Savage Redemption: A Dark Urban Guardians Fantasy

by Anni Antoni

  The doctor knelt in front of me, so his face was level with mine. “I’ll get straight to the point Kat. The blood test I ran shows the proportion of angel, demon and human in your system. Around fifty per cent is angel or Guardian. The rest is composed of demon and human.”

  “What proportions?” said Joe. His voice had an unusual edge to it.

  “Almost no human, the rest is demon,” said Dr. Frank.

  “How is that possible?” Joe sounded worried and my heart started racing. “Her demon ancestor is generations back.”

  “That’s the thing, I don’t know,” said Dr. Frank. “I ran the test again. This time there was even less human present. When I ran it a third time, the demon element was even stronger.”

  I took in a huge breath, my heart hammering in my chest. What did all this mean? Dr. Frank turned his attention to me. “Kat, the part of you that is demon is destroying the part that is human.”

  “Can’t you stop it?” I sobbed, mortified to think I was slowly turning into a demon.

  “I’m sorry Kat, I don’t know how. Have you heard of a Cambion?

  “No, what is it? Is that what I am?”

  Joe spoke up. “A Cambion is half human, half demon. They appear human until their early twenties, when the demon side tries to take over. However, the demon side can only emerge if the Cambion drains energy from humans, like an energy vampire. Mature Cambions can kill humans.

  “The internal struggle between the human and demon side is very hard on the Cambion’s body. If it resists, it can eventually revert to human, and the demon side withers away. Sometimes, the struggle is so severe, however, that the Cambion dies.”

  I felt cold as the blood drained from my face. I was a monster and might die. If I was a monster, I should die.

  “You, however, are not a Cambion,” said Dr. Frank, shaking his head. “But I don’t know what to call you.”

  I looked from Dr. Frank to Joe and back again. What was he keeping from me? Something, I could sense it.

  The doctor drew a deep breath. “Kat, I hate to tell you this. In some ways, you are like a Cambion. However, instead of a battle between your human and demon sides, you face a battle between your demon and angel sides – a much tougher battle. We can only hope the angel within you is strong enough to win.

  If it’s not, I suspect you will become some sort of super Cambion. You will be a danger to humans, perhaps even a danger to Guardians.” He shook his head. “I’m afraid I have no answers, no guidance for you. I’ll continue to make enquiries, but this is all uncharted territory. I’ve never heard of it happening before.”

  Between horror and despair, I was speechless. Bile rose in my throat, making me nauseous. I couldn’t imagine what was ahead of me. Joe should have let the Vigilante kill me.

  “I’ll be on hand, whenever you need me,” said the doctor. “I’m sorry to be the bearer of such bad news.”

  “Thank you, Frank,” Joe whispered, but his eyes were downcast. “I know we can count on you.”

  He flashed away, leaving me and Joe sitting in stunned silence, hand in hand, on the couch. I turned my face to him. “Tell me you were joking when you said I was your mate. It can’t be, I’m a monster.”

  “No, Kat. I wasn’t joking, and you’re not a monster.” He gazed earnestly into my eyes. “We’re a team and we will get through this together. And I promise you, I will not let you die. It’s not an option.” He had his stern face on again, but I didn’t mind, because he wanted to protect me, fight for me. I loved him for that.

  He put his arms around me and I sank into his embrace, wanting desperately to believe him. How could he keep such a promise? Would he even want to if I became a super Cambion?

  Chapter 26.

  A Wicked Sense of Adventure

  It’s not so bad,” said Joe, leaning back on the couch.

  I looked up at him, my mouth hanging open in amazement. I swallowed hard. “What? Turning into a… a life-sucking beast, isn’t bad?”

  “That’s only one possible outcome. You may become a Guardian instead. Wouldn’t you like that? I’d teach you to flash and fight like I do.” Joe’s eyes sparkled with mischief.

  A wan smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. Perhaps he was right. To become a Guardian, like Joe, had immense appeal. The possibilities excited me the more I thought about them.

  That strange red mist floated across my field of vision as my smile broadened. Trust Joe to see the positive side of this mess.

  “That’s the Kat I know and love.” A mischievous smile spread across his face as he searched mine. “— the one with the wicked sense of adventure.”

  I giggled helplessly for a moment, then a sob burst through the giggles, followed by another. Soon sobs and crazy giggles alternated rapidly. What was wrong with me?

  Joe crushed me to his chest. “Don’t worry pet.” He smoothed my hair and pressed warm kisses on my forehead until my hysterical outburst calmed. “It’s a lot to get used to and you’re doing fine.”

  Once my hysterics had finished, I pulled back and searched his face -- my Guardian, and now my mate. My mate? How would that work out? The warm intensity of his gaze made my heart flutter. “You’re darn right it’s a lot to get used to,” I whispered.

  He moved closer, and his warm lips grazed my cheek. I turned my face to meet him and our lips met in a soft, gentle kiss.

  I closed my eyes, drinking in the warmth and slightly spicy taste of his lips. Automatically I searched his mind, and was enveloped by a soft blanket of pure love, but still, I hesitated to open my mind to him, as much as I wanted to.

  A sharp intake of breath surprised me, as I surrendered to the warm velvet of his lips on mine. Then his tongue lightly explored the contours of my lips and I melted into his embrace.

  His lips left mine, and I felt his warm breath on my ear. A playful nip on my earlobe made me squirm deliciously.

  “Let’s take it slow, sweetheart,” he whispered, hands on my shoulders, gently pushing me back. I opened my eyes in surprise and yes, disappointment. The kiss had been magic. Surprised, I realized I could kiss Joe all day long.

  “Not too unpleasant for a first kiss, I hope.” Joe was smiling. Was he teasing me?

  “I’m not sure. Let’s try again.” If he was teasing, I’d give as good as I took. I pursed my lips, waiting.

  Joe laughed, and placed his forefinger on my pouted lips. “We’ll play later darlin’, I want to spoil you first.” His voice was thick with promise.

  My ears pricked up at that. What did he have in mind? However, a sweet longing for more intimacy took hold of me and I opened my mouth, letting his finger slip inside. Taking it deep into my mouth, I sucked on it.

  Looking up at him through half-closed eyes, in what I hoped was a sexy look, I was rewarded by a deep-throated, low growl from Joe.

  In a lightning quick movement, Joe stood, his arms wrapped tightly around me, sweeping me off my feet. His lips crushed mine in hot passionate kisses.

  Taken by surprise, I opened my mouth and responded just as passionately, my lips seeking his. Throwing my arms around his neck, I wound my fingers in his long, thick, silky hair.

  He responded by holding me even closer. One hand snaked down my back and over my butt, pulling me into him. My heartbeat and breathing quickened, as my body registered every firm curve and bulge of his.

  My mind dissolved into pure sensation. Every bodily nerve craved this closeness and wanted more.

  I moved one arm from Joe’s hair and trailed it over his leather jacket. Bare skin, that’s what I wanted -- warm, hard, bare flesh under my hand.

  Somewhere at the back of my mind, awareness of a strong wind tried to surface. It grew steadily colder, but, locked in Joe’s embrace, floating on his hot kisses, I paid little heed.

  The wind stopped, but my cheeks, nose and ears stung with cold. Still locked in Joe’s passionate embrace, I tried to ignore it.

  When cold seeped into my flesh, I could ignore it no longer. I ope
ned my eyes. White, the clean white of virgin snow, was everywhere. A crisp white stillness surrounded us.

  I unlocked my lips from Joe’s and squealed in total disbelief. “Joe, where are we?”

  “Antarctica,” he murmured, his lips seeking mine again.

  “You flashed us to Antarctica? Are you mad?” I squeaked. The cold air was taking away my voice.

  “Probably.” He grinned. “But I thought we needed to cool down. As much as I want to bed you darlin’, I want to do it properly, make it special.”

  I pulled away from him, then thought better of it. The aching cold was seeping into my bones and I started to shiver. I needed his warmth.

  “You utter butt head,” I croaked. “It’s freezing here!”

  Joe chuckled. “Looks like being here is having the desired effect. Ready to go back yet?”

  My teeth were chattering so much, I couldn’t answer, so I nodded vigorously and buried my freezing nose under his jacket. Within seconds, we were back where we started. He chuckled and I giggled. Soon we were both laughing. That was pure craziness! Joe was fun, I had to admit it.

  My cheeks warmed and my heart skipped a beat, as I remembered our passionate clinch before we went to Antarctica. Who would have guessed it? As well as good looking, brave, capable and fun, my Joe was hot, and I had glimpsed the raging passion that lurked under his usually calm exterior.

  I knew I’d experience it again, and I was looking forward to it. My lips curved in a secretive smile, and I blinked back the red mist as it drifted across my vision. The vague thought that something might be wrong with my eyes tried to intrude on my happiness, but I pushed it aside.

  Chapter 27.

  Kat’s Trust Fund

  Reluctantly, I turned the hot water off in the shower. It had taken ages to warm up after our trip to Antarctica. Smiling at the crazy memory, I toweled myself dry.

  Wear something pretty, Joe had said. We were going out to lunch -- anywhere in the world I wanted. Torn between Paris where I had always wanted to go, and somewhere warm and sunny to erase the memory of all that ice and snow, I opened my closet.

  Was red leather pretty? To my surprise, several dresses with short, flouncy skirts, all in a similar style, but in different colors, hung there. Emily! She was the one who kept putting clothes in my closet, I had discovered. She liked spending money – something about helping the economy, she said. Still, I wanted to pay her back.

  That reminded me, I still had to make arrangements about my trust fund. It was more important than lunch. We could do that later. Having my own money and paying my way was important to me.

  Grabbing a black dress from the closet, I placed it on the bed, and walked to the bedside table, to get Mr. Ryder’s business card and scrawled note. With everything that had taken place, I had almost forgotten he had written about having information from my mother, on the note.

  Mom was the one with the demon ancestor, and information about her could be critical, given my present circumstances. Suddenly the need to find out about her burned within me.

  I threw on the black dress, zipped it up, and found it fitted perfectly. After running a brush through my hair, I put on some red lipstick and mascara. Shoes. I needed shoes. Emily had put several pairs of high-heeled shoes in the closet, but I had never worn such heels. How would I balance on those thin heels? They looked far too small for my feet, anyway.

  Picturing myself reeling around like a drunken sailor on stilts, I sighed and reached for my combat boots. Not fashionable, but comfortable, and what I was familiar with. They would have to do for today.

  I picked up the business card. The sooner we met Mr. Ryder, the sooner we would be free to enjoy ourselves. A meeting with him this morning before having lunch somewhere exciting with Joe would work.

  How my life had changed. Sadness threatened to overwhelm me as my mind wandered. Gran and I had been close -- all we had was each other.

  Now she was gone and there was no danger, thanks to Joe. Gran would have loved him, but would she have approved of him being my mate, as well as my Guardian?

  If only she could have met him, and known how happy and safe he made me feel, she would have been thrilled, I decided. Gran was such a romantic at heart. I sighed, and smiled at the memory of the two of us curled up in front of the television, watching old romance movies, sharing a box of tissues.

  Lost in bitter-sweet thoughts of Gran, I walked to the door, hoping Joe was ready, and pulled it open, only to walk straight into him, standing with his hand raised, ready to knock. Caught off balance, I stumbled into his arms.

  His hand wrapped around my waist to steady me. He felt good, and I loved being in his arms. He smelled good too.

  “Sorry.” I gave a little chuckle.

  Embarrassed, I stepped back, far enough to see what he was wearing. Surprised, I blinked. The black leather gear had been replaced by pale blue pants and a white silk shirt. Joe, dressed more like West, except for his long hair, looked good, good enough to eat.

  As I stood there drinking in his brand of manly perfection, I noticed he was staring just as intently at me. His eyes lingered over my body, slid down my legs then slowly travelled up again to my face.

  A faint, amused smile crossed his face. Was he laughing at me?

  “What’s funny,” I demanded. The red mist, which came more often now, floated across my field of vision for an instant.

  “Ah Kat,” he said shaking his head. “How do you do it? You’re the only woman I know who can make combat boots look sexy. You’re gorgeous, darlin’.” He put his hand on my cheek, and kissed my forehead. “Let’s have some fun. Are you ready to go to lunch?”

  I gave the business card I’d been clutching to Joe. “Can we see this man first? He has information about my trust fund, and my mother.” Anxiously, I searched his face.

  Joe took the business card and turned it over in his hand, noting the address.

  “Yes, of course, I’ll flash you there if you like.” He handed the card back to me. “Call him and see if he’s free.”

  A growing sense of excitement took hold of me. At last I’d find out more about mom. I had almost no memories of her from my early childhood, as I spent much more time with my father, when they weren’t travelling. Mom was often ill and couldn’t see me, he explained. What information had she seen fit to leave with a stranger?

  Chapter 28.

  The Devil You Know

  A sense of urgency seized me, as I folded Kat in my arms and flashed us to see her attorney, Mr. Ryan. The heavy scent of demon about her was growing stronger and her eyes flashed red more often.

  I knew the change was almost upon her and I wanted to seal our relationship before it started. Events had conspired against us and we hadn't had the opportunity to get close until now. With all my heart, I wanted to make her mine, make her happy and give her a sense of security.

  My heart was almost bursting with love for her. Kat had been through so much in her young life, faced it all bravely and deserved all the happiness I could give her. Happiness and security would also give her strength to fight the demon energy within her as it fought for supremacy.

  At least meeting Mr. Ryan should put some of her worries to rest, and I looked forward to helping her do that. Arriving outside a building in a quiet part of town we walked inside.

  Mr. Ryan's office was on the third floor, and I tucked Kat's arm in mine as we travelled up in the elevator to a spacious reception area. We walked to the desk, made ourselves known and were shown into a cozy office.

  An elderly, pleasant-looking, portly man walked in. “Ah, Miss Spur, I believe. So very pleased to meet you at last,” he said, walking over to Kat. She took the hand he offered and shook it.

  “This is my friend Joe,” she said. “I want him to hear everything. What can you tell me about my mother?” Kat’s words came out in a rush as she peered anxiously into his face.

  “Well, I can give you all the details of your trust fund,” he said. “But I can't tell
you much about your mother. There’s someone coming a little later though, who can, someone your mother wanted you to meet, and I’m sure he can answer everything. Please, take a seat.”

  As Kat sat down, he walked behind his desk and opened a drawer, pulling out a folder stuffed full of papers.

  “All your bank statements and the trust documents are here. Your grandmother should have given you this a few years ago,” he said, running his fingers through his white hair. “You were entitled to your trust fund once you turned twenty, but she didn't seem to understand, and just kept ringing up for a transfer of funds every so often. It wasn’t very much, so I kept supplying the money.” Pausing, he frowned. “I hope I did the right thing. I was unable to get an address to write to you.”

  “Don’t worry, my grandmother could be stubborn,” said Kat. “If she didn’t want to give you our address, there was no way you would have received it. But I’m glad you sent the money. We needed it.”

  Mr. Ryan wiped his brow with a handkerchief and smiled at Kat.

  “Good, good.” He nodded. “Here is your bank statement, with the latest balance.” When he pushed a slip of paper across the desk, Kat turned pale, and wiped a hand across her forehead.

  “Are you sure this is right?” A worried frown creased her brow, as she pulled her chair closer to the desk.

  “All correct. Everything is accounted for -- the interest coming in, and payments going out to your grandmother. She was a trustee.” Mr. Ryan stood there nodding and smiling.

  ‘Kat looked up, waving the statement under Mr. Ryan’s nose. “But, but… it’s too much. This can’t be the correct figure.”

  “I had the balance checked this morning. It's just over 10 million,” said Mr. Ryan, looking anxious and taking out his handkerchief again. “Is there a problem?”

  Kat shook her head. “No, but I don’t understand. Where does all this money come from?”