The leaves above rustled restlessly. It only chilled the otherwise silence.
There was heaviness in the air, and the fear, the anticipation was palpable. What were they doing here? What could they possibly do against an immortal with the strength to hurt another immortal?
A buzzing at her knee scared her, and she glanced down in the console, where Thanatos' phone sat. It was buzzing with a text. Raina slowly reached for it. The text was from Bradley. She slowly texted back, she was trying not to bring any attention to herself.
"Daddy? It’s Elly… don't do anything stupid."
Raina hit send on her message, and then slowly started out of the truck.
Thanatos glared at her. "So bull headed," he growled, when she got to his side.
"Richard came to see me," she whispered.
Thanatos frowned. "You will not put yourself in danger."
She tugged his arm, so he lowered to her level. She whispered in his ear," He can't make a scene for long."
He furrowed his brow. "He'll make a scene long enough to hurt you."
Raina shook her head. "He won't."
"Will you two shut up," Elenora growled.
Raina straightened her shoulders. She rushed passed Thanatos before he could grab her. "He wants me...not you...not even Nolan. Why not just give him what he wants?" Raina spoke loud, knowing if he was near....he'd hear her.
A dark chuckle came from the side of the house. "Ah, it’s as if she can read my thoughts!"
She shivered, feeling much like the night she meet Thanatos...ten times worse.
A tall man stepped from the side yard. He was in a dark leather jacket. His hair was black...his eyes black. His face was covered in a dark, heavy, stubble as well.
"Hmm, pretty girl...now I can see what all the fuss is about. Aren't you just a little burst of sunlight?"
Raina shivered. There was a pure evil in those eyes, and a strength that radiated from him. It was like nothing she had ever experienced. Her adrenaline spiked, and her stomach flipped repeatedly. She only prayed she looked brave.
"Your protector...he's very strong. You do know because he was fighting for you...he gave me a run for my money."
Raina gasped. "You...you didn't hurt..."
"Hurt him? Yes, I think I rather did."
"Daddy," Elenora screamed.
"I said hurt...not killed...not...extinguished." He cocked his head. "He will heal."
Raina felt strength leaving her. She needed to be with Nolan now.
"Come here, Raina." Her name on his tongue felt dirty.
"What do you want of me?" She lifted her chin defiantly.
"A taste."
"No," she bit out, before Thanatos could stupidly say the same. It would be an act of defiance coming from him. Coming from her, it was a challenge.
"No?" He laughed seductively. "You are too small...too fragile to tell me...no." He grinned. “Come here little lightning bug.”
Raina stood her ground.
"I came here tonight rather looking forward to doing away with you quickly for my little girl’s sake. But standing here, feasting on you, your, aura, your beauty; I'm thinking quick would be such a waste....when I could take your life slowly. I promise you would enjoy every moment." He took a step closer. "I would enjoy every moment."
Thanatos fists clenched. Raina willed him to stay put. She had no idea what she was doing. She just knew to distract Richard as long as she could.
"How has Nolan not christened you?"
Raina bit the inside of her cheek.
"He says he loves her Daddy, not me. You can't let her get away with that."
Richard’s dark eyes took in Raina. "I think the blame lies nowhere. How could Nolan resist loving her? And how could Raina be less irresistible?"
Elenora gasped. "She's an ugly little mortal."
"Have you no eyes daughter?"
Elenora fumed, crossing her arms.
"Come, Raina...give me just a taste."
Raina shook her head again. "I belong to Nolan," she whispered.
This got Richards attention. "And you think I cannot just take you?"
Raina shook her head. "Not from my protector. He would find you..."
"And what? Do you know how powerful I am? You think one mere immortal fueled by, even a lovely mortal like you, could stand against me? Even if she does have the sun inside her...the rays coming from her hair...her eyes..."
She shivered. "He could if he had Allies."
"And who are they?"
"I can't speak for them," she whispered.
"Because there are none," he growled. "Nolan has no one who would defend him against me. They are all too afraid."
Raina wished she could say Jonathan, Joseph, Thanatos would protect, but she would not put them in danger. "It is sad that you must use such force...such evil to get what you want, when gentleness...kindness could get you all you have and more."
He frowned. "What has it gotten Nolan? All his gentleness…his sweetness? Broken and bleeding on the ground?"
Raina's heart pounded. "He has me. And you cannot."
"I can and I will.”
Her blue eyes stung with tears and her knees turned to jelly. "You can never have in me what is his. So go ahead and hurt me." She closed her eyes.
Richard stepped forward, standing a breath away from her. "Lift your face. Open those eyes to me."
Raina obeyed.
Richard glared down on her. "So beautiful, warm, it’s almost too much, your light. I would like to steal that light and harness the sun."
Raina felt fear…raw fear sweep over her. Such power came from this man...yet he seemed transfixed by her. He was transfixed by one small mortal.
"I will take my kiss, and we will see if it is enough," he grumbled huskily. He closed his eyes and inhaled, as if he could breathe in her essence.
Raina took one second to look toward Thanatos and Elenora. Thanatos was a mass of fury, but unmoving, it was as if he were chained to that spot. Elenora had her eyes closed. She was concentrating...on what?
Raina did not have long to think on this, Richards mouth descended roughly on top of hers, but before Raina could be repulsed by his touch, he was screaming, and jerking away from her...his eyes wild. His hand was over his mouth.
"She burned me! I...she burned me!"
Raina’s eyes widened and she touched her lips. They were as cool as the night air around them. "Burned?"
"The bitch burned my lips." He ran his hand over his mouth, as though checking to make sure his lips were still intact. His hands trembled. "You will pay for that!"
Raina was utterly confused. She trembled.
"How did you do that?"
Raina shook her head. "I don't know...I didn't mean..." she frantically shot a look to Thanatos. He was utterly speechless.
It was then she noticed Elenora’s inability to look at them. Had she? No...she wouldn't have used a mind trick on her own father! Raina knew better to think it was for her at all that it was done...but she was thankful all the same.
"Do it again...and you die," Richard growled, grabbing her arm. "For that…I am taking more than a kiss from you tonight.” He hauled her up, and gripped her neck. "Such a shame a pretty little piece of the sun has to die." He squeezed on her throat.
"Please," she gasped. "Please don't."
Raina didn't know what happened next. She was being held aloft one moment, then being thrown away. She fell hard against the ground; it dug into her skin. Richard was screaming again.
"What kind of witchcraft is this? Where is this fire coming from?" He kicked at her, causing her to tumble roughly across the ground.
She gasped in breaths, and trembled, lying as still as she could on the ground. Her eyes focused on Richards pain ravaged face. He was coming at her again, and there would be no mercy.
Then there was an arm around his throat, and he was flung roughly against the trunk of a tree. There was an audible plunk as his head made contact.
Nolan! His suit was ruined...blood soaked, and dirty...as was his face, his hands. But he was a beautiful sight. His eyes held her for an instant. "Thanatos...help Raina," he shouted, and then went after Richard, who was shaking his head to clear the cobwebs. He would be fighting again soon.
Raina gasped in fear for him. "Nolan?"
Thanatos was kneeling at her side. "I'm sorry I couldn't help you sooner." His eyes were anxious, as he looked her over.
"Nolan’s okay?" she sobbed.
"Healers heal quickly," Thanatos whispered, as he lifted her into his arms.
She bit back a cry of pain, as he shifted her in his arms.
"How did you know to distract Richard long enough for Nolan to heal?" He carried her to the truck, and sat her gently down.
"I didn't," Raina whimpered. "I was winging it as I went along."
Thanatos green eyes widened. "You incredibly stupid girl," he sighed, cupping her face.
She tried to look over his shoulder, where she heard the sound of male fighting. She gasped at the pain in her ribs. They were probably broken. “You have to help him," she cried.
"I was told to help you."
She struggled.
"Stay," he growled.
She watched as Elenora stepped in between the two men, and Richard instantly paused. He would not hurt his own flesh and blood.
"He will die. That girl will die," Richard snarled.
"No Daddy, no, please let’s talk." She gently set her hands to his shoulders. Her words calmed him, and Raina wondered if she was using her power over him.
"She saved me," Raina whispered. "With one of her mind tricks! The fire?"
Thanatos eyes gentled. "No, my sweet...I did that."
Raina blinked up at him. "What?"
He nodded. "Purely with my powers of persuasion."
Her mouth fell open. "I didn't know...you can make people feel things?"
He shrugged. "It’s hit and miss. Usually I need my words to do the persuading. But he was so convinced you were your own sun...I was able to...make it happen."
She smiled. "Really?"
He nodded, grinning.
She laughed, and then groaned.
"If Nolan hadn't come too though...I don't know what I would have done to save you," he sighed. "I was helpless."
She nodded. "I know the feeling!"
Both of them looked up, as the flashing lights of a police cruiser, illuminated the yard. Raina sighed. "About time!"
Thanatos looked at her in surprise. "How did you..."
"Your phone...in the truck. I texted Bradley. He must have called."
"Resourceful girl," he complimented.
Everything happened quickly after that.
Richard took off; the two officers took after him on foot. They'd never catch him...crazy immortal strength.
Elenora got in her car, pulling through the yard to escape, and Nolan was there, hands on Raina’s delicate throat.
She felt the warmth flowing through her, and the pain flowing away. All she wanted to do was touch him to be sure he was really okay. He kissed the scratches on her arms, the bruises in the shape of Richard’s hand. He knelt before her, and touched his lips to the cut on her knee...all healed nicely.
His fingers gently prodded her ribs, which obeyed his touch. He didn't speak though...as if it took all his concentration.
She took advantage of his distraction, and gently ran her fingers through his hair. She felt where it was matted from the blood he shed. It made a sob well up in her throat. She could have lost him tonight!
Nolan did not chastise her for her touch. He simply went on, wordlessly mending her....drawing her pain.
"The officers will want a statement." Thanatos whispered.
Raina nodded, watching as they trudged back in the yard. They both seemed astounded that the neither of them had caught him.
They would want to call an ambulance, she was afraid. She glanced at Nolan’s torn and bloodied shirt.
Thanatos reached inside his truck, and tossed Nolan a t-shirt, and sweatpants. He kept them in his truck for the gym. "They are freshly washed," he assured him with an amused grin.
"Thank you," Nolan whispered. "For the clothes...for helping Raina."
Thanatos nodded quickly, "Don't mention it," he mumbled, and turned to the officers.
Each gave their statements...each refused medical. Thanatos used his persuasion to win that argument. They left without much of a fuss.
"I'm getting really good at that," he laughed.
Nolan chuckled, "I'm thinking Raina's influence in your life may be helping."
Thanatos' brows lifted. "You may be right. Maybe playing for the side of right does have its benefits." He handed her his phone. "If you want any semblance of privacy tonight...you better call your friends."
"You're right," she sighed. Raina called Emily and Bradley, assuring them she was okay. She needed sleep now...she'd explain everything to them in the morning.
Thanatos climbed in his truck, once she handed the phone back. He gave Nolan a stern glance. "I suppose you are staying here tonight?"
Nolan tilted his head.
Thanatos green eyes glowed in the dark. "That’s what I thought. I...I'll be up tonight...if I'm needed. Please call me."
Nolan nodded. "You have my word."
Thanatos mouth quirked at Raina. "No more being a hero tonight."
She smiled. "I'll leave that up to you guys," she promised.
He laughed, and gunned his engine, before pulling out of the drive.
Nolan wrapped an arm around her waist, and headed into the house. They were bombarded by Turk...who had not ceased to bark the entire time. He was let out the back.
When Nolan walked back in, Raina had to hold back a sob. She knew he was healed...but the sight of the blood torn clothes, the matted hair. "He really hurt you...didn't he?"
He touched her face. He didn't want to give her the truth. If she knew how close he had been to death, she would fall apart. "You go take a shower. I'm going to lock everything up...then I'll shower."
"But what if Richard comes back?" Her eyes widened with fear.
"He won't, not tonight. And I feel he may be a little scared of you right now. Thanatos trick won't keep him back long...hopefully Elenora will do the job convincing him." He brushed her hair back and smiled sadly. "Are you all right my love?"
Her heart quickened at the sweetness in his voice. She nodded.
"Go clean up...take a nice hot shower."
She nodded mutely, tears pooled in her eyes, but she turned and obeyed him without question.
She tried to hurry through her shower, so he could clean up too, but the hot water felt so good, and drove away the remainder of her shock. She stood under the soothing flow, until her muscles felt like jelly.
She dressed in a long night shirt, and tucked herself into her big fluffy robe. She felt encased, warm, and safe for the moment. That was a novel feeling...seeing as what had gone on tonight.
Nolan was sitting on the bottom of the stairs when she emerged. He hadn't wanted to make a mess on her furniture. He grinned up at her, as she descended. "Better?"
She nodded, and touched his hair...what wasn't matted or bloody. Her eyes filled again.
"I'm okay Raina," he murmured. "Look!" He parted his hair where there should be gashes, nothing but healthy scalp. He pulled aside his ripped shirt and revealed, bloodied but not bruised arms, torso, neck. "I just look half dead."
She bit her lip and nodded. She drew in a deep breath. "He could have killed you tonight, couldn't he have?"
Nolan gave a nod.
"Why didn’t he?"
He grinned again. "You won't like my answer."
"Elenora," she sighed.
"Well...she’s good for that, huh?"
Raina tried not to smile, but it was futile. "Just...that."
He ran a finger down her cheek. "Get something to eat. You need it."
"I'll make something for you too," she whispered.
He nodded with appreciation. The fight and the healing had depleted him pretty badly.
In the kitchen, she made them both sandwiches; loaded with ham, roast beef cheese...she doubled his serving. He had to be drained.
Her fingers started shaking, when she thought of the ordeal again. She pulled in a deep breath, and decided to pour herself a glass of wine.
"Go easy on that." Nolan took the glass from her hand and set it on the counter. He gently cupped her face, turning it this way, and that.
"I'm okay," she sighed. She took his hands from her face and just looked up at him. "Can I check you?"
"If it will make you feel better."
She reached up, touching the wet hair...no blood, no cuts. His face was perfection. His arms were unmarred, all bones intact. She let her hands do the investigative work, running over him, finding he was indeed in one piece.
"Satisfied?" he breathed, capturing her hands. Her touch was not unwanted, just too much for him. He was already in an emotional state.
She nodded, and swallowed back tears.
"Let’s eat," he offered. He picked up her glass of wine, and took a sip, then led her to the table.
Turk followed them, surprisingly quiet and subdued.
They both ate in silence. Raina watched Nolan as she ate, happy to see him fortifying himself. He was famished, and she could only imagine what energy it had taken to heal and then fight for her once more.
She pushed aside her plate when she had enough, and reached for her wine.
Nolan smiled at her, pushing his empty plate away. "That hit the spot."
She grinned back. "I like being domestic with you," she teased. "Eating dinner like a normal...couple."
His silver eyes darkened.
"Don't," she whispered. "Don't get all heavy on me and start saying things like...we should be careful, we can't be together...look at me as a friend!" She shook her head.
He ducked his head.
"Nolan...losing you would be death to me."
"Raina..."
"It would!"
He shook his head. "You only say that now because of your emotional state. I am not your whole life!"
She leaned back in her chair and regarded him. "You honestly believe that?"
Nolan shrugged.
Raina bit her lip, and shook her head. "If you're saying I cannot be with you....I'd rather have you at least once, even if it means the death of me." Her blue eyes were sober, unblinking.
The Awakening (Wake Up #1) Page 36