Immortal Grave (3 page)

“I did it.” She realized she was floating a few inches from the ground and forced her feet back to the ground.

“We don’t have time for you to do the rest, Ree. We have to get back to the house. There are police everywhere. I have no idea why they aren’t all over this square. That’s what I was trying to tell you earlier.”

“What about the others?” She looked at the darklings still pinned to the ground.

“They’ll just have to wait. Can you leave them pinned to the ground? Maybe the cops will arrest them for public intoxication or something.”

“Yeah, I think I can do that.” Closing her eyes, she used some of the techniques Sophie had shown her when imbuing things with a purpose. The one she knew best was that of protection, but with a little tweaking she was able to convince the ground energy it needed to keep the people in those places. Working as quickly as possible, she made the energy bend to hold the darklings still. Her intent was clear, but she didn’t know how long it would hold.

“Okay. Let’s go. I think that’s the best I can do for now.”

Without hesitation, Paden grabbed her hand and headed for the same alley she had used earlier. Looking back over her shoulder, Ree almost tripped. Sitting on a bench as if she had been there the entire time was Athena. She nodded her head at Ree and, with a crack of energy, disappeared.

Getting her feet back under her, she picked up the pace and hurried alongside Paden. They moved quickly, but not fast enough to draw unwanted attention. He was still worried about getting her safely to the house, and she could feel his fury rising to the surface. Her pleasant morning had certainly taken a turn for the ugly.

Chapter Three

Ree and Paden made it back to the bed and breakfast in record time. The sound of sirens filled the air, and a cop car roared past the alley entrance. Paden held his arm to keep Ree from stepping into the road and she couldn’t help but roll her eyes. Sensing her annoyance he turned and looked at her.

“We’re fugitives now.” Raising his eyebrow, Paden smiled wickedly. He moved toward Ree until she was backed against the brick wall. Placing a hand on either side of Ree’s shoulders, Paden barricaded her between his arms. “For being a good girl, you get into an awful lot of trouble.”

Ree snorted. “Who said I’m a good girl?”

Paden smiled down at her, obviously disagreeing. She could feel his humor bubbling under the surface.

“Okay. Maybe I was a good girl. But I’m turning a new leaf. Rebellion here I come!”

“Bar fights, murder, and arson. You don’t do anything small, huh?” Paden moved closer to her and she could feel the heat radiating from his body.

“Go big or go home.” As if to prove her point, Ree reached up and pulled Paden’s head down. Feeling brave after her morning adventure, she ran her lips over his and slid her hands through his hair. He was all too eager to let her work out her left-over adrenaline and slid his hands down her arms before moving to her waist. When his fingers bunched her shirt so it slid up her lower back, she gasped at the cold air on her skin. He took his opportunity and plundered her mouth.

Not wanting to let him be the one to take control of the kiss, she ran her hands under his shirt and up his back before sliding them around to his stomach. Hooking her fingers into the top of his pants she pulled him to her and enjoyed his grunt of pleasure. She leaned back to nip his bottom lip and moaned when his hands slid up her back and under her shirt. His fingers drifted beneath the clasp of her bra but stilled and didn’t move. He pulled back a little and placed a slower, gentle kiss on her swollen lips before leaning his forehead against hers.

“I’m still mad at you, you know.”

Not trusting herself to talk quite yet, she pursed her lips in annoyance... Slowly he pulled his hand back out of her shirt and raised it to touch her cheek. “What were you thinking, Ree? You could have been hurt.”

“I know, but I needed to test myself and I knew you wouldn’t have let me.”

“Test yourself how?” He leaned back so he could see her face clearly and moved his hand away from her cheek.

“When Sophie moved her Death Gift to me it gave me… a lot more power. I wanted to know just how much.” Ree winced. She had almost told him she suspected Sophie had given her more than just power.

“What? Slow down. You wanted to see how much power you could hold?” Paden’s eyes widened and his breath left in a rush. “Ree, you didn’t have to sneak away to do that. Did you run out looking for a darkling?”

“No. He was hiding behind the wall at the back of the yard. I heard him moving around and he started to run. I wanted to know what he had done and decided it was a good opportunity.” Adjusting her shirt, Ree looked down the alley before letting her gaze turn back to Paden. “Look, I know it wasn’t the smartest move. I should have just told you what I was thinking.”

“Yeah, you should have. We’re a team, Ree. You can trust us. You can trust me.” Reaching out, Paden grabbed her hand and ran his thumb over her knuckles.

“You’re right. I’m sorry.”

“That figures.” Paden smiled at her when she looked at him questioningly. “No one here to hear you say that.”

She punched him in the arm and watched as he rubbed his bicep in surprise. His eyebrows drew together and his eyes looked her up and down. She could see the wheels spinning behind his eyes, but he didn’t say anything.

“I think it’s time to head back to the house. I don’t see any cop cars.” Ree peeked out of the alley and looked up and down the street. “I feel like we need to get to the island. The cops have got to decide Melanie’s house would be a likely hideout.”

“You’re right. Of course, I think Ellie’s warding is helping keep them distracted. And don’t forget there are members of the community working to keep us hidden.” Paden rubbed his jaw and looked at the bed and breakfast across the street.

“I don’t like depending on other people to keep us hidden. We’re the ones that are supposed to be taking care of them.” Ree narrowed her eyes. It was her job, and she was ready to accept the responsibility. “No more hiding, no more running. It’s time to make a plan.”

Paden didn’t say anything, just grabbed her hand and nodded. After another quick check, they left their alley and crossed the street. As they neared the surrounding gate, Ree turned toward Paden to ask if the wards had been replaced, but didn’t have the chance to form the words.

Lightning seemed to erupt from the house, the power of the explosion knocking Ree and Paden off of their feet. Gravel and brick rained down on the street like fiery bombs. Paden rolled over Ree and covered their heads with his arms. His body was tense and Ree could feel the rubble that landed on him as he sheltered her. After the initial shock, Ree threw a shield over where they lay on the ground. Paden scrambled off of her and they both stared at the bed and breakfast in shock. As the air cleared and they were able to see a little better, Ree dropped the shield and they ran for the house. Smoke filled the street, turning the bright sunny day into a malevolent dusk. Dust still littered down on the area and the sound of screams and panicked voices began to drift to Ree’s ears.

Jumping the tattered remains of the fence, Ree threw herself into the smoldering remnants and called for her friends. Pulling at plaster and chunks of wood, Ree shifted through the debris, trying to get into the damaged house. The main portion seemed to still be standing, thankfully.

“Paden!” Roland’s hoarse voice cut through the odd silence and Ree darted toward the staircase. The Dark One was pulling chunks of plaster and wood off Ellie, making soothing noises when she grunted. “Get your ass over here, godling.”

Paden jumped over some of the furniture blocking his way as Ree scrambled behind him. She watched as Paden let his gaze run over the older woman, his hand going to Roland’s arm when the Dark One went to lift Ellie. He murmured something that made Ree’s heart stop.

“Don’t.” Paden frowned. “Her back is broken.” Kneeling down, he let his hands move gently over the woman’s body. “Ellie, this is going to hurt some. The vertebrae in your back are moved and cracked. You’re going to feel it when they shift back into place.”

The sound of things being thrown around toward the back of the house drew Ree’s attention away from the small group on the stairs. Knowing Ellie was in good hands, she left to help the others. Melanie was making her way through the rubble, blood dripping down her face.  Taking a running jump, Ree leaped onto the debris and threw her hand out to help Mel.

“Are you okay?” Ree pulled her friend over the upturned furniture and trash.

“I’m okay. Where’s my mom?”  Melanie looked around the front of the house. “Oh my God. Gran.” Melanie jumped over the fallen chandelier and grabbed her grandmothers’ hand.

“She’s okay, Mel.” Paden didn’t look up at his friend. Instead he kept his eyes on Ellie’s face as he worked over her body with his hands.

“I’m fine, girlie. Where’s your mama?” Ellie’s voice was faint and it made Ree’s jaw clench. She hated hearing such a vibrant woman’s voice reduced to a hoarse whisper.

“I’ll find her, Melanie. Stay here with your Gran.” Roland stood and closed his eyes for a moment. Taking a deep breath, he turned and looked up the stairs. As if gravity had no hold on him, he leapt onto the landing above Ellie. Wanting to find the others, Ree headed for the back of the house.

Juliette and Bryce were on the tattered back porch. Bright red blood covered his shirt and ran down along his arms. Juliette lifted his shirt and checked him for injuries, while he looked at her cheek that was covered with a large purple bruise, already in the stages of healing.

“Are you guys okay?” Ree waved a hand in front of her face. There was a lot more smoke in the back yard. Turning to look at the destruction of the yard, she could understand why. What was left of the carriage house was engulfed in flames.

“We’re fine.” Bryce grabbed Juliette’s hands and looked her in the eyes. “I’m fine, Jules.” Nodding her head, she slid his shirt down and back into place. Wiping a hand across her forehead, Jules turned in Ree’s direction and frowned.

“Are you okay?” Jules didn’t meet Ree’s eyes, instead squinted at the blazing fire.

“I’m fine.” Ree looked at Bryce and then back to Juliette, who still wouldn’t make eye contact. Her friend was upset with Ree and she knew there wasn’t much she could do about it at the moment. “Do you guys know where Weylin is?”

“No. We were out in the backyard, watching for you.” Bryce gave her a sad smile. “I thought he was out front.”

As they turned around, another explosion slashed through the air, knocking them all back to their knees and sending another plume of angry smoke through the yard. Coughing, Ree squeezed her eyes shut against the dust that assaulted them. The roar of flames made her scramble to her feet in fear. Bryce’s hand closed on her shoulder, his fingers digging into her skin, and dragged her into the house and toward the front yard.

“Everyone okay?” Bryce’s voice demanded a response.

“Ree? Is Ree with you?” Paden’s form materialized out of the smoke. His hands reached out to cup her cheek while his eyes traveled over her face.

“I’m fine.” Coughing, Ree squinted as moisture gathered in her eyes. “We’ve got to get out of here.”

“Let’s go.” Paden tugged Ree away from Bryce and headed for the front door.

Outside, the sound of sirens was unmistakable, which didn’t really surprise Ree. There was no way the humans could have missed the destruction and fire.

“What do we do?” Ree sought Paden’s eyes.

“We run. Now.” Paden turned to look at their bedraggled gang of immortals. Melanie was supporting Ellie, who looked much better than she had on the staircase. Roland was holding Melanie’s mother in his arms like a child. She seemed to be unconscious. Ree hoped it wasn’t anything serious. They couldn’t take the time to let Paden heal her right now.

“Weylin?” Ree’s eyes searched the yard for her friend.

“Last I saw him, he was heading out to look for you.” Paden shook his head. “Don’t worry, Ree. We will find him, but right now we have to go.”

Their ragged friends followed them into the alley that Paden and Ree had recently used and headed away from the square. Ree realized Paden was taking their group toward one of the safe houses nearby. They needed to regroup and decide how to move from there. It was apparent to Ree they needed to get to the Island. She wasn’t sure what had caused the explosion, but it was obvious they couldn’t stay in the city.

Chapter Four

The golem, that they met just the day before, sat at the front counter, his expression neutral. Despite the dirt they shed as they shuffled through the door, despite the two human women that were half carried up the stairs, the creature barely acknowledged their entrance. He merely grunted as they hobbled up the steps to the door at the top.

Paden took the lead, as usual, carefully opening the door and giving the area a quick scan before motioning for everyone to enter. Roland immediately set Melanie’s mother down on the small bed. She gave a painful cough and grimaced. Paden went to her quickly and ran his hands over the older woman’s head. His hands glowed gently as he worked to heal whatever was causing the woman discomfort.

Roland moved away from the bed, taking a place near Ree as Paden worked. Melanie sat on the edge of the bed frowning, her eyes on her mother’s face. Ree looked away from the scene in front of her and met Roland’s weary gaze. It bothered her to see his eyes clouded, his expression so somber. Gone was his normal smirk and teasing eyes. The weight of his years seemed to be sitting on his shoulders, the loss of his longtime friend eating at his frame of mind. But there seemed to be something deeper, something confused and forlorn in his expression as he stared back at Ree.

Clearing her throat, Ree looked back at Paden, and Melanie’s mother. “Where did you find her?”

“She was trapped under a large armoire. She was unconscious and I suspect she suffers from a concussion. There was also a great deal of smoke upstairs. She probably breathed in too much of it.” Roland tilted his head down to speak quietly in Ree’s ear. She could tell from his voice he didn’t want to upset Ellie or Melanie with the details. “I could hear her heartbeat, but could also tell her breathing was labored. Something happened in the initial blast that caused a fire in the upstairs area. The flames were devouring the old walls and flooring.” He took a deep breath, and in an uncharacteristic show of frustration, shoved a hand through his hair causing it to spike in odd directions.