Even I know that.
“Look, I have a job to do. I know the enormity of it. There is much more at stake here than just the fate of two hormone-fueled teens.”
“I know. But how….why did you…I don’t understand. What are the odds of the two of you even finding each other?”
I shook my head trying to pull him out of his stupor, “Isn’t that exactly how providence works?”
Mr. Reese slowly smiled, genuinely. I liked his smile, “True. I appreciate the reminder. You know what the two of you have done could have dire consequences? How could you tie your soul to anyone at your age? How did your father even let you do this?”
“He didn’t let me. He didn’t know. Orrin, I mean Heath, is my soul mate!”
“You’re seventeen!” He argued back, “And he should have known better.”
I was being scolded.
Are you kidding me?
“We are stronger when we’re together. More in control.”
“I say again, you’re seventeen…”
“It’s already done. Are you still going to help me, or not?”
He looked at his watch, defeated. It was only 8:30 in the evening. Prom was in full swing. He was thinking about his daughter and I was thinking about her date. My darker side was beginning to seep out; the jealousy was almost too much. I wanted Heath.
“I think I am going to head to bed early tonight. Is there anything else you think I should know?”
Tons, I almost said, but a knock on the door stopped my reply.
It was Ava. “I decided to bring the pizza and movie with me since I figured you’d be staying in tonight.”
“Ava, I’m sorry. It’s probably not a good night to do this.” I didn’t look back at Mr. Reese for permission, but he appeared by my side prying the door open.
“Oh, Layla, you had plans that you broke for me? That was unnecessary. I really am feeling much better. I’m just a little mentally exhausted after our…discussion. I’m fine.” He said reassuringly. “If you two want to stay here and do…girl things, that’s fine by me. Ava, if you and Layla are not going to the dance tonight you are more than welcomed to bring the party over here. It is just the two of you, right?” He glanced outside to assure himself he hadn’t invited half the school into his home.
“Yes, sir.” Ava turned to me, “You still wanna hang?”
“Yeah!” I said ushering her into my room.
“Be good, girls,” Mr. Reese yelled down the hallway and was gone.
“You guys okay? It seemed at little tense.” Ava asked eyeing me up and down, settling on the top of my head. She was looking at my strange auras, and anyone could feel the tension in the room between Mr. Reese and me.
“Are my colors all funky again?” I asked.
“Totally. Mr. Reese seemed frustrated. Usually he has this deep purple aura, one of the prettiest I’ve ever seen.” She screwed up her face, “but it’s taken on a murky brown color.”
“He must be having a bad night. You know after the accident, he’s probably worrying about something personal. Open up that pizza,” I pointed to the box, hoping she would forget about our auras.
“And you,” she pointed a slice at me, “know so much more than you’re willing to admit.”
“Don’t we all?”
“Not me,” she gestured widely, revealing a fresh set of art and script lining the insides of her arms. “I’m an open book. You wanna know something just ask.”
We talked all night, mainly about our lives up until that point. I told her about my life in Providence and coming to Balmorhea. I had to leave out quite a bit from this past year. I told her about Bennet, and how much I missed her. We talked about our mothers. I knew what she wanted to hear. Never once did she pressure me into telling her more about my birthright. She knew I was different- unlike anyone else she had ever come across. She knew Heath and I were somehow involved. Her ability to see auras was special, but I didn’t know how much of my life I should really share. Just like Mr. Reese had said- sometimes knowing too much isn’t a good thing.
***
The next morning brought a bad taste to my mouth. The soda cans and an open pizza box were spread around the floor of my room. I heard a familiar ghostly whispering floating around me. There were words there, but I could never understand them- they were too faint and too foreign.
“Angels,” I whispered trying to listen. I bolted upright. Ava was still asleep on a pallet next to my bed. I stepped over her and went to find their source.
I could feel the feather light touch on my face, “Mom?” I asked out loud, already knowing it was her.
So she really is following me.
And there was something else. My daemon roared within me igniting my consciousness. My eyes glowed red and my fingers burned to kill.
Vagabonds.
She’s here to warn me about Vagabonds.
I found Mr. Reese already dressed and standing by the coffee pot. He pulled down a cup and passed it to me. “I need to tell you something,” my mouth raced.
He laughed slightly and raised his cup and took a long drink ignoring my dramatic entrance, “I need to tell you something too. But first, just drink your coffee. You’re gonna need it.”
“No seriously. A couple of things- first, my mom. I’m pretty sure she’s here right now.”
He appeared unaffected. “Hmm. That doesn’t surprise me. This isn’t Neutral territory. And secondly…” I ignoring the coffee he pushed my direction.
“Secondly…” he said a little more forcefully, gesturing out the small kitchen window. I finally noticed why he was staring so intently. There were cars parked haphazardly in the front yard and a few more still humming but stopped further down the street. The front yard was littered with a dozen people all staring at the house.
“Looks like I’m not the only one who knows you’re here now.”
I stared out the window at the people advancing slowly through onto lawn. Their movements were mechanical.“Are those people…”
“Possessed? Most likely.” He didn’t look too disturbed, and that was disturbing.
“You think they’re here because of me?” I asked, feeling the powers within me boil and churn, igniting my veins with liquid fire.
“And Heath, I’m sure.” He remained calm as always, a sure strength at a time like that. “Contrary to movies and such Vagabonds and most daemons don’t really like Earth. If they’re here for too long, they can die.”
I remembered the Vagabond that took over Bennet’s body. I remembered the long, sharp teeth, remembered it feeding on Orrin’s blood.
“If what you told me is true- you are the Beacon and Heath is the Porter, you might as well have lit up a neon sign and announced your business to the world. They will always follow you- people, angels, and daemons. They’re all drawn to you. That’s part of your birthright.”
I picked up my coffee, drinking the scalding liquid in two gulps. The Vagabonds, all standing still in their disheveled human shells, stared at the house, unable to enter without being invited. I reasoned long ago that they were the origins of vampire legends.
“Does this mean Heath is in danger? What about Daisy?” I worried.
“I’ve already called her. I told gave her and her friends a lie that there were a few tornados that have touched down in the county and that it wouldn’t be safe to go outside right now. She promised she and the other would not leave Valerie’s house. It’s all I could do until I take care of this problem first. They want you, Layla.”
I counted eighteen Vagabonds standing around the house. I didn’t know if there were others out of sight.
I looked at Mr. Reese and he almost smiled, “Piece of cake.”
We walked into the dawn and awaiting evil, and just like I thought- it was cake.
Chapter 12
Third Wheel
They came at me quickly, lashing at me with saber-like nails and sharp teeth. Mr. Reese had said they were here for me. They either wanted my
blood or my life, and I wasn’t prepared to give them either. While I fought them off, it felt like the world was moving in slow motion. The Vagabonds were hindered by their flesh-and-blood hosts, and were only able to use the strength at their disposal. I easily overpowered them.
One by one, they fell, their bodies twitching on the ground.
“Be careful not to kill anyone. Remember they’re still human souls in there.”
“I got it.” I grunted.
One daring Vagabond, who inhabited a beefy football player jumped on my back making a fast attempt at my neck. I heard a roar behind me from Mr. Reese. He threw him from my back and moved almost as fast as I did. Being a daemonologist meant he was stronger than other people. At that moment I was glad for it.
We fought together knocking out most of them. Once they lay on the ground, Mr. Reese stood over them, whispering some incantation. He put both his hands on their bodies, just like I had done when I healed him. I watched an older woman he was touching convulse and then go limp again.
As I crossed the yard, I looked down the street, making sure there weren’t any more Vagabonds headed our way. I knew what he was doing. This is how a human really fights daemons. He doesn’t battle the forces of Hell with a birthright, but the tools that a human has at his disposal.
Prayer.
Mr. Reese was exorcising the Vagabonds from their human hosts. It was much simpler than anything on television had ever portrayed. I followed behind him, holding down a person and helping when he needed it. The sun was coming up fast and we had very little time before these people woke up and wondered how they got to the town priest’s front yard. They would have holes in their memories, but Mr. Reese would take care of that.
He came out from the house carrying blankets. “Go get all the kitchen chairs and the folding chairs out of the garage.” He told me and I didn’t hesitate. “Bring these people over here and put them either in a chair or on a blanket.”
I wanted to understand, “Why aren’t we putting them in their cars or dumping them in someone else’s yard?”
He grunted trying to pull a young girl over to a chair, “Most of these people are members of my church. We know each other well.” He stopped. His explanation made no sense to me. “I think it would be the perfect time to worship together.”
He was setting up a church service outside in his front yard. I guessed that was a believable scenario. I hoped it would work.
“When are they going to wake up?” I asked surveying the people beginning to stir. They were slumped in chairs or laying on random patches of old quilts.
“Difficult to say.” He laughed, “But none of them would ever admit to me or anyone else that they fell asleep while I was preaching. They’ll be disoriented for a bit and have a little short-term memory loss. Are you okay?”
“Uh, yeah, I guess.” I looked down at my body, knowing I was fine. I wore my baggy pajama pants and the only thing left I had of Orrin- his simple v-neck t-shirt. It no longer smelled like him, but I liked to wear it and put my nose to it, remembering his scent, so uniquely his own.
“I think I’m gonna get some coffee before my service starts in a moment.” He stated walking inside. “I believe you still have company, right?”
I slapped my head. I had completely forgot, “My mother!” I didn’t know where she was or if she was still around. I couldn’t hear her whisper or feel her touch like a small breeze on my skin. I knew she had other things to do, but I hoped she would linger a while longer.
“No,” Mr. Reese countered, “I mean your human guest, still sleeping in your room. The Vagabond threat is gone, which means the angels won’t stick around either.”
My shoulders sagged. I was bummed. “Damn! Doesn’t anyone stick around in my life?” It would have been nice if my mother had the time or inclination to hang around a talk for a bit.
He laughed again and hugged me. “I know it feels that way sometimes, Layla, but you are never truly alone.”
We finally noticed one more body huddling on the porch. This girl had all her faculties, there was no hint of possession within her. She was just scared, confused, and trying to protect herself with two long knives she had swiped from the kitchen.
“Crap,” I said holding Ava’s petrified gaze.
“What the hell was that?” Ava asked, her wild eyes searching both of ours.
“Ava, I’m so sorry you had to see that.” Mr. Reese began.
“Those people had no auras. That only happens when people are dead. Every living creature has an aura. I can see them…and they didn’t have one.”
“You can?” He asked.
“Look Ava…” I began.
“Where are their auras? Were those zombies? Vampires?Did you kill them? Why are they in chairs like that?” Her eyes widened as she pointed the kitchen knife in our direction.
Mr. Reese and I shared a look. I didn’t want to deal with this. This was an added complication, something else getting in my way, bug flying in my face I had to swat away.
“Take her inside and explain as best you can.” Mr. Reese ushered her in, trying to avoid the knife she still gripped. He whispered to me, “Tell her only what she needs to know for now. Can you do that?”
I nodded.
“I’ll handle this business out here.” He looked irritated. I knew he was worried about Daisy and probably even Heath, and he wanted to see this done as much as I did.
I turned to my new wide-eyed friend, “Can you just hold it together while I explain?”
She nodded warily.
“Let me start from the beginning, but you only get the shortened version for now.”
So much had to be explained- to everyone. I was weary from retelling my story so many times. It had begun to feel less like actual events and more like a movie I had seen long ago. Events of my life ran through my mind and out of my mouth. I was a volcano ready to erupt, and the words spewed forth like hot magma. The pressure I was under was almost more than I could bear. I reached for one of the knives and cut my finger to show her I wasn’t lying. Ava watched it heal quickly.
She eyed me carefully on information overload. I didn’t know what she would do or say. I was surprised by, “Daemon, huh?”
That’s it?
“Partly. So you just believe me? Just like that?”
“Well, I have to believe something,” She watched me, “And you believed me so easily. So why not.”
“Wow. Thanks. You’re only one of a few people I’ve ever talked to about this. I don’t know exactly what I am- which in a way makes me pretty darn human, don’t you think?”
“I feel like that most days too.” Ava admitted. “There’s gotta be a reason that I can see what I see. You have been the first person ever to really get that.”
“You’re taking this all surprisingly well.”
She laughed, sounding slightly maniacal, “It’s great!” she said, “Just great! Finally I meet someone who’s a bigger freak than I am- no offense.”
“None taken.”
“So you two do this a lot? This daemon-fighting thing?”
“Kind of.” I answered non-committally.
Ava pursed her lips together and quickly replied, “I want in.”
“What?” I asked.
“I want in. I’m supposed to do this too, I’m sure of it.”
“I don’t need a side-kick,” I laughed.
“Why, because you’re that awesome?” she scoffed.
“No,” came a deep voice from the front door, “because it could get you killed.” Mr. Reese walked back in and straight into the kitchen.
I followed, “Where is everyone? Are they okay?”
He washed his hands and sighed, “Yes. They’ve all gone.”
“That didn’t take long.”
“I need to find my daughter,” he continued, “You two ladies will have to excuse me.”
“I need to find Heath!” Startled that hadn’t occurred to me sooner.
“I’ll come with you,
” Ava said.
“No!” I yelled at her a little too quickly.
Mr. Reese jumped in, lying his hands on Ava’s shoulders, “Layla needs to go alone.” He stole a sideways glance at me. “You’ve seen things today that you shouldn’t have. Before you go anywhere let me…”
“But I won’t say anything!” she interrupted.
“Let’s you and me have our own talk. I’ll drive you home.” He ushered Ava toward his car.
“Best girls night ever!” Ava gave me a thumbs-up as she got in the car, but just rolled my eyes and hoped making another human friend wouldn’t end badly again.
***
I arrived at Heath’s farmhouse in a matter of seconds. After the many times of sneaking into his room at night I knew the route by heart, although this was the first time I had seen the house in the daylight. The small structure sat unadorned in the middle of the vibrant green clearing. I walked up the dirt path to the front door admiring the simple beauty of this place, so I didn’t see the wall of sweaty muscle standing right in front of me.
“What are you doing here?” Heath asked accusingly after I bumped into him.
I stepped back and said, “I came to see if you were okay.”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
I opened my mouth, but forgot what I was going to say- he doesn’t know. Heath didn’t sense the daemon’s presence, nor did they sense his presence, only mine, which explains why they had only come after me.
They couldn’t find him. But how long would that last?
“I just needed to talk with you about some stuff that’s been happening.”
He turned around to walk toward the house, “Well last night you basically told me to get lost and now you wanna talk? Before that you said we were together in another life or something. You better figure out what it is you want, Layla.”
“I know what I want, Heath. But right now that isn’t important. I came here because I thought you were in danger of being attacked.”
“Attacked?” he furrowed his brow, “by who?”
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