Disclaimer; I do not own Demons or the main characters in this story.

So sad that the series has ended, hope there will be another.

DEMONS

Deal with the Devil

Will Galvin get free of the She-Demon? Luke and Ruby visit the dark realms.

Rupert/Mina with Adventure and love a plenty!

Chapter 3

Before leaving the realm of 'Avalon,' Horricks handed Luke a small leather bundle. When they got back to Mina's car Ruby was explaining all they had learned from the strange old man. Luke then unwrapped the leather package, inside was a piece of parchment. There was a drawing of Stonehenge; one stone in particular had been circled. The 'key' stone. In large black letters it also read; 'This gateway can only be opened on the first full moon.'

''When's the next full moon?' Luke asked.

'I can't be sure, but it's approximately every twenty eight days. Why do you ask?'

'We can't open the gateway till then. Hope Galvin can hold out. I wish there was some way of contacting him, just to let him know we are trying.' Luke pushed his fingers through his hair.'

Mina swallowed hard. Trying to show a calmness she did not feel. 'I am sure he will survive, and he knows we will never give up.'

Ruby saw the look of worry that had passed over Mina's face.' Well Mr. Horricks told us the she-demon might want Galvin as a mate.' She giggled. Luke gave her a dark look.

Ruby shrugged.

Mina's thoughts were in turmoil. 'Oh Rupert, I hope with all my heart you are safe.'

*

Mean -while Galvin was surprised at how well he was being treated. The only upset had been when he had played his Johnny Cash CD. The whole house had echoed to the beat of 'Folsom Prison Blues.' Mistress Stone did not approve. She appeared in his room.

'Turn that noise down!'

'Can't you walk through doors like normal people?' Galvin was lying on the bed, whisky in hand.

'I am not… normal people as you put it.'

'You can say that again. You know when you get mad your accent gets more pronounced. 'He was smiling. Well at least he could annoy her. Made him feel a whole lot better!

'I am not angry!' She walked out slamming the door behind her. Surprising both Galvin and herself. She-Demons did not slam doors.

Later that afternoon she gave him a tour of the house. Stone Manor was old. Its foundations went back to the 14th century. Over the years, it had been added onto; it was now like an enormous castle than a manor. There were over thirty bedrooms that was just the most up-to-date part of the building. It was filled with antiques and curiosities.

After lunch, they walked around the gardens. There was an orchard, giant oak trees, kitchen garden, and greenhouses. She explained that all the land as far as the eye could see belonged to the estate. Galvin was impressed. He asked if she had inherited from a dead husband.

'No my Father left it to me; he was…a treasure hunter of sorts.'

They sat down on a wooden bench near the fountain. The Sun was warm on his face; he could feel her gaze upon him. She seemed to watch him constantly. There was a rustling sound, coming from a near-by rose bush. He got up to investigate. Beneath the bush lay a small bird. Gently he picked it up… He could feel its heart pounding against his fingers. Elizabeth stood beside him.

'What is it?'

'It's a bird, I think his wing is broken, if I can make a splint maybe I could fix it up for him.'

'Why?'

'If he can't fly then he can't find food, predators will catch him. Also he's probably in pain.'

She watched his face for a moment curiosity evident on her features.

'It would please you… to see him fly again?'

'Yes it would.' Galvin wondered what she was up to; she then surprised him by touching the bird's wing. At first, he thought she had killed the helpless creature. However, the bird flapped his wings eager to be free. The next moment Galvin watched it fly high up over the trees. He was smiling as he looked back at her, she returned the smile.' You are pleased?'

'Yes surprised though, I thought you might eat him.'

She raised an eyebrow. 'Tonight some of my friends will be coming over for dinner. I want you there beside me.'

'Oh joy! Galvin rolled his eyes. 'All your half-live buddies come over to compare notes.'

'Actually there will be some humans there too. Be ready for 7.30.'

He watched her as she headed back towards house. 'What are you up to witch woman?'

*

When Galvin got to his room, he saw clothes laid out on the bed. Black suit, white shirt and a black bow tie. '

'Oh great! 'For a moment he thought about not getting dressed, simply not go down to dinner. Then he realised it would not be worth the hassle or pain. Sighing heavily he began to get dressed. He was almost finished dressing when there was a knock on the door. Layla entered.

'Mistress is waiting for you.'

Galvin was trying unsuccessfully to fasten his bow tie. Taking pity on him, she pushed his hands away. 'Men can never seem to tie these things.' He looked down at her.

'Why are you here Layla? She got some hold over you to?'

Layla looked into his eyes.

'She saved me a long time ago. I was an orphan and if not for her, I would have starved. I could leave if I wish but I don't want to.'

Now Galvin was confused, he was about to question her more when Elizabeth appeared.

'My guests are here, lets not keep them waiting any longer.'

Her dress was a deep red it hugged her figure, her long black hair hung loose around her shoulders. She appraised Galvin, with a deep stare he was becoming used to.

'You look very handsome.' She put her hand on his arm and they walked towards the stairs.

Galvin could see people standing in the large hallway.

'So, how many vampires are here tonight?

'Only two, the woman standing by the fireplace, the man she is standing next to. He's called Marcus and he prefers men…so watch yourself.' She laughed at the look of distaste on his face. All eyes looked up at them coming down the staircase. They made a very handsome couple. Galvin just wanted the evening over with. He could feel her hand on his arm; it made him think of Mina, how he wished she were here now.

'But the others are all boringly human.' She continued interrupting his thoughts. 'Helen and her brother Simon, the two older gentlemen are business associates.'

Marcus met them at the bottom of the stairs. He took Elizabeth's hand and kissed it.

'You know how to make an entrance Elizabeth.' She smiled at him.

'And who is this?' He looked Galvin up and down in an appreciative way. Galvin groaned inwardly.

'This is Rupert Galvin. Rupert this is Marcus Beecham. They shook hands.

'So Mr. Galvin what business are you in?'

'Pest control.' Galvin answered walking away. Leaving Marcus with a puzzled look on his face.

A thin young woman with a pale complexion walked over to Elizabeth. 'What is he doing here?' She hissed the words into Elizabeth's ear.

'Galvin is here because I want him here.'

'It's not right, you know what he is!'

'Shut up Jane. Or I will turn you into something…nice.'

Galvin was feeling uncomfortable knowing there were vampires in the room. Elizabeth took his arm whispering to him. 'Don't worry they won't dare come near you. They fear me. '

After introductions were made, there were drinks and small talk. Then they all sat down for dinner. There was normal conversation about affairs in the world. Galvin hated small talk, so he kept quiet .He could feel eyes watching him. If it wasn't Elizabeth, it was Jane or Marcus.

He just wanted to leave the table first chance he got.

He picked up his glass of wine and Jane caught his eye. Raising her glass to him, she asked: 'So how is the pest control business? She was smiling at him. Everyone at the table looked up.

'Very well thank you Jane. There are a few creatures I've yet to catch but their time will come.' He gave her a small knowing smile.

'Oh I am sure it will.' She returned the smile, quickly showing her two large pointed teeth, running her tongue over them. He got her meaning.

The meal was finally over; Galvin took a drink and walked out onto the veranda. It was a warm night. He pulled at his tie until it hung loose around his neck. He was looking out over the garden when he heard footsteps approach. He turned and leaned against the wall. A young blonde woman came out she saw him and stopped. 'Oh sorry I didn't realise anyone was out here.'

'That's okay there's room for two.'

She moved to stand beside him. 'I had to get some air it's so hot in there. Oh I am Helen King we haven't been introduced.'

'Rupert Galvin.' He shook her hand.

'That's an odd name… for an American I mean.'

'My Mother was from England. Think Rupert was her great Uncle or something. So how do you know Miss Stone?' He took a drink.

'Well my brother helps out on the estate, manages it all really. She has a wonderful library, lets me use it for my research.'

'Oh what kind of research?'

'I am a paranormal investigator.'

Galvin laughed. He hadn't meant to but it was so bizarre. If the poor girl only knew who she'd just had dinner with.

Helen was used to that reaction. 'So I take it you are not a believer Mr. Galvin?'

'Oh I believe alright, most of the guests here tonight are from the other side.'

She thought he was making a joke so laughed along with him.

Elizabeth had seen him leaving the room. Now she watched from the shadows. When she had first encountered Galvin, she had been impressed by his courage and his determination. There was more to it though, an attraction, it had been instant. It had been many years since she had felt that way. Now she watched as he laughed with the woman, she felt a stab of something deep inside. Could this be jealousy?

Walking towards them both Galvin looked up as she spoke. 'The guests are leaving come we will say goodbye together.'

Galvin took Helen's hand. 'It's been a pleasure, hope to see you again.'

Helen smiled back. 'I hope so to.'

'I don't think so.' Elizabeth thought as she walked away. When the last of the guests had gone Galvin turned to the stairs intending to go to bed. She called him back.

' Come have a drink with me.'

'Okay make it a whisky, damn sick of that wine.' He sat in an armchair next to the fireplace; the fire was still burning, giving the room a warm amber glow.

Going to the cabinet, she took out a small bottle with a silver stopper. The liquid inside was a bright blue but when she opened it, it turned clear like water. She put two drops into a glass of whisky. Handing him the drink she then sat in the opposite chair. He drank the whisky down in one go, thinking he could then go to bed away from her. She asked him something, he was shocked and sure, he'd heard wrong so he asked her to repeat the question.

'Tell me about love?' She was serious. Her eyes seemed to glow in the firelight.

'Well I… it's hard to explain.'

'Try.'

'Okay… when you first meet someone, you can be attracted to their looks. But that's not love, later it's the person you fall in love with. If they are happy, you are and if they are sad, you feel it. You want to be with them, it hurts when you are parted from them.' His mind turned to Mina.

'I see, is that all?'

Galvin shook his head.' No that's just a small part of it. Love can make you feel alive in such a way…it's amazing but it can hurt like hell.' He suddenly began to feel very hot. Must be the fire he thought he got up and walked towards the door. His vision began to blur he rubbed at his eyes.

'Are you alright?' She stood only inches from him, looking deep into his eyes then her gaze fell to his lips. Her arms went around his shoulders her hand caressed the back of his neck. He was on fire. He shook his head and pulled away from her. His breathing was heavy; he felt a passion burning inside if him. He had to fight it. Again, she put her arms around him. 'Am I so repulsive to you?'

He pushed his hands through her dark main of hair. 'No you are beautiful.' He put his hand on her chest. 'But it's what's in here that matters. You're not human.'

'Mina Harker is not human.'

'She may not be human, but she is beautiful inside.'

She pulled his head down into a brutal kiss, pulling at his hair. He returned the kiss until they were both breathless. Trying to get his thoughts together, he again pushed her away.

'You are an evil half-live… Leave me be.' He walked to the door using every ounce of self-control he possessed.

Later he dreamt of a dark haired woman he was kissing her neck, she touched his face and kissed his lips. 'Mina.' He whispered in his sleep. Elizabeth sat at the bottom of the bed watching him sleep. When she heard him whisper that name she left the room.

*

The night was never spoken of again. Elizabeth owned her own private jet. They travelled to Rome, Venice, Madrid. They dined in the finest restaurants Europe had to offer. He was pampered and he hated it. Galvin was becoming more withdrawn and sullen. She showed him all the sights, all the places tourists never got to see. No matter what she did, Galvin was no closer to her. One evening they were dinning in Paris. He had another glass of whisky.

'What can I do to make you happy?' Her voice had a pleading tone to it.

'Let me go.' He answered finishing his drink.

'No. I cannot. I do not understand I give you everything a man could ask for and yet….'

'You can't buy a person, all this.' He gestured around the room. 'Is materialistic it means nothing to me.' He stood up. 'I need some air. I am going for a walk.'

Elizabeth followed him from the restaurant, keeping her distance. He wandered along the streets, and then to her dismay entered a bar. Forty-five minutes later Galvin had drank enough stepping out into the street he'd only walked a few paces when a hand grabbed at his arm.

'Come let's go back to the hotel. '

'Don't tell me you've been waiting outside for me!'

She began to walk, the street was quieter now not many people around. Suddenly she stopped.

'What is it?' The hairs on the back of his neck began to prickle. Never a good sign.

'We are being followed.' She whispered.

Looking around he couldn't see anyone. She turned down into a long alleyway he followed.

There were large industrial bins along the wall lit by dim orange streets lights. Two figures seemed to appear from the shadows; both were wearing long dark over coats and hats. They moved closer

'Stay behind me Galvin.'

He wished he had his pulse gun. The two figures seemed to glide toward them. Then from his left a dark shadow emerged it was the animal he had seen prowling the gardens. Its red eyes gleamed it went straight for the figures; it reared up on its hind legs ripping the throat of one. He went down, and then his true form was revealed. The creature was long and thin, its body covered in scales with enormous claws at the end of its bony hands. It had a long face with lots of razor sharp looking teeth. The other creature howled and ran for Elizabeth but it did not get far as the large black beast also brought it down. Galvin looked at the remains they looked human. But he had seen them change with his own eyes. Elizabeth said something to the creature and it disappeared.

'What the hell were they? And how did your black 'guard dog' get here?'

'That was Mischa, my guardian.' We must leave now. I will explain everything to you later.'

When they returned to Stone Manor, Galvin waited for her to explain about the strange creatures. But she seemed preoccupied; also, he knew she left the house every night. Something had her rattled. One evening he was feeling restless. Wondering around the house, he entered the library. It was very impressive, he gave the books a passing glance, and one caught his eye, the title 'Black Magic.' taking it from the shelf he sat in a comfortable looking armchair. The book was decorated with beautiful illustrations, explaining spells and incantations. He slept.

Something was shaking his arm, when he opened his eyes Elizabeth was standing beside him.

'What are you doing in here?'

'Reading, would you believe.'

She didn't comment at his sarcastic remark.

'So where have you been all night, out smiting humans.'

'Why? Have you missed me?'

He mumbled something; she took the book from his lap. 'Interesting reading, did you learn anything?'

'Not really, thought it might have a spell for turning you into a toad. No luck.' He grinned

She shook her head, but could not help returning the smile.

'Come I want to show you something.'

She touched a panel on the wall and a door slid open. Curious he looked inside. It was a small room, with no windows. Shelves covered the walls; they were filled with boxes and papers. Elizabeth opened a box and pulled out a large book, it was bound in black leather. She placed it on top of the table.

'So this is where you keep your real spell books?' He walked down the few steps into the room.

'This book is a journal written by Tobias Stone my…Father or I should say the man who adopted me. It tells of all his travels to the dark realms. All the treasures he brought back. This picture is my true form.'

She handed him a drawing at first he thought it looked like a fairy, but the wings were black the teeth long and sharp. It was much larger than any sprite he had ever seen. She began to pace the small room.

'When Tobias entered my world I saw visions of his life, freedom such sensations! I changed myself into a human child, hoping he would take pity on me and bring me to his world. That he did. But for over two hundred years, my kind have wanted me back. Soldiers come like the ones we saw in Paris. It is those I kill they sometimes come in human form.

'How do they get into this world?'

'When Tobias tried to leave with me, soldiers followed. Somehow, we managed to escape, but with the fear and the great hurry, he didn't close the gateway properly. So over time, it has opened wider and they can get through. If they get me back, it will be closed again. There is one way I can stay in this world. She stopped pacing and turned to look at him. 'This will amuse you.' She seemed reluctant to continue, Galvin found it had to believe but… she seemed nervous.

'Go on.'

'If I find love and have that love returned… then I will loose my powers but will live as a human woman, grow old and die.'

Galvin was stunned. 'So all that time you weren't killing people you…'

She shook her head sadly.' No, I have never killed a human. I grow tired of the soldiers, the constant battle, waiting for them to take me back. I do not want to go back to my world, I would rather live and die in this one. I thought I could make you love me…I was wrong I know that now. I am sorry for the way I got you here…and for hurting you.'

He shook his head. 'I m sorry but I can't be the one for you.' He meant it.

'Your heart belongs to someone else?'

He nodded.

'And yet she does not know? Will you tell her?'

'Maybe one day… maybe never.'

'That is very sad.'

He shrugged. 'Elizabeth someone will fall in love with you give it time.'

'Oh yes I know that …but will I love them back?' She turned and walked away.