by Jayde Scott
Maybe I should run the taxi into Hell idea past Dad. He might get a laugh out of that one. "Maybe they were broke and took the shuffle bus. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see them." And get them out of my system so we could finally focus on our relationship again.
"Makes sense. What are we waiting for? Let's go!" Dallas jumped up from the bed. I laughed.
"You're not too excited or anything."
"Thanks for doing this." Dallas's face was mere inches from mine, his voice was low, his breathing came in short rasps. "I'm glad we get to spend more time together because I like you a lot." He laughed softly. "Ever since hearing your voice on the phone I knew I had to meet you. It wasn't an option, more like a need. Crazy, huh?"
Not really. "I'm glad you stalked me, otherwise we might not have met before I turn eighteen."
"Why? What happens when you turn eighteen?"
I shrugged. "Dad's been pestering me about moving back home. I was planning to come back in a few weeks."
"I'm glad I got to see you again before you disappeared forever,"
Dallas whispered. His hand wandered to my back as if to hold me in place. His lips parted. I held my breath, my mind devoid of thoughts, but my heart got the message and started racing.
They're about to kiss. Isn't that cute?
Pinky's voice jolted me out of the moment. I groaned inwardly and averted my gaze. How was a girl ever supposed to seal the deal and get the guy to fall head over heels for her with someone wrecking every attempt at bonding?
Clearing his throat, Dallas jumped up and held out his hand.
"Ready to go?"
I intertwined my fingers with his, marvelling at the electric jolt running up and down my arm. "Are you sure you don't want to wait here?"
He shook his head. "You've done enough already."
I smiled because I was about to do even more, for both his sister and myself. Even though the portal could be opened anywhere, we took the way we came so Dallas wouldn't get suspicious. We drove around until we found the right entry. I opened my phone. Now all I had to do was wait for the perfect moment to hit enter.
"Making a call, babe?" Dallas asked.
"Uh, no. I'm checking to see if my dad called." Dad had given me a new code to open the portal this time so Dallas wouldn't pass out when we stepped through. It was also Dad's idea that I present him with a love letter to keep his attention occupied so I wouldn't have to feign yet another Gulf of Mexico thunderstorm. I tapped his arm. "I wrote you something. It's in the glove department."
"Really?" He pulled out a red envelope and tore it open, hesitating.
"Well, read it," I prompted.
Gazing down, he started to read out loud. "My dearest Dallas, the day you came into my life changed my world...."
From the corner of my eye, I made sure his gaze remained lowered, then pressed enter. A moment later, the portal opened. My foot hit the pedal and we sped right in through the swirling vortex, rolling to a halt in front of a large group of tourists.
"That's the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me," Dallas said. His smile made my pulse spike.
"I poured out my heart." Sort of. I poured out my heart…into a major Google search. No man would ever take Dallas's place. He was my true soul mate. I could feel it in my heart, I just wasn't very good at writing it all down without a bit of help from a search engine.
"Can't believe we got here so quickly," Dallas said, peering around.
"You were really engrossed into that letter." Craning my neck, I tried to peer over the chattering crowd. "Are they here yet?"
"Over there." Dallas pointed to a tall guy dressed in denims and a blue short-sleeved shirt. If it weren't for his pale skin, unnaturally black hair and bulging arms, he wouldn't look out of place among the tanned tourists. The tiny girl standing next to him seemed more human with her shoulder length brown hair and plump figure. With her glowing skin and smooth face, she looked nothing like a haunted necromancer suffering from the usual surges of insomnia, and seeing people where there should be none. I figured as soon as Aidan found a way to rid her of the Gift, she'd return to being the mortal she once was.
I killed the engine. Dallas jumped out of the car and headed for them. Heaving a sigh, I ambled after him. When we reached Amber and Aidan, Dallas put a hesitant palm on the small of my back. I waited for him to pull me closer, but he didn't.
"Thanks for having us," Amber said, smiling.
Aidan nodded. "Yes, we can't thank you enough. The situation is dire and I knew this would be the safest place for Amber."
I smiled. "That's what friends are for. You're not putting me out.
Mi casa su casa."
"Picked up a little Spanish?" Dallas said.
"I speak many languages." And I wasn't even lying. We literally learned hundreds at school.
"What about Latin?" Amber asked with an innocent look on her face. We had barely met again a minute ago and she was already fletching her teeth, ready to attack me at the first opportunity. Why need enemies with friends like her?
"Yes, I know that one too." I regarded her intently, my eyes scanning her skinny jeans and thin top, baggy around the waist. Her eyes moved about too quickly, her hands were clasped in front of her, the knuckles white. They were hiding something. I took a deep breath as I tried to make sense of the various nervous undercurrents, then focused on her thoughts. Nothing there. Amber knew I could read her mind any time, so she was probably forcing herself not to think of what bothered her. Well, she'd slip eventually. "How do you like California?"
"It's hot," Amber said. "But it's nice to get away from rainy Britain for a while."
Aidan nodded again. The weather wasn't the only thing they were trying to escape.
"We’re very lucky to have so much sun." I winked. "Come on.
Let's get you home. You must be tired from your flight." I raised my brows, taking in their reactions.
Amber didn't even blink as she pointed at Dallas. "Can I have a moment with my brother, please?"
I shrugged. "Sure, mate."
Aidan turned to face me as though that might give them all the privacy they needed. I tossed Dallas the car keys and watched them stroll to the vehicle.
"California, eh?" Aidan whispered. "I don't know how you got Dallas to believe you, but I’m impressed."
I laughed. "Your lie about the flight isn't bad either. Dallas seems to think he knows almost everything there is to know about you. How much have you actually told him?"
"Let's just say he's safer not knowing all there is." Aidan leaned closer, piercing blue eyes glinting. "Can you take care of her while I sort out our—" he hesitated, considering his words "—problems?"
"You're not staying with her?" The slightest hint of hope hid behind my surprised tone. If I could get rid of the vampire, Dad might be more inclined to let a necromancer roam his realm.
"Only until she gets settled. I trust you and Dallas keep her good company."
Kinky snorted. What are you? A chaperone? I wished he'd just stop sneaking up on me, startling me every time.
"She'll be perfectly entertained here at Disneyland," I said.
"There's just one tiny thing you need to do. Can you pretend to be dead?"
He frowned. "What?"
I waved my hand. "You know, deceased, departed, lifeless, stiff, whacked."
"Your father doesn't know we're coming?"
"Don't be silly." I rolled my eyes, laughing. "Of course, he does."
"Why the need to pretend we're dead then?"
I scanned the faces surrounding us to make sure no one was listening as I whispered, "Hell comes with a few rules. Stay inside, don't draw any unnecessary attention to you, and at least pretend you're dead, if you aren't already."
"Anything else?" Aidan raised his brows, smiling. Even though we had been acquaintances for a long time, until then I hadn't really seen him so relaxed. Having found his mate was definitely good for him. I hoped the bond between Dallas and me woul
d make me glow like this one day. Maybe after I got rid of that wicked curse.
I met his gaze again. "Dallas doesn't know anything about me.
Let's keep it that way."
"You know Amber's worried about him? She thinks you'll break this heart."
"She shouldn't be." I shrugged. "I've never been more serious."
"What are you? Twenty?"
"Seventeen."
"Seriously?" Aidan groaned. "Amber was seventeen a few weeks ago. Do you have any idea how long it took me to persuade her I was even dating material?"
"I can imagine." In fact, I had watched it all live before my eyes because none of them could keep their thoughts to themselves. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Amber and Dallas making their way through the crowd. There was something about the way Amber moved that raised my suspicion. Her pace was too light, too graceful; her hair too bouncy and shiny, like a Cover Girl commercial, minus the skyscraper model and bony legs.
She isn't mortal, Kinky said.
It couldn't be. Aidan would never break the Council's rules and turn her. As though reading my thoughts, Kinky shrugged. If you say so, but don't tell me I didn't warn you.
"Ready to go?" I peered around. "Where's your luggage?"
Aidan stepped aside to reveal the two large suitcases behind him.
"Dang sister, did you pack a suitcase the size of California? The car's too small to fit us four and all that stuff," I said.
"It'll be okay," Amber said.
Groaning, Dallas lifted a suitcase and dropped it again. "Whoa.
This thing weighs a ton. What do you have in there? Everything but the kitchen sink?"
Amber pointed to Aidan. "It's all his, I swear." I didn't believe her for a second.
"I told her not to bring ten pairs of heels," Aidan said.
Amber laughed. "What's the point of having all that muscle mass if you're not going to use it?" I peered from her loved up expression to Aidan's grin and his inflated ego from her compliment.
"Certainly not to carry your baggage," Dallas said, jolting them back down from their private pink cloud. Amber's cheeks turned bright red, and they averted their gaze from each other.
I winked at him. "Are you sure you're not hiding more around the corner?"
Amber shook her head. "Nope. We're ready to go."
"Looks like you're moving in," I muttered as I lifted the smallest of the bags to help the guys carry Amber's stuff to the car. "The only thing you forgot is the dog."
Chapter 13 – A desert's cooler
Ginny did a fantastic job. I peered in awe at the state of one of our cottages as I showed Amber and Aidan around. Soft rugs covered the wooden floors; white curtains gave the impression of privacy from prying eyes. What I liked best, however, was the new furniture, all kept in brown and cream with a tiny hint of colour in the form of the odd painting on the wall. Granted, it'd never pass as a five star hotel, but it didn't resemble the servant accommodations it was before either.
Excusing myself, I left my guests trying out the large sofa in the living room and headed out the backdoor, eager to express my gratitude to my new assistant. A blast of oven-hot air blew in my face, reminding me of why I didn't want to spend the rest of my life down here in this pit. I glanced around but I didn't see Ginny. A rustling in the shriveled ivy hedges caught my attention. I peeked through and saw Ginny waiting behind a row of twisted trees with drooping limbs, wilting brown leaves and peeling bark. Smiling, I covered next to him and grabbed his hands. "You did it, Ginny."
"You like?" He grinned from ear to ear as I nodded.
"It's marvellous. Did Thrain or anyone else give you a hard time?"
Ginny shook his head, wide-eyed. I didn't know whether he was lying or his startled expression was just an indicator of being embarrassed at someone caring about his wellbeing. He bowed to kiss my hand, leaving a wet trail behind. I made a mental note to inform Dad it was time to find new kitchen help.
"Thank you," I said. "Now, there's something else I need you to do for me." He bobbed his head enthusiastically so I continued, "Have you ever been outside of Hell?"
What are you doing? Pinky hissed in my ear. You know you're not allowed to let your father's demons roam the streets without his consent.
Where was Kinky when I needed him to take care of my unsolicited conscience? "Go away," I whispered. "No one needs you here."
You know I can't. Cassie, think of your poor mother when she hears.
"Then don't tell her."
But you know I must since I hear everything you say.
"Get earplugs." I turned to face the annoying angel. "If you say a word, mate, I swear I'll put Kinky in charge and let him do whatever he wants with you. That's bound to cause you a bruise or two."
Pinky pouted. You wouldn't!
I raised my brows. "Try me. I'll have a jolly good time watching you cry and make everyone else up there in Heaven very sad. You know, one tiny, sad angel and the melancholy will spread like a bushfire. Imagine all the wailing for weeks. No more music, no more laughter and joy. Can you live with yourself for being the cause of so much sorrow?"
He gasped and disappeared in a puff of smoke. I hated causing Pinky more distress than necessary, but my plan depended on its surprise factor so the unfolding events seemed genuine.
Ginny was still staring at me. I inched closer and started whispering in his ear, revealing my plan step by step. He nodded a few times, but kept quiet. By the time I finished, I could see even he marvelled at my inventiveness. "What do you say?" I asked, eager to hear his opinion. "Will it work?"
"Yes, Princess." The grin on his face was infectious.
"We mustn't make any mistakes. Don't let anyone see or catch you."
He nodded. I rummaged through my purse and offered him my old phone, an early prototype of my current one. Just as pretty, but with fewer functions. He grabbed it with shaking fingers. "You want me to hold it for you?"
"No, I want you to have it." The poor guy probably never received a gift in his entire life. I closed my hand around his. "Use it to open the portal and squeeze out of Hell, and back in. You can travel with it anywhere. Call me if there's a problem."
He peered at me. "But who's taking care of the kitchen in my absence?"
"Don't worry, I'll figure something out. This is far more important. You want to help me, right?"
"Yes." His voice rose until it turned into a long squeal. "Yes, I do, Princess."
"Then follow my orders." He bobbed his head in agreement. I held out my hand to my ear, imitating a phone. "If anything goes wrong, call me."
I watched Ginny scurry away before I joined the others. Dallas and Amber were sitting on the sofa, laughing as they recalled a story.
Aidan was leaning against the wall, not joining in the conversation. I smiled at him before tapping Dallas on the shoulder to get his attention and said, "We should give them some privacy."
He looked startled as though the possibility of being a nuisance never crossed his mind. "Do they—"
I nodded.
"Let's catch up later then," Dallas said.
"Are you sure you don't want to stay with us?" Amber asked as she accompanied us to the door.
Dallas shook his head. "Thanks, but I'll pass." He defied her wishes. Either he was keen on spending time with me, or he had finally realised it was only a matter of time until the lovey-dovey couple made him feel superfluous.
Amber narrowed her gaze. "Why? Because her bed is softer than the one in the guest quarters? You always did like to play with fire. I hope you don't get burned."
I rolled my eyes. Any more hints about my identity from Amber and I was going to tape her mouth shut with a roll of duck tape.
"So, you two got big plans tonight?" Amber asked.
"Babe, you don't need to know that," Aidan said.
"I do. That's what nosey sisters are for."
They stared at each other in silence, entangled in their own personal battle. The lines around Aidan's
mouth tightened as though it wasn't the first time they were having this conversation.
You still don't see it? Pinky asked.
I shook my head slightly so no one noticed.
Look at her stature.
What was he talking about? I raised my brows at him.
Pinky groaned. She's too confident, as though nothing can touch her.
If standing straight was his measure of evaluation, then every dancer and model out there must be immortal. I rolled my eyes and shushed him by flicking my hair back.
Aidan shrugged and turned away, losing the battle. Amber raised her thin eyebrows, a fake smile playing on her full lips. "Are you sleeping in the same room?"
"You'll be happy to hear Dallas and I stay on different floors," I said.
My answer seemed to please her because she backed off a little, or so I thought until she asked, "What a coincidence you met again, huh? What are you two up to?"
"Amber, you're being rude," Aidan hissed.
She shot him an irritated look. "I just want to know how my brother met the love of his life and what he's doing with all his time."
"Let's just say we're not wasting a minute watching television."
Dallas winked at me. He was winding her up, which made me like him even more. Whatever Amber's problem was, I'd never been one to back off from an argument.
"Can we talk for a moment?" I grabbed her upper arm to pull.
She didn't budge.
Told you, Pinky whispered. Slowly, his words started to make sense. When did he turn her? Someone must've warned him about the consequences. Dad would be so mad when he found out I brought home not one but two immortals.
"You're worried about him, I get it," I whispered as soon as we were outside.
She took a deep breath, eyes piercing into mine. "He doesn't know anything about your world which makes hanging out with you even more dangerous."
"Mate, you know nothing about me or my world," I hissed. "I helped you without asking questions, but that doesn’t mean I don't know what's going on." That was a lie. In fact, I had no idea what was happening, but it was only a matter of time until I found out. "What makes you think hanging out with an angel's more dangerous than a bunch of vampires who're running from a jealous succubus goddess?"
