by Kelly Hall
He shook his head. “None before I left.”
“I’ve been waiting for a good time to tell you,” said Hoyt as he approached. He’d been listening from just feet away. “Delilah Miller didn’t show up in New Orleans for her transfer. My secretary claims she never picked up her ticket.”
Rebekah’s heart sank. “Do you think she went home? Surely, you don’t think—”
“No, I don’t,” said Father Timms. “Delilah’s got a good head on her shoulders. I’m sure she’s home. She looked up to you so much, and I’m sure that the photos were just too much for her. She’s also had a tough time with Jarreth.”
“And then there was that issue with her mother at the marking ceremony,” said Rebekah. “Maybe she did go home to make amends.” She closed her eyes and thought of what a mess everything was. If she had only not gone to Kayne for help in the first place, none of this would have happened.
Father Timms put his hand on her back. “Come on, Rebekah. We’ll go back to the hotel. I booked a room for you.”
“Thank you.”
Dixon stepped forward. “I’m in the same hotel, so I’ll drive my rental.”
“Sounds good,” she said. She was just glad to be out of Arcadius and hoped she’d never have to see the inside of the place ever again.
As they walked out and found the car, Father Timms got in the front with Hoyt, and Rebekah laid down in the back, trying to rest her mind. She didn’t want to look out the window, to see Rome, her homeland. She could close her eyes and remember it as it was in her day, and that was all that mattered. Seeing the change would tarnish those memories, and she feared they’d slip from her mind completely.
Minutes later, they arrived at the hotel, and while Hoyt went to his room to clean up, Father Timms took Rebekah to hers to do the same.
After a long, hot shower, she came out dressed in the change of clothes he’d brought her. The prison had returned her clothes, and Father Timms had sent them out to be cleaned to rid them of any smell that might remind Rebekah of her incarceration.
She brushed her hair and closed her eyes to enjoy the feeling. She hadn’t felt this clean and comfortable since going into the prison, and she would rather roll around in the dirt outside than sit in her prison cell ever again.
“Thank you for bringing my clothes. You thought of everything.” He had also packed shampoo and her toothbrush.
Father Timms laughed. “Don’t thank me. Thank Frankie. She’s the one who packed your bags and sent them. I honestly didn’t even think about you needing anything. All I could think about was getting you out of there.”
“You did. And now that we’re alone, let’s talk about what just happened. I’m banned from the academy, Father. I can’t stay there.”
“I can sneak you back in for a moment. Long enough to see everyone and figure out where Ignis is. He did as you said and didn’t disclose his location.”
“I have a feeling I know where he is, but with my not being sure, I don’t want to chance it. Do you think the academy will be safe? I don’t want anyone coming around that’s going to report me.”
“The only person is the new second, and if anything is said, you’re only there to gather your things. They can’t keep you from your personal property, and we’ll play dumb.” He let out a long breath. “I want to go with you when you leave, though, Rebekah. I know you might think you need me there, but—”
“I do, but only for a while. Just until I know where I stand with the hunters and I can form a plan. The Church might think this is something I can jump into the second I’m out, but it’s not. It’s going to take time and planning, and I hope I can find some support, a group of hunters who will help me.” She gave him a quizzical look, and he smiled.
“I know a few young hunters who might be up for the task. Which is another reason you should take the chance on going home with me. I’ll have Frankie divert the new second, and we’ll sneak you into the commander’s quarters. I’ve taken them as my personal room in your absence so the new commander couldn’t try and toss Frankie out. Mace has also moved in, as well as Liam, of course.”
“How is Liam? How is everyone?” She missed Frankie so much and hoped the issues had not put undue strain on her and the baby. Liam was probably a handful as it was, and with Mace around, Frankie might just feel like she had two children to look after.
“Liam is fine. He’s put on some weight, looking healthy finally, and well, I guess you could say the same about Frankie. She’s glowing.” He smiled fondly, and Rebekah wondered how things were going with the Father living with the former nun.
“I bet she is,” she said. “She’s always been beautiful, hasn’t she?”
Father took a deep breath and turned to give Rebekah a look. “You know she has. And I won’t disagree with you.”
Rebekah could tell he was embarrassed and decided not to tease him too much. But she had a feeling her instincts about him were right. Now, if he acted on them, that would be something else. She wasn’t sure he’d go against his vows for her or if Frankie would even want him to. The two were a pair for sure, but she had no idea if Frankie cared for him in that way. Especially after losing Merik.
Her mind drifted back to the hunters. “Who is left in my squad?”
“Chris was injured, and since we don’t have a physician, he was transferred home to heal after leaving the hospital. Then there’s Layne, but I’m not sure you’ll get him to do much since he’s still on light duty. Katie is still hobbling around on her ankle, and I think that’s because she jumped back into training too soon. Grady is gone. Then that leaves Jarreth, Canter, and Aziel if you can count the angel.”
“You forgot Delilah.” Rebekah hoped that she had come back to the academy.
“That’s because she not only left, Rebekah, but she transferred, remember?”
Rebekah remembered all too well. “I know. I guess I just hate the way that went down. She really thinks I did what those pictures suggest. I guess I just want the chance to make amends.” She let out a long breath, knowing that if it was the last thing she did, she’d make things right with Delilah and bring her group back together. If she had to go after Kayne, she wanted her friends at her side.
Chapter 11
After a grueling flight, Rebekah was glad to see the Nevada academy again. As she sneaked in the back gate of the commander’s personal lawn, she smiled as Frankie waved her toward the back door.
Father Timms had gone in ahead to make sure it was all clear and that the new second in command wouldn’t see her coming. She’d hide out in the commander’s quarters until she reconnected with Ignis and the others.
“It’s good to be home,” she said, throwing her arms around Frankie, who was starting to show more of her baby bump. “You look so adorable.” Rebekah rubbed her tummy.
Frankie laughed. “I don’t think I will ever get used to people touching my stomach without invitation.”
Rebekah’s eyes widened. “I’m so sorry.” She put her hand over her mouth and feared she’d offended the woman.
“Nonsense, I don’t mean you, of course. But it’s strange. So many people just reach and give me a pat. And then there’s the ones who want to lean over and talk to the baby. Jarreth Barnes is the worst.” Frankie laughed.
Rebekah could picture Jarreth doing that. “That sounds like him. Who here knew I was coming?”
“Father Timms told me to keep it a secret, so I did. We figured you’d let the others know if you wanted. That way, if it got leaked you were here, we’d know who to blame.” She walked over to the fridge. “Are you hungry?”
“Famished.”
“I’ll cook you something here if you like, or you can let Lulu in on our secret.”
Rebekah looked at the time. “I’ll just eat something here, but I’ll fix it. I don’t want you doing more than you need to.”
Frankie gave her a scolding look. “It’s not going to hurt me or the baby, and in fact, keeping me busy will make these months go
by quicker and keep me in shape.”
Rebekah lifted her hands, knowing she wasn’t going to win the battle. “Fine, eggs would be good.”
“I’ll throw in some toast,” said Frankie. She took out the eggs and then found a bowl in the cabinet.
The door opened, and Mace walked through it. She looked up from her phone, and her eyes widened upon seeing Rebekah. “Holy shit! Did they bust you out?”
Rebekah laughed. Mace was always dramatic, and it was good to see the woman again. “I was released. How are you, Mace? I’m glad you’re still here.”
Mace rolled her eyes, raked her hand through her bleached blond hair, and scratched at her dark roots. “Well, I’m not staying much longer if things don’t change.”
Rebekah could sense her frustrations, and she couldn’t blame her. “I know you were promised a lot of things when you came here. Come on in and let’s talk about it. I’m having something to eat. Are you hungry?”
“No, I’m still stuffed from breakfast, but thanks.” She walked over and poured herself a glass of chocolate milk from the fridge and then walked over and sat at the table across from the Huntress. “Where’s Ignis?”
“I’m not sure, actually. I need my phone, and I’ll give him a call.” She had given her phone to Frankie before she’d been arrested, just like she’d given her weapons to Ignis.
Mace sighed. “He hasn’t been in touch with me at all, and all he said when he left was not to leave. I don’t need this academy shit, you know? I had a perfectly good home and business before coming here, and I can go back to it anytime.”
“I know, but Ignis will be back soon, and he can talk to you about the changes.” Rebekah hoped she was right. She still had the strange feeling something wasn’t right with him.
“Changes?” Mace’s voice went higher. “You mean you’re not staying?” Disappointment furrowed her brow.
Rebekah hadn’t expected that she would have to deal with this and wished she had better answers for her. “No, I’m only here for a little while, and I’m here in secret. The Church banished me from the academies, but I had to come back and get my things and reconnect. As soon as I do, I’m gone again.”
“Then I’m not staying. I don’t know anyone here. And while Frankie and the father are nice people, I can’t stay here without a purpose and no pay.”
Rebekah couldn’t let Mace get away. She wasn’t sure of her plan, but she was sure she’d need Mace on her side. “How would you like to go to Ireland?”
“Ireland?” Mace gave Rebekah a dead stare. “You want me to pack up and go to Ireland now? Like I’d have anything to do there?”
“You could do the same thing we talked about before. I’ve been sentenced to hunt the Father of the Dead, and I’ll need your help. I will need special weapons, and you’ll be paid for your work. Ignis already has a lab there in the dungeon. I’m sure there is going to be room for you.”
She lifted her hand and raked it through her blond hair again, this time resting her hand there for a moment. “Kayne? You’re talking about Kayne, right? As in head vampire Kayne, the one you met at the bar?”
Rebekah felt a sting in her heart with every mention of his name. “Yes, that’s the one.” She knew her feelings weren’t going to change anytime soon, but she needed to focus her anger on him so she could get the job going.
“He’s dangerous, right? And it’s not like you can kill the bastard because he’s immortal.”
“All of that is true, and it doesn’t change a thing,” said Rebekah as Frankie walked over and put her plate of eggs on the table.
Frankie joined them and rested her hand on her tummy, rubbing soothing circles in hopes that the baby could feel them. Rebekah found herself wondering what it would be like to be pregnant. Could the baby feel its mother’s hand? Probably not at this phase of the pregnancy.
Her own children were faced with a decision, and she hoped for her sake that they all chose to uphold their vows. Even though Grady and the others were not her favorites, it still hurt her knowing they’d taken off, but nothing hurt worse than Delilah leaving.
“Are you okay, Rebekah? Are the eggs not right?”
Rebekah roused, realizing she’d been staring down at her plate lost in deep thought for the past few minutes. “I’m sorry, yes, they’re fine. Thank you. I guess I was in a fog.”
“It’s going to take you a while to get used to not being locked up,” said Frankie. “Maybe you’d like to rest up before lunch? I could have Lulu bring you something.”
“It’s okay.” She leaned forward and spooned some of the eggs into her mouth. “These are delicious.”
“Yes,” said Mace out of nowhere. When Rebekah and Frankie looked over at her, she nodded. “Yes, I’ll go to Ireland.”
“Good,” said Rebekah. She turned to Frankie. “I’d like you to go there to have the baby. We’ll find you the best physician, and you will be able to deliver at the castle.”
“Whoa, wait. We’re going to a castle?” Mace hadn’t expected that.
“Yes, it’s my home. I think you’ll both find it quite comfortable. I had the entire north tower renovated, and the others are cleared out. It’s really beautiful there, and I can arrange a tutor for Liam to continue his education.”
Frankie shrugged. “Well, I guess since I don’t really have a choice, since my child is the last hope for mankind and all, it sounds good to me.”
Rebekah realized how it must feel to Frankie. “I’m sorry. As someone who was held prisoner, I hate the way things are for you. It’s just so important to keep you both safe.”
Frankie laughed. “It’s okay, Rebekah. You’re sending me to a castle not a dungeon.”
The front door opened as Mace laughed. “No, I’m the one who gets sent to the dungeon.”
“I vote for that,” said Liam as he walked into the room. “Mace should be locked up in the dungeon.”
Mace turned and narrowed her eyes at the boy. “If anyone needs to be locked up, it’s you, you little fiend.” Mace’s tone was harsh.
Rebekah looked over at Frankie, hoping for an explanation. “What’s with these two?”
Liam sat at the table. “All I did was tell her she’s hot, and she’s treated me like I was a pain in her ass since.”
“Liam, I’ve asked you to watch your language,” said Frankie with a scolding tone.
“I can handle a compliment from a prepubescent teen, but I let him be my assistant, and he’s a walking disaster. The last thing I need is for him to crush on me.”
“Get over yourself, sweetheart.” He belted out a laugh and got up from the table to go to the fridge.
Mace shook her head. “He’s eating us out of house and home, and he’s already gotten on Lulu’s bad side.”
Frankie forced a smile. Mace was nearly as bad as Liam.
Rebekah leaned in closer to her. She felt terrible for ditching them and hated that things had been strained. “I had no idea they didn’t get along. Why didn’t you say something?”
Frankie waved her hand like it was nothing. “He’s just being a kid. It’s no different than some of the first-year trainees. I think he’s acting out because he wants to train.” She kept her voice low.
Rebekah wondered what Mace’s excuse was. At least she could understand Liam’s frustration. Even though it had been a long time since she’d been his age, she remembered how badly she’d wanted to be a hunter. “I’ll talk to him.”
Liam came back to the table with a glass of milk and a sandwich, and she noticed how much he’d filled out since the day she’d rescued him from the vampire camp. “How are your studies coming along?”
“Fine.” His tone was flat and robotic.
Rebekah sighed. She knew she needed to reach out to the young man. “You really want to hunt, don’t you?”
“Yes, I do. I know you think I can’t handle it, but I can. And making me wait for my diploma is going to hold me back.” Liam didn’t think he should bother telling her how he was a strai
ght-A student at his old school and that the curriculum he was being taught was mostly subjects he’d covered. If Frankie thought it was too easy, she might make it harder for him. With any luck, he’d breeze through the work and finish it early, though he was sure it was a waste of time.
Rebekah angled in her chair to face him. “I remember when I was your age, I wanted to be a soldier. Girls weren’t allowed though. Not at fifteen or any age. I knew I could do it though, and I practiced day and night until I was my best, even though I knew it wouldn’t change anything. But when the opportunity came along, I was ready, and I realized all of the hard work I’d put in wasn’t for nothing.”
Liam didn’t want another speech about how his schoolwork was important. “I’m ready to train now. Just like you did. You didn’t have to wait to start, and I shouldn’t either.” He was sure Rebekah was going to give him a million reasons why he was wrong and why he needed to wait.
Instead, she leaned back in her chair and let out a deep breath. “I agree with you. I think you should be able to start now. And since I’m quite certain you’re being a pain in the ass because of the studies, would you be any happier if I added basic training to your workload? Could you handle both?”
“Why not let him take his GED?” asked Mace, looking bored. “It’s a way of testing out where he still gets his diploma.”
Liam’s eyes widened. “Could I please?”
Rebekah hadn’t seen him so anxious.
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” said Frankie. “I want to be sure that he’s getting a good education.”
“I was top of my class before my mom’s addiction got worse, and I was already taking junior honors classes my sophomore year. Frankly, these home studies are too easy and I’m bored. I know I could pass my GED, and if you let me, I can work on my training full time. Please?”
Rebekah could see the determination in his eyes. “I’ll talk to Father Timms, and if he thinks it’s okay, then I’ll have Frankie make the arrangements on one condition. She is going to check into your school records and look at your grades. If you’re lying about your grades from before, you have to keep doing home studies until you graduate.” She didn’t like being lied to and hoped the boy was telling the truth.