by KD Bond
"I don’t want to kill you," Kat looked at him with sadness.
"I believe you." Luke laughed without humor.
"I wasn’t supposed to fall in love,” she mumbled to herself. “I despise humans. I wasn’t supposed to love one," Kat whispered. But still loud enough for him to hear.
"You what?" Luke pulled away and blinked down at her.
"Ummm, what?" She looked at him and whipped her eyes in confusion.
"You said you loved me."
Kat recoiled. "No. I didn’t. "
"Yeah, you did," Luke smiled, "you said it twice actually."
"Luke."
Kat tried to push him off, but he took her chin in his hands, capturing her lips with his. Despite all the paranormal activity happening around them Luke still knew for sure, he loved her as well. How could the guy not? He didn’t care she was a mystical creature from another realm; Luke only knew how he felt. And that feeling was pure, unfiltered love.
Luke didn’t know where the confession would lead them, but he was willing to take a chance. He broke apart from her to tell her as much when the door to the entrance burst open. A beautiful angel of death walked through.
For some reason, Luke felt this new foe was even deadlier than the Blood demons that were tracking them. Kat jumped in front of him, and he noticed a flash of light in the corner of his eye. Refocusing towards the front entrance, he observed Kat’s sister had rejoined them in the front room. Somehow, as they faced off against their newest adversary, Luke knew it wasn’t going to be enough. Luke prayed Kat had more sisters in the back room.
∞∞∞
"Sky, please listen, I can explain," Kat begged her boss.
Kat would’ve dropped to her knees, but she needed to remain alert. She couldn’t let Sky kill Luke. No matter how the Knight felt before. Faced with the possibility of his death was unfathomable. Kat knew she’d die if she lost him.
Sky just cocked her head to the side and dropped a death stare. Closing the door behind her with the powers radiating around her body. The leader took another step forward. Kat never been more afraid than at this very moment.
"Sky, I don’t know how this happened. I thought I was careful. I know I usually fuck up, but not like this. Never, like this.”
Kat cut her eyes at Sia, briefly. "How could you call her? I trusted you. How could you betray me again? You could’ve at least given me some damn time to think." Kat fumed, baring her teeth at her sister.
"Oh, Sia didn’t call me, little one," Sky spoke while taking another menacing step forward.
Both her and Sia resumed a fighter’s stance.
"Oh," for a split second, Kat looked back over at her sister. "Sorry." Today just wasn’t her day.
"Yeah, we’ll deal with that outburst, later sister." Sia squared her stance, never taking her eyes off Sky.
"Then how did you find us?" Only Kat and Sia knew about this hideout. They’d picked it once they were ordered to work together.
Sky tilted her head more, as her midnight eyes began to swirl with suppressed rage. "I received a tip that Matthias was sending his Blood demons to the human realm. And I knew precisely who the prince was sending them after. I’ve been keeping an eye on you both ever since, of course."
And if anyone could follow them undetected, it was Sky.
Sky’s gaze swept to Luke. Kat shifted her stance, so she was blocking Sky’s vision of him once again. Kat knew Sky would strike quickly. So the harpy needed to concentrate as best she could. Maybe they could hold her off long enough for Luke to escape.
Their leader modified her stance again. Seemingly unaware of Kat’s heighten awareness of her boss movements. Fear was a powerful tool to have in one’s arsenal.
"Please, Sky, don’t do this."
"You dare to protect him from me...a mere human."
"Yes."
"Why?"
Might as well put all the cards on the table. The only thing she had to lose was everything.
"I love him."
A gasp sounded all around the room. Even Sky’s step faltered a little at the announcement. The harpy understood their surprise. Kat never loved anyone as much as she loved herself. Well, maybe, Sia.
"That is a very dangerous emotion in our world, Katrina. There are those that would use that love against you. Those that would torture him to get to you. Creatures like Matthias that would capture him and force you to choose between him or us. That is a risk I am not willing to take. A risk I will not take. There are rules for a reason child. And they will not be broken. Not even by you."
Sky shifted again, and this time Kat understood the movements. Their leader was placing herself in a direct path to Lucas. One where she could run straight through them and cut off his head before either of them even knew what was happening.
Kat shifted closer to Sia, hoping her sister understood what was about to happen. Sia seemed just as aware as she was.
Deciding it was probably smarter to strike first. Kat locked in her crouch, preparing to spring forward when another figure suddenly appeared by Sky’s side. Fuck! Zafrina.
If Sky was the captain, then Z was the lieutenant. Separately they were deadly, but together they were unstoppable.
Their hopes of ever getting out of this alive had just vanished. She knew when she was bested. There was no way they could hold off both while Luke ran.
Kat stood out of her crouch, backing into Luke. She grabbed his hand without looking and squeezed. Kat was reassured when he pressed back. Sia also resumed standing, knowing a losing battle when she saw one.
Kat was thankful her twin picked this moment to stand beside her, after everything they’d went through. She would always remember this moment. Turning to her sister briefly, she waited until their eyes met, then smiled weakly. Sia just shrugged and mouthed sorry with sadness in her eyes. Kat returned her gaze to her two leaders and spoke.
“If you try to kill Lucas, you must know I will not stand idly by and allow you to take his life. You will have to kill me as well. But please if I can ask just one thing, I’ll ask that you don’t kill Sia.” Kat focused on Z, the sane one. “Sia had nothing to do with this; she tried to warn me weeks ago.”
Zafrina’s calming aura seemed to melt through the air, instantly helping with the tension. “No one is going to die, child.” Zafrina smiled in her direction. “Sky knows I can alter the human memories, making him forget everything he knows about us. Don’t you?” Z turned those stunning hazel eyes onto their leader. Sky still seethed with pint up rage.
“What good would that do if he lived and was captured. You can not alter Kat’s memories; she’d still have her weakness.”
“We talked about this, Sky. Love is not a weakness; it’s a strength. We knew what was happening between them. You didn’t come here to kill that poor mortal, did you?”
Sky turned that dark focus on her second in command, notably not answering the question. “How did you find me here?”
“Come now, do I need to answer that?”
Sky exhaled, seeming to let out some of her anger, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she answered. “No. But she could’ve gotten them all killed. The Bloods were at their doorstep, and she didn’t even know! Innocent people could’ve died tonight. And the blood would be on their hands.”
“Yes, a dire mistake, one Katrina will never let happen again. Isn’t that right, Kat?” Z looked at her.
“Yes, never again.”
“See.”
That didn’t seem to appease Sky at all. “Love is a foolish emotion,” Sky stomped out, “it will only lead to their demise.”
"Yeah, how’s that working out for you?" Kat spat at her boss.
Sia grabbed her arm and sneered, "careful sister."
No, she was done being careful. Luke’s life was on the line here.
"You heard some underworld gossip about Bloods coming after us. And you took time away from the other Knights to focus on us. Why?"
"Because you’re mine," The boss replied.
"You love us... you don’t know when it happened or why, but you do. You fell in Love with all your Knights, that’s why you take special care with us. That’s why you stop by the bar to check in on us after we don’t report back. That’s why you almost sent a hundred Knights to come to find one. That’s why you shut down mothers when they lash out, because of LOVE!"
Kat was so pumped up at that end of her speech; her gift started to push through her fingertips. Luke laid a hand on her shoulder, centering her, allowing her to calm further.
Still, Sky said nothing. The harpy leader just stood there, unblinking. After a few moments, she spoke.
"So," Sky replied.
"So…? Is that all you have to say after that, is so?"
"You want me to admit what you already know?"
Kat glanced at Sia, "umm yeah that’d be nice to hear."
"Well, I won’t. Not after the shit you just pulled. Jesus Kat, you could’ve gotten everyone killed."
"But we didn’t,” Kat tried to reason, “we got the fuck out of there as you taught us. We weighed our odds of survival, and we knew it was better to run, so we ran. Pride be damned."
"That is true," Zafrina spoke up, “nothing needs to change here, Sky, you know what you must do.”
“They were gearing up to attack me Z.”
“To protect the ones we were created to defend. They were just.”
Sky turned that lethal gaze on Zafrina. “Fine.” Sky stepped back, taking off her long, wool, jacket to hang it by the door.
It was almost spring, but nights here were still frigid. Sky started walking forward, and Kat tensed as she stopped in front of them.
"May I talk to your human? Just talk."
"Ummm yeah sure, Luke?" Kat asked nervously.
Kat didn’t know how he was taking all this. But Luke went to step around her, to address one of the deadliest paranormals in the universe.
"Umm yes, Hello."
"Hello, Lucas Mario Mason."
"How do you know that name. No one knows that name?"
"I have to. It’s my job to know everything about those who threaten our existence, Lucas... Are you a threat to us, son?"
Kat could practically feel the tremors in his body. He was nervous, but he answered with confidence and truth.
"I would never bring any harm to Kat if I could help it."
"And why is that, young one?"
"Because…. I love her."
Sky moved preternaturally fast. Kat would’ve missed the movement if she’d blinked. But she was too anxious to blink or breath.
Capturing Luke by his throat, Sky pulled him forward, looking directly in his eyes. Kat went to crouch, once again gearing up for a fight, and she noticed Sia had done the same. My girl.
"That would be unwise my twins...” Z spoke to their defensive positions, while she twirled her hair between her fingers. “Sky could kill him and still have time to fend off your advances."
Kat still didn’t relax her stance. She did; however, give her boss time to do whatever she intended to do.
“Fearless little warriors... indeed.” Z, forever calm, turned her focus back to Sky.
"Luke, you have a decision to make," Sky spoke, ignoring them all.
"Okay," Luke choked out.
"There is no way I could allow you to live in your world with the memories of our kind engraved inside your head. So, listen and listen carefully. You could either enter our world fully, allowing you to stay by Kats side or… I get Zafrina to wipe your memory of everything that happened after you met Kat at the night club. Returning your mind to a state of ignorant bliss. Do you understand what I am telling you?"
Luke shook his head up and down.
"Good," Sky pushed him away. And Kat was right there, helping him up as he coughed, rubbing his throat.
"So, what will it be, Lucas?"
Luke looked over in confusion as he collected himself. "Wait, I have to answer, now?"
"Yes."
"Sky you’re being unreasonable. You want him to decide to give up his whole life, his job, his friends and enter our world right now? That’s a lot to ask, and he’s been through enough tonight."
“I don’t think I'm unreasonable at all. I could very well kill him now. I should kill him now. But Z’s right, we could use someone with his computer skills on our side. Your male is smart, which could work in our favor. You get to keep your human, and we get a computer engineer.” Sky shrugged, “win, win either way."
"Wait. You almost choked the life out of me, and now you’re offering me a job?"
"Yes." Sky’s expression never changed. Kat couldn’t tell if she was bored or still angry.
"Unbelievable."
"Yeah, now you see what I’ve been putting up with for two centuries."
Luke recoiled away from her, "you’re two hundred years old?"
"Give or take a decade. I didn’t mention that?" Kat looked at him, innocently.
"Umm no!" Luke shouted.
"My patience is running thin."
“Your patience is always thin,” Kat mumbled.
Turning to Luke, she grabbed his face and considered his eyes. Those lovely Bahama blues.
"Listen, I’m sorry I dragged you into this. I know it was selfish, I should have let you go, but I couldn’t. Even if you decided to have Z swipe your memory, I'd understand, and I won’t love you any less. I will remember our time together enough for the both of us. Know that I regret nothing."
Luke just stared at her. Saying nothing, even though she begged, pleaded, with her eyes for him to do so. He ran his knuckles over her cheek, and she turned her head, leaning into his caress, kissing his palm. With one last longing look, Luke pulled away from her.
It took everything in her power not to crumble to her knees, as he walked away from her towards Sky. Luke stood in front of their leader silently. Kat knew this was it. Luke was telling her goodbye. How could he not? No one ever chose her. Why would today be any different?
"What’s it gonna be, Mr. Mason?"
Luke’s decision was made at that moment. She saw her shy, timid, nerd stand before the Dark Knight, one of the strongest beings in Phantom, as a reliable business professional.
"Since you know so much about me, you know how much I made at Fall Heights."
"Yes."
"I need you to double it. I’ve seen the weapons you carry; you can afford it."
"Still planning to work on that charitable organization in honor of your sister?”
“How did you… no one…. forget it. Yes, but I can do it anonymously if that’s okay. I prefer it that way."
“As you wish.”
"And I need to know the ends and outs of your world if you expect me to help you. I can’t work efficiently blind."
"Of course, just know if you’re working for me, I require absolute loyalty."
“You’ll have it.”
“Any betrayal will be met with a slow, agonizing, death. Sky retorted, casually.
“Understood.”
“Good.”
Kat's mouth dropped as they concluded their negotiations. She looked to the side to see her twin was just as shocked as she was. The only one who seemed unfazed by the discussion was Zafrina. It was like she knew this would happen.
"I’m guessing you’ll make my old life disappear. But there are people around me that know some of my data configurations. If I were to hack into national databases, which I’m sure my new job will entail, I need to know no one will be able to trace me to you.”
"You mean, your best friend, Justin? You let me handle that, and no, I won’t kill him."
"I see why you’re the boss… Fine. Then I guess you have yourself a new employee." Luke r
eached out his hand, and Sky clasped his hand in her slender palm.
"Just fuckin swell... now," Sky turned to them after pulling back her hand. "Zafrina, Sia why don’t we circle the area and see if our new friends have abandoned the hunt. Let’s give these two some time alone to discuss our new arrangement. It’ll also give me time to think of your punishment. Don’t think I’m just going to let you two off the hook."
Shortly after that command, they all vanished. Still confused, Kat waited for the love of her life to turn and face her. When he finally did, she realized her world had changed, yet again. But this time she welcomed the change, with arms wide the fuck open.
Chapter Thirty
Kat couldn’t believe what just transpired. Certain death was imminent, and she had excepted her fate. And had Zafrina not showed, Kat was quite sure Sky would’ve taken their heads. She owed that harpy everything.
There were so many emotions going through Kat at the moment, but the most prominent was confusion. How could Luke give up his whole life, for her?
"Luke, do you understand what just happened?" Luke turned around to face her then but didn’t speak, just stared at her with those ocean blues eyes she loved. "Luke, you can’t go back after this. You’re in my world for good. This is it, do you understand? No, Justin, no more Fall Heights. You can’t tell anyone goodbye, everyone you’ve known over the years is gone. We can’t risk you being seen. The world as you knew it is over, you’re... you’re a Phantom Luke."
Luke closed his eyes briefly, taking a deep breath. "I know Kat. Your boss, our boss, was pretty clear about that when she was about to kill me."
"Why?" Kat couldn’t understand his choice. She backed up and sagged against the table, closing her eyes, until she felt warm palms on her shoulders. Glancing up, she saw Luke had closed the slight distance between them to stand before her.
"Because like I told them, I love you, Kat. I haven’t felt like this for a woman in all my life. And if that means I have to jump worlds to keep you, I’ll jump. Don’t get me wrong we have much to discuss and relearn about each other, but I’m willing to try. Besides, I’m not leaving much. I’ll miss Justin, though." Luke frowned.
Kat tried to wrap her brain around his words, but she was still having trouble. "I just don’t understand."
