Sweet Reckoning

  Book a flight to Va tmrw.

  With pleasure. U ok? It’s been insane here.

  Insane? I wondered if he meant his father’s “death.”

  Here too. Lots to tell.

  Same.

  I texted him Patti’s address and told him I was contacting the others. I knew I’d piqued his interest and concern, but I didn’t feel comfortable sharing anything else until the Dukes were all convened on the other side of the world.

  Next I texted the twins, then Blake and Kope, telling them where and when to meet. Kope would bring Zania. Everyone was a go. I contemplated texting Jay and Patti, too, but that could wait until the morning.

  I was so excited about seeing everyone, and nervous about Pharzuph being so close, that I was restless all night. I finally felt myself pulled under just as the sun was rising. A couple hours of solid sleep would have to hold me over.

  When I emerged, groggy and craving coffee, I wished I was better at using my supernatural sense of hearing. I wanted to know if Pharzuph was gone, but when I attempted to scan the area, everything sounded like a jumble to me—too hard to discern. Other Neph were good at it, having trained for years.

  After showering and dressing, I walked downtown to a busy coffee shop, keeping my eyes peeled. It was a hot morning, but pleasant compared to the oppressive humidity I was accustomed to. I’d just paid for my latte when everyone got quiet and broke into whispers.

  The hair on the nape of my neck went up.

  “Oh, my gawd . . .”

  “Is he on the football team?”

  I turned and bit down to lock my jaw as a tall, sexily disheveled Pharzuph sauntered up to me, flanked by a dark cloud of whisperers, knowing every eye was on him and clearly basking in the attention. His blond hair was damp and he had a light dusting of morning scruff. His critical eyes lessened his attractiveness, though I doubt anyone else picked up on it.

  “And how was your first night of college?” he asked in a low voice, a partial lascivious grin showing.

  “Successful, sir.” I gripped my coffee to keep from shaking. “And you?”

  His grin grew. “One for the memory book. I’d stay another night if I didn’t have business to attend to. I’m almost jealous of you.” He laughed at the ridiculousness of his statement and glanced around at the myriad of eyes locked on him. I swear, the room seemed to sway with all the swooning and red auras popping up. The spirits dipped and glided among the people.

  “It’s a great place,” I said lamely.

  He looked back at me, disappointment flashing across his face as he remembered with whom he’d been conversing. He pushed past me to the counter and I stood aside. But once he had his giant coffee in hand, he left the shop without looking my way again. From my view I watched him making eyes at every girl along the way, and even a couple guys. Then they all turned to look at me. I exited quickly through the side door and went around the corner, watching as Pharzuph caught a cab, his procession of dark spirits flanking the vehicle as it drove him away.

  Thank God.

  I made the long walk to my car and sat inside, sipping my coffee and feeling oddly safe and content. In a few hours my six Neph allies would be making their way to town for one night. It could be our last chance to see one another before it was time to fulfill the prophecy. With the Dukes convening that night, our time was short. We’d have to act soon.

  I wanted today to be special.

  I smiled to myself and started the car. I knew what we were doing tonight.

  Patti had no idea I was coming. When I got to her address, I almost rolled my eyes. Of course Dad couldn’t have picked out a low-key home. He’d put her up in a huge house on a golf course. It was seriously the only new neighborhood around, and it was smack in the middle of farm country. As I pulled into her driveway, I sent a text.

  Don’t freak. It’s just me.

  I knocked on the door and she swung it open, pulled me inside the house, shut the door, and proceeded to squeeze the air out of me. I hugged her back just as hard.

  “Anna!” I heard Jay say, coming up behind us.

  Patti released me and pulled Jay in until we were having a group hug. She repeatedly kissed my cheek before letting us go.

  “I’m so glad you’re here!” she said. “You’re sure it’s safe, though?”

  “Positive. All the Dukes are flying to Switzerland right now, so the Neph are coming here.”

  “All of them?” Jay’s eyes got big. I guess Marna hadn’t had a chance to tell him yet.

  “Yep,” I said. “All the allies.”

  He jumped up and punched the air.

  I felt euphoric. “Come on, I have groceries.”

  They followed me out, and the three of us loaded our arms with bags.

  “A turkey?” Patti asked. “Oh, honey, I like the sound of this.”

  I thought she might. I’d gotten all the fixings for a Thanksgiving meal.

  We took everything into the kitchen and I looked around at the stainless steel appliances and stone-tiled backsplash.

  “Wow, this house is . . .”

  “Overboard?” Patti asked. “Ridiculously huge and fancy? Yes. Your father is a nutcase.” But she was smiling as she unpacked the pies.

  “Yams,” Jay said. “Nice.” He was a bit more subdued than normal, but it was understandable, given what he was up against.

  “So,” I asked the two of them, “do you want the big news first, or should I tell you everything that’s happened in order?”

  “In order,” Jay said.

  Patti’s eyebrows came together with impatience and she eyed Jay before saying, “Oh, all right then, in order. But make it fast!”

  Marna hadn’t been able to talk to Jay at all yet, so they had no idea what had happened since Ginger went missing. We made our way into the cushy family room. They were rapt as I talked.

  “And then this huge spirit showed up,” I said, making Patti gasp and her eyes widen as I described its ramlike appearance. “And you’ll never believe who it was.” They stared at me, on edge. “Dad!”

  Patti pressed a hand to her chest. “You mean . . . he doesn’t have a . . . he’s . . . ?”

  “He had to shed his body,” I said quietly.

  “Dude,” Jay said. “He’s scary with a body. I can’t imagine him as a spirit.”

  “Yeah. It’s so weird. He’s looking for a new body now,” I said.

  Patti closed her eyes. When she took a deep breath and nodded, I forged ahead.

  “We knew Pharzuph was searching for me, so Dad came up with the idea that me and Kaidan—”

  Patti squealed, jumping to her feet. “You’re married! Aren’t you?”

  Jay’s shocked face swung back and forth between the two of us. “Nuh-uh! Are you?”

  I felt so emotional about my news that I could only nod.

  Patti screamed, pulling me to my feet for another bear hug. Her excitement should have felt strange, given the reason why Kaidan and I had decided to marry, but I knew Patti wasn’t focused on that. She was focused on the love we shared, and the fact that we were able to have this life experience, despite our circumstances.

  “Oh, sweet girl,” she said into my hair. “I knew they couldn’t keep you apart.”

  When she let me go, Jay hugged me, saying, “That is crazy. But cool. Congratulations.”

  “Thank you.”

  We sat down again, still wired from the big reveal.

  “So what happened next?” Jay asked. Then his cheeks got splotchy. “I mean, not, like, next next, but, you know, after?”

  I picked up the story, telling them how Pharzuph had come to my dorm room in his new form. They were shocked and disgusted.

  When I was done, Patti let out a giant sigh.

  “I’m so thankful we’ll have this night. I’m gonna pop that turkey in the oven and start prepping stuff. Why don’t you two go to the pool and try to relax? I think your bathing suits are in one of those boxes upstairs still.”

  “I c
an help you with the prep,” I said.

  “Nah.” She smiled. “Let me. I’ve got plenty to occupy my mind now. You two go be young or something.”

  She was humming to herself as she went to the kitchen.

  We changed our clothes, grabbed towels, and headed down the street to the neighborhood’s pool. A couple of families were at the shallow end, so we took lounge chairs at the other end of the pool and lay down. The sun felt glorious.

  “I can’t believe you’re married,” Jay said next to me.

  “I can’t believe you’re gonna be a dad,” I countered.

  “Aren’t we too young for all this? Weren’t we just learning to drive or something?”

  “I know, right?”

  We both got quiet. He stared off, and the burdens he carried were apparent in his distant eyes.

  “Jay . . . how are you feeling?”

  “I don’t know. Man. It’s like, I’m not really afraid for myself, but I’m scared for Marna and the baby. I want to keep them safe, but I feel like this little nobody. Powerless or something.”

  “You have more power than you realize. Knowing you love her gives Marna strength. She’s happy, Jay. I know it seems crazy, but I think she feels loved by someone other than Ginger for the first time in her life, and she’s thankful.”

  “But I don’t want her to die.” His voice thickened as he choked up, causing my own throat to swell with emotion. I couldn’t respond. All I could do was reach over and link my fingers with his, connecting us in our fear and sorrow.

  Lying there next to my oldest and dearest friend felt right—the stretch of silence between us was soothing.

  Some kids came over, calling Jay by name. He seemed to cheer a little, getting into the water with them. Of course he’d made buddies in the short time he’d lived here. The kids took turns climbing to his shoulders and jumping off. I lay back on the lounge chair and rolled to my stomach, content as I watched them.

  Sounds of splashing faded as I dozed.

  And then I heard a beautiful voice. . . .

  “Cover your arse, and nobody gets hurt.”

  I lifted my head to see Kaidan crouched next to me. He was here! Just as I was about to get up and throw my arms around him, his gaze slid down my body to my butt and stayed there. Hello, stormy eyes.

  I felt twice as hot under the sun as I had one minute ago.

  I threw the towel over my body, which forced his eyes back to mine.

  “Hey,” I whispered.

  He touched my face, and I leaned into his palm.

  “I feel like it’s been a year since I saw you,” he said softly. “I’ve missed you.”

  I reached up and cupped his hand. “I’ve missed you, too.”

  “But you’re still in trouble.” His voice was low and gravelly. “I need you.”

  “Um . . .” I looked around.

  “Come with me.” He was serious. He took my hand and I sped to keep up, holding the towel around my body. Jay caught sight of us and waved from the middle of the pool, but when he saw Kai’s determined face, he raised his eyebrows. I shrugged a shoulder innocently, and Jay shook his head. My cheeks flushed.

  Kai led us to the women’s dressing room, and when he started to push the door open, I pulled back, looking around.

  “You can’t go in there!” I whispered.

  He pulled me forward. “It’s empty.”

  Next thing I knew, we were in a shower stall, kissing behind the closed curtain.

  “What if someone comes in?” I asked.

  He pressed my back against the smooth tiles. “I’ll be listening.” He pulled off my towel and dropped it to the dry floor with a growl.

  We kissed again and my body reacted. I pulled him closer, loving the feel of his hands across my sun-heated skin. Were we really doing this? In a public place?

  Oh, just shut up, my body told my mind. Just a few minutes together before the seriousness began wouldn’t hurt.

  I heard a sound outside and we both went still.

  “Shite, someone’s coming.”

  Two seconds later a woman’s voice sounded in the bathroom. Kai pressed his forehead to the tile next to me and squeezed his eyes shut.

  “In here, sweetie. Good girl.” Oh, great. A mom was taking her little girl to the potty. I felt like a perv.

  When I heard their stall door close, I peeked out and pulled Kaidan, tiptoeing out.

  I chanced a backward glance at him. His eyes were heated with intensity.

  “Later,” I promised.

  He stopped us under the awning just before the pool area and faced me, lowering his forehead to mine.

  “I can’t go back out there yet. I’m having a bit of a focusing problem.”

  I gave a dry laugh, though I knew he was being serious. I was feeling tight all over, too.

  “I know, baby,” I whispered, squeezing his bicep. Yeah, touching him wasn’t helping my frame of mind much either. I dropped my hand. “Let’s get back to the house so we can tell each other everything and then . . . yeah.”

  “Yeah,” he breathed, eyes blazing.

  I shivered.

  “This is all your fault, you know.” A naughty smile appeared on his lips, and with a flush to my cheeks I remembered the cell-phone picture.

  The mother and daughter came out of the restroom, passing us. Kaidan gave me a hopeful look and I shook my head. I was not going in there again.

  “Come on, Kai. I have stuff to tell you. Big stuff.”

  He studied me. “Are you all right?”

  I wanted to tell him everything, but not out in the open like this.

  I pulled clothes on over my bathing suit, got Jay, and we headed back to the house. Kaidan kept catching my eye in long gazes, conveying wordless promises that made my blood rush faster.

  “Focus,” I told him under my breath.

  At the house Patti hugged Kaidan, and it’d been a long time since I’d seen her so happy. She continued to hum as she bustled around the kitchen, her mouth tilting up while she chopped and shredded.

  I sat with Kaidan and Jay, and we talked.

  Kai said, “I suppose my father decided to make the change of the guard, because Richard Rowe died three days ago.”

  “Change of the guard?” Jay asked.

  “It’s when they get rid of their bodies,” I explained. “The old body dies when their spirit leaves it, and they have to possess a new one—start a new life.”

  “Nasty,” Jay whispered.

  “My father was going to wait a few years, but he must’ve changed his mind,” Kai said, looking at me. “I’ve worried he’d come to you as a spirit and you wouldn’t recognize him, but he’d need a body to smell you, so I’m guessing we still have time. It can take a while.”

  “Yeah,” I said. “About that . . . he found a body.”

  Kaidan bolted upright. “You’ve seen him?”

  “Yes. He’s about your age, maybe a little older. Tall. Blond.”

  His jaw tightened. “When did you see him? What did he say? Did he touch you?”

  I told him everything. He stared at the wall and pulled out his knife as he listened. He continued to open it. Close it. Spin it on his palm. Weave it through his fingers. Jay and I gave it nervous glances.

  “Bloody hell . . .” Kaidan thought for a while then shoved the closed knife back into his pocket. “Would you say he’s better looking than me?” Oh, geez.

  Jay laughed. “Dude. Weird.”

  “I’m only curious,” Kaidan said with a half grin.

  “Ew, Kai, no. I can’t even think of him like that. His eyes are pure evil. I don’t know how anyone can look at him and not get a bad feeling.”

  “They probably do get a bad feeling,” said Jay. “But they like it. They feel like he’s dangerous or something.”

  Oh, he was dangerous, all right. I rubbed my temples.

  The doorbell rang, and Jay practically tripped over his own feet jumping up.

  Kaidan slipped an arm around me. ??
?You did well. That’s over, and we’ll be safe for a bit now.” He kissed my temple, then bit my earlobe, pulling me closer. I lifted my face to kiss him since we were semialone. As soon as his hot mouth met mine, I wished we were really alone.

  “I can’t stop thinking about you,” he whispered. His words and touch held an urgency that was stronger than it had been before we married, like his self-control had lessened now that we’d been together. This was going to be a long day.

  From the kitchen I heard Patti set down her stirring spoon with a clatter and say, “Well, hello, Kope. And you must be Zania! I’m so happy to finally meet you.”

  I smiled up at Kaidan’s handsome face before getting to my feet.

  “Z!” I ran, crashing into her in the kitchen. We hugged tight, and I smiled at Kopano over her shoulder. He gave me a nod and smile. More people were coming in behind him.

  “Well, if it isn’t my sweet Ginger!” Patti said now. “And Marna! And you’re Blake, right?”

  I couldn’t even bring myself to scoff at the “sweet Ginger” comment. We had a house full of friends, and the kitchen smelled divine. The holiday had officially begun.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  LOVE IN THE AIR

  We all stood in the kitchen talking over one another. Marna and I noticed at the same time when Zania made her way back to Kopano’s side and slipped her arm snugly under his. And then they shared a look so tender that Marna turned and gave me a hand-over-her-heart Aww! face. She then wrapped her arms around Jay, and they stood there holding each other with their eyes closed. So much emotion filled the room, but one stood out above the rest. . . .

  Love was in the air.

  Among other things. Like lust. And the smell of turkey. A weird combo.

  Kaidan finally made his way into the kitchen with a serious demeanor. He greeted everyone, but whenever his eyes met mine, the air got hotter until a palpable tension had woven its way around the room. I could feel the warm sunbeam of his stare on me, though I pretended to ignore it. Our friends kept eyeing us. Even Patti noticed.

  She regarded Kaidan with curiosity, as if trying to figure him out. When she saw him looking at me, her brow went up. She cleared her throat and dropped her eyes, mumbling, “All righty then,” and busied herself basting the turkey.