Cursed Hadley (Lengthened Version) (Cursed Hadley #1)

by Jessica Sorensen

  He grins back, his teeth white against the silver moonlight. “Yeah, but my cockiness is charming.”

  I roll my eyes. “Only a cocky person… creature, would say that.”

  “Aw, look at you. You corrected yourself that time.”

  “Yeah, I guess I did.” Does that mean I’m getting used to this new world I’ve been thrown into? I’m not certain how I feel about that.

  “We need to go find her!” Blaise shouts furiously, yanking my attention to the end of the alleyway. “I’ll knock down every damn door in this town if I have to.”

  I expect Rhyland and Jaxon to argue—they’ve always seemed a bit more rational than Blaise—but all Rhyland says is, “Fine. You take the left side of town. Jaxon will take the middle. And I’ll search the right. Do your best not to kill anything, okay? If we get banished from here before we find her, I’ll cut off your dick.”

  “Ew.” I pull a face.

  Alex chuckles, but then grows quiet as he stares at me. “Do you hear how panicked they are that they can’t find you?”

  I nod, starting to see his point—that they won’t hurt me. But why am I so valuable to them? Does it have anything to do with the power I can give them? If so, how much power can I give them? Maybe when Jaxon starts training me tomorrow, I’ll ask him.

  “We should probably go out there before Blaise kills something and Rhyland has to cut off his dick,” I say, returning my gaze to Alex.

  He cocks a brow. “You’re worried about Blaise’s dick?”

  “What? No.”

  He laughs, then spins us around, spinning us out of the alleyway.

  The instant Jaxon, Rhyland, and Blaise spot us, relief washes across their faces. But that relief rapidly alters to anger.

  “Where the hell were you?” Blaise storms toward Alex with his fist balled at his sides.

  “I was showing our Little Daredevil something very important,” he tells Blaise amusedly. “And you should be happy to know that Hadley has a soft spot for your dick.”

  Blaise slows to a stop, blinking in puzzlement.

  I shoot Alex a dirty look. “That’s not what I said.”

  “Oh relax, Blaise knows I’m kidding. But he does need some cheering up, so…” He kisses my cheek then tosses me in the air.

  I brace myself to hit the ground, but then land softly in Blaise’s arms. The streets, buildings and starry sky spin around me as he situates me in his arms, carrying me like Alex did with my legs hitched around his waist and my arms around the back of his neck.

  Rhyland sighs, moving up to us and caressing his knuckles across my cheek. Then he turns toward the corner. “All right, no more messing around.” He strides down the sidewalk, heading toward the corner, and weaving around a group of vampires smoking.

  Alex and Jaxon follow, and Blaise trails behind them, carrying me with him.

  “Why aren’t there as many creatures out tonight?” I ask as we pass by the vampires.

  “Because the Nightfall of the Undead is over.” He glances left and right before crossing the street.

  “I slept through that?” Disappointment seeps from my tone for reasons I can’t explain.

  “Don’t worry. There’s plenty of other celebrations you can attend while we’re here,” he whispers while nuzzling his face into the crook of my neck. “Where did you and Alex go just barely?”

  “In the alleyway,” I answer with a shrug.

  He pulls back to look at me. “Why?”

  “Because he wanted to show me how much you guys would worry if you couldn’t find me, so I’d realize you aren’t going to hurt me.”

  His features soften. “And did you realize that?”

  “Yeah.” I waver then smirk. “Well that and Rhyland threatens to cut off your dick when he’s threatening you.”

  A slow smile spreads across his face. “Which you were worried about.”

  “Not at all,” I quip. “I was worried about all those creatures you threatened to kill if you couldn’t find me. I could care less about your dick.”

  He starts to grin but it falters. “You shouldn’t worry about those creatures, sweetheart. None of us are good.”

  I hold onto him tightly as he hops onto the curb. “Does that include you?”

  He doesn’t answer, whether because he doesn’t want to or because we reach our destination, I’m not sure.

  I’m not really sure about anything anymore and part of me fears the answers to all of my questions.

  Fears the truth.

  Chapter 22

  The Weeping Reader lives in a store covered with dusty bookshelves that are stacked with thick leather-bound books. Books are stacked across the floor as well, the cramped space more disorganized and cluttered than even Payton’s and Bailey’s room, which is saying a lot. The lighting is limited due to most of the lanterns being burnt out and the windowless walls. Dust laces the air along with the scent of crisp paper, but that smell isn’t necessarily bad.

  “Stay close, okay?” Blaise says to me as he lowers my feet to the ground and sets me down.

  I give him a thumbs up then glance at all the books. “What is this place?”

  “The Weeper Reader’s Library.” Jaxon walks over to us. “If you can’t find what you’re looking for in here, you’re probably not going to find it.”

  I smash my lips together, trying to contain my giddiness. But if what he’s saying is true, there might be a book in here that can tell me if there’s another way to save myself other than permanently linking my soul to theirs.

  “Can I look around?” I ask, hoping I don’t sound too suspicious.

  Jaxon nods. “Of course.”

  I give him what I hope is a thankful, and not twitchy, smile then maneuver around the stacks of books, glancing at the titles, most of which are about vampires. As I wander further into the store, heading down the aisles, a bell dings.

  “The Porterson brothers,” a male voice says cheerfully. “To what do I owe this great honor?”

  Great honor? Just who exactly are the Portersons? Then again, they did tell me that grim reapers are feared by most.

  “We need some answers,” Rhyland tells him. “About a couple of rare creatures.”

  “Then you’ve come to the right place,” he replies chirpily. “Not to brag, but I am the best Weeper Reader that’s ever existed.”

  Recalling how Alex mentioned Weeper Readers were cocky, a grin tugs at my lips.

  “We’ll be the judge of that.” Blaise’s voice is like ice. “After you give us the answers we need.”

  Curious what a Weeper Reader looks like, I peer through a crack in the bookshelves.

  Standing on the other side, in the space between the books covering the floor are Rhyland, Blaise, and Jaxon along with a short, boney looking dude with yellow hair. His suit looks two sizes too big for him, his skin hangs loosely on his body, and his head is oddly big in proportion to his body and kind of shaped like a balloon, maybe because he’s storing all that knowledge inside there?

  Wait… where did Alex go?

  “Yes, of course.” The Weeper Reader offers Blaise an edgy smile. “Tell me the knowledge you seek and you shall get your answers.”

  “I will, but first I need you to say your oath to never speak of what we tell you.” Blaise circles the Weeper Reader, his eyes like shadows, his cloak whipping behind him like a cape.

  The Weeper Reader hurriedly nods. “You know what is spoken to a Weeper Reader stays with the Weeper Reader. Unless we have permission to speak of it.”

  “I know that, but I just want to make certain you understood how important your oath is.” Blaise stops beside Rhyland and crosses his arms. “Now, we’d like some answers.”

  The Weeper Reader unsteadily bobs his head up and down. “Ask me anything you’d like.”

  “We need to find out about an old darkness.” Jaxon steps forward. “And it’s connection to a cursed fire reaper.”

  “I can tell you right now that all darknesses are connected t
o every species of reaper, including cursed fire reapers,” the Weeper Reader replies. “Your magic is connected to darkness.”

  “We understand that.” Jaxon slowly paces the space in front of the Weeper Reader. “More specifically, we want to know more about the oldest darkness that still exists and why it would want a cursed fire reaper.”

  The Weeper Reader considers something, his forehead crinkling momentarily before his eyes light up. “Follow me. I think your answer awaits in a book.” He starts toward the shelves on the other side of the room, and Blaise, Jaxon, and Rhyland trade a look before following.

  While they’re distracted, I move back to search the shelves, winding through the rows and skimming the titles until… “Holy jackpot.” I pull a book off the shelf that’s labeled: History of the Cursed Fire Reaper. Everything You Need to Know about the Powerful, Yet Cursed Creature.

  Excitement dances through me as I start to open the book—

  A hand clamps down on my mouth, an arm snaking around my waist. I’m jerked back further into the shelves. Fear instantly kicks in as the foul stench of smoke, sulfur, and dark magic floods my nostrils, a scent that doesn’t belong to any of the Porterson brothers.

  Time to kick some ass.

  I lift my leg to kick whatever is hauling me backwards in the shin, but it picks me up as if I weigh nothing, swings me around and throws me straight into a door. The door flies open as I crash against it, and I sail outside and into a dark alleyway, my skin scuffing against the cobblestone as I hit the ground hard.

  The book falls from my hands as I groan, rolling onto my hands and knees.

  “You know, all my life I’ve heard stories about how powerful cursed fire reapers are.” Boots appear in my line of vision. “I’ve got to say. I’m a little disappointed.” The creature crouches down, his face coming into view.

  Dark hair, skin as smooth as porcelain, youthful, good looking, not hardly the monster I expected to see. And his silver eyes… why do they carry familiarity?

  “Who are you?” I whisper, stumbling to my feet.

  He offers me a charming grin that reminds me a lot of Alex’s. “So they haven’t told you about me yet? I’m not sure whether to be offended or grateful that I get to do the honors.” As his lips curl, a coldness spills through my veins.

  “Are you… Are you the darkness after me?” I eye the door, debating whether I can make it there or not.

  His laughter echoes through the alleyway. “You think I’m a darkness? Way to wound my ego, darling.”

  “Don’t call me darling,” I seethe, then sprint for the door.

  He moves lightning quick, snagging ahold of my hand and wrenching me back. I open my mouth to scream, lifting my leg to kick him, but my lips clamp shut by some unseen force as he shoves me so hard I crash into the wall behind me.

  Pain splinters through my body and I whimper, painfully aware that while I’m technically dead, I can still get hurt.

  The creature stalks toward me, his eyes flashing like Blaise’s has done several times.

  Flashing silver…

  Silver eyes…

  Why have I seen this before?

  “You’re a grim reaper,” I stumble to my feet.

  A grim reaper who knows what I am. What if he tries to make me drink from him?

  “Rider, you promised you wouldn’t hurt her.” Fredrick creeps out from the shadows, his face hidden by the hood of a cloak. But I can still see the worry in his eyes as he glances from me to the stranger—Rider.

  “I’m not going to hurt her.” Rider’s eyes smolder, glowing like embers. “I’m going to make her mine. Now shut the fuck up and stay quiet or I won’t let you be a part of this anymore, vampire.”

  Part of what?

  Fuck, I need to get out of here.

  I curl my fingers and punch him in the face, wincing when my knuckles collide with his jaw. He flinches, then a smile curves across his face.

  “I can see why they like you.” In the blink of an eye, he has his hand wrapped around my throat as he lifts me up until my feet no longer touch the ground. Then he pins me against the wall, leaning in, his eyes swirling with shadows and light. “Do you want to know a secret?” he whispers in delight. “A secret my brothers don’t know.”

  Brothers?

  “You’re the last one,” he whispers, shutting his eyes and breathing in. “The last cursed fire reaper to exist. The rest have been destroyed. You’re the very last to still be alive and you’re not even fully alive.” His eyes open. “That’s okay, though. You’re still unclaimed, which is all I need.” He leans in, his lips hovering against mine.

  “I’m not going to drink from you,” I choke out, kicking at him, but miss.

  “Oh you will,” he assures me. “There are ways of making you do it, starting with those lovely little sisters you care about so much. Honeyton’s not too far from here. I can probably teleport us there in less than a minute. I’m sure seeing them will change your mind.” His head angles to the side. “I don’t know why. They’re not even your real sisters.”

  My dead heart splits into pieces. “You’re lying,” I growl out.

  His brow bows up. “Am I?”

  Anger burns in my chest and pulsates through my veins. “Who are you?” And how does he know so much about me?

  “So my brothers didn’t tell you about me?” An eerie grin consumes his face. “Not that I blame them. I am the one who got them banished.”

  Lets just say we were betrayed by someone we thought we could trust. Someone we looked at like a brother, Alex had said when I asked how they were banished.

  Curiosity glints in Rider’s eyes. “Or maybe you have heard about me?”

  “Will you just hurry up and quit toying with her.” Fredrick whisks up beside Rider and has the audacity to give me an apologetic look. “I’m sorry, Hadley. But I really need the extra power. I’ve been draining mine a lot lately and with the blood shortage…” He scratches the back of his neck, seeming uncomfortable.

  “Actually, I think I changed my mind about sharing her.” Rider snaps his fingers and Fredrick’s eyes roll into the back of his head as he lifelessly slumps to the ground.

  Holy shit, did he just kill him?

  Panic really starts to set in, and I kick at Rider while trying to scream again. But I can barely get a whisper of air to leave my lips.

  “Now where were we?” Rider contemplates, his lips curling into a twisted grin. “Oh yeah, I was telling you about that trip we’re going to make to see your fake sisters.”

  “I’ll kill you if you touch them,” I snarl, gripping his hands and digging my fingernails into his flesh.

  He chuckles darkly. “I think maybe you should take in the situation, darling.”

  “Oh, I am.” I bite the motherfucker’s hand, sinking my teeth so deep into his skin, blood floods my mouth.

  He cries out, his fingers leaving my neck, and I drop to the ground on my knees. Stumbling to my feet, I race around him and sprint toward the door, but a wave of coldness sweeps across me and I fall to the ground, face first.

  “You can’t run from magic.” He kneels on the ground beside me, flips me onto my back, and leans over me.

  I raise my fist to punch him, but he catches my arm and strikes me across the face so hard the stars above me spin.

  I groan, clutching my head, blood pooling in my mouth.

  He pinches my cheeks between his hand. “Quit fighting and open up.” He lowers his lips toward mine, holding my mouth open.

  I knee him in the stomach, but he barely flinches. I grab his hair and pull hard, but his lips come down on mine. I start kicking and hitting, biting his lip, but he keeps his mouth fused to mine. I claw at his chest as I feel a spark ignite inside me. A hunger.

  “That’s it,” he whispers with his lips against mine. “There’s that hunger.”

  “No.” I bite down on his lip so hard I nearly tear a chunk off.

  He growls out, smacking me across the face again. “You fuckin
g cunt.” Holding my arms with one hand, he touches his wounded lip and winces, moving his hand away from his face. When he glances at his hand and sees blood on his fingers, his nostrils flare as his cold gaze zeroes in on me.

  “You know, I was going to let you off easy, but now I’ve changed my fucking mind.” He leans in, his eyes blackening. “You want to know why you keep thinking I look familiar? Because I can tell you’re thinking that.” I don’t give him the pleasure of asking why, but he continues on anyway. “Think really hard about the day your mother died.” His silver eyes brighten, gleaming against the night.

  My mind drifts back to that awful day my mom died… The silver eyes I saw…

  “You fucking took my mom’s soul,” I writhe my body against his as I growl.

  He laughs, holding tighter onto me. “Oh, that’s not even the best part.” He slants closer, the foul stench of him making me want to puke. “You want to know how I found out where you were? Your father—or at least the man you think is your father—gave me your location. I’ve been trying to get ahold of you for a while, but there’s a protection spell on you from a promise your fake father made with your mother right before she died. But the moment you stepped foot out of the human world, the magic that sealed the promise faded, and after a bit of bribery in the form of a few hundred bucks, your fake father sold out your location.”

  “You’re lying,” I seethe. “My dad doesn’t even know where I am.”

  “The man you believe is your father has been lying to you for a very long time and isn’t who he says he is.” He flashes me a toothy grin. “And I’m guessing since he sold you out for a fairly small fee, he never really cared that much about you.”

  “You’re a liar.” But my mother’s warning rings in my mind, how she told me not to trust my father.

  He seemed so happy too the last time I checked in on my sisters using the necklace. Was it because he finally got rid of me and got some cash in the process? And if he’s not my real father, then who is?

  “It hurts, doesn’t it? To be betrayed,” Rider says with a bloody smirk.

  My bottom lip quivers but I carry his gaze. “You mean, like how you betrayed Blaise, Alex, Rhyland, and Jaxon?”