Undaunted by Kate Douglas

in a fight with such a powerful demon. Az would either win or die. He was okay with that, though he’d definitely prefer to win.
    A flash of red caught his eye. Ukopach popped out through Jett’s computer screen and strutted across the floor. “I’m here to help,” he said. His silver eyes flashed, and he swung his tiny sword. “I’m on your side, Azrael.”
    Az squatted down so he could speak to the tiny demon at eye level. “Not this time, Ukopach. I’ve got orders to fight Naburus alone, but thank you.” He patted Ukopach’s head, between his horns, and the tiny demon preened. “You’re very brave, Ukopach.”
    A sense of impending darkness had Az rising and turning toward the front entrance as Jett took a step back, deeper inside the cave. “He’s here, Az. I see him coming.”
    Addie grabbed his forearms in both hands. “Don’t shift. Whatever you do, don’t let him see the hound. He’ll have too much control over you.”
    Az nodded. “I’ll do my best, but remember, he’s the one who originally turned me. I might not be able to stop him.”
    “Don’t think like that. Imagine winning, Az. Think positive.”
    He raised one eyebrow and flashed a cocky grin—or as cocky as he was able, considering. “I’m positive, Addie. Positive he’s going to beat the shit out of me.”
    “That’s not funny. Visualize beating the shit out of Naburus. That’s what has to happen. It’s your only option.” She kissed him, and her eyes filled with tears. “Az, I love you. I’m scared.”
    “I love you, too, Addie. Please don’t be afraid for me.” He kissed her again and raised his head. “And you, Jett. And Locan. I love both of you just as much.” Then he looked down at the tiny red demon standing beside Addie. “And you, too, Ukopach. No matter what happens to me, remember that I love all of you. Please don’t forget me.”
    “Az!” Addie reached for his hand, but he turned away and walked through the opening. Walked away from Addie, from Locan and Jett and Ukopach. Walked out into the dreary gray of between to face the one who had been his master for over two thousand years.

Chapter 7
     
     
    Az walked well away from the cavern entrance. He had no delusions about this fight. Odds were good that Naburus would win, and he didn’t want any of those he cared for to be hurt. Addie had told him he had to think positive. He was definitely positive. There was a slight rise beyond the cavern. Az waited there, sword drawn, feet planted. Positive he would die here.
    Though if Addie’s wishes came true, he could win. He tried to imagine winning. Tried to picture himself victorious over the demon, but as Naburus drew closer, as his size and strength became even more obvious, it was all Az could do not to turn and run.
    Or shift. He felt the pressure of the demon’s command, the silent yet powerful order to return to his hellhound form, but he fought it. Fought the compulsion with everything he had. He buried the demon’s orders with thoughts of Addie, of the warmth of her love, the sweet taste of her lips. He thought of Locan and Jett, of the love they’d shown him, the adventure they’d promised. Life with the three of them would be everything he’d never dreamed possible.
    Dreams. Only dreams, because he knew, at the very center of his soul, that a life free of demonic rule was not for him. Not for Azrael the hellhound, once a husband and father, a gladiator, a centurion, and a damned good cook. No, he was destined to spend eternity as a hellhound, held in bondage by the huge demon coming ever closer. In fact, Naburus was close enough to smell, the stench of demon—a stench that was hard to stomach even as a human. As a hellhound, Azrael’s sensitive nostrils had burned from the sulfuric stink.
    “Return to me, hellhound, and I may let you survive. Defy me and you will die. Shift, now. Your work awaits you.”
    “Death would be preferable, Naburus.” He had to look up, even though the demon