That made sense, but, I doubt itll be as simple as googling places that are known for large congregations of locusts, frogs, lightning bolts or partings of seas, I said tartly. If so, demons wouldve found it centuries ago.
Adrian raised a brow. Theyve spent a lot of time scouring places with unusual natural phenomena, but they cant sense hallowed objects. Only you can. Thats why were going to find the staff and theyre not.
He sounded completely confident. Then again, he was overlooking the most dangerous part of this mission. It wasnt whether or not we could find the staff. Its what could very likely happen if I tried to use it.
Im going with you, too, Jasmine said, her words distracting me from a topic I didnt want to dwell on.
I turned to my sister. Youve been through enough. Well find you another place to stay at on hallowed ground, so youll be safe
You think Ill ever feel safe again? Her voice filled with more pain than any eighteen-year-old should ever have. Im barely holding it together with you and Costa around me 24/7. If you leave me by myself, Ill lose it for sure. And I spent months trapped in a demon realm, so I know what were up against.
Jasmine, I tried again.
Im going. She cut me off with a flash of her old stubbornness. Either help me pack or get out of my way, Ives.
She hadnt called me her pet name from our childhood since wed rescued her. That, plus the glimpse of her former spunk, melted my resistance away. Who was I to lecture her? She was right. In some ways, shed been through a lot more than me.
Fine, then you can help me pack, I said, trying not to think about how I was going to find the staff while not getting myself killed, my sister hurt or my heart broken again.
Ill pull our ride around, Adrian stated.
I gave him a doubtful look. You think we can fit four adults and a winged gargoyle into your vintage metal baby?
His smile was threatening and promising, like a lion licking its prey while deciding whether to eat it now or later. Were bringing my Challenger, but were not riding in it.
Huh? Whats that supposed to mean?
His smile widened into a grin. Get packed and youll find out.
CHAPTER FIVE
I DROPPED MY suitcases when I saw the bus. It was so long that it extended well past the driveway, and it had to be at least three feet taller than Brutus at his full height. Now I knew what Adrian meant about bringing his Challenger but not riding in it. The muscle car was hitched to the back of the bus, and though it wasnt small, it was dwarfed by the black-and-gray behemoth that had the words Soul Smashers emblazoned across both sides of it.
Adrian jumped down from the side door, ignoring the steps that led to the bus. Like it? he asked, grinning at my expression. Its not much for speed, but when it comes to space and comfort, this thing has it all.
You dont say, I managed. Where did you get this?
He glanced at it. This was the tour bus for a band that was trying to be the next Smashing Pumpkins. The Soul Smashers never made it past being a one-hit wonder, which is why they went broke and sold their tour bus to me a few months ago.
I didnt comment on the irony of the last Judian and the last Davidian traveling around in a bus labeled Soul Smashers while trying to prevent a demon apocalypse. Instead, I climbed the steps and peeked inside. Then I blinked, convinced that Id been glamoured because this couldnt be real.
Plush, black leather couches and a matching leather recliner chair made up what looked like an upscale living room. Mounted wall speakers surrounded a state-of-the-art entertainment area with a large flat-screen TV, and unless I was crazy, across from that was a minibar.
Beyond that, there was a kitchen with the works: granite countertops, a double-door refrigerator, stove, microwave, sink and dishwasher. A dinette area was across from that, with a half bathroom tucked into the corner. And on the opposite wall, right before a door that I assumed led to a bedroom, was a full bar complete with a lower cooler filled with wine bottles.
No wonder these rockers went broke, I thought. Theyd been too busy drinking and riding around in style to perform.
When I slid open the pocket door in the back, it revealed a large, king-size bed, and I spied another bathroom in the corner, this one with a shower. The exterior of the tour bus might look at little beat up, but on the inside, everything was brand-new and top-of-the-line. Hell, it was nicer than the house wed just left, not that Id ever say such a thing to Costa.
Better than my Challenger? Adrian teased.
I turned around to find him standing behind me. He had both my suitcases, but really what caught my attention was his smile. It was almost impish, and the silver rings encircling his irises seemed to gleam brighter from mischief. I couldnt remember seeing Adrian look so...carefree. Under the power of that infectious smile, I smiled back.
You could fit several of my former dorms in this thing.
He shrugged. As you said, Brutus is too big to fit in any regular vehicle, plus in addition to the four of us, we also have lots of luggage and weapons. Then Adrian cast an almost casual glance at the bedroom. When his gaze met mine, his smile had a decidedly wicked slant. This will suit all our needs.
Wow, he wasnt even trying to be subtle! Did he really think hed just walk back into my life and Id greet him with open legs? Okay, so Id come close to giving it up before, but I knew better now. We had destinies to fulfillor in his case, to overcomeso any attraction I might still feel for him was irrelevant. Saving people was my top priority. Not getting sweaty with the one person in the world who was fated to betray me.
We could also have just taken different cars, I said, my chilly look telling him, Its not happening.
The single arch of his brow said, Well see.
Jasmine and Costa climbed into the trailer, interrupting our wordless conversation. Nice, bro, Costa commented, looking around with appreciation, but no surprise. Maybe Costa was used to Adrian living large, even if that was a side of him I was just beginning to see.
Is all this necessary? was what Jasmine said. I frowned. I agreed, but she sounded snippy, which wasnt like her.
Our first stop is California, Adrian replied, his new, neutral tone not fooling me a bit. He hadnt done this just because we had a long way to go. Since it will take days to get there, we all may as well be comfortable.
Comfortable, my ass. His glance at the bedroom certainly hadnt been accidental.
Jasmine shot a look between us, then she tugged on my arm. Come on, Ivy. If the bedrooms ours, lets get settled in.
I grabbed my bags and led the way. The closets yours, and there are more drawers under the bed, Adrian called out.
Thanks
Jasmine shut the pocket door before I could finish speaking. When she turned around, her arms were crossed in a way that reminded me of our mother when shed been upset.
Is something wrong? I asked.
Yes, she replied shortly. You and Adrian are whats wrong.
I was so shocked, it took me a second to find my tongue. Lower your voice, he can hear us, I hissed.
Is something wrong? I asked.
Yes, she replied shortly. You and Adrian are whats wrong.
I was so shocked, it took me a second to find my tongue. Lower your voice, he can hear us, I hissed.
Her blue eyes seemed to turn to ice. I dont care. Hes destiny-bound to betray you and everyone knows it. If it were up to me, he wouldnt be anywhere near you, but Zach insisted.
I didnt know what surprised me more, the harshness in her voice, or this latest revelation. Zach? When did you talk to him about Adrian coming with us? When I was packing?
She gave an impatient swipe. After you left to look for Brutus. Zach showed up and said that youd be back with Adrian. I begged him not to lift his restriction on Adrian, but you cant tell an Archon to do anything he doesnt want to
You knew about Zach supernaturally preventing Adrian from contacting me? I cut her off. And you didnt tell me?
Jasmines expression hardened. Who do you think asked Zach to do it in the first place? Zach agreed that you needed time by yourself. I was hoping youd get over Adrian if he was forced to leave you alone, but ever since he showed up, its obvious that you havent.
I stared at her in disbelief. The blond-haired girl across from me looked like my sister, but the Jasmine I knew was sunny, playful and impulsive. Not manipulative, hateful and hard.
Jaz, I said softly. Whats going on?
She let out a sound that was half scoff, half sob. You mean, why do I hate him? Maybe it was seeing my boyfriend tortured to death in front of me in Adrians former realm, or seeing how demons treat people worse than cattle, or being their caged trophy for weeks. Maybe it was finding out that minions murdered our parents while I was away, or maybe its the fact that both demons and Archons believe that Adrian absolutely will fulfill his destiny by betraying you! Youre all I have left, Ivy. Her voice broke. I cant stand to lose you, too.
I felt so ashamed. Here Id thought that Jasmine had been doing better over the past several weeks. Shed seemed like shed been coping after her ordeal, but she hadnt, and Id been blind to it. Seeing Adrian again mustve felt like salt in her wounds, and she had already suffered so much.
You dont have to worry, I told her, my voice rough from holding back tears. If Zach hadnt made him come, Adrian wouldnt be here. Anything I felt for him before...it was just our supernatural tie because were the last of our lines. Adrian even warned me about that when we first met. It might have felt like real emotions, but it wasnt, and Im over that now.
I managed not to choke on the lie. Oh, if only what I still felt for Adrian was the same emotions that had drawn Davidians and Judians together for over two thousand years! Those had been compassion, empathy and the need to save. What I felt was differentstronger and deeperand as much as I might want to, I couldnt blame any of it on my lineage.
You dont have to be afraid of Adrian betraying me again, I went on. I wont let him, I silently added, but Jasmine needed more reassurance than that. The day I wiped out the Bennington demon realm, Zach told me that Adrian had a chance to beat his fate. So, the demons might believe that Adrian is their weapon, but when you take someones best weapon away from them, it just makes them easier to kill.
I was paraphrasing Adrians words from this morning, not that Jasmine needed to know that. She just needed to believe it, and despite all my issues with Adrian, I still did believe that he could overcome his fate. I just wasnt willing to bet my life on it anymore, let alone my heart.
I went over to Jasmine and took her hands. She couldnt know that I still had doubts. She was too fragile. Im going to get Mosess staff, use it to repair the realm walls and then laugh as the demons choke on their unmet expectations of Adrian, I told her in a strong voice that belied my inner fears. If you dont trust that he has truly changed, at least trust that Adrian hates demons even more than you do.
Tears welled in her eyes until one of them rolled down her cheek. Then why do all the demons still believe in him?
I kept my hands on hers, but my grip loosened. They need to, I said at last. Aside from getting lucky and managing to kill me first, Adrians betrayal is their only hope.
She smiled with more pain than anyone eighteen years old should ever have. And your only hope is that theyre wrong. Someones going to lose this bet, and whoever does will die.
The truth of that was like razors across my heart. I couldnt show that, so I turned away, starting to unload the contents of our suitcases into the rooms drawers and cabinets.
I know this is winner-take-all, I said at last. But only people who bet everything stand a chance to win it all. Were going to win, Jasmine. I promise you that.
We have to, I didnt add. If not, and the realm walls eroded enough to fall, or Adrian did betray me to demons as his destiny predicted, then all the horrible things Jasmine had experienced would become everyday life for the rest of humanity.
I couldnt let that happen. I wouldnt.
CHAPTER SIX
ADRIAN TOOK THE first shift driving. Hed been tight-lipped ever since I came out of the bedroom, and it didnt take my new, improved senses to figure out why. Hed overheard my conversation with Jasmine. Whether he was more upset at her low opinion of him or my assurance that Id never felt anything real for him, I didnt know and I wasnt about to ask.
Costa seemed unusually subdued, too. Of course, that could be because of Brutuss close proximity. Even though wed shared a house, Id kept the gargoyle away from Costa as much as I could these past two months. Costa might only see a seagull when he looked at Brutus because of the Archon glamour Zach used to disguise him, but Costa never forgot what Brutus was. Neither did Jasmine, although she seemed to have gotten past her initial trepidation over him. Maybe Costa had seen too much of what Brutus had done when the gargoyle had been the demons flying version of a guard dog to ever feel comfortable around him.
Because of Brutuss fear of sunlight, we had him in the back bedroom with the windows and door shut. I only hoped he didnt break the bed under his weight or get slime on the pillows; man, that gargoyle could drool when he slept! Costa, Jasmine and I were on the couch watching TV, although I dont think any of us were paying attention to what was on the screen. We all appeared to be lost in our own thoughts.
So, California, here we come, I said, trying to break the new, pensive atmosphere. Which part are we going to? The beaches, the mountains, Hollywood?
The look Costa gave me said he knew what I was doing, and it wouldnt work. Death Valley. Shine that turd, Ivy.
Okay, so I had my work cut out for me. Was it riding with Brutus that had Costa so grumpy, or was it knowing that our brief, demon-free interlude was over? Sun and sand, whats not to love? I said, accepting his challenge. Beats the hell out of a freezing, pitch-black demon realm.
A smile ghosted across Costas lips. Youre rightI would take scorpions, dehydration and heat stroke over the realms, but that doesnt mean I like where were going.