I slap myself across the face with everything I’ve got. My hand and cheek both sting then I jerk and sit up. Awake.
Panting heavily, I drop off the bunk and look around. Efram jumps to his feet from his chair across the room. He looks around quickly, magic rising.
There’s motion over by the door, then the sound of padded feet running. A boy darts down the hall. It’s the first child we’ve seen here. Efram bursts into a run chasing after the boy. The adrenaline drains out of my system, leaving me shaking. I drop to the bed behind me, sitting on the edge and focusing on breathing.
A boy. Was he sending the haunts? Why haven’t we seen him before? He wasn’t at the meal or around at any point. This place gets weirder all the time. Breathe, one breath after another.
Was that my dad? It sounded like him, but it was a dream, wasn’t it? Or was that how these haunts attack? Pulling us into half-awake, half-dream state. If it was my dad that would confirm everything I’ve believed, he’s alive. I like that, a lot.
Efram walks back in empty-handed, shoulders slumped.
“Lose him?” I ask.
“Yeah,” Efram says, shaking his head.
“I haven’t seen him around here before,” I say. “Do you think he was the one sending the apparitions?”
“I don’t know,” Efram says, with a sigh that goes down to his toes.
He comes over and sits on the bed next to me. We sit in an uneasy silence. My thoughts are consumed by trying to figure out what happened. Why did they react differently to me? They were attacking Efram, but me they warned. How did my dad reach out to me? None of this makes sense. Sighing, I’m about to say something when I hear footsteps running down the hallway.
Efram and I both are on our feet in an instant. I weave a shield in front of myself just in case, and Efram does the same. There’s no telling what kind of oddity will come running in here next. We have to be ready for anything.
Rafe runs into the room with Nathaniel close on his heels. Rafe skids to stop in front of me as Nathaniel slams the door shut and leans against it.
“We have to get out of here, now,” Rafe says, chest heaving with exertion.
“Rafe!” I exclaim.
“It’s about time,” Efram says.
“Yeah, glad to see you guys, too,” Rafe says. “Now start packing.”
“What’s happening?” I ask, trying to get a grasp on the situation.
Nathaniel strides over to stand next to Rafe. He crosses his arms over his chest and clears his throat.
“We ran into some of our contacts,” Nathaniel says.
“My contacts,” Rafe inserts.
Nathaniel glares, shaking his head.
“Rafe’s contacts,” he says, correcting himself. Rafe grins broadly. “Another trumpet is going to sound, soon.”
“And we can’t be here when it happens,” Rafe says.
“Why would it be safer to be possibly caught outside?” Efram asks.
Rafe and Nathaniel look at each other once more and Nathaniel gives a slow nod.
“According to my contacts people here tend to disappear,” Rafe says. “This is not a good place. Worse than we thought.”
“You’re telling me,” I say.
“What happened,” Nathaniel asks, stepping forward and placing a hand on my shoulder.
It’s my turn to exchange a glance with Efram. He shrugs and nods, indicating I should tell the story. I fill Rafe and Nathaniel in on everything that’s happened so far, including the weird dinner with Hunter and our concerns about the food. I hesitate when I get up to the part about the haunts and the attack that just happened.
Nathaniel’s hand on my shoulder warms, and I feel him pushing strength into me through his magic and the connection between us. Focusing on that, I become aware that all three of them, in their own, individual ways are doing the same. Swallowing hard I bite the bullet.
“I think my dad reached out to me, somehow,” I say, biting my lower lip.
“What do you mean,” Nathaniel asks.
I shake my head, uncertain how to put it into words.
“The haunts weren’t attacking me,” I say. “At least not directly. They were warning me. Telling me I should run and hide. It was… mesmerizing. I was struggling against it when I heard my dad’s voice. He told me to wake up. It was only by listening to him that I escaped the half-awake state where the haunts could attack.”
Nathaniel frowns deeply and pulls back, even though he doesn’t break the connection with my arm. Once more I’m certain the angel knows more than he’s telling. I stare at his eyes, willing him to tell me the truth.
“That confirms it,” Rafe says.
“Confirms what?” I ask.
“Your dad’s alive,” he says.
“How can you know that for sure?” Efram asks.
“I don’t,” Rafe says. “I believe in Aviella.”
The three of them look at me, and my heart swells until I’m sure my chest will explode. I’ve never felt like I belong and certainly have never felt the way these guys make me feel. Their loyalty, trust, and their admiration are almost more than I know what to do with. It’s overwhelming, and tears form in my eyes. A smile spreads across my face as I shake my head.
“I love you guys,” I say.
No matter what happens, I know they have my back, and I have theirs.
“It’s too late to leave now,” Efram says, pushing past the emotions I can feel in all our energies.
“You’re right. It’s more dangerous to be outside than it is to stay here a bit longer,” Nathaniel agrees.
“I’m not so sure about that,” Rafe says. “But I’ll go along with it.”
“Since we’re all in agreement,” Efram continues, “I’ll take first watch. You three should sleep.”
No one argues, and we all head for our bunks.
Chapter Thirteen
“It’s not going to be easy,” Nathaniel says. “We need supplies.”
I stretch and yawn. My sleep last night was fitful at best. Ever since I woke up, the three men have been debating the merits of various plans for getting out of here. They’ve yet to come to an agreement. I don’t feel like I have anything to add, so I head out of the room to take one last look around.
Down one of the hallways I hear somebody whispering. It draws me forward out of curiosity, if nothing else. I pass by several rooms where people are working and doing various things, but none of them are the source of the sound that’s pulling me ahead. After I turn a corner I find it at last.
Looking through a round window in a door I see Hunter standing in the middle of an empty room, alone. Well, mostly alone. He’s whispering to haunts. I see their ethereal forms shifting around him. I can’t see them clearly, but I know they’re there. He continues whispering, but it doesn’t make any sense to me. I can’t make words out of what he’s saying. Something touches my back and I jump, yelping.
“Sorry,” Rafe says. “You wandered off, and I wanted to check on you.”
Afraid I’ve given myself away, I look back through the window, but apparently Hunter is too consumed with what he’s doing to have heard the sound. Trying to will my heart back into a normal pace, I walk away from the door before saying anything to Rafe. No need to risk drawing attention.
“You scared the devil out of me,” I say.
Rafe grins even bigger as he arches an eyebrow. “And that’s a bad thing?”
“You know what I mean,” I snap.
“You’re right,” he says in an uncharacteristic display of humility. “I apologize.”
“It’s fine,” I say, sighing. “My nerves are shot. Whatever the hell Hunter is, he’s strange, and I don’t like this place.”
Rafe looks serious, a change in his overall demeanor.
“Hunter,” he says, shaking his head. “No one aboveground knows what he is, nor do they suggest anyone attempt to find out. Apparently, he’s been here for a very long time, and they say that he doesn’t age.”
I have that strange sensation like ants or bugs are crawling across my arms.
“Great,” I say, swallowing hard. “Well nothing like a bit of mystery, huh?”
Rafe stands close, too close. It feels like his golden eyes are drinking me in. My heart rate increases in response to his closeness. His musky, male scent fills my nostrils. It’s exciting and makes me feel a tightness deep in my core as desire rises. My mouth is dry, too dry to speak.
“I missed you,” he says, voice soft and low.
My heart stops, and my skin feels feverish as my lips tremble. This is crazy, almost as crazy as Hunter. I nod, expressing my agreement, but we can’t act on this now. It’s stupid, the timing is all wrong, there’s a million and one reasons, all of them legitimate. None of them matter. Almost involuntarily I lift onto my toes and close the distance between us. I’m drawn to him like gravity pulling me in. His deep, soulful eyes stare into mine. He doesn’t lean in, but he doesn’t pull back either. His lips part, inviting.
Something slams behind us. I jump, spinning around and landing in a partial crouch. Rafe’s energy surges protectively around me. The hallway is empty, but again Hunter is slamming something else in the room. My stomach clenches tight, and goosebumps race across my arms.
“We need to move,” Rafe whispers, taking the lead.
“Yeah,” I agree, turning and following him.
The moment is broken, again. It was crazy anyway. I can’t possibly let myself get carried away by any one of my protectors. How would it affect the rest of them if I did? The ramifications are too great to consider. No, I have to remain strong. Besides, I don’t know what I want. My connection to each of them is strong and different. They each bring something unique to the table. How am I supposed to choose only one?
“You know it’s hard, right?” Rafe asks.
“What is?” I ask, glancing over.
“You,” he says, smiling.
“Huh?” I ask, shaking my head.
“We’re all drawn to you,” he says, shaking his head. “They all feel it, even if they won’t admit it.”
“Oh,” I say, recoiling internally but trying to hide it.
“Don’t worry, it will all work out,” he says, confident as always.
“Yeah,” I agree, half-hearted. “Hey, I’m going to the bathroom, I’ll meet you back at the bunk.”
He stops and turns towards me, shaking his head.
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” he says, looking back the way we came.
“I am not going to have a guardian while I use the restroom, Rafe. I can take care of myself,” I say, digging my heels in.
He grits his teeth, his jaw tightening and brow furrowing. Finally, he nods his assent.
“Okay,” he says, “but be careful. And hurry.”
“I’m not going to make a career out of it,” I snap.
He holds his hands up in surrender.
“I know, I know…” he stares down the hall. “I admit it, I’m worried. Okay?”
“Yeah,” I agree, getting control of my emotions. “Sorry, I guess I’m on edge too.”
He nods, and we part ways at the intersection, him heading to the bunk while I go towards the restroom. The restroom has four sinks with dirty, broken mirrors hanging over them, and four stalls behind them. I walk from one end to the other making sure I’m alone then go to the middle sink. I turn on the water which creaks then a slow trickle comes out. Splashing the cool water on my face, I take a deep breath and look at myself in the mirror.
“Get it together,” I tell my wavering reflection.
Deep breaths, calm and cleansing. It’s one of the tricks my Dad taught me. One I don’t use enough. Splashing more water on my face, I finally feel refreshed and ready to face the guys again. I grab the door and pull. Nothing happens. Frowning, I pull harder, but this time I notice the rattle. It’s locked!
“Do you think I don’t hear the whispers?” Hunter says, right behind me.
I jump, magic rising as well as the hairs on back of my neck.
“I haven’t given much thought to you at all,” I lie, spinning on my heel to face him.
“Or maybe you think I’m afraid of your pet demon?” he asks, staring at me with his fixed empty smile and crazy eyes. Cold chills run down my spine. “You all should be grateful for my hospitality.”
He runs his fingers over my skin tracing the line of my jaw.
“You might do well to rethink that,” I say, proud of the fact that my voice doesn’t quaver.
“You skin glows like the moon,” he says, his eyes taking on an eerie light of their own.
What is this asshole?
“Let me out of here,” I say. “Or I’ll scream.”
His smile widens. “Go ahead, I dare you. Let’s see what happens.”
He takes his hand off my face holding it up between the two of us. His fingernails extend, growing longer and darker, until they are full-on talons. The shirt he is wearing is open far enough I see his shoulder and notice it looks like it has had a bite taken out of it. His face shimmers and for just an instant he looks like Rafe.
Holy Shit, he’s a shape-shifter!
I’ve got to get out of here. The others have to know the truth. Waving my arms in front of me, I slam them together and create a blinding light out of my sigils like Nathaniel taught me. An obscuring mist fills the space around us, and I turn back towards the door, moving on memory. I fumble for the handle and pull, but once again nothing happens. Dammit, I have to get out of here.
I hear him moving behind me, forcing me away from the door. The problem with the obscuring mist is I can’t see through it either.
“I can smell you,” he says, and he giggles.
He giggles, what in the hell is this guy, a stereotype for every horror movie ever made? I’m stuck in a creepy game of cat and mouse. Moving away from him in the confined space of the restroom. We’re tracking each other by sound alone. I back into the wall opposite of the door.
“Going to suck the marrow out of your bones,” he whispers. “Your soul will be here to keep me company forever.”
I bite my tongue, cutting off any witty retort I might’ve come up with. Feeling my way along I slide along the sinks, making my way back to the door. I’m holding out hope that it will open this time, not that I have any reason to think it will, but my magic is pulsing inside of me, and maybe I can figure out some way to use it to force the door.
“You’re going to be mine,” he whispers.
I’m almost to the door, I think, when it explodes open.
“GAHA OIAD NANAEEL OL OIAD,” Nathaniel yells, bursting into the room.
As soon as he says the words I understand him. He’s invoking the power of God. Hunter shrieks, a bloodcurdling scream. I let go of the mist that I’ve been holding onto to hide myself. As soon as it fades, I see Hunter cowering against the far wall. He’s trying to protect his head with his arms and continues to scream as Nathaniel continues chanting. Rafe rushes in with a thick rope in his hands.
Hunter and Rafe struggle, but Nathaniel’s chant has weakened Hunter, leaving him mostly powerless. In a few moments Rafe has him completely bound. If only for good measure, Rafe places a gag over his mouth. I walk over to Hunter and meet his crazy eyes.
“How about my pet demon now?” I ask. “Do you feel the fear?”
Hunter gnashes at the gag in his mouth, struggling against the ties. He can’t break free though, Rafe has him under control. Rafe jerks him roughly upright holding him back from me.
“That’s enough,” Rafe says, his voice low and menacing.
“What are we going to do with him?” I ask.
“There’s a place here in Wormwood where all hope is lost. We’re going to put him there,” Nathaniel says.
Hunter’s eyes widen, and his mouth opens around the gag. He shakes his head “no” violently and struggles harder than ever against the rope binding him. A thrill of joy rises in me seeing his fear then suddenly he leaps forward.
I stumble backwards tripping over something and falling onto my butt. Hunter hangs in the air over me for an instant and cold grips me. This is it, my own klutzy nature is going to be the end of me. Instinctively protecting my head with my arms, a yelp escapes me, and then he flies backwards.
“No, you don’t!” Rafe yells.
Hunter lands in a heap on the floor in front of Rafe. Red hot rage rises, replacing the fear of a moment ago. I leap to my feet.
“You son-of-a-” I exclaim, closing on Hunter. I kick him in the ribs once, then twice. Nathaniel grabs me from behind, pinning my arms to my side. “Let me go!”
“Aviella, no,” Nathaniel says. “This is not you.”
That stops me. The anger is gone in an instant leaving cold emptiness behind. He’s right, what am I doing? I relax in his grip.
“Right,” I exhale.
Nathaniel loosens his grip, but his hands linger on my arms before he pulls them away. Warmth pulses on my skin reminding me of his touch as it moves into my core.
“He won’t escape the place we’re putting him,” Rafe says, wrapping the rope holding Hunter’s binding a few more times around his forearm to make sure he can’t pull a stunt like that again.
“Good, he deserves nothing less,” I say. “Hopefully the people of this Bunker will be relieved. Do you think the lost souls trapped here will be able to escape if he’s gone?”
“Perhaps,” Nathaniel says, shaking his head.
It’s one of those moments where I feel like the angel knows more than he’s saying but I know damn well he’s not going to share.
“Wait at the bunk for us,” Rafe says. “Efram is there.”
I nod my agreement and leave them to it, walking back to the bunk. On my way I pass by the dining area, and when I do, Cordy voice is coming from inside.
“It’s only a matter of time,” Cordy says.
I look in the open door and see him standing on one of the tables. A handful of the other Bunker survivors look up at him.
“Soon a new monster will emerge, even if it is wearing human skin, and it will claim the twisted crown that rules this shadowy place,” he says. “There’s only one way to be safe. We must all have the blood mark.”
Apocalypse the Blossoming (The Power of Twelve Book 2) Page 9
