It swung its arm out, hitting me and sending me flying backwards. The pain was like nothing I had felt before, like my chest wanted to collapse in on itself. I hit the ground hard, but with the pain in my chest I couldn’t tell if I was injured anywhere else. I struggled to breathe as I tried to pull myself to my feet. Black spots clouded my vision as my stomach rolled. I had to get up and move. I couldn’t stay and wait to get hit again.
I could see the others trying to wrestle the monster to the ground. A blue light to my left caught my attention. As the light grew, I realized it was a portal opening. Relief washed over me. Another superhuman would be a great help. I watched as a man stepped though. He was tall with broad shoulders, his dark hair falling over his face. No gun. He carried only a long knife holstered on his belt. He took a few seconds to assess the situation before his eyes fell on me.
I tried to pull myself to my feet again, but another wave of dizziness washed over me. Had I hit my head when I landed? I couldn’t remember. I could do nothing but watch as my friends tackled the monster. The new superhuman jumped in to help them. Grabbing hold of the same arm as Kace, the new guy helped the other three pull it towards the ground. I could hear them shouting to one another but couldn’t fully make out what they were saying.
The monster was glaring in my direction, but it was like it couldn’t see me. But it was still transfixed. Was Zane right? Was it drawn to magic? If it was, then why?
The guys were struggling to hold the creature. They couldn’t do much but try and keep it away from me. I looked around to see if there was anything I could use to help them from my position on the ground.
My eyes fell on a couple of old, large trees. Their roots would be long and strong, exactly what I needed. I placed my palms on the ground, feeling for the trees’ energies. All living things had an energy source, and as a witch I could locate it, but trees were my speciality.
If I focused enough, I could also control it. The ground beneath me rumbled, the concrete cracking as the trees’ roots came through. This was a trick I used quite a lot when working in the forest. It was one of my magical abilities that I had actually mastered. Here, the roots shot up towards the monster. The guys jumped back in surprise.
The roots, like large earthy snakes, wound and wrapped themselves around the legs of the monster. Two more lashed upwards like whips wrapping around the creature’s wrists and pulling it down onto all fours. It roared in anger.
The new superhuman now approached it, his knife gripped firmly in his hand. Without so much as a second though, he pushed the knife into the back of the monster’s head. This time, it roared in pain before it stopped moving all together. Was it over? Was it finally dead?
I took small, steady breaths. Anything more caused pain to shoot through my chest. I needed to sleep. Maybe for a few months, I thought. That would be nice. I rolled onto my back and closed my eyes.
‘Anora, talk to me,’ I heard Kace shout as hurried footsteps approached.
‘Ugh, let me sleep,’ I groaned back. I felt warm rough hands cup my face.
‘Where does it hurt?’ an unfamiliar voice asked. Curious, I opened my eyes just enough to see the stranger leaning over me, not Kace. My eyes caught sight of an old scar, running down his right temple. He was still handsome. His dark hair, which stopped an inch past his strong jaw line, fell into his stormy grey-blue eyes. His brow furrowed with worry.
‘You’re quite handsome,’ I told him.
‘I think she must have hit her head,’ I heard Zane whisper to someone. I groaned. He was right. Why the hell would I say that to a stranger?
‘Sorry,’ I apologized to the stranger. I placed a hand to my chest. ‘I feel like my chest is going to fall in on itself.’
I didn’t have a super-healing factor like the guys. They bounced back from almost all injuries. The only thing that could heal me was time.
‘Can you walk?’ the strange superhuman asked. I nodded, not really knowing the answer but also not wanting to show any more weakness than I already had. Legs shaking, I grabbed onto the superhuman’s arm for support as he helped me to my feet. I took a breath as I tried to steady myself. My legs were wobbly, but not sore. I was lucky they weren’t broken. ‘How far away is your base?’ he asked.
‘Not far,’ Kace said. ‘About a ten-minute drive. I can take you and Anora in my car, but who are you?’
‘I’m Sorin. Sorin Dalca,’ he said as he quickly placed an arm under my legs and scooped me up into his arms. I let out a small yelp of surprise. ‘I’m one of the queen’s Executioners.’
‘What was that thing we just took on?’ Alex asked.
‘I’ll explain back at your base. The most important thing right now is getting your friend seen to,’ Sorin replied.
Chapter Two
As soon as we arrived at base Zane and Sorin had taken me to see our resident medical staff. Kace and Alex had gone to the briefing room, probably to contact Carson and let the human government know what was going on.
Sorin placed me on the bed just before the doctors swarmed around me like sharks. There wasn’t any time to say anything to either of them. With a quick glance at me, he left the room. Zane smiled then followed him. The thought of being left out of the meeting irritated me I wanted to know what was going on. I wasn’t exactly known for being patient. But it calmed me to know that Zane wouldn’t leave me in the dark. He would come back as soon as the meeting was over. So, all I had to do was stay awake. But I was tired. I just wanted to sleep. I closed my eyes, but doubted I would fall asleep as the doctors were still poking and prodding at me.
******
Pressure on my lower arm pulled me out of sleep. It took me a few seconds to realise that I was in the med bay and not my room. The pain meds the doctors were pumping into me made me feel numb…pain-free. I turned my head to find Kace, not Zane, sitting beside me.
‘What happened at the meeting?’ I asked him.
‘You don’t need to worry about that right now,’ he replied, his voice calm as his baby blue eyes regarded me carefully.
‘If you don’t tell me, Zane will,’ I reminded him, my lip switching upwards slightly. He rubbed his eyes, sighing in defeat.
‘That thing was human once,’ he said. ‘It was mutated into that thing by magic. I wasn’t even aware that magic could do things like that. But, apparently, if you’re powerful enough, it’s no problem. The government knew about it, but they were trying to keep it quiet. They don’t want to cause a panic. Our queen put together a team of superhumans to specifically deal with these things when they turn up,’ Kace said.
‘So Sorin is part of that team?’ I asked.
‘He’s the only one. He had two other superhuman with him when he started, but those mutants killed them back before they knew how to kill them,’ he said. ‘He wants to come and talk to you.’
‘Who?’
‘Sorin. I told him I’d ask you first.’
‘Yeah, that’s fine. I don’t mind,’ I replied. Kace stood up and placed a kiss on my head. He smiled and told me to rest before leaving the room. I sat still, waiting until I could no longer hear his footsteps before I swung my legs off the bed, my feet hitting the hard floor. I wanted to get into something more comfortable. I hissed through the pain as I pulled the cannula out my arm, depositing it on the bed. I wouldn’t be needing that anymore. Goodbye morphine! It wouldn’t be long before the pain returned. I wouldn’t let the pain stop me though as I attempted to head out the door.
One of the doctors caught me, though. He let me leave after a five-minute argument, but I had a full pack of pain medication in my hand. I stepped into the lift and headed for the second floor, I worried about what Sorin may have told the others. Had he recognised me? I hoped not, but Kace would have brought it up if he had. The lift doors slid open and I stepped out and walked the short distance to my room. I pushed my door open before flicking on my light.
All the rooms had an open floorplan. Mines was no different, aside from the en-su
ite toilet. I looked down as I felt something brush up against my legs. Ammon, my silver Egyptian Mau, was winding himself around my legs. I leaned down and gave him a quick stroke before walking over to the cupboard.
I rummaged through the drawers until I had found my holey leggings and one of Zane’s old T-shirts. I had acquired it one night when I had ripped a hole in mine. It was now my favourite sleep top. I pulled my hair into a messy bun to get it out of my face.
I looked like I had just rolled out of bed, but at least I was comfortable. I got myself comfy on my small couch and turned the television on as Ammon jumped up onto my lap, pushing his head into my hand as he demanded attention.
I looked towards the door as I heard someone knock.
‘Come in!’ I said turning to face the door as Sorin walked in. ‘Do you know who I am?’ I asked him instantly, my nerves getting the better of me.
‘Yes,’ he replied. ‘Your friends seem clueless, though. How long do you think you’ll be able to hide it from them?’ he asked.
‘I’m not sure, but I don’t want their opinions of me to change so you can’t say anything whilst you’re here.’ I told him. ‘So, what did you want to talk to me about?’
‘Just wanted to make sure you were recovering. The queen would want me to check. I’m here if you require anything. It’s my job to serve the royal family.’
‘I’m not my grandmother. I don’t want you serving me,’ I said. I just wanted to keep living the life I was living right now. I enjoy it. I didn’t want reminding of my lineage.
‘I’m still going to be here if you require me to do anything,’ Sorin replied.
‘Okay. Well, then I want you to keep quiet about who I am and treat me like you would any other Executioner whilst you’re here.’
‘Yes, ma’am’
‘You’ll need to stop that as well. My name’s Anora,’ I said. I thought back to what Kace said about him. Perhaps I could make use of him since he was standing there. ‘What can you tell me about the witch or warlock responsible for mutating that person?’
‘He’s a warlock that wants to prove to the humans that his people are the superior species on the planet,’ he said.
‘So, he’s trying to start a war? Because if he keeps mutating humans then there’s going to be a negative reaction.’
‘I’m sure that’s what he wants. We all know if a war were to break out that our kind would very likely win. The humans know that, though, so they’ll try to avoid war.’
‘So, they send out the Executioners to hunt him down because the humans wouldn’t stand a chance,’ I concluded. That sounded like the human government. I still didn’t understand why we worked for them in the first place. Kace had said that it was one of the rules they set down all those years ago when supernaturals had come out of hiding. If the Executioners helped keep our kind in control and dealt with the lawbreakers, then the human government would stop their people from rioting and committing hate crimes against us.
As far as I was concerned they hadn’t done a very good job. My parents’ house had been burned down to the ground by an angry mob, killing them both. I wasn’t sure how I had survived the fire. I had only been a year old, but the firefighters had pulled me from the wreckage without so much as a scratch. That wasn’t the only incident of humans attacking our kind, but it was the one that I would always be haunted by.
‘Superhumans were the first of our kind to be contracted into helping the humans. I guess it’s because the humans accept us more easily,’ Sorin mumbled as he looked around my living space.
I continued to stroke Ammon as he purred affectionately. I looked back at Sorin. He really was a handsome guy. His hair was getting a bit unruly and he had a few days’ worth of stubble on his face, but it suited him, he was also well-built. I could see why he was a bodyguard for the queen and not a government Executioner like other superhumans. Though bright coloured, his eyes looked tired.
‘When are you going back to the queen?’ I asked him.
‘I’m not,’ he said. My eyes widened. ‘The queen is moving up here so I’m to stay here until then.’ My jaw dropped.
‘What? Please tell me you’re joking.’ I jumped up from the chair so fast that Ammon fell to the floor with a hiss of disapproval he glared at me before darting under my bed.
‘I wouldn’t joke about something like that,’ he said. ‘I don’t want to tell you what to do, but maybe you should tell your friends who you are before she arrives and does it for you.’
He was right. This changed everything. She would want to see me, spend time with me. And the guys would want to know why. I would have to tell them. Soon.
‘I’ll tell them. Until then I need you to keep quiet,’ I said. ‘You better go. I’ve got a lot to think about’.
Sorin nodded. ‘Alright. If you need anything just let me know.’ I watched as he left the room, closing the door gently behind him.
I didn’t want anything to change. I liked things the way they were now. But as soon as the truth came out that wouldn’t be possible anymore.
Chapter Three
Someone shaking me forced my eyes open. I tried focusing, but light was shining in my eyes. What time was it?
‘Anora, wake up,’ Zane said quickly. I sat up so fast I almost hit him.
‘What’s wrong?’ I asked groggily.
‘There’s been an attack,’ Zane said. ‘The police need our assistance.’
Groaning I checked my phone. It was just past midnight. I pulled myself out of bed, my ribs throbbing. Half-asleep, I put on my gear and stumbled around looking for my knives. I ran a brush though my long, dark, bedhead-mangled hair and popped a couple of pills in my mouth before following Zane out the door.
We all met up outside the main doors. Alex looked like he was sleepwalking towards the car.
‘There’s no way I’m getting in that car if he’s driving,’ I yawned as I tried to rub the sleep out of my eyes. The cool air at least helped in waking me up.
‘I’ll drive,’ Zane said. He held his hand out so Alex could drop his keys into it.
‘Oh!’ I said, excited ‘Can I take your bike?’ I was suddenly wide awake at the thought.
‘Yeah, that’s not happening, either,’ Zane said laughing as we walked towards the car.
Damn it. I wasn’t beneath begging and was just about to start with the puppy dog eyes when Sorin spoke up.
‘Can I have a go of your bike? I love Kawasaki Ninjas. I have the Vulcan at home,’ he said. ‘This is the H2 right?’ He pointed towards Zane’s bike.
‘Yeah,’ Zane said. They headed for his bike together. ‘I settled on red but getting it in blue was tempting.’ I stood there in disbelief.
‘Guys, you can talk bikes later,’ I groaned. At least they seemed to be getting on okay.
‘Alright,’ Zane said. ‘Here, take it and you can tell me what you think of it when we get back.’
No freaking way, I thought.
‘Come on, Zane. I wanted to drive it,’ I whined.
‘Yeah, well, to be fair I trust him more than you.’
‘You don’t even know him!’ I said my voice getting louder. When Zane didn’t budge I added, ‘Fine. Then I’m going with him.’ It was better than nothing. I loved the rush riding a bike gave me.
‘Fine by me as long as you’re not driving,’ Zane said. He laughed before heading for the car. Sorin seated himself on the bike. I swung my leg over the bike and held onto the back of Sorin’s heavy leather jacket.
The bike roared to life and Sorin drove it out the car park, following Zane and the rest of the guys in Alex’s car. Winter was coming and the cold air sent unwanted tears down my cheeks. I rested my head against Sorin’s back to shield my face. The cold wouldn’t bother him just like it never bothered Zane. Just another perk of being a superhuman.
It wasn’t a long drive to town. Ten minutes. It was easy to see which house the incident had occurred at. There were three police cars and two ambulances, all of their lights
flashing. A crowd had gathered, and a few police officers were trying to keep them back. The neighbourhood was nothing like I had expected. The house was almost on the main street with other homes surrounding it. We couldn’t have been any farther from the forest if we tried. We were basically in the centre of town.
Sorin killed the engine to the bike and we both climbed off. Kace led the way, flashing his badge. The police officer in charge immediately told Kace what he knew.
‘The Johnson family was sleeping when something came into the house and attacked them.’
‘Any signs of forced entry?’ Kace asked.
‘No. Only open window is in the bedroom and it’s intact.’
‘We better go have a look.’
The inside of the home was just as I thought it would be. Full of people with cameras and white coats looking for as much evidence as possible. We were directed upstairs. From what we had seen, the house was fairly nice. Nothing out of place.
The main bedroom was a completely different story. The first body was that of a woman in her late twenties. She had been pretty, but she was paler than she was meant to be. Her auburn curls and the carpet under her were soaked with blood. Her neck was torn open. What was once a pale pink nightdress was now a deep shade of burgundy. Her eyes were open, and her face was frozen with fright.
The man was in much worse condition. He had obviously tried to fight back and lost. His neck, chest, and arms were riddled with deep wounds. When the police officer looked up, it was obvious he’d seen the look on my face.
‘It’s worse next door. The kids are an awful mess,’ he said.
‘How old?’ I asked. I knew I was going to hate the answer no matter what it was.
‘Five and seven,’ he replied. ‘Poor souls.’
I was used to seeing dead bodies. The worst of them were the ones werewolves mauled in the woods. Those were never children. But this hadn’t been the work of werewolves. I turned and told Kace that I would investigate the bedroom. I didn’t like the idea of leaving him with the kids, but I knew he could hold it together much better than I could.
The Executioners: Book 1 Page 2