The Artifact Reaper Saga Box Set

by Jen L. Grey

  What just happened? He didn't transport, he just freaking vanished. That's not possible. I take a shaky step forward and a buzzing glosses my skin and the open field suddenly has a huge five story brick building right before my eyes. It's so out of place out here, but what bothers me the most is that I didn't see it. "What the..."

  Luke watches my reaction and looks up at the building. "It's magnificent isn't it?"

  Yeah, I'm not sure if I would use those words. He's appears to be proud of it while I find it modern and obtrusive. "It's something all right." The ground still seems to be shaky under my feet, but I'm trying my best to stand on my own.

  His eyes narrow and he grabs my arm. "Come on. Let's get you taken care of."

  We walk down to the front of the building, and there is a keypad. He punches in various numbers and soon the door opens. "Come on, we have a few more security measures to go through."

  Why in the world are we going through all this rigamaroo? This seems counterintuitive. "Why don't you just transport us to the ... time stone?" I think that's what he called it.

  "Well, for one, we have preventative measures so people can't transport in here." He wraps his arm around my waist and helps me inside. "Secondly, one reason you feel so awful right now isn't because of your powers, but this place. We have to strengthen your powers up so you're stronger for when you come here."

  Great, so now I'm weak again. Granted, I think it's more that I don’t know how to use my power in the right way. My parents had me hide it most of my life instead of harnessing it.

  We walk up to another set of doors. This one is all silver and there is a camera hanging out by the door. Luke walks up to it and opens his eyes wide. The computer activates and scans his iris. Soon the next door opens and we're in.

  Of course, they would have retinal scans to get in here. Holy crap. What's in here? "Should I be worried?"

  He laughs and helps me walk in. "No, and once you're an official member of the council, you'll have access, too."

  My stomach is now revolting from all the dizziness and emotional turmoil, but I'm hoping some of this will be resolved soon. "But what's with all the security."

  "We have a lot of things here we don't want others to get their hands on." We walk down a long, beige hallway that smells of bleach. "This place was created by one of the council members years ago. The past few decades we've been adding extra security measures to it."

  That's interesting. I've never even heard rumors of this place. "But I didn't see the building when we pulled up."

  "Yes, that's how we keep this place a secret overall. It was the first security measure we put in place." We stop at a door that is white and he looks down at me. "It's a veiling we had spelled. You were allowed to see it, because I touched you and gave you permission." He opens the door and we step inside.

  The room isn't huge, there is a small table and two chairs in the corner and a large metal container with a lock on it in the middle. Whatever is in the container, this is what we're here for. There can't be any other reason he brought me here. I'm just glad my body won't fit in there; otherwise, I'd be a little more nervous right now. "So, what is this?"

  "Well, in order to answer your question with due justice, I have to tell our history." He takes me over and helps me into the seat. "One of the very first ancestors with our unique reaper gifts found a stone he called the time stone. The name is deceiving, because it really doesn't have anything to do with time itself. It's a very large ruby that works as an energy stone for people with our abilities."

  So, he's expecting me to use this stone. I hate to do something that might make me owe them later, but if this could help me right now....

  He heads over to the container and runs his hand over it. "There are certain places in the world and in other dimensions that wreak havoc on our abilities. And when that happens, we begin feeling the way that you do." He spins the combination on the lock and opens the case.

  The brightest ruby I've ever seen shines at me. Something pulses in the room and tugs at my core.

  "And this is where I leave you to get better." He stands and walks out of the room. The door shuts and then locks.

  What the hell? Why is he locking me in here? However, I'm not able to focus on that thought for long. The stone is calling to me. For the first time in the past few hours, I stand with sturdy feet and walk toward it. When I get close to it, my hands reach out and clasp it.

  The pulsing has now turned into energy shooting from the stone down my arms throughout my body and into my core. My power responds and churns. It's as if my power is flashing back through time and returning to its former glory. I feel the restoration happening inside me. It builds and builds inside of me until I'm whole.

  Once I feel normal, my hands don't want to let go of the stone. It's as if I want to stay glued to it forever. I try to let go, but I stay. A white, all-encompassing euphoric feeling overwhelms and then everything goes black.

  Chapter Eighteen

  My eyes open and I turn over reaching my arm out seeking out a warm body. When all I find is cold sheets, my eyes open and I glance around. Where the hell is Charlie?

  Wait... Is this a dream? The last thing I remember is being with the ruby and Luke. I sit up and pinch my arm hard. Ouch. Shit. That hurt. Okay, not a dream.

  Did I go back in time? Luke said that it didn't take you back in time. It was more around what the stone did with your energy, but when I passed out, I was not here in my apartment. I glance on the end table and my cell phone is there like it normally is. That's freaking strange. I grab it and look at the date. Okay, I slept a day away, so I did not go back in time at all. I don't know whether I should be relieved or concerned about that.

  But one thing I know for sure is that I need to pee. I jump out of bed and run to the bathroom. Once I'm done using the toilet and washing my hands, I walk out and into the kitchen.

  Well, at least I feel normal again. My power is alive and thrumming inside me once again and I don't feel like I'm about to pass out. At least there are some small wins here.

  Since I don't have a lot of breakfast options here, I grab a bowl of outdated cereal and eat quickly.

  I throw my dishes in the sink and head back over to the bed. What happened to Charlie last night? I figured he would have come over here. He should have been here this morning. I grab the phone and call him. It rings and rings until it turns over to voicemail.

  I glance at the time and it’s nine in the morning. Maybe he’s at work already and can’t answer. I hope he’s not mad at me, there is no telling how I got here or at what time. A cold chill runs through me at that thought. I open my text messages and there isn’t anything there. I’m not sure what that means.

  Not knowing how I got here is driving me crazy. I tap on his name and type out my message.

  Hey, I passed out yesterday. I wasn’t feeling well. I just woke up and wanted to let you know I missed you. Have a good day. Love you.

  This will at least let him know he’s on my mind. I take a deep breath and close my eyes, enjoying the power running through me. There is a first time for everything.

  The phone buzzes in my hands, breaking me out of trance. I glance down and there’s a text from Charlie flashing on the screen.

  You were out! I stopped by and saw how out of it you were. I didn’t want to wake you. Hope you’re feeling better. Try to be awake tonight. I need cuddles. Love you.

  How did I ever feel any sort of contempt towards this man? He's freaking amazing. I'm so lucky to have him. I wish we hadn't wasted all those years being at odds with one another. Of course, it didn't help how my parents acted.

  Speaking of which, I should check in on them. It's been a little bit and the last time I saw them it didn't end that well. It worries me, though, that they would jump back at the chance of returning to their old lifestyle if given the opportunity. I'm not sure if they would, but at the same time, I wouldn't be surprised. Some things are so ingrained in us, but what if I'm wrong.
We've come so far in the past month alone.

  Not wanting to overthink it, I pick up the phone and dial their number. I don't want to end things on a bad note. The phone rings twice and then someone picks up.

  "Hello?" My mom answers the phone.

  "Hey." I'm not sure what to say. She could still be mad at me over the other day. There is no telling what kind of reaction I'm going to receive.

  "Chris, is that you?" There is loud noise in the background, and it sounds as if something is covering the phone. "Frank, turn that down."

  Who does she think it is? I want to laugh, but I bit my lip. "Yeah, it's me. I was just calling to check on you guys."

  The line becomes clear again and the background noise has reduced a little. "Oh, we're good. I've been feeling bad about how things were left the other day. I didn't mean to make you feel that way."

  Oh, this was not what I was expecting. "It's no big deal. I wanted you both to know where I stand."

  "I don't blame you after how we acted." Her tone saddens and for a moment there is awkward silence. "So, how are you doing?"

  That is a good question. I'm not even sure how to answer this to myself. "I'm okay. Just trying to figure everything out."

  "Yeah, anything I can help you with?" There is a door shutting and the tv noise disappears.

  "No, just trying to figure out what to do with these artifacts. It's just a little daunting with two swirling inside me and the council always wanting me for something." Sometimes I wish I were still invisible. It sure would make things a lot easier.

  "Just remember that you are a Malone, and no one can take that away from you." She huffs and her tone gets a little raspy. "We always figure things out and never fail. I have faith in you."

  Oh, wow. This conversation seems a little too familiar.

  A loud yelp comes from the other line. Mom huffs. "Now, Peony, behave."

  What the... "Is that a dog?"

  "Yeah." She sounds happy. "We got her a few days ago. We were out at the store and they had these cute Pomskies for sale. I couldn't say no."

  They wouldn't let me get a pet at the old house. "I thought you were against owning animals."

  "Oh, honey, it's because we were so busy when we were working so close with the council, but now we have a lot more free time." There is some shuffling on the other side. "I just didn't feel right having an animal and never being home to take care of it." Her tone turns sugary sweet. "Isn't that right girl?" The dog barks and something makes a thud.

  What is happening here? I don't understand. "So, you got one now?" What if she can redeem herself?

  "Well, we don't have a lot going on now, and when I saw this precious girl, I had to get her." She giggles and lets out a sigh. "But I didn't realize how much work she'd be. She's peed in your dad's recliner twice now."

  "In his recliner?" She must have been mistaken. It had to be underneath it.

  "Yes." She cracks up laughing and it takes a minute for her to be able to speak. "He made her get down from his lap. So, when he got up, she jumped back up there and marked her territory. I think he's learned it's really her seat. He doesn't make her get down anymore."

  Is this dog her twin incarnate? "It sounds like she was made for you."

  "Yes, she fits like a glove." She clears her throat and sighs. "So, how are you really?"

  Are we going there again? I'd hope I sidestepped that conversation when it shifted to the dog. "I'm fine. Just trying to figure it all out like I said."

  "Now listen here." Her voice gets stern. "I may not be in the loop like I use to be, but I know that you’re not telling me everything. Is the council still giving you a hard time?"

  This sounds more like the caring mother I've seen here of late, but I'm still not ready to open all the way out to them yet. Hell, for almost twenty years they've been harsh and critical of me. I wasn't a priority for them, and they never listened. I can't just wash away all that time in the matter of a month. It's crazy to think in a month, I'll be twenty. The time is flying by. "It's nothing I can't handle. And honestly, they are teaching me several things about my powers."

  It's silent for a moment. The only sound is her breathing. "I'm so sorry about that, honey. We really let you down."

  Yeah, I'm not ready for this again and even though I'm feeling better, I still need rest. Emotional fatigue is not on the plate for the day. "We've been through this. Let's just focus on today and tomorrow. We can't change the past."

  "I know...."

  I can't do this right now. "Hey, mom. I hate to do this, but I've got to go. There is something I need to do, but I'll either call you or come by soon. Okay?"

  "Of course. Just be careful, okay?" It sounds as if she wants to say more but she doesn't.

  "Yeah, I always do. Tell Dad hi for me, please? Talk soon." I press the red hang up button before she can say anymore. I hate to be a jerk, but I can worry about that later.

  The bed is calling my name, so I head back over and lay down. It's the first time I've gotten to replay the entire events of Hell in my mind without interruption. We're going to have to get back down there and be able to fight our way through, and, on top of that, I'm going to need to be able to locate the flame. How are we going to make sure we can manage both of those things?

  It's so flustering, because I never seem to have any answers. And I'm not sure where to find them, or even who to talk to. My powers are getting wonky, and it doesn't seem like there is anyone who can give me guidance on that. I don't know where to even start.

  My power thrums inside of me, and my eyes begin to get heavy. Maybe I need a true day off just to recharge in all ways. I grab the remote off the end table and turn on the tv. Hell, I can't even remember the last time I watched anything.

  A movie sounds nice and just the thing I need. I hit Netflix and the app begins downloading.

  As I wait, there is a loud knock on the door. Who the hell can it be? First off Charlie is at work and my parents are at their house, so I have no clue. It must be one of the neighbors needing me or someone at the wrong apartment.

  I drag myself out of bed and swing the door open. I stumble back when the person comes in full view. Long silver hair and piercing green eyes. I know her.

  She places a hand on her hip causing her blue dress to rise a little bit above her knees. She lifts her chin at me and quirks an eyebrow. "Well, hello, Christina."

  Shit. It's the witch from the storefront. I hadn't seen her since that day she attacked me in my room for not saving her sister. My heart drops. This can't be a good thing.

  Chapter Nineteen

  My first instinct is to shut the door in her face, but that would be stupid. She's a freaking witch. She can open it. Hell, she didn't even have to knock. So, I'm just going to own this. "I'm assuming you're here for a reason like last time?"

  She rolls her eyes and crosses her arms. "Don't be so dramatic. I'm not here to harm you."

  Wow, she's annoyed I think she could be here with malicious intent. Really? "Well, last time you were trying to kill me you know."

  "Well, now I'm not. I'm here to help you." She flips her long silver hair over her arm and smiles.

  Wait. Did she say help me? Something is off here. That makes no sense. I refused to help her sister, so this makes no sense. "I'm sorry, but I think I'll pass." I turn to shut the door, but something catches it. I look at the door and there isn't anything there. The freaking witch is using her magic.

  "Fine, help is the wrong word." She huffs and takes a step back. "I'm here to warn you about something."

  Now, that's a little more believable, but I still have my reservations. "Why would you do that? I've got to say, I don't think I'm your favorite person."

  "You're right." She straightens her shoulders and stares me straight in the eye. "But I like the demon even less than you. So, by helping you, I'll be hindering him."

  Now that sounds plausible. This is a conversation we probably don't want to have right out here where people can overhear, so
I hold the door open. "Do you want to come in for a minute?"

  "It's probably for the best." She walks past me, causing a floral breeze to hit me and into my home. She glances around and crinkles her nose. "Wow. This is really quaint."

  What a freaking jerk. Yes, my apartment is small, but it's big enough for me. If she has a problem with it, she can leave. I don't want to get in the middle of whatever she and Damien have going on anyways. "Can we just cut to the chase?"

  She turns her light green eyes on me and tilts her head. "Wow, you're not the timid girl I quite remember. Has it really only been over a month since the last time I saw you?"

  "Nope, that's about right." It does seem longer, but not long at all. It's just the sheer amount of shit that's happened. "Just a lot has happened, and it can change a person and fast."

  "Like absorbing two old, important elemental artifacts?" She raises an eyebrow and grins.

  Dammit, once again, she knows more than I'm comfortable with. How does she keep doing this? It's not like this is public knowledge ... or at least I don't think it is. "I have no idea what you're talking about." I'm not going to give her the satisfaction of confirming that.

  "Oh, I wasn't asking. I know it happened." She takes a few steps toward me. Even though she appears older, her steps are steady and purposeful. "And I know what they did to you. They now flow through you as if they are your own power."

  This is not helping me out. "And this information is helpful how?" Maybe I shouldn't have even talked to her. I should text Charlie now.

  "I haven't gotten there yet." She laughs. "What I'm wondering is have you thought about how you are going to handle that when you die?"

  My blood turns to ice. "So, you are here to kill me again?"

  "Dear God no, even though the thought does have merit to it. My sister is doing even worse now thanks to you. If only you would have saved her instead of going off with that demon." Her jaw clenches and she takes a deep breath. "But even if I wanted to get the artifacts, I couldn't. My powers are not pure enough."