11.15.2007

Escaping the Dream

If only I could wake up.

Consciously I know this is a dream by the scent of the forest, the way I float above the ground, and the sparkling mist rising above the pond. I should feel calm, at peace. Instead, fear grips my vocal chords as I struggle to cry out. For whom? There's no one here to help me.

I'm alone, vulnerable and unable to defend myself.

"That is not true, sweet thing," a male voice whispers.

But I scan the surrounding forest and it is empty of any human presence.

"That is because I am not human."

I turn to run, but something grips my ankle, yanks, and I fall flat to the wet, cold earth. I struggle to cry out as I'm dragged across the ground, but sound can't get past the lump of fear in my throat.

Help me!

"Relax, lovely. It will be easier if you relax, embrace your destiny."

I close my eyes and dig my fingers into the ground to stop the momentum. I will not give up as willingly as my mother.

I am Destiny. I am a fighter.

"And you are mine."

10.24.2007

To Save a Brother

I take a deep breath and ready myself to leave my world and journey through the portal. I don't enjoy travelling to the mortal realm. Interacting with mortals is, in a word, distasteful.

But my brother has chosen to seek his revenge in the mortal world and I must stop him, convince him that revenge can turn on its seeker.

The transition from dark to mortal realms arcs through my chest as if I've been struck by a lightening bolt. The shock pierces my mortal heart, an organ I do not need in my world. As a mortal, the heart is my core; as a demon my darkness keeps me alive. I detest the feeling of being mortal, of sensing compassion grow inside me.

Now in the mortal realm, I drag my body to a nearby tree and use it for balance as I stand. Searching the countryside I spot one of my own, another Ash Demon, being put into the back of a truck, a girl standing beside another man, both looking quite pleased. I fist my hands and take a step, but waver, falling to my knees. The transition has left my body weak and useless.

Damn this mortal body. Damn this mortal world.

10.17.2007

Desperate to Save Destiny

The visions were growing stronger, more clear. If I didn’t save Destiny she would not only be lost to forces of the dark realm, but she’d take with her the universe’s only hope for peace.

I wander the halls of St. Yve Manor searching for the one person who needs to hear my plea. Lady Aurora could order Destiny be brought to England where I would train her and keep her safe.

I pass the library and spot Aurora consulting a thick volume.

“I’ve been looking for you.” I join her and glance over her shoulder. As I suspect, she is researching the prophecy of the demon lord and crystal goddess.

A prophecy, perhaps, but it feels frighteningly real.

“We must bring her here,” Lady Aurora says in her usual, businesslike tone.

“Yes, I agree.”

Aurora snaps the book shut and looks at me. “You can’t be the one that retrieves her.”

I ache with guilt. I should have gone for her years ago, but I had given my word.

“Who, then?” I ask.

“Someone who is beholden to us.” She paces to the window and glances out onto the Enchanted Forest in the distance. “As fortune would have it, he’s being held captive in the chamber below.”

“Captive?” My heart skips. “You mean he’s…?”

She turns to me, her expression regretful but determined. “He’s Ash demon. And he’s our only hope.”

And its then I know our hope is lost.

Edwina, Healer & Teacher

10.14.2007

Mersey Bane: Pest Control Specialist :-)

10.14.07


Hey!
Have you been wondering about me? A lot has happened in the past few months. I've taken an extended leave of absence from the Cadre. Me, I feel as though I may never return, yet the smallest part of me wants to keep my options open. In case, well...this is a wicked world; one never knows what will come up. I see Squire once in a while when he drives into London. That's rare though, because that dude just never gets out from the dungeon.

So I moved in to London (no, not with Jack—yet). I moved permanently into my apartment close to King's Cross. I'm thinking about taking some college courses on history and language and maybe even some business. Someone I know has a real problem with accounting, and it would make his life one hundred percent easier if I could take over the books for his business.

Actually, it's our business now. That's our business card up there. Simple. A little vague. But for the people who need our help, they know exactly what we do. We're freelance demon hunters now, both of us. I still use the crystal capture method, unless we've both determined the culprit is a nasty, then I stand back and let Jack blast it. He likes to blow things up. :-)

I just like Jack. How can a girl not? He's sexy, but he doesn't know it. He's charming, but rough around all the edges. He's strong and...well, he knows that. He carries me around his flat over his shoulder a lot. (I love it. I just...love it.) And can you picture a man in his skivvies doing upsidedown pull-ups with a gravity bar and boots? Oh, baby. He's the coolest thing that has ever happened to me. And he is 'the one' that my mother chose for me before she died. She made a good choice. (Jack thinks so, too.)

So if you're ever in London, and you feel a dark creepy stalking the shadows close to you. Don't worry. We've got your back.

10.05.2007

The Scent of War

(Introducing characters from Saving Destiny, November 2007)

“Revenge will not ease your pain, brother.” Kadenshar had to try and stop Tendaeus. Too much had already been lost. Kadenshar did not want to lose his brother as well.

“I am surprised you have such a passive attitude.” Tendaeus leaned against the Weeping Willow at the edge of the Enchanted Forest of St. Yve Wood.

Lust sparkled in his eyes as he focused on the manor in the distance. His expression was like that of a lust demon poised to enter, ravage and possess.

Kadenshar worried that his little brother was being controlled by his passion for vengeance.

“If I could get into the chamber where they hold our kind prisoners and free them,” his voice trailed off. He turned to Kadenshar. “They would be in my debt and I would amass an army that would swiftly destroy our mortal enemies.”

“It is not worth the risk.”

A hollow laugh echoed in the forest as Tendaeus turned back to study the manor. “When did you become so weak, brother?”

“It’s not strength, but intelligence that will determine our victory.”

“Then I will be intelligent in my quest to destroy them. Who knows?” He glanced over his shoulder. “I may take a mortal female or two in the process. One of the Cadre leaders, perhaps? They say a mortal’s love is all consuming, stripping the creature of its senses, even self-preservation. I would like to taste that kind of surrender. What do you say, brother? Will you join me?”

“Not today,” he said. Tendaeus was young, impulsive and foolish. Yet Kadenshar must protect him, especially from his own folly.

Kadenshar had made a promise and he would keep his word. It was his penance.

9.26.2007

I Must Destroy Her?

I almost touch her.

My mortal fingers tingle with wanting.

I get so close she feels my presence. I know because I recognize the fear in her eyes. I am the cause of that.

Another reason to stay away.

The thunderous sound of Grigori drums pounds against my chest. I am sucked back into the world where I belong, into the dark realm.

A soldier appears before me. “They are waiting.”

“Yes.” I do not ask why or to what I owe this honor. In Grigori presence it was best to listen, not speak.

We are transported to the temple, and I stand before the great ones who rule the dark realm.

“How can I serve my masters?” I bow, not risking eye contact. Even for an Ash Demon, the most evolved of the daemon sapiens, making eye contact with Grigori is considered a challenge.

“You are to influence a mortal female,” the leader orders.

“Yes, my masters.”

“Her mortal kind is determined to destroy us. In mortal form you will seduce her, discover secrets about this army called P-Cell and help us annihilate them before they can destroy more of our kind.”

“Seduce her?” I ask. I am known as an intellectual, not an incubus.

“Yes, Marcus. Seduce her. You have met her before. She will easily open to you.”

My demon chest fills with dread. I sense what is to come. “I have met her before?”

“Yes. She is Elizabeth, the daughter of Edward Burke, the female mortal you protected from your cousin ten years ago.”

I automatically snap my gaze and catch myself.

“We know everything, demon. You saved her and now you will use her to destroy our enemies. Are you up to the charge?”

“Yes, my masters.” I say without hesitation.

“Go then, do your duty for the Ash Demon race.”

I turn to leave.

“But young Marcus?”

I hesitate.

“If she does not fall easily into your influence, you must destroy her to prevent her from alerting her father.”

Destroy her. The creature that’s elicited such intense feelings inside of my cold, empty chest.

“I will destroy her,” I agree, knowing I will destroy myself in the process.





(To read more about Marcus and Elizabeth, check out the online story, Demon Seduction at www.eharlequin.com starting Monday, October 1.)

9.19.2007

I'm Baaaaack!


I am back from the Dark Realm at last! And armed with a temptation so alluring the Lady Dawn shall not resist me. I shall have her, every part of her, under my command. Under me.

For luck was with me this trip to my home, that Darkest of places, that hot, roiling cauldron of joyful sin. Demons love to gamble, and the high and mighty are no exception. Me? I am neither high nor mighty...I am but a simple demon of—-well, never mind what my Directive is. Let that be a surprise to all in the Mortal Realm. In any case, the high and mighty Rofocale, infamous demon of destruction and member of the Grigori, the ruling council of demons, has gifted me with a win of immense value.

For from Rofocale I have won a precious gem, the Demon Stone, in a game of chance. The Demon Stone, which the Earl of St. Yve has long searched for. And with it I shall surely tempt his sweet and innocent daughter into my bed.

Because the Lady Dawn has made a grave error. She has spoken an ancient spell aloud, which summoned me back from the Dark Realm. An accident you say? What do I care? The deed is done and I am back, for better or worse. For me, the better. For her, the worse.

Beware, mortal! Beware the fatal flaw within you, for it shall surely call forth your own demon. And he will answer, granting you your darkest desires. As I shall do for the lovely Lady Dawn.

It is indeed time to indulge in a little... NIGHT MISCHIEF.

9.18.2007

He Watches Me

It worked! It truly worked! Elizabeth threw her hands up in the air and broke into a dance, a public display that would surely horrify father. She couldn’t help it. She’d finally figured out the proper wiring to make the demon tracker even more effective than the one P-Cell was presently using. This would certainly earn her a spot on the elite team of para hunters.

For her dream was to join the fight in destroying evil paras, especially demons. Destroy them and make father proud.

“Are you having an attack?”

She spun around at the sound of the male voice. It was only Mickey, P-Cell agent, and her biggest critic.

“I’m excited,” she said, lowering her arms and putting away her supplies.

Mickey stepped up beside her. “I’ve got something that will really excite you.”

He was so close she could smell his cigarette breath. Disgusting.

“What do you say, Lizzy?”

“Not interested.”

“You’re sure ‘bout that?” He grabbed her arm.

Oh, how she hated bullies.

Suddenly his demon tracking device started to click. Mickey eyed the forest and whispered. “He’s out there, taunting me. I’ve been after that bastard all night.”

Mickey released her and headed for the forest, his finger warming the trigger of his blaster.

Good, he’d leave her alone and fulfill his duty to destroy a ruthless demon, making the world a safer place.

Warmth crept up her neck. Grabbing her pack, she held it to her chest and scanned the perimeter of the forest. There was something out there, waiting, watching…her. Panic settled low. She didn’t carry weapons of destruction. She had no way to defend herself.

I will not hurt you.

That’s how demons seduced their victims…by earning their trust. She backed up, focused on taking slow, deep breaths. If Mickey didn’t destroy him, would the demon come for her…again?

9.10.2007

My Enemy, My Love

I watch her from my spot in the Weeping Willow at the edge of the enchanted forest. I don’t know what it is about Elizabeth Burke that fascinates me other than she is the only mortal I’ve seen close up…the only mortal I’ve touched. I am unable to forget the warmth of her breath on my skin, the trembling of her body against my mortal chest. I feel that warmth even now, and it’s been ten years since we touched, ten years since I protected her from the horrors of my own kind.

Is that my curse? Did she cast a spell on my demon soul, damning me to be obsessed with that which I can never have? I drop to the soft ground and start back toward the portal to return to my world and forget about this one.

To forget about Elizabeth.

I have to stop doing this, stalking her like a lovesick boy… more like a homicidal maniac. That is what she would think of me, an Ash Demon of the dark realm. She would use her equipment to trace my position and alert her allies, the PCell destroyers who get high from killing paras.

Especially demons.

A soft cry makes me turn. I can’t help myself. Elizabeth’s long, copper-streaked hair brushes across her shoulders as she does a silly little dance, quite pleased with herself. She has probably tracked an innocent para, captured him in her hexagon-shaped metal box, or in a crystal. No, she isn’t a Cadre adept.

She is much worse: she is the loving daughter of a demon murderer. She is Marcus’s enemy.

But why, then, can't I tear myself away?

A question I am forever unable to answer. I will return to my world where it is dark, safe and ordered. And this time, I will make a pledge never to return to the mortal realm in search of Elizabeth.

I will give her up. I have no choice.

9.07.2007

Wicked is as wicked does

Ha! I have the place all to myself. This utterly splendid arena of words and pictures and information so easily obtained at the mere press of a finger. And since no one is looking...

There seems to be a rumor regarding my 'ostracization' from the Black Court. Such a cold accusation. Unwarranted? Mostly.

It was not a forced leave; I left the court, and Faery, with purpose and of my own will. I swear it! It was this mortal realm, you see. It fascinates me. It lures me. I am drawn to the atmosphere of contradictory morals as a moth to flame. The stodgy rituals and reign of the court left me with a sour taste in my mouth. Raskin, you must bow for the queen. Raskin, do not wear the gossamer silk when in the Grand Lady's presence. Raskin, how could you do something so wicked?

Yes well. It is not as though wicked is bad. In fact, wicked is rather exquisite, I will have you know. And if any from the White Court would try to convince you otherwise, then I grant you leave to sneer and cast them from your eye. We faeries, you see, enjoy mischeif and wicked delights.

It is the White Court that deems to punish me and my own. So their princess is pregnant by a Black Court prince. I loved her. For the moment. It is far too much to ask me to squander all my affections upon only one when there are so very many fine females to seduce, pet, and lick.

So I am to be a father quite soon. I fear the child may be shunned by the White Court for it's paternal ties. Perhaps it is wise to steal the infant away. I cannot fathom a life lived unloved, taunted and trained to be something it is not. My child will know the world beyond the glittering deceptions of Faery. My child, shall be just like me.

8.22.2007

That demon hunter is mine

8.22.07

I have to admit I was gobsmacked to discover a book had been written detailing my adventures with Jack Harris. And my romance! I mean, there are details in the story. You know, those kind of details. But after I read the story, it was kind of neat to remember how we first met and the days that followed. It was me who dared that first kiss. Oh yeah, I'm not afraid of too much, and snogging with a handsome lug? Glad I did it. Jack might try to convince you that he was all about the job at the time, no time for silliness and all that.

Trust me, Jack wanted me as much as I wanted him.

He still wants me. Lucky bloke. :-) And though it's been a tough few months following our adventures inside the Cadre (Jack did not come out with all his memory intact), every day gets better. Because he does remember me. He's just startled to remember, and then he accepts that the memory is true, and well...life is good.

So I've heard that Damien Hancock is on his way to the Cadre. (shudder) I'm thinking I'm going to vacate and skedaddle off to London when that dude arrives. He's a vampire, don't you know. Not that I have anything against paras of any sort, but... Well, he's a vampire. He sucks people's blood! 'Nuf said.

A vacation in the city spent sleeping late mornings snuggled against Jack's big, muscled body is my kind of heaven. He's real hero stuff, ladies. And if you want to learn more about how we met, then pick up a copy of the book FAMILIAR STRANGER. It's pretty accurate. Though it baffles me how the author learned some of our more intimate details.

8.12.2007

Dreams of elusive black cats

7.12.07

The mission is over. I successfully tracked Ba'al Beryth and eradicated that bloody demon. But the details are foggy.

I reported back to P-Cell for debriefing. It lasted twelve hours. And I had nothing to say. I forgot things. A lot of details. My debriefing commander seemed sure I had gained access to the Cadre, that I had communicated with key members of the organization. I just...don't remember it. What's that about?

I've been sitting here in my home pondering what the hell just happened to me. My life seems fractured. Like something is missing. P-Cell has put me on stand-by. I'm not being assigned missions until they've reviewed my case. I feel so useless. I know there are demons out there, tormenting the world, destroying innocent lives. I need to go out, salt grenades in hand, and take care of them.

But that something missing. It's like a perfume that lingers long after a woman has left a room. But I'm not sure. Lemons? What was stolen from my mind? Who was stolen from my mind?

I tap my little finger on the coffee table for the hundredth time. A hematite ring sits just above the first knuckle. I don't know where it came from. But I feel as if it's important. I know this ring. But how?

Blimey, but I must be going mad. I can't sleep for long, and I'm anxious to get out and back to my job. And I've been having dreams when I do catch a few winks. There's a woman. I can't see her face, but she reaches out to me, and I can't reach. Then she turns and walks away. And as the sun brightens about her silhouette, the shape of her changes, and then a black cat scampers off into the world.

8.06.2007

Hawthorn tea and naked men

7.06.07

Oh, that Raskin. He's a charmer, isn't he? I like them charming.

One of the really charming ones got away from me recently. Called himself Jack Harris. And he was...naked. Oh yes. Bare as the day he was born. Nice bit of bare, too. I could hardly drink my tea, I could. Well, I was so startled to see an uninitiated mortal in the forest, really. I've seen my share of naked men in my day, trust me. Or not.

My job requires I be discerning, and that I protect those who are my own from outsiders. But there are days, I'm unsure who is on my side, and who isn't. The Cadre? Call themselves benevolent, they do. Not so sure about that one. Else they wouldn't have taken away Jack's—well, I can't say, now can I? But I hear there's a book out there that tells it all.

8.01.2007

Interview with Michele Hauf



Greetings my fans! Raskin Rubythorn, here. Intrepid faery reporter on the street! (I do love that title. It's so noir.) I have a treat for you today. After having Familiar Stranger read to me (only because I prefer to lounge and not strain my eyes), I was able to track down the lovely author and ask her a few questions. She was gracious and most cooperative, and I present our discussion to you now.

RR: Ah, Miss Hauf, I feel so welcome in your presence. You, I can tell, are a true Believer.

MH: Absolutely. And I'm absolutely tickled to be chatting with you right now. You're exactly as I've always imagined faeries to be, Raskin. Charming, handsome...

RR: (preening)

MH: And malicious.

RR: What? I find your judgment of me quite disturbing. I am magnanimous! Splendid, even. And never malicious.

MH: The story tells otherwise.

RR: Your opinion. Now about that story. Tell me exactly how you came to know the Cadre and P-Cell so well. And how did you ever learn about the happenings within the enchanted forest? That is not a place mortals enter, and then find easy passage away. I wager it was Belladonna, that crafty old coot.

MH: I have my sources.

RR: So you are going to be sly with me? I can do sly. I bet the readers would love to hear how very little you resemble that author photo you have posted on your web site. Ha!

MH: I thought we were talking about Familiar Stranger?

RR: Ah, I knew you would avoid that one. Very well then, the story. A delightful tale of mismatched lovers come together to fight the forces of evil, blah, blah, blah.

MH: Do I have to sit for this? Who made you the interviewer? Can I get a new interviewer?

RR: That's intrepid reporter on the street. Now, let's get to the important stuff, shall we? Why Jack?

MH: And not you?

RR: Exactly.

MH: I needed a strong, virile, ready-for-action type of hero that was sexy, smart and sensitive.

RR: (pouting)

MH: Though I could be persuaded to write about a particular faery hero some day. The one I hear they call the Enchanter?

RR: Yes! That would be moi. So, let's talk film. I presume the story will be put up on the big screen?

MH: No options yet, but there is always hope.

RR: There is only one actor out there who can play Raskin Rubythorn.

MH: Do tell?

RR: Jonathon Rhys Meyers. The man is a master.

MH: And you do look a lot like him. I can go with that choice.

RR: Darling, I do not look like him. He looks like me.

MH: Sorry, my bad. I'd cast Jason Statham as Jack Harris. He was definately the man I had in mind when I was putting the story down on paper.

RR: Yes, whatever. What about Mersey Bane? My adorable kitten.

MH: That you kept trapped in a silver cage because you're such an enchanting fellow?

RR: Sarcasm does not suit you.

MH: I think I'd like Angelina Jolie as Mersey, though she was a conglomeration of faces in my head.

RR: So what about that ending? I'm betting your readers are going to take you to task for that interesting bit.

MH: The ending......is exactly the way it should be. You know how the Cadre works, Raskin.

RR: They say they're benevolent, but only when it suits them. Yes, I understand you were only writing things as they actually happened. If you ask me, Jack Harris got off by the skin of his teeth. I just do not understand what Mersey sees in that muscled lug of a gun-toting bloke.

MH: Muscles. A bit of a lug. Sexy. Sensitive. An excellent lover—

RR: Yes, yes, you are going all moon-eyed on me now. Concentrate. Stick to the topic.

MH: That topic being you?

RR: Is there anything else of interest? I think not. So what about the next books in the series? The ones written by Cynthia Cooke, Nina Bruhns and Pat White? Will I be in those, too? (I should think so; if they wish to sell a lot of copies they'll need my charming presence to fully flesh out the stories.)

MH: I'm not telling. You'll just have to read them to find out.

RR: But I can't—

MH: Read? Oh, Raskin, it's okay. I won't tell anyone.

RR: I am quite sure you would have trouble reading my language.

MH: I'm sure I would. So can I close by telling everyone they can find the book at their local bookstore in the Harlequin/Silhouette section? It's only available for a month, but then I've got a September release titled KISS ME DEADLY about vampires and witches that should appeal to readers of dark, sexy romance.

RR: Vampires? Ugg. Now you have utterly horrified me. I must end this interview now. Go buy the book, because I am in it. That is all they need to know. Good morrow to you all!

7.25.2007

First kisses and salt grenades

7.25.07
All right, who let Rubythorn onto this thing? Can faeries even use computers? Must be iron in those machines somewhere.

So that's the book. And that's supposed to be me and Mersey? Hmm... She is a gorgeous bird, clinging to me like a sparrow to a hawk. She looks innocent in the picture, but trust me, blokes, she's a spitfire. A confusing mixture of girlie, adventurous and cat (yeah, I mean cat, as in a feline with four legs, fur and a tail). You ever make out with a woman and realize she's purring? Mersey purrs. Damn, I love her purrs.

Er.

Right.

The picture. Rubythorn is right. That's not me. Handsome enough bloke, but I don't think that fellow could wield the weaponery I carry around on my back, let alone toss a salt grenade and hit a demon between the eyes on the first try. Because there are no second tries.

There's the London Eye in the background. First time I ever went up on that thing was with Mersey. Just the two of us in that glass-enclosed capsule, looking out over the gorgeous London skyline. I think I fell in love with Mersey in that capsule. Or maybe it was when we were tromping through that nutty ever-changing forest in search of faeries.

Or maybe, it was the first time I laid eyes on her. I was hunting demons; she was too. I was all business. She...changed my mind with a kiss.

Watch out, here comes the splendor

7.25.07

I found it! Heh. There it is. A book. About me.

Though, I have begun to page through it and I do not find my name until well into half of the book. I do not understand that. Am I not the one worthy of having a story written about him? That is certainly not me on the cover. I recognize the woman as Mersey Bane. Sweet kitten. She amuses me. I was her first kiss, I will have you know. She makes futile attempts to appear as though she is not attracted to me, but I know better. There are very few women who can resist my devilish allure. It's called splendor, baby. Yeah, you will need sunglasses.

Er, where was I? Oh, the cover. Now who is that man? He holds a crystal that I know the Cadre uses to capture demons. Nifty things. Wish I had a few. Demons generally leave me alone, but there are a few—mischief demons—who really get my goat. (I keep him in my gallery. My goat.) Is that supposed to be Jack Harris on the cover? Much too handsome a fellow to be that gun-toting Harris. The man tricked me once. No one tricks me.

I wonder. The author certainly would not have detailed that embarassing situation in this book. I have to know! There are just so many...words. I cannot... Well, sure I can read. Most things. Sometimes. This is not my usual language. That's it. I must find a sprite. They like to read.

Ta!

7.20.2007

I have arrived. Are you ready for me?

Someone wrote a book about me—er, us? Splendid!

Hello, mortals, are you pleased I have finally arrived? Of course you are. I am Raskin Rubythorn, prince of the Black court. Those rumors you may have heard about my ostracization from the court? Pish! They will ask me back. Dark is the day without Rubythorn shining upon your court.

So I must find this books. Books! And me, the star. Surely there could be no other choice, yes? I must send out a minion to fetch a copy. Ten copies! A thousand! And I will have it read to me while I comb my fingers through my hair and preen my wings.

Belladonna is strangely put off by this revelation. Interesting. That woman rarely shows emotion. Rumors have it no one, not even her co-workers, have laid eyes upon her. But I have. And wouldn't you like to know?

But I must be off! I've a book to listen to, and a harem of flutter-feys to gather for tonight's fete in the forest. Elderberry wine, anyone? And you must try the sweetmeats. What? You have heard a mortal should not partake of faery food? Pish!

7.19.2007

We've been compromised

7.19.07

I can't believe this. It's just...disturbing.

I saw that two members of the Cadre actually posted here. How can that be? I thought this was private inter-office communications. And then that demon McManus infiltrated our communications? So I did some checking.

It's too incredible to speak. But...well, let me catch my breath.

Someone has written a book about our organization! Detailed the inner workings of our private black-ops organization. And they've included explicit details on the Cadre! And it wasn't just one person. Four different authors wrote books about us. Four! And they've got things in there even I didn't know about my fellow co-workers.

Of course, there are details about the Cadre that P-Cell has been itching to discover. So this can work—what am I saying? This has to stop. These books must not be put out there for public consumption. They could threaten the future of P-Cell. Our hunters would be out there without protection.

And what if one of the stories got into the hands of an OE? I don't even want to think of the calamity.

Signing off right now. Must see to eradicating these authors before the books can be published!

7.15.2007

7.15.07

I don't understand why posts from Cadre personnel appear here. I thought this was a secure network. Mersey Bane is on our list of suspected Cadre members. We know Squire Callahan is Cadre.

Hmm...

I must investigate immediately

7.11.2007

It's a job

7.11.07
Heh. Demons. You gotta love those blokes. Well, maybe not so much. Love 'em or hate 'em, they're all the same to me. I capture them, contain them in a crystal, and bring them in for interrogation, or storage, whichever is necessary. And then I can take the rest of the day off.

Don't get me wrong, I love stalking demons. It is what I do, and I do it well. I grew up knowing about OEs, and that this mortal realm is not exactly as you see it. They're out there. Everywhere. And I am a means for them to bridge to this realm.

That so sucks.

There are days I really want to be normal. Just a girl who's got herself a handsome guy, and is madly in love, and isn't life all the very best? But I wear these rings, see. They're protection against the one bit of demon who killed my mum. And if I lose the rings, it'll come after me. And yes, I am a familiar. I'm supposed to serve demons as a bridge to this realm, but that doesn't mean I have to like it, or agree to let any old sort through. I'm very particular. No war demons or vengeance demons will get through on my watch.

But there is one. I don't know how it got here. It frightens me.

Sure wish I had someone to protect me. Someone to cling to. To know I can be safe with. Yes, I'm talking about a man. Sigh... Never had much chance to date when most of my nights are spent tracking OEs. Will I ever find the one?

7.07.2007

I am that which you fear most

7-7-07

Nano-bars? Interrogations? Is he kidding me? Yeah, I'm scared. Really terrified. Yawn.

Mortals. They think their little demon hunter club can take care of the likes of me? A REAL demon, a true daemon sapiens, not one of those stupid, primitive excuses of a daemon incultus like the one that has been chasing Jack Harris around for sport. No lips? No skin? Dangerous? Please. Don't insult me.

But I forget my manners. Allow me to introduce myself. In the mortal realm, my name is Galen McManus. I am a demon of... Well, I won't tell you what my Directive is. That would quite spoil the fun. And I do intend to have fun. Exquisite fun. You see, I've been watching them, those foolish demon hunters. From the enchanted wood at St. Yve, where the mortal and dark realms meet. Waiting. Biding my time until I can set the perfect trap. And snare myself one of the Earl's pretty daughters. I've been looking for a new plaything, and Lady Dawn Maybank will fill the bill nicely. Ah, yes. Very nicely, indeed. Did you know she has a flaw? A dangerous one. A deep inner flaw that will cause her to fall under my alluring demonic spell.

She'll not resist my temptations. For I have something she wants...badly. And before I'm through with her, she'll want me just as badly. My flesh. My touch. My forked tongue...

Soon.

But first I must watch and wait. And plan for her total possession.

7.03.2007

Just another day at the office

7.03.2007


Hey! Rare it is I get the opportunity to communicate with others not of the er...otherworldly persuasion. Keep me locked in the dungeon, they do. Oh, they call it the lab, but I know better. Anything below ground and reeking of a medieval castle with limestone walls and hoards of strange torture devices screams dungeon, yes?

Of course, the interrogations room is awesome. Lucite screening glass reinforced with nano-bars and ultra-sonic recording modules. Hi-tech all the way. Our chief interrogations officer—er, we call her Interrogations—has quite the knack for prying information from the lips (well, sometimes they don't have any lips) of our captured subjects. Man, I hate when we get a War demon. Those things really test a bloke's nerves, even if said bloke is standing safely behind the safety glass.

I catalog and store them, you see. Demons of all sorts are crystallized and brought in for study and storage. Mersey Bane calls me the Demon Storage Dude. I like Mersey. That bird always gets the choice assignments. She actually gets to go outside into the real world. No dark, dingy dungeons for her. She's an excellent tracker and can read a leyline like a sentence in a book. She's smart, and...so pretty. We've known each other since we were kids. I came to the Cad—er, this place, when I was ten. They're my family now. Same for Mersey. We're both orphans. Only problem is, I think she considers me more a brother than a potential mate. Blimey.

Ah, I've got to run. Orcs to destroy and gold to capture.

Oh? Well, when I'm not busy cataloging captured demons, World of Warcraft fills the time. I'm a level seventy mage. I so rock. A bloke's gotta be prepared, train, you know. For when they let me out into the real world. It's scary out there.

Maybe the dungeon is the place for me.

7.02.2007

New Hunter recruited

We always know before they come to us here at P-Cell. They've experienced strange events in their lives. Witnessed something they tried to write off as exhaustion or blurry vision. Felt things. Knew things would happen before they did. Battled—yes—demons and vampires and the like. There are other realms, you see. And we don't like it when their sorts come to the mortal realm with mischief and murder to mind. (Even those bloody faeries slip through a portal every now and then. Wankers.) That's why we've recruited Jack Harris.

Bit of a quiet bloke. Handsome too—er, but you didn't hear that from me. Trained for MI-5. He's got the physicality required for a job like this. There's not a weapon he can't handle, or at least, figure out. (We have some very specialized weapons here at P-Cell. Salt grenades are my favorite. Salt kills demons dead, don't you know.) Got a chip on his shoulder, he does.

Good.

But does Harris have the fortitude to stalk a nasty, brimestone-breathing OE* and bring it down? P-Cell isn't for the faint of heart, nor the weak. A man can't take a moment to think twice when facing down a demon. A demon will slash a talon through a man's chest, or spit burning poison into his eye if he pauses to think.

I hope Jack is not a thinker. He must react. But I'm a little worried about this woman he called me about. Said he needed to check her out, and did I have information on her. Mersey Bane. That name. Sounds bloody familiar.

Familiar. Hmm...




*OE = Otherworldly Entity

7.01.2007

I'm in

I haven't stopped shaking for days. I've just lived through something I wouldn't want anyone else in this world to experience. I saw...

I witnessed...

Bloody hell, I can't put it into words. It was horrifying. It all happened so fast. My weapon proved useless against the thing. It...appeared from out of nowhere, slashing talons and roaring and...

She's gone.

I...watched her die. And there was nothing I could do. I couldn't stop it! I don't want to remember, but it's all that I see now. That monster. It killed her.

And they've just left my home. I've never seen those blokes before. Claimed they were with a covert section of MI-5. They say they know I've seen things. Indescribable horrors. They want me to join their team as a--I can hardly type this--a demon hunter.

Sodding demons?

Well. This has happened before. I've seen one of those monsters when I was a kid. Never want to see one again. Nor do I want an innocent civilian to see such a thing. So I guess that means I'm in.

Look out, demons, I've got a big gun loaded with salt grenades. This time it's you or me.