Lucifer Damned (Morningstar Book 3) Percival Constantine (the beginning after the end read novel .TXT) 📖

“How should we proceed?” asked Mara. “Do you want me to kill them or simply maim them?”

“Neither, I’m going with you,” said Lucifer. “I want to find out what exactly they know and how they know it.”

“But without your powers, are you sure you want to put yourself in danger?”

“Before, they caught me unawares and without backup. But now, I have you and the element of surprise on my side. I’m fairly confident you can take care of them both. Just remember to leave them alive so I can still question them.”

“Understood. So shall we go?” she asked.

Lucifer stood from the desk and stepped beside her. “You have the location pinpointed?”

She gave a nod. “Within a reasonable amount of distance.”

Mara’s eyes began to crackle and light started pouring forth from her back. Wings made of energy emerged and once they reached their full span, they became leathery, bat-like flesh. The demonic wings enveloped both her and Lucifer and then started glowing as they did before. The light flashed and they were gone, only to re-materialize on the shoulder of an expressway offramp.

Mara unfurled her wings and they receded into her back. Lucifer took the first steps forward. Just past the ramp off the side of the road was a budget motel advertising free cable and wifi included with the rooms.

“All we know is that they’re somewhere in here,” said Lucifer. “We’ll have to check with the front desk to get their room.”

“Should we torture the information out?” asked Mara.

Lucifer gave her a disgusted look. “Not everything requires torture, Mara. Sometimes, you can get the information you need just by asking for it in the right way.”

He started walking towards the motel entrance. Mara shrugged and said, “Sure, but where’s the fun in that?”

She jogged to catch up to his side. The two of them walked across the parking lot, which was mostly empty, and went to the glass door with RECEPTION stamped across the front. Lucifer opened the door and walked in, Mara right behind him.

A man sat behind the desk, his back to the entrance. He was reclined in the chair, his feet propped up on a back counter and watching a small TV. Lucifer stepped up to the front counter and rang the bell. The man was startled by the sound and nearly fell out of the chair. He spun the chair around to face the two surprise guests. His face was lined with wrinkles and he had a beard that was pure white.

“Sorry, didn’t hear you come in,” he said. “What can I do you for? You folks need a room?”

“As a matter of fact, no,” said Lucifer. “We’re actually here about two of your guests. One is tall and broad. The other is shorter and thin. They’re brothers, both seem sort of clueless.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t tell you anything about our guests,” he said. “We guarantee privacy and discretion.”

Lucifer gave a glance around the front office. “Yes, I’m sure some of your guests would have an appreciation for that. But I don’t think you quite grasp the severity of the situation. You see, these two gentlemen are dangerous individuals and I don’t think you want to get mixed up with them.”

“Listen, Mister, I can appreciate your need to find these two. But unless you show me a badge and a warrant, then there’s nothin’ I can do for you.”

Lucifer sighed. “I’d like to give you the opportunity to reconsider.”

The manager just shook his head. “Sorry, but I can’t budge on this. Discretion is our policy.”

“Very well, just remember that I gave you the opportunity.” Lucifer stepped away and glanced at Mara. “He’s all yours.”

The demon smiled as she stepped forward, her eyes beginning to burn like hot coals. The manager backed away from the front counter, but Mara jumped onto its surface. She reached out and grabbed him by his throat and raised his feet off the ground as if he weighed less than nothing. Her fiery eyes stared into his and he felt his pants beginning to dampen.

Mara threw him over the counter and right through the glass door. She hopped off the counter and stepped through the broken glass. The manager crawled on the pavement, the broken shards cutting into his skin as he did. He wasn’t able to get very far before Mara picked him up by the scruff of his neck and threw him against the wall.

Before he could recover, she grabbed his throat and lifted him up, pressing him against the building. She flexed her free hand and a flaming dagger materialized in it, which she brought up to his face. Slowly, she waved the blade in front of him, his eyes wide and following the fiery trail as it went back and forth.

“Do you know how hellfire works, old man?” she asked. “You see, it’s not like regular fire. That just burns your flesh. Those wounds can heal. But hellfire? Oh, that’s a different story. You see, a hellfire blade, it doesn’t just burn your skin—it sears your very soul. And it’s a scar that will never fade. The memory of the pain it inflicts will remain vivid in your nightmares for eternity.”

Lucifer peered through the broken door. “You heard what she said, friend. Are you sure you’re willing to go through all that just to protect these boys?”

“Okay, okay!” he pleaded. “I’ll tell you anythin’ you wanna know, just please call this psycho-bitch off!”

“Is that any way to talk to a lady?” asked Mara.

“I’m sorry! I’m just so scared, please, just put me down…Jesus Christ, I’ve got grandkids!”

“Mara, I think he’s had enough,” said Lucifer.

Mara gave Lucifer an incredulous look. “Really? Already?”

Lucifer nodded. Mara pouted, but released her grip and the manager fell to the ground. With a closing of her fist, Mara extinguished the hellfire dagger and then she stepped back to make room for Lucifer. He knelt down in front of the manager.

“So, you’re willing to