“You read mythology. The problem with that is it can’t be proven. It’s a story, although a good one that probably gave you all kinds of warm fuzzies about being Terra.” He nudged her with his elbow.
Sage appreciated the gesture. He was at least trying to be on the level with her. Brutal honesty was his motto. She’d take that over the alternative. “So I shouldn’t be proud of what my people have done?”
“That’s not what I’m saying. Don’t take everything as gospel truth. No one, not a single creature walking this earth, is good or evil because of what race they are. People choose to do good or evil.” Devon stressed the point. “Even the Terras.”
As many times as she heard that phrase, it might as well be on a tee shirt. “So, what if people inside ASSET are doing evil?” Sage asked.
“That’s what has me worried.” To his credit, Devon had not bothered to downplay that thought. “If that’s true, then we could be on the brink of another magical war. You read the history.”
“Mythology?” she corrected.
“Both have nuggets of truth. Magic has the potential to destroy more than just lives. War could tear apart the very fabric of our society. Best we figure out what is going on. Until then, maybe you shouldn’t go back to ASSET.”
Her jaw dropped. She’d expected him to tow the company line and drag her kicking and screaming back to the barracks.
“I’m not saying it’s safe for you out here, and I can’t guarantee your protection. But if your gut told you to walk away, you’d better listen. Your gut is a much better voice of reason than you think.”
“They killed my mom.” Sage shed a tear. “That’s why I left.”
“Was she…”
He didn’t need to finish that sentence. Sage nodded and wiped away her tears before he could get to the final word.
“It makes sense now. The wounds are fresh. It’s hard enough having an awakening at your age, but to see the reason why is more than anyone should have to bear.” Devon pulled her into a bear hug, and she buried her face in his hard chest.
“We’re going to figure this out. And you’ll see. Your people serve a noble purpose. You should be proud of what you are. Now go home and get some sleep. I’ll let you know the moment I find anything out.”
“And what do I do in the meantime?”
“Keep reading. Learn all you can. Who knows? Maybe there’s something in those books about a weapon to destroy magic.”
“Isn’t that what we were created to be?”
“You’re magic neutral,” Devon said reverently. “What Zack described is annihilation.”
TWENTY-ONE
“Honey, I’m home.” Sage returned hours later than she had originally planned. Devon had fed her, and after she’d revealed her newfound resistance to alcohol, Devon offered to test her shot for shot. Stinking of tequila, Sage sauntered into the apartment stone-cold sober. “See, I told you I’d be back.”
“I had my doubts.” Matt sat staring at the television, his hand clenched tightly around the remote as if ready to crush it with anger. “You’ve been acting strange, and that’s saying something.”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were trying to insult me.” Sage marched to the fridge and grabbed two beers. “But I’m glad you’re mad at me. Shows how much you care.” She came around, placing herself in line with the TV, and held a bottle out to him. “Peace offering?”
He couldn’t resist. Even as he looked ready to strike, when he faced her, the anger melted away. “You’re like a sister to me. I don’t want to see anything bad happen to you.” Matt snatched the beer and made space for her on the couch.
She settled down next to him with a sigh, snuggling close to his massive body. This was home. This was where she felt safe and loved. Where no one was trying to manipulate her. And at the same time, it was a place where she had to keep a dangerous secret. Normally she could unload all her troubles and trust that Matt would help her work through them. Smart, sensitive, and at least towards her, non-judgmental. But this was the first time she couldn’t just let it all out and feel better. There was no explaining this without proof. Even the most open-mined person needed to see the magic happen to believe it. She’d only sound like a raving lunatic if she unloaded all she’d learned to Matt, especially now that there was some kind of weapon killing supernatural things and starting wars. Her problems had increased tenfold thanks to what she’d learned from Zack, and not even a tray full of tequila worked to deaden her nerves. She’d grabbed the beer out of habit, when what she really needed was a gallon of water.
“Where’s my easy button?”
“If only.” Matt chuckled. “And don’t even think you’re getting control over the remote tonight.”
“I wasn’t even going to try.” Being there next to Matt was soothing, and she didn’t want to get up, even if her throat burned for water. He flipped through channels looking for something to watch. Hundreds of channels and nothing seemed interesting, but still Matt continued to press the remote as if the next channel might be a winner.
Sleep must have claimed them, though Sage barely remembered closing her eyes. But when a knock woke her, the sun was sending down piercing shafts of light through the window blinds.
“Not it!” Sage groaned. She might not have felt the alcohol the night before, but that did not spare her the headache to end all headaches.
Matt pushed her off of him and tossed the TV remote in her lap. “If it’s a damn clipboard, I’ll beat them with it.” He lumbered over to the door and checked the peep hole.
“They can shove whatever they’re selling straight up their–” Sage’s stomach lurched as she tried to stand. She ran for the bathroom, before the regrets of the previous night came back to haunt her.
“It’s for you.” Matt’s voice echoed all the way into the bathroom.
“I’m not home,” she replied, quickly brushing her teeth to rid herself of the lingering smell of dragon’s breath.
Grey’s voice stole her attention. “Sage, we need to talk.”
She groaned and threw the toothbrush down at the sink. “Of course he’d have to show up.”
“You okay? Want me to get rid of him?” Matt appeared at the bathroom door.
Their eyes met through the reflection of the mirror. Sage wanted nothing more than to be rid of Grey. That asshole! But everywhere she went, there he was in some fashion or another, cold and unfeeling, with a smirk she’d be happy to smack clean off his face. But telling Matt to send him away wouldn’t work. He’d just find more nefarious ways to get Sage’s attention. And the last thing she needed was another vampire showing up on her doorstep. “No. I’m fine.”
“Which one is it?” Matt looked confused. “Should I tell him to go?”
The headache wasn’t helping either. Not fair. She shouldn’t have a hangover if she hadn’t at least gotten to enjoy the alcohol that caused it. “Let him in,” Sage groaned. She’d be damned if he thought she was going back to ASSET, though. If nothing else, she’d make that perfectly clear. Grey could go stick his machete where the sun didn’t shine, if that was his motive.
Splashing water on her face and making quick work of taming her hair, Sage managed to look human by the time she made it back out to the living room.
Grey was standing in the kitchen like a soldier at attention. In the light of day, his fedora and leather duster combo completely failed to resonate the bad-ass vibe he was going for.
Matt took his place next to Sage like her personal bodyguard. “New boyfriend?”
“Boyfriend?” She snorted, completely ruining her mad-dog stare. “Hell, no!” She’d rather punch him in his stupid face than kiss it. How could Matt even think… She took a breath to stop her laughter and tried to reclaim the angry glare she’d hoped would solidify her position of defense with Grey.
“That’s a relief.” Matt winked and elbowed Sage in the arm. “We were going to have to have a serious talk if you were.”
“You two are h
ilarious.” Grey’s eyes were locked on Sage, as if pretending Matt were not there. “I came to make sure you were okay after what happened.”
Liar. He already knew she was fine. His little vampire lackey had no doubt reported her whereabouts. But she couldn’t call him out on that with Matt standing there.
Matt turned his scrutinizing gaze at Sage, all humor fading to concern. “Something you forgot to tell me?”
Sage crossed her arms and stared back at Grey, willing him to feel her contempt. How dare he come here and stir up trouble, especially when he knew she had a roommate? A human roommate, at that. “If your intent was to start drama, leave now!”
Matt cleared his throat to get Sage’s attention.
“I’m fine. We’re fine.” She struggled to downplay the mystery. “He’s just an antagonistic prick here to make my life hell.”
“Can we have some privacy?” Grey asked, finally acknowledging her roommate with a sidelong glance.
“You’ve got some balls, don’t you?” Matt scoffed. “She doesn’t seem to like you very much.”
“Yours are bigger,” Sage nodded to her roommate, feeling the sudden surge in testosterone threatening to suffocate her. “Let’s go for a walk, Grey.”
“You know how I feel about that. We can talk here, if your bodyguard gives us some breathing room.” He jerked his head toward Matt. Don’t worry, I’m not going to hurt her.”
“Do you have to work at being an asshole, or are you just naturally good at it?” She regretted telling Matt to let him in. Grey provided more drama than her aching head could deal with.
“Not a boyfriend. Not a friend I’ve ever met. Why is it we’re letting him in our house, rude as he is?” Matt glowered back at Grey as if sizing him up.
“Friend of the family, unfortunately.” She forced her tone to remain civil. “Here to make sure I’m not losing it after Mom died.” She didn’t let on that Grey had been the one to strike the final blow, but the restrained anger in her voice was enough to set Matt off.
“She’s cool. I’m taking care of her. Go tell Mark she’s not going back to Phoenix.” Matt took a step toward Grey.
“She can speak for herself, I think,” Grey responded threateningly.
If she didn’t stop them, those two idiots were steps away from a fight, and as big as both of them were, Sage wouldn’t risk getting in the middle to stop them once they got going. “Its fine, Matt,” She threw her hands into the air. “Just give me a few minutes, please. I’ll hear whatever Grey needs to say and send him on his way.”
“You sure?” Matt asked. She nodded curtly. With a huff, Matt walked toward his room. She’d pay for his restraint later. One problem at a time.
“You have five minutes.” Sage shot at Grey. “Why are you following me?”
“You know why.”
“I used up my freebie, remember?” She threw his words back at him.
“After what happened, you’re not safe. And our numbers are dwindling as it is.” Grey’s tone softened, but the look in his eyes remained sharp. Ever the company man, through and through. If he’d had half a brain, he’d have told her the same thing Devon had. His agenda had nothing to do with her safety.
“You people have been nothing but rude and manipulative to me. Why the hell would I go back there?”
“Because you belong. Regardless of how you feel you’ve been treated.” He held up his wrist and showed off his mark.
“Says the guy who used a vampire to trick me,” she replied bitterly. Matt was in the next room. He didn’t need to hear her arguing over vampires or magic. “Screw this damn mark! It’s ugly. Just like that prison of an agency you keep trying to incarcerate me in.”
“Zack served a purpose, providing a safe way for you to see what you will be up against next time you run into someone more dangerous.”
She nearly slapped him, but held her arms stiffly. Asshole was too good a name for him. “Don’t give me that, teaching me a lesson, crap. It was manipulation, plain and simple.”
“What do you want? An apology?”
“No.”
“Good. Because you’re not going to get one. I’m trying to help you. What happened to your mom can and will happen to you out here in the open.” Grey’s voice sounded strained as if desperate to control his volume.
“I might have believed you if you’d been honest with me from the start. But rather than tell me the truth, you used fear and manipulation to get what you wanted from me. You’re no better than the other scumbags out there, and I’m done being a pawn in your little game. If all you came here to do was drag me back into that place and lock me away, you can go to hell.”
“I tried. Remember that.” Grey turned and stormed out of the apartment.
Sage growled in frustration. When she turned around, Matt was standing there looking like a deer caught in the headlights. “See? They don’t give up. And I will not go back and work for the people who killed my mother.” She shouted the words loud enough for Grey to hear although he had already left the room.
Matt opened his mouth, but no words escaped.
“Momma was a bad ass. I’m not my mom,” she said as an explanation.
“Could have fooled me, honey.” He slowly backed away to the couch. “Too bad. He could have been cute if he lost the ridiculous hat. Made him look like such a tool.”
“You can have him.” She threw herself back onto the couch.
“Drama-free over here.”
“The nerve of him, coming here,” she growled, trembling under the rage she fought to keep in check.
“Something you want to talk about? What did he do to manipulate you?” Matt asked cautiously, as if knowing the response might send him right out that door to defend her honor.
She caught the innuendo and quickly answered, “Nothing like that. I would never… ugh,” she shivered at the thought of being close to that jerk. She’d sleep with the vampire before even considering touching Grey.
“It’s okay. We all have regrets. As long as he didn’t force himself on you.”
“You and I both know I’d have ripped his nuts off if he had.”
Matt choked on laughter. “And you say you’re not a bad-ass.”
“I talk a good game.”
“You know you can confide in me. No matter what. I know you didn’t just go stay at a hotel when you were gone.”
“I can’t…” Sage started to say.
“But I also know about secrets. If you’ve got one you aren’t able to tell me just yet, there’s probably a good reason for it, so out of respect for our longstanding friendship I won’t dig deeper. Just please know I’m your non-judgmental confessional when you need it.”
“Bless me, Father, for I have sinned,” Sage snickered.
“That will be five Hail Mary’s and you’re buying breakfast.” Matt elbowed her.
“You are one of the few people in the world I can trust. And it’s because of that I have to keep you in the dark. Mom was into some crazy stuff at work, and I’m unfortunately having to clean up a few messes she left behind.”
Matt nodded with acceptance. “Tell me when you’re ready. Until then, I propose we hit the DVD collection since there’s nothing worth watching on TV this early in the morning.”
“No magic. I’ve had quite enough of that crap!” Sage said. “And no romance either…”
TWENTY-TWO
After twenty-four blissful hours of normalcy Sage almost felt like her old self. But that all ended when Devon called her to come down to his gym.
Daylight somehow felt safe, though deep down Sage knew it wasn’t true. Creatures of magic existed in all shapes and sizes, but only vampires had issues with the light. Still, she welcomed the fresh air and sunlight as she strolled toward Devon’s gym.
A sign on the door read Closed, but she peered inside spotting new faces she’d never seen before.
Sage knocked and waited for him to magically appear like he’d done so many times before.
H
e opened the door slowly, his face tightening as his eyes met hers through the plate glass. “Before I let you inside, I need your word that you’ll listen and do as I ask.”
“Something up?” He’d called her down. Why the sudden subterfuge?
Devon stepped aside and let her in. “I’ve called some of my personal friends. They’re good people, but the presence of a Terra might make them nervous.”
“I’m not one of them,” she said arrogantly. The people of the Vegas ASSET group had already shown their true colors. No way in hell was she claiming to be party to their nonsense.
“Your word, please.” He took hold of her arm before she could pass completely through the doorway.
“Yes, okay. I’ll be good.” The moment she crossed the threshold, Sage felt as if she’d been put on display. The assembled group regarded her curiously, but rather than look her in the face, they looked to her arm. To her birthmark. Would there ever be a day when it wasn’t the first thing people saw about her?
“Terras are the peacekeepers.” Devon lowered his voice. “So in a way, you’re…”
“A party crasher?” She finished the sentence, knowing exactly what he meant. No one invites the cop to a party when they know something illegal might be going down.
“To put it mildly.” A lopsided grin cracked Devon’s stony expression. He released her.
“I’m here to learn,” she said, loud enough for others to take note. “Not to condemn people I know nothing about.”
“Outing yourself as a newbie might not be smart either.” Devon put a hand on her back. “This is Sage – she’s my charge for the moment. Her mother’s light was extinguished quite recently, and she’s a refugee of the recent attack on ASSET.”
From the doorway, it looked like an AA meeting. Chairs were arranged in a circle, and people were taking their seats, drinking coffee. There were two women and a man in attendance so far. But more chairs sat empty: one for Sage, one for Devon, and at least one more.
A Weapon Of Magical Destruction Page 16
