Scarred Protector (Midworlder Trilogy Book 2)

by Mundy, Maggie

  “It’s clear you can’t go to purgatory, or whatever you call it, because of what has attached itself to Evie. While it’s there, you can’t cure her, and from what Genia has told me, my niece will probably die in a month when you try to make her an angel or whatever alien thing you say you are. I say we go to Jamaica.”

  Heath could see Evie’s eyes light up with glee at the prospect, but he wasn’t so sure it was a good idea. “What makes you think we would be better off there? Genia is one of our best healers.”

  Georgia shook her head. “And even she admits she can’t do anything for you. You need my magic now.”

  “We don’t believe in magic,” Heath said.

  Georgia shook her head. “This coming from a man with wings. In a room where I’m surrounded by people with wings, and a niece who can move things with her mind. You call it what you want. I’ll call it magic, and my kind has been dealing with it for a long time.”

  Evie stood in front of him. “I’d love to go. She’s right. We’ve tried everything here. If I’m not going to live long, I’d love to see where my father came from.”

  At this point, Heath was not sure this was a good idea, but they were running out of options.

  “Yes, we can go. We’ll take Luke and Suzie with us, and the others can keep up our activities in the area in case we need to do any changeovers. I would request Genia comes with us as well, if you’d be willing?”

  “Of course, I will come and offer any assistance. I have to say I’m interested. Georgia enhanced my healing with you, so we’re dealing with some kind of energy here. We just need to find out what it is.”

  “I’ll go book the tickets now for tomorrow. Pack your bags, people,” Suzie said, as she left the room.

  “I will contact the local enclave to let them know we’ll be entering their zone,” Luke said.

  “You mean we have a group of you on the island, and I never noticed? I knew you weren’t human the minute I met you,” Georgia said, her eyes wide in shock.

  Heath laughed. “Maybe they have learnt to use your magic to shield themselves. Or maybe we are the myth behind your beliefs. I’m not sure.” Everyone dispersed, and Heath told Evie to go to bed and that he would be there soon.

  He went to the library, where Suzie was booking their flights, and he used the other computer to Skype with Jamaica. They said they would meet them at the airport and were extremely interested in the situation. They would make sure no Demonic Midworlders were near, though they thought the presence of a female without a guardian might attract them like honeybees to a flower.

  When he opened his bedroom door, he found Evie under the covers, and she smiled at him. He stood beside the bed and undressed. He would pack his bag in the morning. It was strange coming to bed the past few days, sharing it with someone. It was something he didn’t want to lose. He slipped beneath the covers and pulled Evie closer to him. She fit perfectly against his body, as if she had been made for him. Did he deserve this?

  “I’m so excited, Heath. Whatever happens, we tried and we did it together.”

  “I could almost believe that, with your Aunt Georgia, anything is possible. She seems to be a strong woman, and I can see where you get it from.”

  “As long as you think I’m strong and not bossy, then that’s okay.”

  Heath leaned over and kissed her forehead. “A bit bossy, but I can cope. I wouldn’t want you any other way.”

  Within moments, she was asleep as Heath stared into the darkness. He was here to protect humans but had a feeling of dread about the situation. He now understood some of the anguish Ridge had felt with Nicole. He would not let Evie down, and if things came to the worst, he would go home to die. They had stopped him returning before, but he would not allow it to happen again. Holding his woman in his arms, sleep finally came.

  The airport terminal was busy as always, and Heath kept his arm protectively around Evie’s waist and was on constant alert. They booked in with ease and made their way to the airport lounge. At least Gatwick didn’t tend to be as crazy as Heathrow. Once in the lounge, he let out a sigh. It would be easier here to assess any problems−not that he was expecting any.

  Georgia was beaming, dressed in her bright-yellow dress and headdress she had been wearing the first time they had met. He had a feeling the rest of them were going to stick out like sore thumbs in their dark clothes when they arrived. He was in a black suit. Suzie was in a black pantsuit, thinking her leathers might be uncomfortable on the seven-hour flight. They were packed in her case, though. Evie wore her red combat boots, tight pants, and as a concession to him, had started wearing the beautiful cashmere sweaters he’d provided. It was only because he had told her he loved her tiny waist and curvy shape, and her oversized baggy jackets hid them from him. Genia looked immaculate in a blue Chanel suit.

  Georgia sipped on her champagne and leant forward to speak to Evie. “I can’t believe I’m going business-class. Never in my life have I flown up front before. Everybody should at least do it once in their life. I’m glad you chose a rich man. It’s even better when someone else is paying for it.”

  They were given the call to go to the plane, and Evie settled herself into her seat, and he sat next to her.

  “This may sound funny, Evie, but I don’t like flying. I like to be in control. The problem is, it would be a bit too far to carry you.”

  “Well, I’ll look after you for a change. Before I locked myself away, I loved to fly.”

  The hostess came and offered them drinks. He was gratified he could provide some luxury for Evie and her aunt. They had a reprieve for a few hours while they were in the air and did not have to face anything. He was still concerned, as Georgia was not elaborating on what might happen when they reached Jamaica. When they were in the air, Heath took Evie’s hand in his.

  He leaned across and whispered, “I want you to know, whatever happens in the future, I’m so very glad you came into my life.”

  “Because I’ve turned it upside-down and nearly bloody killed you. It’s a bit sick if those are the sort of things that attract you. The thing is, though, so am I. We’ve come this far, and we’ll see it through to the end.”

  Heath leaned across and kissed her lips. Like every other time he touched her, she set him on fire with need. Her lips parted, and her tongue gently slid into his mouth, causing him to groan. There was a cough, and when they broke apart, the air steward was asking if they would like a drink. Evie laughed, and for the first time in a long time, so did he. Laughter would be in short supply soon enough, so he would grab it while he could.

  “I bet he thinks we want to join the mile-high club,” Evie whispered.

  “When this is done, we can, but I will be the one to fly you high and join with you.”

  “Okay, that is so hot. Just for saying it, you can convert me or whatever you want when the time comes. I’m not missing out on that for any darkness or whatever.” They clinked glasses to a promise he hoped they could keep.

  As the plane descended, Heath considered he might not return to the UK if he died, and he didn’t feel sad. In fact, now they were here and they were going to do something, he felt calm. They were through customs quickly, and the members of the local enclave were waiting for them.

  There were four of them, all male and of different races. Black, Indian, Chinese, and white. The tall Indian man came over and shook Heath’s hand.

  “Welcome. I’m Namid. This is Zen, Hamil, and Vincent. We’re glad to offer any support we can while you stay here.”

  “Thank you. This is Evie, my bonded partner, and her Aunt Georgia. Genia is a healer, and Suzie and Luke are members of my enclave.”

  Georgia went up to Namid and peered at his head. “I can’t see it at all. He looks like everyone else.”

  Namid smiled at her. “Perhaps we should leave and I’ll
take you to our home. I’m sure we all have much to discuss.”

  Outside the terminal, it was raining, but the shower had ceased by the time they had driven to the outskirts of Kingston. The city was on a plain, with mountains behind and the harbor in front. The landing strip had run out into the bay, and he hoped they would not overrun it when they had landed. They drove to the outskirts of Kingston and up into the hills. The house was a large, white air-conditioned villa, which was just as well, as they were all overdressed for the weather here. They were shown into the lounge, and Evie whistled in appreciation. Heath could understand her admiration. The room was so large, it would have covered the whole ground floor of her terrace home back in Bristol. Full-length windows showed a vista down to the coast, and there were beautiful cream couches and white marble tables. Georgia, Evie, and Genia sat down, but the rest of them stood.

  “Now I know why I’ve never met these fine young men before. This house must be worth over a million dollars. I noticed a pool on the way in, too,” Georgia said.

  “You are welcome to use it anytime. Any friend of Heath’s is a friend of ours. My housekeeper will get us drinks,” Namid offered.

  The next hour was spent explaining what had happened, and even for Heath, who had lived for two hundred years, it did not sound believable. When they were finished, Namid was shaking his head, and Heath could not blame him.

  “So, what is it you have planned for these English people on our fair island, Georgia?” Namid said, raising an eyebrow.

  “I intend to get my friend to come here. He is an Obeah man.”

  “How will it work? He’s not going to chop up chicken and pour blood on me, is he? Because I don’t think I can deal with that,” Evie said, curling her mouth in disgust.

  “You’ve been watching too many movies. There’ll be no zombies or dolls with needles in them. He mainly uses herb lore, potions, and incantations to remove evil spirits that are causing you to be unwell. I’ll go and see him tonight. Tomorrow, when he has prepared himself, we will rid you of this darkness.”

  Genia looked to Namid. “Georgia’s chanting helped me save Heath, though I am unsure how it worked. You have lived here a long time. What do you think of this faith?”

  Namid and the others grinned. “I think, like most beliefs on this planet, some of the practitioners have the ability to access the power held within the atmosphere. We were aware some Obeah could sense our presence. We’ve meditated and altered our auras, so we could not be perceived by them. The Demonic Midworlders have done the same. Whether they can remove this darkness, however, I don’t know. Do we have any idea what it is?”

  “No, but we know it doesn’t want to go to Pergor, which makes me wonder if it has come from our Homeworld,” Heath said.

  “We’ll show you to your rooms, and Zen will drive you to your friend Georgia.”

  Heath stood up and turned to offer Evie his hand. As she placed her hand in his, he knew something was wrong. Her skin felt as cold as ice, and all the color had drained from her face. She tried to stand but fell back on the couch, wrapping her arm around her abdomen.

  “What’s wrong, Evie?” Heath asked, placing his palm against her cheek.

  Evie’s breath was coming in short pants, and he could see her eyes were becoming distant

  “Pain” was all she said before falling forward into his arms, screaming in agony.

  Chapter 15

  Lost Friend

  Arthur was not convinced that Charles would really help them, but his men were getting weaker by the day. He could do with the extra muscle to help as well.

  What kind of name was Sayell, though? The man seemed more like a model than he did a hired ruffian. They were using him, and he would use them, too. He opened the casket in the corner of the lounge room and took out the vial of powder. There was so little left, but it would be enough to do what was needed. He placed it in the inside pocket of his jacket.

  He sipped some peppermint tea. It helped with the gut ache but in the long run would not stop his body from failing. They were running out of time and needed all the help they could get. The money was running low, and the house was in need of repairs. His online followers were not going to cough up money, unless he could finally prove the supernatural really did exist. The barn they had used in the past had been a good meeting place, but that was burnt to the ground now. The farmer kept calling and asking for money to rebuild; he threatened to go to the press and say they had been holding satanic rituals there if they wouldn’t comply. Arthur didn’t need that right now. It wasn’t his fault the old fool of a farmer had not insured his own building.

  Gerald came in. “The odd couple from the other day is here again.”

  Arthur laughed, at the thought Gerald considered himself normal. From the first day they had started to imbibe the crystals, they had not been normal, and he would not go back to what they had been before.

  “Show them in. I’ll take you with me tonight. I don’t like being with them on my own anyway. I feel they’d like to kill me as much as I would them.”

  Gerald started to cough, a hacking cough accompanied by blood. Arthur hugged him.

  “Just hold on a bit longer. We’re so close to being one with our lord, Awhen.”

  “I’ll not let you down.” Gerald left the room to bring the others in, while Arthur swallowed another two Endone tablets.

  The smug pair walked in, and he noticed how they sneered and wriggled their noses up in distaste. They were right: the house smelt of death. But that would change. It would reek of power and money soon enough.

  “Good evening, gentlemen. I hope you’re ready for our nigh of fun and frivolity, and possibly a bit of murder and kidnapping.”

  Charles snickered. “I think it would be better for all of us if we can avoid attracting the attention of the law. However, I’m not opposed to a little mayhem. Are you ready to go?”

  “Gerald and I are ready. He has the knife we used before. That should do what you require.” Arthur saw Sayell’s fingers twitching as if he could not wait to get his hands on the blade.

  Arthur sat in the back of the fancy car with Gerald beside him. He thought it was a BMW. What they could do if they had the money these men had. Money always attracted people. It attracted him.

  He ran his sweaty hands on his pants as they drove up to the manor house. He wanted the angel but had seen the power the man had displayed, even after he was wounded and bleeding. This Heath would not go down without a fight. Arthur peered back to see the van behind them contained six more men. He hoped it would be enough. They dropped Sayell off at the large gates to the house and made their way down the lane to the field at the back and waited.

  Sayell said he would send a text when they should make their move. Arthur was getting nervous sitting there, his heart beating wildly in his chest. Life would be cruel if he were to die of a heart attack when they were so close to attaining their goal.

  The text came through, and Charles checked his phone.

  “It seems we’re too late. They’ve left already. Sayell will be waiting by the gate for us.”

  A part of Arthur was relieved they would not have to fight, but another part screamed in protest. They could not afford more delays. He doubted he would last more than a few weeks, and Gerald might last six months, if that. Sayell jumped in the car, and they headed off.

  “So what happened?” Arthur asked, as he grabbed the back of Sayell’s shoulder. The man turned around, and the look threatened the infliction of pain if Arthur touched him again. Arthur pulled his hand back and bit his nails. He didn’t want to be beaten up, but he needed to know what was going on.

  “I read the mind of the gardener. He said they left this afternoon, for Jamaica it seems. Evie’s aunt is some sort of voodoo woman, and it appears they believe she can help cure Evie of whatever ails
her.”

  “What do we do now?” Gerald’s voice was cracking, and Arthur feared his friend would burst into tears.

  “We follow them. I’ll drop you off at your home, so you can both pack. Sayell and I will arrange the flight and inform you of the times. We’ve no intention of giving up if you don’t. We want Evie, and you want Heath,” Charles said.

  Arthur wasn’t so sure about this. He had never travelled much and didn’t like flying. He would have to overcome his fear. If this was the trial Awhen was sending him, then he would not fail his lord.

  They packed their bags and sat, waiting for the call. Luckily, their passports were still in date, though when he looked at the picture taken five years ago, he realized how gaunt and sallow he looked now. He made sure he had sufficient medication for himself, and the correct paperwork from his doctor. He wouldn’t need these awful painkillers anymore soon enough. They numbed the brain too much.

  “Do you really think they’ll be able to help us?” Gerald asked.

  “They will because we have something they want. The minute they get the woman, I believe they will steal the crystal powder from us. They don’t have a belief in a higher force like you and I. I think they just want anything they believe will give them power.”

  The phone rang, and Gerald jumped up to answer it.

  “They’ll be here first thing in the morning to drive to Gatwick. We should be in Jamaica tomorrow afternoon. I shall retire to bed now. The others have all gone home. I told them what was happening and that we would be back soon with some good news. Is there anything else you need?”

  “No. I’ll pray to Awhen and ask for his guidance. I don’t think I could sleep, even if I tried.” Arthur went to the basement and knelt before his makeshift altar.