by Jen L. Grey
Reaper of Water
The Artifact Reaper Saga
Jen L. Grey
Reaper of Water Copyright © 2019 Jen L. Grey LLC
All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
Warning: the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Created with Vellum
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
About the Author
Also by Jen L. Grey
1
I shut the door as I step out of the bathroom. A flush of air brushes around me. Since absorbing the Flame of Hell a week ago, everything has changed. My vision seems sharper, which is saying something. In general, reapers have some of the best vision of any supernaturals due to the nature of our work. But now, even the air has an aura to it I can see as it blows past me. And as if that's not strange enough, it feels somehow connected to me.
If someone had told me over a week ago how the third artifact would change me, I would have told them they were crazy… but not anymore.
Now, with three of the artifacts – the Earth Crystal, Angel’s Breath, and Hell’s Flame – coursing through me, it’s fundamentally altered me. I hope it’s for the better, but who the hell knows? One thing is for certain; I won’t be bowing down to the council, demons, or anyone else any longer.
My power thrums inside of me as I stand in the middle of my studio. The dark couch Charlie and I retrieved from the dumpster is five feet away to the left, and the round kitchen table I bought at a yard sale is two feet to the right. So, I have plenty enough room to have a little fun. This is my favorite part of having these powers.
I hold my hand out, palm facing upward, and I bring my fingers toward me and into a fist. The air responds and begins twirling in front of me, connecting deep inside me. It's as if I can feel it spinning in my core.
One of the things I've learned is that each element has its own color of magic. As the wind spins in front of me, the blue of the Angel's Breath inside me pulses, but the brown strand from the Earth Crystal flows in sync as well as the purple of the Flame of Hell. Yes, the purple threw me off at first, but since the Flame was both half red and half blue, I guess it makes sense that when combined, it would be a vibrant shade of purple. What's even more surprising is that for once, my reaper magic doesn't bother me. It's as if the warmth of the Flame balances out the coldness. I've never been so comfortable in my skin. I can see what a reaper's place is really meant to be; a passage so a soul can get to its final resting place. There isn't anything evil to it, and it took until now for me to realize that.
As I lower my hand, the small tornado lowers with it. The wind stays at the same height as my fist. I'm now able to control my powers in small increments. Anything too large I'm still not comfortable with.
A loud knock at the door startles me and my hands drop. The small tornado hits the ground and begins making its way to my feet. Gathering my bearings just in time, I open my hands wide, dissipating it back into the air.
The door opens, and Charlie peers into the room. "Everything okay in here?"
Why do I feel like he asks me that all of the time? "Yeah, I was just practicing." I shake my head and place my hands on my hips. "Why do you knock when you have a key?"
"Because you still need your privacy." He steps through the door, his hazel eyes sparkling. "And I'm a gentleman." He holds out a bouquet of sunflowers.
Wait... "Are those for me?" I've never had someone buy flowers for me before. A grin spreads across my face.
"This would be really awkward right now if they weren't." He runs a hand through his short blond hair and chuckles. "Do you not want them?"
Oh... shit. I must seem ungrateful. "Of course I do." I walk over to him and kiss his lips as I take the flowers from him. "It's just I've never gotten anything like this before. Thank you. I love them."
"Anything for you." He reaches out and runs his fingers through my hair. "I want to be your first for all things."
"Well, you've certainly been that." God, I don't know what I would do without him. I lean in and kiss him again, focusing my energy on him. It's strange because even kissing Charlie feels different now. His lips feel softer yet still firm, and his breath makes me lightheaded. I moan as I deepen the kiss and hold the flowers out as I press against him.
He and I are the only things that matter right now. I open my mouth to slide my tongue against his lips. He groans and tugs on the ends of my hair when something coarse and prickly rubs against my arm.
"What the hell?" I pull away and look down. Holy shit. The sunflower has grown twice the size, and the vines are now wrapping around my arm. "I didn't even know I was doing that."
He laughs and takes the bouquet from me. "I better go put these up before you make them even bigger. Then they won't even fit on the table any longer." He taps me on the nose with a finger from his free hand at he passes by me.
It's funny because he's trying to act so lighthearted and fun, but doesn't he realize I know him? I can see how tense is he right now and how that was one of his fake laughs. That's the same kind of laugh he'd have with the teachers at school when they would talk to him and go on and on about how great of a reaper he was back then. "You seem tense."
"What?" He sets the plant on the table and takes a deep breath before turning around. When he faces me, he relaxes his shoulders and sits in the chair.
Yeah, he's not fooling me. "Did something happen before you got here?"
"Not at all." He licks his bottom lip and leans back in the chair. "Just have a lot on my mind."
The air around him turns a shade darker, almost as if a storm is rolling in, but the weather outside is sunny with not a cloud in sight. Whatever is going on inside him is affecting the elements around him. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
He stands and shakes his head. “Don't worry. You have enough going on without adding me to your ever-growing list." He brushes his lips over mine and pulls away. "Everything is fine, and I'm going to make you breakfast now." He taps me on the nose and turns his back to me as he heads into the kitchen.
I'm not sure how much to push, but it's obvious that something is worrying him. I have a feeling it's me. It's only a matter of time before my powers begin to go out of sync again. They're going to until all four artifacts are running through me. We both know that, so time is of the essence.
&nb
sp; A dark blue hue surrounds him as he pulls out pans to cook French toast. The negative energy connects to me and courses through my body.
I haven't told him about this yet, and I'm not sure now is the right time. It's strange because it's as if I'm looking at him through the eyes of the artifacts themselves. I would never be able to see the magnitude of his apprehension otherwise. Prior to absorbing the artifacts, I would know something was off, but not to this extent.
As Charlie puts egg-soaked bread in the pan, sweet vanilla fills the air, its scent sharper than ever before. Without much concentration, I can identify each individual smell in the air. Vanilla, eggs, yeast, and cinnamon, among others.
It's captivating, but at the same time, I wonder… what am I becoming? Yes, I’m more powerful, and I see things in a different light, but at what cost? I'm not sure what's happening to me.
2
After taking the last bite of my French toast, I place my fork on the plate. My belly is so full I feel like I’m about to burst, but there is no way I’m not going to finish the last bite of bliss. The cinnamon and vanilla are one of my favorite combinations, and I love that Charlie always cook with that in mind.
“Well, I would ask if you’re full, but you had more than me, so I think you’re good.” Charlie’s grin is big, and his shoulders shake with laughter.
“No judging.” I motion around the room, causing a slight breeze. “This is a judgment free zone just like those gyms you see on tv.” The sunflowers rustle.
His eyes lose a little of the warmth they held, and he huffs, tapping the table with his fingers. “Did you mean to do that?”
“Do what?” Crap, I didn’t even notice that I’m using them.
“The wind blows outside, not inside without the aid of a fan or something.” He rubs his hands together and looks around my entire apartment. “I don’t see anything like that in here, so that only leaves you to cause it. So, I want to make sure you’re feeling all right.”
That’s the horrible thing about a studio apartment. You can see the whole living space from one spot. My apartment isn’t big and not the nicest, but this is the first place I’ve had that’s all mine. The only thing that distinguishes the kitchen from the other areas is the linoleum flooring. The rest is covered in dingy gray carpet. Then, there is my couch and TV, and at the far end, the bed that was left behind by the prior renter. It’s small but plenty of room for just me.
“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s part of me.” I don’t want to lie to him, and it’s kind of true. It’s all connected to me now. I need to change the subject and fast. “So what are you doing today?”
“I’ve got to head into work.” He glances down at his phone and frowns. “And I should probably get going. How ’bout I bring home some Mexican food for dinner tonight?”
“Sounds perfect.” I hate that he must go to work. But Luke wants to me head over to the mansion today, and it would be best to go alone. I need to talk to him about what’s going on with me, and I would downplay it if Charlie was there.
He stands and takes the few steps toward me. "Just be careful, okay?" He bends down and presses his lips to mine. "I don't know what I would do if something happened to you."
"Nothing is going to happen." I reach out and squeeze his hand. "I'll be right here when you get back."
"I love you. Call me if you need me." He gives me one last glance before he leaves.
When the door shuts, I let out a breath I didn't even realize I was holding. The truth of the matter is that I'm worried about my connection with the elements around me. For once, I’d like to be in control.
My phone rings from the corner of my room, and I rush over to the coffee table and pick it up. When I glance down, I find a text from Dax.
Hey Hot Stuff - Luke wants you to come here and check in.
I can't help the snort that escapes me. He's been giving me a hard time ever since I killed all of the demons down in hell with flames that came out my hands. But this text is timely. Luke may be able to give me some answers I'm needing anyway.
I picture Luke’s office at the mansion and remove the barriers between my apartment and his place just like he taught me. The air begins to swirl around me, and soon the walls are so thick I can’t see through them. The floor disappears, and I begin to drop, but now I’m able to control my speed. At least there are some small blessings.
Soon, something firm forms underneath me, and the wall of thick air around me dissipates. Luke and Dax both come into view.
Luke's sitting in his normal spot at the large table with some papers spread out in front of him while Dax has the hidden wall of weapons open, taking inventory.
"I'm surprised you came so quickly." Luke turns around and arches an eyebrow. "Whenever I ask for you to come here, you usually make sure to take your time."
Of course he would know I was here. He has the same kind of powers as I, so he can feel when I enter the room. I'm getting to where I can sense the same thing, but he has several years of experience over me, and my power is kind of overwhelming me at this point.
"I hate it when you both do that." Dax turns around with a frown. "Normal reapers don't appear out of thin air."
"And normal reapers aren't elders." Luke winks at me and stands.
Yeah, let's not go there right now. I take a step, and a breeze follows, brushing along my body.
"So... how are things?" Luke's brows furrow together.
"Still getting acclimated." There, that's not a lie and opens the door for more conversation. I don't want to just blurt it all out, but I need help.
"Man, this breeze would have come in handy while we were in hell." Dax grins and picks up one of the swords. "But I'm not complaining. Getting to watch a hot girl kick ass was worth it."
For some reason, when he makes comments like that, I want to hide my face. I clear my throat and ignore him.
"Has that been happening a lot?" Luke purses his lips and taps his chin. "The breeze and such?"
"Well..." It's still hard to trust him, but I've decided to, at least for now. "Earlier, a plant grew twice its size in my hand, and I didn't mean for it to happen." I'll leave out the part where I was distracted and kissing Charlie. Some details don't have to be shared, right?
"Hmmmm." He rubs a hand over his face and begins to pace. "So you're not able to control the elements that are linked to you at all times. It's as if they are taking on a life of their own."
He could say that again. I can control them when I fully concentrate, but otherwise, no. He's right. Why haven't I realized that before now?
"What does that mean?" Dax put downs the sword and focuses on me. "Is she all right?"
"Well, we need her to get to the fourth artifact to ensure balance, but until then, I want to test something to see what's going on." Luke's eyes focus on me, and he straightens his shoulders. "Do you mind coming somewhere with me? I have a theory I want to test out."
I'm not sure what to make of that, but at this point, I need to know what's going on, too. "Yeah, sure. But no funny business. If something feels off, I'm leaving." One thing I won't do is put myself in any uncomfortable situations just for the sake of keeping the peace.
"Of course." He places a hand over his heart and nods. "We are on the same team."
That's what he keeps saying. And so far, I haven't seen anything that proves otherwise.
"Stay here and make sure no one snoops around." He turns to Dax and motions to his desk. "We will be back shortly."
"Got it." Dax's stormy eyes meet mine. "Be safe, and stay out of trouble."
Despite what everyone thinks, I don't like to get in trouble. It just seems to find me. But he’s very concerned for some reason. ”Just worry about yourself. I'll be fine."
Luke grabs my hand, and the air begins to churn around us.
Damn, he wasn't kidding when he said let's go. Within seconds, we are transporting to our destination, wherever that is. I've never been there before, so this is another first for me.
&nb
sp; As soon as we arrive, the air calms down around us.
When I look around, I realize we're in someone's house. We're right inside the front door, which also happens to be the living room. There's a long, overstuffed couch in front of the window and a rocking chair to the side. On the other side of the room, a TV sits above a fireplace.
Something slams shut from the left side of the house. “I swear this laundry keeps growing. I’m going to be in here folding it all day.” An older woman’s voice echoes into the living room.
"Please, follow me." Luke turns right toward the hallway. "There is someone you need to see."
My body stiffens, and I bite my bottom lip. "Why don't you bring this person out here? I don't mind waiting."
He pauses and lets out a deep sigh. "Christina, will you please just come on." His shoulders drop, and his voice sounds tired. "I get you're still wary of me, but this person can't make it out here."
"Fine." He's up to something, but I'm not sure what. "I'm assuming it's just us and this other person here?"
"Yes, this person has been sick for a very long time." He opens the door, leading us into the back master bedroom.
There is an older man lying on the bed with an oxygen mask on his face. He's breathing in and out but is in a very deep sleep. His face is sagging, and his skin is turning yellow.
"What's wrong with him?" The stench of death is already upon him, so he doesn't have much longer. It's strange because that smell used to turn my stomach, but now it doesn't faze me at all.
"He's suffered a stroke." Luke stares at the man and frowns. "He hasn't been able to function since. His wife is just down the hall and will be back in just a few moments."
