The Complete Summoner Trilogy: books 1-3: Summoner Trilogy, #0

By M.L. Devereaux

The full Summoner Trilogy, all gathered in 1 single volume. 

If you mix Sabrina with Sam and Dean from Supernatural, the Summoner Trilogy is the result.

___________________

Demon Master

 

She thought she could pay the price...

 

When a demon takes her parents, all Cassandra has left are her vampire guardians and a mission to free her family from the Demon King's clutches. But the Vampire Tribunal has other plans, and if Cassandra doesn't comply, her guardians will pay the price. Desperate, she turns to the local Demon Master for help, but the cost may be greater than she can bear.

 

Vampire Diaries meets Supernatural in this captivating debut of urban fantasy author M.L. Devereaux.

If you enjoyed the magical world-building of The Cruel Prince, the thrilling family bonds of Vampire Academy, and the powerful friendships of The Shadowhunter Chronicles, you'll love this story of family, friendship, and sacrifice.
____________________

Demon King

 

When deception and treachery lurk around every corner, Cassandra is determined to fight back.

 

After being tricked by Ashmedai, she's done playing the part of the pawn in the demon's game. But when the Vampire Tribunal accuses Alexey—the vampire who helped her escape—of high treason, Cassandra must turn to the newly crowned demon king Nysrogh for help. Only he can prove Alexey's innocence and save his life.

With the clock ticking and danger lurking in the shadows, can Cassandra prove Alexey's innocence in time?
___________________

Demon Queen

 

Secrets are revealed and alliances tested as a dark power rises

 

All over the world vampires are falling ill. Worse, they're dying! Scientists and doctors alike are baffled. There is no cure. When both Alexey and Sam fall ill, and Cassandra learns that her own daughter has cast a curse on the vampires, she does something no one has yet to live and tell the tale: she travels to the demon world.

Along with Aitvaras and an unexpected ally, she visits her daughter on a journey that also provides new insights into her own past.

 

Then an ancient evil stirs again…

___________________

Fans of Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series will love this thrilling fantasy adventure filled with suspense and unexpected twists.

 

"The whole book is full of exciting twists that make you want to keep reading."

 

"A story packed with action and mystery. A story about love, romance, friendship and the supernatural world. Plenty of ingredients to satisfy you as a reader.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.L. Devereaux
• Release date: Oct 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215312735

Book preview

Summoner Trilogy - Boxset

Demon Master

Demon King

Demon Queen

M.L. Devereaux

Copyright © [Year of First Publication] by [Author or Pen Name]

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

Contents

Demon Master

Contents

Chapter

1.Chapter 1

2.Chapter 2

3.Chapter 3

4.Chapter 4

5.Chapter 5

6.Chapter 6

7.Chapter 7

8.Chapter 8

9.Chapter 9

10.Chapter 10

11.Chapter 11

12.Chapter 12

13.Chapter 13

14.Chapter 14

15.Chapter 15

16.Chapter 16

17.Chapter 17

18.Chapter 18

19.Chapter 19

20.Chapter 20

21.Chapter 21

22.Chapter 22

23.Chapter 23

24.Chapter 24

25.Chapter 25

26.Chapter 26

27.Chapter 27

28.Chapter 28

29.Chapter 29

30.Chapter 30

31.Chapter 31

32.Chapter 32

33.Chapter 33

34.Chapter 34

A note from the author

Books By M.L. Devereaux

Get your FREE copy of Dating A Demon

Demon King

Contents

Chapter

1.Chapter 1

2.Chapter 2

3.Chapter 3

4.Chapter 4

5.Chapter 5

6.Chapter 6

7.Chapter 7

8.Chapter 8

9.Chapter 9

10.Chapter 10

11.Chapter 11

12.Chapter 12

13.Chapter 13

14.Chapter 14

15.Chapter 15

16.Chapter 16

17.Chapter 17

18.Chapter 18

19.Chapter 19

20.Chapter 20

21.Chapter 21

22.Chapter 22

23.Chapter 23

24.Chapter 24

25.Chapter 25

26.Chapter 26

27.Chapter 27

28.Chapter 28

29.Chapter 29

30.Chapter 30

A note from the author

Books By M.L. Devereaux

Get your FREE copy of Dating A Demon

Demon Queen

Contents

1.Chapter 1

2.Chapter 2

3.Chapter 3

4.Chapter 4

5.Chapter 5

6.Chapter 6

7.Chapter 7

8.Chapter 8

9.Chapter 9

10.Chapter 10

11.Chapter 11

12.Chapter 12

13.Chapter 13

14.Chapter 14

15.Chapter 15

16.Chapter 16

17.Chapter 17

18.Chapter 18

19.Chapter 19

20.Chapter 20

21.Chapter 21

22.Chapter 22

23.Chapter 23

24.Chapter 24

25.Chapter 25

26.Chapter 26

27.Chapter 27

28.Chapter 28

29.Epilogue

A note from the author

Books By M.L. Devereaux

Get your FREE copy of Dating A Demon

image-placeholder

Demon Master

Summoner Trilogy, book 1

M.L. Devereaux

Copyright © 2022 by M.L. Devereaux

Original Title: Bezwering

Originally published in 2018 in Belgium

Translation by M.L. Deveraux

Cover and design: M.L. Devereaux

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Subscribe to my email list if you want to be among the first to be kept up to date on new publications, inside stories, guest appearances, and more: https://tinyurl.com/ml-newsletter-signup

You can also scan the code below to go straight to the sign-up page:

image-placeholder

Contents

Chapter

1. Chapter 1

2. Chapter 2

3. Chapter 3

4. Chapter 4

5. Chapter 5

6. Chapter 6

7. Chapter 7

8. Chapter 8

9. Chapter 9

10. Chapter 10

11. Chapter 11

12. Chapter 12

13. Chapter 13

14. Chapter 14

15. Chapter 15

16. Chapter 16

17. Chapter 17

18. Chapter 18

19. Chapter 19

20. Chapter 20

21. Chapter 21

22. Chapter 22

23. Chapter 23

24. Chapter 24

25. Chapter 25

26. Chapter 26

27. Chapter 27

28. Chapter 28

29. Chapter 29

30. Chapter 30

31. Chapter 31

32. Chapter 32

33. Chapter 33

34. Chapter 34

A note from the author

Books By M.L. Devereaux

Get your FREE copy of Dating A Demon

Goetia is the practice that involves summoning demons. The use of the term originated in the seventeenth-century grimoire The Lesser Key of Solomon. The first part of this grimoire is the Ars Goetia, which describes the seventy-two demons that Solomon is said to have summoned and imprisoned in bronze vessels, sealed with magical symbols. The Ars Goetia gives each member of the infernal hierarchy a rank and title of nobility.

Chapter 1

I finished the protection circle, which was in fact a simple chalk circle on my living room floor. Twelve black candles outlined it at roughly equal distances. I’d used most of them before. Two were new, straight out of the box. Like big sisters they towered over their flat-stumped siblings.

About two feet away from the circle I knelt and placed a thirteenth candle—also new and black—on the floor beside me. One by one I lit them, flames bobbing to the rhythm of my breathing. I pressed my lips, not wanting to accidentally blow them out. Then I took my IKEA kitchen knife in my right hand. The black plastic handle felt rough because I’d put it in the dishwasher a few too many times. Apparently Swedish plastic isn’t made to withstand frequent exposure to high temperatures.

An actual athame, blessed by a priest, would have been better. But those usually weren’t advertised on the internet with a fifty percent discount. So my chef’s knife would have to moonlight as a sacrificial knife for now. 

I clutched the little piece of paper with the summoning spell in my left hand. I’d studied the words so hard I could dream them. But I wasn’t taking any chances. At times a demon would try to upset their summoner in such a way they’d blank out on the words, giving the demon the opportunity to break free from the circle and kill its summoner. I’d come across some images depicting the slaughter. They’d been a great incentive to study very, very, very hard. I wasn’t keen on ending up a bloody mess on my laminate flooring. In theory, Lesser Demons weren’t strong enough to break free, but I decided I’d err on the side of caution. So the paper stayed in my hands. My coffee-stained cheat sheet.

I closed my eyes and focused.

Then, articulating slowly and clearly, I spoke the invoking words:

Lord of Darkness, come to me. Hear my command, taste my blood. I cut the palm of my hand with the improv sacrificial knife, taking a deep breath. That hurt! Blood welled up immediately. This is my offering to you. Come and receive it.

I balled my hand into a fist, and, clenching my teeth, tried to ignore the pain that soared up my arm as best as I could. Then I let three drops of blood fall on the candle beside me. These drops symbolized the bond between a summoner and the demon: presence, obedience and truth. The candle hissed and as the flame turned into a red glow, the flames of its brothers and sisters on the circle did the same. The smoke grew thicker and edged to the center of the circle where it packed together to form a hazy, round shape. Slowly it solidified. Two arches at the top of the smoke cloud turned into horns. Two goat-like hooves appeared on the bottom. Before my eyes, the smoke transformed into flesh and skin and hair. When the process was complete, a small, umber creature sat in the center of my circle. It had a wide mouth, and an underbite, probably because of the two tusks that grew out of its lower jaw to rest on top of its upper lip. The creature was naked and sexless. Two small horns adorned his bare crown. A miniature faun.

I hurried to finish the incantation.

By my blood you are bound. Only with my blood can you go again.

I heated the knife in the candle beside me and pressed the hot blade against the open wound. It closed with a hiss and I couldn’t suppress a moan as tears welled up in my eyes. Closing the wound was possibly even more painful than the blood sacrifice itself. When I removed the knife again, a red burn mark adorned the flesh of my palm. 

According to A History of Summoning, a book I’d bought years ago at a flea market, this part of the incantation was needed to completely close the circle, and capture the creature within. Once the demon was dismissed, the mark would also disappear. In the past, summoners would sometimes skip this part for fear of being accused of witchcraft, but this allowed demons to easily escape from the circle. Even the smallest unevenness in a drawn circle could be enough for the demon to break through. Many summoners had died needlessly from this oversight, or so I’d read. If only that market vendor had known what treasure he’d sold me for barely two dollars. I already owed that book my life more often than I could count.

The little demon turned its head to the side and studied me from head to toe. Its eyes were completely black save for two narrow, horizontal red slits. They seemed to see right through me. I suppressed the urge to take a step back and instead stuck my chin forward.

What do you want, human? The deep voice echoed through my small living room. Hopefully the neighbors didn’t wake up. The graveyard voice didn’t suit the little creature at all.

Tell me your name, I ordered.

Bound by the spell, the creature couldn’t help but reply.

Nybbasss. It lisped a little, presumably because those tusks got in the way for it to form certain sounds.

I quickly grabbed one of the books piled up next to me—the only, but also the most complete, grimoire I owned—and looked up the name Nybbas.

Nybbas apparently was an inferior demon. He was known as a first-rate charlatan. Not infrequently did he manage to set the Higher Demons up against each other with his lies. And somehow he always came out victorious in that battle.

Perfect.

I need information.

The demon grinned and a shiver ran down my spine.

For the right price, I have all the information you’re heart could possssibly dessire. He made a theatrical bow. At your ssservice.

I want to be able to summon a Higher Demon.

Nybbas’ eyes widened in surprise.

You can’t. At least, not yet, human. He made it sound like an insult.

Why not?

Do you really think you can contain a Higher Demon with that chalk scribble over there? He spat on the circle and the phlegm went up in smoke, hissing. His brow furrowed.

I cursed under my breath. For some time now, I’d been suspecting my circle was inadequate. Nybbas had just confirmed that. I sighed and tried to think.

Meanwhile, the demon traipsed about the edge of the circle on his short legs. I heard his hooves tap on the laminate floor and looked up. At times he stuck out a pointy-nailed finger to test the strength of my circle, but each time he hit an invisible wall. At long last he put his hands behind his back and looked at me.

Do you really think they’ll accept three little droplets of blood as a binding agent? he interrupted my thoughts. Don’t get me wrong, your blood is tasssty. He smacked his lips as if he could taste my blood. Sssweet, with a hint of cinnamon. But it will never be enough for a Higher Demon.

I nodded. I’d read up on the subject. The cost of summoning a Higher Demon was high, unaffordable for most. But that was all the information I could find on the topic. Not even a hint as to what that unaffordable price would be. It didn’t matter, no cost would be too high for me! I had to summon a Higher Demon.

I know that. That is why I want the knowledge so that I can properly summon a Higher Demon.

Nybbas shook his head: I don’t have that information.

What?

Nybbas shrugged and sat cross-legged in front of me. The little faun-demon turned out to be surprisingly agile, if he could cross his crooked goat legs.

I know thissss circle isssn’t enough, but I don’t know what will suffice.

I narrowed my eyes. Was he lying to me? Nybbas was bound to truth by my spell, but that didn’t mean everything he said was completely true. Demons were masters at political games and could skilfully sidestep the truth and at the same time not lie. Given his background, Nybbas was very adept at this. So I had to rephrase my question.

Is it possible with a circle?

Nybbas nodded. Yesss, was the curt reply. He was now leaning casually on his elbows, but his piercing goat eyes expressed his displeasure at my seeing through him.

With chalk?

Again the little demon nodded. Yess.

Should special glyphs be added?

With unexpected speed the demon rose. I recoiled. Only the thin circle and a few inches of air separated him from me and my presumable death.

Nybbas grinned, but his pleasure was short-lived. With a deep sigh he finally answered my question. Yesss.

What kind of glyphs? My voice trembled. I’d never come this close before.

I don’t know them. Nybbas’ grin went from ear to ear.

Who does?

I don’t know. It’s quite sssensssitive information.

Inwardly I cursed again. So close!

And the incantation? How does it go?

Nybbas kicked the circle. Tiny bolts of lightning shot out and scorched his hoof. Still, the demon didn’t make a sound. My heart, on the other hand, was making frantic efforts to jump out of my chest.

You’re going to have to asssk ssssomeone elssse. Now let me out. I’ve had enough of your quiz game.

I ignored him. Had I really asked all possible questions? I looked at the clock. Almost midnight.

Let me go! Nybbas yelled, kicking at the circle again in exactly the same place as before. In horror I saw his hoof go through this time without burning him. The demon’s eyebrows went up. His mouth widened in a wicked grin and he swung his leg back one more time, clearly intending to kick a third time with all the strength he possessed in his tiny body. Before he could finish the blow, though, I quickly cast the revoking spell.

Go, demon. Return to your own dimension. Go and close the gates of hell. The blood has dissolved.

Then I licked the burn, my saliva stripping the blood of its binding powers.

As Nybbas turned to smoke again, I saw the demon bow before me in disdain. Just before he completely disappeared, his voice echoed: I’ll say hello to mommy and daddy!

Then the candles returned to their normal yellow-orange color. It was over. The spell was done.

Empty and with tears in my eyes I stared at the place where the demon had just stood. His voice echoed in my head.

I’ll say hello to mommy and daddy.

Furious, I kicked the stack of books on the floor.

I wasn’t a step closer.

Chapter 2

I jolted awake. My scream echoed through the room, only to fade away into the city night, where it was swallowed up by a distant police siren. For a moment it seemed as if there was someone else in the room with me, breathing heavily. It took me a few seconds to realize it was me. I swallowed and tried to control my breathing. Slowly I breathed in… and out. My heartbeat slowed down, and gradually the sounds of the city seeped back into the room. My long hair clung to my head and my T-shirt stuck to my back, drenched from my night sweats.

It was just a dream, I told myself. Only a dream. It wasn’t real. At least, it wasn’t real anymore. I had once stood face to face with those red eyes that to date still haunted my nightmares. I’d been six. I shuddered as the memory came floating up to the surface, and I immediately forced it down again, burying it back into the depths of my subconscious.

My face was wet. I’d been crying in my sleep. The dream—nightmare—had seemed so real. As if I was experiencing everything all over again. The heat as my childhood home went up in flames, the cold ground I’d kneeled on, the sharp sting of the branches I’d crawled over, the soft fabric of my one-eyed teddybear.

Too much. I pulled my knees up against me, rolled into a fetal position, and cried until I was out of tears.

Waking up like this wasn’t new to me. In a perpetual rerun the same nightmare had been haunting me for years. Each night I relived the horrific attack on my parents and sister and the pursuit of the demon that was responsible for their fate.

Ashmedai. He had taken my parents from me. He had taken Tanya from me! That night he had determined the rest of my life.

Sooner or later I’ll find you again, I swore in a hoarse voice, holding back the upcoming tears. I’m not giving up!

I pushed the sheets off of me. The orange glow of a street lamp fell right on the jagged patch of pale skin on top of my knee. It was a scar from when I’d fallen during my escape. I stroked it with my thumb. Images of blood and vampire teeth flickered behind my lids and I swallowed. No, don’t think about it.

The moon outside was new, just like on that fatal night seventeen years ago. I shuddered as my thoughts raced.

Seventeen years already my parents and sister were trapped in the demon world. And for almost as long I’d been trying to summon a demon that belonged to the highest circles of hell. The demon king himself.

At first I was convinced that my family was dead. After all, I had seen them die before my very eyes. Ashmedai, at the time a mere friendly stranger, had set my mother ablaze as I watched from my hiding place in a built-in closet.

It wasn’t until years later that I learned that demons don’t kill their victims, but take them to the underworld to be slaves to their whims.

My eyes fell on my alarm clock. Three o’clock. I’d barely slept two hours. My eyes stung. Still, I knew I wouldn’t fall sleep again soon. I actually didn’t want to fall asleep again, too afraid of more nightmares. More memories that would haunt me, stalk me like overly loyal fans. I was tired of being their idol.

I grabbed my cell phone from the nightstand and scrolled through my contacts. Should I call Riika? No, she’d only scold me for summoning a demon and blame my nightmare on it. Still, I needed to talk to someone.

I pressed the only other name on my favorites list. As the phone did its job and dialed Sam, I made my way to the living room and plopped down on the sofa with a blanket. The phone rang only a few times before a familiar voice sounded.

Cass? Is everything alright?

I took a deep breath. Another stupid nightmare. I tried to sound as casual as possible. I’m not disturbing you, am I?

Of course not! Do you want me to come over?

I nodded as I swallowed, then said, Yes, please. I hated it when my voice cracked like that.

I’m coming!

I hung up. It wouldn’t be long before Sam arrived. Sam, short for Samuel, was a two-hundred-year-old vampire. He was Riika’s brother and like a father to me. After I lost my parents they’d taken me in. Drawn to the scent of fresh blood from my knee, he and Riika had been at the place of doom pretty quickly. Without realizing it, they’d saved me from a life of slavery. Sam and Riika had been there for me ever since. I trusted them two hundred percent.

While I waited for Sam, I lit the candles that stood scattered as lanky mushrooms around the living room. No black ones this time. They were only used for summoning, and I kept them apart from the others in a box. The soft candlelight bathed the room in a cozy glow. I rarely turned on the light and usually used candles at night. A habit I’d taken over from my mother.

I still remembered how there were always candles burning at home. Some with a wonderful scent. Vanilla or cherries, or even coffee! I quickly fortified my mental barricades before I’d burst into tears again. I was somber enough already. Memories of my mother wouldn’t make it any better. On the contrary.

In an attempt to distract myself, I looked around the room. It had obviously been a while since I’d cleaned up. Books were everywhere. On the table, on the cupboard, on the couch, on the coffee table, even on the floor. I usually didn’t care much about it. I lived alone and the few friends I allowed to come over knew me well enough not to care. Besides, friends who slept in coffins had little to say about my interior decorating skills to start with.

The bell rang. Sam! Without using the intercom, I pressed the button that would unlock the front door downstairs and opened the door to my apartment. No one else would ring the bell at this hour.

Moments later, he’d climbed the four flights of stairs and stepped into the room. He wasn’t even out of breath.

I smiled when I saw the concerned face of the vampire. He had that straight-out-of-bed messy hairstyle that makes it look like you put no effort into your looks, but in reality had spent a full thirty minutes in front of the mirror for to create. For a two-hundred-year-old vampire, he was quite in tune with current fashion.

Thanks for coming so quickly. I didn’t want to bother you, but you know how Riika gets.

His smile showed the dimples in his cheeks.

No problem, he said, and sat down at the pine table I’d pushed against the wall to make room for my circle. He glanced at the chalk circle at his feet. Tell me about your dream.

I sat down next to him and told him the story. Sam must know my nightmares word for word by now., yet still he listened without interrupting me. He was a treasure! When I was done, he looked me straight in the eye.

Maybe it’s better to stop?

I looked at him wide-eyed. I hadn’t seen that one coming. Riika would indeed try to talk me out of this crazy deathtrap plan as she liked to call it, but Sam?

You know how important this is to me, I said.

Yes, but maybe the nightmares will stop if you... you know... accept the situation...?

I flew up.

How can you say that? You found me back then. You know better than anyone how bad it was.

I took his silence as agreement.

He took my hand and looked up. Sit down, Cass. Don’t be mad at me. I’m just concerned.

I was angry. Very angry even, but I sat down next to him anyway. Albeit reluctantly.

You have to understand my situation, I said.

Of course I understand.

I looked at him. What did Riika tell you?

What do you mean? He clearly hadn’t expected that question.

You know what I mean. Riika has always been against me summoning demons, but you weren’t. What did she say to make you change your mind?

Sam was silent for a moment. He seemed to think about my words. Just as he was about to answer, a cell phone rang. He reached for his pocket.

It’s Riika, he said and answered the phone.

Speak of the devil, I muttered.

Riika? Yes, I’m with Cass.

I vaguely heard Riika’s voice on the other end of the line, but couldn’t understand the words. Sam kept his cell phone away from his mouth.

She asks if you’re coming to Type-O tonight?

Type-O was the club that Sam ran. It had started as a meeting place for all vampires in Kansas City, both passers-by and residents. Over the years it had grown into a real nightlife hotspot and twenty years ago—when people came to know about the existence of vampires—it became the ‘place to be’ for all tourists—human and vampire alike—who came to Kansas City.

I nodded. I usually spent my Saturdays there, so why would this Saturday be any different?

She’s coming, Sam spoke to his phone. I heard Riika answer, even though I still couldn’t make out anything from the words on the other end of the line. In the meantime I went to the couch and put the blanket that lay there over me. It had gotten chillier. Outside, the sky was brightening. I wondered if it was a good idea to make coffee.

Yes, another nightmare, I heard Sam say and he looked at me out of the corner of his eye.

I sighed and decided that coffee was a very good idea. With the blanket still wrapped around me, I went into the kitchen, took a new filter from the special holder I’d bought, and put in ten scoops of coffee. Enough for a whole pot. I’d never be able to drink it all, but five scoops for half a pot just didn’t taste the same. At that time, I cared more about good coffee than about frugality.

I have to go, he said just as I pressed the power button.

I didn’t turn around. I understand.

Are you okay? Sam came closer. I forced myself to smile and put my arms around him. I held the blanket at two corners so that it flew around Sam, holding us both like a giant furry taco.

Yes, although I don’t think I’ll be going back to sleep tonight.

This morning, you mean. Sam looked over my shoulder at the window. I followed his gaze. In the distance, the first rosy streaks appeared, as if a painter had taken a brush to the night sky. It wouldn’t be long before the first rays of sunlight came through.

Again I smiled, a little more sincere this time. Then I broke the embrace and pushed him away.

Go, before it’s too late.

If you had curtains, I could stay, he chuckled. I smiled and pushed him towards the door. I refused to bring up that old conversation. I’ll see you tomorrow. Sam gave me another quick kiss on the cheek and left.

Chapter 3

I woke up not knowing where I was. For a moment panic threatened to overtake me. Then my sleepy mind processed the feeling of hard fabric on my cheek. I’d fallen asleep on the couch. I sat up, head still heavy. The sun shone straight in my face and I squinted. As my eyes adjusted I noticed the book I’d been reading after Sam left. It had fallen on the floor, still open on the last page I’d been reading. My cup of coffee stood cold and forgotten on the coffee table.

I dragged myself to the bathroom and looked in the mirror, not surprised to see dark circles under my eyes. I sighed, ignoring the tired face that stared back at me as on auto-pilot I splashed water into my face, combed the tangles out of my hair, took two aspirin, and quickly put on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt.

Coffee was the only thing on my mind when I went back to the kitchen where I found the still full, yet cold, coffee pot. I emptied it into the drain and refilled it with water, scooped ten spoons into a clean filter and pressed the power button. The coffee-maker immediately started to burp out pleasant gurgling sounds, and the aroma of fresh coffee filled the room. I took a new cup from the cupboard and already put milk and sugar in it. Flat whites were lifesavers in the morning... or afternoon.

While I waited for my coffee to drip through, I opened my kitchen cabinets looking for something to eat. All I found was a loaf of old bread and some jam. I put two slices of bread in the toaster, and resolved to go to the supermarket later. After a few minutes the toast jumped up. The smell of delicious warm bread filled the kitchen.

When my coffeemaker burped the last drops of water through the now moist coffee grounds, I filled my cup almost to the brim. With my eyes closed, I savoured the fresh coffee scent, finding it almost as good as the taste. Almost.

But whatever bliss my morning cup of coffee gave me, it disappeared quickly when I opened my eyes again. The incantation books I’d used for last night’s summoning spell lay scattered across the floor, in open defiance of my daily intent to keep my apartment clean. The chalk circle hadn’t been scrubbed away yet, either, and candle wax had dripped onto my laminate floor. I scratched at it with a fingernail, and I breathed a sigh of relief when it came off rather easily. My early morning coffee cup, though, had left a dark stain on the pine coffee table. I made a face. That would require extra scrubbing.

My already not so great morning mood turned sour. I’d have to clean.

image-placeholder

The doorbell rang. I quickly finished putting on my eyeliner, took one last look in the mirror and rushed to the door to press the button that released the front door of my apartment building. I opened the door to the hallway just a crack. Riika would know I was still in the bathroom.

Meanwhile, I put on lip gloss and turned around in front of the mirror to make sure my hair was looking good from all sides. It would have to do. As a child I’d always had long hair and refused to cut it short. Every—mandatory—visit to the hairdresser was hell for me, and I always put them off as long as possible.

Cass? Riika’s voice drifted from the living room. Apparently she’d come up at human speed. She probably didn’t want to scare the other residents of my building. In general vampires were fairly accepted by society, but many people were still afraid of them.

Over here! I called back. Almost ready!

After a last check to make sure I didn’t have any lip gloss on my teeth, I straightened my dress and stepped into the living room barefooted. Riika was waiting on the couch.

I’d been busy all afternoon cleaning my small apartment. Tidying up the mess of spell books, used candles, spilt candle-wax, and a particularly stubborn coffee stain on my coffee table, had taken up a lot of time, not to mention soured my mood, but in the end the result was worth it.

Riika whistled at me admiringly and heat rose up to my cheeks.

You look good.

Thank you. You’re not so bad yourself.

That was an understatement. In her black dress studded with rhinestones that made her pale skin, blond hair and light blue eyes practically iridescent she was a sight for sore eyes. Even in regular jeans and T-shirt men would turn their heads when she passed them on the street. Tonight would be no different! But Riika either didn’t notice, or she ignored them. Men were not on her mind that much. Not that she liked women, she just wasn’t looking for a relationship.

Nothing but trouble, she always laughed. But the tinge of sadness in my friend’s eyes spoke to the contrary. I knew it wasn’t so much the burden of the men that she feared, but the burden of her own past. If she allowed herself to fall in love, sooner or later she’d have to be intimate with that man, and I knew she wasn’t ready for that.

It was all Riika’s father’s fault. Years ago, Riika had confided in me what her father had done. How, after the death of her mother, she had taken on all conjugal duties. Literally... Her father had never taken another woman. He hadn’t needed it thanks to Riika.

She’d suffered her fate in silence. But it had left its mark. As far as I knew, she’d never been in a serious relationship. Oh, she’d tried in the beginning, Sam had told me, but those romances kept failing as soon as the man began to take a more than platonic interest in Riika.

Sam, desperate because he wasn’t strong enough to protect his sister—their father had been a bear of a man, all muscles from his work as a woodcutter in the Finnish forests—had found redemption when he met a vampire. Fortunately, his maker had allowed Sam to quickly sire a vampire himself: his own sister.

One of the first deaths Riika had been responsible for as a vampire was their father’s. And she had carried out his sentence with pleasure, or so she’d confided to me in a dark tone.

I felt sorry for my best friend. Riika deserved some luck in love. Often, when we went out together, I’d look for a suitable partner for her. But Riika rejected them one after the other. Sam had told me many times to just save myself the trouble, but I kept hoping. Everyone was entitled to love in their life! Even if that person wasn’t technically alive.

Ready? Riika interrupted my thoughts.

Just my shoes. I walked to the hallway closet where my twenty-ish pairs of shoes stood, from flat sandals to towering platform heels that I could barely walk ten steps in. I mainly wore the latter when I went out to eat. Not that that happened so often with two best friends who didn’t have to eat. But it was nice to have the shoes just in case.

For this occasion I chose a pair of dark green ballerinas that matched the color of my dark green dress. Also important, I’d be able to dance in them all night without hurting my feet.

Riika had borrowed Sam’s car, a black Mini Cooper. As she drove through the small city streets of downtown Kansas City, we chitchatted about everything but demons or nightmares. I wasn’t sure if Riika was avoiding the subject on purpose or if she’d actually forgotten about it. Either way, I was glad she wasn’t bringing it up.

It didn’t take long to get to the club and even less time to find a parking spot as we had access to Sam’s private car park. It comes in handy to have a brother who owns a nightclub.

As soon as I stepped out of the car, I heard the muffled thump of the bass inside. There was a line at the entrance. Type-O was a very popular nightlife spot, even more so because a vampire was known to run it.

When vampires came out into the open twenty years ago, the world had been in turmoil, but slowly vampires became the new normal, and by now they’d been widely accepted. Especially by the younger generations. Teens challenged each other to talk to a vampire. It was cool to have a vampire friend. And the very youngest didn’t know any better than that vampires were simply part of everyday life and no longer limited to creatures in B-movies.

It was even a thing among college students to have a vampire as a boyfriend or girlfriend. And, of course, those students came to find their future partner in the largest vampire club in the country: Type-O.

Riika and I walked past the long line of people waiting.

Hey, darlings, wanna have a nice evening? came suddenly from that same line. As synchronized swimmers we stopped at the same time. Riika rolled her eyes before turning. It wasn’t the first time a drunk college student thought he was impressing his friends like that. Hit on a vampire while you wait. Very cool. Or not.

I stayed in the background a bit. I knew all too well that the guys wouldn’t be interested in me. I only served as a stopover. People would talk to me only to get to know Riika. Already too often that had happened to me. At first—now I know how naive that was—I still hoped that the boy in question took a genuine interest in me, but a few broken hearts later I’d given up hope and no longer made an effort to get to know anyone in Type-O better.

You were saying? Riika put a hand on her hip. She spoke in a lower voice than usual to make herself sound even more exotic. It was overkill, but didn’t lose its effect, the bevvy of college boys now hooting at the boy who’d dared to speak to her. I bit my lip to refrain from laughing. The boy had red hair and a lot of freckles in his now just as red face. He clearly hadn’t expected to get a reply. Normally, he wouldn’t have gotten one. Riika clearly had something on her mind, and she was taking it out on this poor student. For a moment I wondered if I should intervene and looked at the entrance of the club where two doormen directed traffic in and out. That was about ten yards from us. If it got out of hand, I’d signal them.

Y...yes. The boy sounded a lot more insecure now. I wanted to know if you wanted to party with us.

I had to admit it. He had guts. His friends had noticed this too and urged him on to continue. Some even promised to pay for a keg if he could convince Riika to come along.

Riika smiled, purposely showing her fangs. After two hundred years she could smile without showing them, but it added to the drama. Then she leaned over and stroked the boy’s cheek, licking her lips.

Why not? You look tasty.

His friends let out a loud Oooohh. The boy paled. He put his hand over his neck and swallowed, his Adam’s apple popping up briefly.

Riika threw her head back and laughed. Then she turned and walked away, swaying her hips. I hurried to catch up with her, leaving the enthusiastic cheers of the student group behind.

When we reached the double swing doors that formed the entrance to the club, the left doorman swung one open immediately.

Riika, he greeted her with a wide smile showing his fangs, provoking an ooohh from the waiting line. Of course the doormen were also vampires. A matter of giving something to the people who didn’t get in right away.

Hey Francis, busy night? They kissed each other on the cheek.

Sure is. There are also some strange types inside. I didn’t want to let them in at first, but Sam said it was okay. Riika looked at him with raised eyebrows, but Francis shrugged as if he didn’t know what to think of it either. When he noticed me, he gave me a big hug and a kiss on my cheek. Hey, Cassie, how are you? Cassie had been my pet name growing up with Sam and Riika.

Hey, Uncle Francis. I’m good.

When Sam and Riika took me in that night when I lost my parents, Sam’s entire entourage had taken a liking to me. They’d flocked to me like bees to lemonade to see who was that little human girl who lived with the Laines. All those strangers were introduced to me as uncles and aunts. They also treated me like their little niece, the only difference being that these aunts and uncles were often over a hundred years old, yet didn’t look much older than the gang of students Riika had just put in their place.

Come on, Riika said in my ear. The music here was much louder and I had to struggle to understand her. Let’s go inside and see who those strangers are.

image-placeholder

At first sight the club looked like a normal nightclub run by people. Mirrors hung on almost every wall to optically enlarge the space. By the way, whoever thinks vampires don’t have a reflection should come and have a look here.

Colored spotlights bathed everything in a mixture of yellow, red and blue. On various stages scattered along the sides, vampire dancers danced sensually to the rousing music. I’d always been secretly jealous of their confident movements and Victoria’s Secret figures. Even if I dieted for years, I’d never lose my curves. Riika could have been one of those dancers, though, with her slight built, small breasts and narrow hips. In that respect I was almost her opposite. I had a full bust and I couldn’t hide my hips no matter how hard I tried.

I nodded my head to the music as we made our way through the crowd. It was a familiar song and everyone sang along loudly when the chorus started. No, not everyone. Here and there, a few men—vampires—sat remarkably still on their bar stools. Their eyes scanned the room, as if they were looking for someone. I pointed them out to Riika.

Weird, the blond vampire yelled over the music, they don’t look familiar to me at all.

Me neither, I agreed, should we tell Sam?

If he’s given permission to let them in, he’s definitely already watching them. With a nod, she gestured to one of the mirrors, which hung a little higher than the others. It was a two-way mirror with Sam’s office behind it. I suppressed the urge to wave at it. It would seem silly and Sam preferred to keep this little gadget a secret from visitors. Otherwise, they might start behaving differently. And Sam’s main priority was for everyone, vampires and humans alike, to have fun.

Let’s dance. I love this song!

Riika pulled me to the dance floor and started moving to the rhythm of the music. A few heads turned in our direction, but she ignored them. I, on the other hand, was a bit too self-conscious to just let go. Oh, I danced along, but a little less exuberantly and with more subdued movements. I knew the looks weren’t for me. The visitors came here to dance with vampires. They probably thought I was some vampire groupie who only hung out with Riika to get to know the male vampires. I couldn’t care less what they thought. The male clientele didn’t come for me anyway. Oh well, what did it matter? I was here to clear my mind, not to hook up with someone. Like Riika, I wasn’t really interested in that. How could I tell a potential partner that I summoned demons in my spare time? Vampires, humanity had gradually become accustomed to. Demons were an entirely different matter. Not many people admitted to dealing with demons. But there were more of us than you might think. The rich, in particular, almost certainly owed their fortune to demon aid. Politicians? No doubt! Of course nobody came forward and straight-up admitted to doing so. Demons had a bad rap. And with good reason. They were evil through and through and used people only for their own personal gain. Sometimes ‘accidents’ also happened to people who summoned a demon and thought they had it under control. Obviously they hadn’t.

Fortunately, I’d found a foolproof way to control the demons I summoned. So far it had gone well. Until yesterday. How Nybbas nearly broke through my circle eluded me. He shouldn’t have been strong enough for that. Maybe I should reread my books and see if I could find out more about him? Was he higher in rank than the books credited him? It was a possibility. It meant I was one step closer to my goal.

Do you want something to drink? Riika asked, drawing me back to the here and now. Just in time. I’d almost started brooding again.

Yes. I’ll go with you.

Together we made our way through the dancing crowd. Some of the men tried to talk to Riika, but she ignored them and kept walking.

She waved over the bartender.

An O-neg and erm... She turned to me. What do you want to drink?

A vodka Red Bull, I called to the bartender, leaning over the bar. He nodded and got started on our drinks.

Pretty busy today, Riika said, and those strange types are still sitting there, unmoving. They look like statues.

What do you think they’re doing here?

I have no idea.

The bartender put our drinks down. When Riika wanted to pay, he gestured that it wasn’t necessary.

Round from Sam! he called to us.

Thanks! Riika turned back to me. I’m going to visit Sam in a minute. You coming?

Of course.

I picked up the highball glass and drank it almost half empty. Those straws just kept you going. Still, I didn’t remove it. You had to drink cocktails through a straw. Riika’s glass was empty in one gulp. With an almost shy gesture, she wiped a drop of blood from the corner of her mouth. It hadn’t bothered me in a long time that she drank blood. I was used to it. We stayed at the bar for a while until I had finished my drink. Fortunately, we weren’t disturbed here as often as on the dance floor.

Then we made our way through the crowd to a door behind the DJ booth. Riika went first. Glancing over my shoulder, I noticed that one of the unfamiliar vampires, a lean, young—at least judging by his looks he was young—man with shoulder-length, blond curls, was staring at us. His cool gaze met mine and he nodded once, slowly, to make sure I’d seen it. A shiver ran down my spine. I quickly turned around and hurried up the stairs. The door slammed shut behind me.

Sam was waiting for us upstairs. He hugged us both. For one moment he looked at me as if he wanted to ask me how I was doing, but apparently changed his mind. I hadn’t forgotten the conversation from the night before, but I didn’t feel like bringing up the subject again. Especially not with Riika here. I loved Riika dearly—after all, she had raised me, along with Sam—but we clearly had a difference of opinion when it came to demons.

Sam didn’t seem to want to talk about it anymore either. Fine by me.

Strange people tonight. Riika said.

Not only that. Sam gestured to a paper scroll that lay on his desk. It had a wax seal applied to it the old-fashioned way. The seal had already been broken.

Riika read the letter carefully. Her eyes widened as she progressed.

Is this a joke?

Sam shook his head. They both looked at me.

What’s going on? I asked when I couldn’t bear their stares anymore. Normally I kept aloof when it came to vampire matters. I wasn’t particularly interested in politics, but something in their eyes worried me.

Riika handed me the letter and I read it in silence. The two vampires waited for me to finish, not breathing—they didn’t have to—which made me feel like I was visiting Madame Tussauds.

What? What does this mean? I asked when I’d finished. I understood the words, but I didn’t quite graps their meaning.

Sam’s domain right is being undermined. Riika paced the room, her contours blurred because my eyes couldn’t follow the speed of her movements.

I read that, but what’s it got to do with me?

Sam lowered himself into his desk chair and leaned back, resting his elbows on the arms of the chair.

It has to do with you, because... he hesitated. That could only mean one thing and I rolled my eyes. Not again.

You have to stop summoning demons. Riika finished the sentence for him.

Riika, Sam said softly, and his look was enough to silence her. Sam was head of this group. It was up to him to explain this difficult matter. Riika crossed her arms, leaned against the wall and waited. Then Sam turned to me again. For vampires, dealing with demons is a sin.

I know, Sam, but… Sam silenced me with a wave of his hand. I pressed my lips together. This was so unfair.

You grew up with us. You are under my protection. But therefore also under our rules.

I didn’t say anything. I could tell where this was going. My mood soured.

If you don’t stop summoning demons, my territory will be taken from me. A vampire has already been sent to make sure everything is carried out.

Who? Riika asked.

Sam picked up the letter again and read out loud, Alexey Alexandrovich Volkov.

Sounds Russian. I looked through the two-way mirror. The vampire with the blond curls looked in my direction. If I hadn’t known better, I’d have said he was looking straight at me. But that wasn’t possible. He couldn’t know I was standing here. Quickly I turned around and shook off the thought. Of course he couldn’t see me. It was just a coincidence.

It is, Sam said. He read on. He’s a delegate of the Tribunal in charge of this matter. With a sigh, he threw the parchment on his desk. We’re in big trouble. Cass, you really need to stop. Not just for your own safety, but also for Riika’s and mine. We’ll lose everything we’ve worked for if you continue.

But... I was silent. I didn’t really know what to say. I didn’t want to get Riika and Sam in trouble after everything they’d done for me. But I also didn’t want to give up the search for my family. Riika must have sensed my dilemma and she gently placed a hand on my shoulder. Tears stung behind my eyes.

Can’t we explain it to them? I asked. If they know the reason, maybe they’ll allow it?

I don’t know, Cassie, Sam whispered. He sounded as spiritless as I felt.

We can try, though?

Riika opened her mouth—presumably to protest—but Sam beat her to it. Alexey is inviting us for a meeting. He also wants everything to go peacefully.

When? I asked.

Monday.

I’m going with you.

Cass, Riika protested, but I interrupted her.

I have to try! Surely this Alexey can’t be so heartless as to deny a human a chance at happiness?

Neither of my vampire friends responded. Their faces spoke volumes, though. They had little hope for it.

Chapter 4

Wake me up before you go go by Wham blared through the small speaker of my clock radio and saved me from the umpteenth episode of ‘Cassandra Runs Away From the Demon King’. My hair was wet and my pyjamas soaked. With a languid head and ditto legs I dragged myself out of bed. Fragments of my nightmare still haunted my mind. Oh well, they could keep the events from Saturday night company. The entire Sunday I’d pondered why this Alexey was poking his nose into my business. Okay, I’d grown up with two vampires. But I was human! I did what I felt like, didn’t I?

I stepped into the shower with my head full of questions. I turned it as cold as I could stand, and the chill of the water woke me up with a jolt, banishing away my brooding thoughts.

Less than half an hour later I entered the Independent Bank of Kansas, or IBK for short.

Good morning, Cassandra. Rough weekend?

My smile didn’t reach my eyes. The woman who’d spoken was Frieda, one of my older colleagues. Her short blond hair showed hints of gray, but Frieda didn’t care. She thought it looked distinguished, as she often stated with a knowing smile.

Can you tell? I muttered. At Frieda’s insistence, I relayed the story of the strange vampires in Type-O. I left out the letter from the Russian vampire, though, not wanting to cause a panic.

Gerty, another colleague on the brink of retirement, rolled her eyes.

Those bloodsuckers are nothing but trouble. A pretty girl like you shouldn’t hang out with that kind.

I bit my lip. My colleagues knew I was raised by two vampires. I’d never made a secret of it. Most of them had accepted my past. But not all. Gerty was one of the few who missed the good old days when vampires were still part of horror stories instead of everyday life.

Sooner or later they’ll find your empty body in some back alley, Gerty went on, an admonishing finger accompanying her warning.

There has been more talk about vampire attacks lately, Frieda chimed in, I’d be careful, Cass.

I sighed. I should have kept my mouth shut.

Why should Cass be careful? Stephanie, who’d just entered the office and now flopped her bag onto her desk, asked. She pulled out a deodorant can and sprayed generously all over her torso. Pfooh so hot already.

She was attacked by a vampire, Gerty said.

No, that’s not true, I...

He almost bit her, the elder employee interrupted.

With a deep sigh, I dropped into my chair behind the counter. I should have told the story when Gossip Gerty couldn’t overhear me. Now it would take on a life of its own and before I knew it the whole department thought my head had been ripped off by the vampire mafia or something of the sort.

I started up my computer and caught snippets of the conversation.

... dangerous kind...

...stay away from them...

...vampires....attack...

I let them wash over me, went to the coffee machine and pressed the button for coffee with milk powder and sugar. From here I couldn’t hear the ladies anymore, but judging by the excited tone, the danger of vampires grew exponentially. I’d expected this from Gerty. She was already sixty years old and had a lot of trouble accepting that her safe, human, world had been an illusion. While her main concern used to be that no thieves broke into her nice bourgeois home, she now also had to take into account vampires that could bite you.

The truth was, there were plenty of volunteers willing to get bitten. Goths, teens who’d watched too much Twilight, even middle-aged women looking to break out of a marriage rut. There was plenty to choose from. A vampire really didn’t bother with an old hag that probably also tasted stale.

I grinned at the thought and walked back to my counter, the steaming cup of coffee in my hand.

It was almost nine am and the first customers—mostly retirees—were already waiting at the door. In a few moments I’d press the button to remotely unlock the doors, after which I’d spend the next few hours listening to complaints about our opening hours and how we had unlocked the doors at least two minutes later than usual.

I sighed again. If only I could leave this stupid job! But I had rent to pay and without the money I couldn’t afford the expensive incantation paraphernalia. Someday, I thought to myself, not for the first time, someday I’ll have enough money and then I’ll say goodbye to this shitty job. Fortunately, my colleagues weren’t too bad. At least if they didn’t complain about vampires. My smile disappeared. What would they say if they knew I also summoned demons in my spare time?

An incessant tapping startled me. A man in a checkered cap was tapping the glass door and then pointing at his watch. I glanced at the clock. It was already past nine! I hurried to unlock the door.

Finally, the man who had tapped his watch sighed. He dropped his bank card on the counter. I’d like to withdraw one hundred dollars.

I took the card and put it in the card reader.

You know, I said as I typed in the requested amount on my computer, you can also do this yourself at the ATM outside?

Ah, sweet girl, said the man, those machines are far too complicated for an old man like me.

I looked at him. He couldn’t have been older than fifty. I knew people older than him who were able to use the ATM. It was all a matter of wanting to learn how to do it. This guy had apparently decided to become a stubborn old man and was already practicing this by obstinately refusing to withdraw money from an ATM.

I gave him his money and wished him a nice day. Grumbling about how long it had taken to get his money, he left. I bit back a poisonous reply and with a smile that didn’t reach my eyes I asked the next person in line how I could help her.

Two hours later my stomach rumbled. I looked at the clock. Another hour before lunchtime! I thanked the customer who I’d just assisted—the umpteenth who came to withdraw less than one hundred dollars from his account!—and on autopilot, without even bothering to look up, I addressed the next person in line.

Good morning, what can I do for you?

I’d like to open an account.

I’ll need an ID.

The man handed me his driver’s license. I stuck it in the reader and read on my screen.

Ruben Stewart. I blinked and saw Stephanie, who was working the counter next to mine, look up as well.

Only then did I look up into the most penetrating, light gray eyes I’d ever seen. The man standing in front of me was tall, about six foot five, with long raven-black hair, tied into a long tail that reached about halfway down his back. He was slim and wore a modern suit the same color as his eyes with a dark blue shirt.

The man nodded. That’s me.

Ruben Stewart was known as the most powerful demon summoner in the Western hemisphere, perhaps even in the whole world. What was he doing in my bank? Opening an account, obviously, I chided. Hadn’t he just said that?

Ruben looked at me, clearly amused. He realized he’d been recognized.

I’ve been dissatisfied with my own bank for some time now, and am not yet familiar with how this office works. I had to be around here, so...

I nodded. I understand, Mr Stewart. Just a moment please.

I pressed the print button on my screen. The printer immediately began to rattle and spew out all of the documents that Ruben Stewart would have to sign before he could open an account. I got up and, with rubber legs, walked over to the printer. I glanced over my shoulder. Yes, it was definitely Ruben Stewart who smiled at me from behind the teller window.

Now or never, I thought. I quickly took a post-it note and scribbled a message on it.

I need your help. Can I speak to you in private?

I taped this to one of the papers in the middle of the stack, then shook up the papers once and hurried back to the counter.

My mouth was bone dry and it took me two attempts to instruct him to read and sign the papers. I gestured to a separate table in the waiting area.

You can sit over there if you’d like to go through them quietly.

Ruben thanked me and went to the table I’d pointed to.

In the meantime, the next customer had come up, but as I was helping them my gaze kept wandering to the place Ruben Stewart sat.

I still couldn’t believe it was really him. I’d often seen pictures of him in the newspaper or in magazines. If I remembered correctly, he was even voted most eligible bachelor of the year by some tabloid.

I had to admit, he wasn’t bad-looking. The photos didn’t do him any justice.

Miss?

I startled. With a shaky hand an elderly man pointed at the bank card in the drawer.

I’m sorry, I apologized and hurried to insert the card into the