Real Vampires Don't Wear Size Six (Glory St. Clair #7)

Real Vampires Don't Wear Size Six (Glory St. Clair #7) Page 18

Jerry and Rafe hated everything about my plan.

"We're supposed to kill a three-headed monster." Jerry had brought his broadsword, of course. He'd also carried in a sword for me, griping about it endlessly.

"Simon says we have to cut off her heads." I was getting dizzy watching him pace one way and Rafe another.

"Glory, Blade is right. This is insane. And we're sure not taking you with us. Let me call in one of my shifter friends." Rafe stopped and put his hands on my shoulders. "You're staying here."

"No, I'm not. I can go with you or I can follow you, but I'm going. Best way is that we go as a team. And I've got a secret weapon." I pulled a spray bottle out of a bag on the floor. "Penny got these for me. I have three of them. Ian made this formula. If we spray this in a vampire's or mortal's face, it will put him out for thirty minutes. Time enough to get down there and get the job done."

"More madness. You're trusting MacDonald's word that this works."

"No, she's not." Ray stepped into the room from the shop. "I tested it myself. On one of my bodyguards. Worked like a charm." He grinned. "Not that he didn't bitch about it after he woke up. And ask for some for himself." Ray slung his arm around me. "I'm going with you guys. I've got my own spray bottle and a machete. Can't hurt to have an extra pair of hands."

"Are you sure, Ray? How are you feeling?" I looked into his eyes. He looked good, clean and sober. But he could fake his way through a lot.

"I'm fine. And I'm going. I can be just as stubborn as you, Glory girl." He grinned. "And, Blade, quit looking at me like I'm useless. I did a few martial arts lessons. Got some moves I never showed you. Want a demo? This room's a little small, but we can take it out to the alley. The paparazzi would love a shot of that."

"Great. I should have figured they'd show up." I stuffed my spray bottle in my small backpack. We were shifting out there anyway. Now we'd have to go from the roof.

"No, I'm glad for more men." Blade shook his head. "Sorry, Gloriana. But I'm sure you realize men do have more upper-body strength. Not sure you have the power you need to take off a head."

"I admit I've never had to test myself." I wore all black: pants, boots, long-sleeve T-shirt. I'd even tied my hair up with a black scarf. The men were in black too. We were the vamp equivalent of a black ops team. Except without the training on my part. I was nervous, would have bitten off my fingernails if I had any left.

"Ian gave me something else for tonight." Ray patted his own backpack. "Explosives. He's been doing research. Kind of getting off on what we're doing." He gave me an apologetic look. "Sorry, but Penny's there and all over this. She knows what we're up to now. Not happy and worried sick. I promised we'd phone as soon as we were clear."

"We will." I hated that she had to know about this. My stomach rumbled. I had to live through tonight, if only to get back out to see Ian and have him fix the swelling, which still resembled bread dough. I tugged down my T-shirt.

"So why explosives? Won't taking her heads do it?" Rafe was antsy and eager to get started.

"Ian thinks closing the hole is a good idea. Just to be on the safe side. And I agree. Why not? You've seen the place. Glory says they even took energy withdrawals from you there. Wouldn't you like to see that gold dome go sky-high?"

"Simon won't like that." I knew he'd be furious.

"I don't give a damn what Simon likes or doesn't like." Jerry pulled me to his side. "I think it's an excellent idea. A reminder to Destiny that we didn't do this for him. But for Glory and Valdez here."

"Yeah. Thanks, all of you." Rafe looked like he wanted to say more but couldn't figure out what.

"Let's go. I want this over with." I led the way out of the shop, wishing we didn't have to go through the gauntlet of photographers. Ray stopped and said something about a music video to explain our costumes before we ran inside the apartment part of the building and up the stairs to the roof.

"Good explanation." I smiled at him as we strapped on everything we needed before we shifted.

"Seemed as good an excuse as any for the ninja look." Ray squeezed my hand. "Last chance, Glory. Stay here. Let us deal with this."

"Not happening." I swallowed my fear, then shifted. We were large black birds because of our equipment, flying off toward the EV compound. We soared into the night, four dark shapes headed into the hills where the isolated headquarters were. In about thirty minutes we saw that gold dome through the trees and were careful to land a few yards outside the cleared area, where we could see a pair of guards patrolling.

Jerry and Rafe pulled out spray bottles and sneaked up to take care of those two, then gestured for Ray and me to come closer. We eased inside the buildings, one at a time, surprising EVs watching TV or reading and even enjoying their famous sunlight room. That one made Ray sigh.

"Man, I wish this was available."

"Maybe it will be once this goddess is history. Simon will owe you." I patted his shoulder.

"Good point. I'll be sure to remind him." Ray tucked his spray bottle in his belt.

"I think there's a mortal here." I nodded toward a bungalow near the back of the compound.

"Yeah, and I hear noises that mean she's having sex with one of our EVs." Ray grinned.

"Great." I made a face. "You take him. I'll take her." We approached the door, stopping to glance inside the window that was open to the cool spring night air.

"Ooo, baby, yes, do that again."

I recognized the vampire. Greg was a jerk who'd once been my boyfriend, pre - EV days. It would be a pleasure to spray him. Too bad I'd given Ray the honors. The woman on her knees in front of him had blond hair that he held in his fist. I don't think she had much choice in the "do that again" thing.

I threw open the door and grabbed the girl, spraying her as she hit the floor. Ray knocked Greg down, but his spray missed.

"Glory, what the hell?" Greg struggled with Ray. "Why'd you Windex my lady?"

"Windex?" I laughed, then aimed my spray at him. I was happy when it put him out. "Let's go, Ray."

We ran outside, meeting Jerry and Rafe in front of the dome.

"We've got them all. Ready?" Rafe pulled out his own machete. Guess he and Ray had the same taste in weapons.

"No, but let's do it. We've got less than thirty minutes of quiet time." I took the sword Jerry reluctantly handed me.

"Gloriana, please let us do this. Stay behind us and only come forward if it looks like one of us is in trouble."

Now I may be all for women's lib, but I know when to be smart. "Fine. I'll be your backup. But, all of you, don't take chances. If she's too much for us to handle, just take off and we'll throw the explosives down the cavern and hope that's enough."

"You said that Simon - " Rafe was very serious as he led the way inside the dome.

"I know. Got to take her heads. We intend to. I'm just saying we can't sacrifice our lives at this point, Rafe. Then where would we be?"

"I get it." Rafe turned and stared at each of us in turn. "Comes to that. I can take my medicine. I mean it. Run like hell. I can stay down here and face whatever. Glory, I don't deserve this." He pulled me to him for a quick kiss. "Sorry, Blade. Had to do that. Now let's go."

Jerry just pushed me behind him and followed Rafe down the path cut into the rocky hole that had obviously been drilled into the floor of the building. I swear I could hear the screams of damned souls as we stumbled down the crudely hewn steps. Rocks broke away and I held on to Ray, who'd managed to get in front of me until I was last in line.

We didn't speak, afraid we'd wake the sleeping goddess. Not that she was quiet. That horrible groaning, sucking sound that I'd heard before when I'd been out at the compound echoed off the walls of the cavern, which got wider the deeper we climbed. It also got hotter. It had been warm near the surface with a breeze that soon turned into a windstorm that tore at our clothes and made sweat pop out on my forehead. I wished I could tear off my scarf and wipe it away, but I was too busy hurrying to keep up with the long strides of the men.

Suddenly Ray stopped and I bumped into his damp back. I realized he must have left his pack at the top of the hole just as I had.

"What?" I whispered but it carried in the chamber, as loud as a shout.

"The wind stopped and look at that glow. I think we're here." Ray turned and I saw fear in his eyes. "Stay. Don't freakin' move."

There was a red glow that made it difficult but not impossible to see, and it was coming from a huge cavern that had opened at the bottom of the steps. We crept across the floor toward a golden platform with a wide set of stairs leading up to it. Jerry stopped at the bottom and glanced back at us. He used hand signals to get the men to spread out, shoulder to shoulder. Ray kept me behind him.

We were on the third step when a sigh and movement on the top of the platform froze us in place.

"Ah, what have we here? Dinner?" Suddenly a beautiful woman stood at the top of the steps, her body wrapped in a sheer golden robe. And what a body. It was perfection. She tossed a mass of flame red hair back over her shoulders and put one sandaled foot on the step as if to come toward us.

"Where's Simon? I am starving." She held out a hand covered in glittering jewels. "I think you are here with bad intentions. Naughty boys." She smiled and there was the glimpse of evil I'd braced myself for. "Mmm. I do so love a vampire threesome." She wrinkled her perfect nose. "I'll have the shifter for dessert." She waved her hand and I realized she'd frozen Jerry, Rafe and Ray in place. Simon's trick. She yawned, though, as if the effort took a lot out of her. So we had depleted her energy.

"No! Please." I heard my plea echo around the huge chamber.

"So you are the infamous Gloriana St. Clair. The one Lucifer has been so interested in." She laughed and my body trembled and quaked. It was all I could do to stay on my feet. "Oh, yes, hell is all abuzz about his latest intrigue."

"I am no one. Nothing." I moved around my men, touching Jerry. His eyes were the only things he could move.

"So I thought." She looked me over. "But Lucifer doesn't waste time on nothing, does he? It makes me wonder." She moved closer and raked my face with a golden nail, lifting it to her nose to sniff the blood she'd drawn. "Hmm. Interesting. I'd never have suspected." She staggered back toward her platform.

"What? What is special about me? I'm just an ordinary woman from London, turned vampire." I swung my sword at her head. "Here to kill you." It moved through air, hitting nothing.

Suddenly the beautiful woman was gone and there was only a moving mass against the far wall. Groans filled the chamber and I felt a pull, like I was being drawn toward that wiggling, writhing creature.

"Never ordinary, Gloriana. But it is not my job to answer that question. Kill me? How amusing." Suddenly the three-headed monster Simon had described reared her hideous heads and hissed.

I backed away, bumping into Jerry, who was suddenly no longer paralyzed; none of the men were. Had she decided to play with us? Enjoy the sport of taking them down one at a time?

Jerry shoved me behind him, then moved right, Rafe left, exchanging hand signals. Ray took the center. All of them were straining as the thing must be sucking at them too. Suddenly Ray went down to his knees, skidding toward the awful blob that rose up and had not one but three faces. One of them smiled and opened a mouth large enough to take Ray in whole.

"No!" I ran forward and slashed at it with my sword, drawing blood as I braced myself between Ray and the beast. Jerry and Rafe were by my side and held on to me when we were sprayed with a sickening sludge that stank of hell and worse.

"Duck, Glory." Jerry used his broadsword and the head that had pulled at Ray dropped to the rock floor.

"One down. We stay together. Go right." Rafe held on to me. Ray was on his feet now and the four of us linked arms to resist that insistent sucking determined to drag us in. Jerry's broadsword proved to be the only thing sharp and strong enough to take a head. The monster shuddered and screamed its outrage, slashing at us with teeth the size of my arm. We all fell back, but Jerry managed to get his sword under its neck and struck the killing blow again. Head two was on the floor.

"Now left." Jerry gripped the sword in both hands and I kept my arms around his waist as we slid toward the left and that last horrific head. This one seemed to gain strength as it did the work of its fallen sisters. It grew in size, doubling before our eyes. Its teeth were even bigger now; my legs weren't so long. And slits for eyes gleamed with the fires of hell itself. We couldn't even pretend to breathe in the fumes from the blood and haze of the miasma that had come out of the awful creature. Goddess. What a flattering word for such an abomination.

"Take her now, Blade." Rafe suddenly let go of our human chain and danced close to her as if to offer himself like a tasty treat. "Honoria! Like what you see?"

"Rafe, no!" I screamed and tried to get to him. "Don't let him do this!"

"Right!" Jerry ordered, then slashed with the sword as the thing took the bait, making a swipe at Rafe and getting a bite of his arm.

Rafe jerked loose and fell to the right, the head barely missing him as it fell to the floor with a noisy plop. Suddenly it was quiet in the cavern except for the sound of Rafe's labored breathing and my own moan at the sight of Rafe's bloody arm.

"Rafe!" I jerked free of Ray's grasp and slipped my way over to check on him.

"I'm okay, let's get the hell out of here. I think she's dead, but there are Energy Vampires up above scheduled to wake up and they won't be happy once they realize their powers just took a nosedive."

"No kidding." I helped him to his feet and turned to Jerry. "You were amazing." I looked at Ray. "All of you. Now let's get going. I may never feel clean again."

"Yeah, this was a hell of a job." Ray wiped his hand on his jeans.

"Ha. Ha." Rafe pulled off his shirt and wrapped it around his bleeding arm. "I mean it, let's hurry. And I do want to blow this place up. We can throw those explosives down the hole. Just to be on the safe side."

"Right you are." Jerry helped me get up the stairs, which seemed way steeper going up than they had coming down.

When we got to the top, Ray pulled out his package of explosives and a timer. "Ian said this has a ten-second delay. So I'm setting it now. Ready?" He looked around and we all nodded. "Go!"

We all ran outside, relieved that apparently we'd beat the clock as far as the EVs waking up, and shifted out of there. When we got safely into the woods, we landed under a tree and waited until we heard the explosion. The dome collapsed but the outbuildings were unharmed.

"Excellent planning. I guess Ian didn't want to blow up the entire countryside." I glanced at Jerry.

"It was wise of him. This way Destiny will still have his headquarters if he chooses to use them and there wasn't enough of a disturbance to alert authorities." Jerry nodded at Ray.

"I'm telling you, Blade. Ian's all right. He's going to be here awhile, so get used to him." Ray frowned down at his filthy clothes. "I'm going straight home to burn these. You okay now, Glory?"

"Yes, fine. Thanks, Ray." I kissed his cheek. "You were a champ down there."

"Not so much, but I didn't wimp out, did I?" He grinned and nodded to Jerry. "I'd say you kicked some goddess ass, Blade. Good job." He and Jerry bumped fists. Guess Ray had taught him that. "Valdez, hope this is the last of the rescues, my man. My heart can't take much more of this."

"You got it. My demon side is staying down from now on." Rafe gave me an apologetic look. "I'll never forgive myself for putting Glory in harm's way like this."

"There you go. See ya, Glory." Ray shifted back into bird form and took off.

"Great idea. I'm going home to my own bath. We'll talk later." Rafe saluted me and put his hand out to Jerry. It was the one on his injured arm, but he didn't even wince. "Wouldn't blame you if you refused to take it, but you were quite a sight down there tonight, Blade. I owe you everything."

"I'll shake your hand. Got to start being civilized. Gloriana is right about that. And you acquitted yourself well. Let's not do this again, shall we?" He shook hands with Rafe, then put his arm around me.

"No problem. Good night." Rafe shifted and was gone.

"Well I have to agree with both of them. You were amazing, Jerry." I kept my arm around his waist. "I have never seen you in battle before. It was quite a turn-on."

"Oh?" Jerry grinned. "Shall we go to my house and try out my Jacuzzi tub, then you can show me how turned on you are?"

"Sounds like a plan to me." I kissed his lips. One more thing to do and I was free of all my demons. I felt like celebrating.

"CiCi's having a birthday party for Freddy later. First, Simon will meet us at the club and get his deal with the demons set up." I paced the back room. It was deadline night.

"I hope this is the last of your work with stuff from hell." Penny sat on the table. She was supposed to report to Ian in a few minutes. They were scouting lab sites tonight.

"So do I. Have you thought any more about what to do about Jenny?" I was still haunted by what Honoria had said about my blood. Of course I was ordinary Glory St. Clair. That had been typical goddess stuff, messing with my head. A distraction. I had to forget about it or it would drive me crazy.

"Yes, I'm not telling her now. Maybe after she graduates from school." Penny sighed. "She's got a full plate. Studying for finals. Boyfriend trouble. And now she's going home for the summer to work with Mom. Cheerleading camp."

"I'm proud of you." I put my arm around her. "That's a mature decision. Let her enjoy college life. You can keep doing what you've been doing. Meet her after dark, get to understand your new life. Help her if you want to. Guess the mind reading has given you a new perspective on your relationship."

"No kidding. I never realized what my 'gifts,' if you want to call them that, did to her." Penny made a face. "I was always jealous of Jen's popularity, the way she fit in everywhere. I had no idea she hated the way I got my parents' attention with my scholarships and school successes."

"You each have gifts. Now you are extra special, working for Ian." I rubbed my tummy, which still looked a little lumpy. "Any progress on my blood analysis? Figuring out why I'm the lucky one in a million who has a freaky reaction to the genius's drugs?" And could this be related to whatever the goddess had smelled or pretended to smell in my blood?

"Ian's onto something but won't tell me about it. I think he's waiting until he gets back a certain test result." Penny leaned against me. "Obviously you're the one who's special. You got me this gig and it's given me a new purpose. Introduced me to Trey too. We're really getting along."

I knew that. She was on the phone to the shifter or making plans to meet him every time I turned around.

"Good. Now I've got to go. Jerry's meeting me at the club for this last deal and the party." I jumped off the table and picked up a wrapped package. "Once this demon stuff is over, I'll make sure you get introduced to my friend CiCi, her son and his partner. Are you going to be at N-V later?"

"After Ian and I are through. Maybe I'll see you there." Penny hopped off the table too and gave me a hug. "Seriously, thanks for taking me in. I owe you for your patience. I realize I didn't make it easy. And I'll be so glad when you're free of the demon thing. I've been praying for you."

"Good. I appreciate it." I hugged her back. "And you've been coming along faster than most fledglings would have. Meeting Ian here?"

"Yep. I'll hang around and pick out a few things." She laughed. "I know. No horizontal stripes."

"Excellent. You really do learn fast." I walked with her through the shop, then fought the paparazzi horde as I headed down the sidewalk to N-V. I'd agreed to meet the crew there rather than be bombarded with questions from the photographers about Jerry or Ray.

Rafe's club was jumping as usual. Trey met me at the door and pointed me toward the bar. Rafe waved and downed a glass of Jack Daniel's.

"I'll be glad when this night is over." He lifted his glass in a mock toast, then drained it.

"Man, way to shove it in my face." Ray came up behind me and signaled the bartender. "Give me some of your vamp special, without the alcohol." He smiled at me. "I'm staying on the wagon."

I turned and smiled back at him. "Love to hear it's still holding. What are you doing here?"

"Got to see this all the way through. Am I right?" He glanced at Jerry, who'd come up on my other side. In true Ray-style, Ray slung an arm around me and drew me close. "You want something stronger?"

"Why not?" Jerry smiled grimly. "Glory?"

"As you say, why not?" I was proud of Jerry for not doing his usual jealousy thing, trying to wedge himself between Ray and me. Not even a growl. I kept things cool myself, easing away from Ray. But I had to go to Rafe and check in with him.

"How are you doing?" I bumped him with my shoulder.

"I'm still wondering if this will all go down like it's supposed to. You can't trust a demon to keep his word. Or Simon. Bet the fact that we demoed his golden dome didn't sit well." He gazed around the crowded club. "Man, just when things were going great. Isn't that always the way?"

"Think positive. We did what we set out to do." I dredged up a smile.

"Yes, we did. Let's go." Rafe took a fresh drink that I hadn't even seen him signal for and tossed it back. He pushed away from the bar. "Clock's ticking." He nodded toward Jerry and Ray. "Maybe I should do this alone. In case things go bad."

"No, no way!" I grabbed his arm and looked back at Jerry and Ray.

"We're coming. I didn't dirty my broadsword to sit out the finale." Jerry grabbed his drink and mine, Ray right behind him as we headed for the stairs.

The music was loud and a recent hit. It was about having it all. Yes, that's what I dreamed of - having everything, these three men who were so important to me, my friends and security with my business. Why couldn't I ever get it all together? Rafe was right. The timing here sucked.

We got to the deserted balcony, which Rafe had had roped off with a Closed sign at the bottom of the stairs and looked around. It didn't take long for the telltale sweet smell to fill the area.

"Ah, what have we here? The gag-me gang and the demon child." Caryon materialized next to a round table, Spyte right beside him. They were both dressed in their disco best, as if they'd been back in the seventies. Cary had on the full bell-bottomed pants and matching vest in white with a red and gold print shirt with full sleeves. He could have been Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. Spyte had done a white suit with an open-collared red shirt.

"Look at you two. Did you forget to check a calendar?" I couldn't help taunting them. I hated them so much I wanted to spit, then kick them with my pointed-toe shoes if it wouldn't have damaged the leather.

"It's a dance club. We got into the spirit. And this is an homage to you, Glory. You do love the vintage look." Cary grinned at me with fangs showing.

"Spyte? Not saying much. How are your eyes?" I felt Jerry's hand squeeze my shoulder. I'd told him about the confrontation in the back room. Guess he thought I was pressing my luck now.

"I can see, no thanks to your chubby cherubs." Spyte cackled. "Oh, I love that. Chubby like your chunky self, eh, Glory? Now you'll never be a size six. We've got orders from Lucifer himself. You are on our no-fly list."

"Good to know." I smiled. "Now why don't you two give up and go home. I'm sure there's a torture chamber down there calling your names."

"Gladly. Come here, Rafael." Cary crooked his black claw. "Unless you have a surprise for us, Glory?"

"You can't have him." Jerry stepped in front of Rafe.

"Right. You have to go through us." Ray was suddenly shoulder to shoulder with Jerry.

"Give it up, guys." Rafe put his hands on their shoulders. "You can't fight this."

"How do you know? Have you tried?" Jerry glared at Caryon. "Concentrate. All of you. I've had centuries to build my power of mind control. I think I can make these assholes change their minds."

I gasped. To try to manipulate the minds of demons? Was it possible? I focused on Spyte. He and Cary looked bemused, like maybe this was something new to them.

"Rafe, you too. Focus on them and make them think they are going to head home empty-handed." Jerry was in his element, commanding the troops. I didn't mind. I just prayed it worked. But then I looked around. Ray was stone. And those were the last words Jerry uttered. Because he was now a statue too.

"No! Please, can't I do something to make you stop this?" I pressed my back against Rafe, trying to stop him as he walked around Jerry and toward the demons, a zombie and not his usual warm and caring self.

"Sure, there is, Glory. Deliver those souls you promised. Then we'll leave Rafael alone. Forever. Done deal." Spyte shed his disco garb for his clown suit. "Either way, we're taking someone or a signed contract home with us. Time is up."

"I'll do it."

I turned toward the top of the stairs. "Simon?" Leave it to the EV king to wait until I felt like I was on the ropes to make his grand entrance.

"My heart's desire. Gloriana assured me that you could deliver." Simon walked around my statue men and Rafe stopped, now a statue himself.

"Yes, of course. You must be Simon Destiny, king of the Energy Vampires." Caryon grinned. "So deliciously evil. I can smell it from here. Delighted to meet you." Cary waved a hand and a document and red pen appeared. "Let's talk business. I heard Honoria met with a little, um, accident." Cary looked at me. "Unfortunate. It left so many souls adrift."

"Yes, it did. Souls I now have under my control." Simon smiled. "I believe you might be interested?"

"We might. Well, Lucifer might. What do you want, Destiny?" Caryon got right down to details. I could see him quivering with excitement. This was a major coup.

"First, I need clarification." Simon glanced at me. "As I told Gloriana, I want to make sure Honoria is actually gone. I saw some" - he cleared his throat and glared at me and my guys - "wreckage. But I want to be sure she can't be resurrected. The creature was immortal. She would punish me for deserting her."

"Ah, you want protection." Cary nodded. "Consider it done. As far as we know, she's deader than Glory's chances of ever being a size six. But if she does happen to find a second wind . . ." Cary shuddered. "Well, Lucifer is actually a level above that three-headed thing. He can command her to leave you alone. But you will still be stripped of your special powers as an Energy Vampire. Can you live with that?"

Simon took a breath. "As long as you deliver on the promise that I will receive my heart's desire as well. I believe you can see into my soul. I don't want to spell it out here in front of these people." He said that as if Jerry and the other men were inferiors he didn't care to recognize. Simon was nothing if not arrogant.

"Oh, yes. Yes indeed. We can take care of everything. In ways you can't imagine." Spyte capered about the balcony, knocking over chairs and ruffling Rafe's hair. "Who would have thought a man such as yourself would have . . ." He caught a hard look from Cary. "Never mind. Your secret's safe with us." He crossed his heart. "We always deliver. Quickly too. Just wait and see."

"I want it in writing." Simon blinked and I wondered if those had been tears in his eyes. No way.

"Of course." Cary waved his hand. "Now, it's all there. Look it over before you sign. I even threw in a power or two for you, to sweeten the deal. Lucifer takes care of his own." He handed Simon the paper and pen, then turned to me with a fangy grin. "Well, Gloriana, seems you've been a busy girl after all. Well done."

"My cherubs, as Spyte called them, arranged some alone time for me and I used it to talk to Simon and plan." I saw him reading through the document carefully. "I never had a doubt. When Simon signs this, Rafe's off the hook. Right?" I felt my stomach twist. Did this mean Simon planned to get back with my friend CiCi? And intended to act like a real father to Freddy? I hated the idea. But this Rafe situation was urgent. Besides, CiCi and Freddy were intelligent people, capable of making their own judgments about Simon. Just because Simon wanted them, didn't mean they had to accept him into their lives.

"That was the deal. He signs, Rafael's fine. Ooh, a rhyme. Almost. And just under the wire too." Spyte did a cartwheel while Cary kept a close eye on Simon, a little more restrained in his excitement.

"It's fine." Simon signed it with a flourish. "Now how soon . . . ?"

"Simon?" CiCi appeared at the top of the stairs. "What did you just do?"

"My dear." Simon turned and walked toward her. "I gave up the Energy Vampires."

"Why? I thought that was your dream." CiCi took his hands and I glanced back at Cary. Oops. He was gone, along with Spyte.

"Dreams can change. And there was no way that I could drag my son into that whole scene and not hate myself." Simon glanced at me. "Gloriana helped me see that it wasn't the best thing for Frederick."

"Wow. I, just wow." I jumped when a hand slid around my waist. Jerry, finally able to move. Rafe and Ray were mobile too. "CiCi, you weren't supposed to come yet. The demons . . ."

"Why, it's almost time for the birthday party. The caterer will be here soon. And then something told me I had to come now. That you needed me. Or someone did anyway. No matter how scared I was of those . . . things." CiCi couldn't seem to look away from Simon. "I just got in the car and drove as fast as I could. Ran a red light, I think." She shook her head. "I don't see any demons here."

"No, they're gone. For good, we hope." I wanted to jerk her hands from Simon's but I could see that wouldn't go over well. This was hell pulling the strings now, part of making Simon's dream come true. I could only hope he wouldn't hurt her to make it happen.

Rafe shook his head. "Simon? You just signed over your soul to Lucifer?"

Simon shrugged. "No big deal. I've been on the fast track to hell for centuries. And this arrangement frees me to pursue" - he met CiCi's gaze - "other interests."

"So Rafe is seriously off the hook? Not going to be sucked down under?" Ray smiled at CiCi, who is very attractive and doesn't look a day over thirty.

"No, Rafe's fine. We made it in time." I sagged with relief.

Ray moved closer to CiCi. "Israel Caine. Have we met?"

"No, I don't believe we have. Though I saw you at Florence's wedding and heard you sing. It was wonderful and I know Gloriana arranged it." CiCi finally stepped away from Simon. "Cecilia von Repsdorf. My friends call me CiCi."

"Thanks, CiCi. It's a pleasure to meet you." Ray shook hands with her, then looked at me. "Now, sorry, but I'm more than ready to split. This has been one freaky night. Are we done here? Are you in the clear too, Glory?"

"Guess so." I made myself approach Simon. "What are your plans, Simon?"

"No reason not to keep my crew together. They need a leader now that our powers are diminished. And we have our product line to sell. I still have all the formulas." He shook his head as CiCi moved to the stairs to direct a man carrying in a birthday cake. "I know the goddess is gone, but I had to cover my back with that clause about reprisals. You have no idea how tricky those bitches can be."

"I imagine. You'll need another name for the group now. And to convince Freddy that you're not in charge of the evil empire anymore."

"Yes, there is that." Simon kept his eyes on CiCi, who was talking to Ray again. "I definitely plan to stay in town and get to know my son better."

"Right. Bond with him." I kept my face neutral though I still didn't like the idea of Simon anywhere near Freddy or CiCi. "They're my friends, Simon. I hope you'll be careful. I don't want to see either Freddy or CiCi hurt."

"Everything will work out for us. No one will get hurt." Simon smiled as CiCi drifted over to his side again. "I have a guarantee that things will work in my favor."

"And you trust the word of those demons?" Jerry stood close beside me.

"Why not?" Simon patted his breast pocket in the dark suit he wore where he'd stashed his copy of the agreement. "I'm very well acquainted with how hell works. This deal will stand. Otherwise . . ." He glanced at Rafe. "Well, let's just say there's honor among thieves and leave it at that."

"Yeah, let's leave it. All of it. I swear, if I didn't know I was sober, I'd think I'd been hallucinating this whole freakin' week." Ray gave me a crooked smile. "Glory, I've suddenly got a song in my head dying to get out. Mind if I take off?"

I kissed his cheek. "Not at all. Thanks for coming. Your support meant everything to me."

"Babe, you know I'll always be there for you. And any way you want me." He slid his hand down my back to pat my backside. "Just had to do that. Love to see Blade's eyes throw one of his mental knives."

"Always the bad boy." I pulled him down for a kiss on the lips. "And don't I love that."

"Yes, you do." He grinned and headed down the stairs.

"Freddy and Derek should be here soon. And our other guests." CiCi smiled. "I'm so glad Simon has come to his senses at last. Now maybe Frederick can have a father to be proud of."

"Uh, CiCi, Simon just made a deal with the Devil. Please be careful." I felt Simon's stare on me, but ignored him.

CiCi waved an elegant hand. "Of course, cheri. I have to admit, though, the worst of his evil was with those terrible Energy Vampires. To have given them up . . ." She gave him a serious look. "And for his son. Well, that is something for me to think about."

"I appreciate your openmindedness, my dear." Simon pulled her hand to his lips and she let him. "I would never cause harm to come to you or our son."

"We will see. This time I am not so young and na?ve." CiCi eased her hand from his grasp. "We will move slowly."

"Keep your eyes open, CiCi." Jerry gave Simon a hard stare.

"Deal be damned. You aren't suddenly a saint, Destiny. I'll be watching you. So will Glory." Rafe took a step toward Simon.

"Go ahead. All you'll see is a man working to reunite his family, nothing more. Shall we go get a drink at the bar while we wait for our son?" Simon escorted CiCi with a solicitous hand at her elbow down the stairs.

"I feel like I just threw a good friend to a wolf. No, to a hellhound." I sat at a table and picked up my neglected drink.

"No kidding. And he'll do whatever it takes to get what he wants." Rafe glanced over the railing. "Oops, got something going downstairs that needs my attention." He turned to me. "Thanks, you two. Damn that sounds inadequate. Guess I'm officially off the hook."

"For now. I'm serious about that twelve-step program, Rafe. Get the anger under control. You can't afford to draw attention like that from hell again." I sighed as I sipped my drink. Jerry sat across from me and gulped his own synthetic.

"I get it. I'm serious. I need more self-control. No more outbursts. E-mail me some meeting places." He leaned down and kissed my cheek. "I'll send a guy over to fix your Sheetrock. Sorry about the hole in your wall."

"Yes, well. I understood." I rubbed his cheek with my thumb. "You care. I get that. And I love you for it. Now take care of business." I realized the band was taking a break. "Sounds like you need to get the DJ going."

"You're right." He turned and extended his hand to Jerry. "That was a stand-up thing you did for me. Putting yourself between me and the demons. Might have ended really badly. Thanks."

Jerry shook his hand. "Did it for Glory. She seems to love you, though I don't have a clue why. Guess she's drawn to all types. Me, you, Caine."

"Yes, I am." I smiled, really liking that bit of wisdom from my guy. "Now hold that pose while I take a picture with my phone. This may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I wish I'd done it when Ray was still here. All three of you together. That would look great on my wall."

Jerry and Rafe immediately pulled apart, both of them horrified, and Rafe shook his head. "No frickin' way. Evidence like that could get me drummed out of the shifter community."

I just laughed as Rafe ran down the stairs. Then I turned to Jerry. "Well, he said it, but I have to agree. That was one extraordinary thing you did tonight. Putting yourself in danger for him."

Jerry reached across the table and took my hand. "No, I put myself in danger for you. Always will. Now, drink up. I'm going to dance with you, then take you back to your empty apartment and take advantage of this gratitude you're glowing with."

"Sounds like a plan, Jer. Sounds like a plan." We danced until Flo and Richard arrived and let them know that the demons were gone and there would be no more problems from that quarter. I was relieved to see that Flo had never held a grudge, though it was tougher for Richard to forgive my part in drawing the demons to his "beloved." We were all good by the time Damian showed up. He was glad to report that the council had forgiven me too. Penny's progress had been duly noted and her job with Ian seen as an excellent move. I was given credit for all of it. Who knew that Ian MacDonald was acquainted with most of the movers and shakers of the vampire community in Austin? And he'd vouched for me. Jerry wasn't happy that Ian's word had held more sway than his in making the council forgive me.

Hours later, with dawn a few minutes away, I lay in Jerry's arms, drowsy and, for once, feeling like everything was right in my world. I eased out of bed, determined to brush my teeth so I wouldn't wake up with dragon breath. We'd left the bathroom light on and I squeezed toothpaste on my toothbrush before I remembered to look up.

I still had my reflection. Why? Why would the demons leave me with such a gift when I knew they despised me? Then I saw something shift in the mirror behind me and whirled, my heart dropping to my toes.

"Lucifer!" I backed against the sink, my toothbrush a sad excuse for a weapon. I smelled lavender and breathed through the urge to gag.

"Relax, Gloriana. You asked why the reflection?" He smiled, his perfect teeth gleaming in the light. How could something so evil be so beautiful?

"Yes, why?" I felt the cold porcelain sink against my thighs and wished I wore more than my black silk teddy.

Lucifer's bright eyes gleamed but he didn't come closer. "I want you to remember, Gloriana, every time you see yourself, what you could have had if you'd just been a little more, um, cooperative." He flicked his gaze over me, stripping me no doubt. "Yes, those thighs could be trim, that waist tiny. But you won't see a size six now, will you?"

I shook my head. "Go away! I will never be interested in anything you have to offer or anything from hell, period."

Lucifer's laugh sent chill bumps racing across my skin. "Really? We'll see. Oh, yes, we'll just see about that."

As soon as he vanished, I threw my toothbrush into the sink and ran back to the bedroom, where I slid in beside Jerry.

"Gloriana? You okay? You're shaking."

"Just cold. Hold me?"

"Always, my love. Always." He pulled me close, his arms around me, his legs entwined with mine.

I sighed and snuggled in, closing my eyes. A bad dream, surely that was all it had been. I was safe with the man I loved. A happy ending.