Including the blood.
When she finished, she sat back and watched in amazement as the blood ink soaked into the paper. That was the moment she knew the true power of the book and what it was capable of doing. Maybe Ames was right about her being in the supernatural world. There was so much she needed to understand and so little time in which to do it.
After Denny cleaned up her blood work, she started reading through the thick tome. If a duplo had been killed, that book was where she would find the answers she needed about how to kill it. Surely, someone else had faced them and killed them before. She just needed to know how.
So she read.
And read.
Shortly after midnight she fell asleep, her face on the desk.
Just past one a.m., she heard someone scream. Denny closed the lair and bolted down the stairs.
“Pure?”
The ground floor was dark.
She raced back up the stairs, knowing even before she turned on Pure’s light that she was gone.
“Motherfucker.”
Checking to make sure she had her weapons before running out the door, Denny jumped in her car and headed for Mike Cockerton’s house. She knew he had her. Knew he had somehow managed to get to her. Then and there Denny vowed she was going to kill that son of a bitch tonight.
She couldn’t save Rush.
But she would kill anyone who threatened Pure.
Anyone.
***
Rush stood over the worm hole and stared down into the dark abyss of nothingness––the place where spirits go prior to their final destination. It was the first time she’d felt afraid in decades.
“Perfect scream,” Boris said, grinning. “God job. That got her moving. You think I underestimated her? She didn’t even stop to question where the scream came from.”
Rush stared at the dark hole. When Boris had pretended to push her into it, she’d been terrified. She wasn’t ready to leave this world behind even if she was only partly in it. But now, a piece of her wanted to jump and end it so Denny would be safe.
It would be so easy. Just jump. Leave the living behind.
But she couldn’t.
She loved the living too much––insomuch as she wasn’t completely dead and could still feel emotions. She loved Denny, who must be doing everything she could to get to her.
But then if Rush was gone, Denny could focus on saving Pure.
She wanted to be the bigger person. She wanted to be brave and strong for Denny, but she wasn’t. In so many ways, she had managed to fail her, and now––now that Denny needed her to suck it up and move on, Rush didn’t have the courage.
And she was ashamed.
Bowing her head, she wished she could cry.
“What’s the matter with you?” Boris asked.
“Nothing.”
“No, you been staring at that hole for fifteen minutes. Why don’t you just go? Let her have a chance at a real life? At real love?”
Rush knew there were tears in her eyes and wished like hell she could really feel them. “I want to jump in but I...I can’t.”
Boris chuckled. “You like being half alive, huh?”
Rush nodded. “Half is better than not at all.”
“Yeah, we know. We counted on it. Your feelings for her made you an easy target. As long as a hunter loves, she is vulnerable...even if that love is a fucking ghost.”
“You don’t think I can do it? You don’t think I have the guts to jump?”
“Am I guarding the hole? Nope. You wanna end it, knock yourself out, but I seen your kind before. Don’t wanna die...too invested in the living to remember you’re already dead. So go on. Prove me wrong.”
Rush backed away from the hole. “Fuck you.”
The demon laughed. “That’s what I thought.”
“I’m not giving up on Denny. Friends don’t quit their friends.”
“Whatever you want to tell yourself. Would it make a difference to you to know she’s been hanging out with a witch?”
Rush shrugged. “She has a lot of different friends.”
The demon laughed again. “Look, doll, here’s how this is gonna go down. Your precious hunter is gonna die. When that happens, you’re free to go on haunting or floating, or doing whatever ghosts like you do. She has no idea what she’s doing. Trust me. This is over before it’s even begun. She’s flailing. If you end it, then she can protect her sister, but she can’t be two places at once. Who do you think she’s gonna pick to save? You? Hardly. You are already dead.”
Rush glanced back at the hole. If she was out of the picture, Denny would stand a better chance. Just three steps.
Three little steps.
Bowing her head, Rush cried tearlessly.
Her inability to look out after her loved ones was the reason she was dead.
Apparently, ghost-hood hadn’t changed her at all.
***
Denny called Pure’s cell phone but nobody answered. Next she called Victor and Lauren. Neither were thrilled with her cryptic account of what to do if anything happened to her, but she didn’t have time for lengthy explanations. She wrote Pure a letter telling her to get out of Savannah as soon as she could with nothing but the clothes on her back...and that Sterling would know what to do in the event Denny died. Then she called Sterling and left a message.
Sterling, Pure is in trouble. I can’t save Rush, but I can save Pure as long as I get to her before they do. Before he does. I know what they want. They can’t have it. If I don’t make it, know that you did a great job of raising us. You’re a great big sister. Give Quick a hug for me and tell him I did my best. I love you.”
Denny hung up and was staring at the phone when it started vibrating in her hand.
Brianna.
“Hey.”
“I’m picking up some not so good vibes from you, Denny. Are you okay?”
Witches. They were more in tune to the universe than almost anyone else, and Denny hoped she would have the chance to learn more about them.
“Actually, I’m on my way to finish this once and for all. I know what they want and they can’t have it. They can’t have it and they can’t have my sister.”
“What about Rush?”
Denny said nothing.
“Oh Denny.” Brianna’s voice fell. “I’m sorry.”
“I can’t risk my sister’s life to save a dead woman.” Her eyes filled with tears as she said it and she’d never felt more disloyal in her life.
“Let me help.”
Denny wiped her eyes. “I wish I could, but I can’t. It’s way too dangerous.”
“Why don’t you let me be the judge of that?”
“What can you do?”
“You’d be surprised. Demons do not like to deal with Wiccans. You leave those particulars to me. I just need in your house and some time.”
“My house?”
“That’s where Rush’s spirit is. She needs help in the spiritual realm, Denny. Not even you can get to her there, but we can. We’re not afraid. Trust me. This is what we do.”
Denny told Brianna where she was and agreed to meet her.
Fifteen minutes later, Brianna pulled up behind her and hopped into the Prius.
“I don’t know how to thank you,” Denny said, hugging her.
“Don’t thank me yet.” Brianna took both of Denny’s hands in hers. “I know there’s more you’re not telling me, and I’m okay with that, but you just stepped into this demon hunter role and you’re a virtual virgin in dealing with the supernatural world. Let us help. Let me support you in this.
Denny looked into Brianna’s eyes and realized she did, in fact, need an ally in this battle. She told Brianna, with as few words as possible, about everything that had happened and what the demons wanted from her.
“So we need to figure out a way to destroy both aspects of this duplo at pretty much the same time or it can kill the one who is being held by the surviving half. Does that about sum it up?”
&
nbsp; Denny nodded. “Pretty much. But how will you––”
“Leave that up to me. Banishing a spirit is almost as good as destroying it. I’ll do everything in my power to protect Rush, but we need to banish that spirit from the house as close to when you destroy the one holding Pure.”
“And you think that is possible?”
Brianna held up her cell phone. “With the help of technology, anything is possible, yeah.”
“Thank you. Thank so much for this.”
“Put my number on speed dial. Punch it up the moment you have that demon in your crosshairs. Leave the rest to us.”
“Who is the us?”
“Me and Cassandra. We are the strongest and most capable. I think you’d be surprised by how incredibly powerful she is.” Brianna smiled softly. “She was very impressed with you.”
Denny took the house key off her key ring and handed it to Brianna.
“And?” There was a hint of something in her voice.
“And I told her to back the hell off.”
“Back off?”
Brianna shook her head. “Pull your head out, Denny, she was...is...attracted to you. While I didn’t tell her you have a ghost for a girlfriend, I did tell her I’d shove a broom up her ass if she made a move on you.”
Denny laughed out loud.
“I know. Cassandra said I should have just lifted my leg and peed on you, but there you have it. I like you, Golden Silver. I like you a lot. And if you ever decide to join the living, I sure as hell hope you give me a shot at showing you just how awesome I think you are.”
Brianna caressed Denny’s cheek with the back of her hand. “You’re a good thing, and if all goes well, we’ll get your girl, your sister, and send your demons packing.” She got out of the car. “Trust me, Denny. We can do this. Now, you go get your sister. Let us handle the rest, okay?”
“Thank you, Brianna. Really.” Denny watched her walk back to her car.
If she ever decided to join the living?
Denny wasn’t at all sure she would make it out of this alive in order to be the living.
***
Denny parked a few blocks from Mike Cockerton’s house in the dark. Dread washed over her. Was she too late? Had Mike Cockerton managed to lure Pure into his web?
The thought made Denny nauseous, and as she got out of the car, the hackles on the back of her neck stood on end. The Hanta was trying to warn her to be careful.
Pulling Fouet and Épée out, she crept around to the back of the house. The back door was unlocked.
Of course it was.
What did a demon have to fear from humans? Perhaps he was expecting her. Maybe he even wanted her to come in through the back door.
So she didn’t.
Instead, Denny crept inside through an open window, her weapons leading the way. Her night vision seemed sharper than usual––the Hanta was alive and ready, or at least, wanted her to be ready.
As she skulked around the bottom floor in near darkness, she noted the kitchen counter was loaded with dirty plates. The floor felt sticky and an ominous odor filled her nostrils. It wasn’t the scent of blood or that of death.
It smelled like sex.
Denny shuddered and gritted her teeth as she started up the stairs, her heart racing, her palms clammy against the cylinders. The third and seventh stairs creaked, but she kept going until she was at the top of the staircase.
Denny moved from room to room, looking for Pure. Her heart beat in her ears now and she could feel herself get bigger. When she came to a half-open door, she heard light snoring. Pure snored like that.
Steeling her nerves, Denny flicked her wrists and opened both weapons. She kicked the door open and leapt into the room.
“Get the fuck out of the bed!”
The warm honey feeling flowed down her back. Hanta was fully awake and ready for the hunt.
“What the fuck?” Mike Cockerton leapt from the bed and turned on the light.
“What’s going on?” a young girl asked as she pulled the sheets up around her bare breasts.
Denny blinked once and slightly lowered her weapons.
“Who the hell are you?” the girl asked. “And what the hell are those?”
Denny sheathed her weapons and turned her attention to Mike Cockerton. “Where’s my sister?”
“Hell if I know.”
“You’re Pure Silver’s sister? What the fuck?” The girl said, pulling more covers around her. “I heard you’d gone crazy.”
Denny glared at him and ignored her. She was not the threat. He was.
“Get out,” Denny growled to the girl. “Now.”
“I don’t know who you think you are, but––”
Denny grabbed the girl’s neck in one powerful hand. Her voice was gravely and deep and she knew her eyes were glowing red. “Get. The. Fuck. Out.”
When Denny released her, the girl scurried from the room and Denny used her foot to close the door. “Where is she?”
He smiled.
Denny snapped the weapons to life once more.
“You don’t want to do that, Golden Silver. If I die, you’ll never know what happened to your sweet little sister. She was good, too. You know how fun it is for men to pop those little teen cherries. It hurt so good, know what I mean?”
Denny stepped closer, her skin bristling. “Just so you know, you’re going to die horribly when I pop your teeny head.”
“I think not. Your sister is still alive. You want her to stay that way, you give up the book. Once we have the book, we’ll give you Rush and your sister. It’s that simple.”
“Bullshit. You think I’d ever trust a fucking demon? I know all about you. You’re a scum-sucking piece of shit who would say just about anything to get that book. I can’t wait to send you back with shame and humiliation on your smug face.
“Come on, man. Cut it with the melodrama and empty threats. You’re way outta your league. In over your head. Amateur. Newbie. Rookie. Novice. Beginner. Need I go on? You got lucky with the schmoes they sent after you, but they were just trial balloons. I’m the real fucking deal and I could end your pathetic human life like that.”
Mike Cockerton snapped his fingers.
“Just give me the book and your sister can walk away with only her hymen injured.” He flashed her a smile. “And believe me, it was injured.”
The Hanta grew angrier and Denny could feel it grow inside her, wanting to take over, wanting to kill Mike right here and now. Both Denny and the Hanta wanted to tear him apart. “Pure can recover from bad sex with you, asshole. It’s the rest of her I want unharmed. You’re not getting jack until I know Pure is safe.”
“You don’t really have room to negotiate. I’ve got everything you hold dear and won’t think twice about putting them down. Listen. Be reasonable here. You don’t even want this gig. Who would? You’ll never have your own life. You’ll never really get used to the killing. People will come to you for help all the time. Your life will be filled with evil, blood, and gore. Is that what you want? Is that how you envisioned your life?”
Denny lowered her weapons. Was that really the life that was waiting for her?
“It’s a life full of death, of hunting, of darkness that seeps into your soul. The Hanta wants to take over, and you will fight him every day of your sorry life to keep control over yourself. Did Ames Walker tell you that? He didn’t, did he?”
The weapons now hung at Denny’s sides. “He did not. He didn’t tell me about—”
“About the darkness? If the Hanta gets too strong, it can take you over just like any other demon. Not just can. Will. It’s ultimately what they want. They want to be alive.” Mike Cockerton pulled on some jeans and a shirt. “Ah, He didn’t. I see. Makes you wonder why he left out that little factoid, huh? What else don’t you know, Golden Silver? Did he tell you that your family has wanted release from this for decades? Decades. And I can offer it to you as a gift.” Mike jammed his feet in a pair of Van’s. “I can help you, Golde
n Silver. I can use the book to remove the Hanta legacy from you and your family.”
“Are you kidding me?” Denny bowed her head.
“I am not kidding. Those trainers are all the same. They guard their knowledge like a troll guards his gold––giving it out piece by piece so they have a tiny bit of power. He’s no different than the rest.”
She said nothing.
“It’s not like we’re going to use the book to take over the world. That’s not really what this is all about. Do you really want to spend your life helping people who wouldn’t lift a finger to help you? People who would spit on you if they knew what you carry within you? Why on earth would you do that? Why would anyone expect that of you? Is that truly what you want for your life? Is that what your mother wanted for your life?”
Denny shook her head. “I...I don’t think so. I never wanted this. I don’t think she wanted me to have it, either. I didn’t even know getting out of it was an option.”
“Yeah. They never share that with legacies, but the truth is your Hanta is just a demon attached to your lineage. Nothing more, nothing less. Well, they come with cool weapons and shit. I bet when you were a little girl, you never dreamt you’d grow up to kill demons and be a pseudo-demon yourself. Because that’s what you are, Golden Silver. Make no mistake about it. You are every bit as demonic as I am. Just because you hunt us and kill us doesn’t make you any better.”
Denny put the cylinders back in the inner pocket of her vest. She knew what she had to do. “You’re right. This isn’t what I want for my life. I didn’t ask for it and I don’t want it. If you’re sure you can get this fucking thing out of me, you can have the fucking book. I just want my life back.”
“I’m positive. I swear.”
Denny tilted her head at the last two words and stared a long time at the demon that was Mike Cockerton. “I’m not doing anything without Pure. You bring her home and I’ll give you the book in exchange for both Pure and Rush. That’s the only way I’ll do this.”
Mike Cockerton walked around the edge of the bed with his hand out. “If you’re being honest with me, you won’t mind handing over your weapons.”
Denny didn’t hesitate. She reached inside, pulled out two cylinders and handed them to him.
Darkness Descends (The Silver Legacy Book 1) Page 24