Soul Thing

by Lana Pecherczyk

  In my room, I donned a pair of comfortable jeans, a black blouse and slipped on some shoes. As I packed, I tried not to think about the fact that Cash and my father were on opposing sides of the celestial cold-war.

  Marc had confirmed Petra’s words, and they nagged at me. Cash had been the one who’d cut the ties between Earth and the Empire. My father was a Watcher—a god stuck on this planet, unable to participate in the Game. If the Watchers found out who Cash was, they’d torture him and my father would try to use me to do it.

  Over my dead body.

  I slammed the suitcase and bent to zip it when my foot kicked something with a clink. I looked under the bed.

  My magic key—Kitty’s apartment key. It kept turning up.

  I stared at its dusty shape on the wooden floorboard, then picked it up and jammed it into my pocket. Then, bundling my long red tresses into a ponytail, I tiptoed to Tommy’s room where Cash slept soundly. I quietly collected bits and pieces to stow in his bag. There wasn’t a lot. I turned to leave and spotted Tommy’s camera dangling from the wardrobe handle.

  I lifted the strap off with my finger, sat down in the hallway and turned it on. I snooped through his photos. He was talented. There were a few artistic night shots at the food festival, with twinkling lights in the background and happy people with glasses in their hands. I delved deeper and found the selfie of the two of us in the bed. He looked so happy. Me? I looked tired. Tears stung my eyes. I inhaled and exhaled shakily through my mouth then kept flicking.

  The further back I went, the more pictures of myself I found. The shots were always zoomed-in to capture my expressions, but he must have been at quite a distance because I’d never noticed him. One in particular caught my attention. It was a close up of me standing in the sun: eyes closed, small smile, wind whipping my brown and sun-bleached hair, the collar still around my neck. It had been the day of Petra’s first attack. He’d been secretive about his photos that day, and had tried to bribe me. He would have shown me if I went on a date with him.

  I wiped my eyes, turned off the camera and put it in the suitcase. Even though Tommy lived on, in a way, it would never be the same. I silently went about my work, packing the clean clothes and ditching the dirty ones. I was ruthless. The sound of Cash’s rhythmic breathing was comforting as I went about my duties. I dragged out the last piece of discarded clothing from under the bed and a small box dropped to the floor. It was wrapped in newspaper with “Probie” written the top. I sat at the edge of the bed and slowly peeled back the wrapper.

  Warmth enveloped me, and I smiled, clutching the package to my heart. It was an MP3 player—a modern day version of a mix tape. I took it from the box, put the ear phones in and pressed play. The first song was Hello by Prince. My hand covered my mouth, and I sat there, lost in bittersweet thought. He’d given me the greatest gift he could have—something that kept my feet securely on the ground. He’d given me my music.

  By the time I felt a movement next to me, I was onto the third song. I sniffed, wiped my nose and popped out the earphones to check on my patient.

  Cash had rolled onto his back and lifted his arm to shield his eyes. “You found it?” he asked sleepily.

  I darted a look at the music player, how could he see what I held?

  As if he read my mind, he answered, “I can hear the music through the headphones.”

  Oh. I turned the music off and stood up. “Thank you,” I said, eyes darting around, not sure if that was appropriate. “It means a lot, I guess… I don’t know what to say.”

  He smiled briefly from under the shelter of his arm and shrugged. “It wasn’t really from me, it was Tommy.”

  “Not from you. Yeah, I get it.” I shoved the player in my pocket. “So, I’ve packed most of our stuff and we still have a few hours before we leave. I thought I’d go see Kitty in hospital. Will you be okay by yourself for an hour?”

  “I don’t think you should go on your own, but I won’t stop you. I meant what I said, Roo. I don’t want to control you. But if you could leave my phone out, I need to make a few calls. Thank you.”

  When I returned with his phone, he was sitting up, rubbing his temples.

  “You sure you’re okay?” I asked. “Will you be able to work that without seeing?”

  “I’ll figure it out. Go. I’ll see you in an hour.” He frowned. “Oh and be careful. Women aren’t supposed to be driving, remember? If you have any issues, call me.”

  I nodded, but he seemed to have forgotten I couldn’t call. My phone was still at the station.

  I parked the Jeep close to the entrance of the hospital and hoped nobody would vandalize it. I didn’t know how the public had received the events at The Cauldron, and I was happy to keep my visit short.

  After a stop at the florist, I walked the hospital halls with a profound sense of déjà vu. This time it was Kitty, not Alvin I was visiting. I fiddled with the carnations in my hands. They were a bit droopy, but they smelled nice. They trembled. I must have been nervous because I wasn’t sure Kitty would see me. She felt more like family than my own and I dreaded leaving her vulnerable. I wouldn’t blame her if she decided to call it quits. Life with me had become deadly.

  By the time I stepped onto Kitty’s ward, I was thinking about not returning to Margaret River. My throat had closed up, and I found it hard to breathe, but I knew they were better off without me.

  I approached the open door to her room and heard giggling. A low voice rumbled, and suspect shuffling drifted past the closed curtain. I paused. I knew that other aura. Whoa, someone was getting some action in there.

  I cleared my throat.

  Fabric rustled, someone cursed, and a bed creaked.

  “Yes, come in.” Kitty called, her voice clear and melodious. That was a good sign. I folded back the curtain and couldn’t help the grin that exploded across my face.

  “No you didn’t!” I said.

  Alvin sat pink-eared in the visitor chair with his legs crossed awkwardly and a pillow in his lap. He had red kisses all over his neck. Kitty lay on the bed with an IV stuck in her arm. Other than that, she was the picture of health. Her short brown hair gave her a bit of a Sinead O’Connor look. Her cheeks were rosy, her aura strong, her eyes glittered, and she still wore bright lipstick. Smudged.

  “Babe!” She gasped and opened her arms. “I was so worried about you. Nobody would tell us a thing. You need to learn to pick up a phone, missy.”

  Tears stung my eyes. I bit my tongue and ran into her arms, enjoying her tight embrace. Two-seconds later, Alvin joined us and sandwiched me with his new powerful and muscular arms.

  After a few necessary moments of squealing and cursing, we all settled into a position. Alvin took the flowers from me and offered his chair, but I waved him off and perched on the edge of the bed. Kitty patted the white cotton spot next to her so I shuffled closer and rested a hand on her thigh.

  My lower lip trembled. Target engaged. Waterworks: locked and loaded.

  Her thinly arched brows knit together, and she placed her hand over mine. Before I could ask about her recovery, she spoke. “Are you okay, babe? You look upset.”

  Fire.

  I dropped my chin to my chest, and lifted my free hand to cover my eyes. I fell into her arms and shook silently as tears fell. I sat back, sniveled and wiped my wet face.

  “I’m sorry,” I said. “You’d think I’d just seen Bambi’s mother die or something.”

  Kitty tilted her head, green eyes as caring as a new mother.

  “Babe, your life has been turned upside down. You want to talk about it? We know your dad is back. He’s a bit scary, to be honest.”

  I glanced at Alvin sitting back in his seat and remembered I’d interrupted a private moment. I shook off my sadness and gave my friends an imploring look. “So… what’s happening between you two, huh?”

  Alvin’s ears went even redder, and he shuffled his feet.

  “Nice try, cupcake. You talk. Tell Dr. Kitty everything,” Kitty sa
id and pouted. I slanted a look at Alvin, I could see why he was attracted to her; she was stunning, even with smudged makeup.

  I shrugged. “I’m flying out tonight with Cash and we’re taking Tommy’s body home to be buried. Then I’m heading to Sydney, for some—”

  Don’t tell them about The Ludus, you’ll be putting them in danger.

  “Babe?” Kitty asked.

  I cleared my throat and shook my head. My hitchhikers were right, I didn’t want to put Kitty or Alvin in jeopardy again. As much as it killed me to lie to them, I couldn’t tell them the truth. “I have to go and live with my father for a while—a few months, maybe more.”

  Alvin squirmed and Kitty squeezed my hand.

  “What about Cash?” Kitty asked.

  “He can’t just take you, can he?” Alvin said at the same time.

  “Well, I have no other family here and, according to the law, a female has to do what her S-O-B father says until she gets married. Apparently that trumps Cash’s temporary custody. Anyway, nothing can happen between me and Cash. He already has”—A lover, a Queen?—“a girlfriend. He’s got a girlfriend. It’s just not meant to be. We’ll be good friends, but that’s it.”

  “But I thought you two had something.” Kitty gave me the look that said, “I know your deepest darkest secrets. Don’t lie.”

  I liked Cash. I wanted him, it was true. Sometimes, it was all I could think about. The taste of him. The feel of his lips on mine. When I decide to play kissy-face, you’ll know it, he’d said. Boy did I want to know it. But it couldn’t happen. I averted my gaze.

  Kitty sat forward and made a face at Alvin. “Are you going to let her father get away with that?”

  “Well, I can’t marry both of you,” he said and shrugged. “Although…” A sparkle crept into his eyes and he winked at me. “What do you say, Roo? Start a harem with me?”

  Despite myself, I laughed. “You dork.”

  “Well, what are you going to do?” Kitty asked.

  “Wait.” I frowned and stared at Alvin. “Did you just say you guys are getting married?” I didn’t need a reply. Their smiles answered me. I squealed, clapped my hands and hugged Kitty.

  “I’m so happy for you two. I really am,” I said, once I’d calmed down.

  “You have to be my bridesmaid. So you see, you have to come back,” Kitty said.

  “Wow.” Warmth radiated through me. My first wedding. Holy moly, my first wedding. I could plan her bachelorette party, and Alvin would have a buck’s night. We’d get to pick dresses and color themes. My eyes lit up as a thousand ideas swam through my mind.

  “So, will you?”

  “Huh?” I asked.

  “Be my bridesmaid?” Kitty flared her eyes at me. “I want a summer wedding and, as there are only a few months left, we were thinking maybe February. That’s just over two months away. Will you be back?”

  “Of course I will. I’ll work something out.” It would probably be in the middle of those cursed trials, but somehow, I’d find a way back.

  “Roo, about your Dad. We’ll figure something out, don’t worry. I’ve got a lawyer mate, he’ll have some advice,” Alvin said.

  “Thanks guys, but don’t worry. I’m on the case too and Cash. Oh, one last thing before I go.” I pulled the keys to my bike from my pocket and handed them to Alvin. “Will you look after my baby? I can’t take her with me and she’s still at The Cauldron. She’ll need a start now and then, and feel free to take her for a ride if you can. She likes the dirt track up passed Bibbulmun Road.” He nodded gravely, he knew the responsibility I gave him was not to be taken lightly.

  I said my goodbyes and promised to get in contact as soon as I bought a new phone. Secretly, I wasn’t sure when that would be as I’d have to watch my funds until I found work. The last thing I wanted was to be in debt to my father, or Cash.

  The sun dipped beyond the horizon as I pulled the Jeep into the cottage driveway. A metallic blue sedan was parked in my spot. Who was there? Anxiety bloomed in my chest and I had a stab of regret for leaving Cash alone in his helpless state. With clammy palms, I forced myself out of the car and, by the time I stepped past the barrier alarm, my fingers had heated and I was ready for battle.

  But it was Jed—in civilian clothing and chatting to Cash in the living room. When I walked in, Jed’s face paled and he wiped his palms over his freshly ironed jeans.

  “Hi, Roo,” he said, “I’m sorry for barging in unannounced. I’ve brought your confiscated belongings.” He stood up and handed me something. My phone.

  “Thanks, Jed, you really didn’t have to go out of your way.”

  “It’s the least I could do after what happened. I’ve also got this, from the mortuary.” He dangled a silver chain from his fingers. “It was Tommy’s.”

  “Whatever it is, I don’t want it. Give it to Roo.” Cash tilted his head towards me, eyes staring over my head. “Jed’s coming to America with us.”

  “Huh?” I scratched my head.

  Jed laughed, his brown eyes crinkling. “I’m a Player, Roo,” he said and stepped forward to drop the chain in my hand, then lifted his shirt to show a small star map on his flat belly.

  “Can’t you guys just wear signs over your heads or something? Am I going to find a Player under the couch next?”

  He smirked shyly. “Well, I’m not anyone special. You probably missed it because my markings are small enough to be easily covered. I also dye my hair to cover the blond and wear contacts to hide the blue. I feel awful about my part in Tommy’s death, so I’m in his service until he feels the debt repaid.”

  “Jed, you were bewitched. You couldn’t help it. No one could.”

  He shrugged and looked at his hands. “I should’ve been able to do something. Anyway, I’ve given Cash my oath as an ally and he’s agreed to train me to hunt witches in return. I’ve taken leave from work and will be able to provide some extra protection for you.” He left to load our suitcases in his car.

  I leaned in close to Cash. “Isn’t this weird? Why is he acting like a butler?”

  “He’s sworn a blood oath to be in my service.”

  “But you and I both know, Tommy’s not really gone. Aren’t you deceiving him?”

  “We need all the help we can get, Roo. Your father’s a formidable opponent.” He stood up. “Let’s get going. We’ve got a three-hour drive before we get to the airport.” His jaw clicked shut on the last word and he shuffled to the front door on his own. Had I done something to annoy him? I jogged after him and grabbed his elbow to guide him down the steps.

  I sat in the back seat beside Mr. Grumpy and watched the cottage grow smaller in the shady light. A shadow moved along the forest path, and I recognized the shape of a kangaroo.

  I pulled out my magic key and threaded it onto Tommy’s silver chain. I didn’t know why Cash didn’t want it, but I did. I put it around my neck and tucked it into the collar of my blouse.

  “Do you remember what we spoke about last night at your aunt’s?” Cash said in a low voice.

  “How could I forget?”

  His body had wrapped around me, whispering sweet French-nothings into my ear. That moment of content I felt. But that wasn’t what he meant. My eyes darted to the rear view mirror, to find Jed studying me back. He quickly averted his gaze back to the darkening road.

  Cash clasped my hand in his own, sighing as his pain relief kicked in. The tension dropped from his broad shoulders and his eyes closed as he sunk low in the seat.

  “Well, I don’t want you to worry. I’ve been around a lot longer than he has. I might not remember it yet, but I had one up on him before. I can do it again. Your father’s made a move, but we’ll go one better.” He sounded determined, but not convinced.

  I inspected the connection of our bodies, hands entwined. I noticed a slight tingle in my palm where his fingers touched. It meant nothing, I told myself, as did the ache in my chest.

  “We just need to stick together,” Cash mumbled.

&nb
sp; I hope you enjoyed this first part to The Game of Gods Series.

  The series continues with a short novel told from the two point of views of our favorite heroes, Cash and Marc in The Devil Inside. Read on for a sneak peak at the first 3 chapters.

  Don’t forget! Subscribe to my VIP reader mailing list at lanapecherczyk.com for all the best inside goss, first pick at books, and extras.

  SNEAK PEAK - THE DEVIL INSIDE

  CASH

  I WOKE WITH my hands around her neck, choking, strangling, squeezing. The crunch of her wind pipe dragged me from sleep and into panic.

  “No!”

  She fell to my chest with a sickening thud. Tears stung my eyes.

  I hadn’t meant to.

  I was dreaming.

  I didn’t know she was there.

  What on earth had possessed her to wake me from a nightmare?

  My arms hovered over her heaving back, unsure what to do. She would heal fast—she was a Player, Nephilim, like me—but…

  What if she didn’t?

  “Roo?” My voice wavered, cracked.

  My hands landed softly on her warm shoulder blades, sliding over bare skin and catching on the straps of her nightgown. She felt small and fragile under my touch, at odds with the strong woman she was. She’d fought and faced down a witch—the worst nature had to offer. And she’d won.

  For the first time in my life, I didn’t know what to do, so I held her tenderly, like a broken flower.

  And waited.

  That was all I knew how to do these days.

  Goddamn wait.

  Two days ago, I’d gone blind—a side effect of her fixing my broken soul. She’d pieced it back together, and I’d waited in a world of agony, reliving past lives repeatedly. My only respite was her touch. I longed for it, and every time she let go of me, I ached for more. When her fingers lingered on my skin, my pain ebbed away like water down a drain.