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

it when it’s inconvenient.”
    “Don’t tell me about commitment. I have committed to staying a minor demon and not performing acts of violence. I have spent centuries committed to my decision and I will spend a century being tortured for staying committed to my choice.”
    Scarlett took a step back from Des. Even though he said he didn’t perform acts of violence, his anger made the air around him crackle. “I’m sorry. It’s just that… well-”
    “If you mention once more I’m a demon, I might make an exception regarding my rules on violence. And stop reciting prayers in your head. I’ll start to think you enjoy causing me pain.”
    “Sorry.” Scarlett turned away. She had no idea what she should do. She felt Des’ hands rest on her shoulders and didn’t bother to pull away. His body temperature was warmer than hers and comforting like a fire on a cold night. “I’m lost.” She tensed when she realised she’d spoken the words aloud.
    “That makes two of us. But I’ve been lost far longer than you.”
    Scarlett felt the warmth of his breath against her cheek and considered pulling away again. Not only was she feeling lost, but also alone. She tried to tell herself that as long as she didn’t turn to face him she could imagine he was one of her family offering comfort. She sighed heavily. She wasn’t going to lie to herself. Having her family’s hands rest on her shoulders, and their body so close to her she could feel their warmth, had never made her heart skip a beat. She forced herself to step away and turn to face Des.
    “I don’t know which path to take. I always know. Normally everything is so clear. I thought it was this time, but there are certain facts I can’t get my head around.” She shook her head. “No, not can’t! Try impossible.” She fell silent as she tried to figure out what she was meant to do next.
    “You’re trying to make me ask a question.” Des chuckled. “One question that answers exactly what you can’t get your head around, both minor and major facts and why.”
    “If you’re wanting why, that would have to be a separate question.”
    Des nodded. “First part of the question stands then.”
    “Just last week, life was simple. Demons were the enemy. Today I’m talking to you and trying to help you. That makes me uneasy. It’s like the Earth suddenly decided to travel around the sun in the opposite direction. But that’s not the worst of it. If I choose the correct path, I’ll be choosing the wrong one. The only other option I can find is binding you to me. And I can’t. That’s wrong on so many levels. It’s also a sin. If we can’t find the information on unmaking you and I do nothing, I’m letting you be tortured. I don’t know how I can stand back and do nothing. Yet there’s nothing I can ethically do. I keep having that saying of ‘between a rock and a hard place’ play over and over again in my mind. Tell me what other choices I have, Des.”
    “Nathan’s death will bring an end to it.”
    “See. Wrong. Only wrong choices.” Scarlett threw her hands up in the air and turned away. “I can’t choose, and yet not choosing is a choice in itself.” Scarlett tilted her head back to stare at the wispy clouds. “I’d like to give the decision to someone else, but I can’t. It’s my responsibility. Now I can’t help wondering why you bothered coming to me with this problem when finding out how to unmake you is so impossible. I’m also wondering why you didn’t know that when you knew about Retribution calling you to answer Nathan’s request. I hate not being able to ask questions and having to watch every word I speak.” She tilted her head forward and rubbed at her eyes. “I’m so tired.” The last words were a whisper.
    “I can’t see the future. The information was given to me by one who can, in payment of a favour owed to me. I’m sorry, Scarlett. I didn’t mean to put you through all this. I truly thought you’d be able