Page 46 of Demons In My Head: Exposing the Exiled
"Demon-forged," Jasper explained, drifting closer. "The gems store magical energy. Very effective against supernatural beings."
"Perfect." I strapped the sheaths to my thighs, the familiar weight of weapons against my legs bringing a sense of comfort.
Jasper's fingertips danced over the concealed weapons, and I looked up at him, finding his gaze focused solely on my thighs. "You're the sexiest, baddest witch I've ever seen. You could disarm a whole army of demons just looking like this."
"Is that so?" I teased, raising a dark brow. "I'm hoping it works on your brothers when I see them again…"
Hunter shuffled off to the corner, making a show of inspecting a collection of antique crossbows mounted on the wall. For as much as he loved ribbing me, he really was the best friend I could ever ask for—loyal to a fault and perceptive in ways that still caught me off guard. He knew this version of me was new, vulnerable in ways I'd never allowed myself to be before. Hell, I'd never seen her before either—this witch who actually let herself feel something beyond duty and determination, who admitted that walls weren't the same as strength. As hard as it was sometimes not to shut her down, to slip back into that comfortable numbness I'd worn like armor for so long, I truly didn't want to go back to who I'd been before. That Palmer had been surviving, but this one... this one might actually learn how to live.
"I know you're worried about them, darling. When the full story comes to light, they're going to understand. It's easy for people to create narratives in their heads that paint others as villains. Anyone can take information and skew it to fit exactly what it is they want to see, but it's often done out of self-protection. But there will be a reckoning, Palmer. Even stubborn ass Rhodes will apologize for his role in you leaving."
I nodded slightly. I wasn't sure if I fully believed Jasper's words. I wanted to, but I'd spent so long thinking I wasn't good enough for someone else. I was good at fighting. No, I was fuckinggreatat fighting, great at my job. That's all I needed, that was safer… but then why did my heart hurt when I thought about Talon's crazy antics, Felix's gentle words, Ash's strength, Mishy's tough guy but actual soft as fuck persona, and even Rhode's pissed off, haughty attitude, especially when I teased him? Jasper must've sensed my ache for them, because he changed the subject, and I was grateful. There'd be time later to focus on fixing things… right now, this was the priority.
"What else should we grab?" Jasper's form flickered thoughtfully. "Anything blessed or enchanted will work best in Besmet. The regular mortal weapons won't do much damage to demons."
"Good to know." I move systematically through the room, selecting items with care: several throwing knives etched with ancient runes, a short sword with a blade that gleamed with an inner light, and a small pistol loaded with what Jasper assured me were bullets specially crafted for supernatural combat.
I adjusted my thigh holster, double-checking my weapons were secure while Jasper observed silently. My mind was racing with plans, contingencies, and about a thousand ways this could all go wrong. But sitting around waiting wasn't an option anymore.
"You're sure about this?" Hunter asked from his spot on a chair. His injuries were healed, but he was still recovering. "Besmet isn't exactly a tourist destination."
I snorted, grabbing my leather backpack. "When have I ever been sure about anything? But we can't just sit here while Asrael wreaks havoc in two realms."
"Three weapons minimum," Hunter reminded me, like I was still that reckless teenager who'd show up to training with just a butterfly knife and attitude.
"Yes, Dad." I rolled my eyes but patted my arsenal anyway. "Knife on the thigh, backup in the boot, brass knuckles in the bag, I just wish I had my bunny ear blades… when I woke up in Slade's lair, they were gone. I will be getting them back, that's a promise." My fingers traced the vacant space on my thigh, the cool touch of steel now absent. I longed for the reassurance and connection to Misha that those weapons once gave me.
Jasper drifted closer, his presence sending a familiar chill down my spine. "The daggers were a courting gift," he said, amusement clear in his voice.
"Courting gift?" Hunter chuckled. "That's old school. From you, Jasper?"
"No, from Misha. The best blacksmith Besmet's ever seen."
"Oh shit, Vale. That giant demon is forging you personalized weapons? Seems you've got yourself a whole demon harem situation brewing."
"Shut up," I muttered, cheeks burning. "We need to focus on getting to Besmet first. Then we can deal with... whatever that is." I waved vaguely at Jasper, who just smirked.
Hunter's expression shifted, becoming more serious. "About that..." He winced as he stood up, and I could tell it wasn't just from his injuries. "I can't go with you."
"What? Why not?" The words came out sharper than I intended, but the thought of going without him made my stomach twist. I wouldn't have given it a second thought prior to him showing up, but he was here now. Hunter had been my backup for years—we moved like two parts of the same machine.
"I have orders," he said quietly. "From Cam and Saige. Before they left for Besmet, they tasked me with finding Saige's sister, Fern. She's missing, and it's important. Really important."
Part of me wanted to argue, to demand he come with us. But I knew that look in his eyes. This wasn't just about following orders—he believed in this mission. And he needed to help his brother. His only brother, whom he'd been led to believe was dead for most of his life.
"Fuck," I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Okay. I understand." I stepped forward and pulled him into a careful hug. "Just try not to get captured and tortured again while I'm gone, okay?"
He squeezed me back. "No promises. You know how charming I can be."
"Yeah, like a brick to the face," I muttered, pulling away. My throat felt tight with emotion.Who the fuck are you right now?Hunter and I didn't do goodbyes—we never had. It felt too much like tempting fate.
"I know vaguely where I'm heading. I've got some contacts I'm waiting to hear from." And since fate works in ways that sometimes make sense, his phone vibrated.
As he pulled out his phone, I caught Jasper watching me with that intense, knowing look that made me feel like he could see right through my carefully constructed walls.
"What?" I demanded.
"You're worried about him," Jasper observed softly.
