by Last, K. A.
The vampire growled and lunged at me. I orbed and landed behind him, then staked him in the back before he had the chance to figure out where I’d gone. My brother, Robert, had lost his stake and was fighting another vamp hand to hand. She’d been pretty, but Robert could pack a mean punch and her face was bleeding too much to be sexy. Unfortunately, punching a vampire wouldn’t kill it. I orbed again and drove my stake into her back. She fell to the forest floor in a heap of dust and I faced my brother.
“You make it look so easy,” Robert said. He bent and put his hands on his knees to catch his breath.
“You would, too, if you could orb.”
“Yes, quite an unfair advantage.” Robert straightened up and followed me deeper into the forest.
We were on our nightly hunt and only just getting started. I was hoping we wouldn’t be too busy. There was something I needed to talk to Robert about, but it wasn’t going to be easy. I’d been by his side for twenty years, and it was almost time for the next generation to come through. The first two times I had to have the talk with my brother, we’d been a few years older. This time it had come earlier than I’d expected. Robert had a girlfriend he’d been with for almost a year. He didn’t know she’d been selected by the Council to be the next Tate wife. When the Council gave clearance, I had one, maybe two, years before it was time to start again.
We walked for a while with nothing but the forest sounds for company. The night was clear and the stars flickered through the canopy above. I was about to say something when I sensed someone in the forest. Robert did as well and we both stopped to listen. After a few moments I sighed and cursed under my breath.
“Would you just come out,” I called into the darkness. “We know you’re there.”
A shadow emerged from the trees. “It’s a nice night for a walk.”
“What do you want, Seth?” Robert asked.
Robert didn’t know anything about my history with the fallen angel that followed us around like a bad smell. None of my brothers had. It wasn’t something I wanted to talk about. I just gritted my teeth, clenched my fists and took his presence like a hot poker in my eye. I survived on the fact he’d eventually go away.
“Just checking up on Grace.” Seth’s mouth curled at the corners but I didn’t stick around long enough to see him smile. I walked back the way we’d come. “One day you’ll talk to me,” Seth called.
“No chance,” I yelled over my shoulder.
It wasn’t until Robert had caught up to me I realised I was almost running. “Hey, slow down.” He grabbed my arm. “He’s gone.”
I slowed to a walk and fell into step with Robert. He knew not to ask questions about Seth. We’d been down that steep and rocky road before, and it always ended with me yelling. I couldn’t blame Robert for wanting to know about my past, but as far as I was concerned it was none of his business.
“So…” I eventually said. “There’s something we need to discuss.”
Robert chuckled. “I was wondering when you were going to start the talk.”
“You can feel it, too?”
“I’ve always known we wouldn’t be doing this together forever—must be something in my DNA.” Robert stopped and leant against a tallowwood.
“Yes, you’re special. We both are. But you already know that.”
“Then tell me what I don’t know,” he said.
I sat nearby on a fallen log and launched into an explanation of our expected future. Robert listened intently as I explained the mechanics of it all. How his girlfriend, Adele, had already been selected by the Council. That when she fell pregnant it would be time for me to leave, but we still had at least a year together.
“What will happen to you?” he asked.
“My body will die and be buried in the family cemetery.” Robert raised his eyebrows. “It’s further into the forest, but only someone with Tate blood can find it. It’s protected by an enchantment.”
“Do you ... die the same way every time?”
“It won’t be violent if that’s what you’re worried about. The first time I died at home. Then with Dad, he told everyone there’d been an accident. No one asked questions. Hopetown Valley is a small, country town—accidents aren’t uncommon.”
“And this time around?”
“We won’t know until it comes,” I said. “You’ll see me again.”
Robert dropped his gaze and rubbed his face with his hand. “I know, but it’s still sad. It’s hard to come to terms with the knowledge I’ll lose my sister soon.”
“I’ll be back. You’ll be busy fighting, and before you know it, you’ll be training my next brother.” Leaves rustled in the forest and I smiled. “You can come out now, Dad.”
Robert chuckled as Dad stepped out from behind a tree. Moonlight shone in his eyes and he shook his head. “You’re good, Grace.”
“And you’re getting careless in your old age.”
“Come on.” Dad clapped Robert on the back. “Enough for tonight. Your grandfather is asking after you.”
We headed towards home. Dad walked with his arm draped over Robert’s shoulders. The way they interacted made me smile, and my heart lurched at the thought of leaving. Every time it got harder, even though I knew I’d see both of them again.
My skin prickled and I sensed a presence. I knew Seth had returned, and for the second time that night I wished he’d leave me alone.
“I’ll catch up to you in a minute,” I said to Dad and Robert.
Dad turned and scanned the trees. He could sense Seth as well, and his face tightened into a frown. “Don’t stay out too much longer,” he finally said
“I won’t.”
I slowed my pace until Robert and Dad were almost out of sight along the forest path; then I stopped.
“What is your problem?” I said, staring into the trees.
Seth stepped into view and folded his arms over his chest. I stopped and actually looked at him. He hadn’t changed much. He still had the attitude and the swagger; he just seemed harder around the edges somehow. His almost black eyes stared me down, and there was something in them that frightened me.
“Nice tattoo,” I said, dragging my eyes from his and staring at his left forearm.
“Battle scar. I blame Michael.”
“I hope it hurt.”
“Why won’t you talk to me?” he asked. “Why do you keep running?”
My mouth dropped open. “Are you serious? I can’t believe you’re even asking me that.” I shook my head. The forest talked in whispers as a breeze wove its way through the trees. My hair flicked into my eyes and I batted it away in frustration. “A long time ago I made a promise to myself that I’d forget about you. You’re dead to me.”
Seth flinched. “Can we please talk about this?”
“Oh, now you want to talk! What’s there to talk about? You want to know why I keep running away from you? Why I can’t stand the sight of you?” I raced towards Seth and shoved him as hard as I could. He stumbled backwards, tripped on a tree root and landed on his butt. “Because you left—with no explanation. You ripped my heart out and you left. So you don’t get the privilege of talking to me.”
“Then why are you still standing here?” Seth looked up and I met his cold stare.
I turned and walked away, and I didn’t look back.
FOURTEEN
2003
Sixth Incarnation – Eight Years Old
The crisp morning air hit my face as I opened the door to the shed. Dew sparkled on the grass in the clearing, converting it to a field of diamonds.
It was the best time of day, but at this early hour, Archer and Pa were still fast asleep. For me, the morning represented a new beginning. The day was yet to unfold, and I could make it whatever I wanted it to be. I’d been searching for a new beginning a lot lately.
This time around, everything had been harder. Three years ago we’d unexpectedly lost our parents. But I guess when you fight vampires for a living, there’s bound to be some
casualties. I hadn’t expected it to be Mum and Dad.
Mum knew how to fight, but she wasn’t a fighter. Her job was the same in every generation: to raise us, and keep my brother grounded in this insane world. Even the best hunter wouldn’t have stood a chance, and I’m yet to find out who was responsible for their deaths. One day I will, and I’ll make them pay.
For the first time we’d been without our most important hunter. It was also the first time Dad wasn’t there to train my brother. In less than a week, Archer would begin his training. Pa really had his work cut out for him. He was an excellent hunter, but he wasn’t getting any younger.
I walked into the forest and took the path I’d taken so many times before. I followed it until I reached a place where the bracken fern didn’t grow. Just off the path was a nice flat rock, perfect for sitting on. Before I had the chance to get comfortable in one of my favourite spots, the leaves on the forest floor rustled and a boy stepped out from behind the trees.
His appearance shocked me into silence. Through each of my incarnations I’d looked different, but the imprint of my soul never changed. This time around I’d chosen to be my true self. How I was when I’d been in Heaven. I had the same messy mop of wild black hair, pale ivory skin, and just a hint of rose in my cheeks.
Instantly, I knew who the boy was even though I’d never seen him so young. He’d always looked the same: tanned skin, blond hair and dark, menacing eyes. This boy had all those features but seemed to be about my age. Usually angels—fallen or otherwise—didn’t change their appearance. How this boy had shed his older self baffled me.
I was lost for words.
“Finally,” he said. “You haven’t run away yet.”
The young version of Seth sat on the forest floor and crossed his legs. He picked up a leaf and crushed it in his hand, then let the broken pieces fall from his fingers.
“How…” I shook my head. “No. I don’t want to know. I’ll bet you made a deal with the devil.”
Seth smirked. “Something like that.”
“Did you sell your soul for your youth? Oh wait! You’ve already sold it.”
Seth was silent for a few minutes. His dark eyes burned into me, but I refused to look away.
“Things will be different this time,” he said. “I can grow up with you, instead of having to wait. Maybe then I can convince—”
“I don’t want things to be different. I just want you to leave me alone.”
I stood and headed for the path.
Seth chuckled, and he sounded like his older, truer self. “I can’t do that, Grace. As much as I want to, I could never leave you alone.”
“Then stay out of my way,” I said.
“Or what?” he sniggered.
I orbed and landed behind Seth, grabbed him around the neck and pulled him to his feet. A ripple of shock course through me as my skin connected with his, and I realised it was the first time I’d been this close to him since he fell. Anger rose inside me and I shoved him as hard as I could. Seth lurched forward and sprawled onto his belly, gouging the dirt and scattering leaves in every direction. He rolled over and glared at me.
“Or I’ll make you wish you’d never been created,” I said.
Seth misted, and I let out a long breath. So much for my new beginning; I had a feeling it was going to be a bad day.
FIFTEEN
2003
Almost a week later
Archer sat beside me and stared at my hand as I twirled a twig between my fingers.
“You know, today’s the day,” I said.
“Yeah,” he replied, raising his head to look into my eyes. “I know. I felt it coming.”
The dry grass beneath me dug into my legs, and I turned my face skyward to the warmth of the midday sun. Tallowwood branches moved with the gentle breeze and cast dappled shadows around the edge of the clearing. Spring was turning to summer, and with it came the monotonous drone of the cicadas’ song.
The large farm shed where we lived stood on one side of the clearing. Its shadow offered shelter from the heat. It was tempting, but we both preferred the sunshine. Sweat trickled down my neck and I relished the feeling. I loved summer and everything about it. In my opinion it should be summer all year round, something our grandfather would never agree with.
“Are you two gonna sit there all day baking?” Pa’s husky, but friendly voice floated across the clearing. “Come and help me for a minute, would you?”
We scrambled to our feet and ran to where Pa stood in the shade. He held out a large cane basket filled with the day’s pickings and I grabbed it tightly by the handle.
“Easy there, Grace, she’s heavy.”
“It’s ok, Pa, I got it.”
“Be sure to clean them up good before you put them away.”
“Sure thing, Pa,” I said. I rested the basket on my foot and waited to see what else he had for us.
“Now you, young fella, have the biggest responsibility.” Pa got down on one knee and handed Archer a smaller basket. “A good taking today—seven in total. Be sure not to smash them on your way across the clearing.”
“Yes, Pa,” Archer said quietly. He smiled up at Pa’s big brown face. The same hazel eyes, flecked with gold, stared lovingly back at him.
“Make sure you come straight back,” Pa said. “Today’s the day.”
We ran as fast as our loads would allow across to the shed. I rested the basket on my hip and flung the door open with my free hand. Archer dragged a milk crate over to the makeshift sink. I climbed up and busied myself washing the tomatoes and cleaning the other veggies. Archer took an egg carton from the old Kelvinator fridge and placed his loot into the empty spaces, careful not to break any.
“You know I’m not really your sister, don’t you, Arch?”
He glanced over from where he’d sat down at the Formica kitchen table. His chin rested on his arm. “Sure, I know. I think I’ve always known.”
“You know what today is, then?” I asked. I laid a tea towel on the bench and spread tomatoes across it.
“Yep. Today’s the day I begin my training.”
“Things will get harder from now on,” I said. “You’ll start to do and see things no one can know about. You have to be able to keep secrets.”
“I’m not gonna tell anyone,” he said. “Not ever.”
I smiled, and my love for him glowed within me. He was my reason for existing. If it wasn’t for him, and all my brothers before him, I’d still be in Heaven looking down on everything instead of experiencing it. But just like it was with every incarnation, my time with Archer wouldn’t last forever. He would grow up—we both would—and the time would come when we’d have to say goodbye.
Archer followed me back to the clearing where Pa was waiting. Pa smiled warmly and motioned for us to follow him into the forest.
“Grace,” Archer whispered. “Who is that?” He pointed into the trees.
I slipped my hand into his and gave it a gentle squeeze. “That’s no one you need to worry about,” I said.
The boy in the forest stood partially obscured by the trees, but I could still see his eyes. They locked onto mine as we walked past, and for a moment I let myself look at him.
One day, Grace, Seth said in my mind.
Not any time soon, I replied.
We’ll see…
Pa called for us to hurry up and I looked ahead to where he was standing. When I glanced back at Seth there was nothing but a lingering cloud of black mist where he’d been.
“I’m scared, Gracie,” Archer said, and it pulled my attention back to him.
“Don’t be,” I replied. I knew what was in store for Archer; I’d done it many times before, but he was understandably nervous. “You’ll do great.” I squeezed his hand again. “And just remember, I’ll always be here to protect you.”
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This time around the journey was a little easier, and I have several people to thank for that.
Brendon, again you h
ave showed unwavering faith in me. Your support and love are my most treasured assets, thank you.
My wonderful children, you are the light that burns brightly in my dimly lit room. You never cease to amaze me, and I find your youthful ways inspiring. You have taught me how to laugh, and see the world through different eyes. Love you both.
Thank you to my parents for believing in me, and encouraging me to follow my dreams. And thanks, Mum, for all your help with putting my commas in the right places.
Sacrifice wouldn’t be what it is without the help of my critique partners and readers. Thank you to Stacey, Lauren, Cassandra, Emily M, and Sarah. I appreciate the time and effort you put into critiquing Sacrifice, and the valuable feedback you supplied.
Thank you to my Aussie Owned and Read girls: Stacey, Lauren, Cassandra, Katie, Suse, Sharon, and Emily JM. You have made me feel part of a wonderful family, and I’m immensely grateful for your ongoing support and encouragement.
Huge thanks to Katrina for being the one to read it first. Again you’ve let me subject you to numerous rounds of reading, and an endless number of emails. I value highly everything you do for me, and I’m grateful for your unconditional friendship and support. Thank you for being my alpha reader, spell checker, editor, and closest friend, all rolled into one.
And finally, thank you to my readers and followers for your amazing support. I’ve been lucky to have made some great friends along this journey. To everyone who has read Fall For Me and loved it, this one’s for you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
K. A. Last was born in Subiaco, Western Australia, and moved to Sydney with her parents and older brother when she was eight. Artistic and creative by nature, she studied Graphic Design and graduated with an Advanced Diploma. After marrying her high school sweetheart, she concentrated on her career before settling into family life. Blessed with a vivid imagination, she began writing to let off creative steam, and fell in love with it. She now resides in a peaceful, leafy suburb north of Sydney with her husband, their two children, and a rabbit named Twitch.