Reaping the Immortal

by Pamela Labud

  They'd be sorry for that.

  "My lord," his valet, Cravens, said as he held out the latest issue of the New York Times to him. "Something to read, perhaps?"

  As far as underlings went, Cravens was the best of the best. It had been a coup, two hundred years earlier when Renault had acquired the man. Though, a third-generation warlock was not that much of an acquisition. He'd been way overpriced at the time and his abilities rather mediocre. But, he was very good at summoning spirits, fetching the newspaper and taking care of Renault's wardrobe. Oh, and for scheming. The man was a far better planner than the old Reaper had ever dreamed of being.

  "I don't feel like reading right now."

  "Of course, my lord. Is there something else I can get you? I saw there were a couple of very lovely ladies in the coach behind us that could use some company. I'm sure I could coax them to come visit with us. It would help pass the time since we're about four hours from Nocturne Falls."

  Renault waved him off. The man was practically a walking hormone. Yes, it had been fun scoring dates with him over the years. Mostly bathing beauties and models were to his tastes. Having chosen a persona as a young Dean Martin, Cravens had gotten more than his share of female companions.

  "Not now. We have bigger fish to catch." He thought a moment. Perhaps a little more incentive was what was needed here. "And, if things go well, there's a sweet little Reaper girl that might need some consoling later."

  "Really, my lord?"

  "Help me get what I want and she's all yours. I promise."

  "I'm your man, sir."

  Renault smiled. It was a pity, really. Holly Dent had been one of the finest Reapers he'd ever apprenticed. So, serious about her work and a depth of empathy for her subjects that went far beyond what most Reapers possessed. She was a jewel, to be sure. Add to that, a lovely creature. She was a diamond of the first water, though he doubted she knew it.

  Of course, giving such a lovely woman to his servant as a plaything was a bit unsettling. Renault knew well that Cravens didn't always play nice with his toys. Well, that was a rather broad generalization. His last five relationships hadn't ended well for the young women involved. The unsettling part was, Cravens preferred it that way.

  Pushing aside any thoughts for Ms. Dent, he instead ruminated on just how high up the High Council corporate ladder he was about to ascend.

  And once he was there, it was going to be a completely different game. They would be bowing to his rule and he would own them all, buying and selling lives as he pleased. They didn't yet know it, but the world of Magics was about to change forever.

  Master Georges Renault was going to be at the pinnacle of it all.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Holly couldn't help herself. She stretched and yawned. The sun was setting and Mr. Hyland had just put the light on. Refocusing on the pages in front of her, she became aware of several things at once.

  First, sitting curled up in a desk chair was not the best choice of positions for studying the massive tome in front of her. When she moved, her bones creaked like she was a ninety-year old woman.

  Second, that though he'd been quiet for the last three hours the man spoke volumes by the cadence of his breathing, the small noises he made when he came across something that interested him, and the alluring scent of his cologne. While it wasn't overpowering, there was just a hint of it in the air and Holly enjoyed the crisp, clean smell of it.

  She wondered if he knew just how desirable he was. Probably, she told herself. Besides, how many drop dead gorgeous men were out there that didn't at least have some inkling of how they affected the ladies?

  Shaking her head, she went back to her reading. If he knew she was thinking such thoughts, she'd be in deep, deep water for sure.

  "Well," he asked, settling back in his chair. "See anything?"

  She'd only made it through about fifty years’ worth — a lot for her but not so much for him, really.

  "One major thing. You've led a pretty boring life."

  "Exactly what I said. We can keep looking, of course, but I'm telling you, it's pretty much all the same. I got up. I took a shower. I met with the president of Harvard University. Blah, blah, blah..."

  "Well, your list of acquaintances is pretty impressive, but still not anything that should make you a target."

  He let out a breath. "This is getting us nowhere. What time does your mentor friend arrive?"

  She looked down at her watch. "A little over an hour from now."

  "Then what's say we clean up, head out and grab a bite before we meet him? I know a sweet little eatery about a block from the train station."

  "Sounds like a plan. Let me get my clothes together."

  "Oh, and your bird can come, too, if you want."

  She shook her head. "No way. Artemis hates Master Renault. Says he's a pretentious old goat. They've never gotten along."

  "Gotcha. It'll just be the two of us."

  She hesitated not sure if she should mention the other person who would be with her former mentor. "Master Renault usually travels with his valet."

  "Valet? Do people even use them anymore?"

  "Master Renault does. He's very picky about his clothing. Wait until you see him. You'll understand."

  He shrugged. "Okay."

  "Oh, and there's one other thing."

  "Another servant?"

  "No, about Cravens. He's kind of a creep. Well, not kind of. He's the kind of being that makes your skin crawl. Well, my skin, anyways."

  "Is he human?"

  "He's a Warlock, but not a very nice one."

  "Seems odd that he chooses to be a servant. Warlocks are usually alpha beings."

  She held out her hand to him. "Don't tell anyone I told you this, but rumor is he lost most of his power after an altercation with one of the members of the High Council's family. I don't know any details, but I've heard it was bad. All the official records have been sealed."

  "Wow. All this makes me glad I've never involved myself in politics. Too much insanity." Rising from his desk, he walked around and opened the door for her.

  "I'll see you in ten minutes," she told him and headed toward the stairs. Of course, she felt his gaze on her back as she walked away.

  Ordinarily, she'd be annoyed at getting a man's notice so blatantly. But with the Immortal, it was different somehow. She found herself enjoying his attention and stood a little straighter.

  "There is one other thing," he said just as she reached the stairwell.

  She turned back to look at him. "Yes?"

  "Please call me Max. I beg you. I hate my surname. My father was so not a nice person and every time you call me Mr. Hyland it reminds me of the old man."

  She grinned. "I'll call you Max, but only if you call me Holly."

  "It would be my pleasure," he said, bowing low.

  Her mood lightened and she headed up the stairs. Fates help her, she was liking this guy.

  But, deep down, warning bells were ringing like a five-alarm fire. He was her subject, after all. She was courting trouble of epic proportions.

  Could this be what she'd been missing? Not just a man in her life, but this man. Something about him drew her like a moth to a flame. Heaven help her, she couldn't deny that she wanted to learn all there was about him, too.

  If it was a mistake, then so be it. Wasn't a girl entitled to a mistake once in a while? Because, what if it wasn't? It had only been a day, after all. She couldn't wait to see what tomorrow would bring.

  "You're in a good mood," Artemis said as she slipped into her room.

  "I am. Maybe for the first time in a long time."

  The bird ruffled its feathers. "I'm happy for you, but I'm a little concerned."

  "I'm a big girl, you know."

  "Yes, but it's not like you to be so impulsive. Do you really like this guy?"

  "I do."

  The bird chuckled. "Really? And you're sure he hasn't slipped som
ething into your water?"

  Holly let out a breath. "I doubt it. Besides, I'd be able to tell. You know I'm extra careful about that kind of thing."

  It wouldn't be the first time someone had tried to take out a Reaper. She'd been offered anything from poisoned muffins to being locked in a carbon monoxide filled garage.

  "Still. This one is different."

  "He is. And, I like him, Artie. Really like him."

  "That's a record for you then. I've never seen you get interested in a guy before. Let alone, practically overnight."

  "I know, and yes, it's scary. But, it's thrilling and so exciting. I know I sound like a giddy schoolgirl, but this guy is so awesome."

  "And, he's also marked for death."

  There it was. Her heart nearly broke.

  "I know."

  "No one I know is better at figuring things out than you," Artemis said. "But, the time may come for you to tell him good-bye."

  There was nothing more to be said. She grabbed her sweater and told her friend that they were going to get a meal and then meet Master Renault at the train station.

  "For what it's worth," the bird told her as Holly reached for the door's knob. "I'm pulling for you. I hope the two of you figure it all out. You, more than anyone I've ever known, deserve happiness."

  #

  The drive to the restaurant was filled with quiet anxiety on both their parts. Max made a few attempts at conversation, but a new wall had come up between them and he wasn't quite sure what it was.

  "This seems an odd choice of a car," the Reaper remarked as they slowly made their way to the eatery.

  "What? It's a converted hearse. I don't do pick-ups, anymore. Plus, it's size alone makes it the best car to get through these crowds, right?"

  Because of the growing arrivals for the week-long festival, traffic was slow and it was taking twice as long to get to the restaurant. Finally, when they pulled into Chang's, he couldn't help letting out a long breath.

  "Listen," Holly said, placing her hand on his arm. "I know this is a strange situation. I don't mean to be off putting, but what if we're wrong?"

  "About my dying? I don't think so."

  "What if it's just a mistake from the higher ups?"

  He smiled at her. "Weren't you the one who said the Council doesn't make mistakes? That, whatever they decree is law?"

  She shifted in her seat. "I did, but you know, it's not out of the realm of possibility."

  "No, it isn't. Someone has convinced them that for the betterment of the world — magical and human — that my number is up."

  "It's not right," she said at last.

  Max had a hint of what was bothering her. She cared about him. While he wasn't sure if a Reaper's crush was a good thing, he did warm to the idea. The more they were together, the more he wanted to learn more about her.

  And protect her.

  "If they're right and I must go, then what will you do?"

  She looked at him then and he saw her eyes cloud with emotion. It was a struggle to be sure. To go against the High Council meant a severe penalty. Loss of her Reaper privileges, imprisonment or worse? Definite possibilities.

  "I won't let them take you without a fight."

  There it was. The words he'd ached to hear from her and yet ones that shook him to his marrow.

  "I thank you, but if it comes down to it, I want you to back away."

  "Why?"

  He let out another breath. "You're a good person, Holly. I learned that today. No one else in my life has ever put in that kind of effort for me. I appreciate all you've done, but if it means your life as well, then don't risk it."

  He felt her eyes on his face, studying him, measuring what he was about.

  "It's my life. I'll do what I think is right. For an innocent man to be put down for no reason, is unthinkable. I've stood beside many making the transition, and even when it tore my heart out to do so, I knew that it was the right thing."

  "I don't know how you do it, stay by them when..."

  She leaned over. "I can't imagine anyone ever having to die alone. It's possible, you know, even when there's a room full of people. That's the reason I chose this profession."

  "Of course. I never meant to judge you."

  "It's okay. People mostly don't understand what I do."

  A moment passed between them.

  "How about we grab some take-out and head to the train station?"

  She nodded. "Sounds like a plan."

  They went into the quaint little restaurant and Max couldn't help but enjoy the decor. Beaded curtains hung from the walkways, shelf after shelf of intricately painted ceramics and jade carvings adorned the walls. It was a Chinese take-out heaven.

  After perusing the menu, and ordering their meal, Max paid for their feast and after receiving the multiple containers motioned Holly to the door.

  "I know the perfect place to eat our meal," he said. "Do you trust me?"

  For the briefest moment, he watched a series of emotions play across her face. Surprise, doubt and then decision had warred for her thoughts. But when she looked up at him, the planes of her face relaxed and a tiny grin tugged at her mouth.

  "I do."

  Max let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "Great. There's a park across from the train station. Come on."

  Rather than move the car, they walked the short distance to the park and just at dusk, the town's party decorations began to light up. Motioning her toward a picnic table, he sat the food down. She handed him his drink, and they settled themselves.

  "Very nice," she said with a grin.

  He let out a breath. "It's one of my favorite places. I love the lights, the fountain, and most people are waiting on tables at the other eating establishments we are enjoying the nice evening.

  "I love it here," she said, and then shot him a surprised expression. "Sorry, that slipped out."

  It was his turn to smile back at her. "Think nothing of it. Nocturne Falls is an easy place to love. Supernaturals and humans alike. There's just something about the place." It was true. He'd been drawn here years earlier and not once had he considered going anywhere else.

  "I don't know about settling down," she said, after sipping her tea. "I've been on the road without stopping for so long, to be in one place is almost unimaginable."

  "I'm sure." He leaned forward. "But have you considered staying in one place?"

  She let out a breath. "What would I do? Reaping is all I know."

  "You could learn another trade, perhaps start a business, you're a smart, accomplished woman."

  He watched her face flush a little and knew he'd struck a nerve.

  "I suppose so, but to be honest, I've never wanted to do anything else."

  "Of course."

  A moment of silence passed between them. Max finished his drink and pushed his food aside. Suddenly, his appetite had vanished and the pressing anvil of reality settled in his thoughts.

  That was when he felt her hand on his arm.

  "I'm sorry. I know it sounds bad. I mean, what kind of person am I that lives every day in the shadow of death? But, it's who I am."

  He nodded. "You've nothing to be sorry for. None of us can help what we are."

  "Thank you for understanding."

  Finishing his drink, he stood and started gathering the remainder of their meal. "What do you say we take it home? Or, shall we pitch the rest?"

  "I hate to waste such lovely food. Why don't we see what we can salvage for a midnight snack later?"

  He nodded. "I'm glad you're into leftovers."

  Once they'd put everything back in the bag, he held out his arm to her and they walked to the train station, chatting pleasantly about the weather, the town and even their choice in music.

  Nothing more was said about her job, his future or even what they might do the next day. Like slipping into a new suit, the stiff, unemotional tone returned to their voices. Thoug
h, he hadn't meant it to happen, the change between them felt as if someone had opened a window and let the warm air out of the room.

  #

  Holly knew the exact moment when her disappointment reached its lowest point. One moment they were sharing a wonderful dinner, enjoyable conversation and the crisp feeling of a new relationship.

  She hadn't felt that comfortable with anyone in a very long time. She remembered her first high school crush, and yes, though she felt foolish thinking that way, it was like that.

  What's wrong with me? she'd asked herself on more than one occasion, but this time, it was beyond thinkable.

  "Here we are," he said at last. "Do you know which train he's arriving on?"

  Pushing back her misery, Holly pulled out her cell phone. "Here it is. The one from Cincinnati."

  He motioned her to a bench. They were about twenty minutes early and suddenly, time stretched out like a deep canyon between them.

  "It's been awhile since I've toured the town. This is quite nice."

  "I love the decor."

  It was true. An early American design, it was a cavernous waiting area, with polished wood benches, one long mahogany counter, surrounded by stained glass with gas lighting all around.

  "It's odd, you know. Most people either drive or fly. But taking a train seems odd but quaint."

  "I don't care for flying,” Holly told him. "Driving would be fun, but since I travel so much I really can't afford a car. And, Artie doesn't like to fly. She gets nervous and her feathers start falling out."

  Max laughed and she liked the sound of it. He had a deep, throaty sound.

  Darn it. The man was too adorable by half. It was too easy to fall into the fantasy of a relationship with a guy like him. Them together taking long afternoon walks, enjoying early morning coffee and sharing the newspaper, or dining together at one of Nocturne Fall's quaint eateries. And, then, snuggled together in bed, soft caresses, heated kisses — and so much more.

  "Everything okay?"

  Suddenly back in the present, Holly felt her face heat up. "Sorry, just got lost in my thoughts for a moment."

  He leaned over and touched her chin. "Must be something pretty fascinating to take you so far away."