Fall Into Darkness

by Valerie Twombly

  “Oh hon, I wish you’d reconsider,” Viv sniffed. “Alaska is such a long way and to go by yourself is simply crazy.”

  “I’ll be fine.” She wasn’t sure if she was trying to reassure her aunt or herself. Truth be told, she was scared to death. Moving to the remote home that her family owned in Alaska was a big risk. However, she wasn’t left with an alternative. Having been born with a curse such as she had, the best thing to do was remove herself from society. At the age of twenty-five, she resigned herself to the cold, hard fact that she’d never marry, never have children, and would grow old alone. The simple thought of passing this curse on to her children was enough to make her celibate forever. Not to mention, would she see their deaths? That was something she refused to find out.

  Viv extended her arms, pushing Ashley back so she could examine her. Her aunt had been the only mother she’d ever known. When Ashley’s own mother had died in childbirth, Viv had stepped in and taken in her niece as her own. It couldn’t have been easy, Viv had only been a few years younger than Ashley was now, and to suddenly become a single parent must have been a struggle. Lord knew she was riddled with guilt and wished she could stay with her family.

  “I’m going to miss you, but we can talk by email when the Internet is working,” Ashley said. While the home didn’t have a phone or cell service, it did have electricity, and satellite. On clear days, she could shoot off an email.

  Viv shook her head. Her blonde curls bounced, and her blue eyes teared. Ashley had always wondered where her own green eyes had come from. Pictures of a young Viv, and Ashley’s mom, showed all three women shared similar features and the same golden-blonde hair. Viv had always said her mother had been swept off her feet by a handsome stranger, but when she’d fallen in love he’d up and disappeared. It was then her mother had found out she was pregnant and alone at twenty-one.

  Ashley tried to hate the man who’d abandoned them, but it was unlikely he even knew she existed. Was that where her curse came from? Did he carry the same fate as her? Even though part of her despised him, she also hoped he didn’t suffer from the same infliction. She’d wish this on no one. If that were true, she also wondered if he’d left her mother because he’d seen her death and ran. However, that would mean he knew he had a child. Perhaps he’d taken his own life? She shuddered to think about it, but understood.

  “Ashley, you know I truly believe there’s a reason for your gift.” Viv broke the silence and pulled her from her thoughts.

  “I wish I felt the same way as you, and I know you mean well, but you can’t know how it feels,” she replied.

  “No and I’ll never pretend to understand. I just think God has a reason for giving you your gift.”

  Ashley broke from their embrace. “It’s not a gift. How can seeing people’s death ever be a gift?” She hugged herself, remembering how her beloved aunt would die. At least, there was peace in knowing the woman she loved more than anyone in the world would pass in her sleep after a long life. Uncle Stan had been another story. Viv had been devastated when she’d lost her husband of ten years only two years ago. Ashley had hoped telling him he’d die in a motorcycle crash would change the course of the tragedy. He’d sold his bike, and the three of them had breathed a sigh of relief. Until two weeks later... His car broke down and a friend gave him a lift on his motorcycle. That had been the last time they’d seen him alive. The friend survived, but Stan had died.

  Seemed fate didn’t like to be fucked with.

  Ashley didn’t want to be here when her aunt started dating again. She didn’t want to answer those questions and have Viv judging every man by the amount of time he had left on earth. Her aunt deserved to fall in love and not worry about when her husband would pass.

  A knock on the door brought both women back to the present.

  “Your ride to the airport is here,” Viv stated as she headed to the front door and swung it open. A burst of cold air whisked through and chilled her. Viv had asked a friend to give Ashley a lift since she couldn't go herself. Viv pointed at the two large suitcases by the front door. “These go.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Ben flashed a smile at Ashley, and she wanted to strangle her aunt. After he grabbed both bags and headed back out to his truck, she turned to Viv.

  “Really? He’s my ride? It was unfair that you asked him to do this,” she chided, feeling slightly guilty for being so firm with her aunt.

  “Oh Ash, you know Ben still has a thing for you and he’s a nice guy.”

  “Right.” She donned her heavy winter coat. “He left me, remember? I seem to recall his parting words were “You’re a freak Ashley, and I want nothing to do with you.””

  “He made a mistake. Give him a chance,” Viv urged. “Maybe you two can work things out, and then you can come home.”

  Ben appeared, his large frame blocking the light coming through the doorway. “Um, we should probably go if you’re going to catch your flight.”

  She gave her aunt one last hug and glanced around the room. The Christmas tree stood in the corner, its glass ornaments reflecting the colored lights that still twinkled. It reminded her of when she was a child. A time when she’d actually been happy. She would etch this scene in her memory forever. “I’ll let you know when I arrive. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.” She would ignore her Aunt’s comment about coming home. It simply wouldn't happen.

  “I know you will baby girl. You’re stronger than most.”

  Ashley walked out the door and didn’t look back, wanting to remember Viv with a smile and not tears. She allowed Ben to open the truck door for her and scooted inside. They only had to make polite small talk for an hour then she’d be free. Finally free from ever having to look any of them in the eyes again.

  With her hands in her lap, she fidgeted while staring out the window and watched tiny flakes fall from the sky. Thankfully, the forecast hadn’t called for more than flurries.

  “You gonna ignore me the entire trip?” Ben asked.

  “Was my intention.” What the hell did he expect anyway? He’d dumped her and broken her heart, but she was over him and saw no need to rehash the past.

  “Look, I’m sorry for what I did. I was young and stupid.”

  “So you’re saying you’re now smart? Did the Navy do that for you?” She couldn’t stop the tinge of sarcasm in her tone. Okay, maybe she was still a little bitter.

  “Ouch. I guess I deserve that. Seriously though.” Ben shifted in his seat. “Alaska? I’m not sure that’s a smart idea.”

  “I don’t recall asking your opinion.” She finally turned to face him, but only so she could glare.

  “Maybe not, but I’m giving it anyway. Look, I still care about you and I wish you’d give us another chance.”

  She rolled her eyes.

  “Tell ya what. Take some time in Alaska, then how about I come up next month? We can rediscover each other.” He grinned.

  She wanted to reach over and punch him in the face, but that would cause an accident and delay getting to the airport. She was desperate to leave. “Don’t waste your time. I have no intention of rekindling anything with you.” He’d been trying to get her back since he’d left home four years ago. Did he really think the constant letters and phone calls would make everything okay? Not in her world, besides she was done wearing her heart on her sleeve.

  “Jesus, Ashley. I said I was sorry. What’s it gonna take?” He dripped of desperation.

  She sighed. “Ben. We gave it a shot, and it didn’t work. Why can’t you move on and find some nice girl? You’re a good guy underneath it all, but we were not meant to be.” Oh, thank god the exit for the airport was up ahead. Only a few more minutes and she’d be rid of him. Ben wasn’t that bad of a guy, even considering he’d broken her heart. How could she blame him? After all, she was the freak of nature, but she was over him and wished he’d move on.

  They drove the last leg in silence. When he pulled up to the Alaskan airlines terminal, he jumped out and grabbed her bags, wheel
ing them to the walkway. “I’ll email you.” He pulled her into an embrace and kissed her. She tried to push him away, but he held fast so she simply stopped fighting. However, she refused to kiss him back. When he finally released her, she grabbed her bags.

  “Thanks for the lift, Ben. I really do wish you the best and hope you’ll give up this crazy talk. There is no us.” She didn’t wait for a response, but quickly pulled her luggage inside. One side of her felt guilty and wondered if she shouldn’t give him another chance. After all, who else would want a freak like her? She had loved him once. Part of her still did and she knew it wouldn’t take much to rekindle that passion.

  No. I need to stop. He dumped me when I needed him most.

  Luckily, it was early in the morning, and the airport wasn’t at full bustle yet. She walked up to the counter with her bags and handed the clerk her boarding pass. Refusing to make eye contact, she remained pleasant when asked all the typical questions. In no time, she was standing in a short line for her security check. She hoped to avoid eye contact here as well. The TSA agent was a young, handsome man, and she wasn’t in the mood to become acquainted with his death. She never saw the color of a person’s eyes. Instead, they acted like mirrors that reflected back a slow-motion horror flick. One that showed her the person’s exact death. She’d seen it all. From hideous fires, to decapitations in an auto accident, to peacefully leaving the world in their sleep. The worst were the children. Those ripped her soul to shreds. Viv had called it a gift. This was no gift. It was a fucking curse.

  * * *

  Devon rested the pool stick on his fingers and flicked his wrist, sending the balls scattering across the table and into the pocket. His senses picked up desperation, an emotion he thrived on. He lifted his head to follow the gait of a young man who made his way across the bar, looking like the weight of the world rested on his shoulders. Cyrus followed his gaze.

  “What’s up boss?” his lackey asked.

  “I think I need to go talk to the human and find out what ails him,” Devon replied, setting the pool stick down. He picked up his beer and sauntered over, taking the stool to the guy’s right.

  “You look like a man whose having girl trouble.”

  The guy snorted and mindlessly spun a quarter on the bar top while he watched the bartender pour his beer. “You could say that.”

  “Name’s Devon.” He stuck his hand out.

  “Ben.”

  They shook then Devon raised his glass. “Here’s to our women. May God have mercy on us.”

  “Amen,” Ben stated and took a swig, wiping the foam from his lip.

  “So. Did she dump you?” Devon asked.

  “Naw. I dumped her, but I was wrong. I was young and stupid.”

  “Let me guess. And now you’ve realized the error of your ways. She seeing another man?”

  “No, but I just dropped her at the airport. She’s headed to Alaska to live in her family’s cabin. I tried talking to her. Even apologized, but she told me to move on,” Ben replied, looking even more depressed than when he’d entered the bar.

  “Wow. Alaska’s a long way from Maine. You ever been to this cabin?”

  “Actually once. Ashley and I spent a couple of weeks there when we were dating.” He turned and put his focus on Devon. “Why?”

  Devon shrugged. “I’d say give her a little time then show up on her doorstep. Sweep the girl off her feet and get her back.”

  “I dunno.”

  “You want her, right?”

  “Well, yeah. Ashley’s special.”

  Devon entered Ben’s mind, probing for information. Images of a young blonde with breathtaking green eyes dazzled him. However, it wasn’t the color of those eyes that grabbed him and held on. It was what they saw. The girl was a seer of death, which meant she was also most likely marked as an angel’s mate. He hid his grin. “Then you need to make her see things your way. I’m sure you can think of a way to accomplish that,” he added for good measure. Devon already had what he needed, which was the location of where the girl was headed.

  Ben finished his beer and rose from his stool. “You’re right. It was nice to meet you, Devon, and thanks for the pep talk.” He shook Devon’s hand.

  “Anytime. I’m happy to help.” He watched Ben stroll toward the door and exit. Cyrus slipped in next to him.

  “What’s up with the human, boss?”

  This time Devon let a grin curl his lips. “You’ve heard about the prize at the bottom of the Crackerjack box? Well he just led me to mine.”

  Cyrus scratched his head. “So what’s the prize?”

  “A death seer. She’s going to bring me the knowledge on how to take down my enemies,” he replied.

  “That’s a mighty fine piece of information to own, boss.”

  “Yes it is, and on top of that she’s marked as a mate.”

  Cyrus’ eyes widened. “You’re not thinking of mating her, are you? I thought that was a taboo subject for you.”

  He was right. Devon never had use for a mate and much preferred to keep his fucking to one-night stands. “I’ll consider it if I feel mating her will provide me with something useful. Otherwise, I’ll simply use her ability to my advantage.” He’d like to say he’d have her in his bed, but there was no way in hell he would take a chance of bonding with her. “By the way, Cyrus. Kill the human. I don’t want him getting in my way.”

  3

  Eli teleported back to his cabin—a quaint shack tucked into the thick forests of northern Minnesota. He was so far back into the boundary waters that the only way for humankind to get there was by boat or, with all the snow that had fallen already, snowshoes. He liked the seclusion and was better at being a loner. Never one for the social life, he tended to stay away from his unearthly loft, choosing instead to live in the solitude of nature. At least he understood the drive to live by instinct like the wildlife. Humanity was another thing altogether. He’d lost count of the number of times he’d thank the heavens he wasn’t a guardian angel. That role was reserved for the mated females who were far better suited for it. He had no patience for stupidity and bad decisions.

  He pulled off his boots and unbuttoned his jeans, ready to head for a shower when Eva popped in. He raised a brow.

  “You almost got an eye full. Maybe you should learn to use the front door and knock.”

  She shrugged. “I’ve seen your bare ass before, but I’m not here to discuss your body parts. The Seven want you.”

  He crossed his arms and snorted. “You their messenger now? Why don’t they tell me themselves?” He was in no rush to get his ass chewed for what he’d done to Logan. They’d wanted him brought back alive, and he’d failed. “They can wait.”

  Eva sighed. “What’s happened to you, Eli? What happened to my friend who used to know how to have a good time? You’ve become so bitter. Have you considered mating?”

  He buttoned his jeans and glared at her. “Are you fucking crazy? Why would I mate and especially at a time like this? The Maker has all but disappeared, angels are falling and…” He ran his fingers through his hair. “My gut tells me we haven’t even begun to see the bad shit yet.” He didn’t want to mention he had his own struggles.

  Her chocolate brown eyes softened. Eli had liked Eva from the get go. When his buddy Sephtis had mated with the female a century ago, he’d been impressed. Any woman who could put up with a reaper was all right in his book. However, when she’d proved she could hold her own with Eli and refuse to take his shit, he’d taken her under his wing so to speak. With a mate whose job entailed escorting the condemned to Hell, Sephtis wanted Eva to be able to defend herself—just in case. He’d asked Eli to work with her and they’d become fast friends.

  “I worry for you, Eli. Your attitude is shit,” Eva stated.

  He let out a soft chuckle. “It’s always been shit, Eva. You’ve just been too blinded by my good looks to notice.”

  She approached him and laid a hand on his chest. “Please take care of yourself. You
know I love you like a brother, and I’d die if you became one of them.”

  He pulled her hand free and kissed her knuckles. “I have no intention of joining the ranks of the fallen. Just because many of those that have taken to the darkness have been hunters doesn’t mean I aim to become one of them. I’ll go see what the Seven want.” He still didn’t really give a shit, but for Eva he’d go now. He pulled his boots back on and escorted her to the door. She stopped him.

  “If you won’t consider a mate, then maybe a cat?”

  He felt his brows rise. “Cat?”

  She lifted a delicate shoulder and let her snow-white wings emerge. “Cats don’t require much and seeing how they’re independent, you two should get along fine. Animals calm the soul.”

  He rolled his eyes and produced his own wings. “Come on, I’ll fly with you.” They both shot up into the pink-blue sky. The crisp morning air caressed his skin and made him feel more alive than he had in a long time. Within seconds, they’d passed through the barrier separating their world from the humans below. Cold turned to a comfortable seventy degrees. Not that angels couldn’t adjust to any weather. They did have their preferences, though.

  He escorted Eva to the front door of her home, a large A-frame lined with windows both front and back. Sephtis stood on the porch and greeted them. He pulled Eva into an embrace and kissed her.

  Eli cleared his throat. “Get a room.”

  His friends broke free, both all smiles. “I have several and plan to have my mate in each and every one of them,” Sephtis replied.

  “Seph!” Eva looked horrified.

  “What? We’re a mated couple; it’s not as though people don’t know what we do.”

  “You don’t need to advertise it. I’m going inside so you two can man talk.” Eva slipped by her mate and disappeared behind the door.

  Seph chuckled. “I love to make her squirm.”

  Eli just shook his head. Reapers had a wicked sense of humor. “You’re just lucky she ever completed the bond with you.”