Page 13 of Stegian: Project Exorcism 4

Chapter Six

Jacquelyn cameawake with a start and eased when she felt Stegian’s arms still wrapped around her. She looked up to find his eyes closed and his body relaxed. Never did she think he’d trust her that much, that soon, to allow himself to rest near her.

Jacquelyn knew the suns would be up soon and Christian would sense something was wrong if she didn’t make it back by the time he woke.

Calling upon her power, she moved the boulder back into place, assuring no sunlight could harm Stegian. She leaned over him, admiring just how handsome he truly was.

“I have to go now, Stegian,” she whispered. “You’re safe here. I can ensure you have a decanter of blood to drink from, but you won’t be able to leave here until the suns set.”

Unable to resist the urge, Jacquelyn pressed her lips to his lightly. “My sweet sorcerer, I need you to fight for me, for us. I’ve seen the man you once were and I know he still resides within you. I also know he could easily have my heart…or break it.”

She sat up slowly, careful not to wake Stegian, and moved to the bedside table. She called upon her power and a decanter full of fresh blood appeared, along with a wine glass, a cloth napkin, and one long-stem red rose. Jacquelyn had no worries that Stegian could let himself out. He was powerful beyond words and would do so with ease. He would also find his way home without issue.

She conjured a pin to secure the torn portion of her gown and glanced back one last time to see Stegian resting peacefully. She used her power once more to move another boulder to the entrance of the cavern and rushed out into the night. The extreme use of power began to wear upon her.

Jacquelyn couldn’t use her magik to appear within the compound, because she wasn’t sure she had enough power left to control where she’d actually appear. Her luck it would be in the center of a busy section with all eyes on her. Once suspicions were raised, there would be no stopping them. If they found out about her and the mission she intended to succeed in—saving Stegian from his own demon—they would do everything in their means to not only stop her, but also to destroy Stegian.

Running as quickly as she could, Jacquelyn made her way through the dense jungle, stopping whenever she sensed danger. Stegian’s men patrolled the outer perimeter of her compound regularly, looking for any weaknesses. A way to kill a Janelle.

The sound of a twig snapping caught her attention and the feeling of being watched slid over her. Jacquelyn slowed her pace and tried to reach out with her power to sense who was following her. Whoever it was had power that was strong, because they blocked her with ease.

The game of cat and mouse continued. When Jacquelyn finally neared the edges of the compound, she knew first light was less than an hour away.

A dark shadow dropped from a tree, landing directly in front of her. A scream welled within her, but a hand clamped over her mouth, rendering her silent.

“The others are close.”

Christian.

He yanked her against his body and held her protectively. Christian drew in a sharp breath and his grip tightened. “Stegian is near.” He jerked away and glowered down at her. “Why would he come personally for you?”

Jacquelyn shook her head, attempting to play the part of the innocent.

Christian didn’t buy it. “Who are you, really?”

She didn’t answer right away, and for the first time in her life, Christian brought his hand back as if to strike her. “You’re one of them, aren’t you? A spy perhaps. Answer me!”

He drew his hand back farther. “Those I love have suffered and lost much at the hands of that madman. To come here and think to spy for him is—”

Suddenly, dark shadows moved in all around them. Christian put his body protectively in front of hers, even though he currently thought her to be a spy. He drew upon his power and it pushed against her. Jacquelyn clung to his upper arm, scared for him, scared of him, and of what was happening.

Shifters pushed through the darkness, surrounding them. They were not playing on the side of good. The evil they radiated made Jacquelyn waver slightly, needing to hold tighter to Christian to keep from falling.

As a tall, muscular man stepped forth from between the trees, his gray gaze snapped to her. It was Stegian. Jacquelyn’s stomach knotted as she watched the way in which he smiled. It was sinister. A realization sank over her. His demon had been what she’d bid her tender goodbye to. It had pretended to be asleep and followed her back to the compound.

“My, my, what do we have here?”

Christian put his arm back, covering Jacquelyn and keeping her pressed tightly to him.

Stegian looked furious. “You are lovers with their Chieftain?”

She shook her head but knew it was pointless. The demon would weave its own version of the truth and act accordingly. Stepping out from behind Christian, Jacquelyn held her head high. “It's me you wish to punish. Not Christian. Allow him to go free and I’ll surrender willingly to you.”

“Lies. Lies. Lies,” Stegian said, tapping his foot lightly. “I have a better idea.” He lifted his hand and pure evil radiated from him. “Let us see how much you enjoy your lover when he is but a puppet.”

“No!” Christian shouted, the terror in his voice raw and real. He'd fallen victim to Stegian's mind control in the past and the results had been devastating. “Run. He will use me against— Ah!” He went to his knees, holding his head. “Run!”

Jacquelyn dropped, refusing to leave his side. She'd not leave him to face the wrath of Stegian's demon alone. She wrapped her arms around Christian’s thick neck. She held firm, encompassing him in her power and blocking Stegian’s ability to control his mind.

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