Sarah Noffke - The Creative Strategist (Unstoppable Liv Beaufont Book 11)

This book is a work of fiction.

For Trudy.

The first day we met, you called me a tiger.

Still my favorite college class ever. And the one that flamed my fire for writing.

Sarah

To Family, Friends and

Those Who Love

to Read.

May We All Enjoy Grace

to Live the Life We Are

Called.

Michael

T wo red-faced demons ran straight at the low part of a roller coaster, leaping over the track with ease and landing on the other side, where the closed amusement park spread out for several acres. None of the lights were on, making it appear to be a ghost town, especially since it was deserted.

During the day, the Magic Playland attracted local mortal visitors with its rides, which, according to recent police reports, went too fast, moved on their own, and had carousel animals that talked.

The last demon, an especially ugly one, decided not to jump the coaster, but rather ran straight through the bottom, breaking apart many of the boards that held up the track, as it continued across the ground, following the other two demons.

Well, I guess I wont be going on that ride now, Liv said, darting around the roller coaster track after deciding it was unwise for her to attempt to jump it the way the first two demons had. This detour put some distance between her and the demons shed been hunting for the better part of ten minutes.

She wasnt worried about losing them, though, since she was with the one person who could find a needle in a haystack, or rather, a needle in a large amusement parkif that needle was a demon. Stefan Ludwig could find any demon anywhere if he merely focused. That was how hed accidentally found these three demons hiding behind the concession stands at Magic Playland, drooling over the popcorn machine.

Im never eating popcorn again, Liv had remarked to Stefan as they sprinted after the demons through the park.

Stefan, who had slowed to retrieve his bow and arrow, caught up with her on the other side of the roller coaster. With a grace to amaze, he brought the bow up in one fluid movement, loaded the arrow, and fired, knocking the closest demon down. The beast would still need to be decapitated or otherwise dispatched with Bellator, but he was out for the moment.

Since when do you eat popcorn? he asked. He was by her side, wearing a slight grin, continuing the conversation like they hadnt been zigzagging through an amusement park just before.

Ive been known to, Liv said, watching as the two remaining demons split off.

I thought if it didnt come loaded on tortilla chips, you didnt waste your time, he remarked.

She narrowed her eyes, watching the two demons and trying to decide which one she should go after. What is it with you and demons? We cant go anywhere without them ruining our adventures.

Its part of my charm, he teased. I hope you dont mind. They will forever ruin every date we ever go on.

She flashed him a challenging smile. I dont think Id have it any other way.

Stefan bowed slightly to her. And thats why youre the woman for me.

Not yet, Im not, she stated, watching as one of the demons boarded a carriage on the Ferris wheel.

I know, I know, Stefan said, disappointment in his voice. No dates until the dumb laws are changed.

The second demon glanced back at them before ducking into the Funhouse of Mirrors.

Seriously? Liv sighed. Are they totally trying to mess with us?

Stefan laughed. I do believe they are. You go after the dummy who got on the unmoving Ferris wheel. Ill take his ugly brother, who will look even uglier in the funhouse.

Liv was about to agree when the bulbs covering the Ferris wheel lit up, illuminating that part of the dark amusement park. Suddenly the wheel began to move, taking the demon higher.

Liv groaned. You just had to say something about the Ferris wheel not moving, didnt you?

Yeah, you better take Two-Horns McUgly, Stefan said, indicating the funhouse. Ill go after his more attractive brother.

The demon on the Ferris wheel wasnt attractive by anyones standards, ever. However, his red face was void of pockmarks, and his bald head wasnt adorned by two gnarled horns like the other demon. He had soulless black eyes like all demons, but in comparison to most, he wasnt atrocious.

Yeah, youre better off getting him with the bow and arrow, Liv said, pulling Bellator from its sheath and twirling it at her side like it was a baton.

Ill catch up with you in a minute, Stefan stated, striding toward the Ferris wheel. The demon was almost at the top now.

Sounds good, Liv said, walking up to the demon lying face-down in the dirt with Stefans arrow protruding from his back. He was beginning to move again, trying to get his hands underneath him. Liv whirled Bellator one more time like she was a flag bearer in a parade. When she strode by the demon, she casually stuck the sword into its back, making it scream. It collapsed back to the ground, lifeless.

Liv yanked Bellator from its back, holding it at the ready as she neared the funhouse.

Liv wasnt only there because mortals had been put in danger on the rides, which were obviously powered by magical tech. Actually, the Magic Playland hadnt even been on the councils radar yet. That was because the magician who ran it was unregistered, and had used a lot of magical tech to cover up his affairs.

It was because of John Carraway that Liv knew about Sid Encore, one of the lead members of the Renegades. Hed been spying on the rebel group, finding useful information, such as where bad magicians were running illegal operations.

The Renegades didnt want the House of Fourteen intervening in their affairs, and the Magic Playland was a prime example of why. They wanted to do things that were wrong and put mortals in danger. But today, this amusement park was getting shut down as soon as they located Sid Encoreand disposed of the three demons who apparently also called this place home.