Summoned

~`~`~`~`~` ( Author Notes ) `~`~`~`~`~

I love the great response I got from the last chapter, I think this is the most rates I’ve gotten from one chapter (+7)! Now to move along with the plot. Since more people know about what is really going on, things are about to get really interesting and more challenging for Harley. A game of connect the dots never looked so hard. ;) Here’s chapter 23!

Thanks for all the Reviews, Hits (Over 6000!), and Rates!

Enjoy and Please Review or leave feedback in the forums!

Note: Story is in Harley’s POV unless stated otherwise in chapters.
“Blah blah” – Normal speech
“Blah blah” – Thought of character
(Blah blah) – Author comments

Chapter 23

We landed softly a few feet in front of Detective Gavin who was sitting on a crate with his head in his hands, appearing deep in thought. He looks up with a hard gaze when he notices our arrival. Slaiden doesn’t let me down right away though. He just meets the detective’s gaze, as if challenging him to say something. The detective doesn’t take the bait though. I shift slightly to remind Slaiden that I want to get down……and away from him. Taking the hint, he actually complies and lets me down. Still a little shaky from the flight, my knees slightly buckle. I grab on to his arm to stabilize myself but instantly regret it because Slaiden gives me an arrogant fanged smirk. I let go of him quickly and turn away from him, intending to distance myself a bit from him. But Slaiden isn’t letting me walk away so easily. He grabs onto my arm and whips me around into his chest. He places his other hand under my chin and looks down at me.

“No goodnight kiss?” He asks with a hint of playful sarcasm.

I fight back the urge to roll my eyes and ignore his request by asking a question of my own. “You’ll leave and they will be safe right?”

“For now.” He simply says.

I glare up at him, silently telling him to elaborate.

“I can’t guarantee that I if I cross paths with either of them again that they will live.” He says seriously, glancing over at the on looking detective.

“Damn. I should’ve seen that coming. If I’m not there if Gavin or Louis come across Slaiden like they did tonight, there is nothing stopping him from killing them. I really hope that isn’t the case, I already have too many lost lives on my conscious.” I think as I cast my eyes down to the floor, not wanting Slaiden to have the satisfaction of outsmarting me. Collecting myself, I return my gaze. “Well for tonight they are safe right?”

“After a night like tonight, they are as safe as if heaven’s angels themselves were protecting them.” He says, lowering his face until his nose is almost touching mine. His statement is meant to get a rise out of me but while inside I’m getting very agitated, on the outside I just glare into his gold eyes.

“Thank you.” I say, sincerely yet with a bit of edge.

“No little girl, thank you.” Slaiden says right before he closes the distance to kiss me. He keeps it short though since Detective Gavin purposely clears his throat. Slaiden shoots him a glare as he steps away but I’m grateful for the breathing room. He gives a sideways glance at Louis who is near the body, his processing kit at his side as he watches our interaction. Slaiden then acknowledges Gavin. “Have a good evening, Detective.”

“This isn’t over, not by a long shot.” Gavin says from his seat, his grey eyes locking with Slaiden’s

“Obviously. I still have a list to complete.” He says in return. Slaiden then turns back to me. He just gives me a knowing smirk, one of satisfaction and victory. He then leaps into the air and flies off before any of us can even utter another word.

Sighing, I glance over at Louis. His expression is one of sadness and guilt. He looks away and focuses on his camera in his hand. “He’s feeling really low right now.” Gavin says. “I told him to process the body to take his mind of things while we waited. You were gone over an hour, you know…..*Sighs*…..anyway, we came up with a cover story but you won’t be in it, you’ve lied to the police enough and I don’t want to put you through more trouble then you’ve already been through. I got a hold of Trisha Melrose so she should be here in a while.”

I just nod and take a seat next to him on a crate of my own, resting my back against the brick wall. Detective Gavin does the same. We sit in silence for a few minutes. I let my mind wander for a while, trying to convince myself that this is just another dream. But no matter what I tell myself, I can’t deny the realism of the body, the two men witnessing a living myth, or the pain still lingering between my thighs. The uncomfortable silence is broken suddenly, snapping me out of my troubled thoughts.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Gavin asks, his voice soft.

I remain silent considering if I want to at all. He must have taken my silence as a no because he doesn’t press further.

“You were right.” I finally say.

“Hmm?” He questions with surprise, not sure at what I mean.

“About it hurting…….a lot.” I say looking down at my hands.

“Oh.” Is all he says, unsure about what to say, not that I blame him. Another somber silence sets in. It doesn’t last too long though because Detective Gavin speaks. “Sorry for making you go through that, even though it doesn’t make up for what happened…..” He trails off, regret and guilt once more showing in his eyes.

“Honestly…….it wasn’t that bad…I mean…it felt good eventually. God, I feel disgusted with myself for actually enjoying it….” I trail off, thinking back to the hotel room.

“Don’t beat yourself up. It was your body’s natural reaction. It could’ve been a lot worse if he forced you. I actually feel a little reassured by hearing that. It’s just unfortunate that your first time had to be with him and under these circumstances.” Gavin comments, trying to make me feel a bit better about all of this.

I just nod, agreeing with him. He does have a point. I sigh and say one more thing that is on my mind about it. “The sad thing is……. I don’t think he’s finished with me yet, not even close.”

Neither of us says anything to that but we don’t have to because Detective Gavin’s phone starts to go off in his pocket. He pulls it out, glances at the screen then answers.

“Where are you?” he asks, not bothering to greet the other person who I assume is Trisha.

“…..got it…..we’ll be right here.” He says then snaps his cell shut.

He then turns back to me. “Trisha is on her way with a few officers. I’ll take you to your car where you can wait for me and Louis until we return. It maybe a while so just hang tight.” He says as he stands up. He then flags Louis over.

“Ok.” Is all I say to acknowledge that I understand.

Louis jogs over to where we are and Gavin fills him on what we are doing. We then walk back to the parking lot, which is now a bit emptier, and to my car. Gavin hands me back my keys and I unlock my car. I get in and just sit in the driver’s seat, not even putting the key in the ignition to show them that I’m not going anywhere. Apparently satisfied, Detective Gavin shuts my car door and they turn back.

Now it’s the waiting game. I check my clock to see that it is a bit passed 1:30. I had been gone over an hour and I’m not sure how I exactly feel about that bit of information. I then fish out my cell phone to see if I have any missed calls or texts. None. It’s actually a relief to me since my friends think I’m at home in bed and my parents are in bed, expecting me back late in the early morning hours anyway. Flashing lights catch my attention. “Trisha’s here.” I think as I see two cop cars, a CSI SUV and an ambulance, most likely to transfer the body. I watch her and five other people go down the alley where Gavin and Louis are waiting. I lean my head back into my seat and shut my eyes, trying to relax despite the headache I now have and the throbbing pain still lingering between my thighs.

-------------------- ( Third Person POV ) --------------------

Slaiden was flying back feeling completely content. His night had been very successful. Not only had he gotten the job done quickly but he finally got to satisfy his lust for Harley….for the time being. After all, Slaiden planned to be her first and last once he was to collect his payment. A fanged grin appeared on his face at the thought of her being in his bed every night. He’d teach her in that art of pleasure and fighting. If she was to be his then she’d have to be the best and nothing less.

“What?!” Slaiden stops mid flight at sensing something odd. Focusing his senses he realizes it is a power source heading his way, and demonic at that. “Another demon? Here? But there is only that one book in this region…..wait I recognize this power…it’s--”

“Lord Slaiden!!!” yells a blur of red and black speeding at him.

“…Janner.”

Sure enough the familiar sight of the young demon boy was in front of him with a fanged childish grin. The boy was the child of his second advisor Hilmesh and the best Craft Master in his lands, Feinara. The boy was no older than a few years past 100, the equivalent of a human ten year old and no more than four feet tall. The boy took after his mother in looks having rose red hair and emerald green eyes. His hair was a bit unruly with bits hanging in his face and poking in odd directions. He was training to be a warrior in Slaiden’s ranks, the lean muscle already starting to show and by the looks of his toothy grin, his adult fangs had recently come in.

“Lord Slaiden, I greet you.” The demon boy says as he bows to show his respect.

“Janner, why are you here? Who summoned you?” Slaiden asked with an arched eyebrow, finding it slightly odd that a demon so young would be summoned by anyone. But who was Slaiden to question? After all, he was summoned by a teenager boy in his room.

“I was summoned in the country of Saudi Arabia for an assassination mission.” He answers.

“An assassination in this country?” Slaiden asks, while thinking, “Interesting, so there are some old scriptures still floating around in those desert lands. I haven’t seen those lands in centuries.”

“No my Lord, over there. It was to assassinate some crime boss who is very religious. They thought it to be fitting to use his fears against him, very old school. They actually laughed at me and called me squirt once I first appeared but I showed them who they were messing with once I chopped one of my summoner’s lackeys head off.” Janner says with a confident grin.

Slaiden had to crack a smirk of his own, the boy had his mother’s firey temper too. You don’t cross Feinara otherwise you’ll end up with a freshly made blade in your chest. Her boy would do fine among his ranks once he was older. Slaiden also notes the dagger hanging from Janner’s waist, no doubt crafted by his mother. While demons prefer hand to hand combat or magic when fighting, in times of battle, it was wise to have a sharp blade at your side. Janner than continues commenting on how the Arabic language was a pain to speak on his young tongue. Demons are gifted in the art of tongues, able to speak in any language at the drop of a hat, though some are easier than others.

“Seriously Master, humans should be like us and use only three languages, I mean two of our languages came from this world! How hard is it to pick one?”

“Janner.” Slaiden simply says, stopping the boy’s rant. Even though the boy is respectful he still has that childish tendency to talk too much. “Demonic is only used for casting magic and English is our most common language. Latin is basically dead here but it comes in handy for us when discussing confidential information. These humans are too stubborn to pick just one.”

“I understand Sir.” The boy replies with a nod, being respectful.

“I take it your first summoning was a success then. What did you ask for as payment?” Slaiden asks, curious.

“An extra 24 hours here, Lord Slaiden.” Janner says with a grin.

Slaiden arches an eyebrow again, wondering if this boy was an idiot. Figuring he should ask why the boy would ask that and not for something more valuable, he tells the young boy to explain.

“Well, Master, Kes was with me when I was being summoned and he asked me to deliver a message to you since you’ve been gone so long. Since I was on the other side of the world and I had no idea where you were, I needed time to find you. And I could only travel at night which was by going the farther route around the globe so I wouldn’t be seen so I asked for an extra 24 hours in this world. I flew as fast as I could to get here! I stopped at Alaska until it got dark again. My summoner actually really liked the idea since it wasn’t asking much of him. Did I do good, Lord Slaiden?” Janner says with big eyes, wanting praise.

“This kid is smarter then I first thought.” Slaiden thinks with a smirk. He then nods to the boy. “Yes, Janner you were very smart to put your Lord’s needs in front of your own.” Slaiden even pats the demon boy on the head, a rare sign of affection that not many receive from him.

“Thank you my Lord! That means a lot!” the boy says excitedly, flapping, his wings fast in joy of being praised by such a strong figure.

Slaiden then raises a hand to calm the boy down. Seeing this, Janner calms to a steady hover. He has a small blush on his cheeks in embarrassment which with his looks, most females, human or demon would find simply adorable. (Aww cute kiddie demon!)

“What is Kes’s message?” Slaiden asks seriously, thinking of his right hand man Kes. Kes was his most trusted advisor and a most challenging sparring partner. Slaiden had known him all of his life since the strong demon man had been an advisor to his father as well back when he was lord of Slaiden’s current lands.

“He said to inform you that Lord Relfin will be retiring and that his eldest son, Nagal, will be stepping in his place. The ceremony will take place next month, on Relfin’s 4,000th birthday.” Janner replies with a bow.

Relfin was the oldest of the four lords. While he was in good condition for his age, the lord had been tiring lately, wanting to relax and spend the rest of his days in the country side. Slaiden was the youngest of the lords but the strongest. Even Nagal, who had at least 300 years on Slaiden wasn’t as strong. Slaiden scowled at the thought of Nagal being a lord, the male was greedy and vain. Sure no demon was saint like but some were just ignorant, Nagal being one of them. He was only entitled to the title because of his age over his younger brother, who Slaiden thought was more fitting to be lord for having a tough stance yet calculating mind. With Nagal in power, a fight would be on the horizon, which Slaiden would plan on winning. Slaiden the turns his attention back on Janner. “Tell Kes that I thank him for this message and that as my replacement during my absence that I expect him to represent me if I am not back in our world at that time.”

Janner bows again. “I will Master!”

“Good, anything else to report?”

“Just that your cousin, Lady Giness came to visit. She wasn’t happy that you weren’t there to see her new baby.” The demon boy replies.

Slaiden fights the urge to growl in annoyance. He couldn’t stand that female, she was annoying and pig headed. How she even found a male willing to be her mate was beyond him. “Another brat running around is the last thing that woman needs.” Slaiden says mostly to himself.

Janner just remains silent. Being wise to not comment. While his Lord could say anything he wanted about his family, underlings and lower class demons like Janner were definitely not. Otherwise the punishment for talking disrespectfully was harsh.

Noting the boy’s uncomfortable and fidgeting hover, Slaiden puts him at ease. “Relax, boy. If she comes again, just tell her I will visit as soon as I can.” he then adds to himself, “Hardly, I’ll get to it when I get to it. I have more important manners to deal with.”

Janner bows again in response.

“If that’s all, you are dismissed.” Slaiden adds.

“Actually, Sir…I have a question to ask, if I may be so bold.” The demon child says, looking at his feet, his blush returning.

Slaiden decides to humor him since he is in a good mood tonight. “Continue.”

The boy’s ears twitch at this and he looks up with a grin. “Thank you Master…..Um…why do you smell like female human, which smells very nice by the way and something else….you smell like my father and mother when they finish sparring.” The boy asks innocently.

Slaiden’s eye slightly twitches at this but goes unnoticed by the red haired boy looking up at him. Of course the boy’s keen nose would pick up the scent of Harley on him. He didn’t even want to know what Hilmesh and Feinara did in their spare time, much less after sparring each other. Looking down at the awaiting youth, Slaiden answered with the most appropriate response but with a fanged knowing smirk. “You’ll understand when your older, boy.”

The boy gives a huff in response, not satisfied. He tries again. “Well what about the human then?”

“That’s two questions boy.”

The boy mumbles an apology, clearly intimidated by the larger demon.

“Accepted, but you will know later if that suffices.” Slaiden adds, feeling lenient.

Janner gives a toothy grin in response. “Thank you Master! I take my leave now. I still have a few hours left since it’s 9am there. As long as I get to Africa in time, I can run the rest of the way back unnoticed. I need to be sent back at 9pm so I’ll spend some time seeing the sights, this world is so cool!”

“Check out the Egyptian pyramids, they have some old stone scriptures of us in them.” Slaiden recommends with a fanged smirk, remembering his own first visit to the human realm.

“Cool! I will! Good bye, Lord Slaiden. Best luck on your job and we all await your return!” Janner says after bowing one last time and taking off like a rocket into the night sky.

“Until we meet again, young one.” Slaiden says as he watches the boy disappear for sight. He then turns and continues back towards Jeff’s house when he thinks of tonight’s earlier events with the two other men. Now that others knew about him, things would get more challenging if they started putting two and two together. Humans were smarter than they were last time he was here. He narrows his eyes, getting annoyed at this new obstacle. Figuring he needed to set some things straight, he changes his destination.

-------------------- ( Harley’s POV ) --------------------

I must have eventually dozed off because I’m startled awake from a knock on my window. I put a hand on my chest to calm myself when I realize it’s Detective Gavin and CSI Louis. I glance around them to see that all the emergency cars are gone. I roll down my window when Gavin motions me to. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to doze off.”

“It’s fine. We’re sorry about the wait.” Gavin replies.

I glance at the clock to see that almost a half hour had passed. “So am I free to go home now?” I ask with hope.

“Yes but I’m taking you home. Louis will drive your car back. After going through what you have, you’re in no condition to drive.” Gavin says seriously.

“What? Why? I’m fine, honest!” I say, slightly annoyed.

“You’ve just had a seriously emotional experience. While you may be acting fine we both know on the inside that isn’t the case. I’m not taking the chance of having you behind the wheel of a car.” He says while hardening his gaze to tell me to comply.

Suddenly I realize what he is implying. “You…you think I’d do something suicidal?”

He just stares back with a straight face but then Louis buts in. “It wouldn't be the first time... Anyway, we just want you to be safe.”

“Ok, thanks.” I say, not wanting to be any trouble or question him. I just want to go home. I get out of my car and hand Louis my keys. I then follow Gavin to his car. We get in and wait for Louis to pull out with my car. Once he does we drive off with him following. Since everyone is gone, including Don’s body I decide to ask on what happened. “Mind telling me what you told Trisha and the officers?”

“Sure, we told them that we had been stopping to get a bite to eat not too far from here before heading back to the department. We had been passing through this street when we were flagged down by a young man saying he found a body in an alleyway so he asked for our help, not knowing we were law enforcement at the time. We inform him who we are and he points us where to go. He follows us to the body and I question him as CSI Louis starts taking photos. Once I confirm that he has an alibi, I release him to go. We document that the body has apparently been killed by a snapped neck and I call it into dispatch then call Trisha. That’s what we are running with.” He informs me.

“What about Trisha, does she know the truth?”

“Louis is on the phone with her right now. He had mentioned briefly at the scene to her that we had something very important to tell her. I’ll probably talk to her later about it as well.” He answers.

“Sorry you had to lie for me.” I say as I look out the window.

“Don’t mention it. You saved our lives tonight. The least I could do was leave you out of this with the authorities…besides us three that is. But now I want to hear everything. The truth about every encounter you had with Slaiden…you can leave out certain details if you want though.” He says as we come to a stop at a light.

I take a deep breath and prepare to start from the beginning. “Well it all started a few weeks ago when I was in the city walking back to my car from being at a concert at the Plaza……”

I tell him of every encounter, every punch thrown, every word said. The only thing I kept vague was when he touched me last time, just hinting at the idea which the detective just nodded at. I also mentioned the connections I had to some of the victims. The only thing I keep to myself is my odd dreams, after all we’ve already had enough weirdness for today, I don’t want to add more when I don’t even know what to make of them.

“Alright,” Detective Gavin says, “That explains a lot of things. Trouble really does seem to find you doesn’t it?”

“Ever since I witnessed that gang kill, I’ve been in the wrong place at the wrong time. (*wink at Jackpot7374*) But it’s in my nature to want to help people. And now I want to stop Slaiden and his summoner so now I might start looking for the trouble.” I say, anger starting to build up inside me.

“Easy now. Let’s just focus on finding out who the summoner is and any other connections there are. Hmm….there was one other victim, our first one. Does the name Jackson Palori mean anything to you, Harley?” Gavin says, sparing a glance at me.

“That name sounds kind of familiar. The other guy from my dream, that’s who he is? …..Wait a minute… I do know him! It’s been years but I definitely remember that name now.” I suddenly remember. I then turn to face the detective. “Yeah, actually it does. I think I went to school with him years ago, back in junior high. I didn’t really know him well but I remember the name.”

“Interesting, you’ve had known three of the victims in some way…well maybe four since you met that last one tonight but regardless, we can’t ignore this fact. Do you think you may know the summoner and are just unaware of who he is? That maybe he or she goes to school with you?” Gavin asks, his brows slightly furrowed as he thinks.

“I was actually thinking similar thoughts before but I couldn’t come up with anyone who I think would do this sort of thing.”

“Sometimes it’s the ones we don’t expect that surprise us the most. Just food for thought.” Gavin adds which makes me think.

“Maybe I should take this in a different approach? Try to find out who the victims knew in common with one another.” I consider as I look back out the window, seeing that we are on the express way to get me home. “The thing that gets me though is that it’s been coincidence…and major bad luck so far that I’ve been in the area where Slaiden is. If we don’t know who his summoner is or at least his next target is by the next time he strikes, how are we supposed to know where he is to stop him and save the target?” I ask with concern and frustration.

“Hnnn…..” is all he says as he drives, thinking over what I just said. He then speaks after a moment. “Don’t go looking for him, that will only lead us nowhere because he seems to be able to know where people are. He’ll just treat it as a game if we go chasing around the city for him. Stick to your normal routines, and if you’re out on the town, fine. If someone is in trouble I want you to help them because that is the morally right thing to do. But if you run into Slaiden….well…..personally I’d want you to run because I don’t want you to have to go through again what you went through tonight, but…..I know you’re not the running type, tonight proved that. So it’s your call on what you do but just contact me or Trisha afterwards…to know that you’re safe and to find out more clues.”

I think over what he says. He’s right though about not to go look for him. For all I knew Slaiden might already know where I live. To go looking for him and to trap him might just put more people in danger, mainly my family. Just the thought of my parents knowing made me sad. I never want them to know that I lost my innocence this way. “Oh God, Mom would be devastated! And Dad…I don’t even want to think about what he’d do, probably go on a demon hunt which he might actually win if he was mad enough but I’m not taking that chance. I love them too much to risk losing them.” I look back out the window and see that we are getting close. I let out a soft sigh. “Ok…that’s fine. I’ll keep in touch then if I find anything new or see Slaiden again. But you have to do the same, no keeping me in the dark about things.” I say with some edge, becoming a bit more confident again.

“You have my word. We are all on the same team here now so I expect the four of us to put our best efforts in.” is all he says as we pull into my subdivision.

We pull up to my house which is completely dark besides the porch light. Detective Gavin parks in the street while Louis pulls my car into the driveway. I tell Gavin thanks and start to exit when he speaks. “I’m sorry again. Louis and I both are, truly.”

“I know but it's fine.” Is all I say with a small, though forced smile. My bed is the only thing on my mind right now. I exit the vehicle and walk up to Louis who hands me my purse and my keys. I tell him thanks and he says good night with a small smile of his own. Like mine, his is forced as well. Everyone is in a somber mood from guilt, disappointment, and maybe even fear. I unlock the side door, sparring one more glance at Louis and Gavin watching me from their car before I go in and lock it behind me. I walk through the garage, almost tripping over Jason’s hockey stick, and unlock the main door. I quietly shut it and slip off my shoes and set my purse on the counter. I then walk through the house as quietly as possible due to the late hour and make it to the stairs. I walk up slowly, half to be quiet and the other because of my sore muscles. I enter the bathroom first and strip down to my underwear. I stand still for a moment then peel them off as well. I pull on my robe and look into the mirror. My reflection doesn’t look that bad actually given tonight’s events. My hair is a little windblown but other than that no one would suspect a thing if they saw me…..besides a new hickey on my neck. “Great! Just freaking great! Good thing I bought more cover up earlier today.” I think, getting pissed off again. I then count to three to calm myself. I just need my bed and maybe a good cry. I’m not one to cry over sad movies or insignificant things but when it comes to myself or my family, I’ll cry when I’m either alone or in the comfort of my parents. This was an alone time moment even if I really wanted to crawl in bed with my mom right now and hug her as tight as possible. Pleasure aside, my emotions need to vent. I shake my head slightly then bend down and gather my clothes. I leave the bathroom and walk to my door.

“Ouch!” I give a small hiss of pain from my door knob shocking me. I shake my hand to numb out the pain and walk in.

I shut the door quietly behind me, pressing it gently to close. I reach for the lights when an odd sensation comes over me. I feel like I’m being watched. I shake it off though, thinking that I’m just overly paranoid after tonight. No one can see me in my dark room anyway. I hit the lights on.

“We need to talk, little girl.”


~`~`~`~`~` ( Author Notes ) `~`~`~`~`~

Cliffy! Had to do it, it just felt right once the idea popped in my head. ;)

Expect an update either Sunday or Monday!

Please Review!