Silver Mortal (The Gracen Chronicles)

by Jenna Kay

  “Oooooh, that's freaking cool!” she outcries, showing off a bright smile.

  I smile back. “Yeah, I guess. So, are you feeling better? Phoenix told me you've been sick.”

  She nods, then rolls her eyes. “Yeah, I'm okay. It was just a cold, but Phoenix worries about us if we so much as sniffle.” She flips her gaze to Phoenix. “He can be such a pansy.”

  Phoenix winks. “Got to take care of my baby sister.”

  “Take a look at these, big brother!” She points at her cleavage. “Who you calling a baby?” I laugh at Phoenix's shocked face, which turns bright red.

  Quickly changing the subject I ask Tink, “Where's Jack and Reagan?”

  She grimaces, directing her gaze toward the dance floor. “Over there.”

  Swinging my gaze to the dancers it only takes me a second to find them. They are busy living it up on the dance floor, each holding a coconut shell in their hands. I soak up Reagan's attire, which consists of a tight black skirt, red-sequined tank top, and black knee-high boots. Jack is sporting a more casual wardrobe wearing straight black jeans and a black trench coat. His head shines even brighter under the flashing lights, like he'd just shaven it.

  Switching my attention back to the booth, I find Phoenix gazing at me with a look so intense it makes me blush. I take that moment to become intoxicated by his gorgeous form. He's wearing a black turtleneck and dark jeans, all his clothing matching his dreamy dark eyes. And Ash...

  Is still keeping his gaze averted from mine. At the moment he seems intrigued by his glass of water, watching the condensation slowly dribble down the glass.

  A loud whoop-whoop echoes from the dance floor, grabbing our attentions. It's only Jack and Reagan dirty dancing, grinding their hips into each other.

  “Jack and Reagan,” I start, shooting Phoenix a hard look, “they do remember why we're here, right? Or are we all being nonchalant about a possible demon infestation inside this building?”

  He turns his head in their direction, then swings back to me. “Gracen, they haven't been out in a while, so I told them to have fun. But don't worry, they haven't forgotten why we're here. You see, they're not just dancing, they're hunting—blending in with the crowd. They're actually scouting the crowd, loosening up their viper powers, trying to sense if anything otherworldly is close by.”

  Shifting my gaze to the twosome, I blanch as I witness them giving each other wet, sloppy kisses. Pitching my gaze back to Phoenix I point out, “They look like they're dry-humping.”

  Tink's face turns bright red, then she busts out with contagious laughter. Phoenix jumps in on the laughter, followed by me erupting with giggles. Ash is the only one not laughing. He's still amazed by the water dripping down the side of his glass.

  Boy, he's peculiar, but at least his body isn't racked with convulsions.

  Watching him I inwardly pray that he can overlook me jumping all over him, for unleashing my anger and scaring the absolute crap out of him. After tonight I'd sit down with him and apologize, and also vow never to rage all over him again.

  I had a lot of anger management to work on.

  The vibration of my cell phone breaks into my thought train, alerting me that I have a text message. Retrieving it out of my pocket I discover the message is from Jude.

  Where R U?

  “Everything alright?” Phoenix inquires, regarding me with concern.

  Shutting the phone, I shove it back in my pocket.

  “Yeah, everything's fine,” I answer, deciding to ignore the message. Let Jude worry a little bit. Teach him to get drunk while Mom's sick.

  “We need to blend in a little better,” announces Phoenix, standing to his feet. “Gracen, how about you and I hitting the dance floor? Tink and Ash, you guys go get us some drinks and let your viper senses loose. See if you detect any demon residue hanging around.”

  “That's not fair!” Tink utters abrasively, apparently unhappy with Phoenix partnering her up with Ash. “You guys get to dance and I have to hang out with Sargent Crazy over there.” She throws her thumb Ash's direction, her frown deepening.

  Phoenix narrows his eyes, his expression grim. “Tink, you—”

  “Hey, Phoenix!” I quickly interject, unzipping and shrugging out of my jacket, sliding my body out of the booth, “Dancing sounds good! Let's go mingle with the masses, shall we?”

  He stares at me in wonder, his eyes taking in my low-cut tank. “You sure?”

  I nod my answer, giving him my sexiest look—at least, I hope it's sexy. All I know at the moment is that I need to direct his attention away from Tink so he wouldn't pull a stunt like I had with Ash.

  With my eyes trained on him, I start backing up onto the dance floor, motioning with my finger for him to follow me. He shakes his head and laughs, fascinated with my sudden audaciousness, and he's not the only one. I can't even believe I'm this bold as I begin to shake my hips with the beat of the music. His lewd expression causes my face to flush with heat, the warmth traveling all the way down to my belly. He starts following after me, his dark orbs gleaming hungrily, his sly grin melting my heart.

  Spinning my back to him I glide my way deeper and deeper into the tangle of bodies. No one notices me as I push and weave through their gyrating bodies. Most of them are probably strung out on ecstasy or alcohol—or both. I turn around to face Phoenix, my nerves suddenly on edge. I've lost him to the crowd.

  Getting on my tip-toes, I frantically scan all the faces around me, none of them familiar. I continue to push through the sweaty masses, no longer wanting to be in the center of the action. My breath hitches in my lungs. I feel claustrophobic as the bodies of strangers seem to close in on me. When two arms wrap around my waist my stomach lurches to my throat. I gear up to flip whoever is getting touchy-feely with me over my back, but before I can a deep, alluring voice whispers in my ear.

  “It's just me, Gracen,” Phoenix murmurs, his breath hot against my cheek. I relax, letting his intoxicating cologne and cinnamon scent twine around me.

  Leaning back against him I say, “You almost got flipped, Buddy-Boy.” He laughs, perching his chin on my shoulder.

  “Actually,” he speaks softly in my ear, causing a shudder to crawl up and down my body, “I would've enjoyed you getting all frisky.” He turns me around in his arms, keeping one arm looped around my waist. His smile warms my heart.

  “That would be so hot,” he adds in a whisper.

  “I'll remember that for next time.”

  All of a sudden he releases me and closes his eyes, raising his hands in the air, mimicking the crowd's movements. I watch as he swings his hips, astonished to see that he has rhythm. My eyes drift down to the rest of his body, and again my insides heat up. His turtleneck grips his toned shoulders and slim waist tightly, his jeans hang loosely around his narrow hips. My eyes settle there, and a moment later my hips are swaying along with his.

  After awhile I fall into a groove, closing my eyes, lifting my arms in the air. I find it invigorating to be one with the crowd, just being another piece of this roiling chaotic mess of motion. The music grows faster, my body shifting into overdrive, and I allow myself to let go. A smile touches my lips, contentment along with freedom kindles the fire deep in my soul.

  In that moment I forget that I'm a Silver Mortal. I forget that my blood contains supernatural powers. I forget that I'm a demon slayer; I'm Gracen Potts, your average sixteen year old girl having fun.

  When the song stops, replaced by a slow one, I lower my arms and open my eyes. Even through my sunglasses I can see Phoenix clearly, and he has stopped dancing. His gaze is hooked on me. He'd been watching my every move, and instantly I feel self-conscious.

  “What's wrong?” I ask nervously, my arms crossing at my chest. He takes a couple of steps, his gaze never leaving me.

  “Nothing,” he murmurs, grinning from ear to ear. “Absolutely nothing.”

  Fueling my surprise, he takes his hand and palms my cheek, using his other hand to take off my sunglasses.
>
  “What are you doing?” I panic, reaching for them. He drops his hand from my face and gently grips my wrist. I skim over the crowd, making sure no one is observing us and noticing my silver eyes. Luckily everyone is in their own drug-infested worlds.

  “Gracen,” he begins, his thumb lightly tracing my bottom lip. “I don't know what you're doing to me, but whatever it is, I need more.”

  I raise my eyebrows, speechless, as he continues, “You are so beautiful. The most beautiful creature in the universe. I'd do anything for you.” He lays a kiss on my forehead. “I'd die for you. Always remember that.”

  My eyes widen and my heart thumps triple time when he begins to lean forward, his gaze hard on my lips. I close my eyes, awaiting the touch of his plump, sensual lips. A few seconds pass and nothing happens. Opening my eyes, a surge of instant panic flows through my veins. Instead of Phoenix's dark brown eyes staring back at me, I find myself staring into his blackened pupils, though he's no longer looking at me. His gaze is what's on behind me. The black coiled viper is more prominent on his cheek, its surface shiny and glistening with sweat.

  My mouth goes dry, but I push through it enough to inquire, “What's wrong?” I feel like my heart is about to explode.

  “Wolf demons,” he answers in a monotone voice. I start to turn my head, but he stops me at the last second. “No! No, don't make any sudden moves.” His jaw twitches, his black orbs unblinking.

  The Silver Eagle within me begins to stir, spreading its wings in my chest.

  “How many?” I ask quietly.

  “A few.”

  “How many is a few?”

  “At least twelve, maybe more.” He tilts his head to the side. “The others see them, too.” I want to ask how he knows that, but then I see Ash and Tink standing off to the side, and from where I'm standing I can see their black eyes gleaming.

  We stand in the middle of the dance floor, Phoenix's eyes focused on the demons, and mine focused on him. Life seems surreal, the moment of normalcy we'd just shared gone. All I want is to be part of the crowd. I want to dance, drink, be wild and carefree. But that life isn't mine to have. The supernatural world has its firm grip on my existence, and at the moment this club was being overrun with werewolves.

  Seconds pass by slowly, and I become antsy.

  “What are we going to do?” I ask, eager to get all demons away from the Untouched.

  “We wait,” he responds stiffly. “They won't perceive me or the others as threats, but as soon as they sense you are with us, the gloves will be off. Then it's on.”

  “Wait? We can't wait!” I exclaim, dismayed. “They will attack the innocents here. There's too many souls in danger for us to just wait!”

  “We have to lure them out of here,” he says calmly, biting his bottom lip in deep concentration. “But I'm not sure how we're going to do it without causing a scene.”

  Listening to that last sentence, a jagged rock of realization hits me in my gut.

  “I know how,” I tell him, “but you're going to have to let me go.”

  He looks down, regarding me with doubt. “What do you suggest we do?”

  Swallowing a large lump wedged in my tonsils I say, “I'm going to turn around and let them see me. I'll be bait.”

  If feelings could physically slap you in the face, his would be beating me again and again with worry and extreme protectiveness.

  “No,” he orders firmly. “There's no way you're going to be bait. I will not—”

  “It's the only way and you know it.” I lift my chin up bravely, not backing down.

  Phoenix glowers at me for what seems an eternity, when in reality it's only a few seconds. I can tell—no, I can feel the conflict happening inside him. He has a harsh gleam in his eyes. He knows this is the only way, and he despises it. By showing myself to the demons I can lure them away from the innocents.

  “Alright,” he breathes out in defeat. “Show yourself. I don't like it, but we'll have your back. We'll keep you safe.”

  I release a shaky breath. “Thanks.”

  “I hope you know what you're doing,” he tells me warily, his fingers lightly caressing my cheek.

  A snarky smile tugs at my lips.

  “Trust me. I know how to handle werewolves.”

  I turn around slowly, the Silver Eagle now fully charged, itching underneath my skin to be set free. Everything is in slow motion as my eyes fall on the werewolves. They are spread throughout the club, and there's definitely more than twelve. There's at least double that amount. They stand close to the dancers, studying them with thirsty eyes. Thankfully the club-goers are unaware of their presence.

  The wolf demons all have the same appearance—black wiry fur, eight feet tall with muscular frames, long, sharp fangs, and sharp claws. They also stank of burnt flesh.

  Disgusting.

  I stare straight ahead, catching the eye of one of them. He tilts his hairy head and sniffs the air, staring directly at me, his black eyes beginning to glow yellow. A low guttural growl starts to rumble around the night club, growing louder and louder until the air thunders with their caustic roars. The floor beneath our feet begins to shake, only us Touched humans noticing the supernatural earthquake.

  Leaning back into Phoenix I say, “Follow my lead.”

  Taking a few steps forward I place my hands on my hips and allow my potent supernatural blood to rise to the surface, knowing that my eyes and marks are glowing silver.

  “Come and get me!” I shout, spinning on my heels and running toward the stairs. My plan is to lure them up to the roof. I inwardly pray no one else is up there.

  Before the Vipers and I reach the stairs, I risk a peek behind me. The werewolves are taking the bait and following, literally walking through the Untouched humans in their way. Thank God the innocents will never know. The last image I see before we sprint up the steps is the many yellow eyes following us.

  The gloves are off.

  The Silver Eagle is ready to be released.

  CHAPTER 18

  The door to the roof splinters as Phoenix and I kick it down, a cold rush of air greeting us as we step outside. The roof is lit up with white Christmas lights that drape around the top of the building, helping to guide our way, though we all could see just as well without them. Our footsteps crunch against the pebble-covered roof as we move to the far side of the building. Phoenix is by my side, flanked by Ash and Tink on the left, and Jack and Reagan on the right.

  All their eyes have turned black, the vipers on their faces showing boldly from their cheeks. An energy of anticipation is thick in the air, the switches to our supernatural powers turned on full blast. We stand as one in silence, waiting for our enemies to arrive.

  We don't have to wait long.

  “Here they come,” Ash proclaims huskily. I sneak a glance at him, stunned to see his usual shaky body is now stiff and rigid, his hands clenched tightly into fists. His emotions are also surprisingly stable, feelings I've never felt come off of him before.

  Boldness. Courage. Determination.

  The werewolves begin appearing before our eyes. They form in a straight line directly in front of us. I count thirty demons, all baring their fangs and growling. Clearly they're out for blood, their yellow eyes trained on us. A couple of them sound as if they're trying to laugh, thinking they have us cornered. I'm not afraid. I have pure silver bowie knifes strapped to my legs, and I'm pretty sure the Vipers have weapons hidden somewhere on them.

  At least I hope they do.

  One of the wolf demons, most likely the General of the pack, takes a few steps forward. He begins speaking in an unknown language. Out of our group Ash steps up to him, squaring his shoulders with the eight foot monster. I'm flabbergasted by his sudden nerve.

  “What's he doing?” I ask Phoenix, not bothering to hide the horror in my voice.

  “He's alright,” he assures me, just as Ash starts speaking to the demon in the same foreign tongue. Again, I'm shocked beyond measures.

  �
��Whoa,” I breathe out, taken back. “How does Ash know—”

  “It's in our blood, Gracen,” Reagan interrupts in a hiss. “Having Botis's blood in our veins, demon blood, helps us in understanding Hell's language.”

  Tink's voice pipes up next adding, “All demons speak Hell's language. Only fallen angels can speak human languages.”

  I nod in comprehension. That explains how Zavebe could have a conversation with mom and I the night at Blood Love.

  We watch Ash and the monster communicate with each other. The Vipers are understanding every twisted word. I'm understanding absolutely nothing. It reminds me of the time I'd gone to the nail salon. The Asian ladies could barely speak English, so they'd used their own language to converse with one another. When they had pointed at me and laughed, I knew then and there that they were talking about me, causing me to feel like a moron.

  That's how I'm feeling right now, only instead of tiny Asian ladies talking about me, it's demons from Hell. At the moment I'd rather be made fun of by the Asian ladies.

  I check the faces of my comrades and notice their intense features. With my curiosity cultivating I ask, “Can you guys at least explain to me what they're talking about?” I'm beginning to get frustrated, my anger peaking a tiny bit.

  “You. They're talking about you.” Phoenix's voice is deep and steady. He grabs my elbow and pulls me closer to his side, his protective emotions flowing off of him and touching me.

  “They are wondering why we are in the company of Eagle scum,” Jack explains, then adds with an embarrassed grin, “The wolf's words, not mine.”

  The conversation between Ash and the demon becomes heated, and I gasp when Ash pulls out a long silver knife shaped like a snake. He swipes the weapon across the wolf's chest in two blurry strokes. The demon looks baffled, gazing down at the deep X carved in its chest, which begins to glow a bright glittering gold. The light bleeds through its body, consuming it entirely before it explodes into dust, the particles vanishing before they make it to the ground.