Soul Taker

by Nutt, Karen Michelle

  "I have a big brother, and a load of guy cousins on my father's side. I hung out with them. You tend to learn a thing or two."

  "Hmm." He offered his hand to her, helping her out of the car before he did something stupid and allowed her to drive it.

  They walked in silence to her flat, or condo, as the Americans liked to say. He had to remember the right lingo to fit in, not that he ever lost his Scottish burr completely, so no one would believe he'd been born here.

  Isabella slipped the key in the lock and opened the door. She went in expecting him to follow. When he didn't, she turned to stare at him with a questioning frown.

  "Aren't you going to come in?" she asked.

  "Are ye askin'?"

  Her lovely brows furrowed over the bridge of her nose. Then it finally dawned on her why he was still standing outside. "You must be kidding." She chuckled. "You can't turn into a bat, but the legend is true about you not being able to enter a house without permission?"

  "As much as the legends exaggerate, they also hold a bit of truth to them, now and again. Signing a lease or mortgage document makes your ownership of the dwelling a binding commitment. It is as good as an incantation."

  She stared and blinked. "You make it sound as if we signed a deal with the devil."

  He shrugged. "It holds as much worth."

  She shook her head. "Oh, come in already. I invite you in," she told him. "Can I get you anything to drink? Soda? Coffee?"

  "I'm fine, thank ye." He closed and locked the door behind him. "Do ye live alone?"

  "No, I live with my brother. He's out of town for a few days, a business seminar. He left sometime this evening." She pursed her lips and her expression looked troubled.

  "Are ye worried about him?"

  "What? Uh…no." She brushed a wayward hair away from her face. "We had a little argument earlier at the restaurant and… I should have apologized."

  "Ye and yer brother are close, aye?"

  She nodded. "He's always been there for me. My parents died when I was young and most of the responsibility landed on my brother's shoulders."

  He could imagine the difficulties the two endured. Nicholas was not much older than she was, maybe six or seven years, but he would have been barely a man himself when he took on the responsibilities to raise his sister. "I'm sure he knows ye were sorry…for whatever ye two argued about."

  Her lips curved slightly. "Most likely, but still…" She let her words fade away as she moved to the kitchen. He could hear her stirring in there, most likely fixing herself a drink of some sort.

  Isabella's home was warm and inviting with her sofa a rich color of green and burgundy with drapes to match. She had candles on the mantle of her fireplace, along with a few framed photos. Her bookcase was stuffed with books of all genres—Shakespeare's sonnets, books about European art, Encyclopedias, medical books, and volumes of life after death from various authors. On her desk, she had a laptop. He moved the mouse and the fairy screen saver turned off to reveal the last thing she'd been looking at.

  "Oh," he heard her say from behind him. "I was looking up—"

  "I can see. Vampires from Hell?"

  She held a cup of steaming liquid with a pleasant flowery aroma. "Hey, I didn't write the article," she defended herself.

  He looked at her then, this human girl…woman, who seemed not to be afraid of him. She barely reached the middle of his chest, but what she lacked in height and strength, she made up with determination and spunk.

  Her skin held a flawless glow as if the sun had kissed her cheeks. She smelled like herbs, spices, and a sweet feminine scent that was all her. She was slender, but with curves in all the right places, which pleased him more than it should. "What do ye want to know? About vampires," he clarified. He was immediately afraid she'd bombard him with a million questions he had no wish to answer. He was already regretting his offer when she put her cup down and grabbed a notebook and pen from the side drawer of her desk.

  She moved to the sofa and offered him a seat with a wave of her hand. He took the large recliner across from her.

  "Can a stake through the heart harm you?" was her first question.

  He hesitated, wondering what kind of fool he must be to tell her, but he nodded all the same.

  "You'll combust?"

  "How nicely put," he growled. "By chance, are ye a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer?"

  "Of course, isn't everyone?"

  "Splendid." He pursed his lips together in disgust. "No, a stake won't make a vampire combust. It'll paralyze a vampire's limbs, but no' his mind."

  "Interesting. You mean you'll know all that's happening to you, but you can't do a thing about it?"

  "Aye." He gave her a curt nod.

  She frowned as she scribbled down what he told her. "Are you afraid of crosses?" She looked at him again.

  "No."

  "What if I threw holy water in your face?"

  "Then ye would be the one hurt. No one likes havin' somethin' thrown in their face."

  "Vampires need to be invited in," she muttered as she wrote. Her brows puckered and she looked at him wide-eyed with worry.

  Maybe he had revealed too much for one night. He rose to his feet. "I think this was a mistake."

  A knock at the door stopped Isabella from saying more. She sighed as she abandoned her notebook to answer the door.

  "That's odd," she said. "No one's there."

  Garran's eyes riveted to her and his heart thudded against his ribcage as he watched her take a step outside. "No, close the door. Now!" What a fool he was for letting his guard down and assuming it would be Harrison back from running his errand. Garran flew to Isabella's side with the warning, but he was too late. She screamed as she was yanked off her feet. Garran charged after her only to skid to a halt.

  Alexander smiled viciously as he glared at Garran. He held Isabella in a deathlike grip.

  Garran could hear Isabella's heartbeat. It had sped up a notch, but hope still lit her eyes as she looked at him to be her savior. He was no knight in shining armor. He was more apt to cause her death than to save her. "I'm lookin' at a bloody ghost," Garran addressed Alexander. "I knew the signature kills were familiar, but I thought ye were dead, Alexander."

  "Isn't it funny how the dead do no' stay dead." He chuckled. "I knew I smelled ye underneath the dog's scent on this lovely human. Is she a gift then, for old times' sake? Ye did leave her at the bar for me, did ye no'?"

  "Let the human go," Garran warned, his fangs lengthening.

  "Now why would I be inclined to do such a silly thing like that?"

  "Because ye might live to see another night."

  A low growl to the left of them announced Harrison's arrival. Now he shows up, Garran thought.

  Harrison flanked Alexander, his large werewolf form ready to pounce if Garran gave the word.

  Alexander hissed and backed away, dragging Isabella with him. "Call yer beast off, Garran."

  "Let the girl go," he threw back. Alexander could easily kill Isabella, but in the time it would take for him to do so, Harrison or he would rip his throat out.

  "Girl?" Alexander clicked his tongue and shook his head as his fingertips slid down Isabella's chest with interest. "She's all woman, Garran, or have ye forgotten what one feels like?"

  Isabella's gaze leveled on Garran as if pleading for him to do something. He couldn't look at her. If Alexander believed she meant anything to him—even if it weren't true—he'd kill her out of spite. "I have no need for little girls who would break from my touch."

  Harrison edged closer to Alexander and the Grim Sith hissed his warning. "Stand back, dog, or I'll break the fragile human's neck."

  Garran motioned for Harrison to hold his position. "Ye can't win this, Alexander. There are two of us."

  Alexander's condescending laugh made him want to slash his throat just to shut him up.

  "I know ye will no' rush me," Alexander taunted. "Ye're always savin' what ye should be feedin' upon." He stood in
the middle of the street now. His hand brushed Isabella's long hair aside, exposing her neck. "So tender," he whispered near her ear.

  Isabella closed her eyes and bit her lower lip as he dragged his nail down her neck, drawing blood.

  "Ye know this is my territory now," Garran reminded him as if he needed to. He had a hunch Alexander already knew this. "It's been sanctioned by the Guards of Judgment and let me set ye straight, I'm no' like Franco Meridos."

  "I don't give a flyin'…" For a second, he lost his cool reserve, but just as quickly, he reined it in with a raw bitter laugh. Alexander licked Isabella's blood off his fingertip and smiled. "Sweet. I believe ye'd find her tasty, milaird. We could share her."

  Garran clenched his hands into fists.

  Alexander lifted his brows. "No?" He placed a kiss on Isabella's wound, closing it. "Soon I'll make ye mine," he promised Isabella. "I'll make ye just like me." Alexander's gaze shifted then.

  Garran tilted his head and heard what Alexander most assuredly had heard, too. The low hum of a car approaching—SUV by the sound of the engine. Soon it would round the corner and they would be seen. He glanced at Alexander, meeting his gaze. A chill slid down his spine as he watched Alexander's mouth twist into a sardonic smile. Then he knew what the bastard intended to do.

  Garran made his move at the same time Alexander gathered Isabella in his arms and tossed her like a rag doll, toward the oncoming headlights of the SUV.

  Garran flitted toward Isabella. He caught her in his arms and swept her to safety. The SUV screeched to a halt. Harrison had lunged forward, too and couldn't stop his momentum. He leapt and landed on the hood of the SUV, denting it with his solid wolf frame.

  Gazes locked—man to beast. The man's eyes widened in terror and he let out a choked scream. Harrison jumped off, landing on all fours. Knowing Isabella was safe, Harrison switched directions once again to pursue Alexander. The frightened driver revved his engine and screeched away, burning rubber as he went.

  Garran glanced down at Isabella. Her eyes fluttered open. So beautiful—so fragile, she could have died tonight and it would have been his fault. He let his guard down. He shouldn't have let her open the door. "Are ye all right?"

  She nodded and he put her down, but was careful not to let her go until he knew she could stand on her own.

  Minutes later, Harrison was back. Not a good sign.

  Harrison shifted and walked over to them in his human form. "He's a slippery one. I followed Alexander on a merry chase and lost him two blocks over. It was like he simply vanished."

  Garran's brows furrowed. How could Alexander simply disappear? All preternatural beings had a scent, a signature even if they flitted. Harrison should have been able to pick up his scent easily, especially in his wolf form.

  "How do you know the Soul Taker?" Isabella asked, her words accusing.

  "He's Alexander MacLaurin, my cousin," Garran said.

  Harrison cursed. "You said he was from your sept, you didn't say he was actually your cousin."

  "I was hoping I was wrong since I believed I killed him."

  "Alexander…Alex…" Harrison's brows drew together then he shook his head. "He's the wanker that betrayed you. I thought you burned his arse. Since when do vampires rise from the flames?"

  Isabella waved her hand in front of their faces. "I'm glad you're both enjoying your time down memory lane—as horrific as it all sounds—but would you like to clue me in on why your cousin is sucking the souls out of people? And…" She pinned down Garran with her gaze. "What's this territory sanction mumbo jumbo, and how did Alexander betray you?"

  Garran shook his head and pursed his lips. "Is there ever an end to yer questions?"

  Harrison volunteered the info despite Garran's grumbles. "Alexander led Garran to his death."

  It took her a second to realize what Harrison meant by his death. "You mean he made you a Grim Sith?"

  "Fallon did the honors," Garran said. "However, my cousin brought me to her. He betrayed me and others as well."

  "It makes sense then." She shook her head.

  Garran wanted to know what she meant, but didn't have the time. He looked at Harrison. "Let's retrace Alexander's steps once more. Perhaps, I'll have better luck trackin' him."

  "You're going to leave me here—all alone?" Isabella's voice raised an octave by the time she finished her question. She crossed her arms over her chest.

  For all her bravery, she had to be terrified. Surprisingly, Garran felt a protective instinct take hold. He wanted to protect her and keep her safe, but to do so he needed her as far away from him as possible.

  He inhaled deeply before he looked at her with feigned annoyance. If he could manage to piss her off, maybe she would refuse to help them further. Harrison may balk at cutting their ties with her, but he would have to deal with it.

  They didn't need a Necromancer on their team. They survived before without a death charmer. "Harrison, take care of yer human." He knew his dismissal would ruffle her feathers. Better she was angry than frightened. He strode away, thinking the conversation over.

  "Why you—" She tried to follow him, but Harrison held her back, but it, by all means, didn't stop her from whipping him with her cutting words. "Stop acting like I'm a nuisance. I was the one who helped you find the Soul Taker. With all your wonderful superhuman powers, you couldn't flush him out in the open. Sure, you suspected his identity. Heck, he was even brazen enough to use his real name. Still, you couldn't find him. If you weren't so busy thinking like a vampire, you might have caught your cousin sooner." She didn't even take a breath as she reamed him. "Alexander is vile, but he knows how to blend into the human world. He talks to the women, puts them at ease, and gives them what they want to hear. We have a chance to stop him if we work together. You heard Alexander. He wants to make me like him. You could use me as bait. You could be ready the next time and nab him."

  "Enough." He spun around to face her. Dammit. She looked good with temper flaring in her eyes and coloring her cheeks. "There will be no next time," he bit out. "Are ye truly that naïve or are ye a simpleton? He'll no' play this cat and mouse game again. He'll strike and kill ye to get to me. Don't ye realize I'm tryin' to protect ye?"

  She blinked in surprise.

  Heck, he was startled at his display of passion. How in the world did this woman reduce him to an emotional wreck and all in a few days? He closed his eyes and took an exaggerated breath. When he looked at her again, he had some semblance of control. "Now stop yer natterin' and go inside like a good little girl. We've wasted enough time tonight." Garran whirled away, disappearing into the shadows.

  Isabella hugged herself, her hands fisting around her elbows.

  "He may be uncouth with his delivery, but he's correct on one thing," Harrison told her. "I was foolish to bring you into this without proper training. I'm sorry. Please, Isabella, go inside. Bolt your door. I'll come by later. Hopefully, with good news."

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  "Where could he have gone?" Harrison shifted back to his human form. "I'm not picking up his scent at all."

  "Nor I." Garran didn't like it. No preternatural being could disappear without some semblance of a signature. So how did Alexander mask his?" Then it dawned on him and he cursed for not thinking of it sooner. "Monette Garlen," he muttered her name like a curse. He brushed a hand over his face, frustrated and tired. "I knew Monette Garlen's visit meant somethin' more." He met Harrison's questioning gaze. "I would bet she's cloakin' Alexander with one of her spells. Monette hinted about a threat and her wish for me to eliminate it."

  "So why not just say it was Alexander and give us the bugger's address?"

  Garran rubbed his jaw. "Hmm… Alexander must have somethin' on her to keep her lips sealed. Let's pay her a visit, shall we, and find out what it is."

  Harrison scoffed. "And you know where she is? She left you a business card or something?

  "Harrison, Harrison." He clicked his tongue. "I'm surprised ye don't know. The Inte
rnet is a fountain of information. Monette has a store on Third Street. By the comments left, tourists are flockin' to it."

  ****

  Surprise shone on Monette's face when Garran and Harrison strode into her store, but she quickly masked it with a look of indifference.

  "What brings you to my humble abode?" She bowed with mock reverence.

  Garran lifted his brows and a small smile curved his lips, amused more than annoyed. "Why don't we end these false pretenses, shall we?"

  "You're no fun, Garran." Her full lips pouted in dismay.

  "We know ye're cloakin' Alexander, and we want ye to stop."

  She must not have expected him to come right out and accuse her. For a moment she lost her haughty composure. Her eyes narrowed in on him and at the same time the room vibrated with magic, threatening to be unleashed. "No one tells me what to do?"

  Garran wouldn't be played a fool. Monette would choose a side tonight and if she chose the wrong vampire to back, she'd pay for it with her life. "Is that so? It looks like Alexander is pullin' yer strings."

  With a wave of her hand, Monette sent Garran flying. He crashed hard against the shelf standing against the wall. Glass jars, books, and picture frames fell from their perches.

  Harrison stepped forward with a menacing growl.

  "Stand back, or I'll muzzle your snout," Monette warned him.

  Garran stood and brushed off the sleeves of his leather jacket, his lips sliding into a grin. "Riled ye, did I, Monette?"

  "What do you want?"

  "Answers. What is Alexander up to?"

  "I would think it would be obvious to you."

  "I lose patience. Ye came to me, remember? What does Alexander want and why are ye helpin' him?"

  "Fool. I have no wish to help the spawn of Scottish nightmares. He…" She turned away from them, silencing her words as if she had already revealed too much.

  "Alexander manipulates, that's what he does best," Garran said. He was not without sympathy. His cousin had used him, led him to his death, all those centuries ago. Alexander had also killed off what was left of their clan. Garran knew all about evil and he had every intention of stopping Alexander for good this time. "If ye don't tell me what he has on ye, we cannot help."