“I…You… This will never happen again.” His voice broke. “You’re too precious.” He sank to his knees before her, his lips brushing over the bruises, palms running over her sides. He slid his arms around her waist and pressed his face against the gentle curve of her stomach. Inhaled deeply. Murmured words she couldn’t understand, could barely hear.
He knows.
“Yes, I know,” he replied, as if she’d spoken the words aloud. He looked up at her, eyes glowing with an emotion she could only describe as devotion. “I know that our child is in you.” He pressed warm lips to her belly. All she could do was nod as he gathered her into his arms and carried her to her bed, eyes never leaving her face as he drew her bed covers up around her body. Suddenly she was overwhelmed by exhaustion, and she let her eyelids droop shut as she nestled against him. No energy for words or questions now. Sleep came quickly.
***
Becky’s lashes fluttered as gentle rays of morning sunlight trickled over her face. The warmth of the sun drew a matching smile from her. She stretched catlike beneath the covers, stopped abruptly, and groaned slightly, then stretched more – a little gingerly now.
“Oh boy, I’m stiff,” she muttered to herself, feeling the muscles of her thighs protesting as she moved them. She rolled over and raised herself to a sitting position on the edge of the bed, wincing slightly as her muscles protested again. Untangling herself from her sheets, she looked to where her robe lay crumpled in the doorway where he’d stripped it from her, and she glanced down, realizing she was still naked. She ran her palms over her thighs and up her hips, breath releasing in a sigh…and then stopped, frowned.
She stood up and walked over to the mirror above her dressing table, examining her naked body.
Where were the bruises?
She twisted slightly and ran a hand over her hip, down her thigh. The places she had been so viciously kicked the previous evening – her skin had already been turning deep purple when she’d stepped into the bath last night. Now there was nothing. Her frown deepened, and she turned, twisting her head as she revolved in front of the mirror. There was no way those blows had left no marks.
Surely…?
She ran her hands down her ribs. Nothing. Checked her elbows, which had been grazed and bloody. Her skin was smooth, unmarked, not a hint of damage.
‘How can that be?’ she wondered, tapping a finger on her bottom lip and frowning again. Aside from slight stiffness, there was no sign of any of the events of the night before. She fought back a slightly nervous chuckle. Then stopped.
‘I’m pregnant!’ her mind raced. ‘Oh my god!’
How could so many earth-shattering things happen in just one night? She covered her face with her hands, for a moment, completely overwhelmed.
“What am I going to do??” she groaned out loud. “A baby! Oh my god!”
Her rising sense of panic snapped to a halt as her phone chirped out, and she spun around in confusion, trying to remember where she’d put the damn thing. A light glowed from beside one of the bedside tables, and she scrambled to grab it before she missed the call.
“Morning, hon!” a voice rang out over the line. “How are we today?”
“Rosie! Hi! Surprisingly well, actually,” she replied. “You’ll never believe…” Her voice trailed off. She wasn’t quite sure what to say. That she’d received a vicious beating, but her body had magically healed itself overnight? Maybe the bruises hadn’t been as bad as she’d imagined. Perhaps it had been her imagination. She backtracked the conversation she’d been about to start, changed the subject. “I’m a little tired and sore, but otherwise okay,” she said vaguely.
“I’m about to head into the office right now,” Rosie continued. “I’m going to tell Jeff you need a personal day to recover. I’m not convinced you should be dealing with anything that could remind you of what you went through.” Ever protective, Rosie couldn’t help her mother hen instincts.
“No,” Becky reassured her. “I’m fine, really. Besides, if I sit around here all day, I’ll just end up overthinking the whole crazy thing. I’d much rather be with all of you lot!” She tried to keep a smile in her voice.
“Well, if you’re sure…” Rosie didn’t sound convinced, “but I’ll wait for you in the car park and walk up with you.” Becky knew better than to argue with her.
***
As it turned out, she was glad for the company. Even in the daylight, she couldn’t help shuddering as she heard the crunch of asphalt beneath her tires and remembered how that surface had felt against her skin. Rosie appeared at the window of her car before she’d even killed the engine, then looped an arm through hers on the way to reception.
“Hey, girl!” Her voice was almost too cheery. Becky squeezed her arm affectionately. “Lots to do today, right?” Rosie continued, clearly trying to keep the subject neutral. The pair came to an abrupt halt as they walked into their office space, only to be met by a grim-faced Jeff.
“Ladies, we need to talk,” he said, his voice as stilted as his posture. Becky gulped. What had Stella said? Had she tried to manipulate the situation to cast blame on Becky? Xander had been sure that couldn’t happen. For a moment, she almost wished she still had the bruises to prove she’d been the victim. As it was, the other woman was probably more likely to look the worse for the wear.
“Jeff! I can explain wha—” Becky began, before Jeff cut her off.
“Not here.” His voice was still curt. “Come with me to my office.” He ushered them into the room and shut the door behind them, leaning against it and rubbing his eyes briefly before taking a deep breath.
“We have a problem,” he started, his gaze earnest as he looked up at them.
“It wasn’t Becky’s fault!” Rosie blurted before he could continue, but he raised a conciliatory palm.
“I know, Rosie, we saw the footage.”
Becky blinked. If he’d seen the attack, then he’d also have seen the rest of it, surely? His next words set her mind at ease.
“Unfortunately, there was an equipment malfunction shortly after she accosted you, Becky, but it looked pretty clear that she was the instigator. Bernie also submitted an incident report early this morning, confirming the details. But that’s not what we need to discuss…”
He paused, as if trying to figure out how to continue, then stepped towards his desk and slid a box across the table, his fingers resting on the sealed lid. “This arrived on your desk this morning, Becky,” he continued. The white square had a streak of mud down one side, the base seemingly sticky with something rust-tinted. Rosie reached out a hand, but Jeff stopped her, shaking his head. “After the recent issues we’ve been having, I thought it appropriate to investigate before you arrived, Becky. The contents are…” he struggled for words, “disturbing.”
Becky hung back, but Rosie barged forward, flipping up the lid and then stopping short, a hand raised to her mouth, eyes wide.
“Is that…?”
“We’ve identified it as a squirrel,” Jeff nodded, looking grim.
Becky bit back a choked sob, eyes welling with tears. “Oh no!” Rosie stepped back and slid a hand around her shoulder.
“There was a note in the box, Becky…from Stella,” Jeff continued. “It was distinctly threatening.” His mouth set in a harsh line. “We’ve alerted the local police and will also be bringing in our legal team to handle the matter. I’m afraid we can’t have you coming into the office for a while, my dear.” His term of endearment was uncharacteristic but somehow appropriate. “This decision is for your own safety. Your position here is not in jeopardy – I assure you!”
Becky nodded slowly, feeling as if she was dreaming.
“Until we can resolve the matter, I’d like to suggest that you work remotely someplace secure. Do you have family you can go to?” Jeff asked.
“I…I umm…” Becky was dumbfounded. It felt as if her whole life had been upended.
“Yes, absolutely,” Rosie interrupted, “we have a plac
e for her to work from, and I’ll stay in touch with her constantly.”
Jeff nodded. “That sounds like a good idea, thank you, Rosie. You’ll be able to stay on top of your projects without any risk to your safety.”
Becky nodded slowly, still speechless. Jeff reached out and brushed her forearm, his gaze sincere.
“Rebecca, I can’t tell you how troubled we are about this whole situation. I feel as if we have failed you…” he raised a hand to stop her from interrupting, “no, don’t try to dismiss this. We knew there were problems with Ms. Segal in your department. Her behavior towards you was never professional, and when it started escalating, she should have been formally reprimanded immediately. I can’t understand why she singled you out, but it should never have been allowed to happen. As your direct supervisor, this whole thing…” For a moment, it seemed that his voice had cracked a little. He cleared his throat and continued. “I’m responsible for these threats to you, Becky. I won’t rest until I know you’re safe.”
Rebecca nodded slowly. The incident in the car park, was troubling enough – but death threats? Dead animals? Her breath hitched at the thought of the bloodied fur. She remembered how, not so long ago, she’d watched a little squirrel scampering into the boughs of the tree alongside the boardroom. She hoped it wasn’t the same little creature…although really, what difference did it make? Something had died so she could be sent a message. It was beyond her ability to comprehend.
“I’ll sort things out, Jeff.” Rosie took control – as always. Becky wondered what she’d do without the little woman. She didn’t resist as she felt herself being guided out of the office. “I’m taking you back to my place, love,” Rosie continued. “I’ll get the office to bring your car over later.” Becky nodded numbly.
***
Xander seethed with rage. He’d hoped that there would be no more incidents with Stella, but she seemed beyond his control. Any mortal should have kept their distance after a run-in with a demonic force.
“There’s immortal intervention at work here, friend,” Alaric intruded into his thoughts.
“Can that even happen?” Xander turned to him. “In all my interactions as an incubus, I’ve never been down there with another one of us.”
“Perhaps it’s not one of us,” Alaric pondered.
“Then, who?” Xander asked.
“I have no idea,” Alaric admitted. “This is new to me too. Not an angel, that’s certain. One of his, maybe?” He glanced downwards.
“But why?”
“To sabotage you?” his friend replied.
Xander rubbed his face. Who would do that? Why? It was tough enough trying to find his way through the intricate customs of this unearthly realm without adding new complications to the mix.
“Think about it,” Alaric continued. “Every time one of us gets it right – makes it up to there,” he glanced up, somehow never comfortable using the words heaven or hell, “the team scores a point for their own absolution, right?” Xander nodded, and Alaric went on. “Well, why would he,” he glanced down, “want that to happen?”
“But interfering in our affairs…that would be wrong,” Xander argued. Alaric’s laughter interrupted him.
“You’re talking about Satan, Anaxandridas! Do you honestly think he cares about doing the right thing? Consider this…if your woman was harmed – or worse – because of you, you’d pretty much be guaranteed a ticket to hell, whether you were directly responsible or not. So why not throw in a little complication or two? Weaken your odds of succeeding?”
Xander was horrified. “No!” he barked out. And vanished. Alaric flashed out after him.
The air was electric for a moment. And then a shimmer of light began to grow. Four figures stood in a circle where Xander had been. Lilith. Jezebel. Salazar. Calliope.
“It’s evolving,” Salazar said, fuming.
“It can’t be the Dark Lord,” Lilith objected. She knew what he was capable of but couldn’t consider that he might be willing to destroy them.
“Of course it can,” Jezebel argued. “He can do what he wants.”
“No, actually he can’t,” Calliope interjected. “There are rules. They have rules. He can’t mix with them to interfere with the souls in our care. It has to be fair, or they’re not making choices that will take them to him.”
“Then, how?” Lilith asked, still not wanting to believe it.
“He’s turned someone…one of us. There is a traitor among us,” Salazar’s voice was heavy with dread. There was a shiver among them that felt like a collective gasp.
“Who?” Jezebel all but shouted. “Who is it? We must find them. End them! This could mean damnation for all of us!”
Chapter Eighteen
“And what are you planning for the day? Would you like to go for a run before breakfast?” Rosie asked. “I was planning to join my biking buddies for a ride out to the dam this morning, but I think I should cancel and spend the day with you.”
It was Saturday morning, three days since the meeting with Jeff. Becky had settled into Rosie’s tiny apartment, knowing it was only a matter of time before the cramped space became claustrophobic. She was too unsettled to feel safe anywhere else, though. Since that day in Jeff’s office, Xander had been a constant companion, always lingering on the outskirts of her consciousness. He’d taken care not to intrude into Rosie’s world – the small woman had already had to deal with so much of Becky’s upheaval she was glad he’d left her in peace.
She knew it was time to pull herself together, however.
“No, hon, I’m okay,” she reassured her friend. “I’m thinking of popping out to visit Bunny for tea later, so I’ll have plenty to keep me busy.”
“Great idea!” said Rosie. “She’s just what you need right now. If anyone can help you figure this thing out, it’ll be her.”
Rosie raised a valid point. She was in a daze. This time last week, her biggest concern about the future was how to date a guy who possibly didn’t exist. Now she had medical confirmation that she was having a child – his child. It could only be his. Could there be any more conclusive proof that he was a part of her world? On top of it all, she’d had to overturn her whole life for the sake of some psychopath. Her home routine, her work schedule…everything she used to create stability in her world was gone.
“You’re right, Rosie, I think she’s just the person I need to talk to right now,” Becky murmured, trying not to let her voice quaver.
***
“Hello, dear.” Bunny opened the door, smiled warmly, reached out her hands to grasp hers, then stopped. “Oh! I see you brought a friend.” Becky gave a slight frown as the older woman looked past her shoulder, dimpling girlishly at a spot somewhere behind her. “And a handsome devil too!” Her dimples deepened, a light flush coloring her cheeks.
Rebecca smiled wanly. She was no longer surprised that Xander had become so real to some of the people in her world, had come to the conclusion that he chose to appear when he knew the moment was right. It made sense that he’d let Bunny see him.
The older woman grasped Becky’s hand and led her into the kitchen. “The kettle’s just boiled. Tea?” Becky smiled again, feeling her mood lightening.
“Mind you, I imagine your friend would prefer something else – he doesn’t look like the ‘tea type’ to me,” she grinned and then frowned. “Of course, they won’t let me keep anything stronger in this place – against policy! Have you ever? I had my first cocktail before they were born! Now they want to tell me I can’t hold my liquor. Hmph!” Becky smiled and nodded, letting Bunny rattle on.
“But back to your beau, darling,” Bunny suddenly veered into dangerous territory. “Is he the one?”
“What are you talking about, Bunny?” Becky stalled.
“The one you’ve been smitten with, of course,” Bunny persisted. “The one who’s had you enthralled. Is he…” she paused for a moment, “the father?”
Rebecca gasped, dropped her cup, hot liquid flying everyw
here. She shot up and brushed off her skirt, dabbing at the tea pooling on the table, trying to stop it from pouring onto the carpet below. Bunny barely flinched, her sharp eyes narrowing on Becky’s face.
“Don’t bother denying it, my dear,” her smile was gentle. “We women have a way of knowing these things, especially at my age. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen it all.” She handed Becky a napkin, and the younger woman made a show of drying off the table. Stalling.
“Yes,” she finally replied, knowing it was the only explanation. There had been only him.
“Don’t fight it, Rebecca,” Bunny consoled her. “Blessings come in so many forms – some defy explanation. If this is what your path holds, embrace it.” Becky nodded slowly, hanging on to the feelings that had been forming in her heart for the past weeks. “Consider the upside,” Bunny smiled, “if the child looks anything like the two of you, he or she is going to be a knock-out!” She winked.
Becky passed a hand over her eyes, rubbing her forehead. “So, you see him?”
“Well, of course I can, darling. He’s standing right behind you,” she answered. “Hasn’t left your side since you arrived.” Becky turned to look over her shoulder. Saw nothing. But she could feel him there. Knew Bunny was telling the truth.
“Rebecca,” Bunny murmured, leaning forward and grasping both of Becky’s hands between her own. “I think that you are in an extraordinary situation. Perhaps a supernatural situation. Some cultures believe that the elders – and I admit that I probably fit that bill,” she smiled ruefully, “the elders have stronger abilities to sense these things. Maybe it’s because we’ve been around longer. Maybe we’re more in tune with the world beyond because we’re headed that way sooner.”
She raised a hand to silence Becky, who’d been about to object. “No, no, dear, I’m quite content with accepting my own mortality. I’ve had decades to come to terms with my place in the universe, and I’ll go happily when it’s my time. But you have years of living left to do, and I want to believe that they will be wonderful, full years.” Her hands tightened on Becky’s. “I realize some things are hard to absorb. Don’t reject the potential for happiness just because it doesn’t fit some cookie-cutter idea of what happiness is supposed to be. Sometimes you simply have to open your mind. Open your heart. There is so much out there for you to explore.”
Saved By Her (Soul Searchers Book 1) Page 16