She hesitated. “Because you’d be good. Incredibly good.”
I turned towards her. “Why do you think that?”
“You’ve been doing the job for years already.” She smiled a small smile. “Talking to the dead, helping them tell their story or simply realize they’re dead. You’ve been acting as a Reaper for some time now. Being a Reaper is about compassion. True, pure compassion for another soul. It’s a rare trait in a person.”
I shook my head. “Is that all you do? Talk to them?”
She shifted on the couch. “Most of the time we find a soul that’s lost and deliver them to the Veil. We simply help them find their way.”
“Then why couldn’t the dead cross with the Veil shut?” I asked, moving to the couch to sit on the arm again.
She sighed. “Because we couldn’t find it. Normally it’s a beacon of light to us, but whatever was done blocked that light.”
“So, the dead saw me as the Veil?” I asked.
She nodded. “Necromancers are tied to the dead. They always look like small beacons of light. Only, once you linked to the Veil you became as bright as the sun to them.”
I shoved my hand through my hair. “That explains why they all came here.”
Her brow furrowed. “Shoot.” She got to her feet. “I have to go. I had hoped we’d have more time together.”
“Thank you, for the books,” I said.
A mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. That would be against the rules.”
I smiled. Between one blink and the next, she disappeared.
I was still sitting there in the dark an hour later, my mind racing over the situation. I had already promised Ethan and I would not go back on my promise. She wanted me as a Reaper for some reason, and that gave me leverage. Maybe I could use it, a bargaining chip so I could have a normal life and not leave Ethan alone?
Chapter 11
It was the morning of Miles’ dad’s funeral, so I made a point to make sure I was presentable. A charcoal sheath dress that hit my knees, black pumps, and my black coat rounded out my outfit. It was classic and respectful.
When it was time to go, I knocked softly on Miles’ door.
“Come in,” he called, his voice quiet.
I opened the door and found him staring at himself in the mirror on the back of the bathroom door. He was in a smart black three-piece suit and white dress shirt.
As I watched, he finished tying his tie and met my gaze in the mirror. “It’s time?”
I nodded.
Miles took a deep breath and moved into the hall. We walked beside one another, his cold hand in mine. “Stay with me today?”
“Of course.” I squeezed his hand as we reached the top of the stairs.
The guys were waiting for us at the bottom, each of them in black trousers, matching jacket, and tie, though Asher’s shirt was blue, Ethan’s was red, and Isaac’s was green. They were all so handsome. Even Zeke was dressed up in a black button down, black tie and slacks.
There was a weighted silence that hung over all of us.
Miles looked at each of them with warmth in his eyes. He opened his mouth to say something, then seemed to think better of it.
“The car’s here,” Asher murmured before he led the way out to the long black limo that was sitting in the gravel drive.
One of the bodyguards sat in front with the driver as each of us slid across the lush leather seating. No one said a word as the limo moved slowly down the gravel driveway. Miles’ gaze was dull and expressionless as he looked out the window at the passing trees.
“What church are we going to?” Isaac asked.
“I-I don’t know.” Miles blinked and turned to me. “Lexie?”
“Um, we’re not. We’re having it at the funeral home,” I answered. “Was that okay?”
Miles nodded before turning to look out the window again. His hand tightened on mine.
What did you say at a time like this? I didn’t know, so I simply squeezed his hand gently.
When we arrived there was already a crowd on the front steps. Miles instantly began to tap his fingers against his leg.
“Driver? Could you please pull around the back?” I asked.
“Sure,” he answered as he drove past the crowd.
“I didn’t realize there would be so many people,” I said. I mean, I sent out the invites and all, but I never expected this many.
Miles sighed. “He had a multi-billion-dollar corporation. Of course all the heads would make an appearance. Social events like this are good for business.” His voice was laced with bitterness.
“Luckily we’re not doing a wake after this.” I had seriously misjudged the crowd.
The car stopped.
After filing out of the limo, we made our way through the back door and into a small room occupied by the minister and an older woman.
Asher moved towards him. “We’re sorry to intrude. This is Miles Huntington, his father’s funeral is today, and the front of the building was a bit overwhelming.”
The minister’s face softened with understanding. “Of course. You’re not the first person seeking a respite from the crowd today.”
The woman turned to us, her mouth dropping open. “Miles?”
Miles’ entire body went rigid, the shock of whoever this was rolling off him in waves as his hand crushed mine. “Mother?”
“Holy shit,” Zeke muttered.
“Fuck me …” Isaac breathed.
Miles’ mother had a sweet oval face and large brown eyes. She went to him and pulled his tense body into her arms. “I’m so sorry I haven’t been here.” She pulled back to look at his face, tears streaming down her cheeks, smudging her eyeliner.
The minister slipped out the door.
“I thought you were dead.” Miles shook his head, his jaw flexing.
“I know.” She wiped her face. “I wanted to call every day.”
“Then why didn’t you? You couldn’t have let me know you were alive?” Miles’ voice grew colder.
I wrapped my other hand around Miles’ bicep.
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Miles.” She shook her head as more tears fell. “I only wanted to keep you safe.”
He scoffed. “Safe? Here, alone? Thinking you abandoned me or wondering if you had died?”
She shook her head, regret etched across her face. “It was the only way.”
“So, you were just hiding out somewhere?” Asher asked, gaping at her. Hell, we all were. I think we all assumed she was dead.
She nodded, never taking her eyes off Miles. “Your father decided to clean up his businesses. He warned me what he was about to do would anger a lot of people, so I ran.”
And left Miles. My lip curled in disgust at her selfishness. This wasn’t about me. It was about Miles. I was here for him.
Miles turned to me, eyes filled with sadness and longing. I cupped his cheek to reassure him that he wasn’t alone. Not anymore. He turned back to his mother, squaring his shoulders with his head held high. “You need to leave, Mom.”
She frowned. “What?”
“I can’t explain, but the situation in town isn’t good. You need to leave. Now,” Miles stated.
She shook her head. “I’m not going any—”
“Mother, this is for your own good. Please?” Miles all but pleaded.
Emotions warred across her face until she eventually nodded. “Come with me?”
He shook his head. “I can’t.”
I reached out and took his hand again. “Yeah, you can, Miles.”
His head snapped around. He scowled at me. “I won’t leave you here.”
“Who is this?” his mother asked, her gaze going over me for the first time. I lifted my chin as she continued her assessment of me.
Miles’ hand squeezed mine. “Mother, this is my girlfriend Lexie. Lexie, this is Deborah.”
I met her gaze. “Nice to finally meet you.”
She blinked a
t me in an oddly Miles-like way. “You too.” She turned back to Miles. “But leaving?”
“Just trust me,” Miles stated. “Leave before anyone sees you.”
She swallowed hard and nodded. “I’ll call you when I land. I expect a full explanation.”
I barely bit back the urge to ask where hers was. She looked over Miles one more time before walking out the back door.
Miles let out a deep breath, his shoulders sagging in what looked like relief. “She’s alive.”
“I didn’t expect that,” Zeke muttered.
“I know.” Facing him, I held Miles’ hand with both of mine. Zeke put his hand on Miles’ shoulder. Asher pressed against Miles’ other side. Isaac and Ethan stepped closer, filling in the circle surrounding Miles. We didn’t say a word. We were just there for him. This was family. Our family.
The interior door opened as the minister stuck his head inside. “Are you ready to begin?”
* * *
The funeral was a funeral. People got up and talked about how wonderful and kind Arthur Huntington was. How great of a boss he was, how he had a sharp business sense. No one really knew the real him, and it showed.
Miles stayed in his seat as tears streamed down his face. I kept his hand in mine as people droned on and on. Eventually, it was time to walk up there and say goodbye.
Miles’ grip grew tight as we got to our feet. I stayed beside him as we reached the casket.
Miles took a shaky breath as he looked down at his father.
The guys moved around him, blocking him from sight of the crowd. Mr. Huntington looked just like he had in life. Only different. The relaxation of the muscles made it clear he was gone. His designer suit seemed to fit him perfectly. His hands were folded on his waist as if he were sleeping, but there was a stillness that came with death.
“We’re here,” Asher whispered.
“He’s really gone,” Miles said, his voice cracking.
“Yeah,” Zeke said in a low voice. “And it’s okay to mourn the good.”
Miles nodded. “I-I-I need some air.”
The guys parted. Miles dropped my hand then quickly walked away from the casket and down the side aisle. We followed him into the entryway.
His eyes were closed, and he was taking deep breaths. “I just need a minute.”
“Take all the time you need.” I moved to his side again. “The rest can wait.”
“Yeah.” Isaac stuck his hands in the pockets of his slacks.
“He bought me my first telescope,” Miles rasped as he stared at the floor.
“Really?” I didn’t know what else to say.
“He got me into physics.” Miles wiped his face and shook his head. “I can’t believe this. I’m crying for an abusive son of a—”
“Remember the good, mourn that,” I reminded him.
He glared at the doors to the chapel. “Imagine if they all knew what he was really like. How manipulative he was.” He shook his head. “They wouldn’t be here then.”
“Do you want them to know?” I asked softly.
His bloodshot, red-rimmed eyes meet mine.
I pointed at the door. “If you do, I will go up to that microphone and tell them all what he did to your mother. What he put you both through.” I’d do anything to make this better for him.
The tension in his shoulders eased.
“That would clear it out,” Isaac mused.
“Probably cause a stampede at the door.” Ethan tilted his head at the chapel doors. “The freaking mayor is in there. Imagine the scramble to save his image.”
“We could film it,” Asher added.
The corners of Miles’ lips lifted. He shook his head and turned to me. “Thank you, but no. I shouldn’t put that on you.”
I shrugged. “It’s really not a problem. I usually tell people they’re assholes while they’re alive, no reason I can’t when they’re dead.”
Miles let out a soft chuckle.
The doors opened. Several large men in suits came into the entryway.
Miles immediately straightened his spine and moved a little in front of me. “Mr. Rossi.”
The man in the center bowed his head a little. “Miles. I’m sorry for your loss.”
“I bet,” Zeke muttered under his breath.
Mr. Rossi’s focus stayed on Miles. “I just wanted to make you aware that your family is in the clear, but if you needed anything in the future, you’d be more than welcome to give us a call.”
Was he going to do as he said and not use his father’s contacts anymore? Had he changed his mind? My stomach churned as Miles cleared his throat.
“I don’t think that will be necessary,” Miles said as he reached behind him and took my hand. “I have very specific plans for my future.”
Relief flooded me as I clung to his warm hand.
Mr. Rossi glanced at me then back to Miles with a small smile. “I understand. We’ll take our leave now.”
Mr. Rossi and his men filed out and down the steps.
Everyone let out a deep breath.
“So, that was …” I didn’t even have it in me to say.
“Yeah.” Miles turned to me. “They won’t contact me again.”
I nodded. Miles had firmly shut down their offer. Thank God. He turned to me, adjusting his tie.
I gave him a warm smile. “I’m proud of you. That couldn’t have been easy.”
The signs of strain around his eyes softened as he squeezed my fingers. “With the right motivation it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be.”
Asher looked through the window in the door to the chapel. “Are you ready to go back inside?”
Miles took a deep breath and led us back through the door.
It wasn’t long before we were following the casket down the center aisle. Miles held his head high as we reached the steps to the funeral home.
We stood with Miles in the receiving line, thanking everyone for coming. Several asked Miles how he was doing, and he gave them all vague answers. By the time we were done, the hearse had already driven off and the crowd was dispersing.
I sighed in relief. It was over. There wasn’t a graveside service planned, so we could go home.
We were walking down the steps when a woman shoved her way through the crowd. Her hair was mussed. Her eyes beet red. Her suit rumpled. Clay Ordin’s mother looked as if she’d had a few rough days.
“You!” Victoria Ordin pointed a shaking finger at me. “You little witch! It’s your fault he’s dead!”
I stepped back away from her as Miles moved between us.
“Mrs. Ordin, what are you talking about?” Miles asked. The others closed in around me.
“He’s dead!” she shrieked. “You killed him!”
A big hand went to my arm and pulled me back even further away from the raving woman.
“Who’s dead? Mrs. Ordin, you’re not making any sense.” Miles tried again to distract her. She turned to Miles, her red-rimmed eyes wild.
A large arm wrapped around my waist and began to steer me around the group.
“My son! She killed him!” she shouted.
I looked up and barely recognized one of our bodyguards as he all but lifted me off my feet and hurried me down the steps toward the car.
“Come back here, you little bitch!” Mrs. Ordin spotted me and moved around the guys, only our other bodyguards were there in time to block her from further pursuit.
My carrier hurried me into the car and moved out of the way.
“Mrs. Ordin, if you continue to make wild accusations like that, I’ll have no choice but to sue you for defamation.” Miles’ voice was cold as Isaac was pushed into the car behind me. Ethan was all but shoved into his brother’s lap. Everyone scrambled further into the back of the limo as Zeke got in under his own power and moved over.
Mrs. Ordin continued raving outside. Asher and Miles got in, the door slamming shut behind them, the car immediately pulled out of the parking space.
I was thr
own back into Isaac as the car accelerated. Everyone was quiet as we drove home. Guilt ate at me. I mean, Mrs. Ordin wasn’t completely wrong. It was my fault he was dead, only it wasn’t me who killed him. But deep inside, a deep pit opened up.
By the time we reached the house I was all but crying.
“Ally, are you all right?” Asher asked as the front door shut behind us.
I stopped walking through the living room and spun around to face him. “I can’t escape him.”
The guys all stopped.
“What?” Zeke asked.
I wrapped my arms around me as my eyes burned. “Ordin. He’s dead and even now I can’t escape him.”
Miles stepped closer. “You don’t have to have anything to do with him ever again, Angel.”
I shook my head as my chest clenched around my heart. “There’s going to be an investigation, they’ll look at us because of his mother, and who knows how long that is going to last …” Tears began to fall. “He’s just always going to be there.”
Hades stepped into the living room, drawing my attention. “What’s happened?”
“Ordin’s mother just accused her of killing her son,” Asher announced as I buried my face in my hands.
Isaac moved across the room and pulled me into his arms. I hid my face in his neck and took a deep breath of citrus. Another set of warm arms wrapped around me. Spicy cologne filled my nose.
“It’s going to be okay, Beautiful.”
A hand moved to the top of my hair. “Breathe, Baby.”
“Hades? Where are you going?” Asher asked, barely loud enough for me to hear. I should have cared about where he was going, but I just didn’t have it in me today. I clung to the guys and let it out.
* * *
Hours later, Hades hadn’t come back. I wrapped my arms around myself and walked out to the garage, hoping to talk to Zeke. I spotted him at the tool bench at the back of the garage.
“Hey, Tough Guy.” I stepped past the Jeep with an open hood and parts on the ground to reach his side.
“Hey, Baby.” He set down whatever part was in his hands and turned to me. “How are you feeling?”
I shrugged. “Embarrassed. I can’t believe I broke down like that.”
When the Grave Calls Page 16