Demon Hunters 2: Retribution (Stand Alone Series) (Demon Hunters.) by Avril Sabine Read Free Book Online

memories of him. People once considered demons to be gods. Not all of them were happy to be demoted to demons. But some of them could not have cared either way. Nor do they involve themselves in all the power struggles.”
    “We’re talking B.C. here?” Scarlett asked.
    “Yes. Demons have been around longer than people.”
    “Des too?”
    Gran smiled. “Yes, Scarlett. Your demon as well.”
    “He’s not my demon!”
    “He seems to consider himself to be.”
    “No, he’s not. Look, I made a mistake. Even you said you’ve made mistakes. I just want to deal with it and get rid of him.”
    “And you’d consign him to the tortures of the damned?”
    “No!”
    “It’s either that or his sins become greater and he turns to violence. I wouldn’t like to see a demon who has managed to resist great temptation give in now. Not after all these centuries.”
    “So, a bit of fornication, adultery and lust is fine?”
    “No, Scarlett. And there’s no need to take that tone of voice with me. What I’m trying to say is we should be doing all in our power to make sure he isn’t forced into worse sins.”
    “Great! Now we’re going to save a demon’s soul, is that it?”
    “You know demons don’t exactly have a soul. Close, but not quite. But that term will do. It’s the closest one for the situation. And yes, Scarlett. Everyone can ask for forgiveness and repent. Even demons.”
    Scarlett rose to her feet, leaving her empty plate behind. She paced as she ran her hands through her hair. “This is madness.”
    “Scarlett.”
    She paused at the serious tone of Gran’s voice, looking at the ring held out to her. “What’s this for?”
    “Take it, child.”
    Scarlett reluctantly took it. She noticed a faded inscription inside it. “Latin?” When Gran nodded, she asked, “What does it say? It’s too worn away to read all of it.”
    “When you bind another to you, you are responsible to and for them.”
    “Bind?” Scarlett’s voice was filled with uncertainty.
    “It was a wedding ring that belonged to my mother. Put it on, Scarlett.”
    Scarlett slid it onto her right hand. The ring was loose. “Gran, why are you giving me this?”
    “Don’t let him lose this battle Scarlett.”
    “Gran? What are you asking of me?” A note of hysteria crept into her voice.
    Gran reached out her hand and took Scarlett’s. “I love you, child. We’ll protect you from whichever demon is sent against you.”
    “Gran! Tell me what you’re asking me to do.”
    “I can’t tell you to do anything, Scarlett. What you choose to do is your concern. You know what’s right and wrong and you’re the one who will have to live with your conscience.”
    “You’re asking me to bind him to me.”
    “You know I can’t ask you to sin, Scarlett.”
    Scarlett held up her right hand. “No, but you’ll give me the means to do so.”
    “If someone places a gun in your hand, does that mean you must pull the trigger? We all have free will, Scarlett. Now, don’t forget to take your plate with you.”
    Scarlett stared at Gran for nearly a full minute as she tried to control the churning mass of emotions that threatened to swamp her. “I can’t believe you’d force this choice on me,” she said softly.
    “You’re old enough to be able to cope with this. I’ve told you the possibilities. It’s up to you to choose a path.”
    “I’m going to find the information on how to unmake him.”
    “I hope you can, Scarlett. But I should warn you we’ve had thirty-seven people reading non-stop throughout the night. More are due in shortly and those with copies of relevant books in their own homes have been ringing to let us know which ones they can read. Some needles blend in too well in the haystack.”
    “Then I guess I’ll have to find a large enough magnet.” Scarlett grabbed her plate and strode from the room. Her anger carried her all the way to the kitchen and then to the lounge room where most of their books were stored.