Harrison healed with success and even he was in good shape, now that the iron bullets had been dug out, but Isabella… If it were up to him, he would have made Isabella stay in bed the rest of the week. The dark shadows beneath her eyes were a good indication that she had not fully recovered. He didn't give a damn how many transfusions she received. Her body still needed to heal.
However, it wasn't up to him to decide and there was another life hinging on Isabella's capabilities. If they were going to do this, it had to be now.
Johanna's father had arrived and agreed with the doctors to take her off life support.
Isabella had combed through the boxes of witch balls until she located Johanna's soul. With it safely in her grasp, she opened the veil so the remaining souls could be released.
Curious, how a tragedy brought families back together. Nicholas was at Isabella's side the moment he heard she was in the hospital. Their disagreement wasn't forgotten, but now they both found time to talk and eventually they would work it all out.
Isabella convinced her brother to help her guide Johanna's soul back into her body. Nicholas wasn't pleased with the idea, but this was Johanna. Nicholas couldn't refuse.
So here they were at the hospital ready to perform a ritual that only Nicholas had performed. Only he was a child when he had and it was purely by instinct, not something practiced and perfected.
This outing could prove… interesting.
Garran stood guard at the door, while the others readied Johanna's room. Isabella brought her quartz and other stones. He caught sight of the ancient emblem sketched on paper they placed on Johanna's chest. Nicholas took one side of Johanna's bed and Isabella took the other.
Harrison placed the leather case he'd brought with him on the rollout table used for the patient's meals. He opened the lid and removed the precious witch ball. The soul was alive and agitated, if the swirls of color were a good indication. Odd, how he could see the soul inside the witch ball.
"Are you ready, Nick?" Isabella looked at her brother and he nodded. She reached for his hands and he took hold of her, making a bridge over Johanna's body.
Isabella took a deep breath and looked at Harrison. "Release Johanna's soul."
Harrison removed the stopper and placed the witch ball on top of the emblem. On the ride over here, Isabella explained in vivid detail what they were going to attempt. The stones surrounding Johanna's body were to keep the soul trapped within the circle so it couldn't escape from the room.
Isabella began to chant, a prayer for guiding the soul.
He knew she had never called a soul back into the body with the intent for it to stay, but Nicholas was there to help her. With both siblings working together, Johanna may have a chance.
Garran glanced at the woman. She lay as still as death, but her body was strong and her organs hadn't been compromised.
Garran could no longer see the soul once it left the witch ball, but he knew Isabella could. The colors were always visible to her.
"Johanna, hear my plea." Isabella's voice was strong and true. "You must return to your body. Listen to my voice."
Johanna's body began to convulse. The monitors beeped in protest. It was only a matter of moments before one of the nurses would rush over to investigate.
"Don't let go of my hands, Nick." Isabella's voice revealed her fear.
"I won't," he told her, meeting her gaze.
"Johanna, we're all here for you. Me, Nick…" She glanced at Harrison. "Harrison's here, too."
Again Johanna's body jerked. Her body arched and her heartbeat jumped. He could hear her heart thud like a drum, but the others had to rely on the monitor.
The energy in the air sizzled as if lightning could strike at any moment.
Johanna's mouth opened and even though a tube should have blocked her vocal chords, a high pitch sound vibrated from her. The monitor screen cracked and the florescent lights overhead exploded. Then Johanna's body lay still and the dull tone from the heart monitor blared as the straight line gave the testimony to Johanna's heart function.
"She's flat lined." Harrison's voice held a note of panic.
"No, it's okay," Isabella shot back. "Give it a second."
Garran glanced out the door. "We have company." A nurse and a doctor were rushing toward the room with a crash cart. The beeps of the monitors obviously alerted them—if not the high-pitched banshee call Johanna had produced.
Garran stepped aside, as the hospital's personnel burst into the room and at that moment the heart monitor blipped, then picked up speed with a thump as Johanna's heart began to pump blood through her veins once more, and the air pump moved up and down as she drew in a ragged breath.
Johanna's eyes flew open in fright and her hands grabbed at the tubes.
"What are you doing in here?" the nurse demanded to know of them.
"Nothing," Isabella said, letting go of her brother's hands.
Nicholas backed away, giving the doctor room.
"What is all this?" The nurse waved her hand at the crystals and the other items sprawled on top of Johanna.
The doctor didn't seem to care. His hands were full, trying to calm Johanna so he could remove the breathing tube.
Garran didn't waste time. He flitted toward the bed and lifted the items placed around Johanna, stuffing them inside the bag at the foot of the bed. The air swirled around the confused staff, but the evidence was safely put away.
Garran casually stepped out into the hall.
"What are you referring to?" Garran heard Isabella ask the nurse.
"All— Where is it?" The nurse's voice wavered.
"Teresa, get everyone out of here," the doctor ordered the nurse.
The nurse didn't look pleased as she ushered Isabella, Nick, and Harrison out of the room and shut the door.
Johanna was awake, but it would be some time before they knew if her soul would stay put. They would have to watch her closely and discourage any out of body experiences. Now that the soul had a taste of freedom, it may want to wander again.
Nicholas and Isabella spoke with Harrison. He knew Isabella would stay at the hospital until the staff kicked her out. She would want to be with her friend now that she finally had her back.
Garran swung the backpack over his shoulder, intent on giving it back to Isabella later. He turned to leave.
"Garran?" Isabella's sweet voice halted his departure.
He turned to look at her and inwardly cringed to see her beautiful face showing the wayward signs of fatigue. "Johanna will have questions," he spoke first. "She'll most likely feel more comfortable if they came from ye and no' a vampire she doesn't know."
She nodded. "That's not why I stopped you." She shoved her hands in her pockets. "You've been avoiding me."
His brows rose. "I've been here all night."
She shook her head. "You know that's not what I mean. We need to talk." She moved closer. "About us," she added as if he didn't already know what she hinted at.
After all she'd been through, she still believed there could be more between them.
"Don't," she warned.
He looked at her, his brows furrowing.
"Don't you dare push me away."
He reached for her and pulled her close. He brushed the back of his hand gently down her face. "I'm no' good for ye."
"Listen, Dracula. I'm not taking any of your crap. You don't get to decide what's best for me. I'm not your child. I'm a grown woman and I'll make my own decisions. Thank you very much."
He really did admire her spunk. Annoyingly, he had from the start.
"Isabella?" Nicholas called to her. He always would be the protective brother in the shadows watching them. She didn't turn away as she waved behind her, indicating she was fine.
"What do you want from me, Miss Lucci?" he asked.
"A chance for us. Anyway, you aren't getting rid of me so easily. I've joined your crew, like it or not. I'm part of your life. Maybe it will only be as an employee for preternatur
al affairs, but maybe… just maybe there could be more between us." She looked expectantly at him. Her lips parted in invitation. Before he could make the move and press his lips to hers, the brazen woman took it upon herself to do the kissing. Her mouth took full advantage of him, too.
He was a powerful being, worldly, and yet this young lassie seemed to hold all the control. And dammit—if she didn't know it.
She moved back with a hint of a smile. "Now was that so bad?"
He grumbled, but didn't fight it. So she was human and he was a Grim Sith. Maybe she was his soul mate after all. Only time would tell and God knew he had plenty of that. "I'll see ye tomorrow at my place at eight. If you're going to work with Harrison and me, ye'll need to continue yer trainin'."
"I'll be there at 7:30 and we'll have dinner before we start."
He could protest, but really, what was the point? She'd invade his privacy no matter what he said. His lips curved. He found the idea of her in his kitchen something he'd missed in the last few days. "I'll cook this time," he offered.
Her eyes widened in surprise.
"Aye, Isabella. I do know how to cook other than microwavin' a cup of blood."
"This I can't wait to see." She backed up a step and the grin she wore warmed him from the inside out. Then she turned and sashayed back to where Nick and Harrison stood waiting for her.
Harrison glanced his way with a nod and a quick wag of his eyebrows. The werewolf believed he was funny, but fair was fair. Just wait until he could rib him about his human. He had no doubt that once Johanna recovered, she would be a big part of Harrison's life.
In all the centuries he lived through, Garran learned life was always full of surprises, some good and some not so much. He supposed he had a team now to help him run his territory; an unlikely crew, consisting of a werewolf and a woman who could raise the dead. He smiled at the thought of seeing Isabella on a daily basis. She was his girlfriend, he supposed and perhaps his soul mate, too.
Who knew what fate had in store for all of them, but he had a hunch it would never prove boring.
The End
About the Author
Karen Michelle Nutt resides in California with her husband, three fascinating children, and houseful of demanding pets. Jack, her Chorkie, is her writing buddy and sits long hours with her at the computer.
When she's not time traveling, fighting outlaws, or otherworldly creatures, she creates pre-made book covers to order at Gillian's Book Covers, "Judge Your Book By Its Cover". You can also check out her published cover art designs at Western Trail Blazer, Rebecca J. Vickery Publishing, and Victory Tales Press.
Whether your reading fancy is paranormal, historical, or time travel, all her stories capture the rich array of emotions that accompany the most fabulous human phenomena—falling in love.
Visit the author at her website:
http://www.kmnbooks.com
Blog: http://kmnbooks.blogspot.com
Gillian's Book Covers, "Judge Your Book By Its Cover"
http://judgeyourbookbyitscover.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkarenmichellenutt
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KMNbooks
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/karenmnutt/
Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/Karen-Michelle-Nutt/e/B002BLLBPE
Other Novels by Karen Michelle Nutt
Lost in the Mist of Time
Dougray Fitzpatrick has buried one wife and vows to never love again—but destiny has other plans for this 16th century Irish Lord. During a battle, a mist separates Dougray from his men and casts him into the future. Dougray must return to Dunhaven and to his century, but Aislinn Hennessy follows him into the mist, leaving him no choice, but to take her home with him.
Conspiracies, feuds and unexpected violence are commonplace threats, but along the way, Aislinn and Dougray discover a surprise neither one expects: a chance for love even when they're Lost in the Mist of Time.
A Twist of Fate
Arianna memory is lost when she suffers a blow to her head. It's 1814 and she's married to Captain Keldon Buchanan, a man who despises her. The more Arianna learns about her life, the more she realizes why she's chosen to forget it. Keldon doesn't trust his wife, but he finds his heart softening to the woman his wife has become. If he didn't know better, he'd swear he's married to another woman and he's fallen in love with her.
Creighton Manor
Zachary Creighton, a gambler with one goal: to win back Creighton Manor. Marriage is not part of the plan, but since he is found with Gillian in his room, reputations are at stake, his included. To keep peace with his reluctant bride, he makes a bargain with her. He needs a tutor for his nephew Tyler, and she needs a roof over her head until they can annul their sham of a marriage. However, Zachary finds himself falling for Gillian's oddly charming ways despite the fact the woman claims to be from the future. The gamble is trust, but will the stakes prove too high for Zachery to risk it all and win Gillian's heart?
The Gryphon and His Thief
Some Treasures are Priceless…
A long time ago, a Gryphon shifter’s duty was to guard and protect the people of the tribes, but Darrien Andros failed to keep his human wife safe from harm. Cursed for the crime, he must guard everything in the Museum of Cursed Antiquities forever, never to truly live and never to die. Centuries have passed, but when he encounters a thief, who uncannily resembles his dead wife, he is convinced he has a second chance.
Calli Angelis is hired to steal Hecate's Stone from the Museum, believing she would be returning it to its rightful owner. She never really trusted the person who hired her and now Darrien makes her doubt her motives, too. He also has her questioning the possibility of reincarnation when the attraction between them ignites into something she can no longer ignore.
As the two work together to unravel the mysteries behind the stone, it becomes apparent an old and dangerous enemy from Darrien’s past is determined to have history repeat itself.
Twilight's Eternal Embrace
If Bram cannot find a way for Adryanna to survive the blooding ritual, their romance is doomed. They seek help from Sheerin, Bram's cousin, who believes he's found a way for the Lathe Sith to survive, but others in the Oiche Sith clan do not wish for them to succeed.
Magic of the Loch
Michaela and Alan vow to take what time has to offer, but another threat loomed. A sinister shape shifter with a vendetta against Alan is making Loch Ness his personal hunting ground. Now he's threatening Michaela. Alan must discover who the shifter is and stop him before it's too late.
Storm Riders
Storm Riders must step in and repair the rift before the dimensions collide. Samantha Skelley and Denny Randeli are sent to 1879 Bodie, California, one of the wildest towns of the west. It should have been an easy snatch and rescue, but Ace McTavish is determined to put himself in harms way. Samantha and Denny are forced to help him with his plans before they take the next storm ride home.
Eli (Fallen Angels, Book 1)
Hashasheen demons, assassins for hire, are sent to take out Eli and Ryden. Eli is a warrior and will fight to keep Ryden safe, but time may be his biggest enemy. The Elders gave him until the end of Ol' Hallow's Eve. Ryden must fall in love with him by then or his life will be forfeited.
Lucca (Fallen Angels, Book 2)
Lucca Marlowe is half human, half angel, one of the Nephilim. Banished for crimes against one of his fellow brethren, the elders bind his glamour and wings, casting him to the human's realm.
Angels and demons demand he do their bidding. His estrange father resurfaces after centuries of being absent and he's brought a friend from Hell. To make his life more complicated, he fears he found his soul mate in a human female. Only Juliet Romeo has a secret that will bring the wrath of Heaven down upon their heads.
About the Author:
Karen Michelle Nutt resides in California with her husband, three fascinating children, and houseful o
f demanding pets. Jack, her Chorkie, is her writing buddy and sits long hours with her at the computer.
When she's not time traveling, fighting outlaws, or otherworldly creatures, she creates pre-made book covers to order at Gillian's Book Covers, "Judge Your Book By Its Cover". You can also check out her published cover art designs at Western Trail Blazer and Rebecca J. Vickery Publishing.
Whether your reading fancy is paranormal, historical or time travel, all her stories capture the rich array of emotions that accompany the most fabulous human phenomena—falling in love.
Visit the author at: http://www.kmnbooks.com
Stop by her blog for Monday interviews, chats and contests at:
http://kmnbooks.blogspot.com
You can also find her online at:
https://twitter.com/KMNbooks
https://www.facebook.com/authorkarenmichellenutt
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/190487.Karen_Michelle_Nutt
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/karenmnutt/
Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/Karen-Michelle-Nutt/e/B002BLLBPE
Gillian's Book Covers, "Judge Your Book By Its Cover"
http://judgeyourbookbyitscover.blogspot.com/
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