A Grave Spell (The Spellwork Files Book 1)

by Jenna Collett

  Nope, not in your imagination. But at least I now knew the last place the book had been.

  “Keep going,” I urged.

  “I took her pills from her purse and put one in her drink. When we were out in the hall, I offered her the glass and told her the pill was in there. I would never have tricked her into taking it, but I thought if I had it ready, she’d listen. All she had to do was drink it and relax, and then I was going to help her get home, but she knocked the glass from my hand.”

  “That’s when I ran into you two. I saw her spill the drink.”

  Julia nodded. “Then she went back inside, and not long after that the lights went out. You know what happened next.”

  “So, you never saw the book?”

  “No.”

  “But Professor Roberts told you it vanished at the party.”

  “Yes—it was what set her off even further. I never told the police any of this because none of it made any sense.”

  “It wasn’t your fault. You tried to help.”

  Julia dropped her head into her hands and stifled a sob. “Elle, I was right next to her when she died. I remember her last words. They didn’t make any sense to me at the time, but later, I thought about it, and it freaked me out.”

  “What did she say?”

  “She kept saying the word ‘sweet.’ Over and over. Then, on her last breath, she said, ‘They smelled sweet like cherries.’ As I said, in the moment I was confused, but later I remembered she said that about the student she thought was following her. She said they smelled like cherries.”

  The breath caught in the back of my throat.

  Cherries. Like the ones Jake always ate from the garnish tray. Like the box of lozenges in his van. He was at the party, took her class, and had visited the historical society. The demon that attacked me showed up outside his van. What if the demon hadn’t been following me at all? What if he’d been there to meet with Jake? The man who’d hired him.

  Jake killed Professor Roberts, but that wasn’t all of it. If the book had disappeared at the party and Jake didn’t have it, then who did?

  A strange, offhand piece of information stuck in my mind. Zoe. Hadn’t she said she’d figured out a way to make some quick cash, but then the accident happened at the club, and it had ruined it? At the time, I thought she meant she was simply broke from being laid off and getting shortened hours, but what if that wasn’t it?

  My mind flashed to the photos in Jake’s van of Zoe staring intently at the Soulbinder inside the glass case during her class field trip. She would have recognized it if she’d seen it again at the club. Was it possible she’d taken it from Professor Roberts, hoping to make some quick cash by selling it?

  I placed my hand on Julia’s arm. “I’m so sorry, but I have to go. Thank you for telling me what happened. You don’t even know how helpful you’ve been.”

  Julia gave me a questioning look, but I grabbed my backpack and ran from the hall.

  Chapter 22

  “Pick up the phone, Zoe!” I hit “end” when her voice mail picked up then sent her a text to call me immediately. This was, like, the tenth time I’d called and the tenth text. She hadn’t responded to any of them, which was highly unusual. I snarled at my phone while I paced my dorm room. What should I do?

  Call Caden, my mind whispered.

  The day had bled into afternoon, and already the sun was just starting to sink into the sky. Now I had a suspicion about who had the Soulbinder, I needed to act before it fell into the wrong hands.

  Groaning, I unlocked my phone and swiped over to the contacts. I had to unblock him first, and then I pressed the button to dial Caden’s number. It rang six times, no voice mail. I jabbed the “end” button in frustration. “We’re waiting for you,” I mimicked in a high-pitched voice. “If you’re waiting for me, then pick up your phone!”

  I took a deep breath and tried to analyze the problem. If I couldn’t find Zoe, my next plan of action should be to track down Jake. At the very least, I should keep an eye on him until I could find that blasted book! Maybe I’d get lucky and even have a chance to kill him.

  Oh my god, I’m going to have to kill Jake. I stared at the tops of my shoes, feeling slightly dazed and very sick to my stomach. It was kill or be killed, right? Those were the rules. Rid the world of evil, even when you knew the guy and had laughed with him over your shared love of terribly produced horror flicks.

  Maybe there was still some leftover mint schnapps to help calm my nerves. No—I hadn’t received my training certificate in drunk-fighting. I needed a better idea.

  Stumbling over to my medicine bag, I tossed an antacid into my palm. It tasted chalky when I chewed, but I put a few more in my pockets for later. I threw on my jacket, grabbed my keys, and headed out the door. On my way downstairs, I texted Caden.

  Elle: Jake is the killer, and I think Zoe knows where to find the book. I’m going after them.

  When no response came, I stowed my phone in my pocket and ran to my car.

  I drove to the Oaks Bar and Grille and parked in the garage. Jake’s van was still in the same spot as before, and I sat in my driver’s seat staring at it for a good ten minutes before I tried calling Zoe again.

  No answer.

  My stakeout continued. It was probably too great a risk to go into the restaurant. I’d have to make small talk with Jake, and I didn’t think I was up to any more conversations about the weather today. Plus, no more bonding with the demon. He was going to be hard enough to kill as it was.

  An hour passed before I saw Jake entering the parking garage. With a muffled squeak, I slumped down in my seat, ducking my head below the windshield. He didn’t see me, and when I peeked above the dashboard he’d climbed into his van and pulled out of his parking spot.

  I followed him at a distance as we traveled through the center of town and out into the countryside. I knew the road we were on well, having driven it a hundred times on my way to work. When we passed the long driveway for Clarke Manor, I almost took the turn.

  Maybe Caden was at the manor fixing up one of the rooms. I could pick him up, and we could face this demon together. But I didn’t do that. Instead, I watched the drive disappear in the rearview mirror.

  My phone finally rang, and I scrambled for it on the passenger seat.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, Elle, are you trying to reach me? I have, like, a million calls from you. My phone was dead, and then I couldn’t find my charger. Spoiler alert: it was under the passenger seat in my car.”

  “Where are you?”

  “The country club. I got a text a little while ago telling me to come in for a shift, but oddly enough, there’s no one here. I’m going to wait a few more minutes and then leave if no one shows up.”

  “Zoe, listen to me. I have to ask you a serious question.”

  “Okay, shoot.”

  “The night Professor Roberts died, did you happen to see an old-looking book with a strange carving on the cover?”

  The line went quiet, and my heart pounded in my ears as I waited for her answer.

  “Elle, how did you know? I didn’t tell anyone. Oh no . . . am I in trouble? I never should have taken it.”

  “No, you’re not in trouble, but this is very important. I want you to get into your car and leave right now. If you see Jake, keep going.”

  Her voice crackled over the line. “Sorry, I can’t hear you. The connection isn’t great out here. Did you say something about Jake?”

  “Yes, but first, get in your car and go back to the dorms.”

  We were taking the turn into the country club now, and I held back, letting Jake get out in front of me. His taillights disappeared behind a long line of pine trees.

  “Zoe, are you still there? Did you hear me?” The line was mostly static, but I heard her choppy voice. Then, finally, it cleared up enough for her to talk.

  “I think I see someone coming. Don’t tell anyone about the book. I’ll explain later.”

  “No,
Zoe, wait!”

  The call ended.

  Panic made my chest tight. Somehow, Jake knew Zoe had the book, and he’d gone there to get it from her. Which meant if I didn’t do something right now, my friend was going to end up dead.

  I stepped on the gas and took the curve to the club on squealing tires.

  The parking lot was almost empty, except for Zoe’s station wagon and Jake’s gray van. I parked in the shadows and slipped out of my car, searching the barren lot for any sign of them. A motion light had turned on along the side of the building, and I cursed. They must have already gone around back to the staff entrance.

  I jogged toward the loading dock and spotted the open side door where we used to enter to clock in for our shift. It led down a short, narrow hallway and then directly into the massive kitchen. I went in after them, walking softly over the linoleum tile.

  “Where’s the book?” I heard Jake’s angry shout echo through the kitchen. Only a few lights were on overhead, blanketing most of the area in darkness. I didn’t catch Zoe’s answer, only Jake’s reaction as he dragged his arm across the metal prep station, knocking everything to the floor with a booming crash.

  I peered around the corner. He grabbed Zoe by the throat and shoved her against the wall. Her feet scrambled for purchase in the air. She flailed her arms, searching for anything within reach, but her fingers couldn’t grab hold of a thing.

  Reversing the spell on my demon bracelet, I approached from behind. My palms grew damp around the hilt. The antacid had barely done its job; each step closer made my stomach twist.

  Zoe’s choking gasps for air echoed throughout the room. I had to act fast. Grabbing a large metal spoon, I threw it as far as I could into the kitchen. It clattered to the floor, making Jake’s head turn toward the sound. He loosened his grip on Zoe, and she slid to the floor, coughing and trying to catch her breath.

  “Is someone there?” he asked, angling his head to get a better view of the darkened kitchen.

  “Behind you,” I said, raising my blade to make the first strike.

  Jake was much faster than I’d anticipated. He turned and lashed out with his arm, blocking my blow. His other hand struck me in the chest, sending me backward into a metal rolling cart.

  I regained my balance and moved into a defensive stance. Jake was about six feet away. He crossed his arms over his chest and cocked his head back. A laugh burst from his throat.

  “Well, this is fun. Elle Graves. You figured it out, didn’t you? What gave me away?” He smiled, but the features I’d always found boyish and handsome now appeared gruesome. His eyes flooded with a black film, and a thick, metallic scent wafted through the air. He’d covered his true nature before, and I felt like a fool for not noticing.

  “Ironically enough, your obsession with cherries. Professor Roberts could smell them on you. Those were her last words.”

  He made a surprised sound in the back of his throat. “Wow, I wouldn’t have guessed that. That’s some good detective work from Spellwork’s newest hunter. Bet they give you a medal. Posthumously, of course. Tell me, how are you finding your promotion?”

  “It’s all right. The hours kind of suck, but they gave me this cool blade, and it’s already killed one demon, so it’s off to a good start.”

  “You didn’t kill him though—your partner did. There are cameras in that alley. But don’t worry. I deleted the footage of your almost impalement. How embarrassing for you.” He waved his hand around the room. “And where is your heroic partner, by the way? Did he ditch you already?”

  I didn’t answer. Maybe he’d think Caden was waiting around the corner or hiding behind the flour rack.

  “Look, this is fun and all, but I have a ton of homework to finish tonight, so maybe we could skip the banter.”

  Jake stretched the muscles in his neck, twisting his head from one side to the other. “Fine by me. I am so sick of this town. After I’m finished killing you I’m going to get that book, hand it off, and collect my money, then get the hell out of here.”

  Hand it off? This was a job for him. Another minion working for someone higher up the food chain. Jeez, if this were my video game, he wouldn’t even be the final boss level. How many freaking levels were there?

  “So, it’s basically winner takes all then?”

  “Yeah, sure, Elle. Winner takes all.”

  He crossed the distance between us in a few quick steps and jabbed with his right fist. Unable to block the punch, it connected with my abdomen, sending a shooting pain across my middle.

  Air rushed from my lungs, and it took a second before I could pull another breath back in.

  Grabbing my arm, he flung me up and over the rolling cart. I landed on the other side, facedown on the linoleum. A fiery ache throbbed through my limbs, and I tried unsuccessfully to climb to my feet.

  Not off to a good start, Elle.

  His boots pounded over the floor as he rounded the cart. I scrambled back on my knees.

  “This is shameful. I thought they were training you. Here—I’ll let you get one in on me. We used to be friends after all.” He crossed his hands behind his back and angled his jaw toward the ceiling. When I didn’t attack, he gave up and shrugged. “Don’t want to go for the cheap shot? It’s beneath you, I get it.” He picked up a metal frying pan and hefted the handle between his fingers.

  Then, darting forward, Jake swung the pan, clipping me in the shoulder when I tried to dodge out of the way. The metal slammed into me, rocking me forward and forcing my blade from my hand. It skittered across the floor, out of reach.

  Jake twirled the pan’s handle in his fist and swung again. I ducked, and this swing missed me by a hair. A gust of pan-induced wind rushed past my face. I choked back a cry, dodging another vicious swipe. Pain radiated up my back, and I limped across the floor.

  “Elle—here!” My demon blade slide across the floor and landed next to my shoes. Zoe gave me an encouraging smile and dove for cover.

  I scooped up the blade and searched for Jake.

  The truth was, even with my dagger I couldn’t beat him in a brute-force attack. I had to be smart and use what I could around me. It was how I’d beaten Caden, and it was my secret weapon.

  My gaze quickly scanned the kitchen, running up the walls and tracking across the ceiling. An idea formed. It was risky though and might be trickier than I liked.

  I sheathed my blade around my wrist. For what I had in mind, I’d need both hands.

  As Jake drew closer, I shot a current of magic into the frying pan. It shocked him enough that he let out a yelp and let go of the handle.

  He shook out his hand. “That stings.”

  I took another shot, this time intentionally past his shoulder. The bolt of electricity ignited a pile of dishrags.

  “I’m afraid you missed on that try. Not very consistent, are you?”

  Smoke clogged the air as the fire spread from the rags to a rack of kitchen items. It was fully engulfed before the sprinkler system kicked in, raining water down on our heads.

  The fire extinguished, but the gushing water continued, pooling on the floor and drenching our clothes. Jake laughed, the maniacal sound sending a shiver down my spine. He charged toward me. The full weight of his body slammed me into the wall, and my head cracked against the tile.

  This was the tricky part: getting to part two of my plan.

  Dizziness swept through my system. Jake laughed again in my ear, and I sucked in a breath before he wrapped his fingers around my throat and cut off my air. Seconds ticked by, and my lungs burned. I tried to buck him off me, but it was no use.

  Caden and I hadn’t gone over choke holds yet, but I had another training card up my sleeve. Women’s self-defense class 101: don’t panic, and move with speed in one fluid motion. I lifted my arm and rotated my body to the right, slamming my elbow down into the joint of his arm. It broke the choke hold, and I back-fisted him in the mouth.

  Who needs a freaking whistle?

  Blood drippe
d from his lips, and he spat out a tooth. His black eyes narrowed into slits, and he wiped his sleeve across his chin, leaving behind a bloody smear.

  I backed away as he charged again, sidestepping toward the coffee station. What fond memories . . . The location where Caden and I had the continuation of our meet-cute. Except now, it was where I planned to make my final stand.

  Reaching for a bag of coffee, I tore off the top and tossed the grounds into Jake’s eyes. His fingers clawed his face as he blinked the granules into his corneas. He growled low in his throat, cursing me with every foul word he knew.

  Using an elbow strike, I hit the lever on the instant hot water receptacle, letting it fill the waiting carafe. Steam rose from the rim while I used a draft of magic to freeze the puddle from the sprinklers. The floor turned to ice, and Jake slid, his next punch off-center. His fist slammed into the tile wall instead of my chin.

  Blood misted in the air as I reached back, grabbed the carafe of boiling water, and tossed it into his face. His skin turned red, and his scream of pain echoed in my ears. I grabbed his shoulders and swept his leg in the same move I’d made on Caden in our training arena.

  Jake landed on his back, and this time, when I reversed the spell on my demon blade, I didn’t hesitate. I slammed the dagger into his chest, feeling the vibration as the spellcaster rune flashed bright purple and sucked his soul. His mouth opened on a cry, eyes wide with the knowledge I’d won. I wriggled my fingers—jazz hands—as he disintegrated into the floor.

  I fell back onto my elbows and dragged in a huge lungful of air. The floor was covered in grounds and hot water. It coated my hands and made the area smell like freshly brewed coffee.

  Zoe slid across the ice and fell to her knees by my side. “Holy crap, Elle. You’re like a ninja.”