Personal Guardians

by Rachel A. Collett

  “Wait,” I held up a hand. Turning to Elisa, I gave her a pointed look. “You can see the future? Why haven’t you told me you can do this? Is it different from seeing destinies?”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Destinies are given for those in search of a purpose—a calling. It is given only once. Looking into the future is different. I am not strong in the gift and I don’t look into the future but very rarely. It’s not what you think it is. Unlike destinies, the future is incredibly moldable—in constant flux. It’s confusing, and to view it as a useful tool is foolish.

  “Anything I see now can change in a moment. Those who seek to know the future often do so for their own purposes. They can be translated differently as well. Futures I see, futures Nikolaos saw… you can really mess things up trying to read and translate the future. Nikolaos is proof of that and I avoid it at all costs.”

  My hands balled into fists at my side. “But you could have found my father. You could have found me!”

  Elisa flinched as if I had taken a swing at her, but she rallied. “Don’t you think we tried that? Don’t you think Darius begged for that? In order to see someone’s future they also have to be willing. I can’t just see the future for anyone at any time. And even if I tried, your father knew how to stay under radar. I’m sure he never knew his own plans, which is key if you don’t want to be seen.”

  Fiona placed a calming hand on my shoulder.

  “Elisa really did try, my darling, and she’s right. You must be cautious with futures. Because of Nikolaos’s gift, he looked into the futures of the mortals we protected from evil and saw the continued mistakes they would make even after salvation. He became frustrated and began to demand near perfection from Rachel’s wards and was disappointed when he saw less than that. After a time, he viewed most of them as wicked and not worth saving. He believed that Rachel should be more selective of the mortals that needed help. After all, he thought they must have done something to get themselves into the mess they were in.”

  “That’s horrible,” I muttered.

  Elisa nodded once. “And Rachel told him as much. It’s at this point we believe he had begun listening to outside sources. Possibly to the Annihilator or one of her followers. Maybe even Violet. Demons come often in our darkest moments, and this was a very dark moment in their relationship.”

  “Violet came to your mother and proceeded to torment her, haunt her dreams, even cause her to doubt her calling, but your mother was strong,” Fiona said. “She resisted and kept her restrained. When Nikolaos left our Rachel, Violet remained and after time, something happened and they became… friends of sorts. Violet claimed Rachel as her own—just as Jonathan has done with you, it seems.”

  Elisa hissed. “They were not friends, and neither are Ava and this demon.”

  My heart twisted but Fiona shrugged carelessly. “Call it what you will, Elisa, but Violet and Rachel became close.”

  Elisa looked away. “Don’t you mean Victor?”

  The muscles in my brows contracted. “Victor? Violet is a man?”

  Fiona rolled her neck in frustration. “No. Violet is a female spirit, but it is not unheard of for one of the Fallen to control the body of someone of the opposite sex if it benefits them.” She shook her head. “But that is unimportant. What is important to understand, Ava, is that during this time, our powers without a Guardian were limited, similar to what we are experiencing now. Rachel opened up and told us that she had this personal demon, and we felt vulnerable. Exposed.

  “It was strange, but what could we do? The more we told her it was dangerous, the less she confided in us, and we needed to stay as strong as we could. When Rachel finally took on another Guardian, we were relieved, but it soon came out that she had kept her relationship with her personal demon, Victor. Alexander, your father, became incredibly jealous of their relationship.”

  Elisa pished under her breath.

  “And Victor went away, or so we thought,” Fiona said, ignoring Elisa’s rising temper. “It wasn’t until Rachel became sick that we realized what had really happened.”

  “What happened?” I asked.

  Elisa flashed a wicked grin. “Victor dumped his host body and took on another. A woman she named Violet. Her demon never really went away. Just changed hosts. Rachel kept it a secret until it was too late.”

  “But you don’t know if it was Violet that betrayed my mother,” I said, unsure why I defended my mother’s demon.

  Elisa’s head flew back. “Seriously? No, we don’t have proof, but come on, Ava. How hard is it to imagine a demon would betray her? It’s what they do. It’s their nature, their calling. If you don’t understand that, you’re too close to this demon of yours already.”

  “You don’t even know the whole story.”

  “I don’t need to!” Elisa’s voice rang out, causing me to jump. “And I sure as heck don’t remember your mother ever kissing her demon.”

  Shocked by the amount of hate that seethed from the Healer, I walked my room, distancing myself from her.

  “It was only a dream,” I said, pushing the nausea back down. “I am using Jonathan to get back at the Annihilator.”

  Elisa laughed. “You think you’re using him? That is incredibly foolish.”

  “Enough,” Fiona interrupted. “Ava, Darius said you spoke to someone in the room before we got here. Was it this Jonathan?”

  I hesitated a moment, swallowing hard. “Yes. He told me he knew the location of the Annihilator. She’s taken a small town hostage with another powerful demon, and if we try to get too close, she’ll use the mortals as a weapon against us.”

  Silence met this new revelation. My gaze shifted from Elisa to Fiona. Finally, Elisa spoke.

  “Is this information only from your Jonathan, or did you have a vision?” Elisa crossed her arms over her chest. “Because it is your visions I will trust, not this Fallen soul.”

  Stung by her rejection, I swallowed a scathing retort.

  “When I was having my episode, I did see something, but it was quick. There was too much in my mind. Too many memories, but I believe there was a small town being taken over. There are several souls that knew what was going on and were afraid, but most remain clueless.”

  “Is that all?” she asked.

  I could only nod.

  Elisa dropped her hands to her side. “Very well. Now that your powers are open, you need to focus on them. We will see what further information we can get from your visions.”

  She strode from me, heading toward the door, but I called out to her. She halted halfway across the room, refusing to look back.

  “I’m not ready to inform anyone else about Jonathan,” I said. “That is my secret to tell.”

  Her head twitched, her fist clenched at her side, but she said nothing before she left the room without so much as a glance backward. My eyes stung with building moisture as anger rose in my chest, blocking my throat.

  Fiona wrapped her arms around me. When I tried to shrug them off, she only held on tighter. “You’ll have to forgive Elisa, my child.”

  “I will?” I muttered into her hair.

  “Yes. When Rachel died, it was hard on us all. I can only assume Elisa is concerned for your safety, and for good reason, but I do not see things as she does. I feel there is more to this. I need to… meditate.”

  Without waiting for a response, she released me. “In the meantime we need to draw out your inner power, but for now I’ll tell Darius you are ready to start your day.”

  “How will we draw out my inner power?” I asked, looking down at my bare feet.

  She gripped my chin, forcing my gaze. “You will find out soon enough. Cheer up. Elisa will get over this.”

  Before she could walk away I grabbed her by the wrist. “This peace you say I need to find… I need to see them. All of them.”

  “If that’s what you think will bring you peace, my darling niece, you will have what you desire.” She glanced over my hair, sweeping over my wrinkled pajamas and
bare feet. “And while I’m sure Darius loves this look, I suggest you get dressed.”

  I blushed as she took me by the shoulders and forcefully spun me around.

  “Go. Get ready for the day,” she said, swatting me hard on the butt.

  I grumbled. “What about your candles?”

  “Oh, we’ll need them again, trust me. Now hurry. No more moping and no more kissing demons.”

  “It was only a dream,” I called back, ready to argue my point, but Fiona was already exiting through the door. Grumbling, I blew out each candle. “It was only a dream.” But even I wasn’t convinced of the half-truth.

  17

  Sneak attack

  The smell of the previous night’s rain soothed my senses with cleansing relief. The cool morning air kissed my bare arms and legs.

  Darius waited for me within the sand pit, finishing his pre-running stretches. “Have you warmed up?” he asked. Appreciation glinted in his eyes as they skimmed my appearance.

  “Don’t need to,” I said, skipping down the paved steps in my running shoes. I felt amazing, and stretching was for chumps.

  “You will stretch,” he ordered, pointing to the yoga mat he’d laid out next to him.

  I rolled my eyes. Flopping to the ground, I placed one leg out and reached for the tip of my toes. “There,” I said, giving them a poke. “Done.”

  But Darius stopped me with a strong hand on my shoulder. Since the morning of my first visions I fought the learned behavior to shy away from his touch and after two weeks was almost used to it. In fact, if I was being honest with myself, I was growing to like it. A lot.

  “I know it will be difficult for you, but indulge me.” Kneeling behind me he pressed his chest and shoulder against my back. My eyes grew large, my heart responding to his closeness as he leaned into me, intensifying the stretch. “Now, reach out.” His deep voice sent a warm tingle down my neck.

  “I don’t need your help,” I said, doing as he asked despite my objection.

  “Actually, you do.” His lips grazed my edge of my ear. “Haven’t you learned that when you tell me no, it only makes me a bigger tyrant?”

  “Bully,” I mumbled, giving into a smile and a shiver. He released the pressure against my back and I almost ached when he moved away.

  “Now switch legs,” he said.

  I did so instantly.

  After an additional five minutes of aided stretching, I felt as warm as if I had already finished our miles, and almost as worn out. I avoided eye contact as we started our run.

  “Where’s Charlotte?” I asked as we moved through the farmlands towards the lake. When I saw the way he reacted to my question I waved off his skepticism. “I’m just asking because I haven’t seen her for a while now.”

  One eyebrow raised high. “Is it really hard to imagine why?” He looked forward as we made our way through my favorite wheat fields. “She doesn’t lose gracefully, Ava. Now that you are the unquestionable Defender she has been avoiding everyone. Even me.”

  My heart twisted. “Oh.” I puffed out a breath, slowing to a jog.

  “Charlotte will be fine. Already at the perimeter, scouting the area.”

  It had been over two weeks since I had last seen her. Over two weeks since I was awakened to the souls and occupants at the compound. Over two weeks since I allowed my visions and memories and soul studies to become one. I had trained with Fiona and Elisa and had met with every member of the complex that would allow. Only a few refused, Charlotte being one of them. Zane, her renewed boyfriend, also refused an audience, but politely. I was more than happy to accept the good Dr. Maynes’s decline to the interview.

  I hadn’t been able to transmit my energy or move candles like Fiona, but I was pleased with my progress nonetheless. I smiled as the faces and souls of my fellow compound mates flashed through my mind. So many good things had happened that it overshadowed the bad.

  Darius had also declined to be read, saying that his soul was a private matter—whatever that meant. That didn’t mean that I still didn’t try.

  I slowed my speed and pushed my energy outward towards his, but his soul clamped down tight against my probe.

  “Knock it off,” he cautioned with a backward glance. “I have a feeling you might not want to know what’s swimming around in here.” He tapped his temple with a finger.

  “Maybe I do,” I shot back, but he only scoffed.

  “Am I going too fast for you, princess?”

  My brows pinch together as his intended insult knocked me from my efforts. Speeding up, I matched my pace to his and elbowed him in the ribs. Princess.

  He grinned, approval marking his features.

  Slowing just before his favorite place at the lake, Darius eyed me with concern. “Have you been able to confirm your possible vision?”

  I shook my head. “Either it was a past vision or the Annihilator’s keeping things calm in the town. No one else has sought help and I can’t sense anything more. What about the scouts?”

  He combed his fingers through his dark mane. “Hector has sent men out every day since you told us. No one has seen the Annihilator or anything suspicious, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there.”

  I only nodded, watching as he grabbed the back of his shirt by the neck and tugged it off. Thankful my face was already red from the run, I pretended not to notice the striking lines of his body or the tattoos that crawled down the left side of his chest and back.

  “Care for a swim?” he asked, with a grin.

  I only rolled my eyes, giving him my usual answer. He laughed, throwing his sweaty shirt at me. I cursed as it hit my face, giving me a whiff of men’s deodorant and soap. I grimaced, allowing it to drop to the ground.

  I knew I was pressing my luck, but I said it anyways. “I would like to go with them to look for the town next time.”

  Darius paused before removing his shoes. “No.”

  “But—”

  “If we locate the town, we will all go together. Until then, we wait for further information from either your visions or our scouts.”

  Or Jonathan. My insides dropped. I hadn’t spoken to my demon since that dream that had started everything. I had worn my dreamcatcher every night since, unwilling to call for him. Yes, I was avoiding him, but I couldn’t do so forever. He was my insider’s eye. He could get me the information I needed—he probably already had it.

  Heat flushed to my face as I thought of the last time I saw him. Annoyed, I kicked off my shoes and socks. When Darius dove into the water, I removed my tank-top and dropped it next to his shirt. I marched into the cold pool wearing only my running shorts and black sports bra.

  Darius came up with a jolt that caused me to gasp. Spinning on the spot, he started then froze as I resumed my progress into the lake. He mopped the water from his face. His eyes scanned over my appearance.

  I moved his direction. “What?”

  He shrugged. “Nothing.”

  When he continued to stare, I grew uncomfortable, ignoring the desire to cover my exposed waist. “What are you looking at?”

  Darius shook his head, glancing across the lake.

  “It’s like you’ve never seen a girl in a bathing suit.”

  He laughed. “That is not a bathing suit.”

  “It’s close enough.”

  One eyebrow rose. “And you’re not just any girl, are you?” Lips twitched as he regarded me. He reached out a hand. “Come here.”

  I pished, sending a jet of water his way. “I don’t think so.” I shifted my direction and waded further in.

  “Be careful,” he cautioned, but I waved him off, feeling brave. When the water grew past my waist, I stood on tiptoes to keep the cold from hitting my chest.

  Despite my initial confidence, my conviction slipped, as did I when the lake floor dropped. I cursed, fighting to gain my footing. My lungs seized as the frigid lake baptized me. Before I could find the ground, a strong hand grabbed me and pulled me up, easily lifting me into safety. I ga
sped for air, filling my lungs.

  Cradled in his arms, I sputtered and spat in a truly graceful fashion, wiping water from my face. My ponytail clung to my cheek and neck. My skin dimpled in cold. Darius held me tightly to him as he maneuvered closer toward shore.

  “You should have just come to me like I told you to.” He stopped when the water was level with his shoulders. “And you curse like a sailor.”

  I smiled. Ian had accused me of the same thing. Remembering him now felt different. Less painful, somehow.

  I pulled a sodden leaf from my hair. “Why do you enjoy this?” I asked, tossing it to the side.

  He hummed; his voice rumbled within his chest. “Which part?” he asked, with a wicked grin that caused my heart to lurch.

  We were so close, our faces mere inches apart. Mesmerized, I studied him. The lines of his hard face softened; the tension between his brows disappeared. Drenched locks of deep chestnut brown trickled droplets onto his rounded shoulders. His unkempt beard now beyond stubble added to his appeal.

  Turning in place, he spun me slowly in the water as he had done once before. The lake hypnotically tugged at my legs and lapped at my arms. Darius was such an interesting puzzle, and one I desired to solve more and more every day. I wondered what it would take for him to open to me reading his soul.

  Seeing souls had been difficult at first, not knowing what to look for when calm, but the more I practiced, the easier it became. I had even been able to communicate with a few less frightened members, soul-to-soul. I just needed an open heart, and sometimes all I had to do to earn it was give a genuine smile or a kind word. Others, however, needed a little more. That was where Darius came in handy.

  He had been with me through every interview with every member of the compound, easing any tension between me and that of the inhabitants. He had been encouraging and overly attentive. He was part of the reason the experience was a complete success. While I was grateful for the change in our friendship, it also made me uncomfortable, but I wasn’t sure why. Maybe it was because it had become harder and harder to find reasons to dislike him.