Exiled - 01

by M. R. Merrick

  Marcus knelt beside her and put a hand on her shoulder. “Rayna?”

  Rayna shook her head, almost robotically. “Riley and the Brothers live. They’ve completed the first step of the invocation and have moved on from this world.”

  “Where are they?” I asked. Rayna turned her strange eyes on me but stayed silent. “Rayna, where?” I yelled.

  The blue and gold that filled her eyes dissipated and her eyelids fell. Her body went limp and Marcus caught her as she collapsed.

  “What the hell was that?” I said.

  “I believe that was a type of vision.”

  “Since when does Rayna get visions?”

  “She doesn’t,” Marcus said.

  Marcus took Rayna up in his arms. She seemed to be breathing evenly and her wounds were gone, but her body was limp and she was unconscious. The volcano continued to explode, and Marcus turned to me. “We need to leave.”

  Tiki stepped forward. “We must all be touching. If anyone breaks contact, there is no way of knowing where they will end up.”

  Marcus and I linked arms and Tiki gripped our shoulders.

  “Is there any way to know where we’ll end up?” I asked.

  “No guarantee, but if there was a portal opened recently on Earth, I should be able to draw on its energy and reopen it. It’s easier than opening a new portal. Are you ready?”

  I adjusted my hold on my mother’s body, and Marcus and I nodded.

  “Okay, I will count down from five,” Tiki said.

  “Five.” The volcano pumped a darker smoke now. Waves of lava poured over the lip of its mouth and rolled down the sides in a heavy flow of liquid fire.

  “Four.” Ashes shot from the top of the volcano and filled the black sky, trickling down over us in a gray snowfall.

  “Three.” The lava reached the bottom of the mountain and slid into the lake. The purple water began to steam.

  “Two.” The lake turned from dark to light purple and bubbles formed on the surface as the water boiled.

  “One.” The light purple faded, overridden by orange and red. The volcano rumbled and streams of liquid fire rained from above as a dark circle opened beneath our feet. The ground gave way and swallowed us. We disappeared into the portal and were gone.

  ~~~~~~

  Epilogue

  When we came through the portal, we were in Rayna’s old basement again. We took our time climbing the stairs, and when we got outside we piled into the Jeep. I could see the amazement on Tiki’s face at everything around him, but he refrained from asking any questions.

  It was several days before Rayna woke up. Her wounds were healed and she thanked the gods that the warlocks hadn’t used silver. She was disoriented at first, and when she asked about Tessa I had to leave the room. I was thankful that Rayna was alive, but I couldn’t be happy about anything yet. I knew I had to be strong, for everybody, but all I wanted was to be alone.

  Tiki had decided to stay with us. He found our world fascinating, and spent most of his time in the library. Most of us left him alone to read and learn about this strange new world, except for Willy. He had been coming by daily, if he’d even left the night before.

  Willy had taken a liking to Tiki, and Tiki seemed to do the same, or he was just too polite to say anything. Willy helped Tiki understand what it was like to be a half demon on Earth.

  I’d learned that after I went through the portal, Marcus had arrived and requested Willy’s help, and so Willy called Grams. She was strong enough to reopen the portal. Vincent had refused to come help, even for Rayna. He claimed the sunlight in the other world would kill him. Vincent’s actions didn’t surprise me, but fact that Grams was willing to help did. We had her to thank for being alive – at least most of us.

  The unusual little bird that had managed to make its way home with us had been given the name Rai, courtesy of Tiki, for her ability to create lightning. She almost never left my shoulder, which was a combination of cute and annoying.

  I spent most of the few weeks following our return wondering about all the different ways everything could have turned out had I done things differently. But I knew I could wonder all I wanted and it still wouldn’t bring my mother back.

  We didn’t see a trace of Riley or the Dark Brothers. We had yet to confirm whether they had gotten out of the cave alive by some means. Part of me hoped Rayna’s vision was right, that my father was alive, so I could have the satisfaction of killing him myself. The other part hoped she had been wrong and this fight was over for good.

  I knew if Riley was alive, I would get my revenge. I knew it wasn’t what my mother would want, but my ego told me I had to do it: for Rayna, Mom, and even Marcus, who I knew was hurting. He hid the pain well, but I knew him well enough now to see beyond the mask. He and Tessa had a deeper relationship than they had let on, and I knew I wasn’t the only one feeling the loss.

  With the portals open, the war that had ended thousands of years ago should’ve been starting again. Our world should’ve been overrun with pure blood demons, but it wasn’t. That was unnerving in and of itself, and gave me an eerie feeling.

  Marcus contacted the other exiled and rogue hunters, in part to share the bad news, and in part to ask for help. If pure blood demons started walking the streets, we were going to need it.

  Today is my birthday and I can’t bear to leave my room. Marcus and Rayna both wished me a happy birthday, but understood that I’m not in the mood to celebrate. Willy brought a small package up to my room that had been delivered to the condo, a small brown box that I opened in private. Inside was a pair of daggers made of pure silver, right down to the handles. Each was engraved with an eagle, accented in yellow gold with red gems for the eyes. The weapons were beautiful, sharp, with perfect weight and balance.

  With them came a small white envelope, containing a single piece of paper. I unfolded it and my heart stopped.

  Chase,

  Happy Birthday! I know our life has been turned upside down lately, but I want you to know, no matter what you do to get out of it, I’m still going to make you celebrate your big day. Eighteen years ago you came into this world and into my life. I’ve loved you more every day since, and I want you know that.

  You have a tough time understanding this, but our exile from the Circle was the best thing for us. It gives us a chance to live real lives that don’t involve killing every single day. Things are tough now, between paying the bills and surviving the Underworld’s attacks, but I want you to enjoy your youth. It won’t last forever. Make friends, go to parties, do things normal guys do. One day, you might even wake up and realize all the other troubles are behind you.

  You’re skeptical about everything that is happening right now and I understand that, but you must try to be open to Marcus and Rayna. They are good people who have welcomed us into their lives and we need to be thankful for them. Who knows, after a while you may even realize that you and Rayna have some things in common.

  Lastly, I want you to do something for me. I want you to push your doubts away and enjoy this day. It’s true you had one hell of a birthday three years ago, but that doesn’t mean they all have to remind you of that. They don’t have to be full of sadness and anger. They can be full of happiness and gratitude to be alive and in good company. Do this for me, just for today.

  I hope you have an amazing birthday and never forget how much I love you. Congrats on the big 18! I love you and I’m proud to have you as my son. And don’t forget, no matter what happens, I will always be there for you. You and me, always.

  Love,

  Mom

  Tears welled up in my eyes and streamed down my face. When I had started reading the letter, my sorrow came from missing her, but by the time I’d finished, I was shaking, and the sadness had been replaced by rage at Riley. Some of the ink had been smeared by tears, and I carefully wiped them away, not wanting to ruin the last thing my mother would ever give me.

  She was the one person who believed in me. When the whole
world seemed to be against us, she kept us strong. If Riley is alive, he’ll pay for the pain he caused and for the life he took. Something in my gut tells me he’s out there somewhere, and that’s why we haven’t seen the pure blood demons yet. He’s holding them off for some reason, and I’ll find out why.

  I will defend this family: Marcus, Rayna, Willy, Tiki and any others who need us, whether they be hunters, demons, or the oblivious mundane humans. I was chosen to carry the mark of the gods. I will stand up and be what the spirit named me: their protector.

  ######

  About The Author

  Matthew is a proud father, husband, and pet owner. Exiled is his debut novel and the first in the Protector Series. He’s an avid coffee drinker, music lover, movie buff, and cereal enthusiast, who lives in Red Deer, Alberta with his wife, and two daughters.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Connect with Matthew

  Stay up to date on future books, writing, and life:

  Website: http://www.matthew-merrick.blogspot.com

  Turn the page for a sample of SHIFT, Book 2 in The Protector series by M.R. Merrick

  Chapter 1

  My eyes tore open to the sound of screaming. The drywall rattled and Rayna’s voice raged through the wall. My pulse jumped as panic set in and I leapt from my bed moving straight for the door.

  I ran through the archway, pants tangling on my legs as I tried to pull them up. Marcus, Willy, and Tiki were halfway down the hall, their faces owned by fear.

  Marcus reached the door before me, turned the silver handle, and pushed through. The door creaked and the smell of blood, sweat, and something else seeped from the darkness. Marcus flicked on the light and I saw what I already feared.

  Rayna was on her hands and knees. Sweat ran down her face in streams, and her eyes moved to us. A deep growl that belonged to something far more ferocious snarled from her lips.

  Marcus and I moved to either side of her, leaving Willy and Tiki to guard the door. This was her beast’s third attempt at a shift this week. I wasn’t chasing a half-naked Rayna down the street. Not again.

  The hardwood floor was cold and stuck to my bare feet, and bright green cat eyes followed as I sidestepped around her. Another growl rumbled deep in her throat. A warning.

  Rayna bent at the elbows and lowered herself to the ground. Her back end lifted in the air and her body moved with unnatural grace, her eyes consuming my every move. The muscles in her arms flexed as she prepared to pounce. She leaned forward, but her body bucked and twisted at an awkward angle. She collapsed to the ground and Rayna’s voice cried out, but even that didn't override the sound of bones crunching.

  Alien muscles moved beneath her skin as her body distorted from one angle to another. Something was pushing from the inside. A monster trying to claw its way out. Clear fluid burst as her skin split, and the hint of something primal spilled out over her arms. Her green feline gaze flashed back to me, but it wasn’t the beast looking through; it was Rayna. Her eyes pleaded with me to make it stop, but we both knew I couldn’t.

  “Calm yourself, Rayna. You need to take control of the shift,” Marcus said. His massive midnight torso was bare, revealing a smooth and muscled chest that disappeared into baggy, gray sweats. The light reflected off his shaven head, and a small patch of neatly trimmed hair grew under his lower lip. His dark brown eyes were calm but I could see the worry behind them.

  Rayna whimpered and her eyes rolled back in her head, revealing nothing but thick bloodshot veins. More blood and fluid burst from her stomach, flying through the air and raining over us. Black fur pushed through the slits in her arms and stomach, and stood on edge. Veins pushed against her skin, changing from blue to black. Her vibrant, pale flesh glistened with sweat as thick, black veins creased around her eyes and spread across her face.

  Rayna gasped as her fingers snapped and shifted. Her nails bled as claws tried to break through her human shell. Bones ground against one another until she screamed, and long, black talons burst through her fingertips. The beast reclaimed her eyes. I knew Rayna well enough to know when it was her looking at me. Right now, it wasn’t.

  Her skin stretched and rippled. The demon inside was pushing her body into another impossible position and Rayna screamed. She started panting heavily and her teeth shattered as fangs tore through her gums.

  “Fight it, Rayna. You can do this,” Marcus said.

  Her limbs snapped and twisted, the sound alone making me wince with anticipated pain. Tears fell from Rayna's eyes as she fought the beast. She stared up at me as she tried to reclaim her body, but the monster inside was too strong.

  I wanted to speak. I wanted to encourage her, but I couldn’t find the words. I stepped forward and reached towards her, but with unparalleled speed, black claws tore across my arm and blood spurted from the wound. I screamed through gritted teeth and pulled my arm back, grasping it with my free hand and trying to stop the gush of blood.

  Rayna stretched her back and rolled onto all fours. Her eyes flickered and the beast stared at me, pulling back its lips to reveal long fangs that took over both the top and bottom jaw. She paced from side to side and Rayna’s bra strap hung on for dear life. Black pajama pants split down the sides as new muscles bulged from her legs. Dark fur and fierce claws owned her still human shaped feet, and tapped along the floor as she moved. Rayna arched her back and black fur exploded from her spine. Blood and fluid soared across the room, and made a splat as it hit Tiki, Willy, and the walls around them.

  Rayna’s near human hands crept onto the bed. Long, black claws ripped into the blankets as she pulled herself up. With each pull forward, feathers and cotton spilled into the air, talons tearing into the bedding with ease.

  I tried to step back, but I hit the wall, unable to move as the beast closed in.

  “Be calm, Chase. The beast can smell your fear. It will only make it more aggressive,” Marcus said.

  “Really? Thanks for the update,” I said sarcastically. Blood rolled off my wrist in thick streams and a burning sensation covered my arm. I closed my eyes, reached inside, and pulled the magic up from that place in my soul.

  The elemental power rose to the surface in a gentle wash. I imagined a cool rain falling over me, drops of water that would wash away the pain rushing through my arm. I pictured the bleeding coming to a stop and new skin pulling itself over the wounds.

  I used that same power to help push away my fear. The water battled the storm of emotions roaring through me and brought with it the calm. Fear faded beneath the imagery of cold drops against my skin, and my muscles relaxed. My breathing steadied and my eyelids lifted, only to gaze into the green cat eyes before me. Rayna was on the edge of the bed and only an arm’s length away.

  The skin of my arm pulled itself shut and the final drop of blood hit the floor. My water element closed the wounds, but I didn't have enough control to pull it back and it spilled out into the room.

  “Chase…” Marcus started, but it was too late.

  My element emanated off of me, pushing against the monster like an invisible hand. The magic rolled over Rayna's skin and moved through the beast's fur, reaching down into her soul.

  Rayna regained her composure as the magic coaxed the monster back, allowing her to regain control of her body. The beast in her eyes faded and I had a moment’s hope, but in a jerk of awkward movements, her body shuddered and she was gone.

  Bones crunched and Rayna's arms snapped, reversing which way they bent. She tumbled off the bed and clawed at the floor near my feet. Muscles flexed and strained, scarring the hardwood. Splinters slid underneath her nails, causing her fingers to bleed.

  “Please...” Rayna gasped. She slurred her words as fangs jutted from red gums raw with pain. She winced in agony and her eyes pleaded, letting a single tear trickle down her cheek.

  “How do we stop it, Marcus?”

  Marcus shook his head. “We can’t. She has to fight it.”

  “We have to do something. It�
��s killing her.”

  “This is the only way I know...”

  I looked at Tiki and worry owned his face. White, triangular pupils expanded over solid, orange eyes, and he flinched at the sound of Rayna's bones grinding together. His frame filled the doorway, muscles flexing beneath the caramel flesh of his shirtless body. Messy, black hair hung in his eyes and he continually brushed it away.

  Willy's face was pale for an instant, quickly changing to match the bright red paint on Rayna’s walls. His chameleon skin flickered back and forth between colors as panic filled his eyes. Blood and clear fluid dripped from his face, but he didn't seem to notice. He was frozen in fear, watching his friend’s body break and change before him. This was the first shift Willy had been here for. I didn’t think he was quite ready for it.

  Frustration won me over and I dropped to the floor, hoping the claws didn’t strike me again. I laid my hands over Rayna's body and called my magic back.

  “Chase, don’t. You could do more damage than good,” Marcus said.

  I shot dark blue eyes to Marcus. “You know as well as I do, nothing I can do is worse than this, so back off!” I didn’t expect for it to come across so harsh, but I didn’t have time to worry about his feelings. I wasn’t about to lose someone else.

  The invisible hand inside me wrapped around the cool rush of my element and tugged it back to the surface. I pulled the wash of water from my soul and let it fill my body. The magic shuddered and the liquid moved under my skin as power prickled through me, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.

  “Chase, don’t,” Marcus said.

  “I’m trying!" I yelled, quickly reeling my anger back and letting the element calm me. "It’s a lot more than any of us have done for her so far.”

  Water was a healing and calming element, but it could be as deadly as any other. Marcus was right to be worried; my control was weak at best, but I couldn't watch this. Not again.