Devil of a Good Time

     Fumbling with her keys Harper pushed the small metal object into the socket and pushed her door open. With a sigh she slammed the door behind her and tossed the keys onto the drawer by the wall. She was exhausted, no that was an understatement. Huffing out loud Harper shuffled to the kitchen in the dark, one arm wrapped around her midsection as she pulled the freezer door open. Pulling out a pack of popsicles she pressed it to her face, wincing when the frozen plastic made contact with her swollen face. Fück, it hurt like a bítch!

  Leaning against the counter Harper wondered if the crowd that she heard had reached the bastard who attacked her or did he puff away first. Her lips curled in disgust as she pictured his bleeding form on the concrete ground, her stomach twisting in nausea at the memory of stabbing him and the lack of empathy she had at that moment. She hated that part when she was a hunter, her emotionless state when faced with that situation. That was one reason she left the hunters. She didn't want to be a killer.

With a sigh Harper pushed away from the counter and headed towards the bathroom. She needed to wash the stench of blood out before she puked. Kicking her one heel aside she padded across the room to the bathroom. Peeling the dress off her body Harper tossed it aside deciding not to wear it again after tonight. Hopping in the shower she released a low hiss as the warm water hit her bruised and battered body. Glancing down at her midsection she saw a large purple stain her once clear pale skin, just beneath her left breàst. Her entire body ached indicating waking up tomorrow would be a bítch. Lifting her face up towards the spraying warmth she decided not to examine the damage, not tonight anyway.

Despite the ache in her side Harper finished her shower. Stepping out to her bedroom she slipped on a pair of pink plaid shorts and an old concert T-shirt. Her long chestnut brown hair dripped down her back as she made her way to the kitchen for a glass of water, two aspirins in her hand. Standing in front of the fridge once again Harper downed both pills down when something caught her attention from the corner of her eye.

Brows furrowing she reached for the two velvet covered books she borrowed earlier today ...er yesterday since it was well past midnight. She grabbed both books and plopped down onto the couch and switched the lamp beside her on. There was no better moment than right now to discover more about Kiev.

Deciding to start with the book that explained deals with demons, Harper flipped the red cover open and skimmed through the contents till she found the chapter. Her eyes skittered across the page, her lips moving as she read the context to herself. Without pausing she read page after page, eager to find a catch somewhere in these overly complicated sentences when she found the chapter ended.

Shaking her head Harper flipped a few pages back, a sense of dread filling her as she realized there was no loophole. Not a solid one anyway. According to the book all contracts are unbreakable unless the demon breaks the rules that were agreed upon by both parties. The only problem with that was Harper's contract had no rules, she just signed on the dotted line. The only other way was if the demon terminated the deal which was a long shot. Kiev seemed more inclined to lengthen her sentence rather than shorten it.

Huffing out in frustration Harper glanced down at the example of a demon contract. She frowned as she read the small print beside the photo. All contracts will be signed with the blood of the client. Harper recalled the pen that prickled her as she signed the deal. After signing her red stained signature soaked through the paper but she couldn't recall the same about Olivia's signature. In fact Harper remembered that her sisters' signature was in black ink not red.

A red flag rose in the back of her head as she thought harder about that night she signed her soul away. Olivia didn't sign with her blood which meant she never had a deal with Kiev. The realization hit her like a bag of rocks.

  Did Kiev trick Olivia into thinking she had a deal with him? Harper quickly banished the thought. No, if Kiev wanted Olivia he would have had her actually sign the contract. The question remained, why didn't he? Why make her actually sign it but not Olivia? Did Kiev do it on purpose to trap Harper into a deal? Speaking of Olivia, why was she at the club tonight? She should have been at home grounded. Placing the book aside Harper reached for her phone and sent her sister a text, asking if they could met up tomorrow. She had a dozen questions for her sister and no hallmark moment was about to stop her from asking them. 

  Dropping her phone on the table Harper ran a hand through her wet strands and released a long sigh. Nothing about this deal made any sense which meant she wasn't getting the full story. Olivia was holding something back and Harper intended to pry it out of her tomorrow. 

  Ignoring the twinge of guilt she felt for even considering grilling her younger sister Harper reached for the second book. Placing the hard cover book on her lap she ran her fingers across the gold print. Demon Bloodline.

  If her hunch was right about Kiev being a high ranking demon than he should have a place here in this book. Hunters have recorded all important demons in this book for centuries. Every year the book was updated with recent photos, details and everything a hunter would need to know about their prey. 

  With a new sense of hope Harper flipped the velvet cover open and turned to the first page. Her hand stilled as she stared down at the black and white photo of the late demon king, his eyes piercing through the page  as a flash of memories filled her head. Memories of his eyes glowing crimson as he stood above her mother, beckoning for her to come closer. Daring her to stop him, his expression darkening when she didn't. Unshed tears blurred her vision as she recalled the night she witnessed her mother die by the very man that was on the page. Swallowing past the lump in her throat Harper turned the page hoping it would erase her encounter with the monster from her thoughts.

  Her eyes fell on the next image and a gasp tore from her lips. Her heart stopped mid beat as she stared at the heir to the demon throne. She blinked in disbelief as she stared at the colored image of Kiev. Whoever was on the other side of the camera had taken the photo from a far. Kiev's body was turned away from the camera, his face concealed by the shadow of whoever was beside him but not enough to cover the glistening black orbs that were his eyes.

  Her stomached dropped as she continued to stare at the photo, Kiev was the king of demons. Her brows furrowed in momentary confusion as she recalled the other night at the club when Kiev was holding the woman by the throat. She said the king had ordered her to 'take care' of Harper which meant Kiev wasn't the leader. Glancing down at the book in her hands Harper wondered if someone made a mistake but quickly diminished the thought.

  She knew the former king was dead, she saw his heart get crushed before her very eyes. Kiev was his son and based on the book in her hands the rightful heir after him, yet he wasn't king? Flipping the page Harper was shocked to see a man resembling Kiev to have the title of Demon King beneath his blurry photo.

Turning back to Kiev's photo Harper realized he was the son of the demon who killed her mother. The spawn of the man who had stared her in the eyes as he snapped her mother's neck. The same man who continued to plague her thoughts at all hours of the night with what ifs. The same man that was Kiev's father. That couldn't be a coincidence.

Closing the book and setting it aside Harper grabbed her phone. Maybe Elena could help her make sense of this situation. Scrolling for her number Harper hoped now that she had a general knowledge of Kiev and who he is Elena could now talk to her about him. Sending her a text to call her back Harper shuffled to the kitchen for another pack of popsicles when she heard a long knock on her front door.

   Halting by the counter she waited, her breath caught in her throat as she glanced at the time on the microwave. It was well past two in the morning leaving the list of possible visitors very short.

"Harper."

  The voice caused her heart to sink as she recognized its owner. What was he doing here? Panic set in as Harper glanced back at the books on the table. Running as quick as her aching body allowed Harper gathered the two books and shoved them under the couch cushion as another knock sounded. Ignoring the banging on her door, Harper limped into her bedroom and yanked her nightstand drawer open.

   Her hands trembled as she lifted the dagger Elena had given her weeks ago. Swallowing past the lump in her throat she reminded herself that if she didn't kill him he would kill her, eventually. With a lack of confidence and a crippling fear of what was to come Harper slowly made her way back to the small living room.

"I can hear you Harper, open the damn door." Kiev boomed causing her to hitch a breath.

  A warmth spread across her trembling limbs as she found her sore legs taking her to the door. Panic set in as she thought of facing Kiev after the failed attempt at taking her life. Was he here to finish the job his friend couldn't? Would he really kill her now? She pondered the thought and felt herself shiver, why wouldn't he? There was nothing stopping him from killing her right now, in her pajamas. Well nothing but her front door.

  Forcing herself to halt just as her hand settled on the doorknob Harper released a deep, shuddered breath. That was close.

  The door shook as another aggressive knock filled her small apartment. "Open. The. Door." His tone, even from behind the door it caused her insides to melt at the pure rage that dripped from each syllable.

  Once more the bands tightened across her skin and before she could stop herself Harper swung the front door wide open. She barely jumped back as his hand reached for her in an attempt to bring her out to the hallway.

  A low animal like growl penetrated the space between them. With her heart slamming wildly against her rib cage she dared to look him in the eye and wished she hadn't. His pitch black eyes glittered as the lamp from her apartment flood him in a yellow light. The predator like look in their depths warning her to keep in the safety of her apartment.

   His lips curled above his shimmering teeth as his nostrils flared. "You've been with another male."

  She almost wept at his words. Another male? Is that why he had someone attack her? Because she was with another man? Blinking back tears Harper lowered her gaze to his clenched fists. A swirl of shadows twisted around his tense figure, their darkness growing with every second that she failed to reply. Her tongue felt heavy in her mouth as she watched the shadows hiss with anger, his anger.

"Step out here."

  Her body heaved forward towards him when she flung one hand out and gripped the door frame. The bands grew warmer as she forced her body to remain on the opposite side of the door. The heated bands coiled around her skin, squeezing tighter as she fought to keep the distance between them. A guttural snarl sounded but she refused to budge. If she was going to die, she was going to fight till her last breath.

"These games are getting tiresome." He spat darkly. Extending his hand his fingers barely grazed her wrist when a blue spark formed by the door frame. With a hiss Kiev retracted his hand.

"I'm tired of these games too. Tired of wondering when you'll show up or what you'll do." Pausing to reel in her emotions Harper brought the hand gripping the dagger out in the open. She didn't miss the way Kiev flinched as the metal glistened in the only source of light.

   Squaring her shoulders she reminded herself that this was another way out of the contract. If Kiev dies the deal is over. Bile rose in her throat as she imagined the metallic scent of blood that would soon fill the air. The sensation of the dagger sinking into soft flesh. Her knees wobbled, barely able to hold her up as she watched Kiev stand to his full figure.

  The shadows that surrounded him spread further around him as he clenched his fists. His features twisted into a murderous glare, his eyes narrowed as they swept over her body, lingering on her swollen cheek.

"Who did this?" He hissed, his voice barely audible.

"You!" She spat, feeling the tears stinging as she fought the anger and fear bubbling to the surface. Too consumed with her emotions Harper released her hold on the doorframe and without realizing it she stepped over the threshold. 

  The realization of her momentary slip up slammed into both Kiev and she at the same time. Eyes wide with fear Harper started backwards when his arm snaked around her waist. The blue sparks fizzed around his arm, the smell of burning flesh filled the space between them yet Kiev's hold didn't loosen. Gritting his teeth against the pain he dragged her out into the deserted hall.

  Stumbling backwards Harper pulled away from his touch, her fingers tightening around the butt of the dagger. Despite the overwhelming fear that had her stiffer than a board she kept her head held high. Kiev flexed his arm as the smoke lessened before completely disappearing. Harper wasn't prepared for the dark look he flashed her. At least the bands had stopped scorching her skin.

"Now, would you care to explain what happened?" His voice contradicted the gentle tone he was attempting to project.

  Shaking her head Harper narrowed her eyes at his dark scowl. If she didn't know any better she would have thought he honestly didn't have a clue about what happened to her. Yet she couldn't -wouldn't believe his false innocent act. Not when everything bad that has happened to her seemed to point to Kiev both directly and indirectly.

Not bothering to beat around the bush, Harper responded bluntly. "You sent someone to kill me tonight."

  His brows shot upwards in shock before he composed his features back to the hard, icy calmness she had grown accustomed to. "I didn't-"

"He knew you." She interrupted him, her bottom lip trembling as she heard her attacker's thick accent in her mind. Swallowing past the lump in her throat she continued. "He said that your his little brother and that he had to send a message. My dead body as the fücking message."

His jaw clenched, his full lips pressed into a firm line as he took a step forward. The darkness that surrounded him like a cloak followed him, the soft hissing that came with them surprised her. He's angry?! What for? In the moment a seed of doubt had Harper wondering if maybe Kiev wasn't feigning his shock at what happened.

"Why the fück would I send someone to kill you? If I wanted you dead I'd do it myself."

His bitter tone and thoughtless words caused her shoulders to stiffen in awareness. He was denying involvement but not that he wouldn't kill her. She felt her inner huntress fighting to rise to the surface, rising to the unspoken challenge.

"Is that what you're here for now? To do it yourself." Harper asked, her voice an octave higher than a whisper.

The corners of his mouth twitched "We wouldn't be talking right now if I was."

"So I'm suppose to believe you came to my home in the middle of the night because you were in the neighborhood?"

"No." The small trace of humor from moments ago were wiped clear off his face. He took another step forward, his gaze lowering to her busted, swollen lip as he spoke. "You were with another man."

"You bastard!" Tears pricked her vision, her emotions a tangled mess she couldn't understand even if she tried. Sniffing she shook her head to clear her mind, to clear any thoughts she had about his innocence. For a second she thought...considered he wasn't lying. This was Kiev, the word didn't apply to him. There should be no doubt in her mind that he would harm her.

"I refuse to be your victim." She hissed, a set of tears gliding down her face and over her bruised cheek. Her lungs ached from the deep breaths she attempted to take to calm herself as well as from the assault they suffered earlier. "Do you hear me? I refuse!" She shouted and raised the dagger between them.

She planted her feet, gritted her teeth as she quickly skimmed through the different fighting techniques she learned in hunter school. Preparing herself for the fight that was to come because there was definitely going to be a fight. She was a fücking Grant! No way in hell was she going to go out quietly. She was going out swinging, kicking, screaming, biting, scratching and everything in between. When they found her body they'd say she fought a good fight. There was just one flaw she didn't anticipate. Kiev.

Rather than reaching for the weapon in her hand or throw a punch her way he took a single step forward, placing him directly in line of the poison tipped blade. Puzzled by his peculiar action Harper slid her gaze over his relaxed stance. Gone was the dark shadows that moments ago engulfed him like a cloak, gone was the dark scowl and piercing molten gaze that seconds ago was filled with a murderous rage that terrified her. His fists uncurled and now hung at his sides, even his expression was as blank as the bare wall behind her.

"Do it."

Her brows furrowed "What?" Had she heard him correctly?

Lifting both arms to his side Kiev gave a small nod, his pitch black gaze boring into hers. "Nothing I say can convince you that I didn't have anything to do with what happened to you." He said in a voice void of any emotion "So get on with it."

Harper blinked, once, and then twice wondering if she heard him right. He wanted her to kill him?! Or perhaps he was trying to distract her. Confused by his unexpected actions Harper steeled her features.

"This blade is coated with poison, a poison that can kill demons." She spoke out loud.

His gaze didn't waver "I wouldn't expect anything less from a Grant."

She opened her mouth to speak but no words came out. This had to be some sort of trap, right? No sane person would do this.

As if hearing her inner thoughts Kiev took another step forward, he lowered one arm. His long fingers curled around her trembling wrist. Too shocked to move Harper watched as his other hand tore his dress shirt open revealing a smooth broad chest. The buttons clinked as they ricocheted around the hall but Harper hardly paid them any mind. Her complete attention solely on the man before her.

Her mouth went dry as he guided the dagger to his bare chest, the sharp tip resting directly over his heart. Lifting her tear filled eyes up to meet his heated gaze she found no mirth in their bottomless pits. He was being serious.

A new fear settled in her chest as she realized what situation she was in. Her blood pounded in her ears, her breaths coming shorter as she felt her mind return to that night. The night his father had her in the same position. The night that had showed her she wasn't meant for this world, for it's twisted ways. She felt like that same child once again.

Sucking in a ragged breath she shook her head both from the memories and his request. She didn't do it then and she sure couldn't do it now.

"One push and this will end all your problems." He whispered, coaxing her to do as he said.

Squeezing her eyes shut she shook her head vigorously as Kiev's words brought her back to a time where she felt the same fear. A time she felt so vulnerable and alone.

"Come on Harper, do it."

Once again she shook her head and loosened her grip on the blade when she felt his grip tighten around her wrist. She bit her trembling bottom lip as she felt his fingers wrap around hers, keeping the blade pressed against his flesh.

"No.."

"Open your eyes." He spoke the words so softly she barely heard him. The warmth spread across her face before her lids fluttered open.

She hated how pathetic she was being right now. She was never an emotional mess but the events of tonight had gotten to her. The newest information about Kiev got to her. The way her sides burned with every breath she took got to her and now this. She was living her nightmare. Expect this time it wasn't her mothers life hanging in the balance, it was her own. Sniffling she glanced down to where the blade made contact with his flesh.

Kiev's smooth mocha colored skin was stained by a ink like design that swirled around the blades tip, occasionally a stray curved line would stretch a bit further toward his neck.

"I don't want to." Harper admitted, her broken voice sounding foreign to her own ears.

"It's going to either be you or me who uses this dagger, it's your choice."

A fresh set of tears blurred her vision as she tilted her head upwards just enough to meet his gaze once more. "Do you want to die?" She asked, wondering if suicidal moments like this ran in the family.

He rolled his shoulders in a careless shrug but she saw the way he tensed at the question. The same question she asked his father. She had definitely struck a nerve. Harper swallowed past the lump in her throat, she refused to kill anyone especially someone unarmed. "I won't do it." She repeated in a more confident tone.

"I command you." He all but barked.

Gritting her teeth against the feverish burn the seized her arms in a vise grip and tightened her grip on the butt of the weapon. Her knees knocked together as the searing in her left side grew at the effort she was attempting to keep the dagger out of his chest. Keeping her gaze locked with his and she shook her head in response to his demand. A growl vibrated from his chest as he stepped forward causing the ink like design to widen further like a hypnotizing flame, inching upwards ever so slowly.

Pressing herself further against the wall Harper was hoping to keep the distance between the when a thought crossed her mind. She could kill him right now. Her eyes widened at the mere thought, she couldn't. A voice deep within her subconscious disagreed. It was already in his chest, a tiny step forward would do the trick and it wouldn't be her fault either. Besides he was practically begging for death.

No, no! I'm not a killer. I won't be a killer, a voice shouted above all other thoughts. Harper shook her head as the fog lifted, she tilted her head so her gaze met Kiev's. Mustering all her strength she pulled her hand out of his grip and away from his bare chest. Ignoring the part of her the protested against this Harper released her hold on the weapon.

The dagger dropped to the carpeted floor with a dull thud but it might as well have shattered. Releasing a relieved sigh she kept her eyes trained on Kiev awaiting his next move. The bands continued to sear her flesh, her fingers trembling from the effort she had to use to keep herself from reaching for the dagger.

"Are you stupid?" He asked, his dark brows pulled downwards in obvious confusion. "You must be to have just done that."

She opened her mouth to speak but failed, the pain in her side partnered with the scorching hold of the bands became too much for her to handle. She slid down to the ground, a soft whimper pasted her aching lips. Fück, it hurt!

She heard a curse echo in the hall before the heated bands ceased their burning and started fading back into her skin. Gasping for a much needed breath Harper clenched her jaw shut and wished she hadn't when her lungs burned in protest. If only the pain in her sides could go away as quick as those damn bands.

Despite her discomfort Harper slowly stood up, this time she leaned her shoulder against the wall for support.

Her chest rose and fell with all those deep breaths she was taking, her heart pounding like a horse's hooves on the ground as beads of sweat formed above her brow yet she dared to jolt her chin up at Kiev in defiance.

He shook his head, an expression of bewilderment crossing his features. "You have to be the stupidest, most stubborn woman I've ever met."

She shrugged and replied flatly "It's kept me alive this long."

"A fücking miracle, I'll tell you that." He shot back.

Her mouth cracked into a smile as a laugh she hadn't realized was hers filled the quiet air. She had no idea why she was laughing. Maybe it was because it was nearly three in the morning and she was exhausted as fück. Maybe because this whole day was one shitty experience after another and it finally caught up to her. Or maybe she finally lost her fücking mind. Which ever it was she immediately regretted laughing as a pain shot through her midsection. Wrapping her free arm around her torso she winced hoping Kiev wouldn't see her pain as a sign of weakness.

When a pair of hands rested on her shoulders she felt her stomach drop as she glanced down at Kiev's hands. She gulped nervously as the cool touch of a single finger nudged her chin upwards.

"I had nothing to do with the attack but I can help you heal. "

Her mouth went dry as she considered his offer. She heard that sëx with a demon could heal any human injuries but hadn't believed it till now. But what did he expect for her to allow him to fück her in the hallway? That would mean she would allow him to touch her and it had nothing to do with the deal. Besides, that meant trusting her body to his care and she wouldn't.

"I don't trust you." She pointed out. "And I won't beg you to fück me." she added recalling his latest game.

He released her shoulders and lifted a single hand up to her face. His gaze fixed on her swollen lips as he brushed his knuckles across her jaw. "You don't have to beg me, I want to help you. All you have to do is throw out the crystal."

Ignoring his tender touch she scoffed. "Get rid of the only thing that keeps me safe from you? No thanks."

"You are always safe with me." He responded in a annoyed tone as his pinky brushed the cut on her bottom lip. "I will find out who did this." He added darkly.

"It was your brother."

He smiled faintly "I have many siblings, that's the downside of having a father who's a sëx demon."

"You said it not me." she mumbled and turned away as his throaty chuckle echoed around the empty hallway.

"Well if we're done here I'm going to bed." Stepping to the side with the intent to return to her apartment she wasn't completely surprised when Kiev mimicked her movements, successfully blocking her only safe path.

He stroked her bottom lip with the pad of his thumb "I meant what I said, I want to help you."

She opened her mouth to protest but was silenced when he placed a single finger against her lips. Shocked by the way her body trembled by the innocent gesture Harper just stared at him wide eyed.

"Think about it. I'll be awaiting your answer." He added in a soft whisper and stepped to the side, leaving a clear path to her apartment.

Hesitating for a moment Harper wondered if it was a trap but as the seconds ticked by she realized he was being serious. Slowly she strode across the hall half expecting him to pull her back but once she crossed the threshold of her apartment she realized he wasn't playing any game at the moment.

Twisting on her heels she reached for the door handle. She spared him a quick glance before shutting the door. With a door between them Harper released a deep breath and started toward her bedroom. Ignoring the light in the other room she fell onto her bed hoping to forget her encounter with Kiev and maybe silence the voice in her head that told her to trust him.

An hour later Harper sat up with a groan as a sharp pain shot through her torso, the same pain that kept her from sleeping. The searing pain spread from her rib cages and was now burning a path across her midsection. The aspirin she took earlier did little to nothing to dull the pain, she suspected it was internal bleeding and maybe a few broken ribs.

Blindly reaching out to the nightstand drawer she yanked it open recalling she had a couple painkillers stashed away from when she broke her leg last year. Her fingers brushed a cool, hard surface and halted in the search for the pills. Curling her fingers around the item Harper pulled it out and stared at the clear crystal nestled in the palm of her hand. Was this a sign?

She bit her lip and stood up off the tangled sheets. Those painkillers would numb the pain but Kiev could rid her of it. Staring at the glowing crystal Harper felt torn between tossing it out and tossing it back in the drawer. On one hand she could take a chance and trust Kiev and have all the pain poof away. Or she could shove it back in its place and deal with the pain till tomorrow when she could get a hold of Elena. One option was dangerous yet efficient while the other was safe and painful.

Would it really matter though if she rolled in the hay with Kiev now? She was in pain and it wasn't as if they hadn't fücked before? Harper wrestled with the idea of selling her soul to the devil- well his spawn anyway- for a few minutes when another jolt of pain shot through her side.

Gritting her teeth against the discomfort Harper walked towards her window with the crystal tightly in her hand. She pushed the glass open and stared out at the dark sky above, before taking a deep breath and sticking her hand out the window.

Mustering all her courage Harper released the breath she was holding and hesitantly uncurled her fingers around the crystal before turning her hand upside down. She gulped nervously as the crystal landed on the pavement below with a soft clank. There was no going back now. Pulling the window shut Harper wondered if it was a mistake. Maybe she could run down and grab the crystal before Kiev noticed she had tossed it away.

Seriously considering the idea Harper turned around and gasped, her hand pressing against her erratic heart. Standing by her bedside in the semi dark room was the very man she had been thinking about since their hallway encounter.

Suddenly it became clear she couldn't go back now. Kiev was already here and by the way his emerald eyes gleamed in the dark he was here to stay.