Page 2 of Demon

The thoughts that came at him from all directions just spurred him on. Callan leaped through the air, grabbed the demon’s horns and twisted, throwing that huge body into a spin that took the demon off his feet. Callan didn’t let up, following him down to the mat to rain punches to his face. His anger felt like a feral animal out of control, his vision blood-red. He didn’t stop until he was forcibly pulled off.

“Winner!” the referee yelled.

Callan, panting, stood over the fallen demon, who was now passed out cold. He held up his arms in victory, laughing as his brothers opened the gate and rushed into the pit, their arms raised in victory as well.

Rafe pounded him on the back. “Good fight.” He turned to grab his mate’s hand, and the way Shia looked at his brother sent another stab into Callan’s chest. That fight hadn’t done what he needed, not entirely. This raw anguish was just too damn tenacious, like it was determined to keep its claws buried in his chest for the rest of his life.

Bartholomew and Nathanial crowded into him, both laughing. He worked to smile with them, not wanting them to sense the depth of his struggle.

The demon on the mat came awake and slowly sat up. Callan offered him a hand to help pull him to his feet. At first, he just glared, then a resigned expression crossed his harsh features, and he took that hand. Callan slapped his back once he was standing.

“Thank you for the battle. Was a good match.”

“I’ll get you next time.”

“Look forward to that.” Callan’s grin that time felt a little more natural, though blood from his split lips, bitten tongue, and possibly a loose tooth dripped down his chin. He’d relished every moment of that fight, even though it hadn’t totally banished his inner pain.

The reminder deflated him as he looked at Rafe and Shia, who were wrapped around each other as usual. The anguish was hot in his chest as he forced himself to look away from them. There wasn’t anything in this world he wanted more. All soulmates were rare, but for demons, they were even more so. Two in one family was unheard of.

Callan was doomed to be alone forever.

Chapter Two

Lonnie

Lonnie Russell eyed the note pinned under the windshield wiper of his car, his skin pricking with dread. He’d convinced himself these notes were nothing more than a student prank, but the last couple had grown increasingly more menacing. Glad he was wearing gloves, he pulled out the piece of paper and unfolded it.

Today I followed you between classes, and again you didn’t see me. You’d better see me.

He spun around, gaze darting all around the college parking lot as his breath fogged the air. Light snow flurries obscured his vision slightly, but outside of cars, there were only a few teachers and students around. None seemed to be watching him. Still, he felt eyes on him. The hair on the back of his neck was standing on end. Still searching the lot, he slowly climbed into his car and locked the door. He started the engine and turned the heat all the way up, shivering at the frigid air coming from the vents.

He was not a winter person.

Lonnie kept his eyes peeled for anyone watching him as he slowly drove through the parking lot toward the street. He lovedhis creative writing teaching position at Seattle University, and he was pissed off that this…person was making him dread his days at the school.

He’d saved all the notes and thought maybe it was time to go to the police, but he was still reluctant because none of the statements had been outright threatening.You’d better see meonly implied that something bad would happen if he didn’t. Still, it unnerved him to know someone was this focused on him. He couldn’t imagine why he’d attract anyone’s attention.

Maybe his sister would have some ideas what he should do. Gabby didn’t have a problem with sharing her opinions. Ever.

He parked in the lot of the Yemeni cafe they loved, spotting his sister through the window. She saw him, too, waving. He and Gabby looked alike, sharing their mother’s mixed brown hair. Gabby had always been thankful for it since she didn’t have to get artificial highlights. And they shared the same unfortunate build as well.

He hurried inside and took the chair across from Gabby. It was a pleasant cafe that only served drinks and sweets, the walls adorned with scenic, peaceful images. The air was thick with the scents of coffee and spices.

Gabby grinned at him. “I already ordered you the house coffee and got some pastries for us to share. Hope that’s okay.”

“It’s great. Thanks.” He set his briefcase on the seat beside him, tucking the note underneath it. He’d find a way to work it into their conversation. But Gabby’s sharp eyes ruined his plans. She reached across the table and snatched up the note, too fast for him to stop her.

“What’s this?” she asked as she unfolded the paper. Her face went pale as her gaze shot to his. “What the hell, Lonnie?”

He sighed and removed his gloves to set them on the table. “If there were fingerprints on that, you just screwed them up.”

“Fingerprints? Lonnie, where did you find this?”

“This one was on my car under the windshield wiper.”

“This one?” She leaned over the table and lowered her voice. “Are you telling me you’ve gotten more than one letter like this?”

He shrugged. “Yeah. This is the fifth one. The first two were on my desk, one was through the mail, the last two, including this one, on my car.” He smiled up at the server as she set down his mug of coffee, returning his smile. He quickly took a sip, sighing over the blend of cardamom, cinnamon and ginger. “Oh, that’s good as always.” The server set down their pastries, including his favorite cream cheese-filled sweet bread with honey. He loved the way the pastry was shaped like honeycomb.

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