“Hey, how are you feeling?” I asked, eyeing him. He didn’t answer. He strode towards me and picked me up with his arm under my butt. I giggled as he hugged me tight. I wrapped my arms around him and buried my face in his neck, taking a deep breath of leather and engine grease.
“Isaac said you crossed a soul,” His voice was rough in my ear.
“Yeah,” I whispered back. He squeezed me tight, his face moving to my neck. He took a deep shuddering breath. I hadn’t realized how worried he really had been. “I’m going to be okay, Tough Guy.” He nodded, his stubble rubbing against my skin as he held me.
“You had me worried, Baby.”
“I know. But the souls have agreed to back off and wait their turn,” I told him quietly. He pulled back and looked up at me.
“What do you mean?” He demanded his brow furrowed. I leaned back so I could see his face, until he was just holding me up.
“I mean when I got home and told them that they were going to back off, choose who was to cross tomorrow and leave me the hell alone,” I explained bluntly. A big smile spread across his face, one with teeth! Two in a week! Was hell freezing over? It must be because, he’s smiling.
“That’s my girl,” He said quietly.
“Yes, a raging bitch,” I pointed out. He snorted as he put me down on my feet. Zeke went to sit down on the couch as I headed into the kitchen to find something to drink. Someone knocked. I asked Zeke to let Miles in. Miles walked in with a couple plastic bags in his hands. His eyes found me. He made his way straight towards me. He set the bags down on the counter and for once he didn’t hesitate. He pulled me into a hard hug, his hand cupping my face, and holding me against his chest. I smiled as I breathed wintergreen. Everything inside me relaxed.
“You really did it?” He whispered. I squeezed him tighter.
“Yeah, I did.” He kissed the top of my head surprising me. Miles never kissed me.
“What about the ghosts outside?” He asked. I grinned.
“I have all the leverage now. I told them to go away and take turns like preschoolers,” I said dryly. He chuckled before pulling back to look at me. His emerald eyes were warm as they ran over my face.
“You would do that,” He said. I gave him a big smile before he let me go. He pointed to the bags. “I brought vanilla, chocolate, strawberry ice cream, and toppings. I figured a Sundae bar would be fun.”
“You’re the best, Miles,” I said as I looked through the bags. He grinned as I put everything away so it wouldn’t melt. A door upstairs closed, I turned in time to watch Tara step off the stairs in a short plaid skirt and black shirt. I went still. She had a big smile as she went over to say hi to Zeke. She sat next to him and tried to talk to him, like she had with Asher in October. Oh. My. God. No, no way! I looked at Miles and tilted my head towards the two on the couch. Miles’ face was stunned as he nodded. I wanted to groan. And a small part of me wanted to yank Tara upstairs and tell her to keep her hands off of Zeke. I turned away and opened the fridge. Where the hell did that come from? Zeke wasn’t mine, he was dating Riley. I grabbed a few bottles of water and passed them out. I sat in the armchair on the left of the couch.
“So, Zeke, how’s Riley?” I asked, cheerfully. He turned to me and began to answer.
“Who’s Riley?” Tara asked. I looked to Tara.
“Zeke’s girlfriend,” I said, casually. Her face fell. Oh, come on. Really Tara? The others showed up with food and the party started. Isaac noticed what Tara was wearing and bit back a smile as he even managed to squeeze his big butt between the two on the couch. I relaxed and enjoyed my night with my friends, and tried not to kill Tara.
Hades' soft bark woke me up. I looked over the edge of the bed. Hades was at my door, scratching. I checked my alarm clock. It was only 2:27 am. Maybe he needed to go out? Still rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I opened the door. Hades raced into the hall and down the stairs, barking and growling the whole way. Okay, that wasn't normal. I followed Hades down the stairs and turned on the light for the great room. Hades was at the back door, still growling, his entire body was tense. Something was wrong. I turned on the backyard light and looked out the glass of the French doors. There was nothing out there except falling snow and pine trees. Hades stopped growling, but kept pacing along the door. I looked down at him and saw it. My stomach dropped. There were footprints in the carpet of untouched snow. They came up to the back door then left into the tree line. My heart slammed in my chest as I checked the door. The deadbolt was locked. Dread filled me as I backed away from the glass. When Hades calmed down, I relaxed. I went to my coat, got my phone, and took photos out the door. I’d show them to Rory tomorrow. There was no reason to freak him out now.
“Come on, Hades. Let’s go to bed,” I said quietly, a knot in my stomach. I went back to bed, after I shut off the light, closed my bedroom door. Tonight, I locked it. I went to bed, and curled up with Hades.
Chapter 10
Wednesday
Those footprints were on my mind as I drove to the Cemetery the next morning. I hadn’t seen Rory yet, but I was going to show him those pictures the minute I did. I pulled into the cemetery and found where a group of ghosts waited. I hopped out and approached them.
“Okay, who’s first today?” I asked, cheerfully. Carl Mason stepped forward. He was wearing work pants, a dirty t-shirt, and work boots. The only thing missing was the helmet. His friendly face was smiling. I smiled back. He’d been waiting a long time. “Alright Carl, just stand there and be passive alright?” He nodded with a big smile on his face. I took off my bracelets and put them into my pocket.
I looked at Carl and felt how much he wanted to move on. I focused on feeling that need. That golden thread formed and gently wrapped around his wrist. He looked at me and smiled happily. I closed my eyes and dropped to my center with Carl. It didn’t hurt as much as last time, but I still felt it. We were under that golden sky almost instantly. I didn’t say a word as I took his hand and focused on where I wanted to be in the Veil. We shot across the sand and stopped exactly where I had pictured. Yay, I wasn’t going to throw someone into the pit on accident!
Carl was gasping as he looked around. I pulled that thread back, let go of his hand, and stepped away.
“Why does it look like this?” He asked, stunned. I gave him a warm smile.
“Someone fucked with the Veil, and I’m trying to fix it,” I said bluntly. He nodded.
“It looks like it,” He admitted.
“Carl, I can’t make you cross,” I began, just as I had with Herbert. “You have two choices, either cross over or be removed from existence.” His gaze shot to me. “It’s your choice. I can’t make it for you.”
“What... what about God? Purgatory?” He asked, his voice shaking.
“I have no clue. I only know that if you cross over, you’ll find out,” I said gently. He looked around the Veil. This time I spotted a golden ball of light come down from the Way. When it reached the ground, it formed a door. It opened. A little girl around four years old with pigtails and a smile was on the other side at a playground.
“Daisy,” Carl gasped. Tears feel down his face instantly. That’s when I knew, when I felt it. She was his daughter. Carl sank to his knees as he watched her in disbelief. My heart ached for him, to lose your own child... I couldn’t imagine. I didn’t have to, I could feel his pain. It was soul crushing.
“She’s waiting, Carl,” I reminded him gently. “She’s been waiting for you. Don’t make her wait anymore.” Carl nodded.
“Thank you,” He whispered.
“You’re welcome,” I said quietly as he headed for the door. His appearance didn’t change as he crossed but he pulled his little girl into his arms and sobbed. The door closed and changed to two balls of light that shot into the Way. I wiped my face and looked around the ground. There was a small white daisy pushing its way up through the dirt, I couldn’t help but smile. I closed my eyes and pulled myself out.
I opened my eyes and im
mediately grabbed my tissues. I held them to my nose as the other ghosts watched.
“He’s crossed. I’ll be back later tonight for the next one,” I promised. They all looked relieved. I jumped into the Blazer and drove to school. I met the guys at our usual table, everyone but Zeke was there. Miles eyes ran over me as soon as I got there.
“How did it go?” Miles asked.
“Great, I managed to get Carl Mason to cross,” I said, smiling. The others relaxed. I shot them a look. “Did you guys really doubt me?” They all instantly denied it. I shook my head as Isaac’s gaze went over my shoulder.
“Zeke, you look like shit,” Isaac announced. I turned. Zeke’s face was pale and sweaty, his eyes were half closed as he stopped at the table and leaned against it.
“I’m fine,” He growled his body shook as he broke out into wet coughs. I heard the crap in his lungs. That was so not fine. I reached up and felt his cheek with the back of my hand, the fact he didn’t push me away alone was enough to worry me. If that didn’t, his hot skin against my fingers did.
“Zeke, you’re burning up,” I said as I moved my hand to cup his face. He was hot to the touch, he shook his head.
“It’s just the flu,” He grumbled wearily as he held my hand to his cheek. “Your hand is freezing.”
“And it feels good, doesn't it?” I asked, pointedly. He eyed me, his eyes bright. “That means you have a fever, Tough Guy.” He moved my hand away from his face.
“I... it’s just hot out...”
“It’s January. You’re going home, Zeke,” Miles ordered, his voice telling him not to argue. It was rare to hear that from Miles. Zeke sent Miles his ‘don’t fuck with me’ glare, it surprised me.
“I’m not sick. I’m fine,” He snarled. Pushing away from the table, he turned to walk down out of the courtyard and into a hallway. We were all one step behind him.
“You can’t even walk in a straight line!” Ethan shot at him. Zeke flipped him off over his shoulder.
“Come on, I’ll make you Maria’s soup if you go home,” Asher tried.
“Fuck off,” He snapped. Isaac moved around him to stop him.
“I’ll take you home now and Ethan will bring your jeep home for you,” Isaac offered. Zeke just shoved him out of the way. Isaac cursed as he hit the lockers. Even sick, Zeke was a strong guy.
“Lexie?” Miles whispered to me.
“On it.” I moved around Zeke. I put my hand on his chest; he stopped dead. He looked down at me.
“Zeke, you are sick,” My voice was hard and had an edge to it. “I’m not fucking around here. You are going home now.” He blinked at me, opening his mouth as if to deny it. I held up two fingers. “How many fingers am I holding up?” I demanded. He looked at my fingers and blinked. That wasn’t good.
“Three,” He offered. Shit, how high was his fever?
“Two.” I dropped my fingers, reached up and held his chin so he had to look at me.
“You are sick, and I am taking you home now. Even if I have to pull you by your ear, you hear me?” He exhaled hard and I heard the crap rattle in his chest again. He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth.
“I hear ya,” He bit out through clenched teeth. I held out my hand.
“Give me your keys, I’ll drive you home in your Jeep.” I softened my voice, trying to be soothing. He sighed, but ended up coughing again. He dug into his jeans then handed them over. I pulled mine out and handed them to Ethan. “I’ll stay with him. Can you bring my Blazer over after school?”
“Of course.” Ethan eyed him. “You sure you want to stay with him? He’s even more of an asshole when he’s sick,” Tough Guy glared at Ethan like he wanted to kill him. I wrapped my hand around the back of Zeke’s tricep and started pulling him down the hall.
“I’m not worried about it,” I assured him. He weaved into me, making me stumble a couple steps. Asher caught up and grabbed his other arm, Zeke tried to jerk away from him.
“Zeke, if you drop, Ally can’t get you back up,” Asher pointed out. “I’m just getting you to the Jeep.” Zeke cursed under his breath but when Asher grabbed his arm, he didn’t pull away again. Asher helped steady him as we started down the hall. Miles walked beside me.
“I’ll pick up medicine and some groceries,” Miles’ voice was quiet, as if he didn’t want Zeke to hear him. I couldn’t blame him, Zeke was cursing the whole way out to the parking lot.
“Thanks, and please pick up lots of orange juice. If he has the fever I think he does, he’ll be craving it,” I said in a low voice. He nodded as we reached the parking lot. Miles headed towards his car as I walked faster to unlock the passenger side of the Jeep. Zeke bitched as he got in and shut the door. I sighed then grinned up at Asher. “Thanks Ash.” He nodded, his face worried.
“I’ll follow you. You might need help getting him in the house,” He said absently, watching Zeke lean his head back and close his eyes.
“Thank you,” I chimed in my cutesy voice. Asher snorted then grinned down at me. Worried about Zeke, I moved around the Jeep, threw my bag in back, and climbed in. I had to slide the seat forward, Zeke had freaking long legs. I started the Jeep then looked at him and realized he hadn’t put his seat belt on. “Zeke, seatbelt,” I ordered. He growled as he buckled in. I headed towards his house with Zeke bitching under his breath the whole way. “I know Tough Guy, I’m a bitch, I know.”
“Didn’t say that,” He muttered, his eyes still closed. I smiled.
“It’s for your own good, Zeke.” He flipped me off. “Love you too,” I grinned. It wasn’t long before I pulled up to Zeke’s house. I shut off the Jeep and moved around to the passenger side. He opened the door, put his feet on the ground, and heaved himself to his feet. He instantly caught himself against the Jeep. I reached out to steady him as much as I could. Asher shut off his truck then hurried over. He took my spot and wrapped Zeke’s arm over his shoulders.
“Come on buddy, let’s not drop your fat ass on Ally, huh? You’d crush her,” Asher’s voice was matter of fact as Zeke leaned against him. I hurried to the door to unlock it. By the time they got there, I had it open and Zeke was mumbling under his breath again. Something about a pain in the ass short girl and orders, I smirked and assumed he meant me. Asher helped me get Zeke’s jacket off then he helped Zeke down the hallway. I pulled off my coat, hung it up, and followed. Zeke was sitting on the side of his bed, sweating heavily and out of breath. Asher helped him take off his shoes while I felt Zeke’s forehead. He was roasting.
“Zeke, we need to get you cooled off,” I said gently. I started to pull his shirt up to take it off him. He didn’t realize it until I had it up to his ribs. I was trying to ignore those muscled lines when his hands knocked mine away.
“Don’t,” He growled.
“Zeke, you are sweating. We need to get you into something cooler,” I kept my voice gentle and soothing. My hands went to his shirt again. He grabbed my hands, his grip hard, his fevered eyes met mine.
“No,” His voice was hard this time. It took me a second to remember why. My chest burned.
“Zeke, you told me about the scar tissue, remember?” I said softly. Asher finished taking his shoes off and straightened. “I’m not going to ask questions, I just want to get you cooled down.” An edge of panic slipped into his eyes.
“Zeke, you’re changing,” Asher snapped. “Now either she can help you or I will. But you’re changing into cooler clothes. Now who’s it going to be?” Zeke took a breath that sent him into another coughing fit. His hands never left mine.
“Asher,” He growled when he finally had his breath back. I let his shirt drop back down to his waist. I didn’t care if it was Asher or me, I just wanted him comfortable. I gave him a small, understanding smile. He let go of my hands, glaring at the door. I looked up to Asher.
“I’ll go find the thermometer,” I told him, before heading into the hall and closing the door behind me.
In the bathroom, I started looking through the dra
wers and cabinets. I found a simple electric thermometer. I pulled a washcloth out of the towel cabinet and got it wet. Shouting started coming from Zeke’s bedroom.
“I’ll bring Ally back in here to help you if you don’t knock it off!” Asher’s voice made me smile. He was threatening Zeke with me? That was funny as hell, not the reason why, but just that it was happening. I was wringing out the washcloth when Asher opened the door. Zeke was sitting on the side of the bed, still sweating and still cursing. He was wearing black mesh shorts that reached his knees and a black crew neck sleeveless shirt. Asher walked into the hall, his face angry. “He’s all yours, Ally. I’ll be in the kitchen or I’m going to hit him.” Asher’s voice was hard as he walked down the hall. Wow. What did Zeke say? I moved into Zeke’s room and touched his shoulder. His eyes opened, he looked up at me, not all there.
“Open your mouth, Tough Guy. I need to take your temp.” My voice was soft and soothing again. Zeke grumbled but did as I asked. I put the thermometer in, he closed his mouth then his eyes. I put the wet washcloth across the back of his neck. He groaned in his throat. He lowered his head until his forehead was resting against my upper stomach. Surprised, I ran my fingers through his hair and rubbed his neck gently. His hands were hot as they rested on the outside of my legs, just above my knees. He must really feel like shit. When the thermometer beeped, he didn’t move. I leaned back a little to see his face and take it out of his mouth. It read 103. “Shit.” I ran my fingers down his face to get his attention. He grumbled. “Zeke. Lay down. You’ve got a high fever.” He made grumbly noises as he pulled away to flop on to his bed. He groaned. “I’m getting you some more wet washcloths. I want to cool you down as much as I can,” I told him before I went into the bathroom and hurried to bring them back to him. I put one on his forehead, another on the front of his throat, and one on the inside of each forearm. Zeke looked like he passed out. I left him alone, hoping that Miles would get here soon with something for a fever. I walked down the hallway and into the kitchen where Asher was looking at the fridge. “He’s got a temp of 103.” His eyebrows went up.
When To Fear The Living Page 18