Reaper of Flames (The Artifact Reaper Saga Book 3)

by Jen L. Grey

  "Wait." His jaw clenches and shoulders tense. "You're saying he helped you transport somewhere, then left you there to get back all on your own?"

  "Yeah, but it's okay." Wow, he's furious. I haven't seen him this mad in a while. I'm glad it isn't directed at me. "I found my way back to the car and now I'm his apprentice."

  "If that is how he is going to treat you, I'm not sure that's a good thing." A vein bulges in his neck and he clenches his hands.

  Shit, I'm not sure what to do here. I walk over to him and wrap my arms around his waist. I feel a little funny at first but when his body relaxes and he wraps his arms around me too, the weirdness disappears, and it all seems right.

  "I couldn't bear it if something happened to you." He presses his face to my hair and breathes in.

  My heart seems to almost burst at the comment. Oh hell, I'm head over heels in love with this man. There is no recovering from the blow if he ever hurts me.

  Another knock at the door interrupts us. I pull away and take in a shaky breath. "I bet it's the pizza I ordered."

  "Let me get it." He makes his way to the door and opens it. He talks to the pizza delivery guy and gets the pizza.

  While he's doing that, I grab some paper plates and a glass for me. I fill it with water and bring his from the counter back to the table with mine.

  He brings the pizza over and we both sit down and dig in.

  After a few minutes, I'm full and I sit there in silence while he finishes. My mind goes back to Damien. He insinuated my hair is the equivalent power of the artifacts. If that's true, what else do I have that could hold the same power? What else could I accidentally leave behind? Should I shave my head, so I don't shed everywhere? I'm not sure what I can do here.

  "Hey, Earth to Chris." Charlie sits back in his seat and wipes his mouth. "You seem miles away. What's wrong?"

  See this is what I missed in my little stint away. Someone to confide in. "Damien's words about my hair being equivalent to the artifacts are haunting me. He pulled a piece of my hair out when he left the restaurant, so if it's true, he has that power."

  "Come on." He stands up and grabs my hand. "Let's try a little experiment. Test the waters."

  "What are we going to do?" I'm not sure what he has up his sleeve, but before we go further, I'd like to know the plan.

  "Well, where is your hairbrush?" He glances around the room.

  Is he looking for my hairbrush in the living area? "It would be in the bathroom where I get ready. I take it your leave yours elsewhere?"

  He shrugs and walks into the bathroom and comes back out with my purple brush. "I'm going to pull one of these out and try to control the air."

  I guess it's worth a shot. That's what Damien would do. "Okay, that sounds fair."

  "Your hair blends in with the black bristles." He digs around and pulls out a piece of hair.

  "Sorry my hair is inconveniencing you at this moment." I snort and roll my eyes. My nerves are everywhere, and I just want this whole thing over.

  "Okay how does this work?" He looks at me as he sits on the couch.

  "Close your eyes and feel as if you're connecting with the hair like you do when you connect with a person when reaping. Then just try to move the air." I hope to God this doesn't work.

  He nods and closes his eyes. After a few seconds, he licks his lips. "Do you feel anything?"

  "No, I don't." Does that mean he is trying?

  "Then, we're good." His eyes open and he smiles. "Your hair is safe and not an artifact. Damien was just messing with you."

  Tears of relief almost spring to my eyes, but I hold them back. I don't want him to know how worried I was. "Okay, good. That's one less thing to worry about."

  "Yeah, so now we just have to figure out what the council wants." Charlie puts my hair on the coffee table and groans. "I don't like that elder paying attention to you. I think he's bad news."

  "Well, ultimately both the council and Damien will want me to go to Hell and get the flame." That's where all of this is leading to. It always comes back to these artifacts. Right now, Luke trying to gain my loyalty like Margaret did. "So, I just need to get to Hell. Problem solved."

  "You mean we need to get to Hell." Charlie crosses his arms and squares off with me.

  Oh, no. He's not going. I can't risk losing him. "No, that won't be possible. I need you to stay here."

  "You left me behind for the last time, Chris." His eyes harden, and he lifts his chin. "I'm coming with you whether you like it or not." He walks toward me.

  Oh, this is going to be fun, because that will not be happening. “But what if…”

  His lips descend on mine and he kisses me hard. “This isn’t up for negotiation.” Before I can respond, his lips are back and demanding entrance.

  I want to argue with him, but I don’t have the energy for that right now. This is what I want and need. My fingers find their way into his short blond hair, and I press my body against him. I don’t know what’s going on, but I can’t get enough of him right now.

  He hoists me up and my legs wrap around him. He carries me backwards but I’m too lost in the moment to put it together until I feel the edge of the bed press against my back.

  As he leans over me, he rests his arms beside my head. “Are you sure about this?”

  It takes me a second to get what he’s asking, but then it registers. I’m almost twenty years old and never been with anyone. Is he the one I’m willing to make this change for? I stare into his eyes and my breathing becomes ragged. Oh, hell yes, he is. “I’m one hundred percent sure.” I pull him down and kiss him in a way that lets him know there is no hesitation on my end.

  9

  The sound of cabinets banging from the kitchen wake me. I pry my eyes open and Charlie's musky scent surrounds me. Last night’s memories flood my mind. I gave him a piece of me last night I'll never get back.

  Even after it was over, he laid beside me and cuddled. I wasn't sure what to expect afterwards, but that wasn't it.

  Before long we headed for a second round and after it was over, he was attentive and had no intention of leaving.

  I reach out for him, but my hand finds cold sheets, instead.

  The smell of cinnamon rolls and coffee waft its way toward me. Did he get up to make me breakfast? My stomach growls and a deep chuckle comes from behind me.

  "I take it I made breakfast right in time?" He sits on the bed next to me and leans over to kiss my neck.

  A moan escapes me before I can catch myself. Oh, my God. That's freaking embarrassing. "Uh huh." That's all I can utter right now.

  "What's wrong?" He kisses where my neck meets the base of my shoulder and nibbles. "Am I bothering you?"

  That jerk knows what he's doing, but I'm at his mercy. It feels so good I don't want him to stop. But I refuse to give him the pleasure of knowing this, so I keep my mouth shut.

  His chest quivers with laughter. "I love you so much."

  My body stiffens and my heart pounds in my ears. Did he say what I think he did? “What?"

  He lifts his head and looks me in the eye. A small grin spreads across his face and he plays with the ends of my hair. "You heard. I said I love you."

  "You don't have to say that just because we had sex. It's okay." I don't want to pressure him into something more than he's ready for. That's not what I'm after and we have so much going on. Hell, I'm a hot mess right now. Who would want to commit to me at a time like this?

  "The one time I'm all in and the girl is giving me an out." He laughs and shakes his head. "That figures. I'm the girl in this relationship."

  Now if that wasn't equivalent to being doused in cold water, I don't know what is. The thought of him being with other girls makes me sick at my stomach. "Can we not go there?"

  His laughter dies and he clears his throat. "I'm sorry. I didn't think."

  "No, it's okay." I roll out from underneath him and stand. I need to get some distance. "I just don't like to think of you with others."

/>   "If I had to do it over again, there wouldn't be any." He drops his hands in his lap and frowns. "Now, after last night, there is absolutely no comparison. I only want you, now and forever."

  Whoa, he's laying it on thick. We just now went from I love you to forever. I mean reapers get married young and I've always felt a pull with him, but in less than three months we went from hating each other to this. "Are you sure? Just a few months ago you hated me."

  "Oh, Chris." He lets out a sigh and walks over to me and takes my hands. "I never hated you. I blamed myself for Beth's death, and it was easier channeling all that anger at you than myself. I was wrong, and I'm sorry."

  What? Could that be the truth? "You never blamed me?"

  "No, I didn't." He bites his lip and looks down at his feet. "I was a selfish, miserable jackass and you've changed all that. You make me happy and help me remember that there is good worth fighting for. And to be honest, I've always had a thing for you. I just never thought it could work out, but here we are, and I'm taking a chance because you're worth it."

  I'm glad I'm not the only one that felt this connection between us both. Yeah, he made mistakes, but hell, I'm not perfect either. He's been there when I couldn’t count on anyone else and whenever I'm in trouble he's the first person that pops in my mind. "I love you, too."

  "Thank God." He pulls me closer to him and kisses my lips. "I was beginning to worry I made a giant ass of myself."

  "No, but no more mention of anyone before me again, okay?" I raise an eyebrow. I don't think I could handle it a second time.

  He winks at me. "Got it."

  A timer goes off in the kitchen. Charlie grins at me and tugs me with him. "The cinnamon rolls are done. Are you ready for your breakfast?"

  "Yes, I'm more than ready." My stomach growls again as if on cue.

  As soon as we finish breakfast, Charlie sighs and stands. "As much as I hate to do this, I've got to head to work. I'll come straight here when I get off."

  The thought of spending the day without him sucks, but he still has bills to pay. The council still covers my bills, since I work for them. "Ugh, okay. That stinks. But I'll be here when you get back."

  "Try not to get into trouble." He leans down and kisses me, lingering for just a moment.

  "Not making any promises." I giggle as he pulls back.

  "Have a good day, see you soon." He walks out the door and blows me a kiss before shutting it.

  I finish the rest of my coffee and get up, clearing the table. Once that's done, I grab some clothes and change into a clean pair of jeans and a tank top.

  I look at my phone, realizing I haven't talked to Becca in weeks. I wonder what she's been up to. Damien told me she has been getting worse, but maybe he was just messing with me. I pull her up name under my contacts and press send.

  The other line rings and rings and soon it goes to voicemail. But, like always, her voice mailbox is full and can no longer accept any messages. Well, shit, I guess that was a bust.

  Even though I know what Charlie says is true, I still worry about her. Yes, she's not Beth, but I still hope the best for her. I wish I hadn't gotten her caught up in all this mess.

  Not wanting to wallow in these thoughts, I brush my hair and teeth. I've been home for a couple of days now and should see my parents.

  I grab my keys and head out the door to my car. Sliding in the driver side, I start the car and make my way to their duplex. I turn on the music, trying to drown out the thoughts threatening to overtake me, but it doesn't work. Are they going to be upset that it took me so long to visit them? I have no clue what our dynamics are now that they are more supportive. I'm still programmed to them being critical and overbearing.

  The all-too-familiar landscape comes into view that signifies I'm heading into their neighborhood. Soon the similar looking duplexes come into view and I turn down their street and pull in front of their house.

  As I walk up to the house, I realize they might not even be home. Shit, I didn't even think they might not even be home. I might have come all this way for no reason. I ring the doorbell and wait a few seconds straining to hear anything on the other side of the door. Ugh, I guess they aren't here. Right when I'm about to step away, the front door opens.

  Mom fills the doorway and her hand flies to her neck. Her red fingernails contrast against her pale skin. "Christina, is that you?" Her voice is almost a whisper.

  Well, I guess they didn't realize I had made it back in town. "Yeah, sorry to come by unannounced. I just wanted to see you."

  "Oh, no. I'm glad you did." She reaches out and wraps her arms around me, her jasmine scent filling my nose. "I've been so worried about you."

  I hug her tight, then take a step back. "I'm sorry. I just needed space."

  "I'm sure you did after all that happened." She pulls her shirt down, adjusting the wrinkles out of her blouse, and runs a hand through her short blonde bob. Even though she doesn't wear the same clothes she used to, she still doesn't want to dress down. "Come on in. Your father will want to see you too."

  Not missing a beat, I step in behind her, following her into the family room. My mind flashes back to when the council put a hit on my parents. I had rushed here to find the guard right over them about to kill them. Of course, I couldn’t let that happened and instead he was brought to his own demise. My life has become a constant battle of horridness the past few weeks. I shake my head trying to get those images out and just focus on having a pleasant visit with my family.

  Dad looks up from his spot and smiles. "Hey. You've come to visit. We've missed you." He stands and somehow his khakis aren't wrinkled. He comes over and gives me a hug. "Did you find what you were looking for?"

  "Um... I'm not sure how to answer that." What is he asking? Is he asking about the next artifact? Are we already back to the old ways?

  "Did you get the space you need to clear your mind?" He pats my shoulder and presses his lips into a line. "I bet having all that power go into you was rough. I get why you had to leave."

  Wow, maybe he does get it. "I thought I needed space, but I was wrong. I think I might have made things worse." I hurt Charlie and then Damien came and messed with me when I was alone and vulnerable. Also, I should have been here training for the past two weeks instead of working in a diner. I let my personal issues interfere with what was important.

  "Don't be so hard on yourself." He heads back to his chair and sits down. "Sometimes we need a little bit of space to be the best version of our ourselves. If you hadn't taken that time, you might not have your head in the game right now."

  "Your father is right." Mom enters the room and sits on the couch. "One thing about being a leader is understanding there are times when you have to take care of yourself. There is only so much you can give away before there is nothing left to give. That's what you did. You did nothing wrong. You'll be stronger for it."

  Thank God I came here. They're right about why I left. I was getting overwhelmed and needed space. Maybe I shouldn't feel guilty about it after all.

  "So, I've heard you were at the mansion yesterday." Mom raises her eyebrows. "What's going on there?"

  "What?" How did she know that? I hadn’t told her I was back in town.

  "Oh, don't be so naive." Dad chuckles. "We may not be important anymore, but we still have friends that are. We knew you were back and were waiting for you to find time for us. We know you're busy."

  Well, all right then. "Luke called me in. He wanted to teach me a new trick with my abilities."

  "Luke?" Mom tilts her head and her forehead wrinkles. "Who is that? I thought the woman who died was teaching you."

  "Margaret was training me, but apparently it was her dying wish for me to be trained. So her husband, Luke, has decided to take me on as his apprentice. So, despite her passing, the council is still focused on me."

  Her eyes light up. "Oh, really? That's great news."

  Nope, not happening. I can already see where this is heading and I'm putting an end to
it here and now. "If you think this is a way for you to get back in the council's good graces, it's not happening."

  "What do you mean?" Her mouth drops open.

  "I'm going to do what's right." I will not be another minion for the council. "I will do what I believe in and not bow down to them. My goal isn't to get you and Dad back in good standing with them and get your status back. I'm going to stand up for my beliefs, which is something the both of you have never been good at. I'm not going to sell my soul for material things." I've got to get out of here before I say something more that I'll regret.

  "Christina, listen..." She reaches out for me.

  But I stand up and take a step to the door. "I've got to go. I'll see you both around."

  "No, don't go like this. Your mother didn't mean…" Dad holds up both hands as if in surrender.

  It's a lie. We all know it. They need to come to grips that this is their life. "Do you guys really want to go back to that? Do you not like what we have going here and now?” I motion between us. “’Cause if you were to go back to that, this would change." I pull my keys out of my pocket and step closer to the door. "I'll see you guys later." And I turn my back on them and walk out the door.

  10

  Pulling out of the driveway, I have to force myself not to burn out. I don't know if I'm jumping to the wrong conclusion, but at least they know where I stand. My knuckles are white from how hard I'm clutching the steering wheel. I take a deep breath in. I need to calm down; getting this riled up is pointless.

  The more distance I put between them and me, the more rational I begin to feel. Maybe there is something to this distance thing. I'm sure Mom was curious since they never got to work with the Elders like I'm getting to, but it worries me. I don't want to go back to the way things were. Hell, I'm not going back. Not after what I’ve seen they are capable of. I need parents, not overbearing assholes.