by J L Lawrence
Angie gave her the thumbs up sign. “You sound like a cheesy sitcom or girly novel, but point taken. Thanks for trying to make me feel better, Mom.”
Kate tried to be patient with Angie’s sarcasm, knowing it was her way of protecting herself from emotions. “Let’s be totally honest with each other,” She fired back. “You know you won’t be able to return to a regular place in this realm and have a normal life or job after everything that we’ll face and suffer to survive. You’re the reason I’m here on this journey. You had faith in me when I didn’t.”
Angie cocked her head back over her shoulder. The helmet kept Kate from seeing her face, but the intent was there. “Really? I hadn’t noticed. We have demons on our tail that are vicious as hell. I’m cut off from my job, other friends, and my life in general. We’re riding on freaking motorcycles that appeared out of thin air, with men who have real powers. Come the freak on! I’m attracted to a man who lives in another realm and has issues beyond comprehension, and my other option is a jerk most of the time who doesn’t like humans.
“To add more insult to injury, I’m going to a place I don’t have a chance in hell of fitting into, and you’re talking to me about a normal life? I’m not an idiot. It doesn’t make it any easier that I’ll probably die on a battlefield with no one to mourn me, or even know what I died for. To be honest, I’m not sure what I’m dying for!”
Kate fully merged with Angie and took a deep breath. Not even Angie’s famous sarcasm could bail her out now. Kate didn’t want this hanging over their heads. “Feel better now that you have all that off your chest? Is your little hissy fit over?”
Kate opened her mind to stop the tirade and let Angie feel her sincerity and devotion to their friendship.
Angie sighed. “I’m sorry. You’re right, I know. I wouldn’t have made any other choice. I can’t move forward because I’ll never be one of you with magical abilities. I’ll never be able to go back. What kind of life does that leave for me?”
Kate wished she knew, but no one seemed to have any answers. “There are some moments when I wake up and hope it’s all been a dream. I can go back to my normal life, normal friends, and not so normal cases. Starting a brand new case, having my set routine, and being with my trusted team around me was how I survived and thrived.”
She paused. How do you explain your deepest fears and the possibility of something great? “Then there are those moments that it feels like the pieces of an impossible jigsaw puzzle have finally come together, and a new light has been turned on inside me. In my heart, I know this is real and where I’m meant to be, but I can’t erase my past and my memories. The closer we get to this new place, the more I feel in the depths of my soul that this is my destiny. Above all, I keep asking why me?”
Angie’s shoulders moved up and down in a shrugging motion. “Why not you? Is there someone else you would wish this on? It’s not in your nature. Even if the situation would have been different and someone else, let’s say from our team, was chosen. You would have been the first to volunteer and try to take their place, so they wouldn’t have to do it. So I ask again, why not you?”
Kate bowed her head but didn’t respond, letting it hang in the air between them. They had finally reached a stretch where the guys could increase the speed, so it was easier to shut down and relax. Plus, she wasn’t ready to answer that question yet.
She was ready to weep with joy when they approached their destination for their first break. Her muscles had begun to lock up, and her back spasmed with pain. The guys ate quickly and leaned back to rest. While they were using normal human transportation, they still had to maintain shields.
Kate began to wonder if they would go through all their supplies this first stop. She was also terrified of an attack. They would be worthless in a fight right now. Everyone was tired and sore. She sure hoped Xavier was out there somewhere ready to help them if needed.
“He’s there in the shadows keeping watch. Zane is with him, too.” Xander’s words came out as a whisper, but they were comforting to Kate all the same. She hadn’t realized her fears were written on her face.
Xander finally sat up on his own, but still moved slowly. Kate couldn’t help but wonder why his recovery was so much more complicated than Gregory’s. There was a missing piece here. She could feel it, but his voice sounded strong and confident. Maybe she was imagining things.
“We made good time today,” Xander said. “So we will be able to get a little extra rest before we move on this afternoon. We’ll sleep for a couple hours then stretch and gain some energy. Xavier says no demons have picked up on our trail, so we are doing okay for now.” He leaned back against the tree and shut his eyes.
It wasn’t until Xander woke up a little while later that she started asking more questions that had been burning in her mind. “You’ve mentioned several times about me transforming into the Mystic or some type of awakening. What is involved in that?” Kate felt guilty since he still seemed tired, but she needed to start wrapping her head around the facts.
“Mystics are predestined for a battle called the Rising every few hundred years, as I told you earlier. They are usually born within one hundred years of this battle. Once the Mystic reaches maturity, he or she is taken to the Ancient Council and a ritual ceremony is performed called the Awakening.
“I have never seen one, but my understanding is that it allows access to all of your powers and creates a permanent bond with your Guardian. You will be stripped of your humanity and fully enveloped into all realms…in theory. We’ve never actually transformed a human.” He leaned his head back again, but she wasn’t done yet.
She wasn’t sure if she wanted the answer to her next question, but it needed to be asked anyway. Basically, she’d be a guinea pig for these Council people. “So, if I’m not human, what would I be?”
Xander opened one eye to respond. She wanted to shake him to fully wake him up. After all, it was her life on the line.
“The only thing that would change would be your DNA. It would transform into something like mine or Gregory’s. You would gain your full abilities. I don’t know much else. Hopefully, Marcus and Rowena will be able to explain the whole process once we are there. All we were told is to make sure you arrive in the Meadows before the time of the Awakening ceremony. Apparently, there is a specific timeframe for the process to be successful. Can I sleep now?”
Kate reached over for his hand and squeezed. She hoped he’d have enough patience for a couple more questions. While he slept, she had several things to work out mentally. Obviously, no one knew much about the ceremony. They probably kept it protected so demons didn’t learn too much.
She decided to move on for now, before he completely fell asleep.
“I know Zane is a Shadow Warrior and is helping to protect us, but what exactly are they? I don’t understand how he’s helping Xavier and us, yet he’s stuck in some other world.”
“They’re a bunch of dickheads that renounced their birthright, is what they are,” Gregory snapped venomously, before Xander could respond.
“Shut your ass, Gregory.” Xander barked. That woke him up. “They’ve saved us several times, so quit your whining and be glad Zane doesn’t take it personally when you run your mouth.”
“Oooh. I’m real scared. Say what you want, but more of us will die because of them this time.” Gregory turned away from them.
Kate glanced at Xander. Anger smoldered in his bright blue eyes. He glared at Gregory’s back. Well, she’d certainly managed to touch a nerve with this subject.
Xander motioned for her to join him. She sat down and leaned against his shoulder.
“Shadow Warriors are a rare species,” he said. “Extremely powerful and excellent at killing demons, they used to be guardians to humans. Their last leader made a grave error in judgment and locked them in the Shadow World. Their current leader, Zane, has not been able to find a way to get back to any of the other realms.
“Many magical beings blame the Sha
dow Warriors for all the demons we now have to fight. But more importantly we have never fought at a Rising without them. Zane hopes that once you are awakened, you will find a way to help them. We need them in this battle. Once we get to the Meadows, I promise that you will hear all the stories you can handle. For now, let’s stay focused on your destiny and your awakening ceremony.”
Kate nearly bit off her tongue to stop asking questions. He was tired, but she couldn’t help it.
She decided to start a list of questions to ask him when they had more time. For now, she stood and dusted off her pants. Then, she pulled him off the ground and walked to the tent. If they wanted to stay on schedule, a brief nap is all they could afford. She wanted to sleep in a bed tonight, and it wouldn’t hurt if it included Xander and no interruptions. She was ready for things with them to move forward.
* * *
“Daylight’s wasting boys and girls!” Only a few shorts hours, and Gregory woke them. “Let’s get a move on. I want to sleep in a real bed tonight if you don’t mind.”
Kate grabbed her pack and was surprised at her lack of reaction when the guys packed the entire camp with a wave of their hand.
They hopped on the bikes and were off again. The wind rushed against her body. She wondered if one day this would all seem commonplace, and she would take this brief time in her human life for granted.
* * *
Angie adjusted herself yet again on the bike hoping for a moment of relief, but it was more and more fleeting each time. “When do you want to stop for another break?”
“I figure it’s better for the guys if we keep going and make few stops. The sooner we get there the better.”
“Amen to that.” Angie tried to focus on her surroundings. Her mind was always on alert and contemplating her future. After this last stop, things had gotten a lot more complicated. She was beginning to feel a strong sexual pull toward Gregory, and there wasn’t any point in denying it. But was it chemistry or circumstances?
Then there was Xavier. Angie couldn’t put into words the connection she’d felt to him. It wasn’t just sexual. She considered it to be more spiritual. The absurdity of all of it made her laugh out loud.
On a good note, she’d finally begun to feel a purpose on this mission. Her job was to keep Kate grounded and help save innocents around the world. It was the same career she’d always loved, on a slightly different playing field. This was her destiny, and she’d see it through.
Kate sent her comfort through their link. Angie hadn’t realized how closely Kate had been watching her thoughts and emotions. Spooky sometimes, but in a good way.
“All we can do is see how things play out. I think you need to spend more time with both of them before you decide anything permanent, sexual or otherwise. And it probably needs to be on more equal footing when we’re better protected.” Kate also passed Angie an idea that she had thought of earlier. They might feel attraction differently in their world.
Changing topics to lessen Angie’s anxiety, Kate began talking about past cases that could have been signs or warnings had they known all this magical stuff existed. Angie wanted to laugh at her. She knew those tactics better than most. “By the way, were you ever able to reach any of the team?”
Angie couldn’t stop the emotions as she passed along the updates. “Yes, I talked to Teri briefly while we were still in Tennessee. I told her we were following a lead and would be out of communication for a while, and that we’d check in when we could. I feel guilty for the lies, but the truth would horrify them. That’s why your ancestor protected you, he didn’t want you to know. It gave you a brief glimpse of normalcy.” She replayed the conversation in her head for Kate.
Angie took a drink of water, while Kate processed everything. “Why were you thinking about the Shadow Warriors earlier? I could see your brain ticking away, and I didn’t want to intrude and mess up your flow.”
“I’m not sure. Something triggered inside my head telling me to get to know the Shadow Warriors. All of them. I can’t explain why. When I understand my powers, I intend to meet the warriors and try to find a way for them to help in the battle. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that to improve our chances of survival we need them, and I do prefer to live at the end of the day.” Kate looked up into the clouds like she was searching for something slightly out of reach.
“I’d prefer the living option myself.” Angie adjusted her helmet and stretched her back. “What do you think of the brief information Xander provided?”
“That Zane is incredibly strong and gifted. I believe he has good intentions, but I’m curious to know the whole story. I hope he’s trustworthy and will make a great ally, but we have to get him in the picture more.” Kate grew quiet. Angie knew she’d slipped back into her reflections of everything she’d learned. Her own thoughts began to drift as well. She began contemplating what kind of future she could possibly have in their world. A place she didn’t belong.
* * *
“Kate.” Kate jumped a mile at the new voice in her head, but immediately knew who it was.
“Xavier, what is it?”
“Everything is going well, so don’t be alarmed. The demons are still randomly searching. You made good time and should be at the farmhouse by nightfall. By the way, I want you to know that I have decided to help more with the training and preparations than I have been. It shouldn’t have been that close. I’m sorry.”
He’d barely gotten there in time to save Angie. But he had, and that was the important thing. He was deeply suffering every time he stepped into their realm. For him to offer his assistance demonstrated his resolve, and his way of declaring his allegiance to her. That’s what struck her the most. He had come directly to her and not through Xander.
“It’s wonderful you have decided to help us. We definitely need all the help we can get. But go at your own pace and comfort level, not ours. It can’t be forced. Also, I’d like to ask your help with Zane to get to know him better.”
Xavier’s laugh was hoarse in her mind. “Maybe force is what I need to give me a wake-up call. I will work something out with Zane. He welcomes the opportunity.”
“Xavier, I have a gut feeling it’ll be something else that delivers your wake-up call.” She had no doubt he understood what she’d referred to. Xavier broke their connection. What a crew they all were!
Kate answered Angie’s questioning thought. “Xavier informed me that we’re only a couple of hours away from the farm, and we’ll make it there by late afternoon. For the moment, we’re still safe from the demons. It was a positive report considering our luck.”
They rode for what seemed like forever. Xander had maintained silence to keep the shields in place. In the distance, Kate felt relief seeing a massive white house sitting high on a hillside that reminded her of a Southern plantation home. Excitement overrode the unrelenting pain as she pointed toward the house.
“We’re here.”
Chapter 10
Pain radiated up Kate’s entire spine. “Thank the Lord Almighty. I was ready to walk the rest of the way. We need to get somewhere safe for them to rest.”
“I know. Look ahead. There’s a couple waiting for us.”
Kate nodded at Angie’s comment.
They cautiously approached the house. The man standing on the front porch began waving and ran toward them. He moved with incredible speed and agility. His wife, Kate assumed, followed close behind him. They stopped in front of her and Angie, to help them slide off, then grabbed their gear.
“Hi, I’m Joseph, and this is my wife, Lucia. Our home is your home. We’ll show you to your rooms in a moment. The men will secure the supplies out here while the ladies can follow Lucia into the house. Security is our first priority.” Excitement lit up his face. He rushed around to make sure everyone had what they needed.
Kate entered the house. Everything became a blur. She wanted to make sure the guys were safe and then crash for a couple of hours. She finally understood the true de
finition of the word weary. She dragged into the kitchen and plopped down at the table. The past several days had melded into what seemed like one extremely long endless day.
She glanced around at her surroundings, while waiting for the guys to come inside. She was trying to distract herself from going back outside to check on them. It was insane how much she’d come to rely on their presence.
The kitchen had an older style, with copper pots hanging from the ceiling over an island. The walls were half covered with an art-deco backsplash and neutral tan color paint above it.
In the center of the wall right above the table was a large hand-crafted frame with a beautiful farm scene. It appeared hand-painted. Kate remembered her childhood home having a similar feel and found comfort sitting in the room.
Despite the older motif, she noticed their appliances and some of the top-notch technology. These were not outdated or old-fashioned people, but they were probably a couple looking for peace and normalcy. Kate understood that notion perfectly, but all the decorating in the world couldn’t fix everything or change what was coming.
The kitchen door flew open, catching everyone’s attention. Especially since it opened on its own. Anxiety tingled up Kate’s spine. Xander’s face was ashen, and Gregory only looked slightly better. What had drained them so badly? They were completely at the mercy of these strangers. It didn’t make any sense.
Xander crossed the room to her and rubbed her shoulders, slightly calming her nerves.
Lucia brought over a ton of food and hot tea to the table. “Eat up. I know you must be tired. I carefully prepared all the food to be high in protein and vitamins. The tea is a special blend created by Xander’s mother. She sent it this morning, when the Council discovered the change in plans.” She touched Kate’s shoulder in assurance. “They will be much better in no time.”