Ebony Fight (The Guard Duet Book 2)

by Herzer, Natalie

  TWENTY-EIGHT

  Hell was exactly as Becca remembered it, but after having spent quite a while in the human realm it seemed even worse. The sun was just setting. An eerie color, it was a ball of fire disappearing in a pink mist. Like a bullet tearing flesh and spraying blood. The air was dry, leaving a taste of copper and sulfur on her tongue.

  She hated it.

  Looking up at the darkening crimson sky, Becca pulled the hoodie of her sweatshirt up over her head. Her blonde hair shone pink here and was too easy to spot. They guessed that Andras would give Stone two or three days to kill Becca before any suspicion would arise. However, the city was filled with posters of wanted deserters and even offered rewards. They didn’t know for sure whether Becca’s face might already be on one of them. It was better not to take any chances.

  “Ready?”

  Becca patted down her leather jacket to check whether everything was where it should be. Its inside was lined with hex bags and daggers. Her low boots offered a backup supply regarding the latter. Satisfied, she nodded. “Let’s go.”

  They walked out of the alley they had arrived in and onto one of the busier streets. Becca was glad they had landed near the outer ring of the city and didn’t have to make their way through the slums. She knew them too well.

  “How long do you think it will take us?” She had never been this far into the city, much less the heart of Hell where Satan lived. They had to walk since Becca, being a witch, didn’t have any wings and Stone’s only supported his own weight.

  “A couple of days, probably. See the tower over there?” he asked, pointing at the gleaming tip that dwarfed all the other buildings in the vicinity. “That’s Andras’ place. This is his territory. Afterwards comes Balan’s, and since he’s a prince of Hell, we should be close to the Heart by then. We’ll walk through the night, then find some place to rest. One day at a time.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” She was about to entwine her hand with his again, when Becca remembered that affection wasn’t something to be shown openly in Hell. Lust and desire, yes, but not affection.

  Seeing her predicament, Stone flashed a brief smile before draping one of his arms around her waist so that his hand rested on her hip. It looked lusty and possessive; no one would look twice at them. To Becca, however, it felt warm and safe.

  Love is for the weak.

  Her mother’s voice echoed through her mind. She had said those words the day she wanted to kill Quinn. Becca had stepped in, declaring she would look after her baby brother. Her mother had looked at her in disgust and merely walked away.

  Becca shook her head at the memory. Love was the essence of life for her; it kept her going when nothing else could. Love was why she was here to begin with. She treasured and cherished it, and in return it gave her strength. She knew she would need it in this place.

  The streets here were different from the slums. The moans of pleasure and screams of torture that hit her ears were the same, but the shops weren’t. They were a bit more posh, more refined - just like their prizes. Becca’s eyes grew wide when a woman walked out of one of the stores with a lower demon, more scuttling creature than intelligent being, on a studded leather leash. After less than an hour of watching Hell’s upper class, Becca missed the human realm and her life there so much it hurt.

  A thought suddenly popped up in her mind. “After all your confessions, there’s one thing you haven’t told me yet.”

  “And what is that?”

  She looked at him, not wanting to miss any expressive reaction. “How did you find me?”

  “Oh. That.” Stone rubbed a hand across the back of his neck. Was he embarrassed? “Your friend Greg told me.”

  “Told you? He wouldn’t have told a soul.”

  “Well, I gave him a bit of a fright,” he explained, looking like a boy who’d just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

  “A fright?”

  “I didn’t hurt him, I promise.”

  Smiling up at him, Becca assured, “I believe you.”

  He shook his head, expelling a hard breath. “That still amazes me.”

  For a moment, as they continued on in silence, Becca wished she could pretend that they weren’t in Hell and this would just be a romantic evening walk. She wanted nothing more than to share the small and simple moments in life with him. Wake up next to him, to laugh, to snuggle up on the couch while watching a movie, go for walks, dance in the middle of the kitchen. The list was endless.

  Stone’s arm around her tensed, abruptly pulling her back into the present and making her heart beat faster in fear. Before she could ask him what was wrong, he whispered to her, “We’re being followed. Don’t turn around! Just keep going.”

  She did as he bade her, trusting in his abilities.

  “When I tell you to, walk into an alley with me, and laugh as if I made a joke.”

  Becca gave a subtle nod. Her body was tense, alert.

  “Now!”

  They turned left and Becca laughed throatily as Stone pushed her against the cold brick wall and moved in close. “I want to hear more of that one day.”

  His lips brushed her ear, before he suddenly pulled away and faced the mouth of the alley. Waiting.

  Waiting.

  “Something’s not right.” Stone frowned. “I’m gonna have a look from above. Stay here, and keep an eye out.”

  Taking a hex bag in one hand and a dagger in the other, Becca nodded.

  “Be careful,” Stone warned her before he spread his huge black wings. A couple of powerful thrusts, stirring dust, and he was airborne. For a moment Becca could only stare at him and forgot about watching the alley. He was magnificent.

  Hovering for a moment above the alley, he pointed with his hand towards its mouth. Right. She was supposed to keep an eye on the street, not him. She gave a nod and then took a stance. Ready for battle.

  She didn’t look at him, but could have sworn she heard a soft whooshing sound when he disappeared into the night sky. On her own now, fear and doubt wanted to sneak in like uninvited guests. Not for the first time she wondered how she had ended up here. And not for the first time did Quinn’s innocent smile pop up in her mind as an answer. This time, however, it was not just his image that she could see in her mind’s eye. She saw Stone and even herself next to him. A family. No, there was no place for doubt in her heart.

  After a few minutes Stone landed sure on his feet. “Anything?”

  “No. You?”

  “I didn’t see anyone.” His frown deepened. “But I’m sure I felt someone watching us.”

  Becca held up a hand and brought it against his lips. “You don’t have to explain. I trust your instincts.”

  He kissed her fingertips, the small gesture rousing a swarm of butterflies.

  “Let’s keep going.”

  Stone nodded, looking over his shoulder once more. The tension in his body didn’t dissipate, even when he wrapped his arm around her waist once more. They walked for hours, on alert, and from time to time even Becca could feel eyes on her. Or was she just imaging it? Whether a figment of her imagination or not, in the end she was glad that Stone had insisted on coming along.

  When dawn stretched its fingers to touch the horizon, Stone and Becca had to find shelter for the daylight hours. Fortunately, those hours weren’t as long as in the human realm. They were on the edge of Andras’ territory and couldn’t risk being seen or recognized so close to their goal. Unfortunately the posh outskirts of the downtown area exceeded their means - big time.

  Or at least that’s what she thought.

  When Stone lead her to a hotel, she frowned at him. He didn’t look at her. Once inside, they walked up to the front desk. The woman there, dressed impeccably in a sexy uniform, raised an eyebrow in such a subtle manner that it felt even more condescending.

  “How can I help you?” One look at them and she didn’t even bother with a ‘sir’.

  Charming.

  “A room, please.”

&n
bsp; “That’s 400 souls.”

  Becca almost choked.

  Finally looking at her, his eyes were full of sorrow when he reached out his hand. “That’s all I have. At least it’s for a good cause.”

  Her heart squeezing, she put a hand on his shoulder. “Second chances. That’s why we’re here.”

  The woman scanned his prints, her eyes widening slightly. “Thank you, Sir. Do you need someone to take your luggage for you?”

  “No, thank you.”

  Handing him the card to the room, she flashed a fake pageant-winner smile that was scary to look at. “We hope you’ll enjoy your stay.”

  In the privacy of the elevator, Stone pulled her close and rested his forehead against hers. “I’m not proud of where I come from, of what I did.”

  “Neither am I,” Becca confessed. “What counts is where we’re going.”

  “Becca…” Her name sounded like a prayer on his lips. “You’re too good to be true.”

  “I’m just me.”

  “I love your you.”

  The elevator doors opened with a ding and they stepped off onto the fifth floor. Their room was to the right. Once the door was open and Stone invited her inside with a gesture of his arm, Becca’s mouth fell open. Silk, crystal and creamy leather. Posh and classy. It looked like a picture taken out of one of the magazines she’d seen in the human realm. Except there they didn’t offer a minibar so well-stocked that it included various drugs, and even handcuffs and a range of leather equipment in the bedroom. Ugh.

  The couch was huge and looked inviting enough. Becca tested it, falling back into the soft pillows. Yes, this was better. Taking of her boots, she wiggled her toes with relief. They’d been walking for hours and her feet needed a break.

  After Stone poured them both a glass of water, he joined her on the couch. Within minutes Becca’s eyes felt heavy and fell closed. As if from far away, she sensed it when Stone lay down and guided her head gently to rest on his shoulder. Breathing in his calming scent, she sighed happily and slipped away.

  It felt like she hadn’t slept for more than minutes when she woke up. The red light of day was streaming through the creamy curtains, almost looking like an elegant night gown moving in the breeze.

  What had pulled her from her sleep?

  Stone tensed next to her and she looked at him to see if he was awake. He held a finger to his lips. Becca got the message loud and clear.

  Someone was in their room.

  Her stomach sinking with dread and fear, Becca wondered how they could have gotten inside. Motioning for her to stay put, Stone got up and went to check every room.

  When he stepped into the bedroom, a movement out the corner of her eye caught Becca’s attention. Turning her head, she almost screamed.

  A figure stood at the windows, silhouetted by the bellowing curtains.

  Jumping off the couch, her heart calmed when she suddenly realized it was Sli. The girl had her head cocked to the side as if curious.

  “Dammit, Sli.” Needing a moment to recover before more words came, Becca felt oddly comforted when Stone walked back into the lounge. “What are you doing here? We told you to stay home.”

  “I am home.”

  Only when Sli moved did Becca see the dagger in her hand. One leap; that was all it took. Becca was flooded with a sharp, burning pain. A roar filled her ears, but she couldn’t tell whether it was her blood or Stone. Falling back onto the couch, she held her stomach. In shock she watched everything as if in slow motion. Stone moving to protect her, Sli’s eyes holding a nothingness that chilled Becca to the bone. No regret, no love. Nothing. What had happened to the girl that had started to blush and had been learning how to smile?

  “Why?” Becca managed to get out.

  Her mind just couldn’t comprehend what was going on.

  “Because you make us weak.”

  The next instant the girl’s eyes rolled back in her head. She fell to the floor like a doll before Stone could reach her. Confused and robbed of the target for his apparent anger, he only stared. Shaking himself, he pulled his gaze away and took in Becca.

  Through a haze, she saw the shock, tears and love for her in his eyes. He bellowed and put one knee on the couch. Picking her up, he cradled her in his arms. His hand went to her stomach and came back gleaming.

  Black crept up on her vision, quickly gaining.

  “Take me home, my love,” she whispered.

  “Becca!” His voice sounded faint, as if she were under water. “Becca! No!”

  The darkness won.

  TWENTY-NINE

  Stone couldn’t believe it. In a blink of an eye everything had changed. He’d woken up with Becca in his arms, an amazing feeling, and suddenly sensed that they weren’t alone in the room. How could he have missed the girl?

  Now his love lay bleeding in his arms.

  Take me home, my love.

  His anger turned into a resolve as hard as steal. Yes, she didn’t belong in this world and he wouldn’t let her die here. He had to get her back into the human realm.

  Determined, he stood to open the door that led to the balcony. A glance at the window made his anger resurface. It stood open. Just a gap, but apparently it had been enough for Sli to slip through. Becca moaned and he rushed to her, picked her up. Cradling her gently in his arms, he tried to reassure her, “Shh. I’m taking you home.”

  His wings were made to carry his own weight, nothing more, but knowing he was running out of time he saw no other way. Stepping out onto the wide balcony, Stone summoned them. The take off would be the most difficult part. He moved his wings rapidly, knowing he would need more than the usual three thrusts to get into the air.

  Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.

  Muscles screaming, he grit his teeth against the agony shooting down his spine. “Aaargh!”

  Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.

  The air around him seemed like molasses until he finally pushed through. After gaining enough altitude it was easier to use the winds, gliding on them from time to time to rest his sore muscles. He knew he wouldn’t be able to fly after this for a while, but didn’t care. Getting Becca home was the only thing that mattered right now. Time was not on his side. A stab wound to the stomach gave him about thirty minutes, tops….before Becca would die.

  There was no changing her fate.

  There was no one there to do what she had done for Dave. No witch, no Arthur.

  Stone couldn’t breathe at the thought of losing the gift he’d only now found. Focus, he ordered himself. One step at a time. He was good with that, it was engrained in him. First Stone had to get her back to the human realm, and then he would take her to a hospital. His shoulders and back was a hot burning mess, the muscles starting to tire and making him plummet out of the sky a couple of meters before he could regain control. It was then that he sensed a new hole opening nearby. Relieved, Stone angled right and headed straight for it.

  There it was. He could see the swirling mass of red from above, like a tornado eager to suck in demons and let them roam the human world. The alley was narrow and Stone had to align himself carefully.

  Stone didn’t want to jostle Becca while landing, afraid to hurt her even more. Biting the inside of his cheek, he braced himself against the pain as his wings moved to break their flight as slowly and gently as possible. When his legs touched the earth, his knees bent with their combined weight. Recovering quickly, Stone kept on running. Right through the portal.

  The lush scent of the bayou hit him and he whispered, “We’re home. We’re home.”

  “Hey!”

  Too focused on moving forward and getting Becca to safety, he didn’t notice Lillian and the angel at first. Stone stopped abruptly and turned, out of breath.

  At the sight of Becca bleeding in his arms, Lillian went as white as a sheet. Utter horror marred her face. “Oh no!” She lifted a hand to her mouth. Her eyes were still fixed on her friend when she started to shake her head as if trying to deny what her eyes we
re telling her. “No, no, no.”

  Raz steeped closer and Stone knew the angel would have grabbed him by the collar if it hadn’t been for his precious cargo. “What happened?”

  Such an easy question, yet Stone still had trouble wrapping his mind around the answer. “Sli killed her.”

  “What?”

  “We were resting for the night. Got us a room. In the middle of the night, we woke up. I sensed that someone was in the room and went to check. I…didn’t check the windows. Didn’t think that someone would be able to get in through the gap. But Sli did.”

  Lillian’s face became a mask of anger. “And you want us to believe that? That a child did that? And not you?”

  “I don’t care what you believe. All I know is that I need to find a hospital. It’s been about fifteen minutes since she got stabbed. She lost consciousness shortly after that.” His voice wavered. “I had to get her out of Hell.”

  To Stone’s surprise it was the angel that nodded. Gesturing towards Becca, he offered, “I can take her.”

  “Let me see her,” Lillian cut in harshly. Without waiting for an answer she walked up to Stone and put two fingers against Becca’s throat.

  She looked so peaceful, Stone thought, as she lay there in his arms. His sleeping beauty.

  An odd sound escaped Lillian’s throat, and his gaze snapped to her. “What’s wrong?”

  Tears filled her eyes and escaped without reign. The woman only shook her head, not able to get a word out.

  No!

  His mind screamed. It couldn’t be. There was still time. He knew it. There had to be. His legs gave way and he hit the soft ground beneath him. Holding Becca in his arms, he looked at her. Her beautiful face. He would never see her smile again.

  Then images flashed in front of his eyes. Becca fighting when he’d first laid eyes on her. Becca in her pink bathrobe, exhausted but always smiling. Laughing with Quinn. Dancing in the rain in a polka-dot dress, arms spread wide.

  The flood seemed endless and ripped through him with an agony he’d never felt before. Even the torture lessons at the Academy had been more merciful.

  They hadn’t known each other for long, and still he felt like a part of him was being ripped away, hacked off bit by bit. With every beat of his heart it got worse. They would never share a moment again, would never spend a life together. A normal life she’d fought so hard for.