The Demon Within by Stacey Brutger

that saved her.
    He watched her disappear on the trail, tempted to follow. There was something about the way she moved that begged him to explore further.
    He shifted, his hand groping for the ivory handled knife. Only to find the weapon that had survived centuries of battles had been destroyed within one day around that woman.
    “Saints and Sinners.” Even he winced as the curse rose unbidden to his lips, another bad habit he learned from humans.
    He stared into the space of the now empty path with narrowed eyes. Nothing could interfere with his return. Especially not this woman and the chaos she left in her wake.

 
     
     
     
    Chapter Seven

     
    “C alypso Judith Sawyer, you can’t let him steamroll you out of the group. It’s been a week. Too long to let him get away with it.”
    “I hate it when you call me that.” The sound of Cunningham’s words out of her friend’s mouth hurt, the empty coffin they’d laid to rest a few days ago still haunted her.
    As for Kelly’s accusations, Caly ignored them altogether. There was no way to fight Henry without hurting the group. And really no reason. She didn’t want to be in charge, couldn’t be without them eventually finding out about her infection. Oscar’s will remained at the house, and that’s where it would stay.
    Uncomfortable in the leather suit she’d selected for Oscar’s wake, she tugged at the tight corset blazer she’d found at the back of her closet. Now she remembered why. If she pulled up at the blasted thing, her waist was exposed. If she tugged down, her chest was on display like some kind of pagan offering.
    And worst of all, she couldn’t conceal any weapons. The long sleeves fitted so snug to her body, they threatened to cut off her circulation. That left her with only the two ankle sheaths.
    She felt naked.
    “Nice boots, Caly.”
    At the sound of his teasing voice, Caly twirled. “David, when did you get back?” Not comfortable with displaying affection, she awkwardly patted his back in return of his hug.
    The scent of pine filled her nose. Only an inch over six feet with not a scrap of fat on him, David could’ve doubled for the scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz . Sandy brown hair stuck up from all angles. None of his clothes fit properly, all but falling off his lanky frame, and instead of losing straw, he lost pens by the dozen.
    Though not typically task force material, the man was an absolute genius with computers.
    “We got in this morning.” His low voice rumbled in her ear.
    Caly pulled away to gauge his reaction, half-afraid of the answer. “Successful?”
    He gave an abrupt, negative shake of his head and turned away. Stillness settled over her, dread wrapping tight around her heart. She swallowed hard and forced one word out. “Casualties?”
    “A third. It was almost like they were waiting for us.” He gathered Kelly close, an arm around her waist. The back of her throat ached at such a casual display of affection. Part of her yearned for the same, but the harsh truth was that any romantic attachment would kill her when it ended.
    And it would end. Her past would never let her forget.
    Though envious, Caly was happy that they’d found each other. As a couple, they were complete opposites. Kelly couldn’t reach five feet if she stood on tiptoes. Dark hair, vivid brown eyes, and an extra twenty pounds gave the impression of a good-natured pushover.
    A ruder, more disagreeable person Caly had yet to meet. Kelly was her best friend. Without a lick of fighting ability, her natural talent of communication had allotted her a position on the support section of the team. With more than thirty languages under her belt, she was indispensable.
    Kelly gave her a piercing look, twisting the conversation back to shove home her point. “Henry’s made one bad decision after another. Out of over a hundred people, he’s reduced the team to half the week he’s been in charge. They’re dropping faster than clothes at a strip