The Artifact Reaper Saga Box Set

by Jen L. Grey

  The problem is, how do I unravel the mess I've already spun?

  Chapter Six

  When I wake up, I feel more refreshed than I have in weeks. To be fair, I'm not sure if it has to do with being back in my own bed, or knowing things are okay between Charlie and me.

  I grab my phone off my night stand and realize it's only nine in the morning, so I haven't slept in too late. There is still a lot to do, so the last thing I need to do is be sleeping the day away. My mind flashes back to last night and the kisses Charlie and I shared. Those were the best I have had in my entire life, granted I haven't kissed all that many guys. One to be accurate, and it was on a dare. Let's just say I could have done without him.

  Forcing myself to get out of bed, I stand and head over to the closet. The first thing I should do is figure out how to fight Hell's creatures, seeing as they are going to be the one guarding the flame. I grab some workout pants, a sports bra, and workout shirt to change into. Worse case, I'm going to wind up at a gym. I've got to get in shape and fast.

  After putting my pants on and as I'm pulling my shirt down, there is a loud knock at my door. I pause in my tracks. Shit, I bet that's Charlie. My limbs become heavy and I don't want to answer the door. What if he realizes he made a mistake last night or what if he changes his mind? What if he goes back to being cold and distant? Maybe, he was just tired and delirious there at the end.

  Another knock, even louder than the first, pounds on the door, and his tone carries an edge of worry to it. "Chris, you there?"

  All right. It's time for me to put my big girl panties on. He's not going to go away and only going to get more determined. "Yeah, I'm coming." I can handle it if he changed his mind, right?

  Not wanting to delay the inevitable any longer, I open the door.

  He's got his arm propped against the door frame and his blond hair glistens in the light. He shakes his head and pouts. "You can't worry me like that."

  What is he talking about? "What did I do?"

  "I didn't know if Damien came in there to sweep you away again." His face creases and his lips form a straight line. "After he found you in the diner and kind of threatened you, I was getting a little panicked."

  It's crazy to think just a three months ago, we didn't get along. That's the only blessing that's come from this entire thing. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. I was getting dressed and lost in thought."

  "No, it's okay." He smiles and steps into my space walking into my apartment. The door shuts behind him and his arms wrap around my waist. "I just needed to see you." His lips lower to mine and capture them in a slow, burning kiss.

  My hands wrap around his neck of their own accord and my lips part to let him enter. Damn, I don't know how I've gone this long without him.

  After a few minutes, he pulls away and smirks. "Good morning. I hate to cut this short, but we have some important stuff we need to get done today."

  Shit, he's right. I've got to keep my head in the game. "Yeah, you're right. I was thinking before you knocked I need to get trained on how to fight the minions of the underworld."

  "As much as I hate it, you're right." He sighs and looks off as if he's in thought. "We need to find some kind of demon fighter or hunter."

  "We're going to have a better chance of finding a hunter." There are several supernaturals that hunt demons, but the most successful are fae. Some travel to Earth to protect it from the demons that prefer to stay and visit here.

  "Good thing my girlfriend can find who they need in their head." He winks at me and rubs a thumb across my cheek.

  What the hell? Did he call me his girlfriend? Am I hearing things? And why am I focusing on that fact. My heart beats so fast it seems as if it might just burst from my chest. "Yeah, I can do that and see if anything pops up."

  A shit-eating grin fills his face. "So, no arguing? We're finally done dancing around this?"

  Now that I'm being honest with myself, I've had feelings for him for a very long time, but things always seemed to get in a way. Now we are finally at a place where we can happen, and do I want to risk not taking this chance? "I'm in, but we need to make sure we stay focused."

  His eyes widen. "Of course. I know we both agreed to work together so we can find a way to get Beth back, but along the way things have changed. Yes, I want my sister back, but I can’t pretend that I don’t have feelings for you any longer. Your running away made things different. It put things in perspective for me."

  It did for me as well. "I get it." I stand on my tiptoes and kiss his lips. "All right, let me see if I can get any hits on our hunter."

  I go sit on the couch and close my eyes, wanting to get settled in. Here lately there is no telling what might happen if I locate someone. The last time I had a conversation with them.

  Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes. I try to empty it since it seems to be filled with images of Charlie and me kissing, Damien, Becca, and the council. It's filled with thoughts and images swirling around so fast trying to merge as one. After a few seconds of forced concentration, my mind is blank. I keep it that way for a few seconds longer and then a house pops up in my mind. It's right in the middle of the town a few blocks away from the library.

  "Did you see anything?" He plops next to me and places his hand on my thigh.

  My leg warms under his touch, but I force it from my mind. I have more important things to focus on. "I'm not sure why, but a house downtown. I'm assuming whatever I need can be found there."

  A phone rings and Charlie fishes it out of his pocket. He glances at the screen and then frowns. He lifts it to his head and sighs. "Hello?" There is a pause for a moment before he sags back into the couch. "Yeah, I'll be there in a minute."

  "What's wrong?" Why in the world is he acting like that?

  "I told them I needed today off, but someone called in sick." He pouts and drops his phone in his lap. "I have to go into work today, so I can't spend the day with you."

  Oh, that sucks. I kinda thought he would go with me, but I don't want to make him feel worse than he does. "No big deal. It's not like it was going to be a relaxing day anyways." I force a grin. "I'm just going to check out the house and hope there is someone there willing to train me for Hell."

  "Even more reason I want to go." He opens his mouth but then closes it and bites his lip. He taps his foot on the ground and then lets out a groan. "Dammit. I want to ask you not to go, but you need to start training as soon as possible. I don't want you to get hurt."

  "Hey, I'll be fine." I don't want to lie to him, but I didn't get any bad vibes from my vision. "Nothing seemed wonky. I think it'll be fine."

  He leans over and kisses my lips once more. "Fine, but you better be here for dinner. If not, I'm going to send out a search party."

  "I'll make sure I am." I laugh and stand. "You better get going before you get in trouble. I'll see you back here in a couple of hours."

  "Fine, be the responsible one. Oh, and your car is parked back in your spot." He winks at me and walks out the door.

  "Thank you." I call out just as the door slams. Once I'm alone, I run to the bathroom and gather my things. I grab a quick Pop-Tart and head out the door. It's time to go investigate.

  I hurry down the stairs. Soon I'm climbing into my car and my cell phone rings. I pull it out and my caller ID shows Council. Yeah, no. I'm not answering this call right now. I'm not in the mood to deal with their antics. I clear the call and throw my phone in my passenger seat.

  Focusing on the house in my mind, I drive to the location. When I pull down the road, the houses are older, but large. I pull into the driveway of a white house with a large garden out front. It reminds me of the kind of flowers I read about in my childhood stories. I climb out of the car and walk up the stairs. The front door is made of wood and has a symbol similar to a star with swirls on the end.

  Not sure what else to do, I reach out and ring the doorbell. At first it doesn't sound like there is any movement on the other side of the door, but without
warning, it opens. I jump back a step or two.

  A tall man with long, brown hair stands before me. He's lean but muscular and his ears end with a very slight point. "Hello, are you lost?" He has a faint accent, but I can't place where it's from.

  "Uh... no." How do I explain I was led here without coming off insane? I take a deep breath and let it out in a huff. I guess I'm going to have to trust myself and magic. It led me here for a reason. "I'm able to find things that I need and was led to you."

  His vivid green eyes widen, and he tilts his head. "Oh, really now? And why do you think you were led to me?"

  "Well, I'm needing to go to the Underworld, so I need to be trained to fight the things that live there. That's what I was thinking about and this place came to mind." I sure hope I'm not making the wrong choice here. I'm relying on my instincts at this point. "So, can you help me?"

  "Let's say I could help." He leans his head with his brows furrowed. "Why would I help a little girl like you, a reaper no less?"

  "Because I've collected the Mother Earth and Angel's Breath." I stare him in the eye and reach down inside me to connect with my magic. I hold out my hand toward the inside of his house and push some of the power inside. There in the middle of the room, a small tornado forms blowing items left and right, but not hard. I'm not trying to cause chaos and destruction, just showing him I'm more than what meets the eye.

  He glances behind him and then back at me. "Okay, you've gotten my attention. I'll train you but know you may regret it." He holds out his hands and grabs mine. "My name is Barley."

  "It doesn't matter if I regret it or not. I need it to survive." I remove my hands and nod. "My name is Christina."

  "Aw, look at the happy couple." A voice I'm all too familiar rings in my ear.

  I turn to find the expected red hair walking up behind me. "Hello, Sienna. Did you miss me?" How did she already find me? I haven't been here even twenty-four hours and she's already located my whereabouts. I guess the council is desperate to talk to me.

  "Oh, please. I'm just here to tell you to get your ass to the Council House." She rolls her eyes and glances behind me at Barley.

  "I'll be there in a little while. I just need to run an errand first." I wish she'd just go away. I don't want her relaying back my whereabouts to them. They already know enough about me, but of course they still have to send their lackey after me.

  "Look, I know we haven't started off on the best foot." She blows her bangs out of her face and looks to the side. "But they are the council and can make your life a living hell."

  Wow, is she really trying to warn me now? Wasn't she one of them that was making my life exactly that? "Oh, I know, or did you forget that you helped them in that not too long ago?"

  "It's not like I had a choice." She stomps her foot on the ground and rubs her eyes. "All I'm trying to say is you better keep yourself in line. The council is still in charge."

  "That may be so, but I'm tired of being their puppet." I take a few steps closer to her and narrow my eyes. "Aren't you?"

  "It doesn't matter, don't you get it?" She shakes her head and raises both hands. "We have to obey or live with their consequences. They still make the rules. You better remember that."

  But that's the thing. I don't think they should be making the rules any longer. But then that leads into a whole separate tangle of issues. If not them, who?

  Chapter Seven

  My body aches from the intense training Barley hands me. His house might look older, but when you go down the stairs and into his basement it opens into a large modern gym built for training. Since he is Fae, he uses his connection to the earth to his advantage.

  I wipe the sweat from my brow and tug at my damp shirt. "Holy crap. I didn't even see you move your arm that way."

  "They're demons." He tilts his head toward me and points. "They aren't going to fight the way you are accustomed to. Not even the fallen angels. Most have been down there too long and had to grow accustomed to their ways."

  That makes sense, but I didn't think it would be so different. Demons move in a way that is unnatural and sudden. So how they fight is unpredictable and off putting. "Got it."

  He glances at me and nods. "We've been at it for over four hours and your council wants to see you. I think it's best if we reconnect at a later date." He reaches over and touches my arm. "You learn quickly though. Most wouldn't have picked up in a month what you picked up in an afternoon."

  Well at least there's that. The power inside me churns at his touch and begins to pick up speed. What the hell? Why am I reacting to him in this way? I force a smile and take a step back. "I guess that's a small blessing, and you're right about the council. I should get going." I bet they are pissed I've kept them waiting so long.

  "Feel free to come here whenever you want to train." He bends down and bows. "I'm at your service."

  Okay that's strange as hell, but I'm not going to push it. I'm most likely going to need his help again even though I learned a lot today. "Thank you so much. I'm sure I will see you soon." I turn and walk up the stairs ready to get this next part over with.

  After I walk outside, I get in my car and start it up. The council house is less than ten minutes from here. Of course, it is. It's as if they put their place in the center of the whole freaking town. I put the car in drive and begin the short trek there.

  All too soon, I'm pulling into the huge drive of the dark brown stone house. I pull around the circular drive and stop like always in front of the massive front doors. I get out of the car and climb the stairs to the entrance. I notice they planted new flowers along the stairwell. There are lilies poking through every few feet and their fragrance fills the air.

  When I get to the door, it opens. The butler steps to the side and frowns when he looks at me.

  Shit, I bet I smell and am still glistening. Oh God. Please tell me I didn't wear a white shirt. I glance down and let out a breath of relief. It's black so he's not having a free show.

  Trying to get ahold of myself, I glance back up and ignore his wrinkled nose. "Hi, I'm here to visit with the council."

  "Yes, he is expecting you." He tears his eyes from me and turns, walking down the familiar hallway.

  Wait... he? I want to ask a question but bite my tongue. It's not like it matters at the end of the day and I don't want them knowing I'm curious. I'm sure they would get a rise out of it.

  He turns down the hall and makes his way to the room Margaret always met me in.

  Great, this won't be weird at all. And who in the world wants to meet me? It's not like the other three elders ever paid any attention to me. As we approach the door, I get ready to stop, but I'm surprised when we keep walking past it. Okay, this is a new one. I guess we are going somewhere else.

  We continue down the hallway and pass a few more doors before stopping at a door on the left. He opens it up and we walk in.

  Unlike the floral tea room where I met Margaret all those times before her passing, this room is the complete opposite. The walls are a dark navy blue and there are canned lights spaced out throughout the entire ceiling. In the middle of the room there is a large table that has papers and files opened as if someone has been working there. Huge swivel chairs pull up to the table and there is a computer sitting at one end.

  "He will be with you in a moment." The man turns and walks out the room leaving me to myself.

  Times like this make me wonder what all secrets this place has. The room with the mirrors flashes back to my mind where Margaret showed me their version of the next few months of death and starvation. That's supposedly why they need these artifacts, due to Damien stealing the souls, but I can't help but wonder if all of that isn't due to them having the artifacts. At this point, who flipping knows?

  "Oh, so you finally decided to come?" A voice comes from behind me.

  I turn around and gasp. Margaret's husband, Luke, is standing close to me. How the hell is that possible? I didn't hear anyone enter the room.

  He
's leaning back on the wall with a smirk. "Did I scare you?"

  There is no way I'll give him the satisfaction of knowing he did, but how the hell did he do it? I didn't hear a door open or anything. That shouldn't be possible. "No, not at all."

  His eyes light up and he reaches up to scratch his head, messing up a small section of his salt and pepper hair. "For some reason, I don't believe you."

  "That's fine." I shrug. The cooler I act the less likely he'll push it, or at least that's what I'm hoping. "You can think whatever you want."

  A smirk spreads across his face and he taps his finger to his bottom lip. "Well, all right." He takes a few steps toward me and tilts his head, taking me in. "So, how are you doing?"

  Shouldn't I be the one asking him that? He's the one who lost his wife two weeks ago, after all. But he doesn't seem upset or anything, so I just cut to the chase. "I'm assuming you called me here for a reason?"

  "Oh, come now." He shakes his head and moves to the table leaning back against it. "I just want to make sure you're okay."

  "Shouldn't I be asking you that? I mean you lost a wife and all." Why are they always playing these games? It would be easier if everyone laid their cards on the table.

  "It's been rough, but there is too much at stake to let things fall to the wayside." He watches me and crosses his ankles. "You know how that is."

  "Look, can you tell me what you want?" Selena's warning rings in my ear, but I can't help it. I don't want to be here and I'm tired.

  "A woman after my own heart." He chuckles and clasps his hands in front of him. "I appreciate someone who wants to get down to business."

  Did I just throw up a little in my mouth? When did the council begin trying to butter me up? A smart-alecky retort sits on my tongue, but I bite it back. I don't want to push all my luck in one day.

  He purses his lips and sighs after a moment. "Look, I'll be honest with you. Even before the artifacts, you were extremely powerful. You have all the abilities that the council has and are stronger." His hand reaches out to me and he leans toward me. "And now that you have the artifacts running through you, you are a force to be reckoned with."