Between the Realms by Elle Casey Read Free Book Online Page B

generally speaking."
    "Well, that's good to know," I said.   "Less chance of them succeeding if they can't group together."
    "I said, generally speaking.   Do not misunderstand me.   Torrie is a formidable force here, and he is quite determined.   It is amazing, really, what a very determined demon is capable of accomplishing with the right group of like-minded individuals at his side."
    "Pfft.   You're telling me.   The guy is a friggin psychopath."
    "He truly believes he belongs in the Here and Now, living as he believes he is entitled."
    A shiver ran up my spine at Spike's words.   I had to repeat them, just to be completely sure he meant what I was afraid he did.   "Did you say, he belongs in the Here and Now?"
    "That is his belief.   I am not sure who agrees with him, but I gather it is not an insignificant number."
    "Who decides that?   I mean, where Torrie belongs?"
    "No one knows.   Perhaps it is the Spirit.   There is a judgment and the person is sent to one Otherworld or the other.   But Torrie claims the judgment was not correct in his case.   That there was ... tomfoolery involved."
    "So he's a conspiracy nut," I said, summarizing as best I could while still being nearly in the dark about all the players and how things worked between the realms.
    Spike shrugged.   "It is a matter of opinion.   I have none where he is concerned."   He turned his head towards Tim.   "Pixie ... how did you become ensnared?"
    "I was flying up to Maggie's door - the door in the tree - when I felt a noose slip around my waist.   And here I am.   Strung up like a goose ready to be plucked for a feast.   And can I say for the record that being hung like this with dragons sneaking around ... it's not fun, okay?   It's not fun at all.   Someone needs to get me down from here and on-the-double.   I can smell lizard balls getting closer every minute."
    My throat closed up a little, making it hard for me to draw a breath.   My gaze swept the forest floor around me and out in the distance, hoping if there was a dragon around that I'd see it first before it saw me.
    "What are you looking for?" asked Spike, watching me with a quizzical expression.
    I looked at him like he was stupid.   "The dragon, duh."
    He laughed bitterly.   "Well, I hate to disappoint you, but they do not come out of the earth.   They come from the sky.   And surely, spotting his ankles will do you no good in any case."
    "Ankles?   What are you talking about?"
    "You are searching for a dragon by looking at the ground.   I assumed you were either hoping for a subterranean monster to appear or to catch a glimpse of the winged dragon's feet."
    I frowned.   This guy was making no sense at all.   "Whatever.   Can you just show me how to get into the void and how to get my roommate out of that ... noose he's trapped in?"
    "I wish I could.   I am not witch, however.   I suggest you run."
    "Run?!"   My words came out sounding strangled.
    "Yes, run.   The dragon is coming."   He stood there, totally not freaking out, waiting for me to react.
    My feet were rooted to the spot, even while the smell of sulfur started to burn my nose.   "Is this a sick joke?   Are you going to chase me and eat me now?"
    A loud screeching roar rent the air around us, causing me to almost pee my pants.
    "Holy fuckstick, what was that?" I whisper-yelled, ducking down a little and scanning the air above us.
    "No, I am not considering chasing you or eating you for that matter, but perhaps the dragon is.   He does not sound happy."   The demon-Spike looked up, concern marring his features.
    "Jayne, you have to get me out of this!" yelled Tim.   "I'm a sitting duck!   I'm gonna get fried like a moth in a bug zapper!   Help me!"
    I stepped towards the spot where Tim was hanging.   As my foot passed over some invisible line, I could feel something, a tendril of power, touch my ankle.   I jerked it back, breathing so heavily I was panting now.   "I can't!   It's