Wicked Winters

by Melanie Karsak et al.

  “Makes me wish we were camped out in your room, watching a crappy movie, eating junk food.”

  Lily smiled sadly. “I wish we could. But we both know why we’re here.”

  “We don’t have to do this. Come on, Lily. Two strangers are telling us how to live our lives, all we have to do is walk away and there’s nothing they can do about it.”

  “Do you get the dreams too?” she asked, ignoring me.

  “What?”

  “I dream about killing you. I always thought it was some kind of anxiety dream, but…” she trailed off.

  “They’re just dreams. It doesn’t mean anything.”

  She pulled her knife from her belt. “I can’t walk away, I’m sorry.”

  I grabbed my own knife. We circled each other. All I needed was an opening.

  I threw my hands out, blasting her. She went down and I ran off. Heading down the alley to the theatre, I knew she would follow. That was the plan. We couldn’t do this on the street and risk someone driving by.

  “Ruby!” she screeched. She hurtled into the courtyard. Something sparked to my left as Oz appeared, lighting a flare. He lit several, scattering them around to give me light.

  Lily approached slowly, eyeing Oz. “He’s not allowed to interfere,” she said.

  “Like yours isn’t close by?” I said.

  “Ben knows to stay out of the way.”

  “So does Oz.”

  He backed away into the darkness.

  Lily ran at me, knife raised. She slammed into me and we both fell. As I grabbed her wrist, trying to keep her knife off me, I lost hold of my own.

  Lily threw her weight behind the blade, trying to reach my chest. I summoned a blast of energy and she flipped into the air, landing hard.

  Scrabbling in the semi darkness, I searched for my knife.

  “Two can play at that game,” Lily snarled.

  My head snapped back as she hit me with her own energy blast.

  While she grabbed her knife, I got to my feet, facing her. We flung our hands out at the same time. The energy collided in mid air, exploding, the blast hitting us both. My feet left the ground and I slammed into the wall behind me. My vision swam, but I stayed conscious.

  “Get up, Ruby,” Oz yelled.

  Fighting against the pain, I got up. My foot hit something. The knife.

  Lily ran at me again. At the last minute, I grabbed her, spun, and slammed her into the wall. I pressed the knife to her throat.

  “Please, Ruby,” she said.

  “All this time you were lying to me. How could you do that?” I said.

  “It wasn’t a lie. I wanted to live with you, for us to be happy. I hoped that Ben was wrong.”

  I hesitated. This is Lily. Lily who used to let me stay with her when I had an argument with Grandma. Who used to bake me cookies when I wasn’t feeling well. The same Lily who wanted to be a doctor because she loves helping people.

  “Finish her,” Oz said.

  “No.” I lowered the knife. “I told you, we don’t have to do this. I won’t hurt you, Lily.”

  She smiled at me as I released my hold on her. “I knew you wouldn’t do it.”

  I gasped as her knife punctured my stomach. “Sorry, Rubes. I love you, but this is fate.” She drove the knife in deeper.

  I staggered back. “Lily,” I whispered. Her face was impassive.

  Turning to Oz, he took a step toward me, pain on his face. From out of the darkness, Ben appeared, behind him. He grabbed Oz by the hair, dragging a knife across his throat.

  “No!” I tried to scream but all that came out was a strangled gasp.

  Oz’s body hit the ground. I took a couple of steps, before my legs gave out. I collapsed in the snow beside him.

  My body started going numb. Blood spilled out onto the snow. I remembered the words from outside the restaurant. As white as snow, as red as blood. Is this what it meant?

  “We need to go,” Ben said, grabbing Lily’s arm.

  She stared at me, breathing hard. “Happy birthday, Ruby.” Then she ran off.

  My whole body began to shake. The flares were my only light. One lay nearby, lighting up Oz’s face. I reached my hand out to him. How could Ben kill his own brother?

  He was the only one on my side.

  Rolling onto my back, I hissed in pain. The knife was still there. Wrapping my hand around the hilt, I pulled it free, screaming in pain. I tossed it away.

  “Help me!” I cried.

  I could feel myself starting to lose consciousness. This was it. I was going to die here, out in the cold, alone.

  Lily’s face flashed into mind.

  No! That bitch does not get to win. Not again.

  Slamming a hand into the snow, I forced myself to my feet and staggered along the alley, using the wall to support me.

  Blood soaked my jacket and the front of my jeans.

  Keep moving, get help.

  My vision swam as I reached the street, but I pushed on. The street was empty. I needed to get to the hospital. My truck was parked nearby. Wrestling my keys from my pocket, I climbed inside.

  Driving along the road, I felt like I would pass out any moment. I needed to get to the hospital, it was my only chance.

  I could see it up ahead. So close.

  Slowing down, I headed for the entrance. As I hit the brakes, I blacked out.

  Eight

  Opening my eyes, I found myself in a hospital bed. A nurse was changing an IV. “You’re awake,” she said.

  “Where am I?” I murmured. I felt groggy like I’d been drugged.

  “ICU. You nearly crashed into the building getting here.”

  “How long?”

  “Two days. You lost a lot of blood, you’re lucky to be alive. Do you remember what happened to you?”

  Do I remember my best friend stabbing me and leaving me for dead?

  I shook my head.

  “I’ll let the doctor know you’re awake and the police want to speak to you.”

  When she was gone, I tried to sit up but the pain in my stomach stopped me. I pulled up the hospital gown to find a row of stitches under a bandage.

  What do I do now? I could speak to the police, tell them what Lily did. But jail was too good for her.

  Paragon of virtue, my ass. She’s the monster. Lying to my face, making me think everything was fine. She took everything from me – my home, my life, Oz.

  I closed my eyes. He didn’t deserve to die like that. Ben needed to pay too.

  “Ruby.”

  My eyes snapped open to find Oz standing over me.

  “Oz? Oh my God, you’re alive?”

  “Afraid not,” he said.

  Confused, I reached out to him, but my hand passed straight through him.

  “You’re a…ghost?” I whispered.

  “Something like that. I’m bound to you, I guess that extends beyond death.”

  “I’m so sorry.”

  “It’s not your fault. You need to get out of here. Now, before Lily and Ben figure out you’re still alive.”

  “The solstice is over.”

  “It doesn’t matter. It still stands, one of you has to kill the other. They’re on the run now, but they’ll figure it out soon.”

  “I want her dead,” I said.

  “Then get up. Hide until you’ve recovered and then finish this.”

  He’s right. It’s my only shot.

  Throwing back the covers, I got up, pushing through the pain. Checking the locker by my bed, I found my boots, but my clothes were gone, probably evidence somewhere.

  Moving to the door, I peeked out. No one was looking my way. I moved down the corridor, searching for the exit. I was able to snag some scrubs on the way out, changing in the restroom. They would do until I could get some proper clothes.

  Oz appeared beside me as I reached the exit.

  “I’ll kill them both, Oz. I swear. No matter how long it takes.”

  The story will continue in

  As White
As Snow: Out 2020

  About S. K. Gregory

  S. K. Gregory writes urban fantasy, paranormal romance and horror novels. She resides in Northern Ireland, where she works as an editor.

  You can find out more about her books through her website:

  www.skgregory.com

  Merry Alchemist Christmas by Mia Ellis

  Merry Alchemist Christmas Description

  Anya is looking forward to a quiet Christmas with her friends. However, when new vampires attack innocent people, she, as the local alchemist and supernatural judge, has to get involved. To track down the person who created this vampire will required the help of a local Imp who is a little too interested in the investigation. Keeping the supernatural community in check is never easy, especially when Anya can’t be certain that she can trust her partner or that he slays what she slays.

  Merry Alchemist Christmas

  Young Vampires rarely knew their place, at least not without the proper guidance of a Master Vampire. My guess was that Count Vladimir Dragomir was on his own if that was even his real name. He was more like a caricature of a vampire. His dark hair slicked back, and he was fully dressed in black finished with a velvet cape. The Vampire was more Jersey Shore than Transylvanian, but I wasn’t here to be his fashion advisor. He was here in my office because someone had brought a charge against him.

  That’s what I did; I was a supernatural judge of sorts. Otherworlders–vampires, witches, fae, you name it—I heard their cases. I was an Alchemist, a human who had everlasting life and could manipulate energy. Otherworlders came to us because, in the fight between Heaven and Hell, we didn’t take sides.

  My office was on the small side; it only had my desk, a couch and a couple of extra seats, which made it tiny for an Alchemist’s office, most alchemists were known for their extravagance, but it served my needs. It was also attached to my home for easy access. The fact that it was on the beach also lent extra force to the wards that protected my home, along with the ley lines.

  Homestead, Florida was the perfect place for an Alchemist’s station. It was a hot bed of energy since it was situated directly on a ley line. Otherworlders congregated to these areas because being here made their magic more potent. A huge city like Miami nearby made it ideal. I was the first Alchemist to settle in the area, although Edward Leedskalnin, builder of the infamous Coral Castle, had been on his way to becoming one of us before the counsel decided he was a little too “showy” with his gifts and they took care of him.

  “Mister...” I began.

  “Count,” he corrected me and extended his fangs. A wave of magick swept over me tickling the hairs on my arm. Novice.

  I leaned forward. “Count Dragomir, first, persuasion doesn’t work on me; it only pisses me off. I know you are new here, so I will let it slide this once. But you need to know the charges against you are very serious. You didn’t file any paperwork with the local Imp before creating a new Vampire. He handles all of Hell’s business for this territory. You don’t want to get on his bad side.” I looked at my watch; Mr. Bertrand, the Imp was late. Again.

  I sighed, flipping through the file then tossed it onto my desk. “It looks like I am officially siding with you.” I wanted this clown out of my office. “I advise you to file next time.”

  He nodded and bowed his head. The afternoon sunlight cascading through the window, gleaming on his over greased hair. “Of course, Mistress, thank you for your time.”

  We stood as Mr. Bertrand transported in. He crossed his arms and legs leaning against my desk, a smirk on his face.

  My eyes narrowed. “Nice to see you could make it Mr. Betrand. Due to your tardiness, yet again, I have sided with Count Dragomir,” I stared at him. The imp was impossible to work with. He was always late if he showed up at all.

  The Count smiled with his teeth extended pressing a ruby into my hand. “Thank you, Anya.”

  I straightened at the use of my given name, “It’s Mistress Ivankov. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must get ready for my next client.” I stood up, dismissing them. The vampire shot Mr. Bertrand a grin. Cocky bastard. I’d heard how ruthless the imp was, he wasn’t someone to be pushed. Hell managed their own and if they didn’t stay in line, the Imps took care of them. This realm survived through balance.

  The local Imp was in my office at least twice a week, but usually because others brought charges against him. Ferric Bertrand was cold and vicious, everything you would expect a minion from Hell to be, but he did his job and according to Hell, very well.

  He pushed off the desk and stalked toward us pointing at the vampire. “You can’t do this. He’s off making vampires without permission.” The Imp stood tall; he was imposing in his expensive suit and gold cuffs, but he didn’t intimidate me. I had seen it all. Over the past fifteen years, I had watched four different Imps take control of this area. One had been promoted, one had disappeared, and they relocated the last one at my request. Mr. Bertrand had only been here for six months. I was just biding my time until a new one came along. It didn’t matter to me; I’d have to deal with someone. Homestead and Miami was too precious to Hell to not have a representative managing the area.

  I leaned down and picked up their file off my desk. I flipped through my paperwork. “It says here that he created one vampire that you know of. Do you have evidence of more?”

  His jaw shifted, he looked into my eyes, “Not yet, but I will.”

  The Count shot a toothy grin, showing his fangs. My brows furrowed, he really needed to put those things away.

  I cleared my throat and swallowed, “Then there is nothing I can do until you can show my proof.” Reaching into my drawer I pulled out sage and held it up, “This is your last warning, I’m going to light it.” Vladimir’s eyes shifted from the imp and back to me, neither of them moved. I lit it. Vladimir’s hand went to his arms scratching, headed to the door, he held his hand in surrender before he left.

  The Imp made an impatient sound but didn’t move.

  “He’s so green, he has to use the door.” Mr. Bertrand said studying my face. “Could that be a smile?”

  I frowned. “You’re still here.” He was either resilient

  He shrugged. “Sage has no effect on me.”

  I raked my eyes up and down his body taking him in. It was true, he was having no reaction to the sage. Surely someone from Hell would writhe in pain but there was nothing. No sign of any discomfort but more importantly, he wasn’t leaving. “Fine, I’ll leave.” I opened the office door that led into my house. If he wouldn’t leave, I would. My next appointment wasn’t for another hour, and I refused to spend it arguing.

  The door closed behind me. I turned around; I ran straight into the imp. My hands rested on his chest, I pushed him and I stepped away.

  “How in the hell did you do that?” My house was warded to keep out all entities with lower vibrations, including most of my clientele. It gave me a reprieve from my job. No one, especially someone working for Hell should have been able to breach it.

  The Imp cast a brief glance around and leaned against my foyer table with his arms crossed. He smiled, the first genuine smile I had ever seen on him. It completely transformed his face; even his cold dark eyes warmed when they met mine.

  “Mistress Anya, please forgive me for speaking out of turn, but you don’t seem to understand the implication of this. He could build a Vampire army.”

  I stiffened, he was being so informal, but I let it slide. The less interaction I had with this Hellion, the better. “That buffoon? I don’t think so. Please, Mr. Bertrand, if you’ll excuse me, I am...”

  “Yes, I know. Expecting your next client, but she won’t be here for a while. Besides, the sage needs to have time to clear out.” He crossed his arms.

  I crossed my arms to mirror him and stood my ground.

  He lost his business jacket, tossing it onto my couch, making him look much more informal. He stepped around me into my living room, he wasn’t leaving.

  His shirt fit
him snug, defining his chest and waist. I wondered what was underneath it. I shook my head. What was wrong with me? I didn’t consort with demon lackeys, even ones that were smoking hot.

  I crossed my arms, steadying myself. “How do you know?” My heart raced, I was alarmed by the effect he had on me.

  He looked over his shoulder and smiled, “It’s my business to know everything, and the Succubus works for me. I know what time her appointment is.”

  “Of course, she does.” She was in my office almost as much as him. The imp stepped close, invading my space. I turned and reached around him, grabbing my mail from my foyer table. “You just don’t get a hint do you? I’m ignoring you, you need to leave.”

  He blinked, I doubted anyone ever ignored him. His forehead furrowed, “Mistress, I am requesting an audience with you Friday, I’ll have more proof by then.” He leaned closer, towering over me. “Then I will have the permission I need to exterminate him.” His voice was soft, eyes met his, and I couldn’t read him. Being an Imp I needed to expect the worst.

  I backed up, cursing under my breath. He was close and made me uncomfortable. His closeness was both exciting and dangerous. I didn’t like the way he was making me feel. It was obviously some voodoo pheromone trick, something he’d picked up from his succubus.

  “You think so?” I scrambled for my words and stood tall. Mr. Bertrand overwhelmed me: his smell, his body being so close, everything about him. “You’re awful cocky and assuming.”

  His finger traced my jaw. “I could kill him now, Mistress, but I am trying to show you respect. Why? I’m not sure. It’s absurd, dealing with an outsider. I never even met an Alchemist until you.”

  I stepped back out of his reach. “You also weren’t in the greater Miami area. This area has grown, and it needs me. Your side requested an Alchemist here long before you were in charge.” So take that, tall, dark and annoying. I stepped around him, the Imp grabbed me, pushing me into the wall and pinning me.