Toni was there too. And Lee and her mother. Peter Keegan came with them, but he looked uneasy. He didn't feel right being here—Toni's dark looks weren't helping anything. I gave him a small, thankful smile, and his aura slowly lost the nervous edge. Aaron was there, with his entire family, and standing in the back was Clyde, the Demon. Everyone my grandpa had cared about was there. Even Terence had flown in for the funeral, though he hadn't been able to stay for the graveside service. With Patrick's blood, he and the Guardian scientists were hard at work, trying to create a cure that could save the other infected Guardians. They were confident they were close, which was an unexpected comfort to me.
When the graveside was finished, everyone wanted a chance to hug the family members. Though most of our neighbors hadn't come to the cemetery, it was still a long line. Each hug was special to me. Lee—wearing a deep-blue, Rainbow Days dress at my urging—held me especially tight.
Toni, Jack, Clyde; and then Aaron was crushing me, and that's when I really started to cry. The whole funeral had been a giant dose of déjà vu for me. But Aaron's hug was especially poignant. He'd embraced me this exact same way in this same cemetery, in essentially the very same spot, not long ago.
“I love you, Kate,” he whispered into my hair. “I always will, okay? I'll always be here for you. I promise. Whatever you need, whenever you need it—I'm there, all right?”
“Thank you, Aaron. Thank you so much…”
I finished hugging everyone else, and we all wandered back toward our cars. I didn't feel like going back in the limo. I knew Grandma was trying to talk to the twins in there, and offer more comfort. I needed to have just a moment's break from their horrible grief. Their auras more than their tears made me feel hollow inside.
Patrick came up beside me, scooping up my hand while I walked. “Do you want to ride with me?” he asked quietly, sensing my thoughts.
I nodded. “That would be nice.”
We walked for a few steps in silence before I spoke, my voice soft. “I hate knowing I can't do anything.” His eyes darted to my face, prompting me to continue. I shrugged a single shoulder. “It's ridiculous. I can go back hundreds, even thousands of years. But I can't go back and change this. I can't bring him back.” I shook my head. “I keep thinking about what he told me. About destiny. I guess I'm trying to understand how this could possibly be a part of some bigger plan.”
Patrick's voice was thin and compassionate—but once again, his eyes held a million other emotions. “You'll see him again, Kate.”
I sighed. “I know.”
“That has to ease some of the pain…”
“It does.” And I guess he was right.
But that same thing that made it possible to see my grandfather again was the thing that would keep me from Patrick forever.
I'd once heard that it would be impossible to be unhappy in heaven. But if I didn't have Patrick, how could the afterlife be heaven to me?
I guess I would have to trust in the words of Pastor O'Donnell, and my grandpa. That everything would be all right in the end, and that things happened for a reason; no matter how impossible that seemed right now.
I held Patrick's hand and we walked to his car, neither of us saying a word. Words weren't necessary in that moment.
Patrick O'Donnell
New Mexico, United States
I was in bed, trying to find sleep. I hadn't enjoyed much of that lately, and after the long day, the funeral… I just wanted to be unconscious.
Toni was in the other room. Claire had moved in the day before, on the floor above us. She'd brought her Seer, Maddy, along who was an orphan that knew only this lifestyle. Honestly, I didn't really have a strong opinion about them. I didn't especially like the French Guardian, but I wasn't going to complain about her presence. It meant more protection for Kate, after all. Even now, Claire was keeping watch over Kate's house, invisible to all of them except for Kate, obviously. The overzealous protection detail had begun.
Kate would need it, I knew. I was reluctant to burden her mind any more than it already was, but she wasn't out of danger. And she knew that, on some level. But I was confident that she didn't realize just how precarious her situation was.
Terence was quite sure that the Demon Lord would take his time with her, knowing that she'd be heavily guarded now. Now that she'd secured Far Darrig's existence, she was just another Special Seer. Rare, but not of immediate importance. He would wait.
But I could wait too. Because he wasn't getting near her ever again. Neither was Sean. I'd already irrefutably sworn that to myself. I would no longer be weak. I could have killed him in Las Vegas, after he'd shot Kate's grandfather. I could have killed him easily.
But I hadn't.
I wouldn't make the same mistake twice. I would be strong next time. Because I'd been right all along. Sean was dead. Only the monster Far Darrig remained. And I would kill him. It was my destiny. A way to put my brother's soul to rest.
The Demon deserved death after everything he'd done.
I closed my eyes tightly, as if that would make sleep come faster.
And then I heard a gasp at the foot of my bed.
I wasn't alone anymore.
I threw off my sheets, not understanding how someone could have gotten inside. I would have heard the door.
“Who's there?” I hissed, snatching up the knife on my bedside table.
There was no solid answer, just a short cry of pained anguish. The room was dark, but the filtered moonlight outlined the room. I stood, pushing the bedsheets aside as I moved for the foot of my bed. I don't know what I expected to find lying on the hard floor as I rounded the short corner, but it surely wasn't the sight that met my eyes.
It was Kate. She was staring up at me, eyes unfocused and already glazing softly in death. And she was covered in blood. Her whole stomach and chest—she was covered in the horrible color. “Patrick,” she gasped painfully.
The dagger fell from my frozen fingers. I fell an instant behind it, slamming to my knees beside her. My eyes flashed over her wounds, though I already knew they were fatal gunshots—I wasn't sure how many. I grabbed her limp hand and searched her sallow, tortured face, my free hand stroking her hair back from her face.
My words ground out through gritted teeth. “Kate. What happened? What's going on? How'd you get in here?”
She swallowed hard, her unclear eyes focused on mine. “What day is it?” she choked urgently.
“What day…?” And then it hit me.
This wasn't my Kate.
At least, not yet. Someday she would be—in the future. This Kate had come back in time. But that would mean… “Kate, you can't be here.” My eyes revealed the words I couldn't speak. If she was here, in her own past, she was risking her life. She was going to die.
She almost laughed, though it was faint and stuttering. “I think I was already pretty done for.” She saw the pain on my face, and she tried to squeeze my fingers. The attempt was pitifully frail. “I'm sorry, Patrick. I know this is hard. But I need you to listen. I need you to change what happens. But to do that, I need to know what day it is.”
I fought for my voice. I couldn't stop my eyes from wandering back to all the blood on her ruined body. I wanted to hold her, cradle her in my arms, but I didn't dare move her. I didn't know how to save her. I forced myself to answer her question. “The funeral. It was the funeral today.”
Her lips pressed tightly together, and she closed her eyes. “Not far enough,” she mourned to herself. “I wanted to save…” Her eyes opened, and new determination was there. “Patrick, I don't have much time. I'm being pulled back. But you need to promise me something.”
“What? Anything!”
She half smiled. But it was a sad smile. A heartbroken smile. A smile that said good-bye. I wanted to throw up. “I need you to promise that you won't try to stop me. That you'll let me do what I need to do. That you'll save the twins instead. Keep them safe, no matter what. Because you can't save me, Patri
ck. Not anymore. Not when I've gone back…”
“Kate, you have to tell me what happened—what happens. Who did this to you?”
“It doesn't matter.”
I struggled to breathe. “Doesn't matter?” She was dying in my arms—how could that not matter? And I was helpless. Completely helpless. “Kate, please,” I begged raggedly. “Give me anything…”
And then I remembered Toni. He could get a first aid kit, an ambulance—something. “Toni!” I yelled.
She winced at the intrusive sound, and then her eyes were back on me. “I know this is weird for you, but my Patrick isn't here. With me in the future, I mean, so if it's all right… If I can tell you, that… I love you, Patrick. I love you so much. No matter what, I'll always love you. No matter where I am. Please promise me you'll remember that?”
My bedroom door was thrown open. Toni literally cried out at the sight of her and all her blood. But I ignored him—I was trapped by her eyes. “I promise,” I croaked. “I'll always remember.”
She forced a smile, like my useless promise somehow possessed the power to comfort her. “Save the twins. When everything goes wrong… when everything we do fails… just take care of… of the twins.” Her breath caught in a strangled choke. She fought to continue. “And please… please, Toni… tell Toni… he…”
She was gurgling, low in her throat, unable to form the desperate warning because of the unstoppable advance of her own death. She tried squeezing my hand again. And though she was impossibly weaker than before, I could actually feel the faint flex of her muscles this time. And then the light in her open eyes vanished, and her body grew still—a second before she disappeared.
My hand held only air. The blood on the floor was the only evidence that she'd been here at all.
Tears were lying stagnant on my cheeks. I hadn't even realized I'd started crying. I looked to Toni, my empty hand burning.
His eyes were wide, and his face was blanched.
I couldn't breathe.
I'd just seen a glimpse of the future. I'd just watched Kate die. The only question was, how long until this nightmare future became my reality?
The Story Concludes in Book Three: Guardians
I can still hardly believe that I'm writing thank yous for my second published book. It's so exciting! Dreams most obviously come true. There are so many people to thank, I'm sure to miss someone. But I'm going to start with the most important: my Heavenly Father, for blessing me with an imagination and putting me in a home where that imagination was allowed to flourish.
Mom, your help in the writing, editing, and encouraging departments is simply amazing. You're the most considerate slave-driver ever born. Dad, you've helped me with so much of the technical stuff, and I really appreciate the faith you have in me. I love you both so much!
I would also like to thank each of my siblings: Richard (best big brother, even if you tease me for my career choice—and everything else), Kevin (best Texan salesman and movie quoter—you rock, Elder!), Kimberly (best listener, period—your help is invaluable); Joseph (best comic relief—Toni's got nothing on you); Samuel (best supporter and an encouraging fan to boot); Emma (best teenage perspective of Patrick—and a great masseuse); Lilly (best little sister and fellow Disney princess fanatic); Matthew (best Doctor Who marathon buddy—don't blink!), and Jacob (best inspiration—thanks for everything). Growing up with you guys has been awesome—let's all stay young forever, okay?
A special thanks to my beloved beta readers, who helped in all the different stages of the writing process! Jill, Crystal, Rebecca, Yvonne, Craig, Ashley, Katelin, Alyssa, and the beautiful Townhouse Girls.
Brian, thanks for your endless help with the website—I truly appreciate all you do.
A special thanks to all my wonderful friends that continue to not only put up with me but also support me in every way possible. You know who you are—thank you! Also, a very special thank you to Emily and Landen.
And, of course, thanks again to my first unofficial fan club: James, Rex, Kent, Rich. You're all awesome! Thanks for your continued support.
The great people at Cedar Fort deserve a huge thanks, especially Shersta, for believing in me; Melissa, for helping me make sense; Erica, for an amazing cover; and Laura, for all the support.
And a HUGE thank-you to my dedicated readers! This wouldn't be possible without you. Thanks for reading!
Table of Contents
Halftitle
Title
Dedication
Copyright
Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Back Cover
Table of Contents
Halftitle
Title
Dedication
Copyright
Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Back Cover
Demons Page 43
