Paranormally Yours: A Boxed Set

by Alisha Basso

  I shot up to find Seth slowly entering the room, followed closely by Gavyn and Ael.

  Yup, he had a plan, and he brought reinforcements. Shit! I scooted back on the bed, watching Seth speak to Gavyn. His face was somber, almost angry.

  He looked at me. “I have met with the Council,” he said, his voice low and slightly irritated. “We have decided it would be in everyone’s best interest if you were completely removed from my home.” He glared at Gavyn; the choice was obviously not his.

  “We have decided to use the ring to transport you to a location agreed upon by the Council. There you will be held until such time as we are all in agreement that your presence is required.”

  I was having trouble processing this. He was going to transport me?

  “You can’t be serious!” I cried, my alarm turning my blood cold. “Where are you sending me? It can’t be too far. You can’t work the ring without me.” My heart was racing. I jumped off the bed, my foot sliding slightly until it met with the cool hardness of the bust.

  “You will be fine, Grace, and well cared for. Each member of the Council has a secret place where precious objects are stored. We will be sending you to the most secure of them all.”

  I was freaking out. No way were they sending me away from my friends! The thought of them sitting in some tiny room, surrounded by hungry, psycho monsters, waiting in vain for me to ride up and save the day, terrified me. I felt the sudden sting of tears. I had to fight. Now. It was my only chance. I screwed up my face and began to sob. I fell to the floor in a shattered heap. I hoped that it would seem to Seth that my heart was breaking. I glanced up and saw Ael was at the door, while Gavyn was staring at me with a strange look on his face. Seth was already on the third stair.

  I kept wailing like a banshee, putting lots of emphasis on my sniffing and trying to think of my friends, the source of my tears.

  Seth reached my side, knelt down and began speaking to me in a hushed tone. “Do not cry, Sweet. We will see each other soon,” he soothed. “You will be fine; all of your needs will be met and you will want for nothing.” His head was bent; he was trying to meet my lowered gaze.

  I turned, just a bit, sliding my right hand slowly under the bed, careful to keep his focus on my face. I wailed again loudly and sniffed, my shoulders shaking. I found the bust, my fingers closing on the cold smooth surface. I slid it out, little by little.

  He was still speaking words of comfort. I felt a moment of intense remorse. My nerves were screaming as adrenalin rushed through my body. My eyes met his and I thought of Lucian and Ann. I could not fail! I turned as fast as I could, grasping the bust with both hands I swung it up with everything I had.

  The world seemed to slow down, I could see the light of comprehension in Seth’s beautiful eyes a mere second before the bust smashed into his jaw. Then I brought it down in a single fluid motion onto the top of his head with all my remaining strength.

  My stomach lurched as blood gushed from his mouth. His head was crushed with the wet splat like sound of a melon hitting concrete. His blood sprayed across my chest and face, his eyes staring at me as he fell backward off the high platform onto the floor below.

  I didn’t hesitate, before he even hit the ground, I was up and running. The wooden picture frame was still too far away. I jumped, flying through the air I connected painfully with the expensive piece of art, showering myself in jagged shards of glass. I fell as bits of glass flew in all directions, slicing my arms and face. I felt myself landing hard on the floor with slivers of glass and Seth’s cool blood covering me. I figured I had only half a second before the other two men would be on me.

  I spotted Gavyn running to Seth’s side. The evil twin was surely right on top of me. Before I could finish my thought, he was there, looming above me. His eyes were an empty black and his teeth looked long and deadly. He was screaming and shaking his wild head. His hair was flying like a lion’s mane on fire. The fury he displayed was astonishing; I knew I was dead. He stretched his hands out to grab me and I rolled to the side as fast as I could. He seized me violently by the shoulder, his hands crushing my bones. I screamed as pain ripped through my body. I tried to escape his grip, but his fingers dug into my flesh.

  I was running on nothing more than the sheer will to live. I grasped a piece of the busted picture frame and faced my attacker. In one lithe motion, I turned just as Ael lunged, and I planted the jagged shard of wooden frame deep into his chest. I looked into his eyes and I could see horror, anger and fear only a second before he was rendered a thick blanket of ash. Good God I was glad that hadn’t been a myth.

  I strained to catch my breath, choking on the remains of my attacker. Lying on my back, I could feel that the bones in my shoulder were shattered. I tried to get up. The pain made me scream out. I looked toward the crumpled body of Seth. Gavyn was still hunched beside him, his back towards me. If I had to fight him as well, I was dead. I was sure I had some internal bleeding and the pain was making me nauseated.

  I rolled onto my uninjured side. Blood began to flow heavily from the larger cuts all over my body. I gingerly pulled myself to my feet, hoping Gavyn was still unaware of my movements. Then he turned, his violet eyes regarding me with interest. “None of the legends ever spoke of the Madea as warriors. I am all astonishment,” he smiled.

  I stared at him for a moment, blinking in confusion, and then I fell to the ground.

  The pain in my shoulder was too intense, like a thousand ice picks stabbing me without mercy. Soon, I would just pass out… Please just let me pass out?

  Gavyn rose, and slowly moved toward me. He didn’t speak. Kneeling by my side, he looked almost apologetic. Could he be? Or was I getting delirious?

  “If you’re going to kill me,” I murmured, suddenly tasting blood, “I beg you to do it quickly. I think I’m almost there, so I shouldn’t be too much trouble.” I rolled onto my back. I was looking into his face as he placed his hands lightly on my splintered shoulder. His shimmer intensified.

  The side of his mouth quirked up in a grin. It was strange; he didn’t act like he was intent on harming me. His eyes focused on mine, and a warm feeling began to spread through my shoulder. It wasn’t an unpleasant feeling… until it began to grow hot, so hot I thought I could feel it blistering. I screamed and arched up off the floor as the searing heat infiltrated my body. Then, as if it were never there, it vanished. Just like that. Gavyn was still staring into my eyes, his intense expression from just a moment ago was relaxed.

  “There now, how do you feel?” He stood up and offered me his hand.

  I turned my head to face the ceiling, still afraid to move. Gavyn made me feel good, great even, but I was scared that the second I moved my shoulder, the pain would return. I slowly lifted my arm. Feeling no discomfort, I raised my arm higher. It felt fine, better than fine. Perfect!

  I sat up slowly, “You healed me?” What exactly was he?

  “Of course, how else are we to manage your escape? I can’t very well take on Thorak by myself. I assume you still want to free your friends?”

  I blinked at him stupidly for a moment. “You’re helping me?” I was not equipped to deal with this. Help had arrived? “Wait… why?”

  He looked around, and his eyebrows shot up. “You really want to discuss this now? In case you haven’t noticed, Seth is not a pile of ash. Although severely disabled, he remains quite powerful, and I believe he is healing his rather horrible wounds as we speak. We could wait around if you like, but I really think you should be as far away from him as possible when he recovers. You’ll be healthier for it.”

  “Aah…. Right! Let me just grab something.” I ran to Seth’s side, prepared to steal the ring back, only to discover it was nowhere on him. Oh-My-God. The ring… was gone! “I can’t leave without the ring!” I looked frantically up at Gavyn. “Did the Council make him take it off?” I cried, looking anxiously around the floor in case it slipped off somewhere. My stomach lurched and I took a small step away from Seth’s in
ert form because blood was flowing freely from his horrible wounds; the carpet couldn’t soak it up fast enough. How he could manage to heal in the condition he was in escaped me. A sob leaked out and I threw a hand over my mouth. I had to pull myself together!

  The pool of blood was making me ill. I tried to compose myself; after all, this blood was my doing. I knelt down and then let out a shriek. Gavyn had placed a hand on my shoulder, startling me.

  When I looked over at the offending hand, I froze. Looking at his face my shock and anger rose up inside me. I found Gavyn standing in front of me. His arms were folded smugly and a sweet, innocent smile was on his face.

  He had the ring.

  “What in hell do you think you’re doing?” I screamed. “Not you too? I refuse to be another man’s slave!” I prepared to plant my fist into one of his cheerful lavender eyes.

  “Grace, I swear to you, you’ll have it back. I just need a little insurance right now. I really don’t fancy myself a bloody heap on the floor. I know you’re angry, but I feel the ring is better left in my custody. Now, we must hurry, if we are to get your friends out. Remember, Seth came to collect you, which means the Council is still here. They will become anxious when Seth doesn’t immediately return with you.”

  He held out his hand and I reluctantly took it. It would seem he was all I had, but at least, he was willing to help me rescue Lucian and Ann. I could only hope his word was good.

  He pulled me along. I had no choice but to run through the bloody carpet, my feet squishing and sliding with each step. One glance at Seth and I noticed the blood flow was slowing, while his head was filling in. The dent in his skull was literally smoothing out before my eyes. I swallowed my guilt and ran as fast as I could. We made it to the elevator, my bloody feet slapping the slippery marble and I ran inside. Gavyn hit a button, and we suddenly lurched into motion.

  Once I felt the movement, I sank to the floor. I released my tears, even though I didn’t want to admit that I regretted what I was forced to do to Seth. I knew he was evil and if I had allowed him to take me away, my friends would be doomed.

  I wiped my eyes and looked up at Gavyn. “Not such a brave warrior now, huh? I mean, how many warriors start bawling after defeating the enemy?” I laughed mirthlessly.

  “Not all warriors are forced to annihilate their lovers.” Gavyn said rationally. “You may not have loved him, but he touched your heart in some way.” He knelt beside me and gently wiped a tear off my cheek. “You did what was necessary to ensure the safety of your friends. That is not something you should be ashamed of. And Seth is not dead, so you can calm your heart. Although I’m sure you’ll regret that later. He will be sorely angered, not only because you dared take arms against him, but that you succeeded. And you took the life of a member of his coven. You will suffer for that. The immortals do not deal well with death.” He scoffed. Clearly we shared the same opinion of vampires’ so-called immortality.

  I sniffed, rubbing my eyes. I knew he was right. It was just a little shocking to hear someone else articulate my feelings so accurately. “Well, thank you for your kind words.” I thought about that, and then added, “I only hope we get out of this alive, so I can get the real reason why you’ve turned from the dark side.”

  I was feeling a little better. At least I wasn’t alone. I had help, even if it was in the form of another selfish, ring thief. The elevator stopped. The doors opened, revealing the warm tropical paradise I left shortly before.

  Gavyn held his finger to his lips, as if I needed to be told to be quiet. I was scared. If only I had the ring, we could be out of here in a flash.

  “Why don’t we use the ring?” I said, exasperated. “We could just pop into their cell and pop out again. No one would even know we were there!”

  He seemed to consider my suggestion. “I am afraid I do not know how this ring of yours works,” he finally said. “I fear I would be remiss in trusting you to explain it. I’m afraid we will have to go about this the old fashioned way.”

  His movements were graceful as he left the elevator. He seemed to float above the ground. He turned his head from side to side, taking in the room. I trudged along after him trying to make as little noise as possible. Then, all of a sudden, he shot me a warning look and quickly slipped behind a grouping of ferns. I did the same, only seconds before Chloe burst onto the path.

  I held my breath but my heartbeat was so loud I knew it would bring her straight to me. I had to move further away, only a few feet separated us. A single potted plant hid me from her view.

  “I was sure I heard something,” she said, glancing casually around.

  I was freaking out! The temptation to turn my head and see who she spoke to was overwhelming. But my smarter side warned that she would see the movement. Shit.

  “It’s nothing. Come on back, your man must be missing you.”

  It was Eden. And I knew he was referring to Lucian. My blood boiled. My adrenalin began to fuel my courage, along with a healthy dose of pissed-off! I was looking at that petite little bitch with murder on my mind. My former fear was vanishing at the speed of light.

  She was toying with Lucian. I couldn’t stand it! Oh, yeah, she was getting her ass kicked! I may die trying, but I was beyond rational actions. I started to move, my mind racing with images of her coiling around Lucian, her little slut hands on his body, her little slut face purring in his ear, her teeth… No!

  A cage of iron arms snaked around me. I opened my mouth to scream, only to find it covered with a golden hand. Oh, thank God it was Gavyn!

  “Let go,” I mumbled between his fingers. She was getting away. She was leaving. That little whore was still whole, so unacceptable!

  “Hush, you fool!” he whispered into the side of my face. “Do you want to blow the rescue before we even begin?” Gavyn’s breath was hot. He was holding me so tightly that I was having trouble drawing breath. He may have been slimmer than Seth, but this man had startling strength! “I’m going to release you, but before I do, I want you to remember why we are here. We need stealth, but if you cannot control yourself,” he scolded, “then our cause is already lost and you may as well leave now and forget the rescue!”

  I nodded, I was having trouble getting a full breath, my lungs needed to expand and I began to panic. My eyes watered, then he suddenly released me. I sucked in a huge breath, spinning to face him. I growled through clenched teeth, “Listen you elfish bastard! If you ever man handle me again, I swear, I’ll give us up just for the joy of seeing them suck the life from your body!” I was shaking. God he pissed me off. His eyes grew huge.

  Then he quickly nodded his head. “Understood,” he said, “but you have just reinforced the wisdom of my decision. The ring stays with me.” He grabbed my arm and led me along the path again, his head sweeping from side to side, diligently watching for any signs of our enemies. I had to give him credit; he was as silent as death. Meanwhile, I sounded like a small buffalo herd.

  I stopped, pulling him close. “This is ridiculous,” I whispered. “I’m making way too much noise. Why don’t you go ahead? I think you can sneak around much faster than I can. I’m going to give us away no matter what I do.” I pulled him over to the shelter of the greenery. “If you go ahead of me, maybe you can take out Eden or Chloe, or God willing, even Thorak, and then we can rush in and rescue Ann and Lucian together.”

  He pulled me close to his body, standing rigid. Oh, now he was pissed.

  “I did not figure you for a coward,” he sneered, his handsome face suddenly harsh. “After what I witnessed this evening, I was sure you would be all too willing to charge ahead, but I guess you are not the woman I thought you were.” He pushed me away, and in an alarming flash of speed, he was gone. I was left alone, staring at the empty spot where he stood only a moment before.

  Well, that was just great. I looked around. I had no idea where he went so I began to walk, looking for the path. My sense of direction was screwed up. I felt like a child lost in a cornfield maze. I wa
ndered for what seemed like forever, when I finally caught sight of the opening.

  TWENTY EIGHT

  I cautiously poked my head out of the potted refuge. The gates to the prison were just a few yards ahead. There was no sign of Gavyn.

  I searched for a weapon. Scattered along the surface of a long table was an assortment of gardening tools. I moved slowly, passing the pots and various jars of fertilizer. My eyes fell on a pair of sharp shears. They were a little long, but if I held them just right, I could hide them fairly well. I looked up, scanning the gates again, wondering what became of Gavyn. I had no idea what he had up his sleeve, but I knew one thing, I didn’t fully trust him. Also, he didn’t appear to be breaking down the door, so I guess it was up to me.

  Shit.

  I began unbuttoning my shirt, only then did I realize I was still covered in blood. I didn’t have time to wash. I just hoped I could still pull this off! My camisole came off next. I grabbed the shears, using my shirt to hide the conspicuous weapon. Taking a deep breath, I strode purposefully toward the gates.

  My steps faltered a little as I reached the latch, but I steeled my spine. I said a silent prayer and opened the latch. The gate swung open, alerting every bird in the place to my presence. They all flew about madly, screeching and flapping. It was just as effective as ringing the doorbell. I strode to the main door, whipping it open with more confidence than I felt. Thorak was standing just inside. His eyes fell upon me and a look of confusion crossed his face.

  “What are you doing here, Madea? Why are you not with Seth? Where is Arian?” He looked around, as though expecting her to come up from behind me.

  I tightened my grip on the shears, my mind racing. “I came because I wanted to. Seth is with the Council. Arian is in someone’s bed. I had nothing else to do.”

  He looked wary. “Why are you covered in blood?” He looked at my bare feet.

  I had to think fast. “I was told you like blood; I wanted to make a good impression.” I ran my free hand along the curve of my breast. I was hoping his mind was still on sex, I was banking on it. The deal we made was only a few hours old.