As they walked through the forest to their practice spot, Bella’s thoughts churned. Two days from now, the seals of the universe would close. Ulric would have to be killed by then, or he’d remain on Earth terrorizing her and other humans. She couldn’t let that happen—he’d eventually kill her … again. Once he killed her, he’d drag her back to Hell with him. No, she wouldn’t give him that satisfaction. However, where did a demon hide out?
She smiled at Jayden, so thankful she had the memories of that night. When he’d asked her if she wanted him to stay, her immediate answer had been yes. He’d brought her more happiness in his short time here than all of her days on Earth put together. Maybe he had been right, and what she’d been missing had been the love of a man.
Did that make her weak? She’d never thought she needed a man in her life; in fact, she’d gotten along just fine without a permanent one. Completely self-reliant, she’d started her own business and paid her own way in the world. No, she didn’t need anyone.
However, she couldn’t deny that having someone who loved her made all the difference in the world.
“I wonder where that demon is,” Jayden mumbled, mirroring her earlier thoughts as he glanced around the area.
“I was just thinking the same thing.”
He stopped and shook his head. “Something’s not right, Bella. I can’t place my finger on it, but he should have come for you by now.”
Slipping her hand in his, she also scanned the area. “The only thing we can do is wait, I guess. Unless we proactively go after him, but I wouldn’t even know where to begin looking.”
He nodded, and then continued walking.
As they approached the clearing, the black wolf, Celestria, came out from the brush.
Bella met her yellow gaze, waiting to see what she would do.
Her fur began to shimmer, and a moment later, the woman appeared before them on all fours. She stood and walked over to them.
“I heard you were still looking for a demon.”
“Yes,” Jayden answered. “It’s imperative we find him before the seals close again.”
She nodded. “I have seen demons come and go through the rift in the town square. What is the name of the one you seek?”
Jayden gave her a brief description of him. “His name is Ulric.”
“I have heard the name, Heavenly One. Have you considered that he hides in one of the levels of Hell, waiting for the right time for his final blow?”
Jayden narrowed his gaze at her, while Bella’s gut clenched, not liking the sound of ‘the final blow.’
“No, I haven’t. What gives you that idea?”
“Some of the demons talk when they think no one else is listening. They return to the first level of Hell where no one can get to them. They wait for their prey there, then spring when the timing is right.”
Her throat constricted, and she wondered what the levels of Hell consisted of, but then decided she didn’t really want to know.
Bella gasped as Jayden suddenly unsheathed the holy sword and placed the tip at Celestria’s breastbone.
She glared at him without flinching, her eyes turning yellow. “What is this, Heavenly One?”
He narrowed his gaze. “Why are you being so helpful to us?”
A beat of silence ensued while Celestria’s chest heaved in which looked like indignation, then she spoke. “This is our town. As a pack, we have agreed to help the humans. You said you hunted a demon, and I’m giving you information. Now, I would suggest you lower your sword, or I shall call my pack and we will bury your bones where they will never be found, far and wide.”
Jayden hesitated for a moment, but then relented, dropping the sword to his side. “I’m sorry, Celestria. You have to understand, I’m leery of help from any non-human right now because it can be difficult to tell the good from the bad.”
Her eyes turned back to the deep chestnut color they’d been before. “I understand, Heavenly One. I can assure you my intentions are nothing but noble.”
He nodded, and she turned to go, speaking to them over her shoulder. “Check the portal in the town square, and I shall keep you abreast of anything else I hear.”
She walked back into the high trees. A moment later, they heard the bushes rustling, and then the black wolf leapt into the air.
Bella stared after Celestria, then she turned to Jayden when she felt certain the wolf had gone. “Why don’t you trust her?”
He gazed down at her, his dark eyes warm. “Because the last time I lost you, there was nothing I could do. This time, I have options, and won’t trust anyone but myself until the seals close.”
“Do you think she’s working with Ulric?”
He stared off into the forest where the wolf had gone. “My intuition tells me no.”
“Then, don’t you think you should trust it? That you should trust yourself?”
“Perhaps. I just want to be completely sure about everyone we come in contact with.”
He turned to her, took her hand, and pulled her flush against him. “I won’t lose you this time without a fight, my love.”
She sighed, feeling the physical warmth of his affection. Peace and tranquility washed through her and she shut her eyes for a brief moment. How she longed to live with Jayden without danger lurking just beyond their peripheral vision. Only two more days, yet, it felt so far away. And, in order for her to do so, she needed to kill a demon with a holy knife or sword, and then let Jayden know she wanted him in her life. Or, vice-versa.
Only one of those would be easy.