Summoned

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

Sorry for the wait! My new beta had a power outage so it took her a while to review it but here it is! Hope you all like it!

Amanda88 – Glad you loved the chapter so much! The more and more I think about it, the more I can’t wait to write about it. My original plan when I first started this story was to end it when the deal is completed but I think it is a better idea to continue on in the demon world. I have no idea when this will end…..not that it will be any time soon or that I want it to . ;)

Jackpot7374 – lol, I myself like Slaiden, he’s bad ass who just knows what he wants. He hasn’t gotten any hate mail so I think everyone else reading likes him too. Harley obviously isn’t too fond of him but she can’t deny that he is a good lover, introducing all these now experiences for her. I like your snake analogy, very fitting. If you want to chat in the forums about it my story is in the Promote a Story section where I post when I update. Feel free to comment there too cuz I usually am logged in a lot.

Also got a BETA! SightSoBlind! She will be reviewing my chapters before I update so it may be a day or two later before it’s up from my estimated day I give at the end of the chapters so please be patient since I really appreciate her taking the time out of her day to read them.

Thanks for all the Reviews, Hits, 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 25

I woke up a few hours later to a shift in movement. Slaiden was rising. I wonder if he had even slept or just relaxed. I glanced at my top windows to see that it is still dark but starting to lighten meaning dawn was coming. Since Slaiden must realize that I was up, I open my eyes and turn to see what he is doing.

His back is to me as he stretches. His back muscles flex which causes my cheeks to heat up again. He turns his head to glance at me over his shoulder. His amused eyes tell me that he pleased by my subtle yet apparently noticeable reaction to him. The sound of his voice causes me to slightly jump, not expecting the sudden sound.

“Sleep well?” Slaiden says, his smirk creeping up at the sight of my flinch.

“I’ve slept better.” I comment. I don’t even care anymore. I have nothing to lose at this point so why not try to get a few verbal shots in?

Slaiden arches an eyebrow at this. “Is that so? Understandable…..after all, when I’m in bed much sleeping doesn’t occur.”

My mouth drops open at this comment. “He‘s unbelievable!” I just can’t win. Everything I say, he just twists it around to work in his favor, mostly to show his arrogance and boost his ego. Sure he’s more subtle in his arrogance but it shows given the chance. My frustration is hitting that fan at this point. I don’t even have a good comeback to that so I settle with what comes to mind. “Hmm, let me guess, a whore for everyday of the week?” then I add to myself, “Hey, not bad actually.”

His smirk disappears at this. I think I actually hit a nerve which causes me to smirk this time. He then turns to face me, putting his closest hand on my far hip and pulls me to him. He hovers over me and grips my chin, forcing me to look at him. “I can think of a lot better ways to use that sharp tongue of yours.”

Slaiden isn’t making a threat, he’s making a promise that I know he will come through with. I decide to bite my tongue, not wanting to provoke him more then I already have. I just glare back at him. He is actually the first to break the stare but it is to look out the window at the lightening sky. He needs to go soon. Slaiden reluctantly releases his hold and moves off of the bed. He pulls on his shirt and ties his sash around his waist. He then goes to the door and releases the lock and silence spell.

I’m sitting up at this point, relieved to have some privacy soon. Slaiden walks over to the window and opens it . He then turns back to me and returns his hold on my chin. He swiftly sweeps down and kisses me. He keeps it short but it is none the less dominating then the others. He then leans in to whisper in my ear.

“Until we meet again, little girl.” He then nips my ear and takes his leave and flies off before I can even react to any of it.

I let out an exhausted sigh. Time to get some more sleep. There is no way I am waking up in another hour or so to go to karate, Sandy can get Terrance to help her on her gun defenses, I’ll just go later to workout. Also, I’ll call Detective Gavin once I am more awake about what happened. Even though I didn’t get much information at all, they still should be aware that Slaiden was asking about them and will most likely be keeping tabs on them.
I slowly rise and stretch. I then close my window shut, glancing at the sky to make sure that I am really alone. I crawl back in bed and pull the covers over me despite the humid morning. My bed is still warm from Slaiden being in it. Despite the heat I still shiver.

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

Slaiden quickly flew back to the boy’s house. Once there, he opened the window and slipped inside. He grabs the small stack of books on Jeff’s desk and brings them to the bed. He gets comfortable, even though Harley’s bed had been much more comfortable, and browses the titles. It was going to be a long day and he would need something else to pass the time with since this time with Harley was limited. A content feeling came over him as he thought of his night. It had been by far the best night he has had in this world of all the times he had been here.

He hadn’t slept at all in her bed, just rested and listened to the young woman against him sleep. Her even breathing had been a pleasant sound, although he would prefer her to be moaning his name instead but there would be plenty of time for that. Slaiden was even considering if he should go out again tonight, just for his own pleasure. Perhaps even to spend it with his prize and make a return to that appealing hotel suite.

With the boy gone Slaiden could do whatever he wanted, he would just need to work around a few obstacles. If the there was an opportunity to get Harley alone then he would take it. But he didn’t know if she would be likely to go out again tonight or not and if that was the case, he would have to work around her family. He would need to take her away for the night if he wanted to have another enjoyable experience. He’d make her lie if she encountered her parents or if she was out, all the better for him. Maybe a midnight visit would be in order.
Deciding to consider that idea for later, he thought back to his encounter with Janner. Seeing the young demon boy made him yearn to be back in his world, in his own home, in his own bed. While Slaiden was enjoying his time here, the vacation was much appreciated and the killing was very enjoyable but there were matters that would need to be attended to, no matter how tedious. The thought of watching Nagal get passed on the title of Lord from his father was one of them. Slaiden loathed social gatherings, especially ones involving what he considered inferior demons. Only a few were even worth his time and attention, a very few.

Nagal was spineless. Slaiden doubted that male could even win against a youngling like Janner. Slaiden then thought that might be exaggerating but he was positive that Janner was smarter than Nagal. Slaiden knew that even Relfin was unhappy about this but the law was the law as it has been for millennia. Marik was better suited but was second born. Slaiden felt it was a pity because he could actually respect Marik as a lord, unlike his older brother. Maybe if Slaiden killed Nagal if a fight broke out then he would get his way. Even Relfin would accept it if it came to that, possibly even secretly relived that the weaker male would be dead. The other two lords would back Slaiden up. After all, he was the strongest so who would defy him? Slaiden couldn’t tolerate weakness of any kind so he would not allow a demon to be lord who only thought of with his pocket and not his brain.

Slaiden plotted a bit more, figuring that in a few months, once Nagal was settled then he would strike. Either by assignation or actual battle. It didn’t matter which as long as he got to shove his claws through Nagal’s pathetic excuse of a heart. Slaiden smirked at this thought, the anticipation already kicking in.

Deciding to push those thoughts in the back of his mind for a while, he picked up one of the books he was scanning. The book being an English version of the Art of War. Slaiden hadn’t read it since it was still in Chinese back sometime in the sixth century B.C. While he preferred reading it translated today, he felt that some of the beauty that the text once held was gone. The rich Chinese characters had seemed to hold more of an impact since not everything would be a perfect translation. But since he did request it, Slaiden wouldn’t complain. He needed a refresher course anyway. He had used some of its strategies before, considering the writer Sun Tzu to be one of the few humans that he would ever respect. The long deceased man had been a strategist genius. Slaiden had always thought that if this man had been born a demon then he could’ve been a most valuable asset to Slaiden’s ranks, maybe even lord worthy with his bright mind. Slaiden flipped it open and began reading, anticipating his night out later.

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

( Later that night )

It was a bit after 9 o’clock, I had just finished some homework and was packing my karate bag up with my gear and fresh clothes. I had slept in late and never made it to the dojo. I decided that like before, I was in need of a hard work out, or maybe I should call it battle training since sooner or later a fight was going to happen with Slaiden’s summoner once we found out who he or she is. I stuffed my black belt in last and grabbed my binder full of notes and testing evaluations. I walk down the stairs to see that my mom and dad where in the family room watching TV together.

“I’m going to the dojo to work out.” I tell them as I reach the bottom step.

They both look up to address me. “Want me to join you?” my dad asks.

“No, I just need to work off some stress. I’ll be back late.”

“Will you be ok there by yourself?” my mom asks, concern in her voice that is typical of a loving mother.

“Mom, it’s a karate school. No one would try attacking someone there. They’d be stupid to even think about it.” I reply.

“I know, I know. I just worry since of all the incidents on the news going on lately. Is that all where you’ll be going to?” Mom asks.

“I might see what Tina’s up to later. I’ll let you know.” I say as I go up to where they are sitting on the couch. I kiss them both on the cheek and head out, grabbing my purse and IPod off the counter as I go.

While I drive to my destination I think back to my earlier conversation with Trisha Melrose. I hadn’t gotten a hold of Detective Gavin since his line was busy but Trisha surprised me by calling me on my cell, which she probably got from Gavin who got it from Jason. I had just went with Gavin’s lie when Jason asked if my friend ‘Louis’ got a hold of me last night, needing to talk about something ‘important’.

*Buzz* Buz--*

“Hello?”

“Harley, this is Trisha Melrose.” Says the female voice on the other line.

“Oh, hi. I’ve been meaning to talk to you.” I say.

“Same here. I talked to Gavin and Louis about last night. They informed me of everything but after hearing some particular details, I figured you would appreciate having a woman to talk to since talking to your mom is probably out of the question.” Trisha explains.

“I would.” I say back. It’s true I need another woman to talk to who I can be honest with. I really want to talk to my mom but this not a normal circumstance. “How much do you want to hear?”

“As much as you want to tell me.” she says kindly.

“Ok here’s what happened…” I tell her everything up to what Gavin and Louis know. I go a bit more in detail, telling what Slaiden has done to me. It is a bit difficult at first but I get it all out. “All in all though, it wasn’t too bad since I did it willingly. It could’ve been worse.” I even mention that it felt good eventually which put Trisha at ease. She is in full mom mode the whole time which brings me comfort in talking about it.

“Wow…a lot had happened to you that I don’t blame you for lying about. At least that may be the last of him for a while.” Trish comments.

“Actually…..there’s more…”I say, ready to clue her in.

“What do you mean? He left after he dropped you off right?...Right?” She questions, her tone serious.

“After Gavin and Louis dropped me off I went inside my house. After setting my stuff down in the kitchen and when upstairs and right into the bathroom. I undressed and slipped on my robe and went into my room. As soon as I turned on my light, I saw Slaiden sitting on my bed.” I explain then wait for her to comment.

I hear Trisha give a small gasp before she speaks, her voice full for concern. “What happened?”

“Slaiden wanted to talk about Gavin and Louis. He is still unaware of you but I don’t think that will last much longer. He wanted to know what they told me which wasn’t much, and what I told them. I couldn’t lie because he can tell when people are lying so I had to tell him what I told Gavin and Louis and that they want me to work with them to stop Slaiden and his summoner. Slaiden says if they get in his way he will kill them so we have to tread carefully when trying to find out clues. He chose his words carefully when talking to me so I got nothing on his summoner or what the payment is or even who is next on the list. He always twists my words around to use against me.” I tell her.

“Did he try anything again?” She asks, pressing the matter.

“He did at first but I convinced him not to since I was still very sore. But even though he listened, he didn’t leave. Slaiden put a locking spell on my door that wouldn’t open until dawn. It turns out his summoner is gone this weekend so he decided to spend the night with me…in my bed. He at least let me change but he made sure I slept in bed with him. He kissed me a bit but that was it. Then once dawn was coming he got up and left. I can tell by the way he touches me and talks to me that he isn’t done with me. You would think he wouldn’t bother since he will leave eventually but the way he acts, you’d think he lived here. I just don’t know what to make of him.” I say letting out a frustrated sigh.

“Hmm…that is interesting. Well it could be worse, he could be an ugly demon from hell.” Trisha adds, trying to lighten the mood.

I actually crack a small smile at this. Even if he is a demon, I will admit he is a hot demon which makes this whole mess a bit easier to deal with. “True, that does help that he is very attractive but still he doesn’t belong here and he is killing people for his enjoyment and as a job. We need to figure this out fast.”

“We do but only us four know about this so talking at the station is too risky and we can’t risk the summoner over hearing us in public. We need some place to meet in private and go over what we know. Basically, set up our own makeshift CSI team and investigate.” Trisha says as she thinks of a solution.

Suddenly an idea pops in my head. “I know!” I say to get her attention, “This Wednesday come to the dojo around 9pm. We aren’t open for class so my dad will just think I’m going to work out like usual. No one will be around so we will have complete privacy.”

“That’s perfect! I’ll tell the boys and we will see you then. Anything else you need to tell me?” Trisha asks.
“I told you everything I know and that has happened. I’ll see you all later this week then.” I reply.

“Sounds good. Take care, Harley.”

“I will, and thanks for listening. Bye!....*Click*…”

Thinking back on it, maybe the future meeting might get us somewhere. But now is not the time to worry about it so I clear my thoughts and just focus on driving.

Soon I’m at the dojo. Parking in back, I see that Mr. Jacobs, the owner of the computer repair shop next door is taking out his trash. I give him a wave as I walk up to the back door to the school. I unlock it and hit the lights as I walk in. I throw my bag in the locker room and plug in my IPod to the stereo like usual. I got back to the women’s locker room and tape up my hands and feet with my athletic tape, mentally noting to buy more soon from Dick’s Sporting Goods a few streets over. I grab my sparring gloves and walk back into the main room. I select my usual playlist and bop my head a little as the welcoming beat of Christina Aguilera’s “Fighter” comes on.

I spend some time beating up a heavy bag with punches, other hand strikes and kicks. I’m imagining a certain demonic face as I land each strike. After about 15 minutes of that I decide to slow it down. I start performing a few katas, paying attention to each movement and foot work so that they are perfect and fluid. While I should be graceful with them, the high energy music fuels me to add some attitude to the strikes and moments. My dad looks for attitude and confidence when the students perform them for the judging board so it is worth it. After going through all eight, I notice only 20 minutes has gone by.

I still feel the need to continue so I pick up a Bo staff that is just past my height, perfect for me to use. I grip it in both hands and start swinging it around to adjust to the weight of it. I then start doing Bo katas with it, hitting imaginary bad guys in my way. I sound off with each strike, feeling strong and confident with each spin, swing and strike. I life it over my head, preparing to jump and land a hard blow in a downward angle when the sound of glass breaking catches my attention. The only windows we have are the ones in the front with the main door. I glance in that direction but none of the blinds have been disturbed and there is no sign of glass. Then I remember Mr. Jacobs next door.

I jog over to the back door and go outside, forgetting my Bo staff is still in my hand. I let the heavy metal door swing shut behind me and look around. Not seeing him in the lot, I look left to see his back door to his shop opened. I walk to it and stand in the doorway.

“Are you ok, Mr. Jacobs?” I say even though I don’t see him.

“Harley! Over here! I fell and am kind of stuck.” I hear him call from near the front.

I hang my Bo against the wall and I hustle over to where he is and see that one of his shelves has fallen down and his arm is tangled in some cords that look too difficult to loosen with one hand. I also note the two smashed older computer screens that explain the broken glass sound I heard. I bend down next to the thirty-something man and help him untangle the mess. After a minute or two we get him free and I help Mr. Jacobs up. He brushes himself off and gives me a smile in thanks.

“Thanks, mind helping me with this shelf?”

“Not at all.” I say as I grab on end.

We lift it up and start putting some boxes back up. Mr. Jacobs keeps me away from the glass though, not wanting me to cut myself. He grabs a broom and starts sweeping up the black shards of glass. Seeing that he has things straightened out I decide to go back.

“Be careful next time.” I say as I grab my Bo.

“I will, thanks for the help. I’ll be leaving soon so have a good night.” Mr. Jacobs says as he sweeps a pile of glass into his dust pan.

“You too.” I say as I shut the door behind me and go back.

Once I enter I notice that the lights are off and my music has stopped. "That's odd" I think, "I didn't turn that off and my playlist is too long to have ended on its own." I grip my staff tighter, becoming cautious. The door had closed behind me and it would have made a loud noise if opened so I would’ve heard if someone had opened it and gone inside. I close the door behind me and take a few steps forward, passing the women’s locker room. I listen quietly for a few moments before making any sudden movements.

Someone is in here.

I can feel their eyes on me, as if they can see in the dark like a cat. I slowly and softly move one end of my staff to hover over where the light switch is behind me. Swiftly I flick it to turn on the lights and rush forward, Bo ready.

No one is there. No one in front of the mirrors, no one in front of the heavy bags and no one in the seating section or the office.

“What? I know someone is here.” I think on my guard as I take a few steps forward.

“Nice night, don’t you think?” Says a silky smooth voice coming from behind me and to my left.

I jump around, staff aimed to strike, to face the west wall. I’m greeted with a content looking Slaiden, leaning casually against the wall with his arms crossed at his chest. His golden eyes flicker in mischief.

“What are you doing here?!” I say with venom, ready to attack.

“Fierce. I like that.” He says as his lips form a smirk.

“I’m not playing around. Leave now.” I say as I get into a proper stance, showing him I’m ready to fight. The battle is coming a lot sooner than I expected and no way am I going to let him walk all over me.

“But I just got here. I wanted a lesson…..and perhaps give one.” His fangs show at this, his voice laced with sarcasm.

“Not happening.” I say, holding my ground.

He then straightens up, removing himself from the wall. He studies my body language with his sharp, calculating eyes. I see him pause at the staff, a flicker of interest shows which makes me suddenly become uneasy. Slaiden’s eyes then leave my form to glance around the now lit room. He examines all four corners, coming to rest on the four other Bo staffs of varying sizes leaning in the corner a few yards to his left. He arches an eyebrow to consider something then returns his attention back to me. He then speaks. “Since this is a dojo, let’s have a friendly match.”

“I doubt whatever you have in mind is what most consider friendly.” I comment, keeping my hard gaze firm.
Slaiden just smirks at my words and walks over to the wooden staffs. He picks the tallest one up that is slightly taller than him. He runs his fingers over the polished wood and tests its weight. I mentally groan at this. “Why do we even have one that large? The tallest student gave up on it years ago! That thing is going in the wood chipper after this.” My grip just tightens more as I watch him. Seeming satisfied he walks over to me. I take a few cautious steps back.

“We will spar with these. It will be fun.” He says, his eyes showing a hint of eagerness.

I stay silent for a moment, studying him before inquiring. “What’s the catch?”

Slaiden give’s a small laugh at this. He then challenges, “Must there always be a catch?”

“You’re a demon, it seems to come with the territory.” I shoot back.

“So smart. You’re correct, there is always a catch.” He replies.

I just remain silent, wanting him to continue.

“Very well,” Slaiden continues, “We fight. If you win I’ll leave for the night and won’t visit your home again.”

“What about when you win?” I ask, not letting him get the chance to pull a fast one on me.

“Then we have another night of pleasure. I believe our room is still available.” He replies, his fangs flashing as he smirks.

I consider my options. If I win, Slaiden will leave and I can go home untouched for the night. I’ll even be free of him coming over again and putting my family’s lives in jeopardy. But if he wins, I’ll have to go with him and sleep with him again. I mull over the possible scenarios but am interrupted by said demon.

“Who knows, I may even let something slip.” He says, trying to persuade me.

“We both know that will never happen.” I comment, fighting back the urge to roll my eyes as his mocking attempts to make me take the bait.

“Right again.” Is all he says, his cat like eyes never leaving mine.

I think back to the task at hand. “I do have the home field advantage on this one. This is my second home and I have been using the Bo staff for years. He may be stronger and have more weapon experience as well as powers but if he plays fair then I may have a shot.” I think to myself. Finally I speak. “Will this be a fair fight? Now powers or anything weird?”

“You have my word.” He says in the same tone he gave Detective Gavin last night. He is being honest. Slaiden seems to honor a fair fight which shouldn’t surprise me since he loves to be challenged.

“Ok.” I say as I get into a proper staff handling fighting stance which Slaiden mirrors.


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

Things are about to get exciting. Be prepared for some action next chapter…..and maybe some hot action as well. ;) I had to cut off the fight scene for the next chap because I don’t use Bo staffs that often so I will have to plan it out carefully and maybe even do some practicing of my own to get it right.

Look for the next chapter sometime this week.

Please Review!