Whiskey Witches by F.J. Blooding (moboreader .TXT) 📖

“Hey, demon,” Dexx shouted.

Paige—the demon—turned to him and snarled.

Dexx retrieved a canteen from the driver’s side door, and splashed water onto her.

The demon screamed, releasing an ethereal roar from Paige’s throat.

Now was her chance. She had to move. She gathered her strength and pushed.

The damned demon didn’t even budge.

“Come on, Pea.”

Strong fingers wrapped around her, raising her out of her pained existence. A sword of light slammed through her. The demon screamed, shrinking away from the pain, his presence shriveling. Her soul stretched, filled her fingers, filled her toes. She opened her eyes.

What the fuck?

A blinding light erupted over the scene, cascading around them.

The demons roared as one.

Shivers ran down Paige’s spine. She stood outside of the car, her legs wobbly.

What in the hell was going on? How had she gotten out of the car?

Dexx stared at her through the passenger window. He reached for the door.

She waved him away.

He ignored her, pulling at the handle, pushing at the door.

It didn’t move.

She felt the presence of another, someone large and awe inspiring. She looked around.

A man stood immediately behind her, wearing a white suit with a blue tie.

She craned her neck, taking a step back. His head blotted the sun, rays of light streaming around him like a crown.

He gripped her arm, holding her close, engulfing her in warmth. Hope attacked her defenses. “Call Xael.”

“Who?” Her voice came out in a squeak.

The man surveyed the gathering crowd. “I cannot call him and cannot deal with these as should be done.” His heavy gaze landed on her. “Call Xael.”

“No.”

He shook her. “Call him.”

“Who is he?” She knew. Xael. She’d heard the name before. An angel. A damned angel. No. She wasn’t playing. No.

Sven popped his neck and flexed his fingers.

“He can fight these vermin.”

Paige attempted to step away. Rachel played with angels. Paige wanted no part of them.

He didn’t allow it. “I offer protection, guidance—”

“I don’t want help from an angel.”

Sven reached out with his hand and twisted.

Paige crumpled to the ground with the force of his power.

The angel knelt beside her. “I cannot fight them and defend you. You must call Xael.”

Three demons attacked Jackie.

The car let out a battle cry as Dexx mashed his foot on the accelerator.

“He’s better versed at this type of battle. Paige.”

Paige struggled to rise to her feet, to help Dexx. Her legs wouldn’t obey. Something pressed against her, demanding entrance.

The angel’s jaw ticked. “Please.”

She didn’t have much more time to think about it. Sven was nearly in and once there, he could push her out, take control of her gifts. She reached toward her power, grabbed hold and called. “Xael. I need you.”

The moment stilled. Jackie paused, one tire raised. A demon crouched, preparing to toss her. Sven’s head tipped to the side, watching her with keen interest. The other demons froze in various poses of battle.

A blinding white light enveloped the scene. If Paige could have moved, she would have shielded her eyes, but she was just as frozen as everyone else. A crash of thunder cracked across the residential street.

And a man appeared, kneeling in the middle of a shallow crater. He stood, his arms flexing and for one moment, Paige could see the shadow of his wings against the light.

He turned toward her, realigning his gray, pinstriped suit jacket and red tie. “Raphael,” he said, nodding toward the angel beside her.

She had one glorious oh-shit moment before the time freeze relented. Chaos ensued. A gunshot rent the air. A demon roared in pain. Another grunted. Dexx hit a demon with his car with a metallic clank on the hood.

The demons stopped mid-action and turned to Paige, the archangel, and the newcomer.

“What did you do?” Sven asked, straightening.

Paige didn’t even get a chance to shake her head.

Xael reached inside her chest, grabbed hold of her gift, and sent the demons back one at a time.

Sven retreated several steps as the angel’s attention turned to him. “I have the key.”

Xael’s lips twisted along with the hand in Paige’s chest. “I care not, vermin.”

Power raced from her. She couldn’t breathe through the overwhelming pain.

Sven didn’t budge.

Xael squeezed harder.

Her head fell back. A scream of silence issued forth.

Sven took a step back. A shocked smile graced his lips. “Next time, boys.” He disappeared in a cloud of white smoke.

Xael released her with a curse, and said something she couldn’t comprehend.

Strong arms caught her, held her close. Soft words whispered against her ear.

Darkness overtook her.