Demon's Dream (18 page)

Clarissa roamed the crowded streets of Chicago’s State Street. She was still amazed at the hustle and bustle of large, cosmopolitan urban centers such as this when she had spent her entire life on several acres of farm land, isolated from the mainstream population or big cities.

As she looked into the window of a large department store at the display of black leather vests and pants, she caught her own reflection. Mesmerized, she was astounded at how much older and leaner she appeared now from just a few months ago. However, since leaving Azamel’s realm, she had literally been fighting for the protection of the gem every day. She was grateful for her own fast healing benefits, a tribute to the curative powers of her wolf.

Today’s battle had not come yet but then she realized that they usually didn’t happen until she was hidden safely away from the majority of a human audience. At least they had the sense to keep their own preternatural powers obscured from mortals who walked in blind ignorance of the extraordinary creatures that mingled within their own societies.

As she looked past her own reflection, she noticed a man in the background watching her and trying to not be perceived but instead blend in with the myriad crowds around him. Sighing, she pretended not to notice him as she turned away from the windows and strode down the busy sidewalk. She knew he wouldn’t attack in such a crowded area, nor was he likely alone. He was waiting until the perfect moment in which to strike and she would be ready.

Chapter Seventeen

Coyote paced the grand foyer of Jes’ home, waiting for the God of Malignant Man to grant an audience with him. Jes wouldn’t even be aware of the stone, or if he felt the vibrations the gem produced, wouldn’t be able to hone in on it without Coyote’s help and guidance, so the fact Jes was purposefully making him dawdle around waiting for him just pissed the Trickster God to no end.

After an interminable amount of time and the utter loss of his patience, an old man dressed in traditional fringed buckskin hide beige leggings entered the foyer. The haggard man had leathery skin, weathered and worn from the harshness of his crimes encouraging the ill treatment of other humans as he walked the earth centuries ago. At a glance, Coyote knew the life history of the man.

Raised in a time when the first Europeans began arriving at the shores of what they called the New World, the Native American male who now stood before Coyote planned the murders of those who ventured off the ships. The man knew the oddly dressed creatures coming off such a huge conveyance from the indigo seas would bring only chaos to his and his people’s way of life. He led raids- terror skirmishes in hopes of making them depart from whence they came. Encouraged by Jes in his dreams, the male was ruthless in his waged war against the creatures who explored the unknown land. When his own life was snatched during a vicious battle, he was brought to Jes. He was the perfect warrior for the deaths of others, the malignancy of man and therefore an appropriate servant for the God who instigated the man’s path of atrocities.

The male ushered Coyote into Jes’ office, where Jes watched him while leaning back within his massive brown leather chair, his hands steepled in front of him. Jes’ dark brown eyes were narrowed in consternation as he gazed at Coyote’s entrance.

Jes was fully aware Coyote wanted the stone for himself. Hell, who in the world wouldn’t be desirous of such a coveted artifact.

The power the gem would bequeath to those who wielded it was immense and would definitely be the advantage one desiderated for. However, why Coyote was here inspired his curiosity enough to meet him. To get him frustrated by waiting was just an added bonus. Jes assumed having Coyote idle unwillingly wouldn’t only make him reckless but would also get him to speak his mind and quickly depart.

Jes, however, wasn’t about to reveal his intentions. Smiling as Coyote entered, he arose to greet him. “Welcome. Welcome. Nice of you to drop by, Coyote. Sorry you had to wait but busy, busy. You know how that is. So what do I owe this pleasure?”

Coyote immediately knew Jes was playing him. Shit. He was the Trickster God. Did Jes really think he would be able to pull one over on him? If he did, Jes was a bigger fool than Coyote gave him credit for. However, Coyote was willing to play his game and have him believe he was in full control.

“I have been noticing all the creatures that have been attacking the Guardian of the gem. Seems someone is trying extremely hard to obtain it in a very tedious manner. However, it’s nice they have been giving her practice to build her powers and her fighting skills and allow us to see where her weaknesses are for us to utilize against her.”

Jes was a bit surprised at this tidbit of information. He had not realized his pushes against the female wolf had been so noticeable. He had been so focused on trying to eliminate the custodian by sending veiled dreams to those he thought could do the job, only to watch their subsequent failures, he had paid little to no attention of what her own weaknesses were which could be employed against her.

Jes poured himself a drink then raised the snifter towards Coyote in a silent query of wanting one as well. Coyote shook his head negatively. He didn’t plan on remaining here any longer than needed. Coyote came to plant his suggestions which would benefit him the most and then move on. He still had a lot of work to accomplish in order to obtain the stone for himself, under the very nose of Jes and thereby secure his position so the other Gods couldn’t oust him once he succeeded in his achievement.

Jes turned his back to Coyote to replace the snifter on the tray and picked up his glass filled now with a dark amber liquid, taking a sip. He assessed the information before he chose to respond, slowly ambling back to his chair. “What weakness did you discover?” Jes said simply.

“I’m not sure, to be honest,” Coyote replied as he moved to the chair opposite the desk and Jes. “Every now and again she gets momentarily befuddled but quickly recovers her focus. What causes these distractions, what she is thinking about that disturbs her, even transiently is unknown.”

Jes contemplated the new knowledge quietly. He ran through all of his knowledge of the Guardian within his mind, trying to assess anything which might distract her. The only thing he was aware of was the loss of her family by a rival were-wolf pack a couple of years ago. Could it be something that simple? Were thoughts of her family causing those ephemeral lapses of concentration, or was it something else? If it was something else, what could it possibly be?

After several minutes of contemplative silence, Jes spoke up, “She did lose her family only a few years ago. Maybe the thrust of responsibility upon her and her own solitary existence had caused her brief dissolution.”

Coyote rolled his eyes. Was Jes
really
so dense? Had he
not
been paying attention in the least iota when they visited Azamel’s residence just a few months ago? Trying to sound nonchalant, Coyote offered up another suggestion in hopes of steering the pig headed being onto the right course, “Or maybe it was something more recent? She did spend quite a bit of time with Azamel.”

Jes appeared befuddled. “So? What would that have to do with anything?”

It took every bit of control for Coyote not to hop over the desk and strangle him. Jes was very much hebetudinous and Coyote wanted desperately to slap some sense into him. Although it might give him intense satisfaction to beat some sense into Jes, he was fully aware it wouldn’t accomplish his goal. So he continued to focus on what he wanted more than to murder Jes for being so un-sagacious.

Keeping his voice calm and collective, Coyote tried to make it as simple of a suggestion as he possibly could and hoped Jes would eventually open his eyes to the realization of what Coyote was trying to foster, “As much as I hate to admit it, Azamel is not totally hideous to look upon. Maybe the time they spent together encouraged her to see something that most find distasteful. After all, who understands what women like or dislike in a male?”

Jes rubbed his chin in contemplation.

“True, my brother does have the family good looks. However, he had never been interested, that I’m aware of at any rate, of women other than satisfying an urgent need. It is possible he fulfilled his carnality with her and she thought it meant something more or fell in love with him as a result.”

Jes swiveled back and forth in his chair as his mind was thinking about the possibilities.

Coyote peered at him intently. Finally, the light bulb went on in the dimwit’s brain. It took everything he had not to roll his eyes at Jes but he needed the God of the Malignant Man to assume it was his conclusion, not a suggestion from Coyote.

“What difference does it make if she is in love with him or not? I cannot believe his fucks are so good that she is swooning over them even after all this time.”

Now Coyote did roll his eyes. “Any weakness can be used against a person, if they think about it and how it can hinder whatever those strengths are.”

Jes pondered a bit more over Coyote’s words. “I think it’s time I visited my dear ass of a brother. I think I need a bit more information to find the wolf’s vulnerability.”

Coyote stood and nodded, a small smirk lifted the left side of his mouth. “Yes, Sir. A reasonable plan of action. I wish you the best of luck towards your success in defeating the Guardian.” ‘
Mostly, so I can obtain the prize before you do, while you do all the work for me,’
Coyote’s thoughts silently added.

Chapter Eighteen

Azamel didn’t wait for Jes to acknowledge his presence as he walked into his sibling’s office, striding right up to the desk. Mel placed his hands on the edge as he leaned over the wooden piece of furniture. In truth, Mel was so furious at Jes he was unsure where to begin.

Jes’ eyes widened in surprise before narrowing in consternation. He was just getting ready to go visit Mel in the Nether Realm when his asswipe familial relation strode into the room as if he owned the damn place.

“Gee. What horrific occurrence caused you to leave your sacred realm and visit li’l ol’ me? Did you finally get some snow? Ice water maybe?”

Mel snarled, baring his teeth, his eyes flashing to red. “Piss off, Jes. You may think you’re absolutely hysterical and should be on comedy central but trust me- you couldn’t even make the jolliest clown chuckle. However, since you did ask so fucking nicely, I’ll tell you why I’m here. Mani. Ring a bell?”

Jes sat back in his chair and steepled his fingers in front of him.

“Mani? I believe he is a low level demon spirit. Did he do something to piss you off? If so, you should be going after him, not soiling my carpet.”

Mel rolled his eyes in exasperation. So Jes was going to deny involvement. Peachy. Fucking peachy. Still, Mel had to wonder how far Jes would carry this charade. “I did capture him. He is currently in my realm serving his sentence.” The judge watched every subtlety that appeared on Jes’ face as he sprang the news. It was one of the things that made him excellent at his position. He was able to define the nuances of others to ascertain their guilt or innocence, even if it was negligible to the naked eye.

Jes paused, an almost imperceptible shadow crossing his face before he became stoic once again. Keeping his voice neutrally cool, “Well then, it's a good thing your work load was made so easy. So again, what are you doing out of your cave?”

“Get off your high fucking horse. You know perfectly well why I’m here. Do you really think having the Guardian disposed of was the best way to secure the stone?”

“What stone?”

Mel slammed his fist down on the desk so hard that all the items on it bounced. “Stop playing games! You know very well what stone. Don’t pretend to be so idiotic. I know you’re fully aware of my persuasive interrogation techniques. Although I do admit, Mani held out much longer and better than most of those who have broken laws from whom I needed information.

“So what now? You here to judge me?”

“If I knew of a law that you personally broke, I would turn into the magistrate so quickly you wouldn’t know what hit you. As it is, you’re safe for the moment from being judged. However, keep trying to obtain the Gem of Avarice or harm the Guardian I’ll throw the book with everything I can get you on. Consider this your one and only warning. You continue on your current path and I will pursue you to the ends of the universe to make you pay.” Mel snarled.

Jes couldn’t help but give a cocky smile. So it was true. Mel cared about the whelp of the wolf. Immensely. He had not seen Mel be this concerned over another since the day he took Nokomis away from him in the woods.

“Do you really think I’m trembling in my moccasins because of your threats? They mean nothing to me.
You
mean nothing to me. I’ll do as I please and get what I want, even if it means the death of your precious Guardian. It’s the way it has always been and shall be.”

Mel’s eyes blazed in fury, the demon inside him clawing to be out and tear apart the irreverent God.

“Don’t push it, Jes! It will lead to a war you don’t want to be held accountable for.”

Jes violently pushed himself out of the chair and leaned over his desk, getting into Mel’s face. “How dare you presume to tell me what I will or won’t be held accountable for, little brother! I suggest you leave now before I really lose my temper.”

Mel actually snorted back a chuckle. “You don’t fucking scare me, so don’t even attempt it.”

“I’m not worried about scaring you. I don’t need to. I know something which works better. You think I don’t know you care for the Guardian, maybe even love her? Well, I hope you said goodbye to her, because with every demon after her tail, she won’t last much longer. I only have to wait until she is dead before I swoop in and get the stone. Then there is nothing or no one who will be able to stop me. The universe will be mine to command and rule. I’ll be stronger than even Nana-bozo,” he purposefully butchered Nana’s name.

Mel took a step back in shock. “You’re really warped if you think that will be allowed to happen. You will literally start a war!”

Jes laughed. “Then bring it on!”

Mel shook his head. “Don’t do this, brother. Consider this your final warning.”

Without further ado, Azamel dematerialized from Jes’ office.