“What did they want?” Desiree asked, worried.
I shrugged. “Ivy left me her swords,” I said, fingering the beautiful details on the sheaths.
“Why?” Max asked.
“I don't know. She always said I was her worst student,” I replied.
“But she might have seen something,” Desiree theorized.
“Ivy wasn't a very good Seer!” Annora added, crossing her arms.
I scowled. “She was...”
“Crazy?” Annora offered.
I glared at her. “I was going to say eccentric.”
“That's an understatement,” Max added.
I clipped the swords to my belt, one on each side.
“Were they mad?” Desiree asked.
“Who?”
“The Council,” Max said.
I looked between them. “Why would they be mad?”
“Because the last time an elder left a gift for someone was back when the Immortal city still stood strong,” Annora replied.
I shrugged. “So?”
“It could be seen as an omen,” Max explained.
“A gift of weapons—powerful magical weapons—isn't a good omen,” Desiree said.
“Magic?” I said, looking at the blades.
“Only one person wielded those blades before Ivy, an Egipcion hunter named Andreas. They called him the slayer of immortal demons,” Annora said.
“These were created to kill our kind?” I said, now unsure if I wanted them.
“When Ivy killed Andreas, she was told to get rid of them, but she said even with the magic lost, only a fool would throw away a good weapon,” Annora replied.
I groaned. “Great. Cursed swords. Thanks, Ivy.”
Max patted me on the back and laughed. “She must have hated you.”
“Or really liked you,” Desiree added.
“Maybe I shouldn't wear them,” I said, removing the left blade.
“You have to,” Annora stated. “If you don't it would be a dishonor to her memory.”
“She's right,” Desiree agreed. “Ivy was strange but she was a good teacher and led well. She left you with the responsibility to carry her memory.”
I returned the sword to my belt. “I should get back to my post.”
Standing once again beneath the tree, I removed one of the silver swords from its sheath. “What did you see, Ivy?” I asked aloud as I closely examined the blade.
The swords were identical, each sixteen inches in length and made of the finest steel mixed with the purest silver. The grips were simple black wrapped leather. Each blade had its own inscription that sealed the magic into the weapon—a magic I could not use. The writing was dragon—a language I did not understand.
“Maybe she saw your death?” Annora said, coming to stand beside me.
I frowned.
“I'm only kidding,” she said, laughing and nudging my arm.
“Don't,” I said, sheathing the blade.
“What?”
“You know what.” I met her eyes.
“Gods! Elysian, you can't tell me she is what you want,” Annora exclaimed.
“It's Jaden! She is what I want—what I need.”
“Listen to yourself. She's human,” Annora said, waving her hand at me.
“So were we once,” I replied.
“That was a long time ago.”
“Not so long that I have forgotten.” I moved away from her.
She grabbed my arm and pushed my back up against the tree.
“Annora!” I yelled.
She leaned in so her lips were inches from mine. “I remember you used to beg me to hold you down,” she whispered.
“Don't,” I breathed, the beast's sudden overwhelming desire filling me.
“Then stop me,” she challenged, then kissed me hard.
I shoved her away.
Annora laughed, skidding a few feet from me. “I won't give up, Elysian. You know how I like a challenge,” she said before wandering into the night.
“It's Jaden!” I yelled after her.
I turned angrily and walked the perimeter, my mind dwelling on her kiss. I love Alexis, so why does some part of me still want Annora? The monster! It’s him, he wants—yearns for her. If she continues to pursue me, how long can I resist its needs? I trembled at the thought of giving in. If things were to go too far with Annora, I would never forgive myself. I have to stay away from her, far away. I frowned. Deep down, I knew it was only going to last for so long.
My cell phone vibrated; I pulled it out and frowned. “Hello, Mr. Whitmore.”
“You sound disappointed,” he said.
“Did you find any discrepancies in the Hoffman’s accounts?” I asked.
“No. And I went over everything twice.”
“So why is the U.S. Government interested in the Hoffman account?” I dutifully scanned the field beyond the electric fence.
“I'm not sure they're investigating the Hoffmanns anymore.”
“You think they're investigating us,” I guessed.
“Would the U.S. Government have reasons to?” he asked.
I sighed and sat cross-legged on the wet ground. “Possibly.”
“Possibly?” he exclaimed.
“I travel a lot between the U.S. and other countries. I may live and own a business in the United Kingdom but I am also a citizen of several different countries. Combine that with my large overseas bank accounts and the new security measures they have implemented across the planet. It is possible they believe I'm either a terrorist or associated with terrorists,” I explained.
“You, a terrorist?” Mr. Whitmore laughed.
“I'm glad you find it funny.” Irritated, I rubbed my temples.
He laughed harder.
“Can you clear this up?” I asked.
“I'll fix it, but you should get back here and stop traveling around for a while.”
“Perhaps you're right,” I replied.
“Of course I'm right. Don't worry; I will fix this. You just hurry back here.”
“Okay and thanks, Mr. Whitmore,” I said.
“Anytime,” he replied, then hung up.
No matter how long I live, my live never gets any easier. I looked at my phone; a smile forming. After the day I’ve had, there is only one voice I need to hear.
The line rang repeatedly.
“Hello?” Alexis's beautiful sleepy voice filled me.
I closed my eyes and soaked it in.
“Jaden?” she asked, worried.
“I'm sorry I woke you. I just wanted to hear your voice,” I said softly.
“Is everything okay? Did something happen?” She yawned and I could hear her sit up in bed.
“No. It's just been a long day.”
“Do you want to talk about it?” she asked.
“Not really,” I said, standing to walk the perimeter once again.
“Please tell me,” she pressed.
I looked down at the swords. “The council wanted to speak with me,” I said, returning my gaze to the electric fence and field beyond.
“Were you in trouble?”
“No. Apparently, Ivy had a will and left me her swords.” I rested my left hand on the grip.
“You must have been a very good friend,” Alexis replied.
I ran my fingers along the electric fence, the electricity pulsating through me. “But I wasn't. When our physical relationship ended, I hardly spoke to her.”
“Maybe she felt more for you than she expressed. People rarely say how they feel,” Alexis pointed out.
“You're probably right,” I said, dropping my hand from the fence, the current dissipating.
“Have they had the funeral yet?” she asked.
“Tomorrow, but I'm not going,” I replied.
“Jaden, you have to. She was your friend!”
“I know, but I want to remember her alive, not as a box being carried to a pyre.”
“What was she like?” Alexis asked.
�
�Ivy was beautiful, with raven black hair, violet eyes and a short and stocky body—not fat, muscular. Her laugh was rare but musical. Ivy was a strange soul, distant, but also lived more in the moment than anyone I have ever known. She loved nature and animals, rabbits mostly.”
“Rabbits?” Alexis laughed.
“Yeah,” I smiled briefly. “I hate to think of her in that small plain box. She always hated small spaces.” I once again touched the fence, this time with my whole hand. The electrical current sent painful ripples through me, but it was a welcomed distraction.
Through my side view, I watched Nathaniel cross the perimeter east of me.
“You loved her?” Alexis asked.
“Yes. My love for Ivy was that of deep respect. She was my leader, teacher, my hero, and friend. Even after she told me to leave,” I replied softly.
“She told you to leave?” Alexis asked, surprised.
“Ivy saw everything before it happened. When she approached me for a physical relationship, she expressed the need for it to be nothing more. She knew it would fail before it even began,” I explained. “I understood as much as anyone without the sight could. The passion was intense but she never gave me any part of herself. I think seeing the future made her incapable of truly loving anyone or allowing anyone inside.”
“She must have loved her people very much to sacrifice so much,” she replied.
Dropping my hand I turned, my heart weighted. “When I was a youngling I used to imagine I would become a hero like her, doing great and noble deeds. Now I know I could never make the sacrifices she did; I'm too selfish.”
“You're not selfish, just practical,” Alexis replied.
I grinned. “According to Mr. Whitmore, I’m the least practical person on the planet.”
She laughed and I longed to touch her soft face.
“You should still go to Ivy's funeral. She was your hero and you should honor her by saying goodbye,” Alexis said.
“Ivy hated funerals, but you're right. I need to say goodbye.”
“I love you. If you’d like to talk after, I’ll be here.”
“Thank you,” I said.
“You’re absolutely welcome.”
Eighteen
alexis tossed and turned in bed. She looked at the clock and sighed. Without Jaden's cool arms, she had not slept well.
“Jaden's spoiled me, Sophia,” she said to the cat as she sat up.
Sophia meowed at her and Alexis laughed. “Yes, she is very good at it.”
Alexis showered and dressed again in Jaden's clothing, breathing in her scent.
Over the last few days, Alexis had toyed around with the idea of moving to England with Jaden. She felt slightly awkward relying on Jaden for money, housing, and food—no matter how much she wanted to believe Jaden was sincere. She couldn’t see how Jaden could want her.
“I don’t know what to do, Sophia. Jaden’s beautiful, powerful. She can have anything, anyone. Why me?” she asked the cat as she flipped through the phone book.
The cat stared at her from the floor and Alexis sighed. “She wants me to be like her—immortal. But, I’m not sure if I’m ready to give up my humanity.”
Finding the number of a local taxi company, she pressed the numbers into her phone. The cat mewed and Alexis met the animal’s large eyes. “Yeah, but it’s better then walking.”
She set the dishes into the large industrial steel sink. Jaden did promise to let me go if that's what I want. But, would it be so bad to agree? Living forever does have its appeal. What would immortality be like? She took the apron off the wall. I could do anything, go anywhere.
“How we doing tonight?” Sal asked, interrupting her thoughts as she tied an apron around her waist.
She smiled at the short, round man. “Great!”
“That's what I like to hear. Annie was right about you. I'm glad I took you on here.”
“Thank you, sir,” she said, elated by his compliment.
“I know Annie said you're only here through the holidays, but it has been such a joy having you around. So I was hoping, you might like to stay on—part time. Maybe after school. We would love to have you,” Sal offered.
She glanced around the diner, its now-familiar fluorescent lights warm and inviting. “I'll have to think about it, sir.”
“Of course. Just let me know what you decide.”
“I will. Thank you!”
Chili fries in hand, Alexis returned to the dining room. She set them down in front of Officer Mills.
“Do you know what day tomorrow is?” he asked excitedly.
Alexis shrugged. “Thursday?”
“It's his anniversary,” Annie said, setting the officer's milkshake down.
“Congratulations! How long have you been married?” Alexis asked, surprised.
“Twenty-two wonderful years.” He grinned ear to ear.
“She's a lucky lady. What's her name?” Alexis asked.
“His name is Keith,” Officer Mills replied.
“I didn't mean to assume anything,” she apologized, embarrassed.
“It's okay,” he said around a mouthful of greasy fries. “I don't advertise it.”
“Bullshit! Never ask him to show you pictures. He will never shut up.” Annie nudged Alexis's arm, making her giggle.
“You got a boy or girlfriend?” Officer Mills asked.
She blushed. “A girlfriend, I think.”
“So what was it? What made you take a second look?” he asked, then took a sip of his shake.
“Her eyes,” Alexis replied instantly. “They’re the most beautiful icy blue.”
Officer Mills laughed. “Where is this mysterious, beautiful blue-eyed girl?”
“Billy!” Annie scolded.
“Jade is in France right now,” Alexis replied.
“France!” he said. Alexis nodded. “So you're trying the long distance thing.”
Too long and too distant. She nodded. “Yes, Sir, for a little while at least.”
“Well, good luck, kid. If it's real and meant to be, you'll find a way to make it work.”
Alexis smiled. Officer Mills is right; Jaden and I do not have to be apart. Other than this small group of friends—human friends, nothing is keeping me in L.A. Nothing but my fears.
“Trust me, love is worth all the risks,” he said.
Any risk?
“Thank you, sir,” Alexis said.
The first time she met Jaden flashed across her mind later as she folded her pay and stuffed it in a pocket. Maybe this is my destiny to spend forever by Jaden's side as an Immortal. She grinned. My future is Jaden.
She stepped from Sal's Diner into cool rain.
“Need a ride?” Officer Mills asked from his squad car.
“Please and thank you. My friend had to leave early to work,” Alexis said as she climbed in.
“No problem. Keeping people safe is my job,” he said, smiling.
“You really like your job, don't you?”
“I love it. But, it has its challenges like any other.”
“Really, like what?” she asked.
Officer Mills frowned. “You remember the dead men I told you about?”
Did they find out who killed them? Did they have a suspect? If it wasn't Jaden, then who? Would Jaden let some stranger go to jail in her stead? Alexis's thoughts were an endless stream of worry. She could only manage nodding, a large lump forming in her throat.
“The FBI took over the case. They shipped all the evidence and bodies to their headquarters in Washington. Our department knows these streets. We know where to find the junkies to shake down for information. But we aren't involved anymore and there is no way the FBI can solve this case in Washington.” He clenched the steering wheel, his anger clear.
Alexis slipped her hand into her pocket and gripped the cell phone tightly. The FBI.
“So what will happen with the case?” She asked.
He shrugged. “The FBI will try to solve it, but in the end, it'll be
filed with the cold case bureau. Lost among the thousands of others.”
“Thousands?” she asked.
“Unfortunately. Cases with little evidence, no suspects, and no witness like this one get little attention. In time, they go cold.”
How many of those people were killed by Immortals? How many had Jaden killed? If I became like her, would I kill people too?
A deep chill moved down her spin as she asked, “How do you catch the bad guys, then?”
Officer Mills grinned. “We bend the law just a little, play nice with politicians and cross our fingers. Sometimes we get a lucky break.”
“No, offense, but I think I'm going to stick with ancient history and culture.”
“None taken, little lady!” he said as he pulled up to the apartment.
“Thank you for the lift,” Alexis said.
“It's what I'm here for,” he replied as she climbed out of the squad car.
Nineteen
we Assembled behind Lord François's estate on the frozen lawn as four masked guards carried Ivy's simple oak casket to the large pyre.
I stood with Desiree, James, and Maxwell, all of us in dark clothing. I became all too aware of the slow pounding of my heart as the box passed me.
It’s too quiet.
Human funerals had sounds—muffled sounds, but sounds nonetheless: voices, sniffs, coughs, sobs, the ruffle of tissues. I could not even hear the soft sound of people breathing.
I felt the sharp sting of sadness within me just as a human would feel such a thing, yet no tears would ever come. Ivy deserves tears. A simple gesture of our love and respect. But it was an empty wish, like the others. Like the earth beneath my feet, I was frozen. Despite the absence of physical emotion, the weight of unseen tears made the air thick as snow began to fall around us. The guards placed the casket onto the pyre.
Lady Marianna stood in front of the pyre in a simple black dress, hands folded in front of her. “Ivy,” she started, her voice cracking. “Ivy was more than a hero, council member, teacher, lover, or friend. Those who died by Ivy's side were more than her students; they were our sisters and brothers. And we are less without them.” Her hands trembled.
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