The Devil's Third (30 page)

“Carrie is doing well,” Tree answered. “Yeah, I’d hate to leave her, but I think she’d want me to go. As for my folks, they’ve been wanting me to take a break to clear my head. I’ll just tell them I need to get away for a while. They’ll understand.”

I groaned. “I really wish you’d stay here.”

“I know you do,” Tree replied. “But I feel like I need to go. I don’t know why, but I do.”

I sighed. “Fine then. We’ll leave tonight.”

“I really don’t like this arrangement,” Nathan said, groaning.

“Of course you don’t,” Brayden scoffed. “But admit it. You need my help.”

Nathan jumped to his feet and Brayden did the same. “If anything goes wrong and something happens to Paige or Tree, I’m holding you personally responsible and will make your life a living hell.”

I rose. “If something does happen. It may not be Brayden’s fault,” I countered, not realizing until the last minute, I was jumping to his defense.

Brayden winked at me. He faced Nathan and gave him a smug look.

Great. I just defended my ex boyfriend against my current one, and the ex was gloating. Lovely.

Nathan froze. Speechless. But then he spoke, his words cold and razor sharp. “If you lead us into a trap, and I discover you had any knowledge of it, I’ll be your worst nightmare.”

“And so will I,” I interjected, because honestly, I’d never be able to trust Brayden again.

Nathan slung his arm over my shoulders, and I wrapped mine around his waist. Brayden glowered at us. “You don’t have to worry about me betraying Paige. I’d never do such a thing,” he said.

Tree carefully took his sweatshirt off, groaning as he did so. I made a move to help, then stopped when he held his hand up. “I’m okay,” he said. “I just have to get past the pain.” He placed a hand on his side and took in a few slow breaths, like he was mentally preparing himself for an unwelcome task he was forced to do. Then he ripped the vest and breast plate from his body, tossing them aside. He slowly slipped his shirt and jacket back on and stood. “I need to go to my house to grab my stuff before my folks get home.”

Nathan picked up the vest and breast plate. “Where’s the van?”

Tree glanced around us, taking in all the scattered dead bodies, some in unnatural positions like broken dolls. “Aosoth and Roeick took it when they escaped.”

“I’ll get Ameerah’s Jeep,” Nathan offered. “It shouldn’t take me too long, since I know where I’m going now.” He pointed to the east. “U.S. 30 is that way. I’m guessing it’s a mile from here. Meet me there in the cover of the trees.”

An image of some hikers finding this mess entered my mind. “What should we do about the rifle and bodies?”

“Leave it as it is,” Nathan answered. “Immortals don’t have fingerprints, so the authorities will think it was a drug deal gone wrong or something along those lines.”

“Really?” I didn’t know that. I raised my fingertips and made an annoyed sound when I saw the skin on them were line free. “I can’t believe I never noticed this before.” I felt like such an idiot.

“Don’t feel bad, Paige,” Brayden said. “I didn’t know either until just recently when Anwar told me.” He shrugged. “Besides, we still have the lines on our palms, so why would we even check out fingertips?”

I looked at my palm, knowing what some of the lines meant. The life line descended down past my wrists. The heart line below my pinky, curved up, stopping between my first and middle finger. Interesting. I wondered what a palm reader would tell me, not knowing I was immortal.

“I’ll dispose of the vest and breast plate.” Nathan walked over to me and brushed his lips against mine. Out the corner of my eyes, I saw Brayden turn his back. My heart fluttered from Nathan’s kiss, and at the same time my stomach twisted, knowing Brayden was in love with me, and here I stood locking lips with someone else. I didn’t want to hurt him; however, by the same token, if he wanted us to stick together, he’d have to get used to Nathan and me being together. “I’ll see you in an hour or less.”

“Okay,” I said, frowning, hating to see him go.

He turned on his heel and vanished.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Nathan

I ran through the woods, anxious to return to Paige. I stopped a few times to check if the roads were clear of traffic and to bury the body armor. As I ran, a million thoughts raced through my head.

Anwar had completed a blood oath with Bael, and if Anwar ever went against their pact, he would surely become Bael’s sock-puppet for God knows how long. I couldn’t understand how Anwar could do such a foolish thing. Was it required of him in order for Bael to share Solomon’s power? But Bael wanted Paige to destroy the incantations. I then realized this dark ritual had taken place long before Bael knew Solomon’s power resided in Paige.

Laughter parted my lips. Not because I took delight in Anwar’s unfortunate circumstances, but because of its irony. Anwar had certainly backed himself in a corner this time. A part of me wanted to feel sorry for him. I didn’t. His betrayal still festered inside me, and I would never trust him again.

The thought of Brayden popped in my head as I bounded over several fallen trees. His proposal left a bad taste in my mouth. He knew his idea was the best one we had, and he did make some valid points. We could reach Africa faster with Shem piloting us, and I never had a problem with him. In fact, I kind of liked the eccentric old man. Unfortunately, though, we were going to have to deal with Anwar, Bael, Aosoth and Roeick. I didn’t know how it would work out and couldn’t understand why Bael made amends with Aosoth. According to Paige, he detested her. His motives made no sense. It all seemed fishy to me. Bael had something up his sleeve, and it made me nervous as hell.

When I reached the Jeep, nothing appeared out of the ordinary. A couple with two young boys was crossing the parking lot with hands full of luggage. I could hear the bustling of traffic uptown and smell the glorious scent of steaks and burgers being grilled nearby. The ache in my hollow stomach reminded me I’d never had the opportunity to eat my burger. My eyes darted over the roofs of several vehicles in front of me to the room Paige had occupied. I wondered if my food still sat on the table where I left it. My hunger fueled an almost irresistible urge to go see. But I shook it off and hopped in the Jeep instead. There were more important things to address than my raging appetite.

I exited the premises, thinking this time tomorrow, we should be in Africa. Anwar was already there, and to my dismay, I’d have to face him. I clenched my teeth and glared out the windshield. Pulling my phone from my pocket, I made a snap decision to call him. I hated prolonging the inevitable. I’d much rather get past what needed to be said now than later. Besides, once we arrived there, I didn’t want to waste our time over brawling words and bellicose feelings. He already knew how I felt, and I’d keep him at arm’s length.

I stopped at a red light behind a black and gray Dodge Ram. I noticed Pip had texted me. He said his sources were unable to lock down the Sof Omar cave from the public. There were forty-two entrances; however, four were generally used. He apologized for his inability to assist me, but recommended venturing through the cave during the night.

My thumbs flew over the tiny keypad, the corner of my mouth lifting at his clever idea. I thanked him for his help, told him his idea was brilliant, and I’d keep in touch. The traffic steadily moved at a slower pace than what I wanted. I placed my cell on the passenger’s seat and pondered Pip’s suggestion.

It could work, if we completed our task by sunrise. My hope slipped when reality sunk in. The Sof Omar Cave was one of the largest in the world. Unless luck was on our side, it would take us more than one night to locate Solomon’s incantations. Then I thought of Anwar. He had connections rooted in Africa. He most likely already had this problem solved. I sighed and snatched my phone off the seat. I punched in Anwar’s number and listened to it ring.

“Nathaniel,” he answered after the third ring, and every muscle in my body contracted at the sound of his rich, African voice. “What a pleasure to hear from you.”

“I’m sure,” I said, my tone dripping with sarcasm. “Whom am I talking to? Anwar or Bael or both?”

“So you know about the blood oath.” It was more of a statement than a question, his voice pitching in false surprise. He already knew.

“Stop with the games, Anwar, and answer the damn question.”

“Bael is too busy communicating with Ayperos at the moment. My connection with him is broken, which gives me a short amount of time to speak freely with you.”

“More lies?” I hissed.

“No, Nathaniel. Truths,” he paused, and then he spoke fast. “I do not blame your animosity toward me. I am also aware I will never be able to regain your trust. Just know my actions were led by what I felt was right. I still stand by Bael’s vision for dis world, but I will admit, I had made some foolhardy mistakes. Dis blood oath is one of them. I would have never agreed to it if I’d known Solomon’s power dwelled in Paige. We had agreed beforehand the oath would be severed after we split the magic between us and had Solomon’s spells in our possession. But now dat will not happen.”

“Your greed sure bit you in the ass,” I said.

“Not greed, Nathaniel. Not from my perspective. But I will break free from Bael and finally be at peace.”

“Good luck with that.” I knew once you were bound to a dark spirit, you couldn’t be released from it unless the entity agreed to it. Basically, Anwar sold his soul to the devil. The devil may also be tied to the individual, but he had nothing to lose but time. Eventually, the other party would foul something up, and the unfortunate individual would have to be Bael’s slave for as long as he saw fit. I wondered if similar circumstances had sealed Aypero’s fate.

“I have some journals and books in a safety deposit box at a bank in Switzerland. I have not touched them since I carry out the ritual with Bael. The key, along with which bank, is at my house in Washington. I want you to have it. It’s . . . Bael.”

“Bael?”

“Yes, Nathan, you are now speaking with Bael. I have taken full control over the conversation now. How delightful to be able to chat with you by the way,” a deep voice said in false charm. “Is Paige with you?”

“No, but she will be,” I said, my words clipped.

“Wonderful. So we shall see you soon?”

“If you’re lucky,” I growled. I was now driving down a two lane road with forest on both sides. A couple squirrels darted in front. I slowed, allowing them to cross safely. I watched the pair reach the other side, hop on a large oak and chase each other up it.

“Now, don’t be difficult,” Bael answered. “I tried not to get you involved, but Brayden took the liberty upon himself to interfere with my plans. However, I think the boy did me favor after all. This new one is working out much better if I do say so myself.”

“Why did you save Aosoth and involved her in this?” I demanded, knowing Paige would want me to ask.

He snorted. “I have my own personal reasons. It’s no concern of yours.”

“Wrong answer. She ruined Paige’s family, encouraged Roeick to . . .” I clenched my jaw and continued through tight lips. “She encouraged Roeick to
beat
Paige, and she had her gang jump Tree. I think it is
my
concern.”

“I heard what happened to Jack. I can’t say I feel bad about it. If it makes you feel better, his life was spared because of the agreement I made with Paige. Otherwise, he would be a rotting corpse right now.” He sighed, an irritable sound. “Such an unfortunate bargain I made with unforeseen events I hadn’t anticipated due to your resourcefulness. Your very presence on this earth vexes me to no end. Jack is another one. You both remind me of my brothers.”

“Hah! You just made my day,” I said. “But listen, I hate to cut this fabulous conversation short. However, I’m almost at my destination, so do enlighten me on the details of this quest.” I paused, and my voice dropped to a low, warning tone. “Oh, and don’t think for one second I’ll be taking orders from you. I’m not one of your lap puppies like Ayperos and Anwar.”

“I do enjoy our chats,” Bael sneered. “To answer your questions, Shem will fill you in on the details. You will meet us at the entrance of the cave called Ayiew Maco. It’s near the village of Sof Omar.”

“How do you propose we keep bystanders away?”

“It’s already been taken care of.”

One less thing I had to worry about. Good. Out of curiosity, I had the urge to ask him how, but decided against it. I’m sure he had his minions pull some strings or possess some soulless people who had the power to keep the public at bay. “We should be there in a couple days, but I’ll have Brayden keep in touch with Anwar, so you’ll know our exact arrival.”

“Splendid. Give Paige my regards and remind her the bargain we made is still in effect until she destroys the incantations.”

I gnashed my teeth and ended the connection, knowing it was going to take everything in my power not to snap his neck. For a fleeting moment, I admired Brayden for doing just that. But I had no choice. I couldn’t do it. Paige had to stick to their agreement, which entailed her taking Bael along so he could watch while she destroyed the incantations. I’d have to remind Brayden, in case he decided to do the same thing again.

My phone vibrated in my hand. “Yes,” I answered, recognizing Anwar’s number.

“One more thing,” Bael said. “Pass a message along to Brayden for me. I will pardon his act of violence toward me this one time. If he does it again, I will kill his mother.”

The line clicked, leaving nothing but dead silence.

Chapter Thirty

Paige

Nathan arrived a little over an hour ago. We all piled into the Jeep and headed to Tree’s house. Nathan filled us in on his conversation with Bael. When he told Brayden about Bael’s menacing message, Brayden blanched and fell into a deep silence. It occurred to me then that he’d never considered his mother’s safety and now would have to think things through more thoroughly than act on emotional whims. I knew his mother meant the world to him, and Bael’s threat was a game changer for him.