The Beast by Lindsay Mead Read Free Book Online Page B

moved it away from the land. Systematically, it lowered out of sight and into the crashing seas below. There it was safe from all manner of storm and hellish creature. Only the lighthouse and fortified stable remained above.
    Belle turned back to the dark forest. She lowered her head and the men followed suit.
    “Oh Holy Angel,” she began the prayer, her voice a solo sound in the night. “Attendant of our wretched souls and afflicted life.”
    “Forsake us not.” The men joined her, the rumble of their words mingling smoothly with hers. “Give no place to the evil demon to subdue us with the oppression of these mortal bodies.” The gas lamps began to ignite—one pair at time—throughout the woods and winding paths. “But take us by our outstretched hands, and guide our weapons to smite the minions of hell who now walk the earth.” The light flickered through her closed eyelids, reminding Belle of church candles. “As warring angels of God, we give blood for the blood of the demon possessed, should He so choose it. Pardon us for the evil we must do in thy name, For we deliver to thee the souls of all the lost departed from the pains of hell and from the bottomless pit.” As the Hunter’s Creed came to a close, they formed the cross over their heads and torsos. “In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti, Amen.”
    They raised their heads and opened their eyes. Belle looked at each one of them, then set out first into the woods. The Hunters followed, each taking side paths that spread them out along the border. Soon Belle was alone, with only Charming and the beating of her heart for company.
    The first snowflakes to fall came down in a rush of speed. Steadily over the next few hours it increased. The snow now fell at a slant, pelting her face. The wind howled through the trees, like the wail of a sea monster. Belle and Charming huddled into themselves, their backs to the wind.
    Her Electro-Phonic Chip crackled.
    “I need help.
Christ.
I need it now.” Delano’s voice was weak, broken up by interference from the storm, but she heard his panic clear enough.
    Belle’s head shot up, her body straightening. She tapped her communication device. “Flare, Delano. Give us a flare.”
    A second later, the faintest of reds appeared through the snowy sky. Belle hadn’t even heard the pops over the crying wind. She encouraged Charming into a gallop. They sped down the path and slowed only for turns.
    Belle was just getting concerned that she’d overshot him when Delano appeared on the path. Charming skidded to a halt, barely stopping in time to avoid a collision. Pushing back her fur hood, Belle gaped at the sight before her.
    Delano’s horse, Honor, lay on the ground. He wasn’t dead, but his shoulder was ripped open. Delano leaned over him, stroking Honor’s neck and talking into his ear.
    Belle followed the splatters of blood to the dead hellhound. Lights sprang from his body, causing her to quickly close her eyes. When they dissipated, the body of a well-dressed man remained.
    Belle tapped her earpiece. “Sending out another flare. Expect the wind to carry it northward.”
    As she reached into her saddlebag to retrieve her red flare, Nicolas arrived. His face fell at the sight of his older brother. Belle fired the flare gun, then immediately called for Friar Clemens to bring his cart.
    Soon the remaining Hunters approached. Leaving Delano to his horse and Nicolas to his brother, Belle drew the others aside to discuss the situation. No one else had killed or seen a hellhound; clearly the demon spawn had chosen shelter from the storm over food.
    “All right then,” Belle said with a nod. “Let’s get Delano and Honor home swiftly.”
    Coaxing the stallion to his feet was horrible and took time, but Honor struggled through the pain. By then, Friar Clemens and Jack had arrived. They loaded the human corpse as the Hunters took up positions around Honor and the cart. Delano stayed at Honor’s side,