Read Online The Healer's Kiss: Book Four of the Forced To Serve Series by Donna McDonald - Free Book Online Page B

Trax, I take it.”
    “What is in a name? The only aspect of me that concerns you is that I am a being who can choose to end what remains of your life unless you cooperate with me,” Rena said softly. “That is the most important piece of information you need to know right now. Well, perhaps that and how very much I sincerely mean what I say.”
    Malachi called out in pain again, shocked at his inability to stop it or ignore it. “How is this possible? I do not feel pain as a demon. And why can I not lift my mist form out of this body?”
    “Consider this painful reminder a lesson about the limitations of the physical world you have longed to rejoin,” Rena said sharply, looking down into Malachi’s shocked expression. “No permanent harm is being done to your host body. I just wanted to make sure you understood that I have the power to bind you to it so well that when the host dies—you will die too. Poof. Just like that. No more Malachi, not even a whisper of mist. Sadly, your master would have to find another host body for his brother’s demon form. Sometimes sacrifices are unavoidable.”
    “You sound like Ania Looren, but how can you know what has come to pass? What are you?” Malachi demanded again, instinct saying it was critical for him to know the answer.
    “As far as you are concerned, I am Rena Trax, a dual birth sibling of the Liberator’s new lieutenant. And though not your sacred master either, I am someone who still has great power over you, demon. Do we now have an agreement on this fact?”
    At Malachi’s renewed glare, Rena lifted one hand and made a fist, watching while Malachi clutched his stomach, calling out in more pain than ever. When she finally saw him nod his agreement to her words, she opened her hand slowly and let the pain ease away.
    “Good,” she praised. “Now I want you to tell the very attractive Lieutenant Zade that you were wrong about Seta being a demon host. Claim a distressing head ailment of some sort as a ruse. As a medic, you should be able to make the story believable. Then once Seta and I are properly installed on the Liberator, you and I will further discuss our situational alliance. Do not consider betraying me, demon. It would not be wise.”
    When the pain eased enough for him to breathe normally, Malachi dragged himself to his feet, trying not to empty his digestive system on the floor in front of his torturer. He had all but forgotten what it was like to hurt physically. It was a wonder physical beings ever did anything to endanger such fragile forms.
    “To do as you ask would be to defy the Creators and my contract with them. Why should I help you deceive those I serve?” He tried as hard as he could not to sound resentful or angry, no matter how difficult it was not to reach out and try to kill his tormentor’s host body.
    “Seta and I have to get off the Paladin and onto the Liberator. It is our destiny to serve on Liam Synar’s ship, as much as it is yours. In looking at your resistance, I chose to demonstrate my power because it was so much faster than trying to talk you into cooperating. Plus, it serves as a life lesson for you to know what it’s like to be totally in someone’s control.”
    “Even if I go along today, I will find out what you are, and then I will help defeat you,” Malachi warned. “This is not over.”
    “Of course not,” Rena said casually, walking to the door. “How can it be over when we are just beginning? Do try to be surprised in a few moments when you have to meet me again. I have no wish to harm you further at this time.”
    Malachi heard the click of the conference room door and turned to see Zade and Seta Trax slowly come out of whatever trance state they had been in and start conversing normally as if nothing unusual had happened.
    “Yes. Your Captain Synar said you would be picking up a stasis unit. I’d be happy to go to Medical with you. When I last checked, my sister assured me that we were packed and