Demon Magic

Demon Magic

By

Georgia Tribell (http://www.GeorgiaTribell.com/)

This is a work of fiction. All characters, names and incidents are a product of this author’s imagination or are used in a fictional manner and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblances to actual people (living or dead), places and/or events in this story are purely coincidental and are a product of this author’s mind.

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Demon Magic

Copyright© 2012 Georgia Tribell

Published at Smashwords

Cover Artist: Jared Rackler

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Edition and License Information:

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be sold, re–sold, or given to other people. To share this book with others please purchase additional copy(s) for each person. Thank you for your support of this author, her craft, and her livelihood.

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Demon Magic

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Prologue

From the moment those on Earth learned there was a true possibility of time travel, being the first to achieve this goal became the new Space Race. Governments and scientists alike gave little thought to the ramifications. They failed at time travel but succeeded in opening the portals between the parallel worlds of Torlin and Earth.

Torlin is a world of humans and human–demon hybrids. Some of these hybrids maintain control of their demon side, retaining their humanity and the ability to transform between human and demon. Others, known as rogue–demons, are evil incarnate. For centuries, a battle for power has raged between the humans and rogue–demons on Torlin. With the opening of the portals, this battle has now spread to Earth. Every full–moon, when the portal between these two worlds opens, the rogue–demons storm through to inflict their reign of terror on the inhabitants of Earth.

Those from Torlin who track down and kill these gargoyle–like demons are known as Demon–Hunters. Many from this elite fighting force now call Earth home. These men and women spend most of their days training the few from Earth who posses the necessary skills to become a Demon–Hunter. This new combined team works together against a never ending evil.

Surprisingly, even in the darkest hours of night and battle, love can take hold. When it does, these strong men and women often find themselves on a journey more frightening than the demons they hunt.

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Chapter One

Natalie O’Hara saved the data on her workstation to her encrypted portable hard drive and looked at the time. Damn.

What’s wrong? Dr. Zoran Hickerman, her Torlin counterpart, asked from his desk.

I’m not ready to leave and you know Midnight, he’ll be here on time and not a blasted second later.

Midnight Goodman was an arrogant, motorcycle–riding, demon–hunting Torlin who’d been a thorn in her side for the last six months. She ran her hands through her hair, mussing it more than it already was and then quickly twisted it into a haphazard bun, securing it with a long metal wand.

Her job was development and testing of newly designed weapons for use on Earth, which meant she divided her time between the two parallel worlds. Spending a full–moon cycle in one world and then traveling through the portals when they opened on the night of Earth’s next full–moon. The bouncing back and forth between the two worlds was starting to get old. She really missed Houston and the friendships she developed there more with each trip. Add to that the isolation she was forced to endure here on Torlin, along with a totally unreasonable boss and her job was starting to feel more like a prison sentence rather than something she enjoyed.

Why don’t you request another Demon–Hunter to work with? Zoran asked. It’s not like there aren’t others.

You know I don’t have a choice who I work with. He’s the weapons expert assigned to Houston.

Midnight was the best hunter she’d ever worked with and she wasn’t ready to give that up. She’d never tell him; his ego was already big enough.

Then ask to be assigned to another location. Houston isn’t the only place you can work from, Zoran pointed out as he closed and latched one of the cases.

Natalie didn’t respond because she knew Zoran was right. She could request another test site but deep down she didn’t want to. Despite the fact that Midnight drove her crazy and made her want to pull her hair out, there wasn’t anyone else she’d rather work with. He gave insightful and constructive criticism, ninety–eight percent of the time, but mostly he made her feel safe when working the streets.

Would you go finish packing the ammo cases and make sure none of the seals are broken on the canisters? She asked instead. What she needed right now was a moment alone to prepare for Midnight’s arrival. The man had a way of rattling her nerves to the very core and scrambling her normal logical thought process.

As if her mind had conjured the man out of thin air, Midnight walked through the door.

There she is, Little Miss Mayhem. Let’s get this over with. Midnight walked across the room as if he owned the place.

Sarcasm dripped from his every word as he crossed the room to stop beside her. She frowned, turning her head to look up into cold dark blue eyes. Oh yeah, the man liked working with her as much as she did him – not.

She took a deep steady breath before replying. I’m not ready to go. If that’s a problem, deal with it.

He crossed his arms over his broad muscular chest. The portal only opens during a full–moon, O’Hara, so don’t tell me you didn’t know you’d be traveling today.

She glared at the man. Stop fussing like an old woman. We have a ten–hour window.

Midnight narrowed his eyes at her. Damn it, O’Hara, I’ve got more important work to do back on Earth than babysitting your ass through the portal.

Don’t speak to Natalie that way, Zoran demanded from the back of the room, surprising Natalie. She’d forgotten he was still there.

Midnight turned his head and gave Zoran a long, considering look. She knows I’m kidding. He turned back to her and winked. Don’t you, darling?

Natalie stared at Midnight, wondering if her hearing was playing tricks on her. Had he just called her ‘darling’? And exactly what was with the wink? Before she could say anything, he’d slipped an arm about her waist, pulled her snug against his body and began to caress her hip slowly with his large warm hand.

She went perfectly still as her thoughts scattered to the far corners of the universe and heat spread through her body.

Zoran, why don’t you be a good guy and go finish packing for Dr. O’Hara. Midnight’s voice deepened into a slight snarl.

Zoran narrowed his eyes before tossing down the paperwork he held and storming out of the room. The sound of the door slamming pulled Natalie from her trance. She pushed Midnight’s hand off her hip as she stepped away from him.

What the hell was that? You trying to cop a feel or what? I should write you up for sexual harassment.

Her heart raced and she could still feel where their bodies touched. The unexpected sexual pull was powerful and frightening. She so didn’t need this.

He crossed his arms over his chest and continued to glower at the door. I don’t like him.

Did you not hear what I just said? Or do my words matter so little? She wanted to walk over and shake the man she was so aggravated with him.

He turned to study her with those piercing blue eyes that saw way too much but never gave anything away. Everything you say is important.

She frowned, caught off guard by the unexpected sincerity in his tone. Well you’re wrong about Zoran. He’s a nice guy, even if he’s a little different. And smothering, she thought.

The corners of Midnight’s mouth lifted ever so slightly in a sneer. Only time will tell who’s right.

She turned her back to him and started stowing her final items in her bag. Just because you don’t like him, isn’t a reason to treat him badly.

Again, your opinion, which happens to be wrong by the way. I’m glad he’s staying here. Midnight’s voice was the low rumble of a predator.

Natalie laughed as she turned back to him. Well the joke’s on you because he’s coming with us.

Midnight frowned at her. That’s not what my paperwork said.

It’s a last–minute change. There wasn’t time to notify you. I’m happy he’s able and willing to go, otherwise I’d get zero sleep this next cycle.

Well, if you’re happy then I’m happy. Midnight’s voice dripped with unrestrained disdain as he turned and looked about the lab. Now where’s your latest torture device, Miss Mayhem?

Her