The Lost Soul Trilogy (Primani Book 5)

by Laurie Olerich

  Finding my voice, I whispered, “Make me remember. I need to remember.” My heart pounded like a drum and my head filled with visions of flame and stone as he glued his mouth to mine.

  “Killian…” I whispered to the forest, my heart thudding against my ribs as yesterday’s memories washed over me.

  “Come, nymph, there’s something I want to show you,” he said against in my ear.

  Taking my hand, he led me down a steep rocky crevice that led to a clear pool of spring water. Going back up for Domino, he rematerialized with her and sat her down carefully. The pool was lovely. Black and grey granite lined the pool and glittered in the early morning sun. Two tiny ferns perched precariously at the edge, their brilliant green an artistic splash against the grey.

  “Oh! It’s perfect!”

  “Perfect for what, witch?”

  “For casting spells, of course!” I teased. While slipping a bit, I managed to lean forward and scoop a handful of water. It was sweet and tasted of the earth.

  “Are you happy, Princess?”

  Suddenly serious myself, I thought for a minute before I answered. Bringing his knuckles to my cold lips, I kissed them and released his hand. It slid to my chest and his fingers toyed with my locket. The locket responded happily with a faint glow and a deep hum. It knew him. I knew him.

  Instead of answering the question, I said, “I remembered everything last night. After we made love, I couldn’t sleep.”

  “I know,” he murmured.

  “I lay there for hours…just remembering us…remembering you.”

  Cautiously, he asked again, “Are you happy?”

  “Yes.”

  “So what you told Dec…You’re not planning to leave us?”

  “Are you kidding me? After last night, you’ll be lucky if I let you go to the bathroom by yourself! You were amazing!” I joked and then blushed as my words sunk in and his mouth dropped open.

  Grinning arrogantly, he boasted, “Oh, anytime, babe, anytime.”

  As we climbed back down the mountain, I mused that there was so much more to this complicated creature than I would probably ever know, but I understood him more and more every day. We ended up on this mountain because I’d announced I needed some fresh air and he brought me here. When I asked why he chose this place, he shrugged and said he knew I was a creature of the forest. We’d climbed to the top, set up camp, and spent the night under the stars wrapped in each other’s arms. The night was heavenly. This morning, it was back to civilization but I felt strong and ready. Maybe I was a creature of the forest.

  He drove the SUV and I relaxed against the seat absently watching the scenery zip by. At some point during the drama of our days, the seasons had changed and spring had finally come. The sky was a clear, bright blue today. Trees were dressed with shiny new leaves and the snowmelt filled the rocky crevasses and poured down the sides of cliffs. It was a wild land and I entertained myself by imagining I was really a wood nymph. Frolicking throughout the ferns and sycamore trees…wearing some strategically-placed flora…now all I needed was a satyr…I peeked under my lashes at Killian. He’d look delicious in a fig leaf…hmm. He clamped his lips together and firmly shook his head. Ok, then, no satyr…maybe Dionysus?

  “He’s the god of wine, not of wood nymphs.”

  I gave up my fantasy and enjoyed the silence and lingering scent of wood smoke.

  After a little while, Killian reached over and took my hand. It was a comfortable gesture and my hand fit perfectly in the curve of his. He absently stroked my palm and my fingers curled in response.

  “Can I ask you a question?”

  Interest peaked, I nodded.

  “Are you interested in going on a mission with me? I need to go away for a few days and I don’t want to leave you. I understand if you don’t want to go. It’ll be dangerous. There will be demons, and it might be too soon for you.” His eyes unconsciously dropped to my lap. He was still worried about the miscarriage.

  “Do you think I’m strong enough to be your backup?”

  “You’re tough, babe. I know I can count on you in a fight. That’s not the issue. I’m more worried about your emotional state and whether you’re ready to face demons again. Can you handle them?”

  Sighing, I chose my words carefully. “I can’t undo what’s happened. The fact that Raphael saved my life and brought you back to me tells me that my work with you isn’t done. Like it or not, I’m still needed. I can’t walk away from that. I’ll kill as many as you want me to.”

  “That’s my girl.”

  “And Killian...”

  “Yeah, babe?”

  “Thanks. Thanks for being here…for giving me space. And…thank you for caring about the baby. It couldn’t be easy for you knowing it wasn’t yours.”

  Without responding, he steered the truck over to the shoulder and put it into Park. Turning to me, he said mockingly, “Don’t put me up on too high a pedestal, Princess. I’m no saint. I want to strangle Sean for leaving you alone to deal with being pregnant and then losing the baby. That was his responsibility and he fucked it up.” He rolled his shoulders and continued gruffly, “All I did was come in after the fact and help you deal with the loss. I’m no hero.”

  “But you--” I started to argue and he cut me off.

  “But I grieved with you. Is that what you wanted to say?” Taking my face in his hands, he kissed me carefully. “Yes, I did. I still do. That tiny little baby was part of you and it’s gone. I would never take that lightly.”

  “Detroit? Michigan? What on earth is in Detroit?” I exclaimed hours later.

  “Dagin’s second lab. I’ve been all over New York and Vermont. There’s no sign of Sgaine Dutre. I talked to Alex this week and he told me there’s a rumor about a second lab. We should go check it out.”

  “Whatever you say…” I was game for a road trip. A nice long car ride would be great. It would give us time to be together without interruptions.

  Later that afternoon, we pulled into my parents’ driveway and parked. Domino was sulking and had her wet nose pressed firmly against the window with her butt in my face. She was not happy with me.

  “Why don’t you wait here?” I suggested to Killian.

  My plan was to run inside quickly and drop Domino off before my parents could ask any nosy or otherwise unanswerable questions. Like, where is Sean? Who is that scary-looking big guy driving that SUV? Where’d that SUV come from? Why are you going to Detroit? What happened to your engagement ring? And there were so many more possibilities…I had no answers to give them today. Oh, one, maybe. My engagement ring was sitting alone in the bottom of my jewelry box.

  The rap of knuckles against the driver’s side window caused us both to jump and whirl around. Ugh. This was not good. My dad was peering interestedly into the truck. So much for running in and out without them seeing Killian…Mentally smacking myself on the forehead, I decided that offense was the best defense and boldly got out of the truck dragging Domino behind me.

  “Hey Dad! You didn’t have to come outside!” I trotted over and gave him a nice daughterly hug while attempting to steer him away from the truck.

  Digging in his heels, my father played along with my forced good humor. He took a second to adjust his sunglasses and said. “Oh, it’s okay, hon. I don’t mind coming out to meet you.” Peering over my shoulder, he stiffened and drew himself to his full height.

  At 6 feet 3 inches and 220 pounds of solid muscle, Killian towered above my modestly proportioned father. At the moment, he stood loosely in a non-threatening way giving off his best 'I’m not dangerous' vibes and actually smiled pleasantly at my father. Cringing for the fallout, I introduced him.

  “Dad, this is Killian. He’s a good friend of mine.” Killian’s fingers dug into my side just a wee bit and I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing.

  He offered his hand to my father who seemed confused about why his seemingly normal offspring kept showing up with mercenaries draped over her like
accessories. To be fair, he’d just gotten used to Sean…and that took him four years. Killian was a bit more…well, everything; taller, harder, stronger, bigger, intimidating and intense.

  At least he’d shaved…

  Trust my father to make an awkward situation even worse. He shook Killian’s hand and asked pointedly, “So are you a friend of Sean’s too?”

  “Dad!”

  Feigning innocence, he asked, “What? I’m just trying to connect the dots here.”

  Killian smiled easily and answered, “Yes sir, as a matter of fact, Sean and I have known each other for a long time. And now Mica works with us. She’s been a great help with some of our tougher projects so I’m taking her with me to meet some out of town clients. She’s really good at her work. I know you must be very proud of her.”

  Having absolutely no idea what kind of work I did, my dad had no choice but to agree. “Oh, sure I am. She’s always been a hard worker.”

  “Well, would you look at the time? We’re going to hit the traffic if we don’t get moving! Thanks again for keeping the pooch for a few days. I’ll call you!” With a last hurried kiss on the cheek, I left my dad standing in the driveway and practically sprinted to the truck.

  Killian raised a hand in farewell and smoothly pulled the truck onto the road again. Shaking his head with amusement, he glanced over at me and said, “You are a witch. You know that? I can’t believe I just played nice with your father…I’m going soft.”

  Hooting with mirth, I bounced across the console and kissed his cheek. “And I thank you very much for that! It didn’t kill you to be nice, did it?”

  Scowling, he said, “No, but don’t get used to it. Humans are annoying. You’re the only human I plan to be nice to. And that, witch, could change if you get me killed in Detroit!”

  We were taking the 401 through Ontario from New York to Detroit. The speed limit was higher and it was a straight shot. It would take about 10 hours to get there. During the drive, we finalized our plans for the op. I busied myself with getting the location coordinates together and plugging them into the GPS and my memory, in case the truck blew up or something. Our weapons were concealed under a customized floor panel to avoid any delays at the border. I had brought extra magazines, just in case.

  I dozed off halfway across Canada and was dragged back to consciousness by the whispered argument going on beside me. Intrigued, I kept my eyes closed and listened shamelessly.

  What was he doing here?

  “I had no choice! She couldn’t handle the truth!” Sean’s cold tone set my teeth on edge.

  “You don’t know her at all, do you? She’s stronger than that.” Killian defended me.

  Sean snorted with derision, “Trust me, she wouldn’t understand this.”

  “It doesn’t matter anyway. You blew it.”

  “Oh, yeah? And are you taking my place again? How does it feel to be her second choice?”

  Killian’s voice was relaxed as he said, “Careful, brother. I can still put you in the ground.”

  “Whatever, man. I have to get back. I’ll see you in Detroit.”

  Minutes passed. My eyes were closed but my mind raced with questions. What was he doing here? What was he talking about?

  “You can pretend if it makes you feel better, but I know you heard us.” Killian's voice was kind and he glanced sideways at me.

  “What did he want?” I asked.

  “Alex sent him to meet us in Detroit.”

  “Is that necessary? Do we need him? Three’s an odd number for the team. It’s unlucky.”

  “Unlucky?”

  “Yes, odd numbers are unlucky. New rule.”

  “It’ll be fine.”

  It was after dark when we pulled into a roadside motel off a highway near Detroit. Wow. This place was a dump. I questioned Killian’s sanity for even pulling into the parking lot. There were bars on the windows of the convenience store across from the motel and the streetlights were mostly broken. A couple of young men lounged on the sidewalk in front of a liquor store, their eyes following our every move. Next door, a skinny black girl in a ripped miniskirt and a sequined halter draped her bony body against the doorway of a check cashing storefront and boldly stared at Killian’s crotch.

  Dream on, baby girl. It ain’t gonna happen.

  Doing my best to blend, I acted like I lived there and shuffled to the motel lobby. My nose hairs curled in on themselves when Killian pushed the door open and waved me inside. The lobby walls were yellow with old cigarette smoke and the air smelled like unwashed dishes and mildew. Gagging a little, I backed up in full retreat from the stench and he steadied me with a hard grip on my elbow.

  “What’s wrong?” He stiffened automatically and scanned the lobby for threats. Nonplussed by the lack of armed men or scaled demons, he asked again, “What’s wrong with you?”

  Holding my nose, I mumbled, “It stinks in here. I think I’m going to puke.”

  “You’re turning green around the edges. Is it that bad?” He inhaled deeply and coughed with revulsion. “Okay, it’s not great. Do you have another idea?”

  Backing out into the relatively fresher air of the parking lot, I inhaled gratefully and suggested he look for something better. “I can drive if you’re tired. I don’t mind.”

  “I’ve got it. Let’s go.” We headed back to the relative safety of the SUV only to find it under close scrutiny by three men wielding tire irons.

  They straightened in challenge until they got a good look at Killian, then they got a little less cocky. I was always impressed by the transformation when he dumped his human façade. His size and merciless eyes left no doubt he would rip them to pieces. I swallowed a grin and unsnapped the holster for my Sig. I tensed and waited to see how this would play out.

  Who would blink first?

  One of the men, the largest of the three, stepped forward with a calculating gleam in his eye. He gripped a tire iron in one hand and tried to intimidate us by smacking it against his palm. I rolled my eyes. Amateur! Killian cracked his knuckles. The other two fanned out forming a wedge that cut us off from the truck. I lifted the Sig and the man closest to me hesitated. He couldn’t have been much older than me. His face was young but he had the hard eyes of someone who’d lived a hundred years already. His dirty brown hair hung limply and his face was spotted with scabs. Desperate brown eyes fixed on my backpack.

  What had brought him to this? Drugs? Hunger?

  It was hard to say, but he was hungry now and judging by the intensity of his stare, he was willing to kill me to keep the truck. Well, today wasn’t going to be his day. I wasn’t dying so some punk junkie could take my wheels.

  Killian’s voice came to me. Put your silencer on the Sig.

  With a practiced motion, I withdrew the silencer from my cargo pocket and screwed it onto the Sig. The punk next to me sucked in a breath and took a step back. Killian pulled out his own silenced Sig and shoved the slide back with an ominous metallic click. The men froze and looked at their leader.

  Killian said, “Walk away before bad things happen.” He leveled the gun squarely at the man’s chest. I did the same to the man on my right.

  “Don’t even think about it,” I said to the third man. “I can hit you before you can reach me. I’m just that good.”

  It didn’t take them very long to make a decision. The leader put out his hands in a gesture of surrender and backed away. “Hey man, take it easy! We didn’t mean no harm; we was just lookin’ at it.”

  He backed away and his two buddies followed him. We turned in their direction with weapons raised until they were well away from the truck. Without taking my eyes off of them, I went to the truck and climbed inside. Killian planted his feet next to driver’s door and stood tensely until they were well across the street. Sliding into his seat, he sat the gun down on the console and started the engine.

  “See? I told you humans are annoying,” he said with a very tiny grin.

  “You’re horrible! Angels are sup
posed to like people.”

  Shaking his head, he said seriously, “That’s not in my contract.”

  Letting it go with a grin of my own, I checked for a tail as he drove down the road in search of more friendly parking lots.

  “It’s clear,” I announced after a few miles. “Can we just stay at the Hampton Inn? I saw a sign for one and it’s coming up in a few more miles. They have free breakfast!”

  We found it a few minutes later and checked into a third story room with a view of our truck. It was a nice room as far as hotel rooms went. Cream-colored walls and cherry furniture gave the room an upscale feel. There were two double beds and a flat screen TV. Groaning with pleasure, I stretched across one of the beds and flipped on the television. The local news was running and I nearly swallowed my tongue. No way! Killian scowled as the anchorman finished the story.

  “Shit.”

  “Yep.”

  I patted the bed and he angrily dismissed the invite in favor of pacing and swearing in a variety of languages. I think I caught Latin and possibly Gaelic in the stream of words coming out of his mouth. Was that French? Finally, I gave up and burst out laughing. He paused in mid-pace and gawked at me like I’d lost my mind.

  “What’s funny? I don’t see anything funny about the possibility of zombies in Detroit!”

  That reminded of the movie “Shawn of the Dead” and I dissolved into fresh giggles. It was perfect! Sean would be here to fight zombies…his accent wasn’t quite British, but it was close…

  “You’ve lost your mind, haven’t you?” Killian frowned over me like the warrior angel he was. The glower was wasted on me and I pulled him down to the bed and kissed him until he gave up scowling and his eyes burned with something other than fury.

  “Now, isn’t that better?” I asked with my lips pressed against his throat. Nuzzling his neck, I moved to his ear and purred, “Don’t look now, but your blade is happy to see me.”

  Startled, he stared at the subtly glowing golden blade. Turning away from me, he fingered the stone with eyes lowered in concentration. Fascinated, I watched as the tiny red stone burned hotly in the haft. His seductive mouth moved in silence as he murmured the words to see what the blade would show him. I couldn’t help myself; I wanted badly to kiss his full lower lip right where it curled naturally into a smile. Instead, I showed great restraint and contented myself with remembering how it felt against my own. Damn zombies were ruining my love life!