To Hell with the Devil: Book Two

By Kristy Bina

Since becoming a new species of a mixed blooded were- creature, Carly knew her life with Drake would be full of adventures, but she had imagined he would be by her side her for said adventures. Instead Drake mysteriously has to go away, leaving Carly alone to face becoming the Queen to a rogue group of WereBats, that their kind are responsible for kidnapping her twice and her new change in species, whether she really wants to be their Queen or not. She wasnt left with much choice in the matter when the group defended her from demons in her own backyard. Yes, demons! Satan has gotten some crazy ideas (or, maybe not so crazy ideas) about Carly and will stop at nothing to see her dead, including attacking the children Carly has just sworn to protect. Apparently Satan never heard the phrase Hell Hath no fury like a woman scorned, and Carly will be damned if anyone threatens the people she loves. Now in order to keep her babies and loved ones safe, Carly, with a lot of help from her friends, must put the Devil back in his place.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Feb 14, 2014
• ISBN: 9781491850619

Kristy Bina

Kristy is a full time college student, a full time wife and mother of three, a Girl Scout leader and a major multi-tasker. When she’s not in classes she likes to spend her time with her children as much as they will let her. A few of her favorite things to do are cooking/baking, reading, writing, and taking nature walks with her husband; not necessarily in that order. While she is currently going to school to be an elementary teacher, someday she aspires to be an English college professor.

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Prologue

C arly Harris—

After spending what should have been the prime of her life caring for her parents, they both passed away; leaving her alone and single and almost thirty. Depressed beyond reason, Carly is seriously considering ending it all. It seemed that things would start to look up when she met a beautiful man in the supermarket who asked her to dinner. That date ended in disaster and she later found out the guy is a werewolf. If that isn’t enough, she somehow managed to get herself kidnapped and narrowly escaped with a hotty named Drake, who happened to be a werepanther, and whom eventually became her new boyfriend. Then Carly is accused of murdering her elderly clients and another delicious beast, Detective Nathanial O’Riley, is thrust into her life of turmoil. This particular beast subsequently reveals himself to be a guardian sent by God himself to protect Carly throughout her journey to her purpose on earth. Carly, Drake, and Nate, along with a few other unique friends who call themselves the Allegiance, found themselves on a wild adventure in search of Drake’s mother who had been abducted many years ago. Unfortunately, they were too late to save her, but not too late to save the two younger werepanthers who share Drake’s DNA. Young Ramos, Drake’s 12 year old brother, is excited to be adopted by Drake and Carly. A very pregnant 16 year old Layla, Drake’s sister who has been repeatedly beaten and raped since the age of 10, is having a harder time opening up to them. When Carly discovers that she too is pregnant, a bond begins to form and Carly finds herself with the family she always wanted, even if it’s not quite the family she had imagined.

Drake—112 year old Werepanther; Carly’s fiancé; Allegiance member.

Nathanial O’Riley—Police Detective; Carly’s Guardian sent by God (not to be mistaken for an angel).

Cassandra—Weresnake; Drakes ex-wife; Allegiance member.

Marco—Werebear; Drake’s best friend; Allegiance member.

Mowie Handel—Mystical creature (to be revealed); Allegiance member; Drake’s friend.

Xavier—Vampire; oldest member and head of the Allegiance.

Layla—Werepanther; Drake’s 16 year old sister.

Ramos—Werepanther; Drakes 12 year old brother.

1

H ey kids, Carly called, knocking on the bedroom door.

Ramos opened the door right away. Hey Carly, he greeted her with his adorable dimples flashing at her. Layla sat on the bed looking at her but didn’t say anything, hiding her face behind her long, smooth, dark chestnut hair. When Carly and Drake had found her a few months ago her hair had been full of mud and crusted blood that had ratted and matted to her head. Ramos’s wasn’t any better. After a lot of grooming they were the most beautiful kids Carly could remember ever having seen.

I was wondering if you guy’s felt like going into town for some shopping? Carly asked. Recognizing the hesitation on their faces, she rushed on. It’s been several weeks now and you guys still haven’t been out of the house.

You’ve been doing a great job of picking our clothes and things for us, Ramos said, sweeping his hands down his body to accentuate his black cargo pants and slightly too big Superman tee-shirt.

I would really love for you to come with me though. I just won all this money from Mowies game show and I’m dying to spend it! Please come with me! Carly begged them both as she sat on the bed next to Layla. Winning the money had been nothing short of magic, literally. She was sure of it given the way Mowie waved his hands at her briefcase just before she opened it to find the grand prize, though he would never admit his part in it.

Ramos shrugged his shoulders, while he and Carly turned to look at Layla. Layla looked like a deer caught in the headlights.

But I’m scared, she whispered, ducking her head down so her hair covered her face again.

I know, Sweetie. But I swear I won’t let anything happen to you. This is a totally different world than where you came from. People don’t generally run around hurting each other for no reason, Carly pointed out. We’ll start some place small. If you can’t handle it, we’ll come back right away. I promise. She said, crossing her heart.

Well… . Layla considered with reluctance.

Please, Carly begged again.

Alright, because I trust you, Layla agreed skittishly.

Awesome! Let’s go, Carly cheered happily, clapping her hands. Okay, you guys get ready to go and I’ll meet you downstairs by the door, she told them, You’re not going to regret this. Then she turned and headed downstairs to call Drake and let him know they were going out. When she reached the bottom of the stairs there was a knock at the door. Carly stopped where she was and listened as hard as she could. She was able to hear one set of feet shuffling on the porch and whoever it was, she noted, had a very loud and rapid heartbeat. She crept to the table that sits at the bottom of the stairs and pulled a silver plated dagger from the drawer where they recently placed it for emergencies. Then she tipped toed to the door to peek through the peephole. What she saw was a squat balding man, fidgeting with the cuffs of his cheap suit. He seemed very nervous but not dangerous. Carly unlocked the door and opened it enough to speak while keeping her foot behind it to prevent him from pushing it further.

Can I help you? she asked politely.

Uh, hi. I wasn’t sure whether you’d open the door or just shoot me first, he chuckled nervously. A bolt of alarm shot through Carly as she registered the all too familiar scent of rodent. Or more specifically bat. Please hear me out! the man shouted as she slammed the door and locked it. She immediately speed dialed Drakes number on her phone.

I’m not going to hurt you! he continued shouting. Quite the opposite actually; we want you to be out leader! Please, let me talk to you, madam. Please! he begged with a note of desperation.

Hello, Beautiful. I’m just around the corner; did you need me to pick up something? Drake’s ridiculously sexy voice answered.

Drake, Carly whispered urgently, there is a bat on our porch! Ramos and Layla came halfway down the stairs.

What’s wrong? Ramos asked.

Go back to your room for a few minutes. Everything’s fine, she told Ramos, though she knew her voice didn’t sound like everything was fine.

Ramos gave Carly a doubtful look but he turned and ushered Layla back up the way they had come.

Carly, what do you mean there’s a bat on the porch? Drake demanded with urgency.

I mean a Bat, Drake. A werebat! she bellowed, giving up on being quite since the bat guy already knew she was here. Carly was rushing around making sure all the windows were locked when she heard a loud crash on the porch, followed by Drake yelling to be let in. She rushed back to the door and checked the peephole to see Drake holding the smaller man in a choke hold. She yanked the door open and was surprised to find that the man had urinated in his pants.

Please, don’t hurt me, he crooked. I only came to talk to you, I swear! His face turned a dark purple as Drake continued squeezing as he dragged the man through the door to the foyer.

Drake stop! Carly yelled, You’re killing him. She yanked hard on Drakes arm trying to get him to loosen up on the man.

He is here to steal you, Drake stated in exasperation. But he did loosen his hold a little.

No, it’s not true, the man denied between huge gulps of air.

Then what are you here for? Drake demanded, giving the man a violent shake.

I’ve come to beg our Queen for repentance and sanctuary. Please, have mercy on me! he wailed.

Drake let go of the guy, giving him a purposeful shove. What are you talking about? Drake and Carly asked in unison, both of them confused.

Our people were once ruled by the female of our colony. Everyone lived together in peace. Then one day she chose a mate from the youngest of males and she fell in love. From then on he was the only male she wanted to be with. Some of the other’s went mad with jealousy. They felt it was their right to breed with her as well. She was the queen and supposed to be impartial to all. They revolted against her. In their attempt to kill her lover, they unintentionally killed our Queen instead. The little man was talking so fast it was a little difficult to keep up. The most dominate male of the colony stepped forward and claimed leadership immediately. Those that protested were executed. Between him and his goons there was no way to refuse their decisions. Not if you wanted to live.

You say them, as if you’re not part of the colony? Drake questioned scornfully.

There is a large group of us that had never desired to be with the Queen in an intimate way. She was a sadist and a masochist. We aren’t all into that. The ones that revolted were brutal and barbaric. They held themselves above us weaker of the colony.

So why are you here? Where is your self proclaimed leader now? Drake demanded. Carly could feel Drake tense beside her, ready to fight. She gripped her dagger tighter and made no effort to hide it from the strangers view.

You killed him! This should have been great but now the war for leadership has started again. We cannot survive another round! Please, you have to help us, he begged as he fell to his knees and bowed to Carly. He stretched his arms out in front of him as if to worship her.

Is he worshiping you? Ramos asked from behind Drake. Carly turned to see him peeking through the railings on the stairs. Layla wasn’t with him, Thank goodness.

It appears as though he is, Carly stated in her confusion. I don’t understand, she said to the man. He continued to bow on his knees with his nose touching the ground and his arms held out in front of him.

Sir, please get up and explain what it is your talking about, Carly ordered him.

I beg you to take mercy on us, he continued to plea, keeping himself pressed to the floor.

Why should she? Drake snarled.

Because we are as good as dead if she does not; please! We offer any of our services that would be of use to you and we offer our lives for your protection, he sniffled.

Are you crying? Carly asked in disbelief, taking a step closer to him. Drake put his arm out to stop her.

Please have mercy on us, he sobbed.

Oh, please get up, Carly said, pushing past Drake to put a hand on the man’s back.

Carly! Drake snapped moving to stop her, but she slapped his hand away and shot him a look that she hoped conveyed the lack of appreciation for his heartlessness toward this man.

Drake, he’s crying. Have a heart, she said. What’s your name? she asked the man.

Henry, he sniffled.

Henry, will you please stand up? Carly asked him, gently. He nodded his head and took a deep breath before he rose back up to his knees. He looked at her with tears streaking his face.

We can no t go back there. Whoever took over will kill us for sure. It doesn’t matter who it is, the strictest of laws is that you never leave the colony, he shook his head as if to emphasize that statement.

So why did you leave? she asked. Drake moved even closer still so he toward over her and Henry who was still sitting on the floor. At least he’s not pressing his face into it anymore, she thought.

Because life under Spider’s rule was a nightmare! We used to follow our queen. Always, it was a female that ruled us. They were far kinder than any male would be even if they were sick like Liza was. They were able to retain order and everyone knew their place and jobs within the colony. When Spider took over, he decreed that women were beneath us; that they were nothing more than objects. He convinced several of the men that by biting human women they could change them and reproduce. Tons of women were brought in and repeatedly raped by several men for weeks before the venom would set in and claim their lives. None survived, he paused to look her in the eyes, until you, he said pointedly. When we heard of Spider’s death, we took the opportunity to break away during the chaos. We thought we could make a small colony of our own and no one would even notice. Only two of our men have gone missing in the last two weeks. We’ve banded together now but we need someone to lead us. We need someone to help strengthen and guide us, he said leaning closer to her.

What do you expect her do about it? Drake snarled at him. Henry cringed as if he expected to be hit.

Drake, be a little nicer, please, she said, furrowing her brow at his behavior.

Carly, this the same group of people that kidnapped you twice? he pointed out, defensively.

Well that’s quite a discriminatory thing to say. Look at what a bunch of psycho’s your breed has to claim. Yet you’re not like them. It’s not fair to judge one person because of the actions of another, she lectured him.

I can’t believe you’re defending him, Drake pointed to Henry, though he was clearing turning his anger toward her.

Well, I’m sorry. But what I said is still true, she stood firm. Turning back to Henry she took a deep breath before saying, I’m sorry, Henry. I can’t help you. I can barely keep myself safe. She stood up and he followed.

No. You can’t say no! We need you to give us directions on how to live and maintain life and order. When the others come for us we have to have a leader to claim or it will be instant slaughter, he said in a panic.

Again, what do you expect her to do about it? She won’t die for you, Drake snapped.

Nor would we ever expect her too. On the contrary we would protect her at all cost, Henry insisted.

But you’re afraid of dying, Drake pointed out in a dry tone.

Wrong. I’m afraid of dying by torture. Dying in battle is a totally different thing. It’s normally fairly quick. You don’t want to know what they do to those they feel have betrayed them, he said looking a bit green. Please don’t puke, Carly thought feeling her stomach start to turn. Since about two days after she found out she was pregnant she started getting sick at least four times a day.

I’m sorry, Carly said. I just can’t help you. I’ve got a lot on my plate right now. Not to mention that I have my family to protect, it was instantaneous to put her hands on her stomach and she realized her mistake when he sucked in his breath.

You’re pregnant! he exclaimed. That’s wonderful!

It’s time for you to leave, Drake told him, edging Henry toward the door.

Wait. Please hear me out! We could be most helpful to you, I swear, he pleaded as Drake shoved him out the door. "We are here in this strange town without any idea what we should be doing. Our finances are dwindling fast. We need you to tell us what to do," he rushed out.

Get a job, she said just before Drake shut the door.

Brilliant! That’s an excellent idea! We’ll get jobs and pay ties to you and prove our worthiness in any way possible, he called before he turned and bounded down the stairs.

Drake shot her an exasperated look. I think he may have taken that as you offering to help them, he said.

Um, Sorry. I didn’t mean it like that, Carly dropped her shoulders in defeat.

I know, he sighed. You just have a way of finding yourself in a lot of bad situations, he said, putting his arms around her and giving her hug.

Not all bad. I’ve got you, she said, giving him a kiss.

Damn straight, he growled into her mouth, before he kissed her so passionately he set her blood on fire.

Upstairs. Now, she ordered, panting with need.

So we’re not going shopping? Ramos asked from where he still sat on the stairs. Carly and Drake both froze.

Ramos, honey, I totally forgot you were there, Carly sputtered, completely embarrassed and not sure what she should say.

Clearly, he snorted.

Yes! We are still going shopping, she said, nodding her head and straightening her clothes.

Great! I’ll go get Layla, he said happily. He disappeared at the top of the stairs, calling to Layla as he went.

Carly, that is not a good idea. Were you not just here for that entire episode? Drake exclaimed, waving his hand toward where Henry had stood for emphasis.

He wasn’t here to hurt me, Drake, she pointed out.

Yes, but if he knows about you and where you live, than that would mean that others do as well, he said grumpily.

Touché, she conceded. Maybe you’d want to come with us? she asked hopefully as the kids were coming down the stairs. They all looked to Drake expectantly. Carly’s and Ramos’s eyes so big with excitement there was no way he could say no.

Alright, but we all stay together, he agreed, grudgingly.

Yay, Carly clapped her hands. Let’s go.

2

C arly gestured for the kids to go ahead of her into the garage. Drake followed behind and they all piled into the brand new Chevy Traverse van that Carly had to buy right away. She did a little happy dance as she got into the driver’s seat.

Drake chuckled at her. I have eight different types of really fast luxury sports cars and you are excited about a minivan, he smirked, shaking his head.

Yes, but how many of your fancy cars can tote around an entire family? she asked, full of joy.

That is very true, my love, he said holding her hand to his lips so he could kiss her knuckles. What are we shopping for today?

Everything! she giggled. I can’t believe I’m rich! Thank you, Mowie!

"Carly, I beg you to restrain yourself until we get a new house. That’s just more we have to move," he proclaimed as if he didn’t really believe he’d get his way.

Fine, but after we move, Look out! she teased. I mainly just want to get the kids some clothes and things they pick out to personalize their rooms. Small stuff, she shrugged, I promise. Giving her a smile, Drake let it go and chatted with Ramos the rest of the way into town.

It’s amazing to see all of this for real. I’ve seen lots of pictures and have heard a ton of stories about the way the Americans live but never did I imagine it to be so pretty, Ramos said in awe as he stared out the window. Carly could see Layla looking around too but she didn’t comment. When she saw Carly watching her in the rearview mirror she dropped her eyes to her lap again. Damn it, now I feel bad for looking at her. She was enjoying herself.

They pulled up to the mall and parked. Everyone piled out except Layla. So Carly opened the girl’s door for her.

Layla, what’s wrong? Did you change your mind? Carly asked gently.

It’s so big, she whispered. It broke Carly’s heart to see how terrified the girl looked.

Okay, that’s fine. We don’t have to go here; everyone back in the car. We’ll go to a smaller department store that is still full of super cute clothes, Carly said happily, as she shut Layla’s door and climbed back in the driver’s seat.

They pulled up to the small strip mall with several department stores to choose from. This time Layla opened her own door and there was no missing the girl’s relief. The store was extremely small in comparison to the mall and with it being a Thursday in the middle of the day there were very few cars in the parking lot. As they headed into the store, Drake agreed to take Ramos to look at boy clothes while Carly helped Layla. She steered them toward the baby clothes but Layla looked like she might become ill just by looking at them so Carly redirected them over to the women’s clothing section.

An hour later Carly noticed Drake and Ramos starting to finish up and she and Layla still didn’t have more than four items in their cart. How about this one? Carly asked, holding up a yellow sundress. Layla shook her head for the hundredth time. Getting frustrated but trying to be patient, Carly uttered through partially gritted teeth, Layla, you need clothes. This would be a lot easier if you would look around and pick out some things that you actually like instead of making me guess.

I’m sorry, Layla whispered; tears springing to her eyes as if Carly had slapped her.

Oh no. No, don’t cry. I’m sorry, Carly put her arms around the girl and gave her a hug. Please don’t cry. I’m not mad. I just want you to have your own things. We don’t have to shop if you don’t want to. Layla didn’t respond. She just stood stiff, crying quietly. Carly let go of her and stepped back. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to touch you. You just look so scared.

Layla looked up at Carly through her tears. You’re not going to… . She didn’t finish the sentence, but she didn’t have to. The look on her face said it all. Carly still doesn’t know all the details of the girls past and she probably never will; but from the bits and pieces that she has gathered the girl has lived a life of nothing but pure horror. She had been beaten and abused in unforgivable ways since the day she turned ten years old. Drake, Carly and a few of the Allegiance members saved Layla and Ramos from the psychotic pride of panthers that had formed a village deep in the jungles of Southern Kenya. They discovered that Drake has many half siblings from his mother being bred against her will, two of which were Layla and Ramos.

No, no sweetie. I would never hurt you; for any reason. I swear. Please believe me. You’re safe now, Carly reassured her. Would you like to leave?

Layla nodded.

Okay, let’s go give these few things to Drake, then we’ll go wait in the van. Is that okay? Carly asked gently.

Layla nodded. Carly ushered over to Drake and Ramos and as quietly as she could she explained what was going on to Drake.

I don’t like the idea of separating, he said.

Are you serious? It’s just for a few minutes while you check out. I’m sure we’ll manage, she rolled her eyes before turning to guide Layla out.

Carly, Drake called in a worried tone. She rolled her eyes at him again and kept going. They had just stepped off the curb and started across the parking lot when a large pickup came out of nowhere barreling toward them. It seemed like when Carly looked in the trucks direction, the driver hit the gas. She barely had time to think about responding before her and Layla both went sailing in a pile of legs and arms mixed with a third person; a much larger third person. The truck sped past without ever slowing down.

Are you ladies okay? the man who had apparently saved them asked.

Carly, Carly! Drake yelled as he ran to them.

Yes, I think so. Thanks to you. Layla are you okay, Carly asked, reaching to turn the girls face toward her. Carly was filled with relief to see the girl appeared to be fine other than a few scraps on her hands. Carly herself had a pretty scraped up elbow but it would heal soon enough and she was so thankful to be alive that she barely noticed it. Drake pulled her to her feet and she turned to help Layla up, who still wouldn’t allow Drake to touch her at all.

Thank you, Drake said to the stranger, shaking hands with the man.

You’re welcome. You folks have a nice day, then he turned and walked across the parking lot to his own car. Drake pulled her into a fierce hug and kissed her multiple times all over her face before he turned to Layla, clearly worried but at a loss for what he should say or do. They got into the van, with Drake in the driver’s seat this time. They rode in silence until Carly’s cell phone rang. Relief washed over her when she saw that it was Nate.

Hi Nate, we’re fine, she answered it right away.

Carly, what happened? he demanded.

A truck came out of nowhere, going too fast. We’re fine. It was just a big scare, she tried to say calmly, hoping that this wouldn’t set Layla back further.

Are you sure? Cause the wave of panic that I felt did not feel like no big deal, he said, still obviously shaken.

It was a very close call, but an accident all the same, she told him even though she wasn’t so sure.

Alright, he said with discernible skepticism. I’ll stop by tonight and we’ll talk.

Ok, Nate. Sounds good; see you then, she agreed before hanging up. As soon as they got home Carly ushered the kids up to their rooms with their new clothes, mostly Ramos’s, and joined Drake in the bar room. He was pouring himself a drink. Boy how I wish I could have one, she thought, putting a hand on her belly. Drake came around the bar and pulled her into his arms; not say anything for a few moments. He just held onto her and breathed in the scent of her hair.

I would never survive losing you Carly. I didn’t even see that truck coming until that stranger was already pushing you out of the way. If he hadn’t been there, I… his voice cracked.

Shh, Drake, it’s okay. I’m fine. It was just an accident. That’s all, she tried to convince him; even as the sound of the engine revving echoed over and over in her head. They stood there locked in their embrace, just comforting each other for a long time.

3

In Satan’s off ice… .

Y our orders are to see her dead. Why would you push her to safety? Satan bellowed. He shot another beam of fire into Jake’s right arm. Jake already had marks resembling cigarette burns all over his body. As Satan ranted he randomly shot him with beams. They hurt like hell but nothing that would kill Jake.

I have already told you, Jake reiterated. I did it because there was a child with her and murdering a child was not part of the deal.

With your fucking bleeding heart you should be working for the goody two shoes up there, Satan snarled, thrusting his finger in the air.

Release me from your contract and I would gladly switch sides, Jake snarled back.

Satan shot him with another beam of fire, in the stomach this time. You will serve me for the rest of your pathetic life as we agreed upon, he said, his eyes glowing red.

We agreed that I would harvest evil souls for you. That kid has a pure heart. For that matter, I discovered, Carly Harris is not evil either. Why do you want her so desperately? Jake asked.

Because the Holy One wants her to be a new breed of demon slayer. She must be stopped before she multiplies! Satan roared, pointing his finger skywards. Flames shot up from the floor to engulf him and he grew taller and wider to unnatural proportions as Jake watched.

Okay, okay! Chill out, dude. I’ll take care of it, Jake panicked. I’ll send some of the minions if that would please you?

Chill out! How dare you! Satan thundered. I don’t care how you handle it. But it damned well better be handled Jake! Do you need to see your brother again as a reminder? Satan taunted cruelly.

No! Jake spat immediately. The one look he’d gotten before was plenty; it was a sight he could not bear to witness again. His brother was immerged in a hot tar pit up to his ribcage, scalding him in constant anguish. The pain never lessened. It is his punishment for refusing Satan’s orders, according to Satan anyway. Jakes brother is to stay in the pit for ten years. His time is almost over but by this point he’s lost his mind. There is nothing of his brother left. Nate shuddered. I’ll get on it but she’s always guarded. It’s not that easy. As Satan’s eyes radiated obvious rage, Jake quickly added. But I’ll figure something out, Grandfather. Okay?

At the reminder of their relationship, Satan deflated back to his normal size. I know we agreed that you would not harm an innocent person, but this one is different, Jake. She threatens my reunion with your grandmother, he added more softly as if searching for sympathy, but Jake saw through it.