Devil’s Descent II: impure Chapter Nine

Estimated reading time: 72 – 120 minutes

Lily slouched at a small table between her best friends, cousins, surrogate parents rolled up into one, Robbie and Cricket. Despite the festive atmosphere, she was feeling absolutely miserable. All around her were couples.

Couples, couples, couples.

There were happy couples, groping couples, fighting couples, and dancing couples. Every combination of couple young and old known to civilization were all hanging out at Grayson’s Tavern just to piss Lily off.

Too bad there’s nowhere else for these disgusting lovebirds to hang out at. Shit fuckers. They should at least go screw in their cars or elsewhere and not rub it in my face.

Maybe they’re not trying to piss me off, Lily conceded with a grumpy sigh. There’s just no where else for them to go.

Grayson’s Tavern was Vickery Hill’s only real restaurant and entertainment spot. Greasy southern food, large portions, dim atmosphere all led up to the most awesome part of the night when the cook did his nightly Elvis impersonation act.

Was it hopelessly backwater? Only to the ignorant—may they all politely burn in hell.

Jared Whorton had been doing his act for over thirty years and everyone, regardless of bloodlines, loved him for it. Although Lily was too young to actually see the three stages in person, the pictures proved his incomparable talent. Jared had happily blessed Vickery Hill with young Elvis, movie Elvis, and fat Elvis. Lily herself had only witnessed the tail end of movie Elvis, so she understandably held a preference for the rotund version.

Therefore, hearing and seeing the King come to life via Jared’s croon and hip swivel was enough to bring Lily out of any funk, but tonight’s act wasn’t working.

Robbie and Cricket had both tried for the past thirty minutes to be rather pleasant but even they were running out of steam. Jared sang the last mournful note of “Love Me” when Lily turned her melancholy gaze away from a tall, blond Sarah Webb slow dancing with her equally tall, dark husband Sean Webb. She never hated them as much as she did now.

“I’m sorry, guys. I know I’m just bringing you down.”

Cricket’s smooth brow wrinkled in concern. She cocked her head and asked softly, “What the fuck is wrong with you?” Constant cursing most definitely ran in the female side of the family.

“Yeah,” Robbie concurred while grabbing a fry off Lily’s plate. He squinted his green eyes and said, “You’re wasting a perfectly good, carefree night with all your moping. Have some consideration, cuz.”

Cricket nodded firmly, eyes narrowed in irritation identical to her twin. “Just what Robbie said. If you’re going to be this moody and difficult, go to bed or something. Teenage angst is only cool on paper. Not in real life.”

Lily smiled weakly. Leave it to her cousins to call her out on any and everything. Even so, their selfless, albeit cranky, support throughout the last few weeks meant so much to her. Especially after the wrenching conversation she just had with Jonathon.

“You’re right.” Lily wrung her hands in uncharacteristically nervous motions. “I know that I haven’t said this to you…but…I just want to thank you both for being here for me.”

“Oh, Lily, that’s so sweet.” Cricket trilled. “Sweet and creepy. You must stop this now. Besides, we’re family.”

“I know but I’m trying to say—”

“Oh, my God!” Cricket spat while rolling her eyes. “Can you be any more of a wuss right now? You’re sorry for being hung up on a loser vampire. I get it!”

“All right! Damn! Sorry for trying to be nice to your hateful ass!” Lily slammed her hands against the small table and knocked over her empty glass.

The brunette smirked at the other girl’s temper. “It’s about time you showed something other than your wussiness.”

Lily stared for several heated moments before returning the smirk. “Point taken.” She sat up and tilted her head to the side. “Robbie, are you going to be as to me mean as your sister?”

“Depends. What do you want?”

“What makes you think I want anything?”

He pinned her with a stare and waited until her mischievous grin broke.

“Okay, I do want something but it’s not bad or even close to bad.”

“I’m waiting.”

“Dance with me.”

Robbie shrugged as he watched Tara Williams strut her sassy bottom past their table. “If you weren’t my cousin maybe it’d be worth it. But you are so I’m thinking no.”

Lily reached over and smacked his head.

“Hey! You stop hitting me or I will hit back one day.”

“No, you won’t. Besides, you don’t have the right.”

“Being that I’m five years older and helped change your diaper gives me all the right I need, brat.”

“I’m not a brat.”

“Yeah, well my sore head would definitely disagree with you.”

“Not my fault you’re so sensitive.” Her eyes cut to Tara briefly. “And watch what you’re looking at. Williams is not going to match Walker. Get it out of your damaged head.”

“I will look at whatever I want, you elitist snob.” Robbie stood up and yanked Lily to her feet. He grinned and cooed, “There’s no need to be jealous, girl. You know I’ll always have room in my heart for my little flower.”

“Robbie, quit teasing,” Cricket admonished in an even tone.

“Oh, I can’t tease but you can call her a wuss? Real nice there, Sis.”

“It’s different when I do it.”

“How?”

“It just is.”

“Bull!”

“Hey! Both of you can fight over the chance to mentally abuse me later. I wanna dance so let’s go!”

Robbie sighed heavily. “Fine. Make it quick. Although I don’t know why you can’t find anyone else to dance with you.”

Cricket took a sip of her soda before asking, “What did I already say to you? Keep this up and I’ll tell Tara about that growth on your butt.”

Robbie immediately turned a lovely shade of pink. “Shut up!”

Both girls erupted in laughter.

“Cricket, you suck! And you, Lily! I thought you had better manners that this!”

“Ooh, Robbie, I’m sorry. Come on, let’s just dance.” Linking her arm with his, Lily tugged him until he bent down. “I’m sorry about my reaction over Tara,” she whispered. “I was just being a bitch about it and I’m sorry. Tara’s…okay…if you like her.”

Slightly mollified, Robbie ruffled the much shorter girl’s hair. “I just looked at her. That’s all. There’s no match on the horizon, Lily.”

“Okay.” Her small smile belied the real threat she felt at losing yet another person. God, how freaking selfish can I be?

She cleared her throat and haltingly added, “If there was a match, I’d support you. No matter who it was—as long as you loved her.”

“Lily, don’t worry about it. Robbie isn’t going anywhere,” Cricket cut in dryly.

“Says who?” he asked in offense.

“Have you looked at yourself lately? You look like a girl. Who wants that?”

“I don’t know. You tell me, Butch.” Robbie’s retaliation proved years of familiarity with gender assassination. “There’s no need to get snippy just because your balls are bigger than mine.”

“You’re right. Tell me something though—just how does it feel to only have to shave once a month?”

“I guess it’s convenient. Probably not as convenient as standing up when you pee, huh?”

“Hey, don’t feel bad just because my dick is bigger than yours.”

“Everyone wants Robbie because he’s so hot,” Lily defended with a smirk and a kiss to his ultra smooth cheek. “Just admit it, Cricket, so I can get on the floor! Jared’s on fire tonight and I want some of it.”

“Don’t ask her! She has to be a girl to know.”

Cricket smiled sweetly. “You’re right. Even he’s my brother, I have to admit it. He’s really good looking.”

Her twin turned his head in suspicion. “What?”

“You heard me. You look good.”

“What the hell, Cricket?”

“Nothing.”

“No, no. What’re you plotting? You’re never this nice and you never agree.”

Cricket’s smile became angelic. “I love you, Robbie.”

“Aww, Jesus! Lily, let’s go.”

“Don’t mind me, hottie. I’ll be fine. You two have a good time.”

“Shut the hell up, Cricket!” he yelled over Lily’s giggles as he yanked her towards the milling group.

Cricket sipped her soda and watched them dance to Jared’s perfect rendition of “Blue Suede Shoes”. Lily seemed happy for the moment, but Cricket knew it wouldn’t take much to trigger her off the deep-end. Lord help them all when that happened.

Lily had been blessed, or cursed depending on who you asked, with the Walker temper. Quick to laughter. Quicker to murder. Many a chair and table had suffered the touch of Lily’s wrath. And that was during a mild fit of anger. The last time she blew a gasket three acres of pasture land were burnt to a crisp.

And now all this shit. As if our family wasn’t fucked up enough.

Frenetic euphoria grew in tandem with Jared’s rising voice. It blanketed the hall, infecting everyone within earshot. Cricket stood up and surrendered to the fire building in her belly. She didn’t have to look down to see the golden mist caressing her body was the same one affecting everyone else in the tavern.

That man could still get any woman in bed by singing to her. Hell, I’d take off my panties right now for him. All that Fey blood is freaking contagious. No wonder he never married.

Cricket rocked her hips in time to the music. Instantly catching Fredrick Werck’s eye, she threw a bit more sass into her hip swivel. He quickly left his brothers and sauntered over to her side of the room.

Yeah, baby. Come to momma.

“Hey, Cricket.”

She tipped her head back and met Frederick’s magnetic blue gaze. Cricket noted with delight that his waist-length hair was pulled into a top knot—her favorite look. The simple style furthered emphasized his exotic eyes. He was inarguably a delicious representation of his glorious Mongolian ancestry.

“Fredrick.”

He leaned close to her ear. “Cricket?”

“Yeah?”

“No one calls me Fredrick.”

“Well, I do.” She pulled back and flicked his nose with one manicured finger. “Doesn’t that make you feel special?”

Frederick laughter quickened the burning in her belly. “Absolutely.” His slid behind Cricket and kissed her shoulder. “You coming over tonight?”

Cricket shrugged and coyly answered, “Maybe.”

“What would it take to change your maybe to a yes?”

“I don’t know. I’ve got stuff to do tonight.”

“Stuff, huh?”

“Stuff.”

“She’s not a little girl, Cricket.” He cut a glance over to the dance floor. “Lily doesn’t need you babysitting her. You have to let her grow up.”

“You think so?” Cricket’s verdant stare softened as she watched her brother and cousin dance by on enchanted feet. She caught Lily’s saucy wink and returned it.

“I do.” Frederick licked a path to Cricket’s ear. “When are going to tell the family about our engagement?”

“Pssh! Who said I agreed?” She craned her head to meet his amused expression.

“You agreed when you didn’t disagree.”

“Hmm.” She turned away. “I hardly think you dictating that I’m going to be your wife constitutes an engagement.”

“Well, it does.” He wrapped his arms around her gyrating hips. “I’ll wait for you tonight.”

She smirked in feminine superiority. “It’s good to know.”

He bit her ear sharply and drew blood. “Maybe you’ll finally say yes.”

Cricket barely contained her shudder of hunger. “Perhaps.” She felt him withdraw and smirked again.

That man fucking drives me crazy. I can’t wait to mate him and have a zillion babies.

She watched Frederick casually make his way back over to his five brothers. Leo, the youngest sibling, waved at her. She returned the greeting. He mouthed, “Hey, Sis,” to which Cricket mouthed back, “Whatever!” Frederick immediately threw her a warning looking over his shoulder.

Cricket became all that was angelic and innocent. “What?” She grinned wickedly at the male laughter erupting around him. She could only imagine the crap they were giving her darling Frederick. The Werck Brothers knew about the engagement only because they were there. Thankfully they hadn’t leaked the word, but it was only a matter of time.

Engagement. Geez. I can’t believe I’m already thinking about it in those terms. Arrogant man…thinking he can just declare me his wife and I’m going to roll over and take it. I mean, he IS going to be my husband, but he’s not going to know that until he comes up with a better proposal.

Robbie and Lily made another pass around the floor, snagging her attention from her incorrigible almost-fiance. Cricket watched as Lily threw her head back in laughter. Unfortunately, Jared’s magic could only penetrate the surface of her cousin’s spirit. It still reeked of awful misery.

My poor sweetie.

Frederick was wrong. Cricket was not babying Lily. Her cousin needed her. She had needed her from the time she fell onto an ant hill when she was two and hadn’t stopped. Besides, Lily was more like a little sister than a cousin.

So Frederick can kiss my ass. Besides, who’s he to judge? His brothers won’t make a move without his approval and he loves it. Control freak.

Frederick shouldn’t have asked why she had yet to tell anyone of their quasi-official status. It was too soon to talk about wedding plans, especially with Lily’s present state of mind. Cricket’s first priority was helping her cousin get back on her feet. No negotiation or compromise. Period.

So you better use your time wisely, baby, and come up with another proposal. Cause it’s gonna be a while before we’re eating cake.

After all, Lily’s apoplectic meltdown the night Julian made his official introduction to Vickery Hill couldn’t be denied or forgotten. At least by Cricket.

---

The clearing glowed eerily from within the circle of attendees. Each of the original twelve Vickery Hill families was represented by a full-blooded member as well an attendant. However, only eleven of those families were present in the flesh. The twelfth family had ended abruptly without issue in the 1800′s. However, their representative remained in Vickery Hill and would until every last Vickery Hill family member was dead.

‘Our Spirit is a Wold.’

Cricket never thought about what it really meant for the Spirit to be tied to their mortality or the unlikelihood of her indenture ending as long as the world still spun. Cricket took Her presence with the same familiarity she took that the sky was blue.

It was fact.

However, she did wonder every day what it would’ve been like if Lily had never been chosen to be the Resurrector. That night was etched into Cricket’s memory for many reasons, the first obviously being Lily.

One moment her cousin was a normal twelve-year old little girl. The next she was a sacrifice and nothing could change her fate. No price could be paid, no bribe taken.

Cricket and Robbie didn’t go to their senior prom that momentous night. Instead, they had held Lily as she screamed herself to sleep. They had ignored the shock of seeing her brown eyes writhe between darkest sin and clinical white. They had repressed the tremors undulating down their spines as Lily had spewed words of sorrow in languages other than the native tongue.

Their cousin hadn’t been mourning her Resurrector status. She had been grieving because her father had abandoned Vickery Hill during the announcement of his daughter’s death sentence.

They ignored everything that had made their precious girl foreign and had fixated on what remained the same. Once again Uncle Walker had broken his daughter’s heart.

Cricket shook those memories away.

‘Lily’s here and that’s all that mattered. Or at least she’s supposed to be here.’

Cricket didn’t need her watch to know Lily and Jonathon were two minutes away from being late.

‘I’m going to have to bitch her out later on. She knows how I feel about her being late. It’s rude and it makes me sick to my stomach thinking something could’ve happened.’

Cricket, the next oldest Walker eligible for this duty, had assumed the obligations of the family emissary. Robbie, being two minutes and three seconds younger, was her attendant.

‘Where he belongs—freak!’ she thought with an impish smile.

The grin disappeared as quickly as it had manifested. That night seven years before had changed everything for both Walker branches. Cricket would’ve been the attendant if her uncle hadn’t left. Lily would never have had to enter this half-life domain. Despite Lily’s vehement denials, Cricket knew these gatherings were public reminders of a very private pain.

No one had heard from Stephan Laurence Walker. There was no question if he was still alive. The blood never lies and the Walkers knew Stephan still existed somewhere in the world.

‘Bastard. I hope it was worth betraying us for his freedom.’

Cricket scanned the circle from her spot.

‘Wadell, Walker, Webb, Werck, Whitelock, Whorton, Wicks, Williams, Wolton, Wright, and Writley. Yep, we’re all here. Question—why? Answer—I bet it has everything to do with Lily’s almost-boyfriend.’

Cricket’s passive expression didn’t venture to the exquisitely dressed vampire standing only a few yards away. However, her curious mind spun one question over and over.

‘Why is Ian requesting an audience with us? He hasn’t had one since he first came here.’

Cricket glanced down at her sleeve. The elaborately woven “W” alternating around the cuff made her swell with familial pride, temporarily taking Cricket’s mind away from the persistent anxiety fluttering in her stomach. Even so, her finger itched to nervously trace the leaves surrounding each “W”.

‘Walkers grow the food Vickery Hill eats, ensuring our survival during uncertain times. Never can harm befall another mouth unless it has first suffered on our own.’

It was their family mantra, taught to each Walker child from time memorial. Each of the ten other families had their own maxim and Cricket knew them as well. She also didn’t need to glance about for a face to know each monogram by sight, despite the variation in design.

Lily hated the Walker name, seeing it as a yoke to Nephilim’s control. Cricket felt much differently. A name was a name. It was the blood that mattered. She knew their real identity just as everyone else knew their own, but she didn’t need it to define her. Besides, being masters at intrigue didn’t beat feeding an entire town in her book. Walker was a much better history to be proud of than the other.

‘No matter how many times we tell it to that stubborn girl she just refuses to have any part. Speaking of stubborn…time’s a wasting and she’s still not here. That’s it. I’m SO cussing her out.’

“Hey!”

Cricket turned around.

Robbie murmured, “Where is she?” His frown matched hers. “She’s never this late.”

Cricket shook her head in response then she saw the edge of Lily’s crimson robe. She pointed a finger towards the woods. Robbie’s relief instantly mirrored hers.

‘Good! She’s here. Now I can relax. Don’t know how I didn’t see it earlier, especially in this gloomy crowd.’

The other ten members’ robes echoed the same shade of gray of Cricket’s. The color symbolized the trees; erect, silent, proud, and always constant. Lily’s crimson robe signified her status as Resurrector. She represented the blood of the Spirit that was shed for the sake of all. The black hood on Jonathon’s attire announced his position as Handler.

‘If anybody could stumble on us they’d think we were devil worshippers.’

“Resurrector.”

Cricket snapped back to attention.

“Resurrector.”

She fought the urge to look behind her. Several seconds rolled by without Lily. Cricket looked to Ian. She hoped he’d know the reason for her delay. Oddly, he didn’t acknowledge her stare at all. His entire focus centered on the forest in front of him.

“Resurrector,” the Elder intoned one final time. “Allow the Spirit to come forth.”

Lily walked into the Assembly’s center. Her movements were jerky and not at all graceful. Flushed cheeks matched the ruby paint on her mouth making her resemble the marionette doll she was often compared to. Cricket noted how hard and glassy Lily’s eyes were, almost as if she was fighting the Spirit’s dominion.

‘Why would she be doing that? Something’s not right.’

“Spirit, we call upon you to make witness to a supplicant’s request.”

Lily’s mouth pressed down into a rigid line. Her eyes flashed with milky brilliance. “I agree.”

Cricket still hadn’t become immune to hearing her cousin’s dissonant voice when under the Spirit’s control.

The Elder motioned to Ian with his left hand. “We are all familiar with Ian and have known him to be Nephilim’s trainer for our Resurrector. However, it has come to my attention that Ian was but one face of the vampire we’ve called friend.”

Cricket watched Lily recoil violently before resuming an erect carriage. Her gaze swung towards Ian. His icy gaze glittered with terrible joy.

“For reasons not disclosed to us, Ian is no longer present in his host.”

‘Host?’ Cricket shot a panicked glance at her cousin. Lily’s mouth and cheeks devoured her chalky skin, standing out in bloody protestation of her emotions beneath the Spirit’s control. ‘Oh my God. Lily loves Ian and he’s not even real? Just what the fuck did Nephilim do to her? Was this a psychotic test designed to push her over the fucking edge?’

“…Lord Julian Douglas is the rightful possessor of this body and is a Pureblood. As such, he has been recognized by Nephilim has having Patrimony.”

Lily’s head snapped towards Julian. Her lips pulled back into a snarl.

Cricket’s right hand curled into a fist. ‘Ian was a Pureblood all this time?’ She caught Frederick’s shocked expression from behind his grandfather. Her attention wavered. ‘Lily never had a chance with Ian. Ever. Not with Purebloods being banned from mating with us because of who we really are. There would never be a match between them. Not now. Not ever.’

Cricket heard Robbie’s string of curses. It mimicked those spewing behind her closed throat.

“Therefore, Vickery Hill will now address Lord Douglas as such.” The Elder turned to the silent vampire. “You may address the Assembly, Lord Douglas.”

The disturbingly familiar stranger waited until he had the full attention of every Representative and Attendant. “I appreciate your goodwill towards the individual you knew me as in the past. You all have been extremely gracious to my presence in your town and I hope you will extend that goodwill to who you will know me as now.”

Cricket was riveted; not only by his words but in the exquisite way he delivered them. She could recognize the tenor of Ian but he had never spoken so exquisitely. Every word tugged upon her mind, promising and beguiling.

‘He’s mesmerizing us.’ She blinked slowly, fighting the urge to give into the natural compulsion of his species. She took in the other females. They all appeared to be heavily influenced by the vampire’s voice. ‘Especially the women.’

Cricket’s gaze flitted back to the trembling form swathed in crimson. Lily’s mouth remained crooked, her eyes pulsing from white to black without set rhythm. Any natural persuasion seemed to disintegrate when it reached Lily.

The vampire smiled benevolently. “I understand you undoubtedly have questions as to the hows and whys of Ian and Julian. However, I do beg for privacy on this matter. It has been an unpleasant history that I share with that particular time in my existence.”

He studied Lily with a tiny smile. “Forgive me for pulling away from the bonds I have developed during Ian’s tenure. This is a rather jarring experience—one that I have no familiarity with. I have been advised to quit Vickery Hill and return to cities of my acquaintance.”

Lily’s reined aggression seemed to dissipate. Her shoulders sagged and her lips parted with a strangled murmur of distress.

He dismissed her by turning his attention elsewhere. “I’m choosing to stay here…at least for a short time. With your consent, I will be using my time to readjust to my circumstances. I will also be renewing old acquaintances.”

“The same edicts will apply to any of your Clan, Lord Douglas.”

“Of course, Elder. I will expect nothing less of those who carry my blood.” The vampire punctuated his fervent admission with a respectful nod before readdressing the Assembly. “I am petitioning to stay here for three months. If your answer is favorable, Nephilim has already granted me a plot by the lake. My home will be constructed by day break and be warded properly to keep the citizens safe.”

Everyone understood by warding Julian meant to keep his home invisible to any who were not from Vickery Hill or did not have the blood to see. When humans saw the miles of shoreline they only observed untouched woodland. This kept with the illusion that Vickery Hill was an insignificant dot on the map of Georgia.

The Elder nodded in approval. “Is this all you ask of us tonight, Lord Douglas?”

“Yes.”

“All right. Spirit, you have heard this honorable gentleman’s request. Do you have any objection?”

The entire circle seemed to lean into their Resurrector, waiting on bated breath for Lily’s notorious temper to break free.

“No.” The gentleness of that one word jarred in violent contrast against the apparent rage fighting to leap out of Lily’s body.

“Spirit, you may return the Resurrector.”

No sooner did the Elder finish his last syllable before Lily made good on her expectations.

“What happened to him?” she screamed while pointing an accusing finger at the motionless vampire.

Cricket felt the wind increase in tandem with her cousin’s anger. She mentally shook her head. ‘No. With what he’s asking and what’s expected in the next minute, Lily’s not my cousin.’

The Handler had moved from behind his charge to stand next to her. He placed his hand on her arm in an attempt to soothe and comfort Lily’s volatile temper. “I know this is a shock to us all but please calm down—”

“No, fuck that, Jonathon!” Representatives from all eleven families watched in varying degrees of silence as she spat, “You brought me here to tell me that Ian is gone and this thing has taken over his body? Are you insane?”

“I’m not a thing, Miss Walker.”

“Shut up! I’m not talking to you!”

“But I am speaking to you and you would do well to listen.”

“You would do well to remember that I’m one minute away from shoving my gun down your throat.”

“I have no interest in befriending you, Miss Walker. To be perfectly frank, I hold you in utter contempt. It sickens me to know I associated with a Resurrector at all. Now that you know my sentiments, I trust we will have nothing further to say to another after this moment.”

Lily’s gaze blackened before becoming empty. She stood there without uttering another word.

Julian’s frigid stare swung past Lily to address each member. His gentle tone fell beneath implacable intent. “While I still extend my regard to those who seek peace and respect my position, I will not accept any mistaking me for who you have known previously. I respect my ancestry and I will conduct myself as the Pureblood I am. I will not tolerate any disrespect. Therefore, I hope you can all recognize and understand the situation far more easily than your Resurrector. I did not come to justify my existence. I am merely following protocol. I will be residing here for a minimum of three months. As such, I will continue to abide by all recognized rules. Again, are there any objections?”

Lily’s face whitened as each representative answered, “No.”

When it came time for Cricket to reply, she had to ignore the growing misery in her cousin’s gaze. “No.”

Lily snapped back. Her precise posture shouted betrayal.

“Good.” He smiled and Cricket could’ve sworn that the moon darkened in response to his pleasure.

Now that their duty was done as a united front, each Assembly member now had differing identities and thoughts to reflect them.

“Let the record show that Lord Julian Douglas has requested and received permission to reside in Vickery Hill,” the Williams representative intoned. “We will meet again in three months to review any change to this request.”

Before anyone could move, the Webb delegate spoke. “We expect more discretion from the Resurrector, Jonathon. This outburst is not becoming of how we do things here.”

Twin stripes marked his cheeks. He looked at Lily, already recognizing she had shut down. “I apologize on behalf of the Resurrector. She, understandably, has been under extreme duress. This is an unusual set of circumstances that we are facing. However, I am confident that she will adapt favorably.”

“See that she does. The current Resurrector’s performance is the worst Vickery Hill has ever seen.”

The Waddell agent added with a frown, “It must be noted that leeway must be given considering she is one of our own.”

“However, these outbursts cannot be tolerated,” the Whitelock emissary warned.

“Of course.” Jonathon and Lily bowed to each seated member. When it was time to bow to Julian, Cricket didn’t have to smell Lily’s tears to know they were there.

---

Cricket propped her chin on her hand. Julian Douglas, an Ascendant Vampire with Nephilim Patrimony, had roamed where he pleased for the past month. With just a few vicious words, Lily’s humiliation had been complete. She had yet to even budge towards moving past that night. Therefore, Julian’s very existence mocked Lily.

Cricket had only seen him once since that night in passing, but it had been enough to make her break out in a cold sweat. It wasn’t because she was soft, weak, or even frightened of the darkness that made its home here. Every Vickery Hill family had welcomed wickedness as their birthright. No matter how long it had been since they were forced to turn their backs on power, it never fully went away.

Hence, Cricket was not a pussy.

Julian Douglas was off the charts wicked and Cricket had never been that close to something so frightening or so powerful.

Do you really want to tangle with him, Lily? I know he’d kill you without blinking an eye. And no matter how much shit you talk—I know you couldn’t do it to him. So what are you going to do?

Lily and Robbie’s one dance spilled over into another one. Jared lulled the crowd into a trance-like state. The room calmed and so did Cricket. She shook off her fears and crammed them into a mental box.

There isn’t shit I can do about it now. Damned if I’m gonna let it ruin my evening.

Feeling better, Cricket watched her brother break out into an impromptu waltz and smiled like the cat she was often accused of being. No doubt about it—Robbie was a veritable twinkle toes.

It’s all that “Saturday Night Fever” he watched as a kid.

Cricket swayed to the music while her gaze drifted. She slid past one figure before careening back.

Julian! Oh, shit! What’s he doing here? Lily’s definitely going to lose it if she sees him here. We’re going to have to take this outside.

He stood in the shadows, dressed in morbid black with his arm around a pretty blond. Cricket vaguely noted she wasn’t from Vickery Hill. However, Julian wasn’t even looking down at the woman’s upturned face. Instead, he was glaring at the dance floor.

Moving her line of sight, Cricket saw just what she wasn’t hoping to see—Lily and Robbie.

Cricket resisted the urge to yank them apart. Julian looked so capable of killing them both. She stared in morbid fascination as his face grew harder with rage. Patrons drifted past, indistinguishable as ghosts, but Julian never wavered in his attention.

No, no! This doesn’t make any sense. Lily told me how he’d been treating her. How he hated her. Hell, we all saw it! Even Jonathon said Julian wanted nothing to do with Lily…how he probably didn’t even think of her as a woman. So why the fuck does he look like he wants to tear my brother to pieces?

The thought of Robbie-limbs scattering on the floor caused Cricket to hop out of her chair. Chancing another glance at Julian, she came to a jerky stop. Unmarked time crawled by as she stayed rooted in place. Sweat dampened Cricket’s brow while Julian’s dead stare bored into her. It stripped away all will to move or to even draw more than a shallow breath.

Somebody help me please.

Julian’s bloodless mouth lifted in a smirk. He leaned down to his companion and whispered something in her ear. They both turned away and left.

“Why are you just standing there?”

Robbie’s voice snapped her out of the trance-like state. Whirling around, Cricket gasped, “Lily! It was him! He was standing right over there—”

Lily’s stomach tightened. “Cricket, who are you talking about?”

“Who the fuck else would I be talking about?” she screamed. Catching the glare of several patrons, Cricket apologized. “Please excuse my language. I normally don’t talk like that.” Their snorts of disbelief inspired another, “I’m so sorry.”

“Cricket!” Lily hissed. “Focus a bit, would you?”

“Damnit let me apologize to these good people! I am so sorry, Sir…Ma’am. Cussing is a curse in our family line…ask my cousin. Lily’s mouth makes mine look a saint…” Cricket continued to babble until Robbie rolled his eyes and pulled her outside. Lily followed their sloppy progress with a song of dread beating heavily in her heart.

Why would he be here? Ian…Julian has to know I always come here after training. No. He wouldn’t be looking for me…not if he put out a fucking restraining order. I can’t go after him. Hell, I don’t WANT to go after that bastard. He’s probably just trying to bait me into breaking his precious order.

The freezing air shocked Cricket into coherency. She shook off her brother’s hold before pointing at the oversized entrance door. “Julian was here and completely fixated on you! He put some kind of mind-meld on me and I know it had everything to do with you!”

Lily bit her lip before answering, “So.”

“Don’t you want to know why?”

“No. Not really.” Lily acknowledged her cousins’ stares of disbelief. “I’m not allowed to be near him.”

Robbie’s face scrunched up in confusion. “What do you mean?”

Cricket answered quickly. “Pay attention. She said she’s not allowed. The boss’ order?”

Lily tucked a hand in her back pocket. Her pretty mouth spat one word hatefully. “Yeah.”

“I know you, Lily.” Green eyes sparkled with enigmatic mischief. “You’ll do what you want.”

“Don’t encourage her!” Robbie commanded sharply.

Lily pounced on the scrap of reason her cousin had destructively left for her.

No…maybe he’s not trying to bait me at all. Julian didn’t have to show himself to Cricket at all unless he wanted me to know he was here. I have to go.

She scanned the empty parking lot. Lily asked with an innocent lilt, “Where did you see him?”

“In the back.”

“Lily, no. Don’t break their rules.”

She ignored Robbie. “How long ago? Did he leave just now?” Cricket nodded in answer. “Okay. Thanks.”

Lily was brought up short when she felt Cricket’s hand clutch her forearm. “Lily…he wasn’t alone. There was a woman with him. Not from here.”

They all understood Cricket’s warning. Residents of Vickery Hill were obviously immune to feeding, but outsiders were a different matter. The only law pertaining to feeding was simple—don’t lead a trail back to Vickery Hill.

Not even by a flicker of an eyelid did Lily show her pain and anxiety. It’s only because Julian is killing again. It’s not because he’s with someone other than me. Lily still had to ask the question. “Was she blond?”

“Yes.”

Lily inhaled sharply but said nothing.

“What difference does it make? You’re not going to do anything.” Robbie stepped in front of her. “Nephilim doesn’t make orders to be ignored.”

Lily’s mouth tightened into a stubborn line. Pain and anger minimized her reason. “I’m not going to do anything.”

He didn’t appreciate having his order thrown back at him. “Don’t lie to me.”

“Robbie, get off her back.”

He whirled on his twin. “And why are you so bent on getting her to do this, Camila?” Robbie’s use of her birth name emphasized his livid temperament. “This isn’t Ian we’re talking about! Am I the only one who understands this? Julian hates Lily’s guts! He’d probably be much happier seeing them spilled on the ground than in her body!”

“You don’t know that.”

“The hell I don’t! That Pureblood prick fucking hates Lily for reasons his fucked up head only understands, Cricket, and you goddamned well know it!”

“Lily can take care of herself. She’s the Resurrector, Robbie. Julian Douglas is nothing compared to her.”

“What the hell have you been smoking?” Robbie held his arms out like a scale. “Homicidal vampire or foul-mouthed little girl? Hmm…just who’s more bad ass?”

“I am!” Lily snarled before Cricket could answer.

Robbie curled his lip. One arm dropped down. “I’m putting my money on homicidal vampire.”

“Bro, lighten up. Lily’s just going to ensure this mystery chick is safe or safely disposed of. That’s hardly breaking the rules. Right, Resurrector?”
Lily returned her cousin’s cat-like smirk. “Robbie, take Cricket home.”
“No—”

“I’ll call you guys tonight.”

Cricket warned, “I’m holding you to that. Don’t make me regret this.”

Lily continued her smile with effort. “I won’t.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

Robbie bit out a curse. “Lily, fine! Once more, you’ll do whatever the fuck you want and we’ll stand by and pray you don’t get killed. Cricket, let’s go!”

Lily’s self-satisfied grin dropped. Guilt replaced it. “Robbie, wait!”

He threw his hand up and kept walking.

“I’ll talk to him,” Cricket assured the other girl. “He’s pissed because he’s scared. You know how he is.”

Lily blew out a long breath. “I do. Thanks though. For everything.” She rubbed the back of her neck before blurting, “Why are you doing this?”

“Because you need to find closure. He’s not the same and I don’t think you’ve really accepted that.” She briefly touched her fingertips to Lily’s mouth. “Don’t deny it. We can all see how much you still love him.”

“Not him! Ian!”

Cricket smiled sadly. “So you say. What I saw just now…what I felt…I know who he is, but do you?”

Grief twisted her face. She remained silent.

Robbie pulled up next to his sister. He impatiently waited for her to finish, but refused to look at the other girl.

Lily placed her hands on the car door. “Robbie, I’m going to be fine.”

He tightened his jaw but said nothing.

“Robbie, please.”

Cricket slapped her on the shoulder. “Don’t waste your breath. He’s just being a little bitch, Lily. He won’t talk to you.” Seeing that she didn’t get a rise out of him, Cricket shrugged and got in the car. Leaning over Robbie, she advised, “Go do what you have to do—just don’t get caught and definitely don’t get hurt.”

“I won’t.”

Robbie slanted a glare at her before tearing out of the gravel parking lot. Lily watched them speed away, wishing she could deny her cousin’s words and Robbie’s fear. Maybe she should just go home.

Phantom images of Julian’s blond meal immediately came to mind.

Fuck that!

Lily fished for her keys while striding to her car. There was no way in hell she was going to take this laying down. Ripping them out of her pocket, she unlocked the door and slammed it shut behind her.

“I hate him. I hate him so much I wish he were dead.”

Lily sat there, gripping the wheel until her knuckles turned white. Rage festered, making her gut roil. Lily felt the Spirit clamoring inside in a desperate effort to calm her.

I can’t back down. I WON’T back down.

She pulled down the visor and looked at her reflection. Ebony consumed her eyes, making them look frighteningly hollow. Lily’s heart fluttered against her chest, beating in a failed bid for freedom. Staring into the mirror, Lily fanned the rage which had dominated her for the last month.

He won’t get away with this.

Lily soon found herself on the road, reaching out with every part of her body to find Julian. The Spirit cooperated in her madness, lending her the power of sight without flesh. Lily’s form remained in her car, but her soul soared in the night air. It sped over miles of water, searching through all beings of life and death, before it found two souls in a cemetery by the shore.

Found you, bastard.

Power hummed through every part of Lily’s body. She pressed her foot down and watched the needle rise in detachment. She was going over ninety miles an hour but it felt like she was standing still. Taking each bend with easy familiarity, Lily replayed what she had just seen.

Julian had his arms around a tall, slender blond. The woman stood in his embrace, wearing his black overcoat, while staring across the lake in contentment. Julian leaned down and nuzzled her ear. He smiled beautifully when she lifted her face up for his kiss.

Lily gritted her teeth while letting out a small whine of pain. She hated Julian Douglas more than she hated anyone in her entire life. She hated him more than her worthless father and she hated him more than Vickery Hill.

Lily turned the car sharply to the left, leaving the highway. Stray bits of gravel flew up as she sped down the little-used country road. Soon she spotted a black sedan. Lily’s heart ached as if hit. How many times had she sat next to Ian in that very same car?

How dare he keep it when it’s not his!

Lily parked sideways, effectively blocking Julian in. She closed her door quietly with effort. The Spirit surged again, speaking without words that Lily should take extreme care.

I will but please help me. Help me be strong tonight.

Lily closed her hands into fists. An iridescent glow kissed her skin, shimmering for several moments before disappearing. The Spirit had answered. Lily whispered her thanks and found the path to the abandoned cemetery. Years ago it had been the final resting place for the Wold family. When the lake had been constructed, the large, dilapidated, antebellum house and accompanying fields had fallen beneath the waves, leaving only a small graveyard behind.

Members of each Vickery Hill family still paid tribute to the Wolds, ensuring the cemetery was kept neat and orderly. As a little girl, Lily had often accompanied her father on his monthly visit. It was ironic that some of her happiest memories in life took place in a memorial of death.

Low, feminine laughter assaulted Lily’s ears. Her feet obediently continued the well-worn path, even as her chest constricted with anxiety. Finally she saw them both.

Wold Cemetery symbolized many things for many people in Vickery Hill, but it represented one thing above all others for Lily.

This was where she had first met Ian.

---

“Motherfucker!” The expletive exploded from Lily’s twelve-year old mouth as she whirled around with sword and gun in hand. “Who the fuck do you think you are coming here like this? How dare you fucking disrespect this cemetery? You want to die so badly, that’s fine with me, but don’t you think I’m going to decapitate you here of all places! Now be man enough and come out so we can settle this somewhere else!”

A tall figure detached itself from the shadows. “I’m not here to hurt you.”

Lily snorted. “Yeah, thanks for cluing me in on the obvious.” Her shooting arm remained steady. “Hurry it up!”

The stranger opened and closed the wrought iron gate. He walked carefully towards the much younger girl. “I’m sorry if I startled you.”

“Who says you did?” She narrowed her gaze, cursing the creature’s ability to cloak. She could barely make out his features but what she saw was enough to know this one was handsome. ‘Good looking, no surprise there. Do these guys ever come out ugly?’

He held out his hands in a placating gesture. “Jonathon suggested I meet you here.”

Lily cocked the gun at the mention of the Handler’s name. “I’m letting you know right now that if you’ve done anything, and I mean ANYTHING, to Jonathon, I’ll fucking blow your knees out first before I kill you slowly.”

He seemed taken aback. Whether by her suggestion of his ill-intentions or her bloodthirstiness remained unseen. “How old are you again?”

Lily didn’t answer his question.

“I didn’t know a little girl could be so…mean.”

“I get a lot meaner when vampires lurk in the woods and don’t do what they’re told quickly.”

“I didn’t mean to lurk. You just seemed busy and I didn’t want to disturb you.”

“Very nice of you. Now hurry the hell up and get over here.” Lily impatiently waited until he stood ten feet away. “Stop.” The vampire obeyed, allowing Lily to quickly look her fill of him. “It’s kinda late to be out passing out flyers, don’t you think?”

“I beg your pardon?”

A small chuckle escaped her. “You look like a Jehovah’s Witness with your little suit there.” She laughed again at the mild embarrassment he wore on his face. ‘He is VERY nice looking. Probably used to all the ladies liking what they see too. Hmm. Makes it much easier to feed.’

Lily’s rumination came to abrupt end when he reached into his coat pocket. She pulled the trigger without hesitation.

“Ah! Jesus Christ! Ah, sorry my Lord! Ouch!” The vampire yelled while holding his bleeding arm. He shot Lily an incensed glare. “Why did you do that?!”

“Because I didn’t tell you to move. I told you to stop,” Lily answered with not a shred of remorse.

“I was just reaching for my card. You didn’t have to shoot me!”

“You didn’t have to move.”

“My dear God! No wonder I had to come here!”

Lily’s arm remained in shooting position. “You insulting me, douche bag?”

“Insulting you? That’s all you’ve done to me!” He probed the wound with gentle fingers and hissed in pain. He flung his head back and asked in disbelief, “Did you just call me a douche bag?”

“Yes, I did.”

“You little, bloodthirsty, ill-mannered, foul-mouthed…girl!”

Lily smiled in face of his spitting tirade. “What were you doing sneaking around here, spying on me, in the dark?”

He dropped his arms by his side and straightened himself to full height. “I wasn’t spying.”

“Yes, you were. You disguised your aura to be that of a squirrel and not a bloodsucking vampire. If you were from here or meant no harm, you wouldn’t be hiding, would you?”

“I…I guess put in those terms I can understand your suspicion.” He held his uninjured arm up in peace. “But I can assure you I meant you no harm. I was just trying to—”

“To what? Size me up? You thought I’d be a tasty, little snack, didn’t you? Like a cupcake.” Lily’s lip curled in derision. “Don’t let my extra chub fool you. I may be plump but I’m no easy meal.”

“I’m not looking at you as a meal!”

“Why? You got something against chubby girls?”

“No! I adore rounded figures…I think…I’m not sure.” He whipped his head from side to side. “Stop that!”

“Stop what?” she asked innocently, as if she still wasn’t holding a deadly handgun and wicked short sword.

He blew out a long breath. “I’m going to get my card out, okay? I’ll lay it on the ground so you can read it.”

Lily shrugged, looking as if she didn’t have a care in the world. “Sure. Whatever.”

“Are you always this disagreeable or is it just me?”

“It’s you.”

The vampire sighed in irritation. He slowly reached into his pocket and hissed in pain.

“Oh, give it up, you big sissy. It’s just a flesh wound.”

“Just a flesh wound? Flesh wound or not, it hurts. Badly.”

“You want to talk about pain? I’ve been shot ten times. Twice in the belly. Once in the lungs. And that’s just this year.”

Pity softened his mouth. “You’re right.” Without further recriminations, he pulled out a business card and laid it on the ground.

Lily summoned the pristine sliver of paper. It hovered in the air momentarily before fluttering harmlessly at her feet. “No last name?”

“Ian. My name is just Ian,” he answered softly.

“So, Mr. Just-Ian. How’d you wind up here in Vickery Hill?” She asked the questions with only a hint of mocking suspicion.

“Nephilim sent me here to help train you.”

She narrowed her eyes and snapped, “What about Jonathon?”

“He’s still your Handler.”

Slightly mollified, Lily lowered her sword arm, but kept the other raised. “Why does Nephilim care whether I need help or not? Don’t they have plenty of other Resurrectors to harass?”

“They’re not trying to harass you, Lily. Just help.”

She tightened her jaw and raised it in challenge. “Nephilim thinks I need more help?”

Ian kept his tone congenial. “It’s standard policy, but especially in cases like yours.”

“Cases like me? Hmm.” She lowered her gun.

“You’re not surprised?” he asked cautiously, expecting Lily to flare up in another aggressive display of temper.

“No, I am.” She tucked her weapons away, gun in holster and sword onto her back, before crouching down for Ian’s card. She glanced at it again before tucking it into her pocket.

“You’re not going to give me attitude?”

“No. Should I?” Lily asked with child-like curiosity.

“Strange.” This docile, sweet creature was not the same hellion who threatened to torture him to death, shot him, insulted him, and shamed him into remembering she was just a little girl who was destined to die young.

“Strange, huh? You’re not going to last long in Vickery Hill with that kind of attitude, Mr. Just-Ian.”

Before he could answer, Jonathon ran into the clearing. “Oh, Jesus! I forgot Lily was out here tonight, Ian. I should’ve had you meet her at the Facility.” Jonathon’s keen sense of smell picked up on the coppery scent. Horror spread across his adolescent features, making him look younger than his fifteen years. “You shot him, Lily? You shot a Nephilim Trainer? Oh, my lord.”

---

Julian held the lovely blond by the waist while smiling down in her face. Julian spoke when necessary, but if asked to recite their conversation, he’d have to admit complete ignorance.

He found his mind was on other things that night.

As they were the night before that.

And the night before that.

He was oblivious to everything but his unwelcome obsession when he heard one word.

“What did you say?”

“Lily.”

Julian blinked but found his wit had deserted him.

His companion handed him a small rectangle. Julian took it wordlessly.

“I found it in your pocket. Her name’s on the back.” She smiled kindly. “Is she your sister?”

“Sister?” he repeated inanely. “Why would you think that?”

“Because you both have such dark hair.” She reached out for the photo, only to have Julian snatch it away. She frowned in confusion. “I’m sorry if I made you angry.”

Julian swallowed with difficulty. He had no idea that Lily’s senior picture was in that pocket. He fought to recall the woman’s name. “I’m not angry, Nicole.”

“Oh. Well, who is she?”

Who was Lily Walker? The answer was too sickening for honest words. Lily was Ian’s darling and Julian’s bitch.

Just the thought of Lily made him long to snap her neck.

Just the thought of her made him long to fuck her to death.

Just the thought of her made him long to just fuck her.

And all just the fucking thought of her.

Angered by the unwanted feelings of arousal he felt for the bitch, Julian focused his malevolence on his pretty meal. “Lily’s like family to me, but unfortunately she’s not blood related.”

I hated my family. That’s why I killed my only remaining relative, effectively killing off my line. So guess what’s in store for Ms. Walker?

“Oh, that’s nice.” Nicole smiled in relief, unwisely ignoring her earlier instincts. “Is she from England like you?”

“No…she’s not.” Julian quickly looked up and peered into the woods. A strange smile overtook his mouth. Pulling Nicole back to him, he slipped the picture back into his coat pocket. “I don’t want to talk about her anymore.” Julian crushed the soft mouth beneath his. He instantly scented her arousal, which in turn elicited his.

Pulling back, he noted Nicole’s wet mouth and heavy-lidded gaze with approval. Julian stared into her crystalline orbs. “Have you ever got naked in a cemetery and danced under the moonlight?” Lowering his voice to the merest whisper, he asked, “Have you ever given yourself up to the night?”

Before she could answer, a soft, girlish voice spoke from a few feet away. “That has got to be the corniest fucking line I’ve ever heard.”

“Lily! I was wondering how long you were going to stand there before you said something. To be honest, I was rather hoping that maybe you’d join in.”

Julian heard the startled gasp of his lovely blond, but ignored it. He was far more interested in the shaking bundle of feminine danger facing him. Spitefully, he began to stroke the hip beneath his hand.

“Dream on, asshole.”

Julian pursed his lips in an adorable moue. “Have I ever told you that you have filthy mouth? What would your mother say if she knew?”

“She’d say that it runs the family. Anything else you got to say before I read you your rights?”

Julian snickered nastily. “You’re wrong, Resurrector. I’ve broken no law.”

Nicole shifted in his hold. “What did you just call her? Resurrector? What…what are you both talking…?”

Julian kissed her ear. “Ssh, my little pet. I want you to forget you’re here.” Nicole’s body slackened. Although she remained on her feet, it was apparent to both observers she was in the midst of a waking dream. The vampire flashed his foe a grin from lengthened fangs. “Now, that’s much better. Don’t you think?”

Lily crossed her arms. “As a Resurrector under the authority of Nephilim, I hereby declare you under arrest for breaking the edict of safe harbor in Vickery Hill. I command you to release your captive into my custody before releasing yourself as well.”

Julian continued to caress Nicole’s hip. “No.”

Lily widened her stance while pulling out her gun. “I am not offering negotiation on this matter. You will turn yourself into my custody and you will face the appropriate charges.”

“No.” He watched her eyes blacken with spiteful amusement. “Lily, haven’t you got it yet? Haven’t you figured out that you can’t make me do anything? Now put your gun away.”

“You’re wrong,” she growled.

“Really?” Julian lifted the hypnotized woman in his arms. “I’ll tell you what I think. You’re a joke, Lily. Look at you—chasing after a man who wants nothing to do with you. It’s rather sickening. And as far as arresting me goes—you’ll find yourself down at HQ long before me. YOU sought me out. YOU have threatened me with false detainment. YOU have threatened me with a Nephilim issued weapon. YOU have broken the order of protection. YOU have broken the law. Not me.”

Lily’s hands tingled. Without looking down, she knew white balls of energy had formed, ready to incapacitate at her will.

“Attack me and you’ll kill Nicole.” Julian’s use of the woman’s name linked them together, making her more than just a meal.

Lily’s energy flared, pulsing once as it grew larger. “You care so much about her then put her down.”

“No.”

Lily hissed in fury. Her emotions were in a jumble and it showed. When she had first seen the two together, Lily couldn’t stop the immediate feeling of betrayal. It hurt to see him with someone other than her, even though she knew she didn’t have the right to feel this way.

I fucking hate him!

Julian’s thoughts were no less troubled. It drove him insane to have this little girl consume his mind. He knew he’d see her at Grayson’s Tavern. For reasons he refused to acknowledge, he had wanted to see her.

What he hadn’t wanted to see was Lily dancing with anyone, even her cousin. Julian had felt such indescribable rage overtake him that he almost leapt onto the dance floor to kill them both. It enflamed him to even care who she danced with or even fucked. Julian’s fury rekindled at the memory of his earlier meeting with Jonathon.

Her Handler wants to make her his. I know he does.

As much as it disgusted him, he didn’t want anyone to touch Lily because he wanted her to be his whore.

And those feelings were completely unacceptable to him.

So he set this little drama in motion. He knew Lily would follow him here. He had been sure that Cricket would run and tell. It was all too perfect for murder…it was self-defense. After all, he had taken the order against Lily. No one could deny her instability. She had come after him.

Now he was going to kill this pretty poison.

Julian refused to let Lily sully his thoughts any longer. This madness was going to end tonight. It could be quick and brutal or it could be drawn out and insanely painful, but he was going to drive Lily out of his being regardless of cost.

His turbulent gaze skated over the dazed woman in his arms. A white corner stood out in vivid relief against an ebony background. Lily’s picture threatened to slide out. Shifting her in his arms, Julian ignored his concern over an insignificant piece of paper.

“Let me pass in peace, Resurrector.”

“Not happening.”

The clearing was now unnaturally bright as day. Wind raced through the trees, whipping Julian’s hair about his face. He should’ve listened to instinct. Instead, he leaned into the wind, daring it and her to attack.

“I am asking you one last time, Resurrector. Let me pass in peace.”

“Never.” Lily’s eyes were now completely engulfed in black. Electricity crackled about, charging the air dangerously. Lily’s voice resonated with a power nearly too great for such a little body.

It would’ve frightened any other being. Julian’s mouth, however, lifted in an infuriating smirk. “You’re going to drop dead, sweetheart. How much is this ghastly display costing you? After all, Resurrectors can only keep up with their Spirits for so long. The more you use, the faster you die…Marionette.”

The snide slur was just the push Lily needed. “So? You’ll be dead first.”

Julian’s gaze flashed once. “Really? You threatening me, Resurrector? Are you going to use that big, nasty gun and shoot me?” Lightening struck a tree behind him. He heard a limb crash heavily to the ground before burnt wood invaded his delicate senses. “I take that as a yes.” A wicked grin possessed Julian’s beautiful features. “Would you be a dear and hold on just a minute?”

He didn’t wait for an answer. Julian whistled a jaunty tune while walking to the edge of the clearing. Carefully, he set Nicole down. He didn’t need to look over his shoulder to know his gentle ministrations were further enraging Lily. He could feel the air thickening to the point of suffocation.

“There now, Nicole,” he crooned. “I want you to dream lovely, erotic dreams of me. Stay safe while take care of this psychotic, corrupt Resurrector.”

Lily felt the Spirit fluttering about, trying to keep her calm and focused. Unfortunately, it did nothing to quiet the thoughts in her head or the perilous passion thrumming through her veins. She closed her eyes for a brief moment. Seeing Julian touch that woman with the same hands that had touched her…

---

“Are you sure, Lily?”

Ian’s cool hand stroked her bare arm with nervous, fast motions. Lily pulled his head down. “Yes.”

He mumbled between kisses, “We don’t have to if you’re not ready—”

Lily bit him once before panting, “Ian, I want you.”

“I want you too.” Ian stood up, leaving Lily half-dressed, disheveled, and wanting on the couch.

“So what’s the problem?” She whispered it, afraid of his answer and more afraid of the sadness in his eyes.

“I’M not ready.” Ian crouched before her. He gently grasped both of her small hands in his. “But soon, Lily. Soon.”

Lily huffed once. An unwilling smile tweaked her mouth. “Isn’t it usually the girls who say they’re not ready?”

He graced her with an uncertain grin. “I’m sorry, Lily. You know I love you, right?”

“Okay. I’ll keep my hormones under control. I’ll wait for you.”

---

Lily heard Julian enter the clearing and seal it. A humorless laugh seeped from her dry lips. So he hadn’t forgotten everything Ian had learned throughout the years. The smile evaporated. Apparently, Julian didn’t want his precious blond to suffer any harm from their upcoming battle.

Lily opened her eyes. White energy danced in the space between them.

It’s time.

She holstered her gun. This drew raised eyebrows from Julian as well as a sneer.

“Don’t tell me you’ve seen reason, Lily? Very well, but you should know I’m still reporting this to your superiors. Maybe they’ll lock you up for good this time. After all, Safe Harbor was a very poor excuse to try to arrest me. I never had any intention of killing Nicole. She has too much potential for me to drain. Besides, if I did kill her, I could always call you to come dig the hole for me, couldn’t I? Safe Harbor…really?”

Lily answered coldly, “You won’t be alive to report anything.”

Seeing her drop into a fighting stance, Julian took a few steps forward and growled low in his throat. Her apparent willingness to do him harm nettled Julian uncontrollably—even though it was precisely what he had counted on.

“Now I know why you put the gun away. Don’t want any ballistics done on me, huh? I knew you were psychotic and clearly unfit for this job. All right, ladies first, Lily. Come on! I’ll let you throw the first blow.”

“Don’t do me any favors, parasite.”

“No favor. Just want you to know I’m a gentleman.” Ruby orbs formed in the middle of his upheld hand. “Don’t forget—I can throw just as hard as you can.”

Lily compelled him to prove it by flinging both hands in his direction. Blinding light arced from her palms towards Julian, ready to incinerate him upon contact. He countered immediately, forcing his energy to collapse hers. Booms shook the enclosed clearing, deafening to human ears but only mildly painful for theirs.

Crouching low, Lily threw up another bolt, missing his head by inches. Julian ran for a better position only to be stopped another deadly orb. Instantly, he flew straight up, barely avoiding the massive crater that formed beneath his feet.

Lily shot up as well. Hovering twenty feet above the ground, she whipped out a frenzy of energy. White and red streaked through the air in a frighteningly beautiful display of supremacy. The shield enclosing them undulated with each transient missile.

Julian quickly lost his smugness as he battled for his life. Lily was much stronger than he remembered. This was obviously something he hadn’t counted on.

Damn bitch…I can’t shake her. I have to end this quickly!

He threw out a much larger bolt when he felt something foreign overtake his mind. Julian instantly regained control, but the lapse was all that was needed for him to fall.

Shit!

Lily mocked him as he plummeted to the ground. “What’s wrong, little birdie? Someone clip your wings?”

Julian landed sloppily on his feet. He glared in hatred at the girl hovering above him. An evil smirk possessed his face. “You tell me.”

Without further warning, he reached for his waist and flung a dagger. The metal found its mark and pierced both of Lily’s calves.

Blood rained down, spraying the clearing with a fine mist. Lily screamed in pained frustration. Landing just as sloppily as him, she only had a second to find her footing before Julian overtook her.

“You can’t beat me in the air, brat. Let’s see how you do on the ground.” He punctuated his boast with a blow to her head.

Lily shook it off immediately. Her calves burned but she didn’t allow it to weaken her. She danced away before rushing in with a hook. Julian barely dodged it, despite his overwhelming height.

He wrinkled his nose. “Your blood smells ghastly, Lily. Hurry up and heal already.”

She circled him, looking for a vulnerable spot. “Shut-up. You talk too much.”

Julian kicked out just as she was about to throw an uppercut. It caught Lily on the ribs and knocked her back onto the sand.

“What’s the matter Lily? A little off on your game?” He asked snidely as he lifted a leg to stomp her on the chest. Just before Julian connected, Lily grabbed his foot, twisted, and threw him to the ground.

“It doesn’t seem to be my game that’s off.” She kicked him in the ribs with inhuman speed. His grunts fueled her need to make him hurt. “What? Nothing clever falling out your mouth there?” She booted him across the clearing and watched in satisfaction when he hit the shield. “You’re making this too easy. But I won’t complain.”

Lily stalked towards her prey. Her steps hummed with violence. I want to hurt him so badly I can just taste it.

Julian flew off the ground and smashed his fist against her cheekbone. “Good. I hate the sound of nagging women.” Punishing her physically felt divine, but unfortunately it couldn’t keep his rage in check. Especially, since Lily shook it off and postured herself defensively.

“Is that the best you can do? No wonder you Purebloods are so freakin’ useless. All you do is stand around in a room, wear your cliche gothic gear, and expect us all to protect your asses. Losers.”

His eyes darted to find any vulnerability in her stance. “Oh, you sound a bit perturbed there. Jealous much?”

“Jealous? Of what?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Jealous of knowing that no matter what you do in life everyone that counts thinks your bloodline is an abomination that needs to die out. Nephilim knows you’re so tainted you don’t even deserve to mix with humans. Mixing with Purebloods? Never even a possibility.”

Lily continued to circle him. “That’s why you hate me so much, isn’t it? It’s not because I did or didn’t do anything to you. You’re a snob. You’re disgusted knowing Ian and I—”

“Ian and you what? That you tried to seduce Ian too many times to count? Think, Resurrector. Ian had some affection for you but even he knew you were poison. So what do you think my opinion of you is?”

She feinted to the left before lashing out with a right hook. She missed. “Your opinion doesn’t matter, Julian.”

“Don’t call me by my first name.”

“I’ll call you whatever I damn well please.”

His lips peeled back into a dirty sneer. “We are not equals.”

“You’re right. I’m so far above you that you’re not even fit for me clean my boots on your back.”

Julian paused and barely blocked the blow to this throat. “Why are you content with just beating me to death? Why not try to end it quickly?”

“You don’t deserve it.”

He assessed her cold, alien gaze with one equally frigid. A terrible smile hinted at sadistic pleasure. “You think to punish me.”

Lily tossed her head back. “I think to kill you.”

“Why?”

“Because I hate you.”

“Why?”

“Because you ask stupid questions.”

Julian caught her fist in one large hand. “No. No, that’s not it all.” He studied her face in the darkness, prying and studying her as if she were possibly worthy of his attention.

“Let me go!”

“No.”

“Damn you!” she snarled, spitting mad at letting him catch her unawares. “I’ll gut you if you don’t let go.”

“No, I don’t think so,” he drawled while cocking his head to the side. “I think you hate me almost as much as I hate you.”

“Duh!”

“Your enmity began the night of the Assembly. You should be crying or at least mournful at the impasse we’ve found ourselves in. Instead, you’re consumed with bloodlust.” He narrowed his eyes in thought. He cocked his head to the other side. “I goaded you to come here. Surely you knew?”

Lily’s brow drew up into a menacing scowl. “Fuck you.”

“Dirty mouth. Makes you seem extremely vulgar and stupid.” Julian flung her hand away from him. The grip that had grasped her was ruined, at least temporarily. He gave his burned palm only a cursory glance. “I touched a nerve, Resurrector. I’m very intrigued.”

Lily let out a string of curses before she yanked her sword free from its back holster. “I’m not here to intrigue. I’m here to kill you.”

The vampire levitated into the air. “I will not fall this night.”

She left the ground. Orbs danced over her skin, writhing to be set free. “I disagree.” Lily’s slash for a mouth looked like the blood she was eager to spill. “I’m tired of you being in MY town. I’m tired of seeing your face. I’m tired of you.”

“Is it just my face you’re tired of, Lily? Or could it be someone else?” He nodded beyond the barrier, clearly alluding to the sleeping Nicole.

Lily’s arm trembled. Energy skated up and down her body.

I’m not jealous. I’m not jealous. I’m not jealous.

She was.

“You tell me everything I want to know without saying a word. Didn’t I, or rather Ian, always warn you about controlling yourself? You really should learn to control your emotions lest they be the death of you.”

“Oh, just die already!”

Julian threw up an impenetrable wall between them. He watched surprise lighten her eerie gaze before rage overtook it. Lily swung her sword, hacking at the barrier like a woman possessed. When her sword failed, she threw it to the ground. Holding her hands in front, she built up her energy until a large shimmering ball formed.

“Draw it back in, Resurrector.”

“Are you scared?” she asked with a devilish grin.

“Of you? Hmm.” His reptilian stare couldn’t shake her. “Very well, little girl. Be my guest.”

Lily sensed the Spirit fluttering beneath her skin, urging to stop this madness. Logic and sense fought to control her impulses, vainly attempting to coax Lily into submission.

They failed.

Lily channeled more energy into her hands. She watched the orb grow like an overblown balloon. Warnings buzzed beneath the blood rushing through her veins. Her hair stood on end and her skin expanded until she was sure it was about to split.

She didn’t care.

As long as he dies anything I suffer will be worth it.

“L-i-l-y?” he trilled with an aristocratic drawl. “Don’t forget—I put a restraining order on you. Nephilim will know if you hit me with that.” He chided her as if she were a naughty child.

“I…don’t…care.”

Lily, no!

Lily ignored the Spirit with a barely thought out apology. She released the orb and waited to see him explode. Julian’s barrier shuddered before collapsing like a desiccated shell. White painted her sight with broad strokes, only allowing tiny streaks of the surrounding woods to come through. Lily’s eyes immediately rolled back. Her throat closed off, leaving her to thrash for air. Her body became lead and she hit the ground violently.

He’s dead.

Lily lay there in a broken heap, barely able to see. Her chest tightened, whether from physical or emotional suffering didn’t matter because they were one and the same. It was done. She’d always heard before someone dies her life flashes before her eyes. She now knew it was true.

Only it wasn’t just her life that flashed and burned brightly in her psyche. It was the life she had with Ian. It was THEIR life that had died.

Forever.

Her memories with him from beginning to end drained out like a sieve. His face, kind and benevolent, had been a cornerstone for her for years. His voice, soft and melodic, had been silenced forever. His love, tender and fragile, had broken away.

Just like Ian. Broken and gone forever. I never got to say goodbye. Whatever life we could’ve had before I died…gone too. I’ll never know what could’ve been.

She groaned in pain. Sobs crowded her blocked throat.

I’m not going to cry. Not now. I can’t. I won’t. It’s over. I did what I needed to do. It’s done.

Wheezing for air, agonized because she couldn’t get enough, Lily forced her attention inward. Struggling to keep calm, she knew she had overdosed on power. Lily lifted a hand and dropped it, but not before seeing the angry red lines crisscrossing the surface.

Those are going to be a bitch to heal.

She closed her eyes and saw Jonathon. Guilt crept in, taking over her thoughts.

I’m going to be arrested over this. What’s Jonathon going to say to me when he finds out? He’s going to be so upset with me for not listening to him.

Fear sunk in.

Nephilim could imprison her for years, decades even, without her losing one minute of real time in this dimension.

They could put me in a cell for a hundred years and I’d only lose a second here. They could imprison me for a thousand years, ten thousand years, and I’d still be nineteen.

Her legs went numb with terror. The reality of her possible future was too horrible to fathom. Lily sunk into remorse, wondering if Jonathon could help bury this problem too.

I’m so screwed. What am I going to do?

A hacking cough seized her throat. Lily rolled to her side, wheezing and groaning with pain before promptly vomiting her dinner on the ground. Blood oozed from the corner of her mouth, mixing in with spit and bile.

“Disgusting.”

Lily sprung to her feet. She clenched her teeth against the agony threatening to send her crashing back down. Looking up, she saw Julian floating above her, serene and without a scratch on his perfect skin. “You!” she hissed in accusation.

“Yes, it’s me. Happy? You should be. I imagine Nephilim would have a tiny cell all prepared for you otherwise.” He flicked a handkerchief out of his protective barrier. “Do clean up, you messy thing. Honestly, you do your ancestors a great disservice. They at least were cunning while you…well, you’re just a disaster.”

Lily let the scarlet piece of fabric flutter to her feet. “Shut up!”

“Shut up? Really? That’s the best you can come up with?” Julian tsked in disappointment. “And to think I thought you might have a tiny speck of interest inside that dismal mind of yours. Obviously, I was mistaken.” His vivid gaze raked her, seeking any sliver of emotion to his dismissal.

Her head bobbed drunkenly as she reached into her side holster. Leveling her gun at his chest, Lily locked her elbow and grimaced as several gashes split open on her arm.

“Stupid, stupid girl. You’re still carrying on with this self-criminating and possibly suicidal plan of yours?” Julian lowered himself until his feet touched the ground.

Lily acknowledged she had received a reprieve by not killing him. She also recognized that she should just turn around and go home. Lily mulled it over.

Then she looked at the vampire’s smirking face and tossed it all away.

“You knew it would come to this,” she rasped before coughing violently.

“Really?” he smiled in superiority. “Do enlighten.”

Lily swallowed down a large amount of blood and saliva. It made her stomach roll with queasiness. “Why else come to Grayson’s? You knew I’d come right after you. You counted on it because you think you’re going to put me in the lake. Well guess what? Not going to fucking happen. I’ll take jail over letting you win any day.”

“Hmm. Funny. I could swear I smelled rank fear covering you when you thought I was dead. Jail time? Not for you, Lily. I bet you were plotting on how to get your dog to cover this up. Amazing how you can be such a selfish brat.”

She cocked back the trigger. The truth nettled, stinging her with its venomous source. “Jonathon protecting me does not make me selfish.” Lily frowned; angered she even felt the need to defend herself from his words.

Julian avidly stared her down. He walked towards her with a dangerous grin. “No, but expecting to live above the rules does. Just because you’re a reluctant Resurrector you seem to think it entitles you to more.”

“I never asked for this!”

“You don’t think so?” Julian stopped less than an inch from her trembling body. “Poor Lily, life’s just not fair! She’s going to die early. Wah! She’s got to help protect her town because no one else cares enough to do it. Oh for shame! She doesn’t get a chance to have a boyfriend because of all her responsibilities. Boo-hoo! She doesn’t get to fuck her Nephilim Trainer because he up and disappears on her. It’s just not fair!”

Lily thought that she was doing a good job with hiding her true emotions from him. She thought she was handling her grief just fine. She thought she was burying it so deeply that it would never be able to escape. She believed that she would keep and nurture that grief until she drew her last breath. And no one would know.

However, she couldn’t hide it well enough from a creature like him. Julian saw it all.

He absorbed the tremendous energy of sadness and rage that flowed from his enemy. He greedily stood there and drank it all in. Her misery was her weakness, even if she didn’t yet know it. Her love was her vulnerability. Her love for Ian was her mortal wound.

Julian tilted his head, studying her with a lover’s gentleness. The effect on Lily was immediate. She startled, mouth opening with a tiny sigh. Her arm shook with more than just fatigue. He could kill her very easily, especially now. But if he exploited her emotions, then he could savor her misery for weeks, maybe even months.

It was too tempting.

“You think I have no pity. That I’m some monstrosity of a vampire. It’s makes it easy to hate me. Isn’t that true?”

Lily eyes drooped with lethargy. “Being a vampire isn’t what makes me hate you. I hate you because you aren’t…” Her tongue lay heavy in her mouth, trying to give life to the ugliness of her heartache.

“I’m not who you fell in love with?”

“Yes.” The more Lily studied Julian, the more she was able to look past the foreign coldness in his eyes. She began to see the ghost of an image.

“I understand. No, don’t be surprised, Lily. I am capable of kinder emotions, but are you? Can you understand things from my side? Can you understand why I hate you? No? Imagine being trapped inside your own mind, seeing yourself say and do things that you would never willingly say or do.” Julian’s cultured voice gentled. “Can you imagine how horrifying that must be? Can you, Lily?”

She found herself nodding, unable to dismiss the veracity of his questions. Giving herself over to the Spirit was an uncomfortable and, at times unwelcome, loss of freedom. Having someone else control you, make you do their bidding was awful. Even though the Spirit was a kind sentient spirit couldn’t diminish the fact.

“You never thought of it from my side, did you?”

“No.” The memory of Ian started transposing over the vampire in front of her. The more she stared at him, the more that time seemed to slow down. The less real her situation seemed. This cannot be happening. Mentally she scrambled, trying to find a way to fix this. Maybe I can still have Ian. Maybe I can have him along with Julian. They’re the same person, in some ways at least.

Julian see the cogs in her mind turning, gaining speed with his civility. He saw indecision blossom to hope. Lily’s arm lowered slightly.

I could take her so easily. Maybe even tonight. I could have Lily naked and sucking my cock if I wanted. I could make her do what I wanted just for the possibility of my love.

“I hate you because of what you represent. I imagine you feel the same.”

Her dark gaze slid away for a moment before returning. “I do.”

“I thank you for listening.”

Lily nodded in confused suspicion. “So where do we go from here?”

“Meaning will I file a complaint against you? Possibly.” He barked in laughter at her slight pout. “Come now, Resurrector! Surely you don’t expect me to put an Order against you only to have you break it within the hour and not have doubts about reporting you?”

“Fine,” she answered with complete professionalism. “I completely understand. Just so there’s no confusion—is the woman for companionship or sustenance?”

Julian recognized that things could go very differently between them from now on. He could actually have a civil relationship with the Resurrector. He shouldn’t do it. He should end it all right here. Even if that meant taking the chance that he would lose and she would blow him to hell. Surely that would preferable to perpetuating his already rampant obsession. A manic gleam possessed his gaze.

If I do this, I do it differently. Nothing less will satisfy my ennui.

“Both.”

Her mouth twitched. It was the only sign of agitation. However, it was more than enough for Julian.

“If that changes do not dispose of her where humans can track her down to Vickery Hill, got it?”

“Of course. Oh and Lily? You asked where we go from here.”

“I’m listening.”

“I am who I am. It can never be what it once was between us.”

Lily’s face bled of all color. She blinked furiously, unwilling to shed a tear and risk humiliation.

I can be kind to you; lure you in with gentle generosity. But I won’t. No, not for you, little Lily.

“You know if you were taller, thinner, and dyed your hair, you might have had a chance to persuade me to court you. Too bad—for you.”

Lily swung her gun and pulled the trigger with a scream. The bullet hit his barrier with a damning thud. If she hadn’t been so drained of her energy it definitely would’ve penetrated. As it was the bullet remained lodged, suspended between them both.

Julian smiled with a demon’s humor. “Testy, testy. Remind me never to speak the truth to you. Obviously it’s something you can’t handle.”

“You asshole! How dare you!”

“How dare I what? Get your hopes up? I didn’t do that—you did. Don’t blame me for what you were thinking.” Julian tapped his barrier with one finger. “How can you think I’d ever consider a relationship between us, Lily? Look at you! You’re unstable, prone to fits of deadly temper.”

“That’s not how it would be,” she gritted out. “Not that I want one with you!”

“Liar.” His smile oozed of vanity. “Change of subject. I won’t report you, Lily. Typically I wouldn’t have to considering Nephilim would be all over this by now.”

“Why aren’t they?” she growled while holstering the gun. She felt dead on her feet. She concentrated against giving into the need for regenerating sleep.

“Because I have a certain bit of leeway. I demand my privacy and they will respect it for the great offense I have undergone because of them.”

Lily, wise to the way of bartering creatures, demanded, “And what do you want in return?”

He took a deep, unnecessary breath. “What do I want? Many, many things I’m afraid. However, from you I want an opponent.”

“What do you mean?” She wondered what sort of madness possessed her to even contemplate this discussion. She didn’t want to acknowledge how much she yearned to hear his voice speak to her again, even if it was only insults. She couldn’t even start to dissect what that said about her self-esteem.

“What I mean is this—if you win I’ll leave Vickery Hill forever. If I win you let me put you out of your misery.”

Adrenaline shot through her. Lily’s eyes flashed white. “You mean I’ll let you kill me. No deal.”

“Oh, it’s so ugly when you put it in those crude terms.” Julian stepped closer until his barrier touched Lily’s gun. “I know you, Lily Walker. I know how tired you are of this life. I know what you fear…what you crave.”

“What I crave is for you is to take your bimbo and get out of my face.”

“I’m not saying I’ll kill you without warning.”

“Oh, you’re so kind!”

“I know I am, aren’t I?” He traced the nozzle of her gun from his side. “No, I’m simply claiming you as my kill when you’re ready to be done with all this ugliness.”

“You’re insane!” she laughed with rancor. “Didn’t getting tangled with a Resurrector land you in a basement for a year, Julian? Are you so ready to repeat that?”

His eyes brightened with a mean, ugly light. “Somebody’s been reading files she doesn’t have access to…should I thank Jonathon for that as well?”

Lily shrugged. “It’s always important to read up on your enemies.”

“Yes, it is.” He returned her shrug. “My fascination with my Resurrector is not to be confused with you.”

“Your Resurrector? You were a Trainer back then?”

“Of course not, idiot. It doesn’t change the fact she was mine.”

“Nephilim disagreed.”

“No, they didn’t.” Julian’s cheek twitched. He lowered his head the merest faction of an inch. “I’m sure you’ll find more than enough to satisfy your curiosity later.” He grinned rakishly. “Although I’m going to ensure any file with my name, initials, or physical description is entombed beyond your Handler’s reach.”

“I know everything I need to know about you, Julian Douglas. I’m not interested in more.” Lily wanted this confrontation over with. Adrenaline waned, leaving her more tired than ever.

“Oh, it’s so good to know,” he drawled.

“Good,” Lily smiled with saccharine sentiment. “Take your happy meal and leave.”

“You’re a very rude girl, Lily.”

A vicious pain stabbed her lung. Sweat beaded on her brow as she struggled to draw in breath with strong, steady motions. Her consciousness swirled. “We can’t all be perfect.” Her flippant voice did little to disguise her rapidly deteriorating condition.

Julian assessed her. His ingrained knowledge of her every mood discomfited him to say the least. “Why I do believe you need to get to bed, Resurrector. You’re about to drop at my feet.”

Lily locked up her legs. “And turn my back on you? No fucking way.”

“I thought we reached a truce.” He whispered it as if it were a droll secret between them.

“You’ll break it. There’s no way I can trust you.”

“You’ll break it as well, Resurrector. There’s no need for your holier-than-thou attitude. I know how dirty you can be to get your way.”

Several Julian’s stood in front, swimming in her vision like frenetic guppies. Her lids slid close in self-defense.

I shouldn’t have used this much energy. It’s going to get me killed so my conscience tells me after the fact.

“Lily?”

Why does he keep talking so much? Just shut the fuck up, douche.

“Resurrector?”

Argh, open your mouth again and I’ll put my gun in it! At least I will when I wake up.

“Annoying bitch who’s draining my will to do good!”

Lily startled and gripped his wrist before it reached her neck. “Why are you still here? And why the fuck do you talk so much? God, I think I hate you more than I did when I first got here.”

“You know when you say you hate me I’m beginning to think it doesn’t mean what you think it means.”

Lily flung his wrist away. “I promise you it does.” She yawned, mouth open as wide as it could go.

“Stupid girl. I can kill you so easily now. Do you see what your rash emotions allowed to happen? You’ve stripped yourself to the bone and I’m not even dead. What if I were someone who wanted to take your head? How would you stop me?”

“You sound as if you care.”

“Of course I do. It won’t do well for my opponent to up and get herself killed so quickly.”

Lily bristled. “I can still take you. Wanna another go? Come on!”

“Go to bed, brat. By the way, you can give me an answer later.”

She shook her head. “I already gave you one. I’m not going to play this stupid game of yours.”

Julian shook his head in pity. “You’re already playing it.”

“Huh?”

He turned his back on her and her unintelligent answer. “Remember the Order, Lily. Not within a hundred yards.”

Lily took one step after him. Panic colored the edges of her weariness. “Then how do you expect me to answer you?”

Julian flashed a mouth full of shiny teeth. “I don’t. I expect you to figure out a way to play. Oh, and Lily? You probably want to shower or at least freshen up before you go home. You know how much Rachel worries about you. It’s going to be hell as it is to wash out those blood stains.” With that parting volley, Julian scooped up Nicole and left the cemetery.

Lily swayed, waiting to hear his car engine start up. She bit the inside of her cheek in an effort to keep from passing out. Finally secure he was gone Lily allowed the exhaustion to drive her to her knees.

He left with Nicole. I bet he’s going to take her to his house and make love to her. No, don’t let it come out. He’s not Ian. Get a hold of yourself Lily. It will pass.

The harder she tried to control herself, the more impossible it became. She couldn’t keep the agony of misplaced jealousy from overwhelming her. Rage and self-hatred choked her. Digging her fists into her eyes, Lily tried to hold it back. She attempted neutralize her guilt and disillusionment. So far she’d been able to function in her shell, never letting anger wane for fear of falling.

Now, on her knees, abandoned and alone, she watched it all disintegrate.

Ian.

A sob rose out of her. He was gone. Another sob broke free from her cracked lips. He was never coming back. He would never be her confidant again. He would never be her protector.

Lily played back Julian’s dispassionate statement.

“I am who I am. It can never be what it once was between us.”

More howls unleashed themselves. Lily pressed a hand against her mouth. Lily never felt any pain greater than what she was feeling now. Even when she realized that Ian was gone, she hadn’t felt this intense agony.

She hadn’t let herself.

Now, Lily’s grief poured out. Her body shook from the overwhelming loss. Her love, her life, was gone. Never would he hold her gently and tell her that he loved her. Never would he be there to make it right.

Unwillingly Lily thought about Julian’s demeanor. Despite their homicidal attempts against the other, he had never been as charming and playful as he was tonight. She’d been drawn in, despite the mutual loathing.

He still understands me…even if it’s different.

Lily immediately became consumed by guilt and disgust. She never would’ve believed she could consider anything but hatred and contempt for Julian.

That’s not what I felt near the end.

Lily fell forward, unable to stay up another moment. Sand prickled her cheek. The smell of burnt wood wafted, competing with the scent of lake water. Lily forced her way back up only to fall onto her hands and knees. She swayed for several moments, certain there was no way she could move.

I’m going to die. Right here. Right now.

The Spirit made her presence known.

Go to my tomb.

Lily eagerly obeyed–at least in theory. Inch by painstaking inch, Lily crawled forward, eyes intent on the iron railing surrounding the Wold cemetery.

I can do this. I can do. I can do this.

Lily reached deep inside, trying to find some kernel of strength not already tapped out. Her breath panted obscenely, an audible reminder of just how weak she’d become. She reached the gate after several arduous minutes. Reaching up, she unlocked the latch with shaky fingers. It opened on well-oiled springs. Lily shuffled through, dimly hearing the gate clang behind her.

Hey everybody.

The air became charged, heavy with spiritual energy. She could almost see the ghosts of generations past lingering, eyeing her with curiosity and perhaps censure.

I know it was stupid to let myself get this jacked up. I’m sorry.

An enormous marble angel beckoned amidst the gloom. It promised sanctuary and relief if only she could reach its tender care. Lily bowed her head and continued to crawl like a pack animal pushed far past its limits.

But then, shall I never get any older than I am now? That’ll be a comfort, one way—never to be an old woman—but then—always to have lessons to learn! I totally get you, Alice.

Spit oozed down her chin. It dripped onto the grass, glistening with blood. Her eyes crossed with fatigue. The urge to just stop and sleep pressed on Lily. She hummed a childhood ditty, remembering when she played ring-around-the-rosy with other child Shades. She could almost feel the impression of their ghostly fingers slipping over hers.

I wonder what my daddy would think of me now. He’d probably flip his lid, disgusted that I let some scumbag vampire piss me off to this point. He’d probably think I deserve it.

Hot tears slithered down her face. Lily sniffled inelegantly. Finally, she reached the base of the unmarked tomb. Looking up, neck swaying in the wind like a broken flower stem, Lily saw the angel smile.

“Oh, good. You’re expecting me.” She collapsed at the base of the monument. The stars spun madly and she imagined leaving her body to become one with them. Blessed darkness took over, but not before Lily wondered if Julian would come back to take her out of her misery.

---

Lily woke in a flurry of limbs. It wasn’t the first time she’d needed the Spirit’s tomb to revitalize her body, but she hated the coma-like state it required of her. Thankfully, she remained relatively safe due to the cemetery’s protection. Nothing could harm her as long as she stayed behind the gate.

Like Highlander and their holy ground. There can be only one!

She grimaced at the nasty taste in her mouth. Lily reached up to wipe her mouth of drool when she noticed her lap. A gray fleece blanket covered her. “Okay, this is weird.”

Lily glanced about, peering through the shadows to see if Jonathon had decided to keep her company and she somehow had missed him. Parchment snagged her attention. She opened the envelope and gasped.

She finished reading Julian’s letter before dropping it with a hiss. The missive had promptly burst into flames after she skimmed his initial. Apparently, he liked his correspondence private.

The idea of Julian seeing her passed out did not give Lily the warm and fuzzies. She wondered how long had he stood over her. Had he stared, made faces at her, or spit on her? Was the drool on her chin hers? Or had he simply tossed the blanket and turned away before it hit her body? Why did Julian even care if she was cold?

You’re giving this too much thought. It probably means nothing. Right?

Lily’s tongue curled into her check, trying in vain to keep a smile in check. She was pitiful and she knew it. Lily sprang to her feet. She turned around and bowed low, giving her Spirit’s resting place respect before repeating the action to all four corners of the cemetery.

She ran out on strong legs, blanket clutched in her fist. It waved behind her like an eerie banner. Lily dug into her pocket, praying she hadn’t dropped her keys somewhere along the way. She pulled them out in triumph before skidding to a stop in front of her car. Another letter lay on the windshield, wedged beneath the wipers.

Lily plucked it off. She opened it with tense fingers.

Prepared for the flames, Lily tossed it in the air. She unlocked the door and hopped in without a backward glance. The engine growled to life and lurched forward. Lily drove like hell, trying to beat her previous record of seven minutes and fifteen seconds. When she turned in by the rose bushes flanking her mailbox, Lily had sliced off a full minute.

She shut off the engine and got out. The lights in the living room were still on. Looking down at the condition of her clothes, she thought about wrapping herself in the blanket to cover up all the blood. Normally, Lily wore black not as a statement but as a way to hide the usual fluids which all found a way to leave her body during a fight.

I shouldn’t have worn pink tonight. My jeans are torn too. Too bad the Spirit can’t fix those too. Just joking! Thank you for healing my worthless butt!

Seeing no hope for it, Lily quickly walked through the door to find her mother sleeping in a chair. Her blanket had fallen to the floor. It lay tangled around her small feet. Lily picked it up, recognizing it as one she had made for Mother’s Day a couple of years prior. She tucked it around her before smoothing her mother’s dark hair back.

Rachel Walker jerked awake. She looked up with a bleary stare. When she saw her daughter, she sat up straighter and blinked back her tears.

Lily knew they were of relief.

“Are you okay?” Her soft voice trembled with a high degree of emotion.

“Yeah, Mama, I am.”

“Are you telling me the truth?”

“Yes.”

Rachel swallowed; chin shaking with the force of holding back her emotions. “Was it close tonight?”

Lily wanted to lie. She couldn’t. “I think so.”

A sharp keen broke free. Rachel slapped her hand over her mouth and nodded several times. Lily dropped to her knees, feeling worse than she had when she’d done it earlier in the night. She buried her face against her mother’s stomach. “Mommy, I’m so sorry.”

“No, no, baby. It’s not your fault.” She brushed her palm across her Lily’s hair. Sweat and dried blood made it obvious how bad of night it had been for her daughter. “It’s never been your fault.”

Lily’s eyes burned. She clenched them shut, not wanting to make her mother cry even more. “I’m sorry I made you worry. I shouldn’t have done it.”

I shouldn’t have gone after Julian tonight. I didn’t have to. I didn’t even think of what it would do to you. I’m so sorry, Mommy.

Rachel tilted Lily’s chin up. “Are you hungry? It’s almost morning anyways. Why do we get started with breakfast a little early today?”

“Okay.” Lily shifted, letting her mother out of the chair. Rachel stretched, her faded t-shirt lifting up to show off her underwear. “Mama, flashing there,” she wailed in an attempt to bring levity. “I don’t want to see you in bikinis. It’s gross.”

“Gross! Hey! I’m only eighteen years older than you, Missy! I’m still in my mid-thirties thank you very much.”

“Late thirties.”

“No, mid-thirties start from—”

“Thirty-four and end at thirty-six, hence you are—”

“La, la, la! I’m still hot! Even though it was a miracle that I ever got to wear bikinis again after you mangled my body.”

“Don’t blame me for your love of chocolate cake, Mama,” Lily chided, beginning the start of their familiar argument.

“I will always blame you for my stretch marks.” Rachel flashed her daughter and laughed when she screamed. “That’s what you get!” She walked to the kitchen and called over her shoulder. “What don’t you go take a shower and meet me down here in about fifteen? Sound good?”

“Yeah.” Lily headed upstairs.

“Cricket called! Call her before you start your shower!” Rachel always raised her voice, never aligning herself with the reality of her daughter’s unnatural hearing.

“Okay!” she yelled from her bedroom. Lily carried the cordless phone into the bathroom. She dialed her aunt and uncle’s number with easy familiarity.

Cricket picked it up on the first ring.

“Hello?”

“Hey, it’s me.”

“Oh, my God, Lily! I was sicker than a cat. You okay?”

“Yeah.”

“You do realize it’s after five in the morning.”

“Yeah,” she answered again with a sign. Lily started the water and waited for it to warm up.

“How’d it go?”

“Shitty.”

“Did you both walk away or did you spend the night digging a hole?”

“Vampires burst into ash, Cricket,” Lily explained with a tired giggle.

“Even Purebloods?”

Lily paused with a frown. “You know what? I’m not sure.”

“So what took you so long?”

Lily tested the water. “Cricket? Do you mind if we talk about this later?”

Silence passed for a beat before she answered, “Sure. Here, talk to Robbie.”

“Hello? Robbie?”

“You okay?”

She heard the fatigue in his voice. Lily knew then they’d been up all night waiting for her call. She immediately felt like a shit. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just tired.”

“All right. Aunt Rachel called here a couple of hours ago. We told her where you went.”

“Mama knew I went to see him?”

“Yeah.”

“Did you tell her why?” Lily’s ears burned. She looked at herself in the mirror and saw her face was completely flushed. She didn’t want her mother to know how bad she was suffering over Ian. Her mother wasn’t even supposed to know about the feelings she had developed for him, much less anything else.

“Cricket did.”

“What’d she say?”

“Nothing. We were going to go look for you if you didn’t show by six.”

“Did you guys call Jonathon?”

“No.”

“Good.”

“You’re going to tell him though, right?”

Lily sat on the tub’s edge. She cradled the phone in one hand and her head in the other. “Yeah.”

“Good.” Robbie cleared his throat and held back a yawn. “Get some sleep, brat. We’ll talk to you later, okay?”

“Okay. Hey, Robbie? Tell Cricket I said thanks…you know…for everything. I mean it.”

“Sure.”

The line went dead, leaving Lily alone with her troubled thoughts.

What am I going to do now?

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