by Jenna Kay
“Your position?” I query, confused. What did he mean by that?
He nods. “It's not just me I have to take care of. I have four other souls to think about, to look after. They all depend on me, and look up to me. They trust me. And how do I repay them for their trust? By attacking an Untouched, that's how.”
“You were just upset. You made a mistake.” I take a step forward, reaching for him, but he backs away from me.
“Gracen,” he says, his voice quivering, “they expect me to lead them. What kind of leader can't control himself in the normal world?”
Taking a step forward, I reach up to place an encouraging hand on his shoulder. This time he stays put.
“Phoenix, you can't let one mistake sidetrack you from your chosen path.” Slowly I lift my hand to his face, palming his cheek. The protective guard to my heart is slipping away, opening up for someone I've only known a short while. “You're not alone anymore. I'll be here for you, but please promise you won't leave me hanging again.”
Studying me, he raises his hand to mine and gives it a gentle squeeze.
“I promise you,” he tells me, his voice deep and soft, “I'll never leave you hanging again.” Gazing down at my lips, his head dips down, and my heart goes into triple beats. I close my eyes, readying myself for his kiss, when suddenly a noise across the street catches our attentions.
Before I can think, Phoenix pulls me into the shadows of the nearest alley. We both crouch down and watch. The Silver Eagle starts burning in my blood, alerting me that midnight has arrived.
Phoenix is stiff and rigid next to me as we both let our supernatural feelers loose to scope the newcomers, hoping to find out if they are human or something else. When a lady giggles abrasively, followed by a man's gruff laugh, I quickly realize that they are human...and extremely drunk. Even from across the street I can smell the liquor on them. They stagger down the sidewalk, stuck in their own boozed-up world. We watch quietly as they enter an apartment building, kissing passionately before going in.
“Gee, I wonder what they're about to do?” Phoenix wonders aloud, sounding amused.
I laugh. “I'm sure they're not going in for a game of Charades.” He begins laughing along with me, but stops when he sees my face.
“Whoa! What happened to your eyes and face?”
Feeling self-conscience I answer, “I go through a transformation after midnight. My eyes turn completely silver, and silver claw marks appear on my face. Why do you ask? Are you freaked-out by my appearance?”
Immediately he replies, “No, absolutely not! It's just that I didn't know...”
“I can put on my sunglasses if it makes you feel better.” I pull my black sunglasses out of my pocket and start to place them on my face, but he grabs my hand.
“No, don't,” he whispers, shaking his head. “Don't hide your true self. You're too beautiful.” He's looking at my lips again, and I know he wants to kiss me; I also know we're not going to get any work done if we continue to fawn over each other.
“Come on, Phoenix. We'd better—”
“Do you smell that?” he interrupts, lifting his nose to the air and taking a big whiff.
Confused I sniff the air as well. “No, I don't smell anything.”
He narrows his eyes and that's when I notice some changes in his appearance. I watch in wonder as blackness slowly covers his eyes completely. The black coiled viper becomes more prominent on his cheek, the surface of it on his skin looking slick and oily. He closes his eyes, taking another deep breath. I do the same, trying to free every sense I possess.
Opening my eyes I say, “All I can smell is garbage. What are you smelling?”
Suddenly he opens his black eyes, causing a jump out of me. He doesn't notice. There's a feral, vicious gleam in his blackened pupils, and a growl rises up from his chest. This time the growl sounds deeper, more animal-like than the one at school. At this moment I process reality—I am now seeing his true, supernatural side.
“Trolls,” he says in a hushed growl. “I smell trolls.”
CHAPTER 11
Goosebumps travel over every inch of my body as Phoenix's proclamation hits home. My Silver Mortal senses heighten to maximum levels, the eagle itching to break out of my skin. I keep my attention on Phoenix, and a dreary, unknown fear drapes around me like a cape. With his now blackened eyes, the viper mark slick above his skin, and the sneer that possesses his tightened lips—the sight of him has me on edge. The growl deep within his chest is causing his whole body to tremble, the sensation vibrating through my own body.
“Phoenix,” I start off cautiously, not daring to make a move. “Where are they?”
Unblinkingly he sputters out, “They...They are...” His words trail off as he dashes away in a blur of black. I stare after his fuzzy shadow, disbelieving that he had just left me behind.
Letting out a string of cuss words that any sailor would blush at, I quickly take off after him. Within two seconds I find myself right on top of him, bouncing off his back like a rubber ball and nearly breaking my butt bone. He's standing perfectly still and straight, peering around the corner of a building. My bumping into him doesn't disrupt his strong gaze and his intense immersion on the enemy.
“Phoenix!” I spew out angrily. “Why the he—”
“Hush Gracen!” he hisses, sounding annoyed. “Let me concentrate.”
Doing as he commands, a few quiet, restless moments pass before he announces, “There, across the street, behind the Mexican restaurant. Trolls—five of them—they are dragging a human by the ankle. A female—unconscious—adult.” His voice is repetitive and toneless, reminding me of a robot spouting out information.
Squinting in the darkness I finally catch sight of the Trolls. And worse...I smell them.
Eww.
Since I'm able to get a good whiff of them, to tell you the honest truth, they smell very unpleasant. All demons stink, but man, do Trolls take the whole cake! They smell like sewage and sulfur. Imagine the stinkiest fart in the world, bottle it up and voila! Troll perfume. Seriously. I speak the truth.
Excitement burns red-hot through my veins as I anticipate the upcoming fight. Trolls are chubby, nasty, three-feet tall demons that pick and choose their prey carefully. Most of the time small children are on top of their diabolical menu, but occasionally they have an appetite for the adult soul. As far as scents go, I'm still confused as to why I wasn't able to smell them earlier, though Phoenix could. My senses are as strong or stronger than his, so what gives?
“I don't get it,” I whisper in Phoenix's ear. “Why didn't I sense them before?”
Still glaring at the monsters he answers, “Because out of all the senses we Vipers contain, our sense of smell is the strongest. And I could tell they were Trolls because I've been around their kind all my life. It's ingrained in me, I guess.”
“Oh.” Well. That explains a lot.
We watch in silence as they hobble around on stubby legs, speaking in their foreign demon tongue. The lady is still lying on the ground unconscious, oblivious (thank God) to the unreal situation she's gotten into. Two of the Trolls appear to argue, one of them smacking and knocking the other to the ground. It's almost comical watching these misshapen creatures. Just the way they walk is hilarious.
Knowing what these monsters are capable of wipes the smirk right off my face. There's five of them and they have a human in their devious clutches, their only intentions being to suck out her soul. We had to take action, and do it fast.
Phoenix pulls out of his leather jacket two small axes, both shiny silver with black handles. They look sinister and medieval—very viperish. I brandish my most prized possession, my pure silver Katana, pointing it downward as I await battle. My blood runs ice cold as the five Trolls circle the woman, chanting in their devil language. It doesn't take a brain surgeon to realize they're preparing to drain out her soul.
Keeping his black orbs glued on the enemies Phoenix inquires, “You ready?”
“You know
it,” I swiftly reply.
With our short communication sealed, having to trust in each others strengths, we launch ourselves across the street at warp speed. The Trolls are taken by surprise, given no time to react. They have no idea what hits them. Phoenix takes his axes, slicing and demolishing two demons in two swipes. One swift stroke of my Katana cuts two in half, causing an explosion of glittering dust to fume in the air. I decapitate the fifth and final Troll, its head flying through the air with a look of shock on its face right before it explodes.
Neither one of us is out of breath, except my blood is still a violent flow of adrenaline. The battle had been short and quick, the Silver Eagle inside me still yearning for more demon bloodshed. I close my eyes and try to calm down the slow burn in my veins, but it's resisting my attempts. Usually Mom is here to settle me down, but she's not with me tonight.
Opening my eyes I see Phoenix bent down on one knee, reaching out a trembling hand toward the woman's neck, checking for a pulse. He grins, shifting his gaze to me.
“She has a strong heartbeat,” he confirms. “Though we need to get her to the hospital ASAP.”
“G-Good,” I hear myself say, taking a breath and releasing it slowly. I try to control the shudders that are attacking my body, but I'm unable to conceal them. And of course, Phoenix notices my discomfort.
Standing to his feet with curiosity written all over his face, he asks, “What's wrong?” The blackness in his eyes are now gone, his natural dark orbs peering down at me.
With a shaky voice I try to shrug off my sudden dilemma. “W-What do y-you mean?”
“You're restless,” he points out, tilting his head to the side. “Why?”
Lifting my silver eyes to him I try to come up with a believable lie. Unfortunately my mind is buzzing, like a hive full of bees have decided to take up residency in my head. So that forces me to come clean about my uneasiness.
“My mother sometimes h-has to t-talk me down after a s-short fight. The Eagle...” I pause, swallowing down an uncomfortable lump in my throat. Then I whisper, “It wants more. The energy burns my veins...” My breathing becomes raspy. I close my eyes once again, trying my best to calm the storm raging in the core of my heart.
With my eyes still closed, Phoenix wraps his arms around my shoulders, pulling me against his strong body. A flush of warmth hits my stomach and cheeks. Amazingly my heart begins to settle, the temperature of my blood dropping back down to normal. I breathe in his scent, a mixture of spice and healthy teenage boy. Somehow being this close to him, I feel protected and wanted. In some strange way I feel home.
“Feeling better?” he asks softly.
I tilt my head up and open my eyes. “Much.”
“Here.” He takes my sword and straps it to my back. I try to put it on myself, but suddenly I feel weak. Peering down at me and grabbing me around the waist, he gently says, “Close your eyes.”
I do as he says and a rush of wind picks up around us, the sound almost deafening. Not long after the wind took control of us it felt as if my feet were no longer touching the ground. I grip his neck even tighter, though before long the wind is no longer screaming in my ears. Opening my eyes I find that I'm no longer in the alley. Instead I'm in my apartment, sitting on my bed, and...alone. My Katana is no longer strapped to my back, but on top of my desk.
Thoughts race through my mind. How the hell did I get here? Where the hell is Phoenix? And what just happened?
The door to my bedroom swings open and in walks Mom, who is still sporting her pajamas.
“I thought I heard something,” she confesses, her eyes roaming the rest of my room. “Where's Phoenix?”
Completely baffled I reply, “Beats the crap outta me!” I go on from there to tell her about the Trolls, the woman, and how we kicked demon butt.
“After all of that,” I continue, “Phoenix tells me to hold on and close my eyes, and poof! I'm no longer in the alley. I'm sitting right here, and he's no where to be found.” Another thought occurs to me and I fly off the bed. “The woman! We've got to get her to the hospital!” A beeping sound echoes from mom's cell phone.
“No need,” says Mom with a smile, handing the phone to me. Raising an eyebrow at her, I take the phone and see a text message from Phoenix.
Tell Gracen the woman is at the hospital and she's
doing fine. Also, tell her I can't wait for us to demon
bash some more later.
~Phoenix~
Reading the message, I look at Mom and frown. “We're going to hunt together again?” “Yep,” she nods. “It seems you guys are going to make a great team.” I roll my eyes.
“Mom,” I begin, taking her by the shoulders and shaking her gently, “how am I supposed to work with him after tonight? I don't even know how he got me home.”
“I can explain that one,” she says, taking my hand from her shoulders and sitting on the edge of my bed. She pats a spot next to her and I sit, letting out a sigh. “OK, first off, you know that Night Vipers have a power that lets them disappear before your eyes, right?” I nod yes and she continues. “Well, to go along with that power they can travel to places miles and miles away, even across the country. They can also take a companion.”
Knitting my brows together, trying to digest what she's saying, I ask, “You mean they can teleport not only themselves, but others as well?”
“Exactly,” she confirms. “And just think about other vipers out there that are wanting to change. Think about all we could accomplish together, to protect the innocents. If we could work together we could combine all our powers and keep evil in the world in check, without working ourselves to death.”
I contemplate a moment. “Yeah, I suppose. Have you or Jude found out if there's ever been a Night Viper that wanted to leave the Viper clan behind?”
The smile vanishes on her face. “No, we haven't. Phoenix and his little group may be the first Vipers in history to break away, and you know what that means.”
I shake my head. “No. What does that mean?”
“That we must watch each others backs.” Her expression turns grave. “Because if the Viper clan catches word that we're involved with rebel Vipers, not only will they torture and kill the rebels...”
“We'll be put in the same pot,” I finish for her, and she nods in agreement.
Well, so much for living a semi-non-normal life.
***
Sunlight is shining directly in my eyes when I wake the next day. Peeling my crusted-over lids open I glance over at my window. Someone has pulled up my blinds so the blazing sun can drift into my room. I start to get out of bed to let the blinds back down, when I see something move out of the corner of my eye. I almost wet my pants when I see Phoenix. He's sitting in my desk chair, leaning his elbows on his thighs with a huge smile plastered on his face. His dark hair is straight, hanging just above his shoulders. I almost smile back, but then remember that I'm only wearing panties and a thin camisole.
“Phoenix!” I say in a harsh whisper, pulling my blanket up to my chin. “What are you doing here?”
He smirks. “And a good morning to you, too, or...” He glances at his watch, narrowing his eyes, “should I be saying good afternoon?”
A blush paints my cheeks. “I'm wore out. Last night was really...was...”
“Totally awesome!” he expresses, careful to keep his voice low. “Are you ready to do it all over a—”
“You left me hanging again.” My abrasive interjection puzzles him, and for a moment silence fills the empty air.
His smile slowly fades. “How did I—”
“When you teleported me home,” I quickly add. “You brought me here, and then you left. Without a goodbye.” I cross my arms at my chest and glower at him.
“Gracen, I—” he hesitates, seemingly grasping for the appropriate words. “You seemed so...I thought I was doing you a favor by bringing you home and taking care of that woman by myself. And besides, we—”
“Maybe I like you, Phoeni
x!” I exclaim, then press my hand to my mouth, stunned and angry at myself for blurting my true feelings—feelings I shouldn't have for only knowing a person for less than a week, not to mention the fact that he's a freaking Night Viper!
He studies me with his eyes, then abruptly stands and walks over to my bed, perching himself next to me. If he's surprised by my explosive declaration, he's not showing it. Reaching for my hand he takes it from my mouth and gives my palm a gentle kiss. A rush of heat floods my belly, causing my heart to do handsprings in my chest. I'm taken back by his gentle gesture, at a total loss for words. And then the biggest shock of it all—he leans over and kisses my forehead with his soft warm lips.
“I like you too,” he confesses softly, placing a wild blond hair behind my ear. “But you've got to understand...I've never been close to anyone. In my world it's hard to trust your heart with others. Though since meeting you, I know I need to work on it. Gracen, I'm sorry I left you hanging. Again.”
I stare at him, believing every word he just spoke. I want to tell him it's okay, that I'm not mad, but the kisses on my palm and forehead has me a tad flustered.
“Do you forgive me?” he inquires with a pleading gleam in his dark eyes.
Opening my mouth to speak I learn that my tongue no longer wants to work, so I nod a yes. His face lights up with a grin.
“Great!” He jumps off the bed, breaking our gazes and walking a few steps away. “Also, to make it up to you, I'm taking you out to breakfast, er, lunch...brunch. I'm taking you out for food.”
“Oh-kay,” I force out, along with a giggle.
“I'll meet you outside,” he says, then asking, “Is that okay with you?”
Smiling wide-eyed at him I respond with, “Uh-huh.”
“See you when you're ready,” he grins, then disappears in a black mist.
Shaking the cobwebs from my brain I try to compile the conversation Phoenix and I just shared. Let's see, I woke up to him sitting in my room. I was angry at first, but all that changed when he apologized and kissed my palm and my forehead. Of course that had been after I'd screamed that I liked him. And then that made him come clean about him liking me and...
