rival Brooke and Nicole’s martial arts skills. How had she not known this about her own best friend?

“Duck!” Mathias hollered from the other side of the lot.

His voice jerked her from the spell of Ria’s fighting. She whirled to face him. Holding a knife as big as Ria’s, he fought with one of the men. Left arm, right arm. He moved fast and skillfully, like he’d done this before. Many times.

Gin looked back at Ria, who ducked just in time to avoid the man’s…
tail?

Holy shit. Shit, shit, shit!
These men weren’t human.

Neither was Mathias.
 

The knowledge sent a new, sick feeling through her body. She hadn’t even questioned what had been right in front of her. She should’ve known better. Her sisters had told her that some of
them
could blend in with the human population. After all, their boyfriends looked human.

Neither Mathias nor Ria seemed surprised to see this group show up at her place.

Was Ria a demon too?
No, please no.

Knife out, Ria shrieked curses at the man—er, whatever he was—and spun in place.
What the hell?
Ria was twirling,
spinning
like a tornado, so fast, it couldn’t be real. Gin stood, transfixed once again by her friend.

Red splashed across the pavement.
Oh god.
The knife. Ria was whirling so fast Gin couldn’t see what she was doing, but the blood falling on the pavement filled in the blanks in her imagination.

Gin’s stomach lurched. Her legs gave out and she crumpled on the asphalt next to Ria’s car. Questions, hurt, shock, and fear mixed in her mind, a lethal cocktail of desperation that urged her to flee.

Ria and Mathias had
lied
to her.
Who are they, really?

Her chest hurt. Her lungs gasped rapid shallow breaths.

She was frozen. Numb with disbelief.

What the hell was going on? She had to get out of here, but her parking lot was a war zone.

She crouched, peeking through the windows of Ria’s car. Ria was still fighting. Like a machine, efficient and graceful. She stabbed another man, who fell to the ground. Ria opened her palm and a ball of fire appeared, bobbing wildly.
 

Demonfire. They can summon it in their hands
. Her sisters’ explanation of their boyfriends’ powers rushed into her mind.

Ria is a demon. They’re all demons.

God, no!

Gin covered her eyes, unable to watch as Ria finished the guy off. Grunts and curses carried to her ears.

I have to leave
. The fight-or-flight instinct crashed over her like tsunami. She didn’t want friends like this. She didn’t need her sisters pulling her into their game. She didn’t need any of it. She’d leave. Now.

She had her car keys in her purse, out of habit. She could speed out of here.

“Behind you!” Ria’s piercing scream echoed off the cars.

Gin reflexively peeked behind her, but all she saw was her own car, parked next to Ria’s. That meant…Uh-oh.

She jumped up. Mathias was fighting two of the men, and Ria was fighting one more. They were all that was left of the group.

Mathias raised his hand, and a baseball-sized ball of fire appeared in it. He drew his hand back. “Say goodbye, motherf—”

One of the demons hurled a knife at his head and Mathias ducked, dropping the fire. It fell to the asphalt with a soft
poof
, then winked out.