Sinner Reborn

by Morgan Kelley

  But she had to see for herself.

  Maybe she was a glutton for punishment.

  Allowing the voices to take over, Avalon gave Nate a taste of what lived in her. “You took this job to die because you’re done with life and all it has to offer.”

  He stared at her. Maura had warned him, but if Avalon thought this would make him bolt, she was very wrong. “Yes, you’re right. I did.”

  “The darkness scares you, and you hope that when it devours you whole, you’ll have earned your way into the peace. All you want, Nathaniel Christian Carter, is that silence. After all you’ve seen, done, and sacrificed, you only want to escape it in one piece.”

  If she was trying to freak him out, it wasn’t working. He’d remembered the dreams. Since finding her, there was calm. Whatever was chasing him couldn’t reach him as long as she was there. To him, this little test of her gifts was worth it.

  “I won’t lie. You’re right. I was burning out. I’d seen babies, kids, women, and innocent people die. It became a burden, so I was offered this long term assignment, and I took it. I didn't think I’d meet you. If you want to scare me, this isn't the way to do it.” The only way Avalon could really terrify him was if she disappeared. He’d found something with her, and while he wasn’t psychic, he had that feeling in his gut.

  This was important.

  She was important.

  After all they shared, Avalon knew it was time. He wanted truth, and she was going to give it to him. Yes, they’d shared one night together, but from here on out, it had to be his choice.

  “No one wanted me, Nathaniel. I’m a freak. When this is over, I’m going to die.”

  He dropped the spoon in his hand. “No, you’re not. I wish you’d stop saying that. I’m not going to let you die.”

  She didn't reply.

  Instead, she crossed to him, and when she did, Avalon was visibly agitated. There were worry lines in the middle of her brow, and she was wringing her hands.

  “You wanted the truth, and I’ll give it to you if you keep my secret. I don’t want Maura to know. She carries enough weight on her shoulders.”

  He stared at her. “Avalon.”

  “I’m asking as the woman you slept with, not the one you’re being paid to protect.”

  “You’re more than the job, Avalon. I’ll give up the paycheck in a heartbeat if that’s what it takes for you to believe me.”

  “I want your word, Nathaniel, and nothing else.”

  He didn't know what to do.

  His gut and heart were warring. He suspected if he chose work over her, he was going to lose that bond they were building. It was tenuous at best, and he needed more time to ensure she’d be by his side for a long time.

  “Decide.”

  “I won’t tell anyone.”

  “He’s going to find us, and he’s going to kill me. I’ve seen my death, and it’s brutal. He hates me, and I’m not going to survive what’s coming.”

  What she didn't tell him was she’d sacrifice herself for the people she’d come to care for. She’d die for him.

  “When he gets me, I’m dead. It’s only a matter of time before it happens. Fate already has it in her book, and you can’t erase something written in blood. ”

  He came around the counter to take her by the arms. A part of him wanted to shake her. Nate wanted to stop her from saying the things that were coming out of her mouth. “I won’t let you die.”

  She’d watched it play out. “You will. I’m not called Oracle for shits and giggles, Nathaniel. I was given this name for the simple fact that I prophesize. What I’m telling you isn't a joke. It’s the truth. It’s coming, and nothing you can do will hold it back.” Avalon knew not even love could save her.

  Nate hated this.

  It made him sick.

  Avalon pulled away, crossing back into the small living room. “It’s not something you can protect me from, Nathaniel. You need to accept it. At least, when this is all over, I’ll be released. The cage will open, and I’ll finally be free.”

  He moved toward her, and she was shaking. Instead of arguing further, he wrapped his arms around her, his hand finding a way to the tattoo on the nape of her neck. For some reason, it brought him comfort. Touching it reminded him of her previous words.

  They were a matched set.

  The beginning and the end.

  “What will help calm you?” he asked, wanting to slow her pounding heart. He could feel it thumping in her chest as she was pressed against him.

  “Music works. It always calms me.”

  He thought about where he could find some, and then he had an idea. Out of his pocket, he pulled his earbuds and phone. Plugging them in, he stared down into her lovely face. “Dance with me?”

  “I’ve never danced before. I don’t know how.”

  Nate realized there were so many things she’d never had the luxury of doing, and he longed to rectify that. If what she said was true, he wanted to give her this.

  “I’ll show you. Lean against me, and let me lead. You’ll pick it up.”

  Avalon’s heart flipped in her chest. “I’d really like that, Nathaniel.”

  He slipped one bud into her ear, and the other into his. While the music began, he held her in his arms, and they began swaying to the beat. Somewhere in the middle of the one song, they both got lost. He leaned down to meet her mouth with his own.

  The kiss was sweet.

  Gentle.

  And a vow of sorts.

  “I won’t let you die. I need you, Avalon. I don’t fear you. I care about you,” he whispered against her mouth.

  It was all truth.

  Nate could feel it to the depths of his body.

  She rested her head on his shoulder. “I love you, Nate. No matter what happens, when this is all over, please know that my soul was meant for yours. I believe it to the smallest fiber of my being.”

  He held her, astounded at how easily she handed him those words. What he wanted was to say the words back, but he couldn’t. They were locked in his chest. She was special, but he was confused.

  That was a total lie.

  He was scared.

  She did terrify him, but not because of her gift. Nathaniel Carter was afraid he’d finally love someone, only to lose them. Her words would come true, and she’d end up like the countless victims he’d stared down at over the years.

  If she was right, he’d suffer.

  So, he opted to hold that one little piece back.

  It was like armor for his heart. With it, he might have a chance of protecting himself if they failed to keep Avalon safe.

  Together, they swayed.

  Nathaniel held her in his arms, praying she was wrong. As they slowly danced, time seemed to ebb away. Avalon’s body stayed firmly against his as her arms wrapped around his waist. When her chilly fingers found warmth under his shirt against his flesh, he wasn’t cold but warmed even more.

  He wanted her.

  Broken, scared, and dangerous, he didn't care.

  Nathaniel Carter wanted this woman more than anything in his life.

  As he was about to suggest they head to the couch, he heard the stomp of boots on the porch.

  They weren’t alone.

  When the door behind him opened, he didn't even look. It wasn’t until Luke’s laughter began that he finally glanced over.

  “What?”

  “Dancing, huh?” Luke stated. “You’re such a girl.”

  Nate didn't know if he should be embarrassed or not. He’d never done this with anyone. Most of the women he’d spent time with were bed buddies, but Avalon was different. He wanted to woo her, romance her, and give the woman all he had.

  Nate wanted to make her feel special, replacing all the pain she’d experienced her entire life. While he couldn’t say the words, he still felt them in his heart.

  “Shut up, Luke,” he stated, giving him a look.

  Maura was about to intervene when Avalon stepped in and took control. She p
ulled Nate’s head closer to her mouth to whisper in his ear.

  He grinned.

  “What?” Luke said, wanting to be part of the secret. His partner had a wicked looking smile on his face, and that meant something was up.

  “You don’t want to know,” Nate said laughing.

  “Yes, I do.”

  “Are you sure?” Nate warned.

  “Hell yes!”

  Nate shrugged. “Avalon merely mentioned that there were ticks in that cave, and you’ve got them. Good luck getting them out of your hair.”

  Luke looked horrified, and rushed from the room toward the bathroom. When Maura headed past the woman, she offered her a fist bump.

  “Good one, Oracle,” she teased.

  “Well, I don’t like anyone torturing Nathaniel, even if it’s only good natured.” If he was going to protect her, then she’d do the same.

  Nate dropped a kiss to the crown of her head. In that moment, his mind was made up. He had to save her, no matter what the cost. Beneath it all, she had feelings, emotions, and a heart.

  “Dinner will be ready in a little bit,” Nate said, grinning at Maura. “We’re going to need to discuss supplies. We’re not going to be able to survive on freeze dried soup and water purification tablets.”

  “I’ll handle it tomorrow. Right now, I have to de-tick my fiancé,” she stated, all the while laughing. “It shouldn’t take long.”

  They watched her follow after Luke.

  “Want to help me cook?” he asked Avalon, kissing the top of her hand.

  “Really? You want my help?”

  “Yes, I do.”

  She blinked at him as if trying to measure his words for the truth. “Actually, I’d love to.”

  “It’s a date.”

  Her heart skipped at his words. “Thank you, Nathaniel.”

  She didn't need to say the words. He’d already decided that if she was right, Avalon deserved some happiness. Besides, she would be at his side, and that meant one thing.

  He could keep her safe.

  * * * C a r t e r - G a i n e s * * *

  Fredricksville

  Ten P.M.

  Watching the house had been one hell of a bust. Nothing was happening outside Sarah Miller’s home, so Jagger called it a night. He was pretty sure everyone was tucked in all safe and sound.

  Her car was outside and all the lights were off. Maybe she called it an early night.

  So, his instinct told him to head out.

  In the morning, he’d head back and play watch dog if his team wanted him there. He’d been going on very little sleep, and he needed to catch a few hours in the sac. Granted, he’d gone longer without sleep, but why not get it when you could. You never knew what the new day would bring. Sleep and food were always a welcome sight.

  Everything seemed peaceful for the moment, so he could head back to the cottage. In all honesty, this job beat being in a militarized zone with snipers taking shots at you or having to head in to extricate a team who got in over their heads.

  This case was a cake walk, and he was enjoying it. While the detective was a hard ass, the doctor wasn’t. She reminded Jagger of his mother. Callista Gaines definitely had that mothering instinct going on, and he appreciated that. It was something that was lacking from his life.

  When he finally arrived back at their cottage, he snuck around back and though the kitchen door. Locking it behind him, he knew what he really wanted.

  A beer.

  Heading toward the fridge, he reached in and twisted off the cap. When he went to toss it into the trash, he missed.

  Bending over to grab it, that’s when he saw the telltale sign that he wasn’t alone.

  A red laser sight crossed the room, just over his head. Had he been standing, he would have been tagged.

  This wasn’t good.

  No, this was a shit mess in the making.

  Staying low, he stared out into the living room. He saw another beam scanning the inside from the nearest window.

  They had company.

  It looked like the ex-military assholes had found their hidey hole.

  This sucked!

  Jagger knew what he needed to do. Upstairs, the two people slept, and he needed to get to them. Staying calm, he decided to make his move. Up the stairs he crept, not making any noise. From the look of it, they were going to have two visitors, and soon. If the men outside were scoping the place, they had minutes before they entered the dwelling.

  This didn't leave them much time. Once they cleared the downstairs, they would be coming in. They had to move fast.

  Outside Quinn and Callie’s door, he lightly tapped.

  “Jagger?” came Quinn’s voice.

  He stuck his head in. “We have a big problem. We have company, and they’re using laser sights and probably night vision.”

  Quinn was up and out of bed as fast as possible. He threw on his jeans and tugged on his boots.

  “We can handle them. Callie you need to stay here.”

  Jagger shook his head. “No. This is my thing. I need you two out of here. A mile away is a blue car. I ‘borrowed’ it,” he stated, tossing Quinn the keys as Callie dressed. “I know the doctor told me not to steal vehicles, but I don’t listen well. Get to the all night coffee shop and wait for me there.”

  “There’s no way I’m letting you handle this alone,” Quinn stated, checking the clip in his gun.

  Just then, they heard the faint breaking of glass. If they’d been asleep, they’d never have heard it.

  “You have to let me handle this. We’re in my world now. This is my thing. I will play in the dark with them. You’re a detective. Your job is very different than mine. Let me do what I do best. There’s a tree outside this window. Scale it, and get the hell out of here.”

  Quinn was torn, but then he saw his wife.

  She was pregnant.

  Jagger was right.

  “You have ninety minutes, and I’m coming back,” he stated.

  The man grinned. “At this rate, I’ll be at the coffee shop well before you. Hustle up!”

  Quinn threw up the window and climbed out. It wasn’t lost on him that this wasn’t Callie’s and his first tree climbing escapade. He didn't like it the last time they found themselves in a tree outside a burning building, and he didn't like the idea that his pregnant wife was about to be in one again.

  “Be safe, Jagger. We’ll see you for an early breakfast,” Callie stated. “Don’t be late.”

  He saluted her with two fingers. “Yes, ma’am. Now go.”

  Jagger watched them climb to the ground, and then race into the trees. It occurred to him that the two visitors must be inside the house, and no one was watching the outside. That was going to work to his advantage.

  Creeping to his room, he could hear them walking around. They weren’t exactly ghosts. They were strolling through the house like bulls in a china shop. No wonder they weren’t in the military anymore.

  They sucked at their jobs.

  He relaxed as he pulled out his gun. He needed to find a way to get to them, one by one. If he could stop them, he’d be fine.

  Heading back to Quinn and Callie’s room, he had a plan. Climbing out the window, he quietly moved to the ground. Once there, he found the area they entered the house and used their own method of entrance to stalk them.

  Yes, he’d been right.

  There were two, and right now, they were digging through all their paperwork. Callie had left it on the coffee table, and they were searching for something.

  Curious.

  If he was doing this job, he wouldn’t be playing with papers. He’d be neutralizing the house’s inhabitants first.

  That was going to be their mistake.

  Now that they’d seen their papers, he couldn’t let them leave.

  Picking up a rock, he heaved it at the upstairs window. It shattered it, making a lot of noise. Both men inside stopped.

  The bigger one signaled to the other man to head upstairs. H
e used the common military hand gestures, and that meant Jagger could understand him.

  Novices…

  When they divided up, Jagger headed around back to the kitchen. He knew that would be the quietest way to enter, so he did just that. Then, he left the door open, so his company would think that someone had snuck out.

  Little did they know the opposite would be true. Jagger was betting the second the one man saw the door open, he wouldn’t clear the room. That’s when he’d attack.

  To get someone’s attention, he tossed a spoon into the sink.

  It sounded like gunfire going off, even though in actuality, it wasn’t really that loud.

  There was a pause from the other room, and then the laser sight appeared, scanning the kitchen. Jagger stayed tucked out of the way beside the refrigerator.

  When the man entered, he did exactly what Jagger expected. He cursed softly, and then headed toward the back door. That’s when Jagger stepped out and did what he had to do. Taking the man’s head in his hands, he quickly twisted, breaking his neck.

  He was dead before he even hit the floor.

  The papers the man had tucked into his pocket were recovered and shoved into Jagger’s. Now, he only had to deal with the second man, and he could head out.

  Now he only hoped the better soldier had been eradicated first. The last thing he wanted was a gun fight.

  Before he headed upstairs, he could hear the other ex-soldier moving around. Jagger wasn’t worried. Picking up the dead man’s earpiece, he shoved it into place. He could hear the secondary visitor breathing.

  This was going to work to his advantage.

  “There’s no one up here,” soldier number two whispered over the com. “I’m coming down.”

  Jagger grabbed the man’s gun and headed toward the staircase. He’d hide behind the couch to give the man a little surprise.

  When the intruder headed down the stairs, he pointed the laser sight at him.

  Instantly, the man laughed. “Knock it off, Rick.”

  When it didn't move, the smile slowly slipped from his face.

  “Who sent you?” Jagger asked, keeping the little red dot on his forehead.