Above The Flames (The Flames Trilogy #1)

  “Amon will come for you soon. And when he does, you will either join our side, or die in the battle. Another choice you must make for yourself.”

  Jasmine rolled her head back around to face him. Heat flushed her cheeks and she ground her teeth together. “I won’t choose your side. Not now. Not ever.”

  Bael stood and walked to the end of the table. “Oh, you will.” He pursed his lips and waved his hands in the air. “You see, I lied. You don’t really have a choice.”

  “Sorry to tell you, but I’ve already made my choice. And it doesn’t include working with you,” Jasmine said through clenched teeth.

  Bael put his palms against the wooden table she was strapped to and leaned forward. “I think you’ll find I can be very…what’s the word…ah, yes. Persuasive.”

  Jasmine flinched as he wrapped his greasy hands around her bare ankle. “Get your hands off me. Now.”

  Bael’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “Don’t I have a choice? I did pretend to give you one. The least you could do is afford me the same.” He pressed his lips together. “Although, I don’t particularly care one way or another.”

  Jasmine ignored him. Instead she reached inside again. Come out of that box. Her power overflowed inside her, but just as before, it retreated as it if had been burned. What is going on? Every other time, you’re aching to get out, but now you’re playing shy. When I need you the most.

  “Hmm. It looks like you went somewhere else for a moment. Maybe inside your mind? Talking to your power again?”

  Jasmine pressed her lips tightly together and said nothing. She had to listen to him, but she didn’t have to answer him. She had a choice in that, at least.

  His hands slid up her calf, then back down to rest against her ankle again. “Jasmine, you disappoint me. Here I thought perhaps we could get to know one another. Maybe even become friends.” He lifted one hand and rested it over his heart. “But you won’t even give me a chance. What’s a demon to do, hmmm?”

  “Die.”

  Bael dropped his jaw. “Ouch. That stings a little bit. Perhaps I will make you understand. With time, of course.”

  “Perhaps you need to cut your own head off.”

  Bael roared. “I love your spirit. I will take great pleasure in breaking it.” He brought his other hand down and caressed her ankle again. “Among other things.” He squeezed and then twisted.

  The bone cracked, then popped loudly, the sound piercing her ears. Jasmine grabbed the sides of the table as burning pain spread like butter. She arched her back and sucked in a breath, then cried out.

  Bael walked around to her side, leaning over her. “You see, there are other ways to make you see my side of things. I’d prefer not to use them. I’d much rather have you whole and willing, but I don’t need you to be either. I hope I’ve made myself clear.” He stood and moved to the door. As he opened it, he turned to look at her. “I would definitely think about it. There’s no telling what I might do next. I can be a tad bit…unpredictable.” His laugh followed him out the door, but she continued to hear the high-pitched noise fading with his distance.

  Now that she was alone, she let the tears fall from the corners of her eyes. Her ankle throbbed, but the initial sharp pain had faded. She tested her bone, angled it slightly, and fire shot through her whole leg. She winced, and breathed slow, deep breaths. In and out. Inhale, then exhale.

  “What the hell am I going to do?” She knew Bael wouldn’t give up, and her power was being unresponsive. So how would she get out of this?

  She gazed around the room. Wooden walls surrounded her, the corners darker, suggesting leaks. There were no windows, and the only door was the one in front of her. It looked like an old workroom, or a shed of sorts. Although she thought it was a bit bigger than the latter.

  Jasmine tugged on her power again, tried to coerce it out. It greeted her with a purr, but slunk deeper inside. I just don’t know what to do.

  She bit her lip and relaxed her tense muscles. Her eyes were heavy, so she closed them. She prayed for pleasant dreams before she let sleep take her under.

  ***

  Jasmine woke slowly, but didn’t open her eyes. Hot air touched her skin and the sound of someone breathing loudly permeated the room. The smell of sulfur made her gag.

  “Is my smell getting to you?” He lifted an arm and stuck his nose in his armpit. “Pity, I’ve forgotten to clean up.” He cackled.

  She opened her eyes just so she could glare at him. “What is this? Comedy hour?”

  “This is the hour you understand what is happening. I’ve sent a demon to alert Amon of your whereabouts. He will arrive soon, I’m sure.” Bael paused and leaned back in the chair beside her. “When he arrives, you will fight him.”

  Jasmine shook her head. “I won’t fight him. I won’t fight any of them. You might as well just kill me.”

  It was time to admit defeat. She’d lost the battle—the one she happened to be made for. I’m not destined to win a war against demons. I’m destined to fail.

  She turned her head and focused on the wall. Cracks grew from a thick line, which ran up the middle of the wall, and reminded her of ice breaking slowly. Her back hurt, and the weight on her chest might crush her. A sour taste lined her mouth. She tried to swallow it down, but her throat was so dry it hurt.

  Bael stood and hovered over her, holding a bottle of water. “Thirsty?”

  Jasmine narrowed her eyes at him, but kept her mouth closed. He’s just being cruel. It’s not like I can actually take a drink. I have no free hands.

  Bael unscrewed the cap. “I know, you’re thinking I’m just being cruel. That you can’t actually have a drink.”

  Jasmine dropped her jaw.

  Bael howled. “Would you like a drink or not?” When Jasmine nodded, Bael held the bottle over her. “Open your mouth and say ahhh.”

  Her mouth was already open, so he brought the bottle down to touch her lips. The cool liquid absorbed into her dry mouth and disappeared down her parched throat. Is this what happens to water in a desert? Not the time to think about that kind of thing. Focus!

  She greedily swallowed the water, gulping it down until her thirst was quenched. When she’d had enough, she pulled back, but kept some water sloshing around in her mouth.

  “There. Now, that’s better, isn’t it?”

  For the first time, Bael actually seemed like a regular human. Minus the horns. And the strange-colored skin. Okay, so he didn’t appear human at all, but a glint stood out in his eyes that she’d never seen before. A human glint. A sparkle of slight amusement, perhaps. A real, human emotion.

  “Of course, the clock is ticking. And since your choice has been made for you, you must prepare to kill your friends.”

  Jasmine spit the water into his face. “It’s not going to happen. I won’t hurt them and I certainly won’t kill them. So, like I said, you may as well just kill me.”

  Bael’s hand wiped down his face and he scrunched his forehead, glaring. “You still don’t get it, do you?” He grabbed her hand. “I could destroy you right now. But instead, I’m keeping you safe. Out of harm’s way. I’m giving you water. When I could very easily kill you and be done with this nonsense.”

  “I wish you would. I would love to be done with this nonsense too.”

  Bael growled, pulling her index finger back until it snapped.

  She gritted her teeth. You can take it. Suck it up, buttercup. This is nothing. This doesn’t hurt. It feels good.

  He moved to the next finger, then the next, until only the thumb remained. Her fingers throbbed, but she ground her teeth tighter and held strong. She couldn’t show him weakness. Remaining strong would be the only way to come out of this alive. It would be nice if her power would work too. That would be a bonus. Unfortunately, things rarely went her way. If anything, most of her life had been difficult, as opposed to easy.

  Bael pushed his face directly into hers, one lip curled up in a snarl. “You will show some respect. The same respe
ct I have shown you.”

  She spoke through barely parted lips. “Then why don’t you release me and lock yourself on this table? I could have some fun breaking some fingers too, you crazy psycho.”

  He backhanded her and the back of her head slammed against the table. She bit the inside of her cheek as her teeth clacked together painfully. The metallic taste of blood filled her mouth.

  “Is that all you’ve got? You hit like a girl.” The words she spoke came out strong, but inside her stomach heaved and starbursts sparkled behind her eyes.

  He slapped her, open palm. Then again. When he pulled back, he was panting and his eyes were glowing orange.

  Jasmine blinked, then reopened her eyes and even through the blurry tears, and the swelling eyelids, she could still see the neon orange. “Y-your eyes.”

  Bael blinked hard, and his dark eyes reappeared. “I must take my leave before I do kill you. You infuriate me.” He clenched his fists at his sides and stalked to the door.

  “I will kill you before this is over. You have my word.” Her voice was raspy, even to her own ears.

  Bael snickered. “With what? Your power?” He cackled louder. “How is that working lately?” He disappeared, slamming the door behind him.

  Jasmine’s heart sped up. What the hell does he mean by that? Did he do something to my power? She screamed, long and hard, hoping someone would hear her. She had to hold on to that hope. If she lost it, she would be dead. And as much as she kept telling Bael to kill her, she really didn’t want to die yet. Please, somebody find me.

  Chapter 32

  Realization

  Amon

  Amon rapped on Jasmine’s door. “Jasmine. Open up.”

  No answer. She was angry, and he didn’t blame her. He’d acted macho and uncaring. The truth was he’d been so upset that she was missing he could have punched the wall straight through. With nerves as rattled as his, it had only been a matter of time before he snapped. He’d wished he would have waited to unravel.

  He knocked louder. Again, no answer, so he turned the knob and opened the door slowly. “Jasmine, I wanted to say I’m sorry and—”

  She wasn’t there. He’d been sure he would find her here, lying on her bed, trying to sort through her emotions. She often did that, even though she didn’t realize what she was doing.

  He leaned against the doorframe. “Where else would she be?” he asked aloud, although he knew nobody could hear him.

  An idea popped into his head, and he rushed from the room, down the stairs, and out the back door. He ran through the gate in the fence, and hustled into the woods, picking up speed as leaves rustled beneath him. He gazed around as he ran, searching for any movement. Any color variations. Anything. He listened intently for the sound of her sweet, feminine voice, but he heard nothing. Saw nothing.

  The wind gusted, bringing a metallic smell to him. He stopped, his heart racing. He followed the scent trail, branches snapping beneath his heavy footfalls. He rounded a tree slowly, focusing all of his senses. A body laid facedown on the ground, wrapped around the base of the tree. He zoomed forward, his legs rubbery like Jell-O as goosebumps lined his arms. It can’t be. Not her.

  The body looked male in form, but from this angle he couldn’t see the head. Truth be told, he was actually shaking with fear to walk around the tree to see who it was. But he picked his feet up, even though they felt like they were surrounded in concrete, and stepped to the side. He released a harsh breath as he saw short hair. It’s not her.

  He crouched down and grabbed the dead male’s wrist. No pulse. Amon hadn’t been expecting one, but he’d hoped the man wasn’t dead. He grabbed the side of the body and pulled, and the dead weight rolled over, resting on his feet. He moved back and drew his brows together. It’s Bub. But why would anyone kill him? Wait, what is that?

  Amon hadn’t seen it until he’d moved his body, but underneath him was a syringe. He picked it up. There was no liquid inside, and no smell, but his stomach dropped to his knees. He forgot about Bub, and let the needle fall from his hands as he hightailed it back to the house.

  Caim was waiting on the patio. “Amon.”

  “Caim…have you had a vision?” he asked, his voice breathless.

  Caim nodded. “Yes, but that’s not why I’m waiting for you. There’s a demon at the front door.”

  Amon balled his hands at his sides. “What do you mean? Why didn’t you kill him?”

  Caim frowned and stood. “You’ll see. Follow me.”

  Amon walked behind his friend, thoughts flying through his mind faster than he could keep track. Where was Jasmine? What did Bub do? Did he betray her and hand her over to the demons? That was the biggest question; the one he wanted answered more than anything. Because if he did, he was lucky he was already dead. Amon would have done much worse to him. And that thought scared him the most. Jasmine was a human woman, and he was a fallen angel. An old-as-dirt fallen angel. What could their future hold? Not the time to be thinking about relationships. Keep your mind in the game.

  They went straight through the front door, and on the porch swing sat Verin. The demon’s red eyes bore into his own and he smirked. Amon stomped up to him, grabbed his red hair, and yanked him to his feet. “What are you doing here?” He enunciated each word, adding a punch of his own.

  “Unhand me at once, or I won’t deliver my message from Bael.” Verin raised his eyebrows up and down. “It’s about your little girlfriend, Jasmine.”

  Amon released his hold, and Verin fell back into the swing.

  “Where is she?” Amon asked through gritted teeth. “If you’ve hurt her, I’ll—”

  “This is absolutely funny. The big, bad fallen angel Amon has fallen in love.” Verin placed a hand over his heart. “Will wonders never cease? And here I thought you’d be a grumpy ass the rest of your life.” He laughed hysterically. “Oh, by the way, your eyes are glowing gold, just like they used to when you were an angel.”

  Amon ignored the eye comment, shoving it inside to examine later. “My patience has its limits, Verin.” He made a sweeping gesture with his hand. “So get on with it.”

  Caim placed a hand on Amon’s shoulder and pulled him closer. “Tell us your message, and you may leave unharmed.”

  “Bael wants you to know he has your girl. He’s taking really good care of her.” Verin winked. “If you know what I mean.”

  Amon squeezed the banister beside him. “Where. Is. She?”

  Verin reached into a pocket of his black pants, pulled out a small piece of paper, and handed it to Amon. “Here’s the address. See you there.”

  Verin stood again and passed by Amon, brushing up against his shoulder. Amon stiffened, but made no move to harm the demon. Not killing the evil creature was one of the hardest things Amon had encountered, but somehow he managed to contain himself.

  Caim’s footsteps pounded the porch. “I will tell the others. We must move quickly. My vision…I wasn’t sure, but it had to do with the battle to come. I have no clarity, and my vision didn’t show me much, but I know something bad will happen.”

  “Get the others and have them prepared to leave as soon as possible. We will discuss your vision on the way. We have to save her.” Amon turned. “There’s no other option.”

  Caim’s eyes softened. “I know. And we will. I can guarantee that.”

  Amon nodded and his friend disappeared into the house. He sat, then, letting his wobbly legs give out. His heart raced and his hands trembled.

  About five minutes later, Cole and Gemma rushed out the door, followed by Beau and Lamia. Azzy flew above the house from the backyard, and Caim pulled the door closed behind him.

  “We’re ready,” Cole said.

  “Let’s go save us a Jazzy,” Gemma said, crossing her arms over her chest.

  Beau glared at him like everything that had happened was Amon’s fault. He wouldn’t get into it now, but Beau was the one who’d brought Bub into this house. And yes, Amon was sure he’d probably thought he
was saving someone, but instead, he’d put someone else in danger. Amon should be the one glaring at Beau, but instead he nodded.

  “Let’s go kill some demons. We’ll need a plan, but we can discuss that on our way.” He walked forward to the top of the steps and handed Beau the slip of paper. “This is the address. Do you know it?”

  Beau examined the paper. “Yeah, I know it. It’s about twenty minutes away.”

  “Then let’s go.”

  Amon led the way and everyone else followed. They all filed into the car and sped off into the dwindling hours of daylight. In hopes of saving a girl that Amon cherished. But he wouldn’t admit his feelings out loud. Not yet. Maybe not ever.

  Chapter 33

  Losing Hope

  Jasmine

  Jasmine grabbed Beau’s hand and pulled him along behind her. “Let’s go.”

  Together they ran toward the field of wildflowers Jasmine loved so much. But as they made it to the middle of the field, the flowers grew, taller than both of them. The purple, white, and red petals hovered over them, bending at the top and snapping the vines they grew on.

  “Come on, we have to get out of here.”

  Her heart raced as she rushed out the way they entered, but the stems were so thick now, they couldn’t even weave through them.

  “Looks like we’re stuck here,” Beau said, his voice a whisper.

  Jasmine turned around, gazing at Beau. Her feet froze to the ground. His eyes were red. His skin was gray, and his red lips were now ghostly white. Movement came back to her and she stepped back, dropping his hand.

  “Oh my God. What did they do to you?”

  Beau laughed heartily, opening his mouth to let the sound fly through the air. “Nothing they won’t do to you. Stick with the demons, Jaz. They will make you strong. Fearless. They will make you better.”

  Jasmine dropped her jaw. “But I’m fine the way I am.”

  Beau snorted. “You’re pathetic. A waste of perfectly good space. Join the demons, Jaz.” He pointed a sharp claw at her and moved closer. “Join us.”