My name is Bale and I’m a demon, a guardian demon to be exact. Dark hair, dark eyes, tanned skin… we all resemble one another somewhat, and carry the same intricate tattoos, winding down from our necks, down our arms, and covering our torsos. Each guardian demon has a charge to watch over. In my case, it’s the most exasperating creature on the planet. Beautiful, sarcastic, and a magnet for trouble Alia keeps me busy.
Blending with the shadows, I watch as she walks down the darkened alley. If the sway of her hips didn’t have me mesmerized, I would probably be grinding my teeth in annoyance. The woman never learns. I’ve saved her countless times from her folly, and yet she continues to do the same stupid things over and over. This time is going to be different. This time she’ll feel fear before I rescue her.
A man watches her from a dark corner. I can smell his stench and hear his wretched thoughts. Even knowing the vile things he wants to do to Alia, I refuse to get her out of the alley, not until she’s seen the error of her ways. It’s time for the reckless behavior to stop once and for all, before it gets her killed.
He pulls himself away from the corner after she passes and creeps up behind her, quiet as a mouse. While she’s oblivious to her surroundings and the danger she’s in, he reaches around and grabs her, pulling her against his filthy body. Placing a hand over her mouth, he stops her from crying out for help and drags her into his dark corner, away from prying eyes.
“Such a pretty little thing,” the man slurs. “We’re going to have us a grand ol’ time.”
Alia struggles, but can’t break free. My hands clench into fists, but I refrain from rushing to her side. She has to learn that her behavior is irresponsible, that it will get her killed, and this is the only way I can think of to get the message across.
The man kisses the side of her neck and I see the revulsion and fear written across her delicate features. He unfastens his pants and slides a hand under the edge of her skirt, caressing her thigh and he pulls the material up higher.
I can practically see her heart pounding and know that finally she understands she’s made a colossal mistake. I would have never let it go any further, but I’m hoping her fear will teach her a lesson.
Materializing from the shadows, I make my presence known.
“Let her go.”
I see Alia’s eyes go wide and the man glares at me.
“This isn’t any of your business. Go away. Go find your own woman.”
I grin. “But she is my woman.”
The man looks from his prize to me and back again. When his eyes settle on mine, nearly black with my fury, his hold loosens just enough for Alia to slip away. Instead of running down the alley as I had supposed she would do, instead she slips behind me and rests her hands against my back.
She’s trembling, but I know her well. While she might have been scared when the man held her captive, now that she’s free and feels safe her anger is beginning to build. If I don’t get her out of here soon, she’ll do something that could get us both killed. The difference is that I’ll return from the grave, while she’ll be gone permanently.
|
