The Raven Series 2

by J. L. Weil

  The last few weeks I hadn’t been expected to do anything more than train and learn the ways of being a reaper, but now with my coronation right around the corner, the day was coming when I was going to have to step into my birthright.

  Ready or not.

  Death was not what you’d picture. His face wasn’t pale and sunken. He didn’t have wrinkles around his eyes or wear a black cloak. Parker would be disappointed, but Death looked like an Irish mountain man. Big. Burly. Gruff. And handsome as hell. For an old dude.

  And he was old. Prehistoric.

  Unsure what to do or say, I shifted my weight, shoved my hands in my back pockets, and met his gaze. “Is this where you check up on me? Make sure I stay in line?”

  He crowded the circular entry hall with his presence. “The wife worries about you alone in this house,” he said breezily.

  I tried to keep a straight face when he mentioned Ivy. It was hard to not look upon him in a different light, knowing his dirty little secrets. We all had them. “And do you worry? About me?”

  “Why wouldn’t I? You’re virtually family. And not to mention a crucial part to the universe’s balance.”

  “There’s no need. I’m a big girl now.”

  “I’d ask you how you are, but something tells me you’d tell me you’re just fine. And we both know that’s not true.”

  Sighing, I admitted, “I’ve had better days. Better years actually.”

  “Hmm. Haven’t we all. And your training is going well? My hoodlum child is behaving?” It was said with affection.

  “Which one? Zach or Zoe?” I said, although we both knew he hadn’t been referring to either of them.

  Roarke’s lips twitched. I always seemed to amuse him. “Walk with me.” It wasn’t precisely a request. I doubt he would have taken no for an answer.

  A walk with Death…sounded ominous.

  After Zoe left yesterday, I made a discovery about myself. I’d been too shocked to consider what she was telling me, but once my blood pressure leveled, I unearthed my own mystery. Everyone was telling me I was a pureblood reaper, that my lineage wasn’t tainted, but how could that be? My father was human.

  Parker and I had spent more than half the night and into the wee hours of the morning discussing the possibilities. He hadn’t been as stunned as I’d been to learn about Zane’s biology. Then again, Parker wasn’t Zane’s biggest fan.

  I stepped outside and waited for the right opportunity to broach the subject of my lineage. Something was amiss, and I was afraid of the answers.

  The day was sunny and mild, all blue skies and soothing breezes. It was meant to be enjoyed. So much for that summer tan I’d promised myself I would get before senior year.

  “It’s come to my attention you’ve had a few…hiccups lately,” he said as we walked toward the first tangle of hedges.

  I was taking a stab in the dark here, assuming he was talking about Estelle. “If you call killing another reaper a hiccup, then yes.”

  The edge of his mouth twitched. “Reapers are to be feared, but we aren’t evil. We’re a necessary part of life and death. And it’s important we preserve our legacy. We’ve been able to coexist with humans mainly because they can’t see us for who we really are until that pivotal moment in their lives.”

  My stomach knotted. I had known it was only a matter of time before word got out about what I’d done to save Parker. It looked like my time was up. “I know I crossed a line, and I’d like to tell you I wouldn’t do it again. But, I can’t.”

  “Good.”

  My mouth dropped open. Good? He wasn’t upset?

  “I appreciate your honesty,” he added. “It takes that and much more to govern a bunch of impulsive reapers.”

  Feeling clumsy and foolish, I followed him into the garden paved with stepping-stones. A lazy black cat sunned itself on a wooden bench and blinked open one luminous green eye. Since I didn’t own a cat, I could only assume it was a Red Hawk, planted to keep a watchful eye on me. “So, you’re saying I have my work cut out for me?”

  “Your grandmother was the Raven for a very long time, more decades than I can recall. She was set in her ways. I firmly believe that change is inevitable. Many of the elders won’t be so open to your ideas, but change is necessary. Something needs to be done to control the rogue reapers and the power they gain from aligning themselves with the hallows. If we aren’t careful, it will be only a matter of time before they outnumber us.”

  If Death was truly concerned, then I knew the situation was getting worse. In a way, I’d been sheltered and protected from mounting trouble. Everyone was concerned with my safety. “What do you suggest I do?”

  His long strides carried him over the manicured lawn. “You sent a clear message by eliminating Estelle.”

  “That hadn’t been my intent.”

  “Maybe so, but the message was still received and will travel through the ranks. Your no BS attitude will serve you well. Being the Raven requires a backbone.”

  I snorted. The whole thing with Estelle had been more of an accident than a master plan to make other reapers fear me—that was more Zane’s style. “I hope I don’t disappoint.”

  The garden smelled lovely and the wind brought traces of the sea. Roarke should have looked out of place among petunias, cosmos, and hollyhocks, but he didn’t. “My sons think highly of you, Piper. As do I.”

  I wasn’t sure I deserved such respect, but it made me want to make them proud. “I don’t know what I would have done without them.”

  “I know this is difficult, throwing away your old life and having your future carved out for you. Rose believed she was helping you, setting you up to be a strong leader.”

  “And what about you?” He’d also signed off on the unbreakable treaty. The sector overlords each put their supernatural stamp on the document that held me to marrying Death’s heir.

  His polar eyes were serious. “You understand why Zane was not chosen. The elders would never have allowed it. The longevity of our lives can be lonely. Think about that before you make a decision that can’t be undone.”

  Was he telling me to follow my heart or to honor the treaty? I was confused. Couldn’t he be less Yoda-like and just break it down for me? Simple terms. Piper, the world will implode if you marry Zane. Or, love is a powerful thing and can overcome anything. But no, I got nothing, except the reminder of how long a journey my life would be. Reapers could live centuries.

  I scuffed my shoe on the ground. “Maybe you can answer something for me. There’s this question that’s been nagging at me.”

  “What’s on your mind?”

  “If I am supposed to marry a pureblood, how am I able to be Rose’s successor? My father was human.”

  There was a long pregnant pause. “You and Zane have many things in common, but your legitimacy is not one of them. I think you’ve already figured it out, as hard as it might be to come to terms with.”

  I shook my head. “It’s not possible.” I refused to believe it.

  He arched a brow. “And why is that?”

  “I would know something like that. If my dad wasn’t my…dad!” I insisted, my voice rising. What he was suggesting was ludicrous.

  “You’re a hundred percent positive?” he prodded, putting uncertainty into my already doubtful mind.

  I’d heard the stories of my birth countless times. How my parents drove through one of the worst storms in Chicago to make it to the hospital mere minutes before I was born. “Maybe I’m not a pureblood,” I theorized.

  The look in his eyes cracked my heart into a million pieces. “I’m sorry, Piper. If your blood was tainted, you would not have been able to absorb Rose’s powers. You would not have been able to save your friend from death.”

  “I… Oh, God—” I thought I was going to hyperventilate.

  My face must have gone white, because Roarke put a sturdy hand on my shoulder, and his blue eyes softened. “From someone who has been in a sticky situation, there is no easy way to br
eak news of that magnitude. James is not your biological father.”

  Holy banana pants.

  Regardless of that pit in my stomach, I was fully convinced he was telling me everything I didn’t want to believe. I had thought my life was a lie before, but now I was sure of it. Was anything real? What next? Was I going to find out TJ wasn’t my brother, or Parker was an alien (which might have explained a few things). “How can you be so sure?” I whispered.

  “Your mom was in love before she met James. She was pregnant with you when she left Raven Hallow, never to return. It was in Chicago that she met James. Your mom was in a dark place, and James helped her appreciate the importance of life. They agreed to raise you away from her world, and your mom renounced her birthright.”

  My head was spinning, ears buzzing. I sunk into the wooden bench. “My whole childhood was a lie.”

  He sat down beside me, his presence a surprising comfort. “I know this hasn’t been a simple transition for you, but I’ve seen you flourish. You’ve accomplished so much in such a short time. Your mom and Rose would be proud of you.”

  My lip trembled. “Do you know who he is? My real father?” I had to know who he was, yet I wasn’t necessarily looking for an emotional reunion. I wasn’t sure what I was looking for or if I wanted anything from him.

  Roarke nodded. “I did. He was a Blue Sparrow—a soul reaper.”

  “Where is he? Can I find him?” I wasn’t even sure I wanted to see him, but I needed to know where he was…in case.

  The compassion in his eyes faded. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but its part of the job. He’s dead, Piper. He died shortly after your mom found out she was pregnant.”

  So, I was still an orphan. I nodded, feeling nothing but hollow. “How did it happen?”

  “The details won’t bring you any peace. I know you want to avenge your mother’s death. Don’t let your pain and anger blind you. Don’t let me them make you careless. Rogue reapers are ferrying out souls from the afterlife, hallows, for the purpose of personal gain. They are looking to use these ferried souls to overturn your reign.”

  Isn’t that just dandy. “One day at a time.”

  I wanted to ask him about Zane, if he was okay, but I let him go without saying a thing. And I sat by myself, on the bench in the garden, until night descended. A pearl-white light of a three-quarter moon shone over my face. The scent of flowers seemed to rise up and surround me. Drawn to it, I rose and the breeze fluttered my hair. The heartbeat of the sea was fast and my own raced to keep pace.

  “Mom!” I yelled.

  She appeared in the garden, walking, almost gliding through the silvery light. Her hair was loose, sprinkling gold dust down her back and over her sheer shoulders. “Why are you screaming?”

  “It’s kind of my thing.” Sarcasm was evident.

  “Well, you got my attention. It’s what you wanted, isn’t it?”

  Duh. “Why didn’t you ever tell me that Dad is not my father—my biological father?” I clarified, seeing her eyes cloud with confusion.

  Understanding dawned. “You know why, Piper. For the same reason I kept you away from Raven Hallow. I didn’t want this world for you. It’s a sad story with a tragic end. I never wanted to relive that pain.”

  “It’s inevitable. Don’t you see that?”

  “At the time, no. My only concern was keeping you as far from Raven Hallow as I could. What was the point of hurting you? I always assumed there would be time. Never did I imagine time would slip away from me, but I should have known I wouldn’t be able to slip through death’s grasp.”

  “How many more secrets do you have?”

  “Piper Brennan,” she said in her watch-your-mouth voice.

  I stood, unable to be still. “That’s not even my last name.”

  Mom folded her arms. “It’s the name I gave you.” Even as a ghost, she had the ability to make me feel like a little girl who got caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

  “I don’t know who you are anymore. Who I am.”

  She plucked a flower and positioned it behind my ear. “I know you. There is magic in your eyes. In your blood. But no matter how much power you possess, you will always be my daughter.”

  “It’s all so overwhelming. I can’t seem to find my footing.”

  “You will,” she said.

  Here’s to hoping I don’t muck everything in the worst kinds of way.

  Crack. Something snapped in the distance. A twig or a leg. I bristled, and like a gust of wind, the transparent image of my mom vanished. My head came up quickly, and in the darkness, I swore I saw him, a shadow by the hedge. I sharpened my focus, letting my light fill me, but all it took was a blink for me to think I was going crazy.

  There was nothing there but a well-trimmed shrub.

  Chapter 24

  “Here’s the dealio, girlfriend,” a tall, blond-haired man with green spikes said. He stood behind my chair, his fingers lifting my hair off my neck. “We need to talk about your image.”

  I stared at my reflection in the mirror. “My image?” You’re looking at it buddy. This was me in all my glory.

  “You know, how you want people to perceive you. With those eyes and hair, you could be sophisticated or quite the temptress. But it’s all up to you,” he said matter-of-factly.

  When Trevor showed up at the manor this morning, my first thought was I was going to kill Zoe. A stylist? Did I really need one?

  Apparently I did.

  My mom’s words echoed in my head. I knew who I was, and it wasn’t a temptress or a prestigious bitch. “I’m not changing everything about me to cater to some stuffy assholes.”

  “Rawr. Ladies and gents, we’ve got a feisty one on our hands.”

  “Self-assured for the first time. And a little bit of spunk.”

  “Have it your way, luv. We’ll just enhance your natural beauty. And you’re quite the thing.” He stuck a comb in between his teeth. “We’re going to polish you up a bit. Hang on to your twinkle toes, sweetheart. It’s going to get crazy in here.”

  I had no idea what he was talking about, but it didn’t take me long to figure out. A swarm of women ascended upon me, and before I knew it, I’d been ushered into the bathroom, stripped down to my birthday suit, and literally “polished” until my skin was glowing from oils and vanilla bean scented lotions.

  No one other than my mom and God had seen me fully naked before. I cross my arms over my shoulders, frowning. After the team finished making me smooth and luminous, I was slipped into a soft white robe. Attention was turned to nails, hair, and makeup. One tackled my horrendous cuticles and bitten tips, while another smoothed and hydrated my long hair, and the third applied my makeup. She was a pretty-looking girl who I instructed was under no circumstance to give me false lashes. I could never see out of those things, and they bugged the hell out of me.

  Three hours later I was finished. Grumpy and hungry, I studied myself in the mirror relieved to see I still looked like myself. Some girls looked twice their age with makeup. I just looked nice.

  Trevor had piled my hair on top of my head, letting loose pieces dangle over the nape of my neck and framing my face. There were soft caramel highlights in my hair that caught the light in interesting ways.

  Once I was all fixed up, it was time to get out of the robe. The black dress left one shoulder exposed, fit snugly at the waist, and hit mid-thigh. It was probably the sexiest thing I’d ever worn or owned. Sexy wasn’t my style, but as I stared at myself, I could see the appeal. There was something empowering about feeling comfortable in my own skin, knowing who I was, what I stood for, and who I wanted to be. Sexy, not skanky. There was a huge difference.

  “You’re going to really shake things up. About damn time,” Trevor said, standing behind me.

  “You have no idea.” I’d come to some important decisions since my meeting with Roarke. He was right. Things were going to change, and I was going to be the one to make those changes.

  A different
sensation warmed inside me.

  Zane. He was here.

  I felt the familiar tingles, like a cool breath on the back of my neck, and my heart rate spiked. For a moment I couldn’t move, couldn’t think, couldn’t breathe. I caught a glimpse of Zane coming through the bedroom doorway, and I focused on Trevor as if he were my lifeline. I knew once Zane and I made eye contact, the world would cease to exist.

  But it was only a matter of time. I couldn’t avoid the pull for long, or the desire to fling myself across the room and into his arms. I took a breath and slowly lifted my head.

  Our eyes locked. There was such intensity between us I felt faint. The air between us seemed to stretch with an electric current, sparkling and crackling. The last time I’d seen him, we’d been kissing and I’d confessed my love. And now looking at him, I wasn’t sure where that left us.

  His eyes…so burdened. It was a small consolation knowing he had suffered as I had, but it unlocked my heart.

  I couldn’t take it. Without thinking, I pushed to my feet and raced across the room. I rushed him, wrapping my arms around his neck and burying my face into his shirt. I didn’t think about all the people in my room.

  He seemed stunned for a moment before his arms swept around me and squeezed. I felt him exhale. For several moments, neither of us said a thing. Maybe it was the connection, or maybe it was something infinitely deeper. I didn’t care. All that mattered was he was here, holding me and I didn’t want him to let go.

  “Everyone out,” he said in a low voice. He put me on my feet, but his arms were still around me, keeping me close.

  An unbelievable giddiness swept through me. The coronation was the furthest thing from my mind.

  “Piper is on a tight schedule,” Trevor said.

  When no one moved and only stared at Zane, he roared, “Get out!”

  Trevor jumped, but that did it. Zane suddenly had everyone’s attention, and they all scrambled as fast as they could down the hall.

  “What are you doing?” I squealed, my common sense returning.

  Zane had no regard for anyone else. His lips curved into a troublesome grin, revealing a dimple deep in his cheek. “Shush.” And like that, he ruined a tender moment.