“Then I guess you’re coming with me.” She darted around him, well aware he could stop her if he desired. I’m not a demon, I’m not a demon. It couldn’t be true.
He stayed a good two feet behind her like a strange shadow as she hurried back to Rhia’s house. Tell and Wystan were absent from the yard, or she was sure they would have helped her get rid of the angel.
She faced him when she mounted the porch steps. “Stay here. The Heckmasters might not want you in their house.”
“I do not abide by human law.”
“I’m sure you don’t, but it’s common courtesy.” She shut the door in his face. “Wystan?”
“In the kitchen,” Sylvie called.
The poor girl had no idea what a quiet inside voice meant. Beryl followed the same hall she’d taken earlier. The family gathered around the table, the men holding crystal cups of lemonade dwarfed by their big hands. Rhia and Sylvie were at the table, picking at the cheese.
“Eliakim is outside. He’s asking to speak with Rosemar. More specifically, he’s asking me to speak with her.”
Wystan set his cup aside. He reached for his bowie knife, but his hand didn’t meet the handle. “I’ll get rid of him.”
Beryl hung her head, drawing in a breath. “I think it might be time to explain who Rosemar is.”
“Where’s Eban?” Tell’s words were sharp.
“He went to the clinic. Why?”
Tell caught Wystan’s arm. “This is Eb’s project. You stay here and enjoy Sylvie’s birthday. We’ll take care of this.” He whipped around to Beryl. “You. Stay.”
Her knees felt watery, so she sat beside Rhia. Tell stomped away. No doubt his crossbow was nearby. She didn’t think he’d ever go far without it.
“What’s going on?” Sylvie demanded. “Why is Tell so mad? Is this something to do with Noem?”
“No, honey. He’s gone.” Rhia brushed her hand over Sylvie’s curls.
“Maybe I should talk to Eliakim,” Beryl said. “I don’t feel right bringing him here, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer.”
“Listen to Tell. You’re better off here.” Rhia looked at her husband.
Wystan nodded. “She’s right. I’ll step outside a minute. You ladies stay put.”
He moved so subtly, the bowie knife was in his hand before she processed his words. She didn’t watch him go, but picked at a piece of toast instead, tearing it into little shreds.
“It might be a bad idea, but maybe they should call Seere again. He’d know how to banish Eliakim.”
“I don’t think they’d risk it. According to Wys, they owe him too much already.” Rhia folded her hands on the table. “I’m sure everything will be fine in a few minutes.”
Sylvie’s glum expression indicated her birthday was already ruined, no matter how quickly the matter was resolved.
“Let’s open a few presents,” Rhia said, hiding her anxiety behind a bubbly announcement.
Sylvie didn’t perk up much. “Okay.”
Beryl listened to her younger friend exclaim over new clothes and books, but she kept one ear turned toward the front door in case she heard a scuffle.
Sylvie was talking and then Rhia agreed, but the noises were jumbled. Beryl shook her head. The two of them sounded as if they’d been plunged underwater. She felt disconnected. The corners of her vision blurred and darkened.
In the shadow of the angel statue, Eban hung his head, resting it in his palms. Jesus, everything was a mess. He’d convinced himself sitting for a couple of hours at Rhia’s table for Sylvie’s sake was doable, but he hadn’t been able to force himself past the foyer.
Instead of the walk clearing his mind, it seemed to make things muddier.
“Hey, asshole.”
Eban looked up into Tell’s scowling face.
How his brother had found him was a mystery, but Tell’s talents for knowing things never ceased to amaze him.
“Come to drag me back to the party?” He slouched more, unable to summon the energy to sit up straight. “There’s nothing you can say that would make me go back there.”
“Eliakim showed up. He’s going to tell her everything.”
Eban jerked upright. “You’re serious.”
Tell rolled his eyes. “As a parasite imp.”
“How did he know where she was?” He got to his feet, then turned toward the street again.
“Angel, remember? It’s your job to make sure he stays away from her. That means you can’t run off and pout because Wys got the girl you were never supposed to have.”
Tell all but shoved him along the street.
“I wasn’t pouting.” In fact, he’d been imagining sharing a bed with Beryl. She loved him—he could see it on her face—and it scared the hell out of him. “Just thinking. Not that you’d understand. You just carry your brain around to store information about monsters, not about other kinds of problems.”
“Comes in handy, don’t it?”
They found Wystan and Eliakim standing beneath the cottonwood tree. The angel looked bizarre in his cowboy gear, especially considering his resemblance to Seere, who never wore anything but custom-made suits.
To Eban’s surprise, Wystan didn’t look the least bit threatened. His knife was tucked away and he leaned against the tree with a casualness he seldom displayed.
“What’s going on?”
Wystan jerked his thumb at the angel. “I’m explaining the intricacies of a little girl’s birthday party to Eliakim. The presents, the cake, the food. It’s a special day, or so Rhia says.”
“Beryl said the same thing.” Eban rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn’t imagining his older brother getting along with a heavenly being they’d all been certain would slay them without a moment’s notice.
The door flew open and Beryl emerged. Rhia was right behind her.
“You called?” The harsh voice that left Beryl’s throat belonged to Rosemar. She didn’t look at the rest of them, her gaze pinned on Eliakim.
“I desired company, but my thirst for the blood whiskey you gave me has been slaked for the need to see a party on the day set aside to celebrate the child’s birth.”
“I don’t think inviting him in is the answer here, Wys,” Tell protested.
Eliakim glared at him. “I was not requesting an invitation.”
Eban studied Rosemar. “I don’t think you’re needed here anymore.”
Rosemar pouted. “A birthday party and I’m not invited?” She sidled up to Eban. “No matter. I’m sure there a couple of other things we could do instead.”
Her hand landed on his abdomen just south of his bellybutton. It was hotter than the land around the Pit. Eban pulled away.
“Bring Beryl back.”
“She has all the fun. It’s my turn. I left her alone last night, after all. Not that I didn’t see and feel everything that happened. I must say I enjoyed it as much as she did. You’re a better lover than I imagined.” Her smile widened. “I hope we can do it again tonight.”
“You slept with her?” Wystan demanded.
“It was Beryl! She wanted to—she asked me. I didn’t coerce her into it.”
But was it Beryl?
Rosemar smiled innocently. “Maybe she asked, and maybe she didn’t.”
Tell and Wystan fixed him with withering glares.
Eban glowered at Rosemar. “I think it’s time you headed back to the clinic.”
“You want to spoil my fun. I think it’s fair that I get to wish Sylvie a happy birthday. Beryl did.”
“You’re not coming in the house. Not until you bring Beryl back.” Rhia stood next to Wystan, her arms folded and her eyebrows drawn in a harsh slash.
“I’m welcome here as long as we’re fighting demons. The rest of the time no one wants anything to do with me.” Rosemar pouted again. “Wha
t an unfriendly bunch of people. The only one who likes me is the angel.”
“I am merely curious about your intentions.” Eliakim eyed her.
She sneered. “I know you’re all up to something. You mean to be rid of me, but Seere won’t tolerate it. I’m his servant and I won’t be dismissed by the likes of you. By all means, tell Beryl a demon is using her as puppet. See if doesn’t drive her to madness. The truth will destroy her in ways I never could.”
“Is that true?” Eban demanded.
“Her mind is weak, filled with dark spots. She’s weepy over a past she barely remembers. She’ll never be able to take this news, but I insist. Tell her.”
Bile rose in his throat. He couldn’t imagine what the knowledge might to do Beryl. “She’s stronger than that.”
Rosemar poked her finger into his chest. “Your only chance of having her is accepting me as well.”
His stomach churned at the idea. “There must be another body you could take.”
Her lips pulled back in a snarl. “I want this one and I won’t give it up. When Prince Seere has collected his favors, there won’t be any of you left, but I’ll still reign inside the lovely Beryl.”
Hatred for the demon burned away his disgust. He knew Tell itched to take her head and rid the town of her mischief, but he wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Beryl.
“Stay and enjoy cake and lemonade, Eliakim. I’ll be at the saloon.” Rosemar tossed her curls over her shoulder. She passed by Tell, giving him a lascivious smile. “If you’d rather join me, you’re quite welcome, Har—”
Tell’s action was a blur. Before Eban could blink or think to protest, Tell caught Rosemar in his arms.
“Did you hit her?” Eban asked.
“I can’t stand that bitch,” he growled. Her head lolled as he passed her to Eban. “I think you’re excused from the party now.”
Eban looked between him and Wystan. He wanted to punch Tell for hurting her. Dark anger made his vision red.
“Go on, Eb. Make sure she’s all right.” Wystan’s voice was soft and urging.
“You’ll pay for this,” he snapped at Tell.
“I’m trembling inside.” Tell gave a mock shiver. “I didn’t hit a woman, I hit a demon. You know I wouldn’t have done it, but she was fixing to take off for the saloon again, and Beryl doesn’t need that.”
Eban ignored him. Eliakim watched with a solemn expression. He didn’t offer any insight about whether he agreed with Tell’s actions.
“I think she can do without your help in the future.”
Tell pushed his hat up on his forehead. “You watch your back around her. She ain’t to be trusted. And stay away from her bed until we know Rosemar is gone for good. All we need is for her to bury her talons in you.”
Eban winced at the implication, but his anger was far from soothed by his little brother’s concern.
You’re worthless, Beryl. No one wants to pay a red cent for you.
The voice rang between her ears, harsher than the pounding in her temples. She smelled stagnant water, trash left in an alley and her own coppery blood. Her eyes didn’t seem to work very well. She couldn’t make out any solid objects. Everything shimmered and blurred no matter how she tried to focus.
Oh God, just let me die.
She might have lain there for hours or days, growing colder and colder, but she didn’t have the strength to get up. Even death didn’t want her.
Mist settled over her, dark gray and humming with energy. It crackled like it contained lightning. She closed the narrow slits of her swollen eyes, praying she’d slip away. How bad could Hell be after Ernie’s cathouse?
But she still didn’t die. Instead, she found her feet and tottered out of the alley. She didn’t seem to be in control of her own body, going wherever her feet led, stealing food and clothing when it was available. Moving south, always south. The bruises faded, the cuts healed, but her body felt wrong and then the coughing started.
Beryl opened her eyes, groaning when lamplight hit them.
“Eban?”
At the foot of the bed, he stilled. A whetstone rested in one hand and his saber lay across his lap. There was darkness in his eyes that reminded her of yesterday before Wystan had broken up the fight. She swallowed as she looked at the saber. She’d never witnessed him sharpening it before. For a moment, she thought he intended to use it on her. He sheathed it and laid it aside.
“How’s your head?”
“It hurts. Did I hit it on something?” She touched the sore spot. “I missed Sylvie’s party.”
“You fell, but Tell came for me and I brought you back here. You’ll be fine. No concussion, just a little bruise.” His smile was tight and didn’t reach his eyes. “Sylvie understood that you needed to rest.”
“How did I fall? I don’t remember that.”
“Rhia said you slipped on the porch stairs. Banged your head on the ground. You should feel better in a day or two.”
She started to nod, but cut the action short. “Then you talked to her.”
Eban looked away. He hadn’t gotten the information straight from Rhia’s mouth then. How long would it be before he could look Wystan’s wife in the eye and open his mouth? Why did she care? Thinking about the complicated relationship made her headache worse.
“What are you doing with your saber?”
“Nothing you need to worry about.” He ran his fingers over the sheath. “I was making sure it was sharp enough for anything I run across.”
There was an edge to his voice that had been missing before. It startled her. Eban didn’t approve of violence, or he hadn’t until the business with Eliakim.
“Are you expecting trouble?”
“No more than the usual barghests and changesteeds, maybe some other minor demons. Tell doesn’t think any more seals are broken, but we can’t let our guard down.”
“You don’t like to kill them,” she whispered. Something had changed since he’d left her in the street. She sat up and took his hand, concerned for his well-being. “Tell me what’s wrong.”
“The usual,” he repeated. “Town full of unfriendly beasties and three half demons who might care enough to slay them, depending on the day.”
“I always worry when you say you’re going to the Pit or chasing monsters.” Her tongue felt thick and dry. “I wish you wouldn’t go.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“When are you leaving?” She clutched his hand harder. Was there any way to convince him not to set foot outside the door?
He glanced out the window. “It’s early yet. I’m not going until nightfall. I’m sure you’re fine, but I decided to stick close just in case you had any sudden symptoms of trauma.”
“Will you stay with me a while?” After their earlier conversation, she wasn’t certain he wanted to continue their relationship, but the idea of him beside her was comforting. The last few days had left her worried and weary.
He slid the saber off the bed and placed it on the floor within reach. He lowered his frame to the bed, then turned to her. “I’m sorry you didn’t have much fun at the party.”
She laid her hand on his thigh. “I seem to be an accident waiting to happen. Every time I turn around, I’m doing something I can’t remember. I feel safe when you’re here, though.” She shuddered when she recalled Eliakim’s accusation that she smelled of demon. I’m perfectly ordinary…just different.
Eban sighed. “You wouldn’t be in any of these situations if you weren’t in Berner.”
She sucked in a breath, willing her heart not to ache at his words. His hand rubbed her arm. “No, I’d probably be dead somewhere.”
“You’re a good woman, Beryl. So you had a bad run before you met Rhia. Everyone’s entitled to some mistakes. One day, all of this will seem like a bad dream.”
Her eyes watered and she bit her
lip to keep it from trembling. “I’m washed-up trash. I supposed I’ve always known it, but it’s starting to come back. I don’t know how or why I crawled out of the alley where Ernie left me to die, but it wasn’t a miracle. It wasn’t because I deserve another chance at life. It’s not me who deserves a good future. You do. You think your heart is broken, but when you meet the right woman, you’ll forget the rest. What’s the harm in entertaining each other until you get the chance?”
His jaw tightened. “Look at where love got my parents. She was murdered because of him and he gave his life to save a town that hated him.” His voice was flat, as though he was talking about someone else’s parents.
She sat up, then leaned against his shoulder. He pushed hair away from her face with a tender stroke.
Beryl looked up at him. “If you could ask them, they’d say it was worth it. They wanted you to live, and you have.”
“I don’t know why. They couldn’t have imagined what this place would become.” His lips touched her hairline right above her ear. “I’m afraid for you. For your heart, for your body, your mind.”
She couldn’t find the voice to ask him why.
“You’re not trash, Beryl. You’re so much better than you believe.”
She studied his face, close enough to see every fine wrinkle around his eyes, the beginning of lines across his forehead and mouth. His hair was disheveled and the lamplight made his eyes shine.
“But not as a good as Rhia.”
He frowned. “You are, but in a different way.”
“Maybe.” Lowering her gaze to the top of his shirt, she saw the edge of a sigil inked on his collarbone. One that hadn’t been there when she slipped from his bed this morning. “What is that?”
“Protection.” His tone was clipped, his eyes hard.
She didn’t believe him. “What does it really do?”
“It’s nothing to worry about.” Impatience tinged his tone.
Her skin tingled. “I don’t believe you. It’s meant for something else. Maybe attracting demons somehow? The anger you carry around inside is no good. You’ll do something reckless because of it and it will kill you.” She pressed her hand to his face. “Please, Eban, you don’t have to chase monsters. You’re just upset because of the wedding, but in time, you’ll forget how much it hurt.”
Eban Page 10
