by Jen L. Grey
My body convulses in protest, and the walls seem to swirl.
“What the hell did you just do?” Charlie’s voice is strained.
Shit. Did he just watch the whole thing? I take a deep breath and attempt to ignore the chills coursing through my body. I turn to find Charlie standing in the alleyway, his face white.
“I…” What do I say? I don’t want to lie. I reach out to the wall to remain standing and make sure I don’t trip over the body on the ground.
“Was he your target?” Charlie’s eyes are wide and his jaw is clenched.
“In a way.” He kind of was.
“Do you know what you’ve just done?” He steps up to me, his breathing ragged.
This feels like a trick question. Either way I answer seems like it will piss him off. “No, I guess I don’t.”
“You are in trouble with the council so I know you don’t have a target.” He lifts his chin. “You either tell me what is going on or I’m turning you in.”
Shit, and here I was thinking I was getting my ducks in a row.
Chapter Nineteen
Charlie’s hazel eyes narrow. “I’m serious.” He shakes his head. “I’ve had enough of whatever games you’re playing.”
Do we have to do this now? I don’t have the stamina to stand here and fight him. “You do realize we’re standing over a dead body and someone could come across us at any minute?”
He runs a hand through his hair and huffs. “Fine, we can go somewhere.”
At this point, I’ll take the small blessings. Maybe, at least, I can sit down. My magic is weighing down my limbs and is rolling throughout. It’s almost as if it’s colliding with itself, trying to remove whatever is left of the soul’s residence inside me. When my dad usually helps, he takes most of the soul inside him, and it’s a team effort. This was all me, and it’s not going well.
A phone rings, and I grab mine. The screen is all black, and I hit the on button to light it up. Nope, there are no missed calls or texts so it’s not mine. Huh, it must be Charlie.
The phone rings again. “Aren’t you going to answer it?” Charlie’s tone is annoyed.
“Uh, no.” I look up. “Isn’t it you?”
He shakes his head, and we both look at the dead man at our feet.
“Come on.” Charlie heads back out of the alley. “We should be able to find a place close by. Someone is going to find him soon, especially if his phone keeps going off.”
I don’t want to, but the last thing I need is another person to run to the council. I still have two more people to reap so I can get to the crystal. “Fine, but we need to make it quick.”
A hard chuckle escapes him. “Trust me. I don’t want to be around you any longer than I have to be.”
Those comments used to sting when I was younger, but now they just annoy me. I bite my tongue, not wanting to antagonize him anymore. I do need to get out of here.
We make it back to the main strip and walk down a few storefronts when a small coffee shop appears on the corner.
Right now, a hot white mocha latte would hit the spot. “Why don’t we go in here?”
He shrugs and nods. “Okay, this works.”
At least, this is a small win in my book. I open the door, and the scent of coffee hits my nose. Sweet, this is one of my favorite smells. I head straight to the counter. The place is small and has five two-seater tables inside. Two of the tables are occupied but there is one vacant in the corner in the back next to a dark hallway that must lead to the bathrooms. That’s where we need to go. I order my drink and go down to the pick-up area to wait for it.
Charlie gets a water and heads over to the table to sit.
It doesn’t take long for my drink to be served, and I join Charlie. As soon as I’m settled in my chair, I pick up the coffee and take a long sip. The warmth does feel good to me, especially since I’m still chilled after vanquishing the man.
“So, what’s going on?” He takes a sip of his water and leans in his chair so that the front two legs are off the ground.
Why does he expect me to trust him? He’s never been a fan of mine and even tried to keep Beth and me from being friends. I don’t think he’s ever been on my side. I have no reason to trust him. But I don’t want him to run to the council. They’ll want to know what I’m doing, and I’ll get in even more trouble. I play with my cup and bounce my foot.
“Look.” Charlie lets out a breath and glances down. “I know I’ve been really hard on you about...” He drops the front two legs of the chair back on the floor and shifts. “About Beth. I’ve blamed you for things…” He rubs his hands over his face. “Okay, I’m not ready yet, but I’ve been a jackass and I know it. But that person you reaped tonight?”
Whoa, was he almost about to semi-apologize. It kinda almost sounded like he was going to, but hell, you never know with him. “Yeah, what about him?”
“Well.” He leans forward and puts his forearms on the table, lowering his voice. “He might have been able to bring Beth back.”
“What?” I cover my mouth with my hands at the same time the lady at the table closest to us looks my way.
“Shh,” he glares at me.
I lower my tone and lean closer to him. “That’s impossible.”
“Rumor has it you can bring people back from the dead, too.” He says the statement calm and straightforward.
However, when I meet his eyes, I can see the questions in them. I lick my lips. “Yes. It’s true.”
His eyes widen. “Then why haven’t brought her back yet?”
“Well, for one, I freaked out.” Doesn’t he know I ask myself these same questions every day? One reason I can’t let her go and cling to her like she’s my buoy. “And two, there were so many people around, including my parents, and I’ve never done that before. I didn’t know for sure that I could until two days ago.”
“Then why is it impossible for someone else to do it?” He leans forward, forehead creased.
“If the soul gets too far into their realm, it’s hard to pull them back.” I take another sip of my coffee but don’t even taste the sweetness. This whole conversation has ruined it. “It just happens.”
“He had a way.” He puts distance between us again and glances around. “I was going to find a way to bring her back. If you have a way, others can have different methods as well.”
I hate to admit it, but he does have a point there. I can’t be the sole person or supernatural in the world who can bring people back from death. Can I?
“Look, as you obviously know, I’m in a ton a trouble with the council.” And that is me downplaying it, but I’m not going to focus on semantics right now. “I messed up, and in order for me to protect my family, I have to find the earth crystal and three other special artifacts after that.”
“So why are you over here reaping random people that shouldn’t be targets?” He raises an eyebrow.
“Because how I find things is blocked.” Another cold chill wracks my body.
“What are you talking about?” He rubs his chin.
At this point, all my little secrets are coming out. “I can find things by picturing them in my mind. Except for this crystal. Only darkness shrouds it. It’s blocked.”
He grimaces. “I guess this is where everything makes sense?”
“Not sure if it makes sense, but it explains it.” I close my eyes for a moment and steady myself. “I had to find a way to unblock it. So, I made a deal with a demon. I have to reap three souls, and he’ll unblock it so I can find what I need to settle my score with the council.”
“Was she worth it?” His tone is laced with bitterness.
What a jackass. “Do you know who she looks like?”
“Huh?” His eyebrows furrow.
“The girl I saved.” I speak slow so he can process it. “She’s the spitting image of Beth.” I cover my face with my hands. “Do you know what it’s like to live with the blame every day?”
“Christina…” His voice is soft
.
I hold up a hand and glare. “No, listen. I have felt responsible for Beth’s death since that night. I shouldn’t have let her talk me into going. I should have listened to my gut. All these I shoulds.”
He narrows his eyes.
My hands shake, and I take another sip of my drink needing just a moment. “So, when I saw my target, who looked exactly like Beth, die in front of me, I couldn’t handle it. It was like watching Beth die all over again. I didn’t know if it would work, but I knew I had to try. No one else was around. My parents weren’t there to stop me.” My vision stings with tears, and I wipe one away that trickles down my cheek. “I saved her because of Beth.”
Charlie’s face is blank.
“And then my power was blocked. I couldn’t find the crystal, and I felt like I was suffocating.” I let out a shaky breath.
He licks his lips and looks out the cafe window. “We’re going to find a way to save her.”
Could we? I never thought about that possibility, but could we bring Beth back? To think I could have my best friend back with me is intoxicating. Maybe there is a way. “After this, I am willing to help find a way.”
His eyes meet mine. “Really?”
“Of course.” I would give anything to have her here with me again. “She’s my best friend.”
“You know what?” He scratches the back of his head and blows out his mouth. “I might regret this, but let’s team up. I’ll help you get what you need, and while we’re doing this, we’ll hunt for ways to bring Beth back. But we can’t let the council know I’m involved.”
Is this a good idea? I don’t know if I trust him, but he does want his sister back as much as I do. And finding these artifacts will put us in contact with the correct people who will know if there is a way to do this. “Okay, I’m in.”
Fire and brimstone fill my nose, and I glance at Charlie and put a finger to my lips.
“What?” he whispers when Damien steps out from dark hallway behind us.
His black inkiness is on full display, and he glances at Charlie than me. “Christina, may I have a word?”
Chapter Twenty
Charlie stiffens and his fists clench. “You can join us.”
That wouldn’t go well. Damien is the reason he’s lost hope of getting Beth back again, so I’m sure he’s looking for a fight. “Just give me a second.”
Damien smirks and nods. Then he heads out the front door.
After the door shuts, I get to my feet. “I’ll be right back.”
A hand grabs mine, and I startle when it sinks in that it’s Charlie.
His hazel eyes soften and he leans in a little. “I don’t like this.”
Whoa, is he concerned about me? That can’t be, right? I have to be misreading this whole situation. I pull my hand away and stick it in my pocket, because, let’s be real, this is awkward. “Well, I do have to get my second target, so I have to talk to him.”
He jerks his hand back and wipes it on his pants legs. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”
What are we, twelve? Does he still think girls have cooties? I swear, this guy has always drove me insane. Needing to get distance, I begin to walk out.
“Hey,” Charlie calls after me.
The last thing I want to do is turn around, but we have somewhat of a truce going on so I guess I better. I got this. I turn around and find him holding out my cup. “Don’t forget this. I’d hate for it to go to waste.”
I close the distance between us and grab the cup. “How long do you think I’m going to be out there?”
He shrugs. “Not long, but I figure if he does anything suspect you can at least throw it in his eyes.”
A lady-like snort escapes me. “Oh, yes. I’m sure the coffee will really bother a demon that comes from Hell.”
“Hey, it’s a distraction no matter where he comes from.” He lowers his face and stares into my eyes.
Not wanting to fight over something so stupid, I take a large sip of my drink. “I guess if you consider a fly a distraction.” I turn and head out the door, not wanting to deal with anything else at the moment with Charlie. I glance around and find Damien leaned up against the building several feet away from all the people.
His arms are crossed and his muscles are bulging. A few girls are staring at him from several feet away.
It’s crazy. Demons are not bad looking, but their appearance isn’t what truly gets them their attention. If you pay attention to them, you can see the darkness surrounding them. It’s easier for me because I’m another supernatural. However, humans don’t see that because they focus in on the dark, seductive, sinful allure that pours out of them for being what they are. However, I can’t see past what he is. “What’s up?”
“Oh, you finally made it.” His blue eyes flash, and he tilts his head to the side. “I didn’t know if your boyfriend was going to let you leave.”
“Did you hit your head in our short time apart?” I rise on my tiptoes, looking for signs of injury. Charlie has hated me with all his being, so for someone to think otherwise means there is a screw loose somewhere.
“No, stop being stupid.” Damien scowls at me.
“I’m not.” I take a step back. “But, by you thinking there was a chance he was my boyfriend, I’m rethinking how smart you really are.”
“That’s the thing, little reaper.” He drops his hands and smiles as he bites his bottom lip. “I do know a lot. A lot more than you do. And there is one thing I’m willing to share. If you think that boy,” he points back to the coffee shop, “hates you, you have another thing coming. However, he’s so confused by what he’s feeling, he doesn’t understand it yet.”
This whole conversation is pointless so it’s time to let it drop. I don’t have the energy to keep arguing, and to be honest, I still don’t feel great. If reaping one soul took that much out of me, how in the world am I supposed to do two more? My pulse speeds up, but I take deep, calming breaths. I have to take this one person at a time. I can’t jump two ahead. “So, the guy I just reaped. What did he do?”
His relaxed posture tenses a bit. “What is our agreement?”
“I know, but…” How do I get out of this? I take a sip of my coffee, trying to buy some time. “Well, it just seemed like he knew something was off.”
“It doesn’t matter.” He stares out into the crowd of people. “A deal’s a deal… unless you’re trying to renege.”
“No.” I shake my head. “No, I’m not. I just thought.” I sigh. What did I think? “How is Becca?”
“She’s fine.” He reaches into his back pocket and pulls out his cell phone. “She’s actually visiting with her family now for a few minutes. She needed to see them, but I told her to meet them out and to not stay with them long yet. We don’t need to push anything until she’s off the council’s radar.”
Good. She was upset and needed to be around them even if it’s just for a short while. “Well, I’m glad she’s getting to see them.”
After tapping on his phone for a few minutes, he hands it over to me. “Here is your next target.”
I take the phone and see a picture of a name written down on a post-it note.
Randy Johnson
I close my eyes and clear my mind. A younger guy that appears to be in his early thirties comes to mind. He’s wearing boxing gloves and is adjusting a mouthpiece. When I pull back, it appears he’s at a gym sparring with someone. I open my eyes and the demon is studying me.
“Where do you see him?” He takes the phone from me and puts it back in his pocket.
It almost seems as if it’s a test. “He’s at a gym just a couple of blocks over.”
He nods and straightens up. “Then I guess my time here is done.” Then he disappears from sight.
Must be nice to be able to do that whenever you want. I hate that I’m limited to doing it when I’m on an assigned job. I take my last sip of coffee and throw it in the garbage can a few feet away.
Within a few minutes, Charlie is walking
out the door, joining me outside. “Did you get the next target?”
“Yeah. I doubt he would leave otherwise.”
“True.” He snorts. “Please tell me they’re close by.”
“Believe it or not, they are.” I point to the right, past the donut truck he had been standing in line at earlier. “He’s just a couple of blocks that way.”
Charlie claps his hands. “Okay, let’s get moving.”
I wish I was that enthusiastic, but I’m still chilled and off kilter from my last reaping. I take a step heading in that direction when I stumble. I reach out to the wall and catch myself before I fall.
“Are you okay?” He’s leaning toward me, scratching the back of his neck.
My insides feel as if they are at war with one another. So, I’m not, but I don’t want to explain this to him. “Just been a long couple of days. I’m fine. Let’s go.” I take off before he can ask any more questions.
We turn down a few roads and, before long, we’re standing outside of the gym. It’s dark and the streetlights are now on. What kind of knucklehead wants to work out at this time of night? I do my best to not work out at all.
There is a section of trees to the left of the gym where there is an isolated walkway. We head over there so we can blend in with the night and wait for Randy.
As soon as we get situated by the trees, my target walks out of the gym. He is still drenched in sweat from his sparring and dressed in a wife beater and shorts with a backpack slung over a shoulder. He heads to our area and soon stumbles right upon us. He smiles as he walks by. “Oh, hey there. You guys have a nice night.”
My stomach drops. This guy seems like a nice one. I don’t know if I can do it. My power is even revolting more at the thought.
Charlie grabs my arm and shakes it. “What the hell are you doing?” His tone is low and menacing. “This is for your parents and Beth.”
Shit, he’s right. What am I doing? I rub my hands down my face. I have to get myself together. I chase after Randy, and when I get within a few steps of him, I push my power to spin.
