Voluptuous Vindication (23 page)

Ian and Arch continued to glare at her. Finally, she got the message and stalked off. Exchanging an exasperated look with Arch, they all sat back down.

Jeremiah turned to glare at him as he said in a heavily accented voice, “Don't be trying to foist your leftovers off on me, nimrod. If she's any indication, they are all psycho and need to be locked up. Where do you meet your women, in the electro-shock therapy line?” He shook his head, a disgusted expression on his face. “I can get my own damned women. With the ones I pick, I don't have to worry they will be waiting to slice my dick off.”

Ian chuckled. “I doubt it would take much to do that. A dropped butter knife would probably do the job .” He arched his eyebrow before asking smugly, “Hey, Jeremiah. Have you ever had a woman to tell you she's ready for you to penetrate her, just for you to tell her you already have?”

Jeremiah growled as his face went red. “That's enough, children,” Arch broke in, his voice choked. Ian smiled, feeling better already.

“Just you wait, Bauer,” Jeremiah promised him, his dark eyes flashing. “One of these days, you and I are going to have it out.” He turned back around, muttering something about manhood and hung like a horse.

Ian grinned broadly at Sara as he gave her a wink. She settled back in her seat next to him, her shoulders and head held high. Sara had a graceful, elegant manner about her that was admirable. Nastassia's words might have stung, but Sara wouldn't let them destroy her. Maybe it was the angel in her, but nobody would catch her slouching about. He adored it.

As ladylike as she was outside of the bedroom, she had a voracious sexual appetite in bed. It matched his perfectly. There wasn't anything she wasn't willing to try with him as her willing tutor. His shaft hardened in anticipation. He hoped the meeting passed quickly.

“Let me guess, another one of your ex's?” Sara asked dryly.

Ian shuddered. “More like another one of my mistakes,” he responded. “I'm sorry you had to go through that. It damned sure won't happen again.”

The lights dimmed, interrupting them as a heavily guarded group of men and women walked out on the brightly lit stage. The guards at the base of the stage carefully eyed the audience. Ian snapped to attention, his focus all business. He was here to protect the mortals interest, but his focus was Sara. Anything else came a distant second to her, especially when it came to stubborn humans that refused to see the truth.

“I'd like to call this meeting to order,” an older man said, from the podium on the stage. Ian recognized him as a government official. He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. “Thank you for accommodating us. We had to move our meeting up a day, due to another round of impending storms that are anticipated to hit by tomorrow.”

“What storms?” Arch called out, his voice hard. “There aren't any storms predicted until next week.”

The man smiled, but his eyes filled with anger. “I can assure you there are,” he replied into the microphone. He didn't like his deception being brought out into the open, much less questioned. “Of course, you wouldn't know that without power and television service.”

“My power works just fine, and so does my television,” Arch replied. “I watched the news, and the skies are clear. So why was the meeting moved up?”

The guards moved around uncomfortably. The man on the stage chose to ignore his question. “I'm sure all of you are eager to get back home, so I'll make this meeting as quick as possible. After all, isn't it just a formality? I'm sure every one of you are anticipating the opening of our centers. These centers are going to improve your lives dramatically.”

The audience cheered as he went into his practiced speech. Ian grimaced at the approval coming from the mass of people in the auditorium. Were they really that blind?

“After the meeting tonight, our technicians will be setting up a table for those that would like to get their chip installed now. The center here in Las Vegas will be opened up in the next two weeks, and you can get started living the life you deserve.”

The crowd went wild, the majority standing to applaud the insincere group on the stage. Smiling, the man asked, “Is there anything you, the audience, would like to say?” He was confident that their work in Las Vegas was done.

To Ian's surprise, Sara stood up. “There's something I'd like to say,” she called out calmly, her voice firm in the silence of the room. Despite the dimness, Sara was fully visible as every eye turned her way.

Ian's gut churned in dread and fear. Was this her task, coming to pass as he sat there helplessly? Arch turned to face him, his eyes resigned and full of compassion as they met his. Ian's heart shattered. Sara wouldn't be leaving with him.

“My name is Sara Abbott,” she told the crowd, moving past Ian to stand in the aisle. “And I'd like to share with you why I'm against everything that has been said here tonight.”

A few of the observers grumbled. The man at the podium rolled his eyes as he turned to sit down next to the others. Sara ignored them as she continued, “Imagine that I brought a beautiful gift for each one of you tonight. The wrapping on your box is so beautiful and expensive looking that you are anticipating getting quite the gift. Tearing it open, you are stunned to discover a rattlesnake inside, one that attacks you before you even have the time to drop the box you're holding.”

She gestured toward the stage, her expressive eyes filled with sincerity. “That's what this is. Once you accept the chip and swear your fealty, you're damning your soul to an eternal Hell. It looks pretty, but by the time you realize that it's not, there's no going back.”

“Oh, great,” the sheriff called out, his tone mocking. “She's just one of those damned religious freaks, always spouting their nonsense. What in the hell does getting identification and receiving free food have to do with Heaven or Hell? Get with the program, lady.”

Ian growled, his body tensing as he prepared to stand up and smash his face in. Sara placed a hand on his shoulder, calming him. “I'm glad you asked, and I'll be happy to explain. First of all, every one of the people on that stage have surrendered their souls to Hell. What they aren't telling you is that you're going to have to do the same.”

The speaker scoffed, walking back to the microphone. “What nonsense,” he said to the crowd, his demeanor as slick as a freshly polished floor. “Guards, please escort this woman out. In fact, do Las Vegas a favor and drop her off at the nearest mental institution. She's as crazy as a bat.”

Several of the guards stepped out, making their way to where they were seated. Ian, Jeremiah, and Arch stood up, as did the other Endurers on the opposite side of the room. “You'd like to pretend that any opposition to this comes from a mentally-deficient mind, but why don't you tell the good people of Las Vegas exactly what they will have to agree to?” Sara called out, ignoring the guards.

The sheriff stared at her for a moment, considering her words. The truth and clarity behind them couldn't be denied. Turning to the stage, he called out a question of his own. “What exactly is the oath we are supposed to take?”

For the first time, the official looked rattled. His face reddened. “We don't have to explain ourselves to you,” he snarled at the sheriff. “You'll do what we say, or you won't eat. How do you like that?”

The Endurers surrounded Sara, easily blocking her from the guards as they reached out to grab her. “I wouldn't recommend trying,” Arch told them, his blue eyes glowing from within. The guards exchanged uneasy looks before standing down, waiting for further instruction.

The sheriff narrowed his eyes at the man on the stage. “To hell with you,” he responded, standing up. “I don't give a damn who you are, I won't put up with being talked to like that. You can take your chip and shove it up your ass, you prick. I won't grovel to you just for a few cans of free food.”

He turned back to Sara, his sarcasm gone. “Miss, you seem to have some inside information. Could you tell us what we should expect?”

“This meeting is over,” the man on the stage screeched, but nobody paid any attention to him. Even the guards stared at Sara, waiting to see what she'd have to say next.

“Everyone that gets the chip will have to swear allegiance to this new one-world government. You already know that. Part of the oath is renouncing any and all belief in God and religion. They are going to make it sound pretty, though, claiming that it's part of making sure people aren't “forced” into a religion. Regardless of how it's worded, just know that when you repeat that oath and accept the chip into your body, you're renouncing the chance to spend your eternity in comfort and peace.”

“This is ridiculous,” a woman broke in, standing up and gathering her coat from the chair next to her. “Everybody knows there is no afterlife. Life ends when you die, and I certainly am not ready to die right now from starvation.”

She stepped out into the aisle. “Where do I go to get this chip? I'd like to get this done and start stocking my pantry.”

“Just go back out the doors you entered through,” the man on the stage replied, his eyes gleaming. “In fact, anyone that would like the chip, please meet with the guards at the doors now. They will escort you to the area we have set up for this.”

Sara was relieved to see only fifteen or so souls joined the woman as she walked to the door. Even then it was hard, especially when one of them was a child. He was too young to fully realize the consequences of accepting the chip, but still old enough to make the choice.

The rest sat and waited, either undetermined or their minds changed by Sara's words. A guard stepped back into the auditorium. “They are gone, sir.”

“Very good,” the man at the podium replied. He looked at the people in front of him, his eyes gleaming with a sadistic satisfaction. “And here we have the ones that have changed their minds. Because of your stubbornness tonight, you've lost your chance of ever getting the chip.”

The mortals burst out in outrage. The doors to the auditorium opened as several demons stepped through, but the humans didn't notice. It wasn't until the demons from the sides of the stage walked out that everyone fell quiet in horror.

“The woman is right,” he continued, staring at Sara. “Every mortal is going to have to renounce God and damn their souls to Hell in order to receive the chip. If she just would have kept her mouth shut, every single one of you would be in line right now.” He laughed, his eyes wild. “But she didn't, so all of you must die. We can't risk you leaving and warning the others, can we?”

“Leave,” a large demon on the stage ordered in a guttural voice. “I'm ready to feast on the hearts I hear beating so loudly.”

“Knock yourself out,” the man beamed, wiping at the sweat on his forehead as he joined the other mortals on stage. They inched toward the side, eager to get away from the unnatural creatures. They were too dumb to realize one day they'd spend an eternity with them.

Demons blocked every exit, determined that none of the audience would walk out alive. They were gruesome, like characters from a nightmare. The demon on the stage spotted the group of Endurers, revealing his blackened teeth when he smiled in anticipation. “I'm really going to enjoy this,” he hissed, an instant before leaping off the stage.

Chapter 17

The Endurers surrounding Sara uncloaked their weapons as the demons jumped off of the stage. The nightmarish creatures attacked the mortal guards, not caring that they were on the same side. The auditorium was loud, filled with the screams for help from the unfortunate humans.

“Sara, try to round up the mortals and get them against the wall,” Arch ordered over his shoulder. “Ian, you go with her. Jeremiah and I will hold them off.”

The majority of the humans were on the left side of the room, close to the other Endurers. They were in a panic, trapped in a room with demons from Hell and no chance of escape. The sheriff pulled out his handgun and fired a shot at a demon attacking a woman close to him.

The demon looked at him and smiled before lowering his head back down to rip the woman's throat out.

Sara grabbed the sheriff's arm. “Help me get everyone over to the wall. It's their only possible way of surviving.”

The sheriff was still stunned that his bullet hadn't worked. Nodding, he grabbed the person closest to him and ordered, “Go get against the wall if you want to live.”

They worked together as a team while Ian fought any demons that came close. “What are those things?” The sheriff hissed out, ducking as one nearly grabbed him. Ian quickly sliced the demon's head off before going after another one.

“I'll tell you, but I believe you already know the answer,” Sara said, moving down a row of seats as quickly as possible. “They are demons straight from Hell, dispatched to kill us off.”

His expression was grim, his dark eyes unflinching when he asked, “Because we didn't go along with the plan?”

“Exactly,” she confirmed. “The world as we knew it is over. This is the way things are going to be, at least for a little while.”

“Then what?” He stopped to help a woman up. She slumped against him in terror, her face pale.

Sara shrugged. “It'll end... And hopefully you'll get a new beginning.”

“That's a pretty cryptic response,” he retorted, urging the woman to move faster.

“That's all I know,” Sara replied. “If you want a better answer than that, I'd advise you to pray and ask for one.”

“Got it,” he replied, his dark eyebrow furrowed. “My name is Michael. I'm sorry for giving you a hard time earlier.” Ian growled behind her at the reminder. “They painted such a beautiful picture, wording it in a way that sounded like just another advancement in technology. I never would have dreamed this. It's almost too fantastical to believe.”

“Just be glad you're still alive to see the truth,” Sara retorted, stopping to urge another person to the wall. She pointed at a dead man slumped across the row in front of them. “Or you could have ended up like him, dead without ever believing that there is more to life than what we're living here. The part of him that animated him and brought his body to life is gone. That part is the soul, and it never dies. Don't let anyone tell you differently. When a soul departs from a body, they are dead, and that soul has to go somewhere.”

“What can I do to protect myself?” Michael asked, his skin pale and stark. For a moment, Sara felt pity for him. A night like this was enough to blow anyone's mind. She quickly pushed it aside, though. There were thousands, millions, that had been in his shoes. At least he was still alive.

“Pray,” she replied. “Your weapons won't work against them. The only thing you can do is believe, ask for forgiveness, and pray. If your heart is right, He will answer and guide you through.”

“Thanks,” he answered dryly.

They reached the wall, the survivors desperate and terrified. The auditorium was a war zone, blood, body parts, and an oily black substance covering the red carpets and seating. The demons that had been cut down were dissolving, but there were so many of them and so few Endurers. Once again, Sara felt helpless as she watched the carnage around her.

Only a few mortals remained in the open, the rest of them dead or against the wall. All of the Endurers were still standing, but there were seven of them against many, many more. Sara didn't have much time. The detached feeling within her had already started, her soul slowly pulling away from the weight of her mortal form. She glanced at Ian wistfully, desperate to hold on long enough for a private goodbye.

The Endurers were working their way to the side of the auditorium, inching between the demons and the mortals. They were the only protection humanity had against the hellish creatures. Should the Endurers fall, they would be doomed. Nothing earthly could bring down a demon, although holy water could briefly delay them.

Moment by moment, the untiring Endurers were making progress. Sara helped to pull survivors against the wall, checking on the injured and assisting where needed. Bent over an injured male, she didn't see the woman behind her until it was too late.

Grabbing her by her hair, Nastassia yanked her up. The female Endurer was much slimmer but much stronger in her immortal form. Holding a long, lethal blade against Sara's throat, she moved the two of them to the steps by the stage.

Sara grabbed at the forearm locked tight against the front of her body, but it didn't budge. “Let go of me,” she ordered, her fingers digging into Nastassia's arm. “What in God's name is wrong with you?”

“Shut up, bitch,” Nastassia spit out. “You're nothing but a pawn in a game that started long before you ever came on the scene.”

Ian sliced off another demon's head, his movements so refined Sara could have watched him forever. He was one of the best fighters she'd ever seen. Nastassia tightened her grip on her throat, cutting off her airway. Sara wouldn't give her the satisfaction of pleading for her life. It would be ending shortly, anyhow.

Noticing she was gone, Ian spun around in a circle. His eyes narrowed in anger when he saw Nastassia with the knife at her throat. “Release her now,” Ian roared, holding his sword to the side as he marched their way.

He was magnificent, his eyes never leaving hers as he sliced down any demons foolish enough to get in his way. One by one, the other Endurers noticed the drama unfolding, their lips tightening with disapproval that one of their own would commit such a despicable act. They fought harder and faster, especially the one named Shayne, determined to come to Ian's aid.

Sara's eyes filled with tears, but not because of fear. The Endurers loved each other in a way that few mortals would ever understand. Unrelated by blood, they were the very definition of family, close in a way she hadn't been fortunate to ever experience for herself.

She didn't know how or why Nastassia had turned out the way she had, but it didn't have anything to do with the Endurers. These men would always love and support one another, to the very end of time. They would be there for Ian, just like they had been before she'd ever arrived on the scene. He wouldn't be alone, although she was selfish enough to wish she didn't have to leave him.

Ian stopped several feet in front of them, his green eyes glowing. “I won't tell you again, Nastassia. Release the mortal and face me, Endurer to Endurer.”

Nastassia snorted, pulling the blade even deeper into her throat. Blood dripped down Sara's neck, running down the front of her shirt. “We both know she's more than a mortal, so don't even go there, Ian. And let's face it. A fight between you and I would never be even. You'd win, so I've decided to even out the odds.”

She smiled at Ian, her expression cruel. “Come on out and greet your old friend, Ian,” Nastassia yelled over her shoulder to the empty stage. “I'm sure he'll be so glad to see you.”

The other Endurers had the demons under control. Arch broke off from the fighting to stalk over to stand next to Ian. His lips tightened in disapproval, but he otherwise appeared calm. “I demand you end this now, Nastassia. There's no coming back from what you're fixing to do. It's unforgivable. Give up the woman, and I promise I'll wipe your mind clean. You'll get to spend the rest of your days mortal and alive.”

Nastassia scoffed. “Shut the fuck up, Arch. Why the hell would I ever want to be mortal when I can have it all?”

“You won't be leaving this building alive,” Ian assured her, his eyes flickering up to the stage behind them. His body froze, his face blanching of color.
What could be bad enough to make a fearless man look like that?

Nastassia laughed, enjoying the expression on Arch and Ian's faces. Sara wished she could see what they saw. Whatever it was, it had to be bad for Ian to be that visibly shaken. His courage and control was unflappable.

With a quick look at her, Ian regained control. Sara was relieved to see the color returning to his skin. Whatever it was, it wouldn't be enough to make him lose his head. His lip curled up coldly. “I've been looking for these four. How nice of you to bring them to me. They've had a date with my sword for quite awhile now. Why don't you come on down here, boys. I've been waiting for this night for a long time.”

Arch's sword began to glow, matching his eyes. He was furious, his face cold and deadly. The angel was full of powers that originated from Heaven itself. Sara had never seen him so enraged. One thing was sure. Whatever was behind her would soon find themselves dead.

Nastassia's voice was petulant when she spat out, “Don't you even want to know why they are here?”

Ian shrugged, his green eyes burning brightly as they locked on the stage. “It doesn't take a genius to figure that out. You're working with them, giving up your eternal salvation just to spend an eternity burning in Hell. Tell me, Nastassia. Did you set me up that night in New Orleans, too?”

“You're damn right I did,” Nastassia purred behind Sara, her voice thick with satisfaction. “ It was so easy to do. You're always sniffing after the bitches, aren't you Ian? I knew your time in New Orleans wouldn't be any different, all they had to do was grab you at the right moment and threaten to harm the slut with you. You fucked with the wrong woman when you thought you'd have me once and move on. I'm going to make sure you learn your lesson. By the time I'm done with you, you'll grovel and beg me to take you back.”

Ian sent Nastassia a disgusted look. “That day will never come. Never.”

“We'll see,” Nastassia replied, her tone confidant. She spoke over her shoulder as she said, “Do whatever you want with him... Just make sure to keep him alive.”

The feeling of lightness within her intensified as regret filled Sara's body. Her eyes locked with Ian's as she soaked him in. Her time on earth was up. There was no fighting the powers that be, but she could make the next several seconds count.

She laughed, despite the blade digging into her throat. There was nothing the female Endurer could do to her now. “You sadistic bitch,” Sara bit out hoarsely, using a word she'd never used before. It was all coming together for her now. “You've done everything you can to break Ian, but you've failed. If anything, he's stronger now than he's ever been.
You'll never break him
.”

Directing her words at Ian, she fought to keep her voice even, not wanting his last memory of her to be in tears. “I have to leave now, my time here is over. Thank you, Ian. Because of you, I lived more the last few weeks than I ever have... And I'm grateful for the time I've had with you.”

“No,” Ian roared, moving forward. His expression was grieved, his green eyes haunted. “Damn it, I can't bear this. I can't live without you, Sara. I love you.”

Nastassia dug the blade in deeper in response, but it didn't matter. Her form was dissolving, no longer solid as Nastassia screeched in rage and anger.

His words tore her heart wide open as her eyes filled with tears. She meant what she had said.  She might have been in existence for countless years, but she'd never lived until Ian. Given the chance, she'd have spent the rest of her life with him. Her heart overflowed with the love she felt for him, and emotions she could no longer hold back.

The other Endurers moved up, the remaining demons in the auditorium destroyed. Fresh from the battle, their expressions were sad and full of pity for the two being ripped apart.

“I love you, Ian. No matter what happens, never forget that. You're a wonderful man with a wonderful heart. Pay it forward. This world needs you. You're strong, the most incredible man I've ever known. They tried to break you, but they couldn't. Just know that I loved you, and I loved you well. Thank you for showing me what that meant.”