Reaping the Immortal

by Pamela Labud

  Artemis hissed and turned back toward the window feigning indifference. "Do what you want."

  Sighing, Holly grabbed her robe and scythe and headed out the door. "See. I'm protected. I'll be back later."

  What she didn't tell the bird was that she was going to stuff it in the downstairs closet. Of course, she didn't want to lug the awkward piece with her, but then, on second thought, who would be dumb enough to mess with a woman armed with a death scythe?

  Exactly. So, throwing it over her shoulder, she set out for the all-night diner. The minute she exited the mansion the crisp, fall morning met her. A little chilly, it was worth it for the fresh, bracing air.

  There weren't many people out this early in the morning, but a few wandered past her, and every one sent her a questionable expression. Crazy lady? Or, real Reaper, depending on whether or not she was on a mission to find her next client.

  Usually, Holly carried her scythe in a case, but it would not have been very much of a threat to any unsuspecting muggers. On the good side, she did enjoy the small amount of anonymity it afforded her. Only one guy, probably in his early twenties and carrying a skate board approached her.

  "Isn't it a bit early for trick or treating?" he asked.

  Holly couldn't decide if he was being a smart aleck or genuinely curious. Either way, she didn’t want to engage.

  "Oh, I never trick or treat," she said in a serious tone.

  An expression of nervous trepidation crossed his face and he sent her a halfhearted smile. "Yeah, right. Um, see ya."

  And then he crossed the street, not even near a crosswalk, to avoid any more conversing with her.

  Ten minutes later she reached the diner and it smelled of fresh baked bread, bacon on the griddle and pumpkin spiced coffee. In other words, heaven.

  "What can I get you?" the middle-aged waitress asked and then quickly jotted down Holly's order. Another fifteen minutes and Holly was munching on a pumpkin spice muffin and sipping a tasty chai latte. The food was a balm to her spirit even though it didn't do anything to reduce her troubles.

  But, it was in that dimly lit diner that she finally could accept two very important things.

  First, Max did not deserve to die. If he'd done anything in his past to warrant it, it wasn't out of a mean spirit. He may have been a bit arrogant, but that was part of his charm. And he went out of his way to be kind to others, and especially patient with Holly. Everyone made mistakes, but she was sure he just couldn’t do anything that would demand his life as punishment.

  The second thing Holly now admitted to was her affection for Max. Of course, it put her in a very bad position since she'd taken a vow to stay forever separate from the people who needed her services. So, no love life, no hope for marriage, no having kids and growing old with someone.

  Except the more Holly was with Max, that's exactly what she wanted. And that meant only one thing.

  She could no longer be a Reaper. It wasn't possible because now she'd become one of them — one of the mortals and Magics who navigated their own lives separate from any higher purpose. Oh, they had important lives and did important things, no doubt about it. But, what profession was more noble than helping someone start down the path into eternity?

  And that grieved her more than anything. She was not Reaper material, and suspected she never had been. So, what was she going to do with her life now? Because even if things turned out where Max accepted his fate and gave up his life — as much as Holly didn't want him to — she would still be forever changed.

  Falling in love was not acceptable for a Reaper. At least not in her guild. The moment her heart began to ache for Max was the very moment her career had ended.

  And, while she was saddened to leave the most important thing she'd ever done behind, the thought of giving it all up for love did not bother her as much as it should have.

  That was what had kept her up all night. Why didn't she care? Why wasn't she horrified by her disregard for the profession?

  Watching the moist muffin crumble in front of her, she got a weird sense of things. It was still the same muffin, with the same flavors, the same texture, the same wonderful pumpkin smell, but it was forever different. Broken and in pieces.

  And that was exactly how she felt.

  Perhaps she needed to talk to someone about it. Another Reaper, maybe. A psychiatrist, might be better, but who would understand? Did they even have them for Magicals?

  Her hunger receded and she sat back, sipping her tea, trying to think what she needed to do next.

  Ordinarily, she'd talk to Master Renault. He more than any other Reaper had lived the longest and would surely know how best to deal with her dilemma.

  And yet, she felt as if that would be a bad idea. A very bad idea. Something about her mentor left her uncomfortable, uneasy, even. Would he be sympathetic? Or, would he report her to the High Council?

  It could become not only a question of her loyalties, but whether she had done anything to reduce the title of Reaper, or even illegally help a client. Or, worse yet, could she possibly have worked against the Reaper oath she'd taken?

  Her life would be laid wide open and even the slightest lapse of judgement could be her undoing.

  "A penny for your thoughts?"

  Holly looked up to see Melody standing over her, a pumpkin coffee in one hand and an egg and cheese bagel in the other.

  Letting out a breath, Holly collected herself. "Oh, you'd be wasting your money, believe me. Um, what are you doing up so early?"

  The girl took the seat across from Holly. "I'm out taking an early morning run. Of course, when I ran by the diner, well, let's just say I'll be running twice as far tomorrow to work off the extra calories. Still, it's worth it."

  "They do have pretty good stuff here."

  Melody smiled. "Yeah, my trainer's going to be all crazy when he finds out. And, he will. He's like FBI investigating a drug cartel. Knows everything."

  Holly smiled. It was nice to chat with the young woman. Chatting was something that Reapers rarely did.

  "You look troubled," the girl said, pushing her breakfast sandwich aside. "Want to talk?"

  Holly hesitated. "It's probably not a good idea."

  The girl waved her hand. "It's never a good idea, but sometimes you've got to. It's helps to work things out. Here. Let me start. I'm thinking you have guy troubles, and that guy happens to be my boss. Am I right?"

  "Is it that obvious?"

  "Sorry, but yeah. But, don't be sad. This is a great thing, right? He's so yummy, after all."

  Holly let out a breath. "If I were a normal person, it would be. But, things are complicated..."

  Before she knew what she was doing, Holly started to tell her everything. So much poured out of her, that once she'd started talking, the words just didn't seem to stop coming. And, to her credit, the little witch was a great listener.

  "And, the worst part is, even telling you this could get me fired, or worse."

  "Worse?"

  "Yeah, charges brought against me, jail time..." Holly left the rest unsaid, but motioned her hand making a cutting motion across her throat.

  "Ouch," Melody said. "Still, love is more important than anything. Let me do some asking around. Turns out my Aunt Matilda is very close to the HC. Let me get a line on the current board's thoughts on romance and I'll get back to you."

  Holly nodded. "But, please, be careful."

  "Not to worry, Reaper girl," she grinned. "I've got this."

  Holly watched her swallow the last of her coffee, wink and then slip out of the restaurant. Taking a deep breath, Holly glanced down to her half empty cup of tea. It was time to get going. A shower, change of clothes, and some serious coffee would be in order.

  And, who knew, maybe it would all work out, after all...

  CHAPTER NINE

  "At least we got a little information," Max said once they were back in the car headed to Nocturne Falls.

&nbs
p; Matty sighed like a lovesick teenager. "Yeah, but she didn't kick me out."

  "She threatened to kill you, or at least hurt you really bad."

  "That only means she cares."

  "I'm glad she's on our side."

  They drove in silence until they arrived at Nocturne Falls city limits. The sun was just beginning to come up over the horizon and the sleepy little town was waking. Just as they made it downtown, Max saw a surprising sight.

  "Slow the car down. I see someone I know. In fact, just let me out at the corner. I'll walk the rest of the way home."

  "Sure thing, brother. I think I'll head home, too. I could use a little sleep. And, if you hear anything, give me a call. I need to know if something's going down and there's a chance of me not waking up."

  Max watched his brother pull away from the curb and once he was on his own, he turned toward the diner. He'd seen her as they pulled up to the stoplight, sitting inside the restaurant, sipping tea alone.

  Taking his time, he walked into the room and suddenly became enveloped in the scents of strong coffee, pumpkin spices and cinnamon. But, he wasn't distracted by his surroundings.

  "Holly?" he said, once he'd reached her table.

  She'd been so intent on staring down into her cup that for a minute he didn't think she'd heard him.

  Not knowing what else to do, and getting stares from the diner's other patrons, he slipped into the seat across from her.

  "Hey," he said again.

  She took a breath and then looked up at him. "I'm sorry," she said. "I'm afraid I'm not good company right now."

  He shrugged. "For the record, neither am I. I've just spent most of the night in the car with my brother, landed in his favorite Underworld hangout and kept him from getting killed or seriously maimed by his ex-girlfriend, so I'm a little rough right now. How about you?"

  "Just trying to figure things out."

  "I appreciate that. Have you eaten breakfast yet? Would you like me to order you something?"

  She held up her cup. "No, thanks. I've been here a couple of hours. I'm fine." She looked down for a moment. "Max, I think you should go."

  "Go where? Home?"

  She shook her head and he marveled at how even now, the sight of her beauty took his breath away. "No. I mean, travel. Find a place where you'll be safe."

  "You mean run away."

  She looked up, her eyes almost pleading him to do as she asked. "Just for a while, you know, think of it as a vacation."

  "For how long? A week, a month... a century?"

  He watched panic cross her expression. "I don't know. Until I get a chance to make things safe for you."

  "You mean, give up my home and my business? Desert my friends and colleagues? I'm sorry. I can't do that. I won't do that."

  "Then you're going to die. I don't want that."

  Max crossed his arms and sat back. "I don't want that, either. But, I'm not running away, Holly. I can't"

  She shook her head. "I'm not sure I can save you."

  He took her hands. "I know that. Just tell me what to expect. I see you brought your, weapon." He looked over at her scythe lying on the floor beside the table.

  "That's Artie's doing. She insisted I take it with me so I wouldn't get mugged along the way."

  "So, what happens now? Is your boss going to show up this morning and lay hands on me or something?"

  "I haven't given him my permission to Reap you. In fact, as things are, I'm the one with the power and it will remain that way unless I give it to him."

  "Really? I was under the impression last night that he thinks he already has it."

  She shrugged. "He does, too."

  "Okay, well, back to the drawing board. How much time do we have to put him off?"

  Holly shrugged. "That depends on if I can get an interview with the High Council. I'm going to put in for an audience when we get back to your place."

  "That sounds promising. How long before that happens?"

  "I'm hoping we get at least a week. But more than likely, it'll be three or four days."

  "And Renault will be okay with that?"

  She sighed. "He won't be happy, but it's my decision in the end."

  Max nodded. "Well, it's a plan. How about we head back to my place, you put in your request, I'll put on a pot of pumpkin soup and we'll have a nice, relaxing day?"

  "You're awfully calm about all this."

  He shrugged. "Panicking won't do anything. And, if my number is going to be pulled in the next couple of days, well then, I'm going to enjoy what I can, while I can."

  "Let me pay my tab and we'll get out of here."

  Max held out his hand. "I already took care of it."

  He stood up then and held his hand out to her. She hesitated a moment before taking it. When she did, however, he marveled at how soft and cool her fingers were, nestled in is hand. But, she had a good grip. She was petite, and very womanly, but she was also tenacious and stubborn.

  Moreover, Max liked her. Everything about her. The way she smelled of sunflowers and spice. She was wild and calm and exciting and interesting. He wanted to spend eternity with her and learn every nuance of her personality. He wanted to sit up late at night and listen to her talk about whatever was fascinating her at the moment. It wasn't just a meeting of minds Max craved. He wanted to share time with her, listen to her sleeping softly, feel the warmth of her beside him.

  "Are you all right?" she asked, shaking him from the depth of his thoughts. "You haven't given up, have you?"

  Given up? "No," he told her. But, maybe he was surrendering to her, just a bit. "Come on. Let's get some rest."

  She took his hand and smiled. "Okay."

  Standing, he pulled her to her feet and delighted in the sleight weight of her. The thought of being with her flashed in his mind. Holly in his arms, in his bed, and in his life. The two of them together, arm in arm in front of a fire. Or, watching old movies on the big screen.

  Looking down at her, Max realized for the first time just what was going on inside of him. His heart beat faster, his breath came shorter, and every nerve in his body came alive. It was because somehow this woman had entered his heart. It was more than a sexual attraction, although he couldn't deny how much he wanted to be with her, there was something more, something confusing and disturbing and at the same time thrilling and exciting.

  Why this woman and why him?

  And yet, he somehow felt that perhaps it wasn't a mystery to be solved, but rather a moment to be savored.

  Of course, one thing he knew for sure, the more he was with Holly, the more he wanted to be with her, and the more his old life teetered on the edge of oblivion.

  Unfortunately, risking his life didn't bother him as much as it should have. Deep in his mind, he knew Holly was certainly worth the risk.

  #

  All the way back to the funeral home, Max and Holly walked together, hand in hand. To anyone who didn't know them, they could have been any normal couple, enjoying an early morning stroll.

  But they were far from normal and every step took them closer to their destiny.

  Holly couldn't help her feelings. She knew that she'd likely be ruined for what she was about to do. Though she was concerned for her own future, she was more afraid for Max. He hadn't asked for this to be thrust upon him. He'd been living his life, not hurting anyone, but still had come under the attention of the High Council.

  And now, she was standing in front of him, feeling the warmth of his soul wrap around her, his very essence beckoning her forward, pulling her closer and closer.

  "Holly," he said, his voice low and thick. "I want to kiss you."

  There it was. This man that had collided with her in the worst possible circumstances, and all she wanted to do was accept his kiss, to melt in his arms and lose herself in him.

  She swallowed. "I want you to kiss me," she barely breathed.

  And, when he bent closer, he sear
ched her eyes, and Holly knew she was truly seeing him for the first time. Not as an Immortal and not as a client, but rather as a man. It was strange for her, a woman alone. A woman who'd been traversing through life with no other thought than that of her career. There simply had been nothing — no one else in her life.

  Until now.

  But, there was no time to think of that. With Max so close, seconds from kissing her, and filling up all her senses, all thought left her.

  The moment their lips touched, Holly experienced several things at once. The heat between them flared like kindling set ablaze after being doused with gasoline. His form was solid against her, molding around her so that they fit together perfectly. So perfectly, in fact, she knew in her soul that they belonged together.

  More than that, he was kind, gentle in the way he held her. As if she were fragile glass that would shatter under the weight of a feather. Of course, she reveled in the solid firmness of him around her, enfolding her in his protective embrace. She knew he would fight monsters for her, would climb the highest mountain, or swim the deepest sea. He'd even die for her...

  Holly pulled back as the shock of that thought went through her.

  Gasping for breath, he looked at her, confusion and regret clouding his eyes. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice raw.

  She shook her head. "This is dangerous, you and I... like this."

  He let out a breath, and then stepped back, holding his arms out wide. "Right. I don't know what I was thinking."

  Suddenly it all went wrong between them. Holly felt the second it snapped and whatever they'd built had come crashing down like a house made of cards.

  "I'm sorry," was all she could think to say. "It's my fault."

  He shook his head. "It's not you or me. It's the situation. You're not free to be with someone. I get it. I suppose I wouldn't be good for you, either."

  "I don't want it to be this way."

  "Me either."

  A silence fell between them in a wide and empty chasm and Holly felt that if she leaned too far toward him, she'd plummet into it.

  Before she could speak again, her phone buzzed in her pocket, and without looking, she knew it was Master Renault. Of course, she'd no intention of answering him. He was going to insist that she give him the Reap and she needed strength and sleep to face him.