Page 83 of Coerced

I’d make sure she was safe, then I was gonna get back to the original plan of hunting down my mother’s killer. If I found him once, I could find him again. The world wasn’t that big for someone who lived for centuries. I’d find him again and kill him and then—

I hit a wall.

And thenwhat?

Unless something killed me first, I had nearly five hundred years before I died and my soul was sent to roast in Hell. After I had my revenge, what was I gonna fill all those endless days with?

Letting out a sigh, I tipped my head back and stared at the sky.

The Council’s always looking for warriors to clean out Diabolical nests. Guess I could do that. I’ll have nothing but time to kill, anyway.

After thinking about it for a few minutes, I decided I could become a Purifier. The International Council sent them to an area to wipe out everything - and I meaneverything - because there was nothing left worth saving. Since Purifiers worked alone, I could lose myself in dealing out death and not have to worry about hurting innocents or allies.

Jax and John had taught me what irony meant, so I understood that a demon-taint becoming a Purifier was the definition of it, but I’d be good at it.Realgood.

As a bonus, maybe the job would be so numbing, I could forget all about her.

Five hundred years of endless slaughter oughta ’bout do it.

If it didn’t, nothing would.

22. Until She’s Safe Again

Kerry

Two hours passed and I’d calmed down enough to appear under control, which was perfect because Travis’ head popped over the slight rise of land.

“No trouble?” I jogged to meet him.

“You were right! We’re on the outskirts of a small town. About two miles straight south, there’s a road that leads right into it. I walked until I could see a motel and a gas station and a diner. The gas station has a garage attached to it and vehicles parked behind it. Maybe they could rent us one. Anyway, I’d guess it’s about four miles from where I found the road. We’re set!”

“If we can get the others moving.” I frowned. “IthinkI could get myself stable enough to carry Gigi, but, even if you could carry John or Rome, that still leaves one man out.”

“No one’s carrying me anywhere.”

I turned to see Rome slowly walking toward us, one arm held tight against his ribs.

“You sure you’re ready to get up?” I called.

“Ready or not, I am.” He tried to stretch out his arm and winced. “Jeez, that hurts! Let’s get to this motel. We all need baths and sleep, not to mention meds and food.”

“Right. Travis, you’re assigned to John. See if you can get him on his feet.”

“Sure thing.” He trotted off.

“You had a good idea, telling me to shift.” Rome gave me a quick nod. “Saved my life. Thanks. I’d offer to shake your hand, but—”

“Yeah, I know.” I lifted one shoulder. “Just don’t ever stick your tongue in my ear again and we’ll call it even.”

I didn’t understand his bark of laughter. What was funny?

“That inferno was incredible.” He was still smiling a little. “Did it incinerate the demons?”

“Uh, they all burned up, if that’s what you’re asking.” I saw Travis loop John’s arm around his shoulder and help him stand. “Let’s figure out how to divide up this gear.”

Gigi got up, too, and reached for the demon blanket. She had a funny look on her face as she folded it and stuffed it into her backpack, and I knew she’d had the same experience with it I had. When I’d picked it up, my power had gone silent, but flooded back when I dropped it.

“Well, it’s been entertaining, people.” John’s voice was as flat as usual. “But I want a hot shower, a medium-rare steak, and a warm bed. In that order, too. Can we get moving?”

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