The Artifact Reaper Saga Box Set

by Jen L. Grey

  "No problem." His face is indifferent, but his tone is a little gruff. "I figured, after all your escapades yesterday, you would need a good breakfast. Especially since you only had granola bars last night."

  I'm pretty sure that's code for eat up. You're going to need it for our talk. Not wanting to upset him any more than I already have, I get up and pile the eggs and sausage on top of two biscuits. I should be too anxious to eat, but right now my stomach is growling so hard, I'm surprised the floor isn't shaking.

  "Save some eggs for me." He chuckles as he waits for me to move.

  It's his bad for letting me go first. I head back over to the table and plop in my seat. I struggle but am able to wait for him before I tear into my food.

  We sit in silence while we eat our breakfast. He doesn't eat much, but I scarf down the food. My arms are sore, but it doesn't stop me from inhaling what's in front of me. As soon as I chew the last bite of my food, Charlie clears his throat.

  He takes a sip of water and then sits it on the table. "I'm sorry. I can't wait any longer." He runs a hand through his hair. "How could you leave me behind again?"

  This I wasn't expecting. I was banking on him being angry, not hurt. "It just kind of happened. Luke called me over there and had someone lined up to reap and bring back."

  "Are you serious?" His drops his hands and his eyes widen. "He reaped someone and brought them back. Why?"

  "So I could have a realm jumper to get me to Hell." Yeah, I was shocked there too, dear. "That's what I'm getting at. It wasn't like it was planned out on my end. It just happened."

  "You could have called me ... something." He jerks his hand in the air and shakes his head. "I'm tired of sitting here helpless."

  "I get it, but I don't even know if you could have made it there." I stand and rub my arms. "It was different and overwhelming. I'm not sure a normal reaper could have survived. I can't risk you, no matter the consequences."

  "Do you not think the other night doesn't change everything?" He stands and his breathing quickens. "That was us agreeing to go all in together. Not you running off and doing your own thing and coming back to me when you're done."

  "It wasn't like that..." I raise both hands but stop. Hurt is clear in his eyes. Whether I meant to or not, the damage is done.

  "It never is, Christina." He turns away and paces around the coffee table. "When are you going to really let me in? When are you going to stop shutting me out? I thought when you got back from whatever soul-searching journey you went on things would change between us for the better."

  Shit, I've messed up big time. I take a step toward him. "It has changed."

  He throws both hands in front of his face. "Has it? Because as far as I can tell, you left me again and trusted some random stranger more than me to go to Hell with you."

  "You're right." I take a few steps back to give him more space. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you."

  "What?" His mouth drops open and he lowers his hands.

  "That's not what I meant to make you feel, but I understand where you're coming from." What would I do if he went off to Hell and left me behind? I'd be going out of my mind with worry. "I've been really inconsiderate, and I promise to do better going forward."

  A small smile spreads across his face. "You're supposed to be more difficult. I haven't gotten through half my other examples yet."

  Wow, how self-absorbed have I been? "Please, proceed. You're right. This is a partnership and I'm all in. Tell me."

  He walks over to me and tugs me to him. His lips meet mine and his tongue demands entrance.

  My hands wrap around his neck and make their way into his hair as I fall into the kiss.

  Pulling me closer, he deepens the kiss then pulls back. "I'm done. That's all I need to hear."

  When he lets me go a little, my power depletes even further causing me to lose my balance. I stumble to the left and he tightens his hold on me.

  "Hey, what's wrong?" His brushes my hair away from my face and stares right at me.

  "Ever since last night after fighting the angel and demon, my power has been low, and it hasn't bounced back." I lick my lips and hope he won't get upset again. We had just gotten past him getting upset over yesterday, the last thing I want to do is cause him to get angry again. But I can't lie to him.

  "Ugh, see that's why I should have been with you." He kisses my lips again and helps me to the couch. "You need to take it easy today." He grabs his cell phone and unlocks it. "I'll call work and tell them I can't make it in."

  No, he can't do that. He can't afford to miss work. "No, I'll be okay." I grab his hand and smile. "You need the money. The only thing I may do is go to the grocery store."

  "Are you sure?" He looks down at me and grimaces. "I hate to leave you again after yesterday and how you're feeling now."

  I lean down and press my lips against his. "No, it's fine. I promise." Him staying here with me isn't going to fix the issue any way.

  "Fine, but you promise to call me if you begin feeling worse?" He raises an eyebrow and holds my gaze.

  "Of course, I promise." I tap him on the nose and grin. It's hard acting more chipper than I'm feeling, but I don't want him to realize how bad I'm feeling.

  "All right." He sighs and heads to the door. He opens it and looks back one last time. "Tonight, I'm bringing home lasagna and garlic bread. Does that sound good?"

  That jerk knows it's more than okay with me. It's one of my favorite meals. "I think I can manage it." I stick my tongue out at him.

  He laughs. "Call me if you need me. I love you."

  "I love you, too." It's still surreal saying those words to him, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

  After blowing me a kiss, he shuts the door.

  I let out a breath and stumble over to the bed. I lay face first and close my eyes. I thought after I ate breakfast, I'd feel better. That I was just low on energy, but that's not it. It's my power, it's draining me.

  Maybe if I use it, it'll get better. Maybe like a rejuvenation of sorts. I imagine Beth's grave and remove the barriers. I haven't been there in a while. I tug myself towards it, but nothing happens. My power just sputters. What the hell? What is going on here?

  There has to be something that can help. I try pushing forward and my power sputters to life. I imagine Beth's grave again and tug myself there and I drop. The trip there is faster than before, and I'm jarred back and forth. When I get to graveyard, I drop to the ground landing hard on my ass.

  Even after I get there, the power is raging inside me. It's like I set it off and now I can't slow it down. I glance around and there isn't anyone there at this early hour. It's around eight in the morning. Remembering what Luke said when my power last thrummed like this, I release some of the power, letting the excess out. The ground rumbles and a tornado bellows just a few feet away.

  After just a few minutes, my power begins to drop fast. Shit, I'm not going to get to visit Beth. If I do, I won't be able to transport back to the apartment. I imagine my apartment and tug myself fast. The ground shakes underneath me, but it disappears. This time the air contracts around me the entire way there almost as if it's closing in on me. When I get back, I land on my bed and my power sucks back inside me to where it's nothing inside my core.

  What the hell did I just do? Maybe that wasn’t the smartest idea I’ve ever had. I hope to God I didn’t mess up Beth’s grave. How could I have been so stupid?

  My stomach growls again and a sharp hunger pain hits me. How could I be this hungry again so fast? I drag myself out of bed and head to the kitchen. I open the pantry. It’s still bare; it’s been weeks since I’ve been to the store, so of course there isn’t anything. I should go and get out of the house. If I stay here, I’ll just drive myself insane anyway.

  Still exhausted, I grab some yoga pants and a plain green t-shirt. I never dress up, but I want to dress even more comfortable than my norm today.

  I head into the bathroom and brush my teeth and hair. When I glanc
e in the mirror before heading out the door, I stop in my tracks. I barely recognize myself. My face is pale, and I have dark circles under my eyes.

  It’s crazy, because I’ve never been one for makeup unless mom was yelling at me to wear it, but there is no way I can leave like this. I prowl through my cabinet and find some concealer and foundation that I apply, just needing to appear healthy. I don’t need anyone thinking I’m on drugs.

  After a few minutes, I’m somewhat satisfied with my appearance, so I head out.

  It's not long before I'm pulling up in my old car at the grocery store. I could have driven Luke's, but I didn't want to. It's not mine, and this one feels more like me. I need to get the other one back to him soon. I just need some time and distance for a little while first. Things seem to spiral out of control when I'm around them.

  Once I shut the door, I lock it, and head inside. I grab a cart and work my way into the produce area. My feet get heavy and fatigue hits me even harder. I don't understand what's going on with me. It's almost as if my insides are short circuiting and it almost brings me to my knees. I grab onto the handle bars and use it to help support me.

  A hand wraps around my waist and the stench of death and a chill settles in my bones. "I got you."

  No way. I turn my head and find Luke staring right at me. What in the world is he doing here? "Uh ... thanks." I want to move away, but my legs are still Jell-O.

  He frowns and takes in my appearance. "You aren't doing well at all. What are we doing to do about that?"

  Maybe I should have just stayed home.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Summing up all the strength I have, I take a step back and stand. "I'm fine. We don't have to do anything." I can't believe he's threatening me here in the middle of the store, but he is an Elder. He can pretty much do whatever he wants. He does make the rules around here.

  A rare smile fills his face. "Did you think I was threatening, dear?" He steps closer to me and lowers his voice. "I mean I know what's wrong with you and how to fix it."

  Of course, he freaking does. I'm the one out of the loop. "Which is?"

  "I'll have to take you there." He glances around and then focuses back on me. "I need to pick one thing up, but then I can show you."

  Great, I'm struggling to stand let alone stay here for any length of time. "I ... I don't think I can stay here much longer."

  "Don't worry." He pushes the cart over to me. "It'll just take one minute. It's back here in the back. Then we can leave."

  "You know what." I grab the handles once again for support and take a deep breath. If I move slow, I'm sure I've got this. "I'll stay here and wait for you."

  "That's probably for the best. I'll be right back." He heads off toward the back.

  It's stupid but I didn't notice until then there is someone standing in the back corner of the section standing behind a display. There is long, white blonde hair coming out of a hoodie, and they are looking away from me.

  Luke walks right up to them and the person hands them something. It's small so I can't make out what it is. Luke takes it and places it some pocket inside his suit jacket. No words are exchanged, and he turns heading straight back to me. "Are you ready?"

  I'm not sure what just went down, but right now I need his help. If he has the answer to what is going on, I need it. This is getting worse, not better. "As ready as I'll ever be."

  "Then let's go get you feeling better." He holds out his arm to me.

  Oh, no. There is no way I'm walking out of here arm in arm with him. "No, I got this." I steady myself and let the cart go. I'm sure someone will come by and get it. I didn't get to the first item to put in there.

  Taking slow even steps, I follow him out to a Bentley. A driver gets out and opens the door for us. Whoa, I didn't expect this. I climb into the car and smile at him. "Thank you."

  "My pleasure, ma'am." He nods and she shuts it and returns to the front.

  "See, my dear." Luke pats my arm and motions around me. "This is what you have to look forward to once you become one of us."

  The thought hurts my stomach. I don't want all these fancy things. I've had them before and the people who value them don't tend to be nice or loyal. "So ... how's Dax?"

  "That's interesting." He purses his lips and looks out the window. "You'd ask about him first instead of yourself."

  Oh, my God. Did I do wrong by asking about someone else first? You'd think they would admire that since they are supposed to be advocates for our people. "I assumed I was getting taken care of." Dear God, these games make me sick. "Should I be worried you won't deliver?"

  "Oh, my dear, that makes me so happy." He turns and his eyes are expressionless. "So, you're finally starting to trust me. I had expected you to be hesitant, so it took me off guard." He leans toward me and crosses his leg. "Dax is doing better. He'll be ready to head back down in just a couple of days. You, of course, saved him."

  At least there is that. Dax did try to protect me down there even if it was for the council so I was happy to return the favor. "Okay, I'd like to check on him if he is still at the mansion."

  "Sure, I need to drop off this item anyways." He pats his pocket and nods. "That will give you time for a quick visit."

  "Wait. We're going there now?" He told me we were going to get help for me.

  "Just for a minute to drop this off." He lets out a sigh and straightens high jacket. "Then I will take you to where I promised."

  The mansion pulls up outside and the driver pulls in front.

  Luke doesn’t wait for help and opens the door. He gets out and hurries to the door. “I’ll meet you back down by the door in ten minutes. You’ll find Dax in my office in the cot I reaped him in.”

  Well, okay then. I follow his lead. For once, when I walk in the door a butler isn’t there to greet me. I’ll take that small blessing. They creep me out anyways. They have a knack of just showing up. I wonder if a witch put a spell on them or something.

  As I make my way to the room, a cold shiver passes through me. I hold my arm out to the wall to support me as the coldness seems to attack my power. It encompasses it and tries to smother it.

  Crap, am I going to lose it? What happens if I do? I never even considered the possibility of losing my magic before. My body freezes and my heart races. I can’t … I don’t want to. My power flairs just enough to burst the bubble around it and when it does, some of the coldness leaves me.

  So … it’s there. Even if it’s faint, but god that was scary. I lay my head on the wall for a second while I steady my breathing. It takes a few a minute, but I push away and head back to Dax. I’m already running short on time.

  I come to the door and open it. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t him sitting up and reading a book. I take a step in and smile. “Hey, you. You seem to be doing a lot better.”

  He looks up and smiles, then shuts the book. “Thanks to you. May I say, your fighting skills are very impressive.”

  “Oh, you mean the part where I got scratched?” I snort. I’m sure he’s being polite.

  “No, really. You’re an incredible fighter.” His eyes scan me over from head to toe.

  Yeah, I’m not sure what to do with that. An awkward silence descends around us. I can't take this much longer. "Well, Luke is taking me somewhere, so I better get going. Get better. We have to head back down there soon.” I turn and open the door, stepping out.

  “Hey, Christina.”

  I pause. What does he want? This turned weird and I’m not sure how or why. “Yeah.” I don’t turn around.

  “Thanks for checking on me.”

  “Yeah, sure.” I shrug and continue through the door. “See you soon.”

  Using the wall as support, I walk down the hallway heading back to the front door. My hand rubs along the cool, smooth slab while I lean in. I sure hope Luke is telling the truth and whatever is off with me can be fixed and soon.

  When I reach the front door, Luke is standing there tapping his foot.
He opens the door and motions for me. “Come on. Let’s go.”

  If I weren’t feeling so bad, I’d laugh. Heaven forbid if one of the elders have to wait. I take a deep breath and let go of the wall and head outside. I take each step slow and one at a time. My energy is depleting even more, and I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to stand.

  “We don’t have much farther to go.” He takes my arm and helps me to the car.

  As soon as we’re settled, the car takes off and I close my eyes.

  I turn my head and the smell of new car and leather hits me all at one time. This is probably the softest leather I’ve ever touched, and I doze off.

  “Hey, Christina. Wake up.” An arm gently shakes me. “We’re here. You’re just going to get worse.”

  My eyes don’t want to open, but I force them. I sit up, rub them, then look around. We’re in the middle of nowhere. I close my eyes trying to get a sense of where we are, but I come up blank. What the hell? That’s not normal.

  “Let’s get going. You should feel better within the hour.” He gets out of the car and waves the driver off. “I’ll take it from here.” He opens my door and waits.

  A wind blows along with the smell of sun and grass. I put my feet on the ground to stand, but sway. I grab the door with one hand the car with the other and try again. I’m able to get on both feet, but it’s as if I’m on boat floating on rocky water. “I’m off balance.”

  “You’re fine. I promise.” He holds out his arm and grabs my hand, looping it through. “I know you’re not a touchy-feely person, but let’s make an exception for a minute.”

  I want to argue with him, but if he releases me, I’ll fall flat on my face. I tighten my hold on his arm and walk with him toward an empty field. Each step I take, the dizzier I become. "I ... I don't feel so well."

  "It's normal." He clasps his other hand on mine and continues to walk at a slow steady pace to the middle of the open field. "It's because you're so close to the time stone." I pause for a second and he drops my hand and takes one step further and disappears.