She gazed up at him, standing there immersed in defeat and agony, and understood that it didn’t matter when it had happened, all that mattered was that it had. It was a simple truth she’d denied for so long, desperate to hold onto her gypsy ways, needing to keep that back door open in case she had to escape.
But she didn’t want to escape from him. In fact, she couldn’t even bear the idea of living one minute without him by her side.
Holding her heart in pieces in the palms of her hands, she rose from the bed and approached him, wrapping her arms around him tightly. He held her close, enveloping her in comfort and security and forgiveness.
“I’m sorry, darling. Sorry for everything I’ve put you through…”
“I’m sorry, too,” he murmured, kissing the top of her head. “I’m just scared of losing you. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
His words shot an arrow of warmth down to her very bones. Never in her life had someone drawn emotion out of her this way. Never had she wanted someone to.
Overcome and undone, her mouth found his in a needy, desperate kiss. She poured everything she had, everything she was, into the act itself, hoping she could somehow make it all up to him.
He deserved so much better, but the tiny part of her that was selfish refused to ever let him go.
The towel surrounding her body tumbled to the floor. His hands reverently sought her skin, gliding over every curve. She sighed at his touch, the sensation as familiar and comforting as birdsong on a spring morning. When he kissed the slope of her neck, she arched against him, her lips parting in a moan of pleasure.
She blindly removed his t-shirt and jeans, not caring if they tore in the process. The feel of his bare skin warm against her own electrified her, a drug more potent than any she had ever tried.
Leading him to the bed, she laid down and pulled him with her. She wrapped around him, surrounding him with both mind, body, and soul. Taking him inside her, she welcomed the feeling of belonging to him, to the only man who had tamed the wildness of her heart. They moved as one in a practiced, timeless dance, and the heat that built and swelled within her burst in one giant, sweeping wave, taking her sanity along with it.
Kissing him deeply, she rolled with him until he was lying flat on his back. Her hips moved swiftly, her dark eyes locked on his as she guided him toward sweet release. Her name tumbled from his lips as he rose up to bury his face in her hair, his answering groan sending a shiver of joy through her body. She held onto him breathlessly, mindlessly, grateful for every blessed sensation they shared together. Grateful, as always, for him.
He slowly lowered onto his back, drawing her with him. She curled into his arms, emotionally spent and exhausted. Pressing a long, tender to kiss to his shoulder, she felt herself drifting off to sleep.
Before she could, she heard him sleepily murmur, “If you have to go back to that house, I’m not leaving your side. Not for a second…”
A smile spread over her face as she nuzzled against him. “I wouldn’t want you to, my love.”
* * *
CHAPTER EIGHT
They regrouped a few hours later, eager to grab some dinner before tackling the Ouija board experiment at The Abby Ford House.
Grace held hands with Ian as they walked down the sidewalk, Jackie and Alex arm-in-arm beside them. Mia, Brian, and Rob followed, chattering excitedly about confronting the demon.
It annoyed Grace that they didn’t take the demon or the risks involved seriously. For Mia, it was all about the thrill of the hunt, the never-ending pursuit to capture better evidence of the paranormal. Maybe if Mia herself had been attacked, she’d feel differently, Grace decided. She couldn’t help but smile at the thought of the demon dragging a terrified Mia across the floor by her perfect auburn locks.
All around them, both locals and tourists passed by, laughing and talking and going about their business. The night was crisp and the sky a clear shade of sapphire. For a moment, Grace almost forgot the dangers they faced and simply relished in the feel of Ian’s hand in her own and the comforting scent of his cologne. For the next hour, they would be nothing more than a group of friends enjoying dinner out on the town. They’d talk and laugh, just like everyone else around them.
Later, when the rest of the city went to sleep, they would crack open a Ouija board and have a friendly chat with a demon.
An unwelcomed shiver ran down her spine. She tried to ignore it, but the nerves were back to haunt her. The idea of going back into that house and facing the monster that had tried to kill both her and Jackie was terrifying. Regardless, she had to be brave. There was no way she was staying behind while those she cared about marched into harm’s way.
“How about this place?” Ian asked, coming to a stop beside a quaint Italian bistro with red and white striped awnings that covered an outdoor patio. The chalkboard sign out front advertised chicken parmesan as the daily special, along with a three dollar special on glasses of the house red wine.
Grace’s mouth watered. “You know I don’t turn down wine or good Italian food.”
Before the others could agree, Jackie froze, her eyes locked on a frizzy-haired waitress serving a couple seated on the patio. The woman was middle-aged and slender, with caramel skin and a pleasant smile that was tired around the edges. Her honey-brown eyes darted up to meet Jackie’s, as if instinctually sensing she was being watched. She nodded politely, then made her way back inside.
“What’s up?” Alex asked, nudging Jackie.
Jackie sucked in a deep breath, not having breathed for a whole minute while she’d watched the woman. “That’s the woman from my dream. The one who opened the portal.”
“Are you sure?” Grace asked, surprised.
Jackie nodded gravely. “Positive.”
Ian rubbed his chin, considering. “Well, we should go talk to her.”
“She’s working,” Grace pointed out, motioning to the restaurant. “We could try coming back later after her shift is over.”
“No, I want to talk to her now,” Ian decided, leaving Grace and the others standing on the sidewalk as he headed into the restaurant, following the waitress.
Grace frowned and crossed her arms. “Okay, then. Go right ahead.”
Jackie touched Grace’s shoulder. “You know how impatient he can be.”
Minutes later, Ian emerged from the restaurant, the woman at his side. She looked frazzled, but curious all the same.
Ian led her a few feet from the restaurant so they could have some privacy. He waved Jackie and the others over.
The woman’s eyes darted over the group of them. The nametag on her maroon blouse listed her name as Holly. “What’s this all about?”
“My name is Ian Black. I’m the lead investigator for Great American Paranormal, and we’re currently investigating The Abby Ford House,” Ian began, his voice direct but kind. “Have you stayed at the Abby Ford recently?”
The woman paled. Her arms folded over her abdomen defensively. “What? No. Of course not. I live just down the street…”
“Have you visited, then? Maybe checked out one of the bedrooms upstairs?” Ian pressed.
She cast her eyes down to the ground, gnawing on her lower lip. After a moment of strained silence, she glanced back up at him, her eyes wet with tears. “Yeah, okay. I did. And it was the biggest mistake of my life.”
Grace pitied the woman. It was clear she was frightened beyond belief at just the mention of that house.
“Did you use a Ouija board there?” Ian asked.
Holly gave a slow, reluctant nod. “I wanted to contact my ancestors. They were slaves in that house…I was just curious; I didn’t realize what I was doing…”
“You opened a portal,” Jackie told her kindly, as one would while instructing a child. “A demon came through and is plaguing the house.”
Holly wiped her eyes, her entire body trembling. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I haven’t been the same since…”
Concern
hardened Ian’s features. “What do you mean?”
“I haven’t been sleeping well. When I do sleep, I have these horrible nightmares. One morning I woke up with scratches on my back…” she broke off on a sob, overcome with fear and remorse.
Jackie immediately pulled her into a hug, rubbing her back in comforting circles. “It’s okay, darling. We’re going to help you.”
Holly eased away from Jackie, sniffling. “Thank you. Whatever you can do to stop this…thing. It won’t leave me alone.”
“Come by The Abby Ford House tonight after your shift,” Ian suggested. “We’ll be there all night. Jackie will do what she can to help you. If that doesn’t work, then we’ll have you meet with Bishop James.”
Holly nodded. “Okay. I get off at ten.”
She fled back into the restaurant, still wiping her cheeks.
Grace anxiously watched her go. “Does she need to be exorcised or something?”
Ian shrugged. “Maybe.”
“So, are we eating here, or what?” Mia asked impatiently.
“Let’s go somewhere else,” Ian decided. He glanced down at Grace. “I think Holly needs a break from us for now.”
* * *
Jackie stepped inside The Abby Ford House, her rosary clutched in her hands. In the pockets of her flowing black dress, she carried a pouch of salt, her book on dispelling demons, and a vial of holy water. A wooden crucifix, left by Bishop James, rested on the mantle of the fireplace. Although he vehemently disagreed with what they were about to attempt, the Bishop had been kind enough to bless the house and leave them the crucifix should they need it.
It was clear the demon had only solidified its presence within the bed and breakfast since their arrival days earlier. With her spiritually-tuned vision, she noticed that the pitch-black shadows now crept along all the walls of the downstairs, not to mention the entire upstairs. An ominous fog choked the home, and the dark figure lurked around every corner. The only area that seemed untouched was the mantle, where the crucifix sat.
She closed her eyes, struggling with the fear that ate at her. The desire to run away and never look back was so strong, she inched subconsciously back toward the door. The memory of the demonic entity’s violent red eyes as it strangled her was one she was desperate to forget.
Alex’s comforting hand linked with hers, squeezing in solidarity. She let out a rush of breath and opened her eyes again, this time focusing on his face instead of the war-zone they were about to enter.
“Whatever happens, I’m here,” Alex reassured her. An anxious smile quirked the corners of his mouth. “Unless the demon gets me first. Then I might need you to rescue me.”
She managed a small laugh despite the danger they faced. “I will do my best to make sure we all get out of this unscathed.”
Grace came in behind them with Ian in tow, who carried a bag of equipment. Grace rubbed her hands together as if to ward off a chill. “I swear, this place just keeps getting creepier. Why are we doing this again? Oh, yeah. Because we’re crazy ghost hunters.”
Jackie smiled at the sarcasm in her friend’s voice. “We’re the only chance this place has.”
Ian hoisted the duffle bag onto his shoulder and nodded to Alex. “Let’s get set up in the bedroom upstairs. I want at least three camera angles and a thermal cam set up just in case we catch any weird heat signatures.”
Alex gave Jackie a quick kiss on the forehead before following Ian upstairs. She stared after them, her heart racing with apprehension.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been this nervous before,” she murmured, folding her arms over her chest protectively.
Grace nudged her with a snort. “Great. If you’re scared, then I should be terrified.”
Jackie gave a solemn nod. “Demons are terrifying beings. There’s no good in them, no humanity to be appealed to. They are as pure evil as it gets.”
Grace sighed. “Well, it’s already tried to kill us both. If we’re lucky, maybe it’ll take out Mia next.”
“I heard that,” Mia scoffed as she entered the home, carrying the Ouija board in its wooden box. One of her sculpted eyebrows lifted as she offered Grace a smirk. “I dare that demon to try. I’ve handled worse.”
Brian and Rob came in after her with a small fold-up table and four chairs. Mia lead the way up the stairs and they all disappeared around the corner.
Grace’s jaw clenched. “God, could she get more annoying? It’s like she’s trying to piss me off on purpose.”
“She’s wildly jealous of you.” Jackie replied, feeling some of the weight ease off her shoulders. Grace’s presence, like Alex’s, often had the benefit of distracting her from whatever horrors her sight threw at her.
Grace rolled her eyes. “I know. You said that. And trust me, I love that idea, especially considering how jealous I was of her at first. But now it’s just irritating. We have more important things to worry about, you know?”
Jackie patted Grace’s shoulder. “I do know. But not everyone is mature enough to see it.”
“What did he even see in her in the first place?” Grace wondered, shaking her head. “She’s so…bitchy. Then again, I suppose I have my not-so-nice moments, too.”
“He never felt for her what he feels for you,” Jackie assured her. “And he certainly never asked her to marry him.”
Grace’s cheeks flushed bright pink. She cast her eyes down, embarrassed. “So, you heard about that, huh?”
“I heard it didn’t go so well.”
Grace shrugged. “He caught me off guard. Scared the crap out of me, really. But he tends to be impulsive like that.”
“I think it’s time we both stopped being so afraid.” Jackie gave her a hug, seeking comfort just as much as she wanted to give it. “Our ghost hunters love us. That should be enough, shouldn’t it?”
Grace nodded, wiping away a stray tear as she pulled away. “Yeah. It should.”
“Besides, you would make a lovely bride,” Jackie beamed, admiring her friend. She could imagine Grace dressed in an elegant ivory gown with a splash of purple flowers tucked into her russet hair and the flush of happiness and love on her cheeks. It was a beautiful visual, one she clung to as she turned once again toward the staircase and the evil that waited there. “I better head upstairs.”
“I’ll be at nerve center, trying not to chew my fingernails off,” Grace joked with a wink before heading into the kitchen.
Jackie grabbed Bishop James’ crucifix from the fireplace then walked up the stairs slowly, avoiding touching anything to keep her mind as clear as possible. She needed to stay focused on the task at hand.
In the back bedroom, the table was set up with the four chairs surrounding it. The Ouija board was spread out on its surface, along with a few chunky white candles. Mia was humming to herself and lighting the candles, while Ian and Alex tweaked with camera equipment in the corners of the room. Brian and Rob gave Jackie polite nods as they walked past her to return downstairs to nerve center.
Mia spotted Jackie and grinned. “You ready, girl?”
Jackie gave a slow nod, dread coiling in the pit of her stomach. “I have some salt to spread around the table and the crucifix Bishop James left, in case any of us get possessed. I don’t know if I can perform a full exorcism without Bishop James here, but I can try.”
Mia waved off Jackie’s concern and took a seat eagerly at the table. “We’ll be fine.”
Jackie spread the salt in a circle around the table then placed the crucifix beside her as she sat down opposite Mia. She inspected the Ouija board, impressed with its quality. She had used spirit boards in the past, but Mia’s was quite exquisite. It was made of fine maple plywood with burnt, hand-carved lettering curving in two, rainbow-shaped rows. The words ‘yes’ and ‘no’ were at opposite top corners of the board, with the word ‘goodbye’ across the bottom. A string of numbers, 1 through 9 with 0 at the end, were engraved just below the letters.
The planchette, a triangular shaped piece made of th
e same wood with a large hole at the tip for focusing on specific letters, rested innocently at the heart of the board.
Ian glanced around the room, rechecking camera placement one last time before sitting down at the table. He grabbed a walkie-talkie from his belt and spoke into it. “Hey Doc, everything good on your end?”
“Yep. We’re good to go.” Grace’s voice replied. “The guys are down here and we’re snacking on popcorn, ready for the show.”
Alex chuckled, turning off the lights before he took a seat beside Jackie. He grasped her hand beneath the table, his eyes finding hers in the flickering candlelight. “Be careful, okay?”
She offered him a smile, though she knew it was weakened by nerves. Releasing his hand, she reached for the planchette, placing her fingertips lightly upon its wooden surface. The others joined her, each barely touching the object they would use to communicate with the demon.
“I’ll begin by saying a protection prayer,” Jackie said, closing her eyes. “May this session be surrounded by golden light. Let this golden light protect us from negativity, the opposition forces, the dark side, and any entity that may try to harm us.”
Taking a deep, cleansing breath, she opened her eyes to gaze around the room as a hushed silence fell. The others were focused on the planchette, as if urging it to move. She was more concerned with the energy manifesting around them, swirling like black smoke.
“Who is here with us?” Jackie asked the board, attempting to follow the path of the smoke with her eyes. As it shifted in and out of the darkness, it sent an orb of energy that hit her solidly in the chest. She gasped at the sensation, stunned by the sheer power of it. It spasmed down her arms, tingled along her fingertips, and compelled the planchette to move.
Mia yelped excitedly, her grin a mile wide. Ian and Alex remained silent, fixated on the slow, precise movement of the planchette. It moved in a sweeping, circular motion over the board, as if warming up for the questions to come.
“Are you a spirit?” Jackie asked. The planchette arched up to land on the ‘No’ at the top right of the board.
Of The Ashes: A 'So Fell The Sparrow' Sequel Novella Page 9
