Heaven and Hellsbane Read Online Free PDF

nephew,” Eli said, moving close behind me. “I was showing Liam and Emma Jane where I grew up. It was just down the street, off Fifth. We were walking by and heard the poor girl crying…”
    Larry lifted his chin, dark eyes peering from beneath the bill of his police hat suspiciously. “And who are you?”
    “This is Eli, he’s my, uh, martial arts teacher,” I said. It wasn’t too far from the truth. Eli had taught me everything I knew about fighting—some martial arts, but mostly sword combat.
    “Is that right,” Larry said.
    It took another thirty minutes playing question and answer before Mike and Larry let us go. Eli gave them a fake cell number and address. I wasn’t sure if Liam’s information was any more real. I figured I’d find out if the police had more questions and couldn’t reach anyone but me. Something to look forward to .
    We made a right out of the alley, heading down Clyde toward Fifth, sticking to Eli’s story about showing us his old neighborhood. Liam tried slipping his arm around my shoulders again and I elbowed him in the ribs.
    “Oww…” He rubbed his side, chuckling. “When did you get so hard ta’ play?”
    “What are you doing here, Liam?”
    “Heard a magister had his holy arse returned to the start. Can’t say as I’d be seein’ that every day. Came to snap pictures.” Liam wasn’t a big fan of angels—fallen, seraphim, or magisters.
    “His illorum nearly got her ass handed to her too, in case you didn’t notice.”
    “Aye. I noticed,” Liam said, sobering. “Any word on what beastie pulled it off?”
    “Beast?” I asked. “You think whatever did it wasn’t human?”
    “Those angel pricks are a might hard to kill,” he said. “Couldn’t be anythin’ less than supernatural that did the deed. Nothin’ human for sure. If we’re lucky, the bloody angels turned on themselves.”
    “Watch your tongue, boy,” Eli said, his irritated gaze flicking across me to Liam, then straight ahead again. “You’ve no idea what intolerance your magister endures from our brothers to help you complete your mission. What we all endure.”
    “Aye, that be true. But if not for one of my magister’s brothers raping me Ma and buggerin’ my arse in the processes, I wouldn’t be in this mess to begin with,” Liam said. “So forgive me if I don’t weep for one less of ya walkin’ the earth.”
    “What are you really doing here, Liam?” I asked.
    He glanced sideways at me, his red lashes pale under the streetlights. “I have me reasons, lassie. Personal. Had to see with me own eyes if it be demons behind the killing.”
    “I don’t know who, or what, was behind the attack, but demons were there tonight,” I said. “The girl was full of brimstone.”
    Liam’s gaze fell to his feet and he nodded. “Aye. I thought as much. You’ll let me know if the little lassie points a finger?”
    “Sure.”
    He stopped, turned to face me. “It’s important, Emma.”
    I studied his face for a moment—saw the worry, the sincerity that deepened creases along his forehead and tightened the corners of his eyes. “What’s going on, Liam?”
    “Just promise you’ll let me know,” he said.
    I nodded. “Promise. But how will I get in touch with you?”
    His expression eased. “Ask your boyfriend. Just gave me number to his mates, didn’t I?”
    “Right.”
    “Now.” He sighed and held out his arms, his gaze dropping to my breasts. “Give us a squeeze before we part ways. No tellin’ how long I might go without feelin’ the soft curves of a woman’s body in me arms again.”
    “Um…no.” I wasn’t sure how Liam remembered our last encounter, when he’d nearly allowed a demon to take my head. But we were never that close.
    He dropped his arms, feigning hurt feelings. “You be a cruel hearted bit a’ fluff, Emma Jane Hellsbane. But a right fine fluff to be sure.” His smile flashed, green eyes bright. Then he winked and vanished.
    “Such a creepy, little