Note: Originally published in the Torquere Press anthology The Care and Feeding of Demons.
Daniel is a demon hunter, a member of an ancient order with God-given powers sworn to protect humans from these creatures. Grieving the sudden death of his fellow hunter -- and secret lover -- David, Daniel is bent on self-destruction, craving casual, back-alley sex with strangers and plunging into danger without thought for himself or the Order brethren who come to his rescue.
His antics attract the attention of more than just his Order members; the demon Korim, a warrior and an Earl of Hell, commander of demon legions and more than a match for Daniel, has his eye on the hunter, and his is an interest not easily discouraged.
When circumstances throw demon and hunter together, sparks fly. Soon beating each other to a pulp becomes their favorite sport, and Daniel hasn't felt so alive since David died. When their aggression turns to lust, Korim begins to open Daniel's eyes, causing him to question the long-held beliefs that have fuelled his reckless behavior.
But when a mission goes horribly wrong, Daniel finds his change in attitude may have come too late to save him.
