Eternal Bond and Brimstone

by J. N. Colon

  Jayson swallowed hard and finally met my eyes; his were dark and riddled with secrets. “I linked us.” He licked his lips. “I created a bond that can never be severed.”

  My heart thudded to a stop while hot and cold sensations ran the length of my spine. Linked? A bond? What exactly did that mean?

  I glanced at my injured hand. Could he feel the throbbing?

  Oh my gawd. Could he read my mind, hear my thoughts?

  My cheeks turned every shade of red possible and then some.

  “I can’t read your thoughts,” he said, interrupting my impending breakdown.

  My eyes flickered up. “Then how did you know I was thinking that?” My voice echoed shrilly.

  Jayson shrugged. “It’s what most people would wonder if told them they were linked to another person.” The corners of his mouth tilted up. “And by the way you’re blushing, I can guess you’ve been thinking lots of things about me, Angel Eyes.”

  My brows dipped. “There you go with the Angel Eyes again.” He was the angel. Not me.

  His expression sobered. “I’m sorry, Lena. I never wanted any of this to happen.”

  “Why?” I blurted. “Why did you do it then?”

  “To save you.”

  I shook my head. “I heard you and Kale talking in the cemetery before the demons came—the first time,” I clarified. “You think I’m an avis. What is that?”

  “An avis is someone who’s been blessed by Heaven.”

  My expression was deadpan. “Do I look like I know what that means?”

  His gaze tilted toward the ceiling like he’d find the answers up there. “It could be a number of things. A near-death experience occurred and Heaven decided to send you back. Or your soul was altered in some way before you were born into this human form. Maybe you were a miracle baby.” He chewed on his bottom lip, hesitating. “Maybe someone gave up their life for yours.”

  Blood drained from my cheeks. “You mean my mom?”

  His gaze lowered to mine. “It’s possible.”

  I shook my head. “That didn’t happen. She didn’t do that.” I couldn’t believe my mother actively forfeited her life for mine. She gave birth to me and lost too much blood. She had a weak heart, and it gave out on her. That was it. Nothing else. “That didn’t happen,” I repeated, my voice quivering.

  “Okay.” Jayson leaned closer, his body pressing into mine. “It was something else then.”

  I choked back the tears that wanted to escape. For some reason, it was easy with Jayson so close. Ugh. It probably had something to do with this bond. “Even if I did fit into any of those categories, how do you know it makes me an avis?”

  He shrugged, gently jostling me. “I just do.”

  “How?” I prodded. “Stop giving me half-truths and only answering part of my questions.”

  Jayson stood, taking his warmth and comfort with him. Fine. I didn’t want to be snuggled up to the lying Neanderthal anymore.

  “You’re not a seer or psychic, but you can detect things others can’t. And nothing else has come to town that’s drawn so much attention from the demons. They can always sense the heavenly residue left on an avis.” He leaned against his dresser with a stony expression, waiting for me to continue my inquisition.

  My chest began to tighten as everything he’d already told me bounced around in my head. Demons and angels were real. I could be some Heaven-blessed human that attracted the monsters. And my neighbor was a Nephilim who healed me with his freaky angel powers.

  All of that should have had me running down the street, screaming. But that wasn’t what had me choking back another round of tears.

  Jayson only saved me because he thought I was important in this current fight between Heaven and Hell. I was nothing but a piece of some mysterious puzzle.

  I shot to my feet. “I need to go home.”

  My throat was being torn apart from trying to swallow back the sobs. Sure, I was ecstatic not to be dead, but I couldn’t take one more word on the subject. I had no desire to learn anything more about him, his friends, his world, or this stupid bond.

  I pivoted toward the door.

  “Lena, wait.” Jayson stood, closing the distance between us until his hand pressed on the door. “Don’t leave.”

  “I’ve had enough for tonight,” I said, hoping he couldn’t detect the tremble in my voice.

  “Don’t you want to know more about the bond at least?” His presence warmed my back and urged me to stay with him.

  “Not really,” I whispered. “I’m tired. I just want to go to sleep.”

  Jayson reluctantly released his hand, allowing me to open the door. I stalked into the hall without looking back.

  Chapter 18

  I jolted awake in the middle of the night. A cold sweat had my clothes sticking to my damp skin. It was a miracle I was able to fall asleep in the first place. My mind was filled to the brim with demons, angels, and unwanted bonds.

  A shudder rippled through my body. I kicked the covers off and reached for my glass of water. It was stale and warm, but my throat wasn’t discriminating. I greedily gulped it down and then fell on my ass trying to put it back.

  I cursed and set the empty glass on the bedside table from my spot on the floor. My shirt was now soaked with sweat and water.

  Perfect.

  I pulled myself up and grabbed another tank top from my dresser, shedding the wet one. My eyes fell on Jayson’s darkened window. Nothing stirred behind the blinds. It was after midnight. He was probably asleep like a normal person.

  Neither of us was actually normal though.

  My chest tightened. I was bound to a half-angel. What did that even mean? I’d high-tailed it out of Jayson’s before he could really explain the bond. If I’d stayed any longer, I wouldn’t have been able to stop the tears from breaking free.

  I shook my head. Why did I care that he only saved me because I might be important to whatever supernatural drama was unfolding? I should be happy I was alive. That was the important thing, not my bruised heart.

  Movement in Jayson’s yard caught my attention. A man in an ebony suit materialized right out of the shadows. His back was toward me, and silvery white hair peeked out from the brim of his hat.

  My veins flooded with ice, freezing my entire body. I didn’t need to see his face to know exactly who was standing in Jayson’s yard.

  The old man turned, his impenetrable eyes finding me within the darkness of my room. My heart shuddered to a stop.

  This was the fourth time I’d seen him, and he became more menacing with every encounter. Earlier tonight he’d said something about my soul. Was he a demon? Did he know I was linked to Jayson?

  A smile curled his thin lips, and he tipped his hat toward me. He started whistling that creepy tune again, his cold gaze never leaving mine.

  I stumbled back, searching for my phone. My fingers trembled as I snatched it and shuffled to the window, poised to call Jayson.

  But the man was gone.

  I peered out, looking down either side of the street, my breath fogging the glass. No one was there.

  I dropped to my knees, pressing a hand over my chest to quiet my racing heart. I was in way over my head. There was so much more I didn’t understand.

  I set my phone down. Now was not the time to call Jayson. My brain was still spinning from everything he’d already divulged. I couldn’t handle more right now. But more was coming. A hell of a lot more.

  Sebastian rubbed his hands together, an evil gleam entering his light-green eyes. “You guys ready for this Sunday?”

  Jessica and I traded glances, trying not to smile.

  “What are we doing this Sunday?” She pushed her glasses up her nose.

  I twisted the combination on my locker and tugged it open. “Did we have plans?” A folded piece of notebook paper sat atop one of my books, my name scrawled across it. I snatched the note and shoved it in my pocket before either of them could see.

  My pulse spiked. Who could it
be from? Secretly, I knew who I wanted it to be from. But I shouldn’t want that.

  “Did you guys really forget?” Sebastian tugged at his t-shirt brandishing the logo of his favorite ghost hunting show. “The marathon of Ghost League!”

  Jessica cracked first, a giggle slipping out. “You’re so easy, Seb.” She nudged his shoulder. “We’re just kidding.”

  “How could we forget?” I said through my laughter as I traded out notebooks. “You’ve only mentioned it every day this week.”

  A dusting of crimson flooded his cheeks, and he shook his head. “Hardy-har-har. Good one, guys.”

  Hanging out with Sebastian and Jessica was the only thing keeping me from going crazy these past few days. After learning Jayson was a Nephilim, and he’d saved my life by linking us, I wasn’t in the best mental state.

  I’d also been avoiding Jayson like the plague. Every time he appeared, images of angels and demons flashed behind my eyes. He came over last night, but I refused to see him. My dad was convinced we were dating and having a fight.

  If my dad only knew the guy he was so fond of was half-angel—he’d probably like him even more.

  “To gear up for the marathon, I’ve got a little surprise for you guys—if you can make it of course.” Sebastian pulled out a colorful flier. “My uncle Sean is speaking at a paranormal convention tomorrow in Macon. He’s also conducting an investigation and invited us to tag along.”

  Jessica took the flyer. “Oh my gosh. That’s great, Seb. I’m totally in.” Her smile stretched from ear to ear, and if you looked close enough, tiny hearts shimmered in her brown eyes.

  This was the perfect opportunity to nudge them in the right direction. Plus, I wasn’t sure how my grumpy other half would feel if I snuck out of town.

  Were there demons in Macon?

  “How about it, Lena?” Sebastian asked, flicking the flier clutched in Jessica’s hand.

  I sucked my teeth. “I can’t go. I told my dad I’d help with some stuff around the house. We’re still not organized after the move.” My smile was just a little on the mischievous side. “I’m sure you and Jess will have a great time together. Alone.” I covertly winked in her direction.

  Her face flamed. “Um…”

  “Of course we will,” Sebastian said. “I’ll let my uncle know. We’ll be back Saturday night if you want to hang out.”

  A warm tingle spilled down my spine. My body tensed before I caught sight of Jayson. He was stalking down the hall directly toward me.

  My heart jumped in my throat. I wasn’t ready to face him yet.

  I snatched Jessica’s hand. “You guys can work out the details later. We’ve got to get to class.”

  She squeaked as I pulled her away. “What’s the deal, Lena?”

  “Nothing.” We darted into Theology, the Neanderthal Nephilim nowhere in sight. I let out a breath of relief as I slumped in my desk.

  Jessica shrugged out of her jacket and sat, her cheeks still flushed. “I have no idea how to do this, Lena.”

  My lips puckered. “Do what?”

  “Tell Seb I like him,” she hissed under her breath.

  “Oh.” Duh, Lena. Not everything was about you and the sexy Nephilim you were linked to. “Maybe you should just be direct. Sebastian isn’t picking up on any subtle hints.”

  She chewed the end of her pen. “I have to just blurt it out?”

  “Possibly.” I was the worst friend ever. I had no business giving her advice about dating considering my current situation.

  But I really thought Sebastian would realize he had feelings for her if he knew how she felt. What wasn’t to like? Jessica was tall and slender with gorgeous chestnut hair and big brown doe eyes. She was as sweet as pie and couldn’t hurt a living creature. I’d never even seen her step on a spider.

  A hot tingle zipped down my spine. Son of a biscuit. Jayson had just walked in.

  “What?” Jessica glanced forward. “Uh-oh.”

  My head lifted as he marched down our aisle, his hazel eyes landing on the guy behind me.

  “Find another seat today,” he grumbled at the skinny junior.

  The lanky guy immediately gathered his things and scrambled to the other side of the classroom.

  My jaw hung open as I spun around. “What are you doing?” I hissed. “You can’t just order people around.”

  His large body folded into the seat behind me. “We need to talk.”

  I whipped back to the front, catching Jessica’s amused smile before she faced forward. “No, we don’t.” How was I supposed to feel about this supernatural world I’d fallen into? How was I supposed to feel about him? My heart was saying one thing while my head was, well, it was pretty much demanding I get the rest of the truth.

  Jayson leaned so close his warm breath dusted my neck. “You can’t keep ignoring me, Lena.”

  I chewed on my pencil. That was precisely what I intended on doing.

  His massive hand gently rested on my shoulder. “Come on, Angel Eyes. I know you want to turn around.” His voice was a low, rough whisper that sent chills across my skin.

  My jaw clenched, and I fought every muscle to keep from giving in. My body was going haywire in his presence. Was this part of the bond?

  “I just want to know if you’re okay,” he whispered. “I need to know.”

  I swallowed hard. Desperation lingered behind his words, and it tore at my heart. “I’m fine.”

  “How’s your hand?” he asked.

  My lids closed. I could feel my will losing the battle. My body was already rotating before I even opened my eyes. “It’s fine.” My gaze lifted, meeting Jayson’s. Gold flecks popped within the hazel irises. A shudder rippled over me.

  Jayson took my bandaged hand, his fingers running across my palm. Electric tingles radiated from his touch.

  My pulse quivered and every nerve ending opened, welcoming the contact.

  Sweet angels in Heaven. This guy had no idea what he did to me.

  Or did he?

  “Are you really okay?” he asked again, his lids half-mast as if he were savoring the first contact we’d had in days.

  I wet my lips trying to gather my voice. Eyes were on us, watching this intimate moment, but I couldn’t tear myself away. “Yeah, you know, considering everything…”

  Jayson nodded. “It’s a lot to take in.”

  Understatement of the year.

  His gaze pierced mine, sending a wave of heat through my insides. “I just want you to know I’m going to protect you against—anything. I won’t let them hurt you. No matter what.”

  Someone cleared his throat. “Edward, Bella.” Mr. Jensen motioned his finger between Jayson and me, a playful smile curling his lips. “Can you continue your epic love story after class?”

  I whipped back around, my cheeks ten shades of scarlet. Murmured laughter spilled around the students until a growl rumbled through Jayson. He was probably giving everyone a death glare. I slumped lower in my seat, trying to hide.

  Oh my gawd. I cannot believe Mr. Jensen just said that. Out loud. He had no idea how close to the truth his joke was.

  Breath warmed my nape as Jayson moved forward. “I’m much more badass than that vampire,” he whispered.

  A shiver I couldn’t hide rippled down my spine. He was right about that.

  Jayson’s deep chuckle vibrated against my neck before he pulled away.

  I shook my head and tried to ignore the not-so-covert glances from my fellow classmates. Mr. Jensen began his lecture, and I took out the note someone had shoved in my locker.

  It wasn’t from Jayson.

  Hey, Lena. My parents are out of town this weekend. I’m having a party tonight (just a small thing). I hope you can come. It’ll be fun. - Austin

  His address and phone number were at the bottom as well as a picture of two stick figures dancing. He’d written our names by each.

  I smiled. He was too cute.

  A low growl rumbled through my ear. Jayson was leaning over m
y shoulder, reading the note. And he wasn’t happy about it.

  “You’re not going to that party,” Jayson grumbled as he followed me up the steps to my porch. “It’s a bad idea for so many reasons.”

  I rolled my eyes, not that he could see, but he could definitely feel my annoyance. I had no desire to attend Austin’s party—until the Neanderthal showed up as I pulled into my driveway, demanding I not go. “Again, you are not my father nor are you the boss of me. So, I suggest you run along home.”

  He trailed me inside. “There could be demons.”

  “There could be demons anywhere. You can’t keep me locked up.” I loudly dropped my keys on the table beside the door, catching my father’s attention.

  Jayson was close on my heels. “I’m seriously considering it.”

  My dad continued eating his sandwich as he leaned against the island. “Are we having another lover’s spat?”

  If looks could kill, James Raven would be dead this very instant by yours truly. “Seriously, Dad?” I motioned toward Jayson who was standing next to me, his arms crossed over his broad chest. He didn’t seem the least bit put off that my dad was now privy to our conversation. “Are you going to let this Neanderthal tell your daughter what to do?”

  A smirk formed over his face as he poured more chips onto his plate. “Kid, telling my daughter what to do is giving her motive and permission to do the exact opposite.”

  Not the answer I was looking for.

  “She’s absolutely not going to this party,” Jayson said, ignoring my dad’s warning. “Forbid her to. Ground her if you have to.”

  My mouth dropped. “Are you out of your damn mind?” I motioned my finger between us, lowering my voice. “Just because we have some freaky supernatural bond doesn’t give you the right to boss me around.” This was the second time we’d had this very conversation. Both instances involved Austin.

  “There’s going to be alcohol,” he added. “Lots and lots of alcohol. And probably drugs. And sex. There’s always sex.”

  My cheeks flamed at the mention of that unmentionable word in front of my father. I groaned and hid my face in my hands. “This is not happening. This is not my life.”