Soul Taker

by Nutt, Karen Michelle

  "Come here." Harrison opened his arms to her and she walked into his embrace. "It'll be all right. Don't let him go, if he's what you want."

  "But what if I can't be what he wants?" She pulled away to look at him. "He treats me like a child and I suppose he can't help it when he's centuries older than I am. But I don't need another father figure. God knows I have enough of that with my brother, Nicholas."

  He smiled. "Believe me, Garran doesn't look at you in a fatherly fashion." For Isabella's sake, he would find out what Garran planned to do with the relationship. Garran may be his friend, but he also counted Isabella as a friend, too. He wouldn't let Garran hurt her.

  "I should go with you when you meet with Sanya," Isabella said.

  "Izzie, I don't—"

  "No, listen. I can read Sanya. You said you didn't trust her. Let me go with you. I'll be able to tell if she's lying, or at the very least if she's hiding something."

  He knew she was right. What was the use of recruiting Isabella if they didn't utilize her talents? "Garran's goin' to be pissed, but what the hell. It wouldn't be the first time I angered him, and I'm sure it won't be the last. Let's go."

  Chapter Forty-Nine

  Isabella stayed close to Harrison when they entered Tony's Pub. The place was packed with Otherworldly beings—vampires, werewolves, and others… She couldn't identify all the preternatural beings, but the way the signature colors shimmered she knew they weren't human.

  Garran sat in a booth and looked up as they approached. His surprise at seeing her soon morphed into anger. The color of his eyes turned as dark as clouds of an approaching storm. Isabella decided to sit next to Harrison as she slipped into the booth.

  "I thought I told ye to go home," Garran grounded out the words. Obviously, the man wasn't used to having his demands ignored.

  "Well, you see, milaird Dracula, you have no say on what I do. Besides, you need me here."

  He harrumphed in what she decided was a Scottish trait. It was done in such flourish that only years of practice could make a sound so natural, guttural, and insulting—and all at the same time.

  "She's part of our team," Harrison told him, which won him the lethal glare.

  "Team? We have no team, Harrison. If ye have this need to have a pack, ye know where ye can find one."

  "Ouch." Harrison gave a low whistle. "You know how to really hurt a bloke. It's a good thing we've been friends long enough that I know your insults are hurled with love."

  Harrison had been part of a pack? It made Isabella curious, but she knew now wasn't the time to pursue why he left it. While Harrison and Garran argued why she shouldn't be here, she studied the crowded pub. One preternatural being caught her attention. He wasn't a vampire or a werewolf. He was… something else. But what he was hadn't been why he stood out to her. His aura flickered and twitched with a distorted flare.

  "Izzie's here, so just get over it already," Harrison continued to argue his point.

  "Boys," she interrupted. Her tone must have alerted them that something was up. They fell silent, both looking at her expectantly. "The guy chatting with the bartender," she nodded in his direction, "is harboring a soul, like the Soul Taker. I can see it struggling against the hold he has on it."

  "Are ye sure?" Garran asked and she rolled her eyes at him.

  "Yeah, I'm sure. I wouldn't have mentioned it otherwise."

  "Incubus?" Harrison asked Garran to confirm his suspicions.

  "Aye." Garran rose from his seat. "Let's have a chat with this bloke." He looked at Isabella. "Do ye think ye can stay put for a moment and no' find yerself in any trouble?"

  She gave him an exaggerated sigh and leaned comfortably back in her seat. "It'll be tough, but I'll give it a try."

  He harrumphed in the all familiar style she was beginning to think of as an endearment.

  Harrison stood and placed a hand on her shoulder, giving it a quick squeeze before following Garran.

  The werewolf took the incubus' right side and vampire the left. The incubus glanced at both and his aura wavered inward as if trying to withdraw from the threat. She might have done the same, but then again, she had nothing to hide and this guy obviously did.

  The exchange was quick or rather only one sided. The incubus tried to leave, but Garran grabbed his arm. Bad move on his part. The incubus' aura flared outward as his defense mechanism must have clicked into gear. Before Garran could sidestep, the incubus reached for his beer mug and swung it at Garran's head then flitted toward the back door. Harrison growled and went after him. Garran was a close second and not at all pleased to be doused with malt liquor.

  Isabella stood, rationalizing her crazy move as she sprinted after them. Garran may want her to obey his every word, but she really didn't believe she was any safer sitting alone in a pub full of Otherworldly beings, while he slapped an incubus into submission in the back alley. What if the guy had friends in here? Sliding to a halt at the door, she pushed against it and propped it open. Isabella's eyes latched onto the scene unfolding before her.

  Garran had the incubus in a chokehold and pinned to the wall of the pub. He didn't give her a glance, but Harrison waved her away with a look that clearly told her to close the door like a good little girl. She remained rooted in her spot. She shook her head at him, but made sure to keep the door open just in case she needed to make a hasty escape.

  "Ye might as well come clean," Garran said, his voice a low burr of authority not to be messed with. "We know ye've taken a soul. I want to know where ye got it."

  "I paid for it fair," the incubus whined in protest. "A guy's gotta eat. This soul will last me months."

  "Taking years off of a human's life from one of your kisses is bad enough, but gluttony is a sin even for you, incubus," Harrison said. "You gobbled the person whole."

  The incubus glared at Harrison, his eyes turning like blue flames. "Why take nibbles when you can have the whole pie and it's delivered to you, too? Special order to go."

  "And who makes the delivery?" Garran asked.

  "I don't know who, but the new honcho that's heading up this territory knows all about it. Hell, I think he may have something to do with setting it up. I was given a phone number. The last four digits spell out soul. Easy to remember, if you know what I mean. I got the number from a friend, who got it at a party his cousin threw."

  "Nice, a friend of a friend kind of deal," Harrison cursed. "And dumb wad, the head honcho has you by the throat and he didn't sanction the phone deal."

  The incubus looked at Garran and nervously licked his lips. "Hey, man, I didn't know."

  Garran chose to ignore his plea of innocence. "And how does this person deliver the soul?"

  "In a bauble. I make the call and it arrives on my doorstep. I swear it's all I know. Now let me go."

  "No," Isabella blurted out without thinking. "You can't let him go. He has someone's soul trapped inside of him."

  The incubus glared at her, his eyes burning like blue fire as his gaze swept over her. "Stay out of this, human. If you step a little closer, I'll—"

  His last words were a gurgle of surprise. His hands flew to his throat, blood flowing from a wound at his jugular.

  Garran had been so fast. Isabella hadn't even seen him move. The incubus slumped to the ground and she stood frozen in her spot, staring at the morbid scene.

  Garran looked at her. "The trapped soul—has it left his body?"

  She blinked at the sound of his voice. "Uh…" Her gaze wavered over the incubus. As the guy's eyes began to dull, and his own life force flickered, the soul he'd stolen broke free in a ray of colors and light. "Yes. It's gone."

  "Izzie." Harrison drew her attention. "You should go back inside now."

  She knew by the way he looked at her that his words were meant as a warning. She wouldn't like what was coming next any more than what she had seen so far.

  "Nay, she should stay," Garran said and held her gaze. "If ye want to be a part of this team and no' stay home when told, the
n there should be no coddlin'. Aye?"

  He meant to scare her, but heck it was too late for that. He was right though. She couldn't pick and choose what she wanted to know if she was to earn her respect with these two. "I'm staying."

  When Garran swooped in and removed the incubus' head, it proved too late to reconsider her conviction. Her stomach rebelled and she painted the door with her dinner.

  Note to self: no Italian food before missions.

  "Dammit, Garran," Harrison growled. He strode toward her, but she held up her hand.

  "No, I'm fine. No coddling." She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and met Garran's gaze. She tilted her chin in defiance. She wouldn't let him shut her out.

  "You aren't fine," Harrison spoke up. "I'm taking you home. You had enough of an introduction for one night."

  For once, she didn't argue. Garran wanted to shock her. Well, he did, but she wouldn't be shocked the next time—and there would be a next time, even if he believed there wouldn't be.

  Chapter Fifty

  Isabella had the lunch shift at the restaurant today. She avoided Nicholas with the pretense of helping Mario prepare the meals. When they were caught up, she spent more time with the patrons than deemed necessary. However, it looked like her brother wasn't going to put up with it. He wanted a word with her and he wasn't going to wait a moment longer for her to find the time.

  "Where have you been every night this week?" Nicholas followed Isabella to the kitchen.

  "Mario, I need two ravioli specials with a Caesar and a house salad." Isabella turned to face her brother. "I've been out. I'm on time to work. What's the problem?"

  "What's the problem? You disappear at all times of the night. Makes me wonder what you're up to? What you're involved in?"

  She swept by him through the swinging doors, and he followed her. "I'm consorting with vampires and werewolves," she shot. "Those are their hours."

  "Real cute," he said, obviously not believing her.

  "You asked." She shrugged.

  "I expect you to tell me the truth."

  "No, you don't." She strode over to the table where a lone customer looked to be studying the menu with great interest. He held the folder up and close to his face. "May I take your order?"

  The man slowly lowered the menu, revealing his identity.

  Isabella recoiled in terror as a wave of nausea swept through her, making her limbs feel like wet noodles. "You," she accused, her voice a rough whisper of disbelief. The sun hadn't set. How could he be here?

  His mouth slid into a snakelike grin. "Good afternoon, Isabella." Alexander's voice caressed her ears. His angelic face glowed, but his soulless eyes latched onto her, making her shiver.

  "Who is this?" Her brother walked up behind her.

  "No one, Nicholas."

  "I'll take his order then," Nicholas volunteered, obviously sensing there was a problem and being the big brother he was, he decided to smooth it over. He was always trying to protect her, but this time he couldn't.

  "No," both Alexander and Isabella said at the same time.

  She narrowed her eyes at Alexander, willing him to remain quiet. She needed Nicholas to walk away before Alexander lashed out at him. "Nicholas, you should check on the Morellis' order." She nodded to the couple sitting a few tables over.

  "Izzie, I—" Nicholas began, but she interrupted with urgency even her brother couldn't fail to notice.

  "Please," she implored.

  "Aye, please." Alexander waved his hand in front of him as a dismissal.

  Why was Alexander trying to provoke a confrontation?

  Nicholas narrowed his eyes and took a step toward Alexander's table, but Isabella stepped in front of him, her hand on his chest as if her gesture would hold him back. "Nicholas, I said I would handle this."

  Her brother pushed her aside, glaring down at Alexander. "I believe you need to leave."

  Alexander bared his teeth with a hiss.

  "What in the name of God?" Nicholas stumbled back, but it was too late. Alexander had leapt to his feet and grabbed Nicholas by his head and twisted it with a quick jerk. The awful crack resounded off the walls, deafening the room until Isabella screamed.

  Alexander let go of Nicholas and his body fell to the floor, his neck at an odd angle, his eyes staring blindly at her.

  Alexander's lips curved into an evil smile of triumph as he looked at her. "What shall I do with ye?" His feet moved toward her, stalking her.

  Her gaze landed on the door, willing Garran to enter. Where was he?

  "He's no' comin'," Alexander sneered. "Ye're mine now. No bloodin' will keep ye from me."

  "No, I will never be yours." She turned and ran toward the kitchen, knowing it was useless to run, but she wouldn't make her capture easy for Alexander. She would fight.

  Alexander's laughter followed her like a perverted chortle that had a life of its own. "I love cat and mouse games."

  Mario came into view, wiping his hands on his apron. "I hear screams."

  "Run, Mario," she warned. "Go out the back. Now!"

  "What has happened?"

  "We're in danger. Go!"

  Mario didn't question her further but followed behind her. Alexander flitted with the speed of light and blocked their escape. Before they could retreat back the way they came, Alexander flitted again, grabbing Mario in a chokehold.

  "Nooooo!" She begged, then looked skyward with a prayer. "Garran, where are you?"

  "I'm here."

  She whirled around to see him standing behind her, a warrior with a broadsword in his hand.

  "Ye can wake up now," he told her, his gray eyes meeting hers.

  "What?" Her brows furrowed.

  "Wake up," he demanded.

  Chapter Fifty-One

  Isabella bolted upright in her bed, drawing in air as if she'd been denied the substance for far too long. Her heart pounded against her chest. "A nightmare. Only a nightmare." She swung her legs over the side of the bed, her body trembling, the fear she felt in the dream still too vivid. "Nicholas…" He was still alive and probably sound asleep in his room. She still had the urge to fly down the hall to check on him.

  Her phone vibrated against the wood of her end table in an urgent dance to be answered. She leaned over and picked up. "Hello."

  "Are ye okay?" Garran's voice was reassuring, all thoughts of his demanding behavior earlier in the evening forgotten—at least for the moment.

  "You were in my dream." It wasn't a question, but she wanted conformation.

  "We're linked. I felt yer distress."

  She closed her eyes. Dream… Linked… Safe… She should have realized it was a dream from the beginning. Alexander couldn't venture out in the daylight. "I'm fine now." She brushed her hair back away from her face. "Alexander was there in my dream."

  He sighed on the other end. "Alexander cannot break our bond. It is too strong a bridge and he knows no' to cross it without givin' me his whereabouts. It is why he chanced confrontin' us at the hospital. Tonight… it was only a nightmare."

  "I dreamt Alexander killed Nicholas."

  "I'm aware."

  "I can't lose him, Garran. He's all I have."

  "We'll keep him out of this."

  "What if he's already involved because of me? What if I endangered him because I'm…"

  "…helping Harrison and me?" he finished.

  "Yes." She leaned over and turned on her lamp, the light bathed her room in warmth. She never feared the dark until now, until she learned monsters really did lurk in the shadows.

  "Try to sleep," he told her. His soft brogue calmed her. "We will end this soon."

  "Garran?"

  "Hmm?"

  "You'll kill him this time, won't you?"

  "That is the plan."

  "He won't play fair," she said.

  "Oh aye, this I already know. Alexander was a snake when he was human. I just refused to see it until it was too late."

  "No, that's not true." She gripped the phone. />
  "What isn't?"

  "Alexander once worshipped you. In one of your memories... Alexander's aura was pure."

  Garran sighed heavily on the other end. "But then he changed, and I don't believe it was when Fallon made him a Grim Sith. He'd already taken a darker path, she just pushed him along."

  "Perhaps. He was so very young… and to be thrust into battles and forced to kill to survive… Maybe…" she let the sentence slip away.

  "We were all young," Garran voice had a rough edge to it.

  She knew it was true. "I would never make excuses for Alexander, but perhaps some men can…cope better than others." She closed her eyes, not wanting to have any sympathy toward Alexander and what he endured. Garran had suffered a similar fate, but he didn't go around sucking the souls out of people.

  "Ye have a kind heart, Isabella Lucci."

  She opened her eyes. "Garran?"

  "I'm here."

  "I can't go back to sleep."

  There was a long pause before he spoke again. "Do ye want me to come over?"

  "I don't want to trouble you."

  "It's no bother. There's plenty of time before the sun will make an appearance. Ye need yer rest—and I only say this because I care about ye. It's no' an insult."

  Her lips twitched. "I know."

  "I'm sorry about earlier… at Tony's. I didn't want ye there. I mean… I worry about ye. Ye tell me ye don't want ye brother harmed. Well, I do no' want ye to be harmed either." He paused as if admitting he cared for her was an emotion he hadn't experience in a long time. Before she could comment, he changed the subject. "I'll be there in a few seconds."

  Garran was a walking contradiction. He wanted her gone. He wanted her safe. He wanted her help. He wanted…

  As she placed the phone on her nightstand, there was a knock at the front door. "He couldn't have gotten here that fast," she murmured. Could he? She hurried to answer it before her brother woke up, and questioned her.

  She looked through the peephole before she undid the latch and let Garran in. "I know you said you'd be here in a second. I didn't actually believe you meant it. How did you get here so fast?"