Death Be Shifted (The Terra Vane Series Book 6)

by Katie Epstein

  “It’s fine, Dan. Honestly. Just ask around, okay? See if anything comes up?”

  “I can do that. And we’ll have a chat when you get back.”

  “Get back from where?”

  “That’s why I’m calling. I spoke to Agent Faraway this morning.”

  I blinked in surprise. “Agent Faraway? As in Enforcer Field Agent Faraway? From Portiside?”

  “The very one. Yes. He called me on the Portiside line in my office. He wants to meet up with you to discuss something privately. He seemed keen to get off the phone. I said you’d meet him on the other side of the portal around noon at Embers Brook in The Flaming Forest.”

  “Wait. What?”

  “When I probed and asked if Cole knew of this briefing, Faraway clammed up, saying he needs to speak to you discreetly. I got the impression he used Cole’s communication link to call me without him knowing.”

  Confusion hit me. Why would Faraway be in such direct contact with Dan without our Enforcer Chief’s knowledge? Normally the shifters who work for the Portiside City Agency worship Cole.

  Yes. Chief Cipher had appointed Enforcer Field Agent Faraway to lead a small team over on Portiside to hunt down any escaped prisoners who had remained on that side of the portal. But it made little sense as to why Faraway would reach out to me. Usually, to them, I’m the mere female human who’d taken up a precious EFA spot when one of their shifter kin would be eager to do so. They don’t like me, and they make it very clear. Although, admittedly, Faraway is one of the better ones.

  “Why would Faraway be contacting me?”

  “Who knows?” Dan replied. “But it feels important, so you may wish to hear him out. Your IET badges will gain you access through portal security now you have higher clearance.”

  “Okay. I can do that.”

  “Take someone with you. And I mean it. I don’t like the fact he’s asked for you specifically. Especially when…”

  “They all treat me like a piece of crap?”

  He sighed. “Something like that.”

  “All right. I won’t go alone. It’s out of character for Faraway to go behind Cole’s back like this. But I also don’t think Faraway is someone who would lead me toward any trouble. However, lately, I’m happy to keep an open mind.”

  He laughed. “I’m glad to see you’re learning. But because of you, Romeo Lovejoy is back in prison and failing his reform, Raven Moonshine and the djinn brothers are dead, and Lauz is in a box. You’ve also taken out a prevalent serial killer. Know you’re making ripples, kid.”

  “I didn’t do it alone.”

  “No. But they can tie your name to every one of them. And I know you’re only doing your job, but I need you to tread carefully. Remember what I said before about how people of authority will monitor every step you take? Don’t forget it.”

  “Are you enjoying spreading all this doom and gloom?”

  “I’m just trying to keep you grounded. But, with you, it’s like flying a kite in turbulent winds.”

  I smiled. “Thanks, Dan. It’s nice to know I can rely on you when my dad isn’t within lecturing range.” At the thought of Chris, my stepdad, and Rosie, my roommate back on Portiside, a heaviness settled over me. “Have you heard from him or Rosie?”

  “I’ve checked in with them, tried to keep the news of your injuries to a minimum so they don’t worry. I’ve sent them your love.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

  “I know you do. And I’m aware you’ve had a lot of danger thrown at you lately. I don’t know how you do it, but you always seem to be at the center of everything. Try not to get kidnapped again, okay?”

  “I can’t help it if these sadistic boneheads keep targeting me. And besides, you asked me to help you with the case of The Bard. How was I to know one of the escaped prisoners had taken him for a joy ride?”

  “Yes, well…” He sounded chagrined. “I don’t think any of us knew Lauz Magpie would have the guts to hang around. Who knows why he did?”

  I know why he did.

  My blood.

  My tasty Fey blood.

  Fey blood I shouldn’t have coursing through my veins since I’m supposed to be human.

  “Yeah, who knows?” I replied weakly. “But I’ll go meet Faraway. See what he has to say.”

  “Okay. Keep me in the loop.”

  “Sure will.”

  “Stay safe.”

  “Don’t I always?”

  He laughed, loud and heartily. And I couldn’t blame him. Not after I’d had a corrupt shifter tie me up, a Head of House vampire chew on me, a djinn burn me with his rope of fire, and a demon almost make me his next meal. You could say I’d had a busy few months.

  “You’re hilarious,” he retorted. “But you’re also like a cat with nine lives.”

  “What life am I on? About five now?”

  “Counting my gray hairs, I would say it’s a lot more than that. Just don’t push your luck.”

  Chuckling, I checked the time on my phone. “I won’t. But I’d better go if I need to get to the other side of the portal by noon.”

  “I’ll let you go. But I love you, kid. Always have. Always will.”

  Warmth filled me, his words chasing away any remnants of the old memories my nightmares had left behind.

  “I love you, too,” I replied, a wide smile on my face as I ended the call.

  3

  As soon as I hung up from Dan, I got myself ready.

  Checking myself in the mirror, I ruffled a hand through my dark brown and purple tinted locks until I passed as acceptable. Once done, I headed downstairs to find the others.

  When I got there, Kaleb and Mayra were already in the kitchen, sitting around the breakfast table.

  Kaleb’s eyes lit up when he saw me, and I had to rein in my grin so it wouldn’t break my face.

  “Here you go.” He slid a cup of coffee toward me.

  “Thanks.” I made a point of sitting next to Mayra, who sat opposite him. It would be unprofessional of us to make out in front of everyone when we had a job to do.

  “What did Dan want?” Mayra asked.

  “Something I wasn’t expecting, to be honest.”

  “Like what?”

  “Faraway wants to talk to me in private back on Portiside,” I replied. “Dan said he’d arranged for me to meet him at Embers Brook in The Flaming Forest around noon.”

  “Faraway?” Kaleb sat forward in his seat, eager to know more.

  “Yep. And Dan said he used Cole’s line to contact him. Dan thinks he’s gone behind Cole’s back.”

  “That’s weird.”

  “Yeah. I know. I’ll head out soon to see what he’s about.”

  “I’ll come with you,” he said matter-of-factly. “I trust Faraway. He’s a friend of mine. But I don’t like this. He wouldn’t usually sneak around behind Cole’s back.”

  “Who knows what’s going on?”

  “What is going on?” a voice said from the doorway.

  Turning in my seat, I saw the vampire of our team.

  My ex boyfriend-turned-friend, Bernard Vostreux, leaned against the doorjamb with an amused look on his face. He’d dressed immaculately, as always, his chiseled features framed by dark locks that cause many individuals to swoon.

  His words.

  “Morning,” I smiled. He sauntered in, dropped a kiss on my cheek, then landed one on Mayra’s. Kaleb, had his lips puckered ready, so Bernard patted him on the head before pouring his coffee.

  When he sat down with us, we updated him.

  “I’ll come with you, too,” Bernard said once I’d finished. “I don’t think it’s going to be an ambush of any kind, but I’m not assuming anything after all the shit thrown at us lately.”

  “None of us had any idea that Lauz Magpie had possessed The Bard,” Mayra reassured him. She turned to me. “He worried.”

  “We all did,” Bernard replied, holding my gaze when I smiled to him in thanks. “But when I saw you sailing through the ai
r, well, I didn’t think I would get to you in time. Then your bloodied neck… Lauz gnawed on you like a piece of meat.”

  My hands automatically stroked my neck, feeling the bumps of skin still healing from Mayra’s quick thinking and magical abilities. It would have scarred me for life if not for the magical interference. Not only is she a powerful witch, but her healing potions, spells, and salves are life-saving—even if her magic wasn’t working correctly on this side yet. I patted her arm in thanks.

  “We’re also both an escaped prisoner and a deadly serial killer down,” I reminded Bernard. “I’m not complaining.”

  “What time are you going over?”

  “We need to leave soon if we’re going to get there by noon.”

  “All right.” He nodded. “I’m ready to go when you are. I’ll update Libby and Zax before we leave.”

  The other members of our team hadn’t shown their faces yet, so I took advantage of having the people closest to me all to myself.

  “There’s something I need to tell you.”

  “Oh, here we go,” Kaleb said with an exaggerated shudder. “I always hate it when she says that.”

  I chuckled. “Be grateful I’m telling you this time. But it was something Lauz said when he held me captive through The Bard.”

  His brow furrowed. “Like what?”

  “He believed me not to be human. Said that I have Fey blood in me.” I hesitated. “Unique Fey blood.”

  Mayra turned to me, her face incredulous. “What?”

  “I know. It could be bullshit. But why would he lie? And you have to admit, being able to control people through their energy isn’t normal psychic behavior.”

  “Damn,” Bernard said, glancing at my neck. “Maybe I should bite you? See if I can taste anything?” Kaleb growled from beside him, and he laughed. “Or maybe not.”

  “Didn’t you ever bite Terra when you dated?” Mayra asked, and Kaleb growled once more.

  “No. I didn’t. I don’t bite who I’m dating. And these days, I don’t bite often at all.” He looked at Kaleb in amusement, who shifted uncomfortably in his seat, then at me, who shrugged. “I take it these two finally got over themselves and got it on?”

  “Yes,” Mayra replied. “But I haven’t heard the details. I’ll fill you in later.”

  “Erm, excuse me.” I prodded her. “You’re supposed to be my friend?”

  “You’d tell Bernard, eventually. Just think of me as the middle woman. Or man. Or witch.”

  “Yeah. I suppose you’re right.”

  “See?”

  “Okay, fine,” I relented, and told Bernard, “Kaleb and I are trying to work shit out.”

  “We’re doing more than that,” Kaleb drawled with a sly grin.

  “Shut up.”

  “Just telling it like it is, babe.”

  “Babe?”

  “It’s not like I have much of a selection on the pet name stakes. Sweetheart is weird because Bernard always calls you that. Darling sounds too old school. And I don’t think sweet cheeks, or my piece of ass suits you.”

  “It doesn’t,” I said through gritted teeth.

  “How about ‘baby?’”

  “How about I kick your ass?”

  He grinned.

  Bernard checked his expensive watch. “I see not much has changed. But time is ticking. What are you going to do about this new revelation? Speak to Dan?”

  “I don’t know,” I sighed. “I want to. I mean, there’s more to it than that. Remember Marco Perduto’s arrest?”

  Bernard nodded, his lips set into a grim line. He didn’t like Marco, thinking him to be a manipulative vampire who only does things to suit himself. He also hated how I knew a secret of Marco’s, one I wouldn’t disclose, even though I’d covered my ass.

  Recalling my conversation with the Head of House vamp at Darkwood, I explained, “Marco told me on the night of his arrest he had someone from Immigration Control access my immigration files.”

  “He did what?” Bernard snapped, his pale hand gripping his cup. It didn’t break, which showed his tremendous restraint, but it quivered.

  “He’s no different from the other vampires who checked up on me before we went in undercover as husband and wife. But he has a friend in Immigration, and learned my Summary of Assessment sheet was missing, whatever that means. He also discovered I’d peaked in every test, something he deemed unusual for a psychic.”

  “Terra,” Bernard fumed. Kaleb didn’t look too happy either.

  “What? I didn’t tell you all before because I don’t know what to make of it myself. But now, with Lauz’s claims I’m of Fey blood, I’m worried.”

  Mayra put a reassuring hand on my arm. “We’ll work it out—all of it. Just don’t hide things from us from now on. It makes you vulnerable. We can help.”

  I bit down onto my lip. “There’s more.”

  “For goodness sake,” Bernard whispered.

  “What is it?” Mayra encouraged.

  “There’s something you all need to know about Grady.”

  “Like what?”

  “He can see the dead after he woke up from a coma with the gift. He can see his ex-FBI partner, too. He’s like, I dunno, a spirit guide or something.”

  “Is that why Dan introduced you?”

  “Yes. I have told none of you because it’s his secret to tell. And he hasn’t even told me yet. But I need to tell you now, so you have the full facts.”

  “About what?”

  “Dan wants him to join the IET as Dolly’s replacement.”

  “Well, that’s good, isn’t it?”

  “I don’t know. He might not take it well. About us. About our world. About anything.”

  “He can see ghosts,” Kaleb reassured me. “He’ll be fine.”

  “Yeah, about that…”

  “What?” He frowned.

  “I think I can hear the voice of his partner. Karl Danes.”

  A chorus of ‘What!’ came back at me.

  “I can only hear him,” I blurted. “No other dead people as far as I’m aware. But I can hear him with my shields up. And, at first, I thought it was Grady being weird. But then it hit me after something he said that I could hear his ghostly friend. Another curveball from my gift.”

  “You’ve never heard the dead before,” Kaleb stated.

  “I know I haven’t unless you count the dead I see in my visions. But when I was younger, back at the hospital, I heard things. Felt things. Sensed things. Looking back now, I can link a lot to different energies. But whether those energies were from the living or the dead, I’m not sure.”

  “Don’t worry about it,” Mayra told me. “At least hearing the dead makes more sense than everything else going on with you being a psychic and all.”

  Cringing, I confessed, “There’s one more thing.”

  “I give up,” Bernard muttered.

  “Kaleb knows this. I haven’t kept it to myself.”

  “The nosebleed?” Kaleb guessed, and I nodded.

  “When I argued with Grady at a crime scene, I must have lowered my shields too quickly. As I stormed off from him, I felt as if I’d hit a brick wall and fell into a vision from the serial killer’s perspective. He had a nosebleed. And I had one, too. But I wasn’t sure if it was from hitting a wall of energy, or if I’d connected too deeply and experienced what the killer had.”

  Mayra looked worried. “I need to look into this more.”

  “But it’s only the same as when I experience what goes on in a vision. Like when someone can’t breathe, and I can’t breathe because the brain thinks it’s dying. But I’m breathing. The nosebleed is the same thing, surely?”

  “I don’t know.” She shook her head. “But I know your gift is evolving. And thinking back to when I cast a circle to hunt down the prisoners back home, the time when you hunted Raven before you got off on the energy from the incubus and kissed Kaleb’s face off?”

  “Your point, Mayra?”

  She hid a smile. “You
got through the protection of my circle, remember? When Kaleb and Bernard couldn’t? Even then something changed within your gift. Maybe what Lauz said has some truth in it?”

  “But how? How the hell can I be of Fey blood? I was born to two human parents.”

  “One of whom was psychic,” she reminded me.

  “So?”

  “You share the same traits, so maybe something in your bloodline has woken up. By opening your mind, moving to Portiside where the aether channels and vibrations operate on a different level, maybe your gift has evolved differently than that of your biological father’s. You’ve seen what’s happened to my magic since coming over here. Your gift could be the same but in reverse. When first on Earthside, you had gifts that emulated that of a psychic because it’s all you knew to conform to—or it’s all you could let through? But on Portiside, it became all about the energy. Empathy. Echoes. Essence. And how recently you’ve been able to control people through such.”

  I dropped my head into my hands. “This is all so screwed up.”

  “I don’t like that Marco Perduto knows this about you,” Bernard told me. “If he can find out, others can, too.”

  Kaleb leaned across the table and took my hand. “You need to speak to Dan.”

  “I know,” I breathed, hating the unknown. I was a freak once. I didn’t want to be so again. “He oversaw my testing. He has the power to influence the disappearance of my full results. I get it.”

  “But?”

  “I’m scared of what he’s going to say.”

  “But you’re not alone.” He gently squeezed my hand. “We’re here. All of us. You’re not alone anymore.”

  I smiled, a sadness settling over me. I’m grateful every day to have them in my life. But after being alone for so long in my youth, with no one to listen to me, no one to care, having it now made me feel more vulnerable. I know what awaits me should I ever lose what I’ve gained.

  Closing my eyes, I let the pain of it go, knowing I couldn’t think like that. They were here now, and that’s all that mattered. But when I looked upon them once more, Kaleb had his eyes crossed with his tongue out, Bernard flared his nostrils and widened his eyes, and Mayra lifted her lip to show off her two front teeth while looking down at her nose.