Demon's Dream Read Free

threat?
    Nanaboojoo stepped forward. Dressed in an Armani pin-striped blue suit, his dark salt and pepper hair pulled back in a tight pony tail, he looked like he was in his early sixties at best, despite the fact that he was as old as the mountains. Crossing his arms, he stood before Azamel, a scowl marring his face. “Where is the Guardian?”
    Surprise flickered across Mel’s features. Of all the things he was anticipating, the whereabouts of the custodian for the Gem of Avarice was the least of them. “She is safe. Why does she concern you?”
    “Don’t test me, Demon Basher. She is an innocent and falls under my protection as does what she guards.”
    “Bull shit. Where were you when she needed protection from the demon, Xon? Enjoying Rizzoli and Isles on your tablet? You obviously know as well as I what that stone means for humanity should it fall in the wrong hands, or any hands outside of those given the duty to guard it. One in every generation within a maternal lineage is set to protect that stone but when the time came for assistance or guidance you were nowhere to be found.”
    “Regardless of what you think of me, Judge, I cannot interfere in the choices of man. You know this as well as I. Each must travel their own path. The light will shine forth down one road but whether they choose to walk it or not must always remain open to them. However, that’s not the current problem. The fact is the gem is together and not in the correct realm. You’re keeping her here and therefore you have access to the relic. She cannot remain in your realm, nor can the artifact.”
    Nanaboojoo sensed a conflict from Azamel. Other than raising an eyebrow, Nana did not indicate he was aware of this new complexity. After a moment’s thought, he decided to add, “Should you decide to give up your godhood and join her on earth, be aware the demons will run rampant for there will be no one to take your place. This is your situation and now it is your problem. You have two weeks to finish training her and send her on her way or deal with the consequences.”
    Azamel growled. He detested being told what to do or how to do it. ‘ Fuck, I should’ve expected this though .’
    Nanaboojoo turned and headed towards Jes and Coyote in anticipation of leaving. However, Coyote saw an opportunity to place doubt and he decided to take full advantage of any and all opportunities. Tugging lightly on his white shirt sleeves, he made sure his jacket button was clasped while he stepped around Nanaboojoo and approached Azamel.
    Coyote’s amber eyes sparkled as he leaned in and lowered his voice, “Be leery, friend, for have you ever known a woman to be honest?”
    Although it was just a subtle twitch in his eye, Coyote could see the effect his words had on Mel. Inwardly smiling with the desired result, Coyote returned to the other two and the three Gods dematerialized from the receiving room, leaving the judge to stand there trying to control the rage that was building within him.
    Shara was nearby as she almost always was. His constant companion as well as his girl Friday should he need or desire anything. She had been with the judge for more centuries than she could count, yet even she was unaware of what made him so cold and uncaring. His stoicism was one of the things she admired about him. The way that nothing mattered to him but the job and he would do anything, sentence everyone the same, with no personal involvement or attachment. She stood by his side when the only emotions he showed were fury over another demon escaping and wreaking havoc on humanity. Somehow, for some odd reason, he had appointed himself as the additional savior to innocents. She had often wondered what had happened in his youth that set him on the path he was on, at least, until Clarissa entered his life about a month ago. Shara had seen the difference in him and it didn’t set well with her. She had noticed Mel lose his temper more than once during that time.