Demons in the Night

By Heather Gale

In a world split, witches, demons and humans try to coincide together. With the witch population dying, a thousand-year-old plan to rid the world of demons is set in motion with the birth of Michelle Waters and Rubeus Timmons.
Michelle Waters, her mother committing suicide shortly after her birth, was never a believer in the supernatural until a few demons crashed her graduation party. With unexpected information about her mother's death from her Aunt, Michelle decides it's time to find out what happened. Enlisting the help of her closest friend, Alyssa, she learns of a much larger world and soon finds out that she is the second pure blood demon to be born in millennia.
Rubeus Timmons, the first pure blood demon, is charged with training Michelle in demon ways. As their relationship grows, they find out of a much deeper plot that could ultimately destroy their realm and they're the only two that can save it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: World Castle Publishing, LLC
• Release date: Oct 21, 2019
• ISBN: 9781950890859

Heather Gale

Heather is a Virginia resident who started writing when she was 15. She grew up in Maryland with an older sister and traveled over the U.S. while serving in the Army. Her favorite past times include writing, traveling, biking/hiking and just being near the water. She has no children, but is the proud mother of a rambunctious dog and two ornery cats. She has a Culinary Arts and Radiologic Sciences degree and currently works as a MRI Technologist at Chippenham Medical Center.

Book preview

Chapter 1

She ran through the woods as fast as she could with her child. The woman was out of breath, but knew she couldn’t stop for even a second. Keeping her child away from her pursuers was the only thing that kept her going. The city limits were just over the next ridge. She had to make it at least that far.

A fireball flew past her and caught a nearby tree on fire. Several more soared over her. She skidded to a halt as a wall of fire rose in front of her. Turning, she saw her pursuers standing several feet in front of her. There were three of them, all with dark cloaks. The forest took to flame around them. Sirens sounded in the distance.

Give us the child, Bane said, extending his hand towards her.

Never, the woman said, holding her baby closer to her chest. The sirens grew louder.

We’re running out of time. Just take the baby from her, Camilla said.

You know the laws; it has to be given freely, Remus said.

The firetrucks arrived and commands were being given.

We’re out of time, Bane looked up at the sky, the sun starting to rise. This is your last chance. Give her to us now and we’ll spare you from this fiery death.

The woman shook her head and started walking backwards, towards the flames. You will never have her, the woman said. Even if it means I must kill her myself.

What are you doing? Camilla asked.

The woman backed into the flames.

No! Remus yelled.

The woman caught fire. A protective bubble formed around the child as the woman collapsed to the forest floor.

Our time is up. We must go. Camilla said.

What about the child? Bane asked.

She’ll be found by the firemen and sent to her nearest relative. Remus made a note and a basket appeared. He made motions with his hand and the baby rose from the ground and moved into the basket with the note. Her power will surface when she comes of age. Then she’ll be ours.

The three demons disappeared, along with the flames. When the firefighters arrived, they looked around, confused by the sudden disappearance of the fire. They heard a baby crying and searched the scorched remains of the forest. She was found unharmed by the fire, with the burnt remains of her mother not far from her.

***

After being found in the forest, Michelle was sent to live with her Aunt Celeste. The family was very rich. No one was certain where the money came from; Celeste kept their past lives very secret. Celeste wasn’t thrilled with having to take care of a baby her estranged sister had dumped on her. She tried to make the most of it by raising her right, but she resented Michelle.

Michelle never really felt a close bond with her aunt. There was always something unspoken between them.

Michelle stepped down from the podium after giving her required speech as class valedictorian. Students started crossing the stage to get their diplomas as the principal called them.

Hours after graduation some of the graduates started showing up at Michelle’s house, which was located on fifty acres of land by the sea, for the after party. Several boats of all sizes were in the back, along with a tennis court, stables, and a pool. The gardens were massive, with everything imaginable, including a few exotic species. The mansion itself had over one hundred fifty rooms, ten of them kitchens, each specializing in a different type of cuisine. The bottom level was partly underground, and hosted a car museum. A library, an art exhibit, a music room, a home theatre, a gym, a gaming room—almost anything could be found inside the mansion. The floors were made of blue marble and the staircases were lined with gold. Rare paintings and sculptures were showcased throughout the entire mansion.

So your aunt really doesn’t mind you having this party? Alyssa asked. Michelle looked over at her best friend as she poured them both a drink. Alyssa tucked a strand of her short brown hair behind her ear as she took the cup.

Celeste isn’t here, Michelle looked up from her drink into Alyssa’s green eyes. She won’t be back until Monday.

I guess that’s why she wasn’t at graduation, Rachel said, trying to strike a nerve. Rachel pushed some of her long jet black hair over her shoulder. The deep blue hue in it reflected in the moon light.

If you’re trying to get a rise out of me, save it, Michelle said. I really don’t care. Michelle was usually calm, until someone pushed her too far.

Wow, you really don’t get along with her, Rachel said.

Well, she makes sure to remind me of how much of a burden I’ve been to her, Michelle tamed Rachel’s fiery attitude with her response. Thank God I’m finally eighteen and can get out of here.

The sounds of the new album from 3 Doors Down blasted in from the pool as a couple of people went inside through the mudroom that led into one of the kitchens. Michelle was laying on a lounge chair by the pool when Alyssa sat down beside her.

People are starting to leave, Alyssa said.

It is almost curfew, Michelle looked at her watch. A curfew was in effect to protect the humans from being attacked, raped, or taken, because the demons would come out at sunset. Michelle didn’t really believe in any of it, and thought it was just unruly teenagers causing trouble. She sat up. "Who are they? I don’t remember seeing them in our class."

Alyssa looked over at three guys on the other side of the pool, talking to some of the girls. Maybe some demons came out to play.

Please, those things don’t exist, Michelle rolled her eyes and downed the rest of her drink.

One of the newcomers made eye contact with her. She thought she saw his sapphire eyes flash, but decided it was because of the reflection of the moon starting to become visible in the water.

I think it’s time to shut everything down.

She had gotten up to start telling people to go when flames erupted. People started screaming and running away. Michelle and Alyssa looked around and saw one of the unidentified guys tossing fireballs around.

Hey! The three looked over at her. You just ruined my party. You weren’t invited. Get out.

The one with the fire started to take a step towards her as another guy stretched up, due to his short stature, to put his hand on his shoulder, holding him back.

We were told to leave, the shorter guy said. The one with the fire snarled at Michelle and disappeared into thin air with him. Michelle gasped. The flames disappeared.

"We do exist," the sapphire eyed guy said. He smiled and winked at her as he disappeared.

Chapter 2

So, are you going to explain to me what happened out back? Celeste asked as she sat down across from Michelle in the kitchen, running her fingers through her long pale blue hair.

I already told you what happened. Michelle placed her hands around a warm cup of coffee.

You expect me to believe that three boys caught everything on fire, and then disappeared into thin air when you told them to leave? Celeste gave Michelle an icy stare with her silver eyes. You sound like your mother.

My mother talked about demons? Michelle asked, looking up.

Your mother claimed she was raped by one. Celeste moved to the kitchen sink. I think she was just too embarrassed that she got knocked up by some deadbeat she was dating at the time. And then she killed herself, and I—

Got stuck with me. Yeah, I get it, Michelle said. I’ve ruined your life. You remind me every day. Michelle got up and left the mansion.

That’s not what I was going to say, Celeste said to Michelle’s retreating back.

***

Alyssa met Michelle at a quaint little café in town. They were seated outside at a table in the shade of an umbrella, which had a nice view of the park across the street. It was a beautiful spring afternoon. Birds were chirping and bees were buzzing. The wind blew softly, carrying the scent of the honeysuckles nearby with it. There were kids and teens skateboarding and rollerblading along the sidewalk, and Frisbees being thrown to dogs in the park. On the corner, one man played a fiddle and another played a piccolo. People tossed coins into the fiddle case as they walked by.

She makes me so mad, Michelle said, checking her reflection in the window of the café. Her little yellow sundress went mid-thigh, complemented by yellow strappy wedge sandals with a jeweled sunflower on the strap that wrapped around her ankles. Her finger and toenails were painted orange with yellow stripes. The heart shaped gold locket around her neck held the only picture she had of her mother. Due to a slight sensitivity to the sun, her shoulder length brown highlighted hair was topped with a fashionable sun hat.

I’m not taking her side, but Celeste did know your mother, Alyssa said. Not usually one to worry about dolling herself up, she was quite comfortable in her jean shorts and blue tank top, coupled with her white tennies. What if what she’s telling you is right?

The waitress set their food down and refilled their drinks.

It’s her version of the truth. Michelle grabbed her drink. They obviously had issues, but what if she died trying to protect me?

Alyssa shrugged her shoulders.

***

Rubeus, a few years older than the girls, sat down at the table beside them. He removed his hat from his short black hair with ruby red tips and tossed it onto the seat next to him, and raised his sunglasses up onto his head, revealing his icy blue eyes. The waitress set a glass of water before him and waited for him to get settled before offering him a menu.

No thank you. The water is fine. His killer smile made the waitress flush as she turned and walked away.

Rubeus stretched his legs, clad in dark jeans and work boots, out on the chair across from him and started to read the paper. Although the button up shirt—sleeves rolled up—was loose over his white tee, it still didn’t hide his form. He was well built, and always turned heads wherever he went.

Rubeus was the first pure blood to be born in millennia, and was feared by everyone that knew who and what he was. He had a hot temper, and was known for it by those unlucky enough to cross him. Even though he could be out during daylight hours, he was still sensitive to the sun—all day-walkers were.

Your mom is the only one that knows what really happened, the short haired girl at the next table said. And there’s no way to ask her.

They sat in silence for a few minutes while they started to eat their food.

What about your other friends? the girl in the hat asked, taking a sip of tea.

Other friends?

You know. The girls Rachel knows, hat-girl said. I’ll bet they know a way.

You don’t even believe in that kind of stuff, the other girl replied.

Those guys made me a believer, hat-girl answered.

Rubeus started to listen to their conversation with more interest.

You’re not going to try and logically explain it? the short-haired girl asked. Chalk it up to cheap parlor tricks?

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t try to, but actually witnessing it makes it hard, hat-girl said. I have to find out what happened that night my mother died. Celeste even said she spoke of demons.

Maybe you should ask the demons then, Rubeus said, looking over the paper. He and hat-girl made eye contact, and he noticed the gold locket around her neck. Something stirred in him, and judging by her reaction, she felt it too. It was a little startling, so he quickly looked away.

Demons are vile, unethical creatures, the short haired girl said. You can’t trust them.

There will be no talk of such things in my establishment, the manager said. The three looked over. If I hear of it again I’ll have to ask you to leave.

Sorry, hat-girl said.

Rubeus stood up as a gust of wind blew by. It took the girl’s hat, but he caught it almost instantaneously. A few patrons looked over, expecting the worst with his quick movement.

Perhaps you’re right, he said as he handed it to her. But maybe it’s the humans and witches that can’t be trusted. He glanced at the short haired girl when he said witches. The manager stood and started to say something again, but Rubeus shot him a look as he put his sunglasses and hat back on. The manager sat back down, silent.

Hat girl watched as he left the café, the feeling subsiding. Rubeus didn’t go far, and stayed within earshot. The girl had piqued his interest.

If you hurry, you can get his number, the short haired girl said as she waved her hand in front of the other one’s face.

Sorry. I got a weird feeling from him, her friend said. You don’t think….

No, they can’t come out when it’s daylight, Short-hair said. They paid for their food and left. I’ll talk to the girls. But you have to take it seriously if they agree to do it.

Rubeus was on the rooftop of the café and followed them from roof to roof as they walked down the street.

I promise, Hat girl said.

I’ll also need something of your mother’s, her friend said.

This is all I have. The girl with the hat grasped the locket around her neck.

They’ll need it in order to try and locate her, her friend insisted.

Hat girl took it off and gave it to her, and immediately looked like something had happened. Rubeus sensed the difference in her too, and confirming what he had thought, he disappeared.

***

There’s no reason for them not to agree. It’ll take at least a week of preparation before they’re ready. Are you okay? asked Alyssa.

Yeah, I just feel a little lightheaded, Michelle said.

Chapter 3

A few days later Michelle still didn’t feel any different. It was almost like she had a lot of pent up energy waiting to be released. She had a sense of danger and mischief rising in her, so she decided to go and check out one of the several places that didn’t allow humans after sunset.

The club entrance was located in the back of an alley. Michelle only knew about it because she had seen people go down there and not come back. To her amazement she was let in with no problem, which added to her mood. She figured maybe they didn’t realize the sun had just set. There were multiple levels, and a bar on each. Strobe lights flashed everywhere as people danced to the techno house music. Others were just sitting or chatting, and others needed to go find a room somewhere.

Michelle made her way to the back where the bar was. Others were scoping her out as she walked by, unbeknown to her. There were only a few people at the bar, a couple sitting and others just waiting for their drinks. Michelle sat down on one of the stools as the bartender handed the last drink order out.

What can I get for you? The bartender asked.

Surprise me, Michelle said. The bartender turned and started to grab some things to mix up for her.

Careful telling this one that, a man said as he leaned on the bar beside her. The bartender smiled and poured two shots for him.

Michelle looked over at him. It’s you, she said, recognizing him as the guy from the café a few days ago. He glanced over at her. We sort of met at the café a couple of days ago.

I remember, he said.

The bartender set her drink down in front of her and, knowing the guy’s routine, poured him a third shot. He placed it with the other two and started restocking garnishes.

The man slid the shot to her. Let me formally introduce myself. I’m Rubeus. He picked up one of the other shots.

Michelle, she said as she picked up the one he offered her.

Another guy that was on the next level leaned over the balcony as he saw them both take the shot. He whistled and Rubeus turned to look up at him. Rubeus tossed the last shot up to him without spilling a single drop.

Who’s that?

My brother Trevin, Rubeus said. Feel free to come up and join us. He started to leave the bar.

Thanks, but I’d rather keep to myself tonight, Michelle said. The bartender glanced over at her subtle rejection.

Well, if you change your mind, Rubeus said. We’re just sitting right up there.

Michelle glanced up to where he was pointing. I’ll think about it.

He flashed her a smile and nodded at her before leaving.

Well, I’m impressed, the bartender said.

With what? Michelle asked.

I don’t think I’ve ever heard a lady tell him ‘no thanks.’

I don’t plan on staying long enough to hang out with someone, Michelle said. She tasted her drink. This is good, thank you. The bartender smiled and nodded. So, does he…? Michelle started after a few minutes.

The bartender smiled again. No, he doesn’t. Others will tell you otherwise, but he isn’t like that.

Good to know, Michelle said. Thank you again.