Page 44 of Druid Dreams

I tsked at Kelvin. “That’s the wrong answer,” I informed him politely before I stood back up. “I guess we’ll just bury you down here. Would that be a better deal?” I pondered more to myself than him. I’m thankful Novak saw what I was doing. We’ve got all the information we need now.

He jumped to his feet before I stepped out of the cell door following the guys, “You can’t leave me down here!” He bellowed. “I’ll just dig my way out. I’m not weak like that fucking Druid,” he spat. “I’ll never stay down here, and when I get out I’ll come for you again,” he threatened. “I’ll kill you, bitch! And before I kill you, I’ll make you watch while I kill all your mates.” Ohhh, that appears to be a button of mine now. Here comes the psycho. Just a little taste.

I spun to the right, pulling my knee up. As I pivoted on my left foot, I kicked it up and extended my left leg out straight. Tornado kick motherfucker. It looked like I’d missed the mark with my kick but the knife popped out of the toe of my boot, adding five inches to my reach. Just in time to slice through his neck. His hands shot up to grab at his gaping throat in slow motion. When he dropped to his knees I stepped forward and leaned in to whisper “I told you what would happen if you gave me the wrong answer.” I sank my dagger through his heart. “And that, Kelvin, was the wrong. Fucking. Answer.” I twisted my weapon to punctuate the last three words. Then, I jerked it out, slinging blood around the cell and sliced through the remaining tendons and skin attaching his neck to his torso.

His head rolled away just as Grim stepped through the doorway. He nodded to me, and his scythe formed in his hand while all his flesh began to disappear. Fun fact about Grim Reapers: Their scythes are made from their flesh. That’s why they look like skeletons when they reap souls. Kelvin’s soul was going to a special place in the Underworld. My bedroom within the Devil’s palace. To sit in a glass display box like a signed fucking baseball on my shelf. His soul was forever mine. I hope he enjoys his eternal suffering formed by my own imagination.

Jack was waiting for me by the door looking pleased. Novak held my hand in his as we climbed the stairs to see the approaching dawn. “Go back to your clubhouse, babe. We’ll take care of this and I’ll get Helios home,” he assured me as he kissed my cheek.

“Okay, just let me know if you need a hand.” My anger was fading with every step I took away from that horrid cell. The adrenaline of the night was fleeing fast. I relaxed enough to force my shift back into my body. Having a tail feels weird without my wings. Parading around with gigantic horns on my human head gave me a headache. All I wanted was a hot shower, clean clothes, and coffee. Gallons of coffee. And maybe a short nap.

“Come on, Kitten. I’ll race you back to the treehouse,” Stone nudged me with his shoulder as the three of us strolled side by side.

“You’ll race me?” I pointed to my chest with my index finger. “Let's up the ante, shall we? If I’m going to race then I want something out of it.” The idea of a small gamble had my mind distracted with all the things that could come out of this.

“What do you have in mind?” Stone wondered aloud.

“I don’t know if I like the sly look on her face or not, Stone.” Novak confessed as he leaned behind me to mock-whisper to Stone.

“I’m feeling pretty confident,” Stone retorted as he met Novak’s concerned look. “So, if one of us wins then you owe us both a lap dance. Three songs each. Winner's choice in music.”

“That’s all you’re asking for?” Novak barked at him. “You're supposed to say if one of us wins then we’re having a threesome! Not getting three songs. Ask for something high and then work your way down to a lap dance.” I couldn’t help the giggle that escaped me, and it had nothing to do with Novak’s response. Almost nothing.

“Agreed,” I chuckled as I made up my mind on what I’d ask of them when I won. Because, let’s face it. I’m about to win. “And I want you both to wear frilly maid uniforms, feather dusters and all, when I win.”

“Nope. I don’t like this, Stone,” Novak argued but the Demon ignored him.

“When? For how long? And in front of who?” Stone always asked the right questions.

“Tonight... or tomorrow. Two hours. And, well, in front of whoever sees you.” I took on his same business-like tone.

“Agreed.” Stone extended his hand to make our deal official with a shake. When I put my hand in his, he added, “And no misting or shadow jumping. We’re just running.”

“Agreed,” I responded again.

“Fuck it,” the Vampire declared. “I think I hate you both right now.” He reached for my hand with a grimace as he agreed to our terms.

“Helios,” I shouted, and he bounded down the path to greet me. “Start our race off with a bark and then go back to Jack and Grim,” I commanded him. He gave me his signature “are you serious?” look and I rolled my eyes at him. “Yes, do it.”

With a loud woof from the fiery hellhound the guys flashed off. I stayed where I was and counted to thirty before chasing after them. We were miles from the treehouse rental. I’ve got time. I spotted Novak ahead of me after a few moments and slowed my speed to run beside him. He stumbled when he saw me feet from him, and I tossed him a saucy wink as I blasted past. I could hear him cursing as he tried to catch up.

It took me longer to reach Stone. The Demon was fast. The fastest one I’ve met. He had a bit of a competitive streak, or maybe he just wanted that lap dance. I’d give him one either way, but the gamble made it more fun. He’s gonna look ridiculous in a skirt. I pushed ahead of him as Novak caught up, and I cackled as they both yelled at me.

When I was sufficiently in the lead, I stopped and scaled up a tall tree. I used to do this to Jack all the time when we were kids. I moved as high as I could, keeping a clear path straight to the ground. I heard them before I saw them, and as they rushed towards the tree I was in I dropped down in front of them. Stone stopped dead in his tracks. Novak slid across the ground so fast he couldn't catch himself before he went tumbling. Stone and I keeled over with laughter as Novak stood and dusted himself off, muttering obscenities with each brush of his hands.

“Ha. Ha.” He huffed at us. “That’s got to be cheating.”

“Definitely wasn’t in the rules,” Stone approved.

“Bye,” I taunted with a wave as I took off again.

“FUCK!” Novak snarled. “Catch her! I’m not wearing a fucking skirt,” he shouted at Stone, and his voice grew quieter the further away I got from them.

Stone was hot on my heels when I finally decided to stop playing around. The idea of them in skirts was fueling my motivation to win. The losing side of the bet was nothing. I agreed with Novak, Stone could’ve asked for something more. I’d give them lap dances, that wasn’t a problem at all. I wanted to make a memory. Something that I would remember two hundred years from now. I plan on taking some pictures too. Possibly show our kids when we’re older.

Fuck. Did I say kids? Slow down, Sloane. I slammed my metaphorical brakes on and stared dumbly ahead of me. I don’t want kids. Never have. So, why did I just think that?

Something solid collided with my back. Not something. Someone. We both went ass over tits for a few feet before we came to a halt. I was flat on my back, breathlessly gazing at the overly exuberant Demon pinning me down. “Got her!” He called out to Novak, who went racing by. Oh, Hell no you don’t.