Reaper's Fire

by Katherine Bogle

  Are you fucking serious? He wanted to hurt them? Still?

  Fury tore a path down my throat and into my belly. It raged through my veins and into my limbs until my entire body felt like an inferno. I pushed my scythe towards the reaper, my heart pounding hard as flames sprung to life atop my blade.

  Dark red flashed with crimson and licks of orange, eating a path across the dark metal stem of my weapon and up to the point of the scythe.

  “Get. Out,” I snarled.

  Zane’s eyebrows furrowed and his lips parted in a silent gasp. He stared at the flames encompassing my blade, my fire burning in his dark eyes. “Clara,” he said calmly, but I cut him off before he could continue.

  “I said, get out!”

  Ryker and Ky pounded into the kitchen, but skidded to a halt the second they saw the scene before them.

  I barely glanced at them, my heart was pounding so hard it roared in my ears. I could hardly hear the whimpering behind me or the consoling words Ryker uttered. All I could do was feel the burning inside me and the thundering in my veins. I had to protect my friends. I wouldn’t let anything happen to them, especially not Zane.

  “Clara,” Zane tried again. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have threatened your friends.” He held his hands up, his dagger balanced in the crook of his thumb. He raised his eyebrows and glanced towards the sheathe at his hip. “I’m going to put this away.”

  My breathing grew ragged as the heat inside me constricted my lungs.

  Slowly, Zane sheathed his weapon and returned to holding his hands up. He took a few steps back, not making a move for the door, but still giving me space. “I’m not going to hurt them.”

  You’re not?

  The words formed on my tongue, but with the pounding in my skull I had to fight to hold off the black stars forming at the edge of my vision. Zane kept backing off until he stood between Ryker and Ky. They all looked worried, not scared like I’d expect.

  I lowered my scythe slightly, the thunder in my head fading with the heated storm that tore its way through my body. “You promise?” I asked breathily.

  Zane nodded. “I promise.”

  I stumbled back a step and released my scythe. While my weapon disappeared into the void, I grabbed the back of my chair. My mind remained a haze as I took several deep breaths. Slowly, I got myself together and lowered myself back into my chair.

  Jamie continued to plaster herself against the back wall while Gloria lowered her hands and glanced between me and the three men on the other side of the room.

  “I’m sorry,” I began. I could barely hear my own words over my breathing.

  “C,” Gloria said carefully. “Are you okay?”

  I nodded, my fingers tightening on the back of the chair. “Yeah. I just need a second.”

  Gloria looked between me and Jamie, her lips pressed into a firm line.

  “What the… what the fuck is happening?” the words spilled from Jamie’s mouth, and then she darted around the table towards the door. “I can’t do this. I’m going.”

  “Jamie,” I gasped.

  “J, wait!” Gloria said.

  “No,” Jamie shook her head. Tears blurred her green eyes. “I can’t do this.”

  Jamie paused a few feet from the door, eyeing the three men in my kitchen before she raced past them. Her shoes slapped the hallway linoleum as she raced for the stairwell.

  “J,” I started to stand, but Gloria placed her hand on my shoulder.

  “I’ll go after her.” Gloria smiled wryly. “She just needs time. I’ll make sure she’s okay.”

  My fists clenched. Why? Why did Zane have to come back when he did? Why did he have to react that way? And what the fuck just happened to me?

  “You can explain everything else later,” Gloria said, her gaze darting at Ryker, Ky and Zane. “Call me if you need me.”

  I nodded, my throat thick with emotion. I hated this. I hated that I’d upset Jamie so much. I’d be lucky if she ever came back here again. It hurt to see her react like this, but at the same time, I understood. If I were in her shoes I’d be terrified too.

  “Bye, C.” Gloria gave a little wave before carefully slipping out after Jamie. Her pace quickened as she got closer to the stairwell. Jamie was a runner and Gloria would have to move fast if she wanted to catch up.

  As soon as the girls were gone, the door clicked closed. I placed my head in my hands and bit my tongue on a groan. Frustration burned through me, and I resisted pulling on my hair or tightening my grip on my head.

  I took a moment to breathe before lowering my hands. I glanced at the three men, two looking utterly unsure what to do, while Zane stared at me, a question in his eyes.

  He met my gaze, but said nothing. My heartbeat sped up, my anger at him growing once again. If he hadn’t come back when he did, that conversation could have gone entirely different. Maybe Jamie would have listened and eventually understood. Maybe we’d still be talking. Instead, they were both gone, and Jamie might never speak to me again. And here Zane was, just staring.

  I gritted my teeth and narrowed my eyes at the Reaper. “What the hell are you staring at?”

  Zane’s eyebrow twitched up, and he wiped his expression clean. “Reapers can’t use demonfire, let alone that.” He motioned at where I’d dropped my scythe.

  What does that mean? “That?” I didn’t want to deal with his games. Not now.

  “Hellfire,” Zane said. Everything about him had returned to emotionless stone. It grated on my nerves more than his curiosity.

  I stood, working my jaw. “And? What does that mean?”

  Zane shook his head, much to my annoyance. “There’s no point in speculating.” He paused, narrowing his eyes thoughtfully. “But I need to speak to your mother as soon as she returns.”

  I clenched my fists. After how he’d just traumatized Jamie, letting him near my mother was the last thing I’d do. “Fine,” I lied.

  I looked around my kitchen, and despite the new finishes, the space felt small, like it was closing in around me. I needed time to think. I had to figure this all out, and I wouldn’t be able to do that with them hovering over me.

  “I need some space,” I said through clenched teeth. “Can you all get out of here for a bit?”

  Ky flinched, and Ryker’s jaw hardened. They both darted annoyed glances at Zane, but he didn’t even bother acknowledging them. Instead, Zane opened the door and was the first to go.

  “You’ll call if you need anything?” Ryker asked. He took a step closer, but didn’t reach out like he normally would have.

  I nodded. “I will.”

  Ky’s eyebrows tilted upward. He opened and closed his mouth like he wanted to argue, but eventually he dipped his chin in understanding. “I won’t be gone long.”

  “Okay,” I said. They both gave me one last long look before heading out the front door. As soon as it clicked softly behind them, I slid back into my chair and buried my face in my hands.

  What the hell is happening to me?

  Chapter 25

  Wind slapped my hair against my face and shoulders, the spring air surprisingly frosty for the time of year.

  I swiped my hands through my black waves, pushing my hair behind my ears. I stood on the rooftop, leaning my elbows against the waist high stone wall. The last time I’d come up here was my first night in my new apartment. I spent an hour feeling the wind in my hair, and watching the sunset between the distant skyscrapers.

  Whereas that day had been one of excitement and new possibilities, today I felt every one of those possibilities floating away, drifting with the breeze out into the city for some other girl to claim.

  I couldn’t go on like this, killing people, keeping secrets and hurting those I loved. Maybe it was best that Jamie and Gloria knew who I was now. Maybe Gloria could take Jamie and go into hiding somewhere far away where Elizabeth could never hurt them. As for Mom, I was still trying to figure that one out.

  Mom wasn’t going anywhere without me. I kn
ew that no matter what I said, she would fight me to the bitter end. I had to tell her something. Maybe I could lie and tell her I’d witnessed a crime and we had to go into witness protection.

  Could Ryker help set us up with something like that? Would it even work, or would Elizabeth just find me again and take away the one woman who’d been with me through everything?

  I sighed and slid my face into my hands. Frustrated tears burned the back of my eyes. This all felt so impossible. How was I supposed to deal with this myself? How was I—

  “Clara?”

  I jumped and spun, my hip slamming against the brick wall.

  “Ryker!” I snapped. The vampire stood at the rooftop exit, his eyebrows furrowed in concern and his usual carefully styled hair whipping in the wind. “You scared the hell out of me.”

  His lips twitched slightly but a smile didn’t form. “Apologies.”

  My racing heart calmed at the sight of him, and slowly I relaxed against the short wall. “What are you doing here?”

  This time he did smile. “You didn’t really think I’d leave you alone after all that, did you?” I raised my eyebrows. I did actually. In fact, I’d requested it. “Don’t be upset. I only wanted to check on you.”

  My heart softened. “I’m not upset.”

  He nodded and stepped outside, letting the door swing closed behind him. “Good. Just tell me if you want me to go and I will.”

  I watched him approach slowly like I was a startled animal. My heartbeat picked up with every step he took until I swallowed thickly. “No, it’s fine.”

  Ryker stopped beside me and rested his elbows on the wall the same way I’d been doing before. He gazed out at the city, the sun already set though the orange burn of it still grazed the horizon. “Do you want to talk about it?”

  Slowly, I turned to face the city again. I mimicked his position, but couldn’t help stealing glances at his handsome face. “I’m not sure what to say.”

  He met my gaze, a sly smile quirking his lip. “Your mind has been working since your friends left. I’m sure you have plenty to say.”

  Well, he wasn’t wrong. “I don’t know what to do.”

  “Does anyone?”

  “They know, and they’re terrified,” I said, forcing my gaze back to the darkening horizon. “What if my mom has the same reaction? I don’t know how I’ll get away with not telling her. I need to get her out of here.”

  “You want to get them all away from Elizabeth?” he guessed.

  “Yes. I can’t kill people forever, even if they are terrible human beings.” My fists clenched as images of three bloody vampires flashed before my eyes. I shook my head as a shiver descended my spine. The things I’d done to them—I’d killed them so brutally, and it had been nothing to my demoness.

  “I can help you,” Ryker said. I stiffened, sensing a but coming. “But I don’t know where on Earth they could hide without being found.”

  There it was. I sighed. “That’s what I thought.” I kneaded my fingers together, nervous energy crackling through me.

  “Maybe we should go inside,” Ryker suggested. “Do you want some tea to calm your nerves?”

  My eyebrows furrowed. He could read me that well already? I nodded, and he took the lead, holding the door for me. Once we were back in my apartment, I sat on the couch while Ryker made tea. We stayed silent, not saying a word as the kettle boiled and the tea steeped.

  Nearly ten minutes later, we sat together on the sofa, the scent of strawberry rhubarb filling my nostrils. I breathed it in, letting the hot vapors soothe my soul and relax my body. I eyed the sugar cookies Ryker had laid out as well. I had no idea when he got them, but apparently they’d appeared in my cupboards one day.

  “I know you enjoy coffee,” Ryker said, sipping on his tea. “But tea is far more soothing.”

  “You make a good point,” I agreed. I sipped on my own tea, the liquid stinging my tongue slightly. I winced and set it aside to cool. Though I was a little more relaxed than I had been on the roof, my mind still raced with questions. “What do you think I should do?” I asked. My pulse skipped with worry.

  Ryker swallowed and set his cup aside. “Honestly, I don’t know the answer, Clara. But I’ll support you in whatever decision you make.”

  Cool fingers touched mine and my breath caught as he slid his fingers through mine. My cheeks heated. I don’t know why I was embarrassed—he was just holding my hand for fucks sake—but the gesture was so foreign it had a certain novelty to it.

  “Thank you,” I said, my voice catching. I cleared my throat, hoping he didn’t notice. The amused glint in his eyes told me otherwise. Fucks sake. “Now I just need to figure out how to save my friends, family and myself from that evil bitch.”

  Ryker chuckled softly. “If anyone can, it’s you. There’s power inside you, Clara. One day you might surpass even the princess.”

  I raised my eyebrows, my lips popping open in surprise. His gaze shifted to my mouth for only a second, but a spike of heat shot straight through me as his hand squeezed mine. “You think so?”

  Ryker smiled. “I know you will. Every day you’re stronger.”

  I almost choked on a laugh. “Me? Strong?”

  Ryker squeezed my hand. “You’re incredibly strong. Don’t you know that?”

  I sighed and shook my head. “All I’ve done is ask for help and follow orders lately. I’m not strong, I’m a tool.”

  Ryker’s eyebrows furrowed and his lips pursed in annoyance. “The strong still need help, and sometimes following orders is the best decision you can make in the long run. You can’t beat your opponent without first knowing their moves.”

  I blinked, surprised. I’d never thought of it like that. That day when I’d first left Elizabeth’s penthouse after she’d demanded I started killing for her, I’d told Ryker I would get my revenge—that I’d stop her somehow. Maybe playing a long game was my best bet. I hardly knew anything about Elizabeth let alone myself. If I could learn more about demons, Reapers, and the Hellspawn they created, maybe I’d stand a chance.

  “That beautiful brain of yours is hard at work.” Ryker chuckled.

  My face burned. “Sorry.”

  He shook his head, smiling. “Don’t be. It’s cute.”

  “Cute?” I squeaked, indignant.

  “Yes.” He raised his eyebrows for emphasis. “Cute.”

  I narrowed my eyes. “I’m not cute.”

  His smile grew, the corners of his lips twitching. “Would I lie to you?”

  I scoffed. “I don’t know, would you?”

  Ryker squeezed my fingers, his skin warm against mine. “I wouldn’t.”

  “Then tell me something right now that isn’t a lie,” I challenged, tilting my chin up. “And don’t say that I’m cute.”

  Again, Ryker’s eyes darted down to my lips. My heartbeat quickened as he leaned closer and brushed the pad of his thumb across my lower lip. “I’d really like to kiss you.”

  I swallowed as butterflies lit inside my belly and heat coursed through my veins. I couldn’t help glancing at his lips this time, the cupids bow shape of his dainty upper lip along with the thicker curve of his lower one.

  His fingers slid from my lip to my cheek, and then my jaw. He cupped my face and gently pulled me closer. My heart pounded in my ears as I pressed closer.

  I bit my lip as I imagined kissing those lips. “Then kiss me.”

  Ryker slipped his fingers from mine, and suddenly his hand was on my hip. He pulled me closer, his hands sliding under my thighs and in one quick movement I was straddling him. I gasped at the motion and held onto his shoulders to keep my balance, my mind spinning as his hot breath brushed my lips.

  I couldn’t wait any longer. I forged forward, pressing my lips against his. A pleased groan rumbled quietly in his throat as I kissed him, his lips soft and firm, his hands tightening on my thighs.

  He let me set the pace, kissing me slowly at first until the heat pooling in my core became too much. I wan
ted more—I don’t know if it was my demon, or me—but suddenly I wanted to devour him. Not like I’d done to the vampires that accosted me, or the potential rapists in an alley—I didn’t want his soul, but I wanted everything else.

  I pressed my body against his, melding my curves to his chest. His breath caught as I bit his lip gently, sucking it into my mouth before kissing him more roughly.

  “Clara,” he groaned. He cradled the back of my head, pulling me harder against him. I could feel his fight for control in the stillness of his hands, which had been slowly slipping up my hips. He wanted to guide me like most men did, but instead he let me have the power, he let me do what I pleased.

  I didn’t know if it was because of the lack of control I had in every other aspect of my life, but him giving me control set a fire inside me. It roiled and burned, pushing through my belly until it settled in my core.

  I kissed him hard and grinded my hips without meaning to. The moment his lips parted on a gasp, I slipped my tongue into his mouth. We fought for dominance while his hands could no longer be contained. They travelled down my hips and around to cup my ass. He pulled me tight against him, my core pressed against the hardness growing beneath me.

  My breath caught as he pushed my hips lower. My center grazed him and lust flooded every inch of me. I moaned into his mouth and his fingers pressed like iron against my skin. All I wanted was him, and nothing else mattered. We’d consume each other, and I’d figure everything else out later.

  The front door banged open suddenly and I yelped in surprise at the noise. I sat back too fast and toppled sideways onto the couch.

  Ryker’s breathing was heavy as he looked between me and the door to the kitchen. He made sure I wasn’t going to fall off the couch before he slowly stood, adjusting himself as he walked.

  My mind was scattered as I sucked in air and tried to pull back reality. I’d been so far gone, I couldn’t believe what had just happened.

  “Honey, I’m home!” Ky called in an accent that wasn’t his own. “I bring dinner for the lady.”

  I blinked in surprise. Both Ky, and Zane were home from the sounds of the grumbling. The scent of tomato sauce, basil and cheese hit my nose, and I sat up. Pizza?