“An angel.” Michael smiled down at her, charming as you please. “Lovely to meet you.”
“As in an angel from heaven?”
Michael nodded.
Ellie merely stared at the man, the shock on her face almost comical. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
Michael chuckled. “Quite.”
“Pull the automobile over,” Devon demanded. He had to get out of the truck. Had to get away from Michael. He even needed space from Ellie and the confusing emotions she stirred within. Michael didn’t argue, but slowed, pulling to the side of the road. Devon shoved open the door before the car came to a complete stop. He stumbled out of the vehicle, taking in a deep breath of cool, morning air. Ellie scrambled outside, following him.
“You’re leaving me?” she demanded, irate, but there was something else in her tone… an emotion that tugged at his heart and made him care when he didn’t want to. Underneath the anger, she sounded scared. He turned and looked at her, that beautiful, innocent face. She’d been alone most of her life. She would be alone again, once he left. But he wasn’t leaving now. Not if he could help it.
She latched onto his wrist, a tingle of awareness whispering over his skin at her touch. “You’re not serious?”
“He doesn’t really have a choice,” Michael said, suddenly appearing next to the truck, without having stepped a foot outside.
Ellie sucked in a surprised breath, but managed to stand her ground. She even had the audacity to glare at the angel.
“When Heaven calls…” Michael shrugged, carefree, unconcerned. Bastard.
Ellie went pale, her wide gaze pinned to Devon. “You’re going to… you’re dying?”
Dare he think she cared? Hell, when was the last time someone had cared about him? He looked away from her, annoyed with the way his heart thrummed with hope and desire.
“Generally one has to shed their physical body to go to the other side,” Michael continued. “It’s quite cumbersome. Never did understand why humans are so obsessed with their bodies.”
Of course he didn’t, because Michael had never been human. He didn’t understand the hopes and dreams that came with being alive. He didn’t understand the connection and desire one could feel with another when on this earthen plane.
“What about the demon?” Ellie asked, her voice sharp. Even though her face showed no emotion, he knew, sensed, she was angry at him.
“The demon isn’t Devon’s problem.” Michael leaned against the truck, arms folded across his chest as he watched them like they were specimens in a museum. “That’s something Cristian will have to deal with.”
But Cristian had tried, and failed. They all had. Perhaps they would again. But he had to believe they could win, he must. For his friends and family, for the world, for…for Ellie.
“You’re seriously going to leave me here alone?”
Devon met her gaze. He felt her disappointment like a knife to the gut. “It’s not your fight.” Devon raked his hands through his hair. “It’s not something you have to deal with. You can…leave. Go home.”
“I have no home. Besides…” She looked away, her lower lip trembling. “I can’t leave them, not knowing what I know. They need to understand, and if I have to find them on my own, I will.” She turned and started down the road.
Stunned, Devon merely watched her walk away. They weren’t her friends. She didn’t even know Cristian and Ashley. She could leave, yet she was walking right into the lion’s den, giving up her own freedom for others. Perhaps there was a little bit of heaven here on this earth.
“She’s rather brave,” Michael mumbled, watching her walk away.
“Or stupid,” Devon replied.
Michael laughed. “No, it’s bravery.”
“She’ll be killed.”
A robin landed on the hood of the truck and hopped toward the angel, tilting its little head this way and that, as if trying to understand why he was there.
Michael shrugged. “Does it matter? Everyone dies eventually.” He held out his hand and the bird jumped onto his palm, no fear in its tiny body. How could someone who was so gentle with a tiny bird, be so uncaring toward humans? But that wasn’t fair; Michael had never been human. He didn’t understand.
“Yes, it matters.” Devon started after Ellie. “She hasn’t even learned to accept her abilities. She hasn’t… lived.”
Michael fell into stride beside him, the robin flying toward the open field. “People die young all the time.”
“She’s here for a reason and you know it,” Devon snapped. He could sense her importance. Yet, even if she was a typical human, he had a feeling he’d still have the insane desire to protect her. “She’s an empath. You don’t have powers, not here on this plane, without having a greater good.”
A car zoomed by, momentarily drowning out their conversation. But still, Michael followed him. “Hmm, yes, perhaps she does. Everyone here on this plane has a reason to be here, but perhaps she doesn’t need you to fulfill her destiny.”
“Maybe not.” A flock of sparrows burst from the thorny brush growing alongside the road. “But that doesn’t matter. I’m staying.”
“They won’t like that.”
“They’ll get over it. They’ll have me soon enough.” He started to turn, when Michael appeared in front of him, jumping through time and space. Devon stopped short.
“Devon, one last tip, if you will.”
He sighed, glancing at Ellie. She already had a good lead. “Very well.”
“They’re in Crossroads.”
Startled, his gaze went to Michael. Was he truly giving him answers?
Crossroads, England. The town burst into focus, picture perfect setting inhabited by supernatural beings. It all made sense now. Ashley and Cristian were in Crossroads.
“Thank you.” Devon disappeared. For one split second darkness surrounded him as he hovered in space. Within a blink, he burst to life in front of Ellie.
She gasped, stumbling back a step. “Would you people stop doing that!”
He moved to the side, allowing her to pass. “I apologize.” He had to stop himself from blurting out the information Michael had given him. He wanted to ease in with Ellie.
“Shouldn’t you be… dead… or whatever?”
Devon fought his grin, falling into step beside her. “I’m not leaving.”
She paused, looking suspiciously at him. “Really?”
He leaned close to her and whispered, “Yes.”
“Oh.” For one long moment she merely stared at him. The familiar electricity sparked between them, urging him to move even closer. His gaze dropped to her mouth. Her pink tongue darted out, licking her lower lip. “So, you’re staying then?”
He met her gaze once more. “For now.”
“What about Michael?”
“He’s gone.” He’d felt the shift a moment ago, the man disappearing… for a while at least.
She turned and he followed her gaze. The roadside was empty, save for the truck. “At least he left us a vehicle,” she said. “You’re sure?” She turned her worried gaze to him.
“They’ll leave me alone.”
“For now?”
He shrugged. True, he would have to face his fate eventually. “For now.”
She nodded; she understood. “Well then. Guess we have a demon to find.”
She turned and started toward the truck, but not before he noticed the relief in her eyes.
Chapter 12
For a week she’d been driving in circles around England’s countryside, only to find out that the town she’d been searching for was only a three hour drive south of Crestmoore Manor. She didn’t blame Devon though, at least not much. She knew his memory was spotty, at best.
Still, as they drove into Crossroads, she wasn’t sure what to feel. Relief, excitement, nervousness. The town wasn’t exactly what she’d been expecting. Sure, it was a quaint English town with row cottages made of stone, interrupted by winding, cobbled roads. But it was
empty… like end of the world empty. Like, zombies have invaded and eaten the inhabitants kind of empty.
“Where is everyone?” she whispered, searching the stoops as she drove slowly down the street.
“Park there.” Devon pointed alongside the main road, not bothering to answer her question.
She tried to sweep aside her frustration. After all, he’d actually ignored the demanding’s of an angel and stayed…for her. For Ashley. For the world. She wasn’t sure which. God, she hoped it wasn’t for Ashley. Did he still have feelings for the ghost seer?
She put the truck in park and Devon shoved open the door, stepping outside. Another town, another battle. Ellie pushed open the door and stepped onto the cobbled street. Completely and totally empty. This couldn’t be good. She followed Devon toward a small tea shop. Although not a soul could be seen, she had the oddest feeling they were being watched. Her fingers curled, her skin tight. She couldn’t help but glance over her shoulder. The air practically hummed with something…something familiar. She pressed her fingers to her temples, an ache beginning to thump.
“Energy,” she whispered.
“What?” Devon paused, his grip resting on the brass door handle.
“It’s all around us. Don’t you feel it? This sparkling, electric energy.” She spun around, searching the curtain-covered windows, looking for signs of life. “Devon, it’s the same feeling I get when there’s someone around who has powers. There’s a demon nearby…or something.”
She searched the buildings again, the street, even the few trees, but saw nothing.
“Yes,” he said, pulling open the door, a bell overhead ringing out merrily. “Demons. Witches. Fairies…even a vampire or two.”
Confused and frustrated, she followed him into the dimly lit shop. “What do you mean?”
“Crossroads is a town occupied by supernatural beings.”
Shocked, she froze on the threshold. Shouldn’t he have told her this before now? She spun around, searching the road again. Perhaps that would explain the odd tingling sensation whispering through her body. But if she was reacting, where were they? A shiver of unease raced over her skin. “All supernatural?”
He nodded, strolling purposefully through the small café. A variety of tables were placed throughout the room…empty chairs settled around the area, as if merely waiting for patrons. Flowers had wilted and dried in vases. It looked like the place had been abandoned. The fine hairs on her body rose on end. Ellie crossed her arms over her chest, scanning the room for any signs of life.
“So, where are they?”
Devon rubbed his forehead, looking as confused as she felt. “I haven’t a clue.”
Was his memory acting up again, or had something happened? “What are we looking for?”
“Assistance.” Devon strolled around the counter and through a back door, leaving her alone.
If he was looking for help, she had a feeling he was going to be looking for a long while. With a sigh, Ellie settled onto the closest chair and pulled the vase forward. The daisies were dead, but a small puddle of water remained. So, the place had been empty for at least a week, but not more than two. And the energy she felt must have been their lingering abilities. But why did her head ache so when there was no one near? She’d never been affected by residual energy. Too many unanswered questions.
Impatiently, she shoved the chair back, the legs scraping across the floorboards. “Devon? I highly doubt there’s anyone here, we’re wasting…”
A shiver tiptoed down her spine, a warning that they were no longer alone. Her toes and fingers heated, her brain buzzing with awareness. A supernatural being was close, his powers sinking into her body, her soul, becoming one with her own.
She didn’t dare move, but became the watcher, silent and ready. The soft whisper of a dust ball being blown across the floor by the open window was suddenly audible to her ears. The drip, drip, drip of a faucet coming from somewhere in the back where Devon had disappeared was like the beat of a drum. It was an odd feeling, one she’d never experienced before. She felt stronger, more… alive. Whatever was near, she’d never come into contact with it in the past.
Slowly, she turned. A thin, pale man stood in the doorway where only moments ago they’d entered. A cap was low on his head, shielding his eyes, his body completely still. To the human observer, he didn’t look a threat, but she knew better.
“What are you?” she demanded. No hello, no how’s it going… there was no reason to play games.
The man disappeared.
Ellie froze, her heart hammering madly as she spun around, searching the room. For a brief moment she thought she’d imagined him. A muscled arm wrapped around her neck, jerking her back into a hard chest.
“I’d appreciate it,” he said quite politely, “if you’d tell me why you’re here.”
The urge to fight back was overwhelming…to kill. To destroy. Ellie saw red. What little human rationality she’d had left fought to the forefront. Killing him would end their chance for answers. “We’re looking for someone.”
“We?”
“Let her go,” Devon demanded, suddenly appearing in the dining room.
Instead of feeling relieved, Ellie was annoyed by Devon’s sudden presence. Damn him, she was attempting to get answers, she didn’t need his interference.
“Don’t try to protect me,” she hissed.
The supernatural powers invading her body were taking control. She couldn’t ignore the animalistic need to get Devon out of the way so she could fight…kill. Devon narrowed his eyes, watching her. But it wasn’t his suspicious glance that had her focus. No. It was the vein throbbing in the side of his neck. The blood surging through his arteries that she swore she could hear even from across the room. Her body tightened, her insides clenching with what could only be hunger. The man holding her no longer mattered. Devon no longer mattered. The only thing she cared about was his blood.
“Who are you?” The man holding her tightened his grip as if he sensed her surging strength. But he wasn’t talking to her. No, he was focused on Devon.
“Blast it, Kipps, you know who I am,” Devon growled, his fingers curling at his sides, his body tense as if resisting the urge to burst forward. She could feel the anger and frustration pulsing from him.
Kipps stepped back, dragging her with him. How could anyone so small be so strong? “The Devon I knew died over six months ago.”
“Yeah, well, I’m back, obviously.”
They were silent for a moment, attempting to stare each other down, but she didn’t care about who had the bigger penis. No, the only thing that held her interest was that pulse on the side of Devon’s neck. Pumping warm, delicious blood through his body.
Delicious?
The word snapped through her mind, bringing her back into reality. Oh God, what the hell was wrong with her? Suddenly, Devon’s words came back to haunt her.
“Yes,” he had said as they’d entered the tea shop only moments ago. “Demons. Witches. Fairies…even a vampire or two. Crossroads is a town occupied by supernatural beings.”
Even a vampire or two. She glanced back at Kipps’ pale face. Was the man a vampire?
“Let her go,” Devon demanded.
“Sorry, I can’t until I know you’re not the demon.”
Ellie’s annoyance grew. This was becoming ridiculous. She should kill them both just so she wouldn’t have to listen to their cock fight.
“And how do you propose to do that?” Devon’s gaze jumped to her. “Would you please stop staring at my neck?”
“Sorry,” she muttered.
His face tight with anger, Devon started forward. “You don’t understand—”
“We understand well enough,” someone said with a thick, Irish accent.
Ellie rolled her eyes heavenward. Lovely, there were more. Devon paused, his gaze shifting to the area behind her. Kipps released his hold. Ellie didn’t run to Devon’s side, instead she merely grinned, turning to face their newest thr
eat. Five men stood near the door, all looking ready for war. More visitors than she’d expected, but she didn’t mind a good fight. At least, at the moment she didn’t.
“I thought these people were your friends?” Ellie said.
“The line between love and hatred is pretty thin in the supernatural world,” he replied.
Indeed. She looked them up and down. The one with the Irish accent was round about the middle, how much of a threat could he be? Kipps was scrawny. The others were just as out of shape. Deep down she knew it wasn’t right, but her skin felt too tight, her body eager to fight. She knew she could take them.
“Well then, bring it on, gentlemen,” she said.
Devon gave her a look of disgust before focusing on the little army. “I’m looking for Ashley and Cristian.”
“They’re not here,” the Irish man said, his leather vest with the red flames gaudy, to say the least. He was obviously trying to appear tough as nails. She was eager to see how tough he’d be with her fist in his face.
“The Village People called, they want their vest back,” Ellie sneered.
The man frowned. “Well, she’s a nasty piece, isn’t she?”
But Ellie didn’t have time to mock the man further. The Irishman stepped closer. His aura glowed with a vibrant green that she’d never seen before. So strong, that his energy hit her like a wave during hurricane season. Ellie stumbled back a step. Bemused, she studied each man in turn. They wavered in and out of focus. Her bravado slipped some as her stomach clenched in unease.
Devon’s warm arm wrapped around her waist, holding her close. “You all right?”
“Yeah, I think.” But the room swam, the light pulsing, fading, pulsing, fading. Gone was the courage she’d felt only moments ago. Instead, the only feeling she could focus on was the nausea.
“What is she?” someone demanded.
She pushed away from Devon, intent on finishing what she had started, when the floor seemed to disappear, the room tilting. Ellie sank into Devon’s hard body as the lights above spun around and around.
“Ellie, what is it?”
She could only shake her head.