Chapter 44
Chapter Forty-Four
PAISLEY
Oh . My . Lawd .
I had no idea Laithog had another form!
If he was intimidating before, he’s truly daunting now. He’s got to be at least a foot taller, and twice as broad. Not to mention he’s not purple anymore! His entire body is covered in black scales and deadly looking spikes. Then there’s the sword. It’s got to be at least six or seven feet long and the blade is…black. I’ve never seen a sword with a black blade before. From the little I can see from where I’m sitting, the cross guard and pommel that make up the hilt look to be silver and a lighter shade of purple.
Lavendar , maybe?
Where in the fuck did he get a sword from?!
I didn’t even know he had a sword!
Without warning, Laithog’s colossal body springs forward, his wings spread wide as he brandishes his sword, gripping the handle in both hands. This has to be my cue. Laithog told me he was going to make me a hole. He’s literally making a path for me…and using his body to do so.
Jerking the shifter into drive, I slam my foot down on the gas so abruptly the back tires spin, making the truck fishtail a bit as I rocket towards the house and the safe haven Laithog created for me. I’m not worried about running Laithog over. He’s moving so fast he’s almost a blur as he ducks, dives, weaves, and dances in and out of the attacking horde of demons.
There’s so many of them.
Just as my truck crosses the dry creek bed, an explosion blast right behind me. The reds, yellows, and oranges from the flames illuminate the night and a demon holding a fucking rocket launcher.
Laithog said they would try to get me out of the truck.
Hurrying towards the house, I glance up into the rearview mirror and watch as Laithog beheads the demon that shot at me, it’s body crumpling before disintegrating into nothing. Pressing down on the gas, I gun it toward the house. I may not be able to leave the safety of the wards, but I’m damn well not going to sit here and do nothing.
Sliding to a stop in front of the house, I jump out of the truck, and quickly unload Merry and Pippin . Carrying them simultaneously with an arm wrapped under their front legs and around their chest, their little drumstick legs dangling in the air, I sprint through the yard gate, kicking it closed behind me.
Once I have them secure inside the yard, I gently lower them to ground and dig my keys out of my pocket. Unlocking the door, I urge Merry and Pippin into the house. “ Merry , Pippin . Go to bed!” I bark, running through the house to my bedroom, their little feet rapping out a rhythm on the hardwood floor.
Following my command, I hear them clatter up the doggie steps onto the bed as I dart around the end of my bed. To the gun cabinet disguised as an armoire. I’m not even sure Laithog has figured out what I have hidden in it. Pressing my thumb to the biometric keypad, I pause briefly and sigh in relief when the less than a second later the light turns green.
Pulling the door open, I grab my Springfield M1A semi-automatic rifle with a thermal scope attached to the picatinny rail. I can’t see in the dark, but I don’t have to be able to see in the dark. This scope will show me anything with a heat signature.
Grabbing my gun belt, I strap it on and holster my Kimber 1911 .45acp on my right hip, checking to make sure the clips for it are secured in their slots. Snatching up my hunting vest, I shrug it on and stuff every single extra magazine I have for this gun in the pockets. I’ve never been gladder to of been raised in rural Texas than I am right now.
Daddy didn’t raise no sissy.
Slamming the door closed, I hurry around the end of the bed, kicking my cute booties off as I go. Pulling the bedroom door closed behind me, I close Merry and Pippin up in the room they are the most comfortable in. They don’t like the sound of gunfire and it stresses them out. Rushing back through the house, I stop in the mudroom, lean my gun up in the corner by the back door and put my work boots on, lacing them up tight. I don’t need to trip on something as simple as my shoelaces.
I’m fighting demons, for fuck’s sake.
Snagging my rifle, I jerk the door open and rush out the door, closing it quietly behind me.
Laithog is going to lose his shit.
Maybe I can get a spanking out of this…
Potential silver lining.