Page 20 of Forever Found

Caleb stroked the cat again. “As a matter of fact, there is. Give me the female.”

David laughed. “Not going to happen. So you may as well just be on your way.”

Caleb shook his head. “That’s not how it works. You see, Lucifer won’t allow me entry without making this right. I was to deliver Lyndsey and her mother twenty-five years ago, but you ruined that with your heroics. I can’t believe you died for them.”

“Some of us have honor; some are sorry SOBs.” David crossed his arms. “Hit the road, Jack.”

The tempo and angle of Caleb’s strokes over the cat changed. His fingers caressed the fur beneath the animal’s chin and along its throat. Murder lit his eyes. David reached for his blade and smoothly withdrew it, keeping it close to his leg. Could he fly the distance to the demon before he snapped the cat’s neck? He spread his wings, then flew toward the beast.

“You beat me once,” Caleb said. “I won’t let that happen again. I’m ready now, and she will be mine this time.”

In less than a heartbeat, the demon’s fingers closed on the animal’s jaw. David surged forward, raising his weapon. The blade elongated into a sword, and fire shot from its tip.

Caleb cackled as he disappeared in a swirl of black smoke, untouched.

David landed on the rock where he’d been. He dipped his head, staring down at the mountain lion. The cat rolled over, purring, paws in the air. With a long sigh, David sheathed his weapon and bent to pick up the mountain lion. “You’re heavy,” he moaned, then adjusted the cat’s weight in his arms. He flew in spurts, walked, and flew again as the terrain allowed, backtracking the way he’d entered the woods.

Val met him in the yard as David handed the cat over to Solis. “Thank you,” she said. “I doubt I would have gotten her home without your help.”

“You’re welcome. How are you doing with the birds and other animals?” David asked.

“We’re slowly gathering them. If they’re healthy enough, I’m not worried about them.”

David nodded, then turned and clapped a hand on Val’s shoulder. “We need to talk.”

* * *

Relief weakened David’s knees when Lyndsey rounded the corner. Part of him feared Caleb would find a way to get to her. Without thinking about the right or wrong of it, he drew her into his arms and kissed her head. “I’m glad you’re safe.”

He set her from him, gazing into her eyes. “You got the cats?” she asked.

“Yes.

“Good. I knew you would.” She rested her hand on his arm.

When he felt the light pressure of her fingers, his muscles tensed. “If the animals are gathered, we can leave as soon as I speak to Val for a moment.”

“Okay. I’m going to say bye to Twyla and Luna. They were at the bonfire, but I just met them. They’re nice.”

He let her go, watching her walk away as Val strolled over. As sheriff, Val needed to know what was going on in town.

“What’s up?” Val asked.

“Solis was correct about someone releasing the animals,” David said. “It was a demon by the name of Caleb. He had the mountain lion in the woods. Probably would have killed her if I hadn’t drawn my sword.”

“Another effing demon. We can’t catch a break.”

“There’s more…” David sighed. “I had a run-in with him twenty-five years ago. He was driving the truck the night I was hit.”

Val’s eyes widened. “Wait. Hekilledyou?”

“Yes. And I savedher.” David jutted his chin toward Lyndsey.

“Unbelievable. And you don’t find it suspicious they’re both in town at the same time?” Val questioned.

“Darn straight, I do.” He watched Lyndsey smile and hug Luna. “Anyway, I thought you should know Caleb is here. I believe he’s going to try to take her again. Evidently, he’s spent the last twenty-five years in Purgatory and isn’t too happy about it.”

“What can I do to help?”