The Lost Soul Trilogy (Primani Book 5) (104 page)

“Janet! Merry Christmas! Where’s everyone?”

Laughing, she shifted over to let my dad stick his face in front of the tiny camera. “Hey kid! Merry Christmas.”

He peered into the camera giving me a close up of his eyebrows. I tried not to giggle. Old people shouldn’t use technology...

“Hey, Dad! You look good! Nice hat.”

“Yeah, yeah. Janet keeps making me wear the damn thing. This is the last year I’m wearing it, I swear.”

He’d made the same promise for the past four years. He liked the furry Santa hat; he just didn’t want to admit it. Trevor jumped on for about 30 seconds; just long enough to thank us for the money we’d sent him.

“I’m going to buy that new game “Dishonored” as soon as it comes out! It’s way cool!” He was already riding the Christmas morning sugar rush. His freckled face was flushed with cookies and video games.

Then it was back to Dad and Janet. They caught me up on all the excitement in Plattsburgh--essentially none since the serial killer was dead and I’d moved out of the country. Before I could say anything newsy, Killian slipped up behind me. He leaned down and kissed the top of my head and I reached up automatically and squeezed his wrist.

With no tact whatsoever, Dad said, “Who’s that? Is that Sean? I thought you dumped him?”

“Dad! Shh! He’ll hear you!”

Sean’s amused voice drifted in from the kitchen. “Too late. I’m crushed you never told me I was dumped!”

Dec burst into howls of hilarity and Sean wagged his head mouthing the words ‘worst girlfriend ever.’

Janet was giving my dad some pointers on how not to be an ass when I turned back to the laptop. This she did using her
inside
voice while glancing back at their monitor to make sure I wasn’t watching.

She elbowed him one final time before fixing a smile on her face. “Sorry, sweetie. Your father has no sense at all.” She leaned a little closer and whispered, “Is that Sean? I’d like to say hello if it is. I always liked him. He’s such a sweetie.”

Dec burst into laughter again and Sean joined him. Unable to resist, both Sean and Dec yelled ‘Merry Christmas’ from the kitchen. Janet smiled at their antics and waved.

This was getting better and better. Geez.

I smothered a grin and held out my hand to my halfway-insulted husband.

“Janet, Dad, I have some news.”

Killian pulled up a chair and smiled into the camera. Janet’s pale green eyes widened in surprise and her mouth dropped open.

Oh, yeah, she’d never met Killian. No wonder she was stunned. He had that effect on women. He was at his happiest today, so those wicked blue eyes were warm and soft and the little sexy smile could melt Antarctica.

Dad’s eyes narrowed suspiciously though and he elbowed his wife to stop gawking. “Who’s this?”

The suspicion in my dad’s voice sent him over the edge. Killian grinned showing both canines, and stated facts like he was spitting bullets, “I’m Mica’s husband. We got married in a pagan ceremony three days ago. She’s pregnant. Sean lives with us and we all play nicely together. He’ll be our son’s godfather, if I don’t kill him.” He leaned back and draped his heavy arm around my shoulders. The short sleeves only emphasized the bulging muscles and golden skin. “I’m overprotective and bossy, but I would gladly go to hell and back for her. Any questions?”

Twin expressions of shock stared back at us and I burst into giggles. “Killian! You’re awful!”

My dad’s mouth worked like it was trying to form words, but he ended up clamping his lips together and glaring at Janet instead. Janet’s eyes were glued to Killian’s biceps.

I gave them a squeeze and teased, “Yeah, he’s hard as a rock.”

Killian shook his head in disbelief.
Wow!

Sean fell against the counter laughing again. Killian flushed.

Dec was crying and gasping for air. “Oh, God, Mica!”

“That’s not what I meant! You are so immature!”

By the time I looked up at the screen, Dad was gone and Janet was grinning into the camera. “Well, his, er, hardness aside, Mica, he’s very cute. And he seems to really love you. You can’t fake that. Welcome to the family, Killian. Maybe we should come over there and meet him? I want to see the baby too.”

“Will Dad be okay?” There were a lot, and I mean, a LOT of swear words getting tossed around in the background.

She grimaced and smoothed her hair while trying not to stare at Killian. Killian had switched from predator to loving husband. It was impossible to resist those eyes. It was like staring into the ocean. She cleared her throat delicately and said, “Sure he will. He’ll be fine. He’s not good with change. Give him a call in a week or so.”

Abby popped into view and demanded her turn with us. Janet said goodbye and passed the mic off to my favorite twin.

Dec and Sean were horsing around in the kitchen behind me. Like the total clown he is, Dec stuck his mug into the camera on the way by with dirty dishes.

Abby squealed so loudly the dog barked in panic. “Omigod! Is that Declan!” Completely unhinged by teenage lust, she waved madly into the camera. “Dec! Dec, it’s me Abby! Come say hi!!”

Rolling my eyes to the back of my head, I moved over so Dec could say hi. Before sitting down, he displaced Killian and grinned at Abby. “Hey, Abby girl! Did you have a happy Christmas?”

Shining like a comet, she grinned with full dimples. Wow! She’d grown up--a lot. Almost 18 now, she was a stunner and a flirt. Her pale blond hair was full and wavy and streaked with pale pink highlights. She sported three studs in each ear and one tiny stone above her eyebrow. She lowered her voice to a sexy purr and said, “It’s much better now. You’re still so hot you should be illegal.”

Oh, no she didn’t!

Dec turned pink and actually stumbled out of the chair. “Hey, Abby, nice talking to you. I’ve...got...to get the door. Merry Christmas!” And he made a hasty escape to the kitchen.

“Abby! You little flirt! What are you thinking? You gave Dec a stroke.”

Leaning into the mic, she looked for her mom and whispered, “I’d sure like to stroke him. God, he’s hot!”

My mouth actually fell open and Killian reached over and closed it. His chest vibrated against my side as he tried to hold in the laugh that was strangling him. The back door slammed and he shoved his face into my neck. I could feel him vibrating with mirth and pinched him.

“Abby! He’s waaaaay too old for you! Put him out of your brain. Where’s Monica? She hasn’t lost her mind too, has she?”

Later, as the clock announced Christmas was officially over, I snuggled closer to Killian and smiled when he wrapped his big hand around my flat belly and sighed. He was sound asleep and still keeping watch over me. I loved him more than I could say.

Staring up at the dark ceiling, I let my mind relax and drift towards oblivion. Sleep tugged me downwards, but there was one more thing I needed to do on this special night.

“Merry Christmas, Raphael,” I whispered into the dark.

London, England:

“HOLD STILL! I’M ALMOST DONE,” Raphael hissed under his breath.

“Shit! That stings like a bitch!” Sean bit his lip to keep from whining like a girl. His
brothers
didn’t need any ammo to mess with him.

That clown Dec hovered over him, watching...waiting for him to crack. Killian leaned against the doorframe with arms crossed over his chest, eyes alert and glittering. They were holding their breath just waiting for him to flinch. Probably had a camera some place.

Needing a distraction, he focused his attention on his discarded wristband lying on the wooden end table. The blue stone gleamed dully in the morning light, chastising him for taking it off. There was no help for it. He couldn’t wear it when he was undercover without raising suspicion. He was supposed to leave his Primani life behind him. Still, no one wanted to send him into No Man’s Land without a way to find him. So that’s what brought him to this point.

He was lying on the bed while Raphael marked him with a tracking rune. The marking process stung like a freakin’ red-hot poker digging into his groin. He bit his lip again as the final layer of the mark was set. Raphael’s hand hovered about six inches above him and directed a nearly invisible beam of light into his skin. It was kinda like a high-tech tattoo that would blend into his skin color when it was done.

“A little to the left and you can just neuter him.” Dec thought he was hilarious.

He cringed at the thought and his boys retreated all the way to his colon.

Killian just shook his head and smiled tightly. Not much amused him--at least not until recently. This crazy shit with Mica made him a whole new Primani. Guess this is what he was like when he was human.  He was still bad ass, but a lot more mellow, less cold, less angry. A LOT less angry! That would change in a few hours.

Oh, yeah. As soon as he killed Mica, Killian would lose his mind. Time for stage two.

It would be
on
then!

Raphael looked reproachfully at Dec. “This is the most appropriate location, Declan. It can be assumed that he’ll be searched by Jordan’s demons. We can’t risk the mark being found.” He glared up in some real anger then, his tone suddenly one he rarely used with them. The hair on the back of Sean’s neck vibrated at the warning. It wasn’t smart to piss off one of the angels of vengeance. “They’d cut it out and then kill him.”

Dec swallowed and turned away. Finally, someone embarrassed the smartass! It was about time.

“Are we done?” Sean asked. The mark wasn’t stinging now and he really wanted to put his jeans back on before there were any more comments from his pain-in-the-butt team.

“Yes, Sean, I am finished. The mark will allow me to track you and keep your team updated. I’ll be able to send my thoughts to you and vice versa. You can get it wet or whatever. Do try not to get hit with a fireball though. That could damage it.”

Dec snorted, “Yeah, and so much more.”

Even Killian chuckled at that.

Everybody’s a comedian…

A knock at the door interrupted them. Mica was waiting. Sean got dressed again and called her to come in.

“Why are you so pale?” she asked as soon as she approached him. “What are you guys doing in here?” Her nose twitched like she was sniffing out their lies.

Damn woman didn’t miss a thing. “I’m not pale; it’s the light.”

Dec snorted his water through his nose. Gasping and choking, he turned pink and struggled to breathe. Sean folded his arms and looked down his nose.

Sooo not going to save him…

Like a magnet to her steel, Killian moved to Mica and pulled a heavy chair around so she could sit down. Ever since they found out about the baby, Killian was freaked out about her losing it. Sean understood his worry. If it was his girl, he’d be stressing too. Wait a minute; she
was
his girl and he
was
stressing too…He mentally shook his head. I’m an idiot, he thought with a sigh. They should sign up for Jerry Springer or freakin’ Oprah. They were a seriously jacked up group. Whatever. Mica was a part of him even if they weren’t meant to be a couple. She still rocked and he’d do anything to keep her safe.

Including murder.

Her blue jean eyes were narrowed in concentration as she studied each of their faces. She knew they were up to something. Sean grinned at her suspicion and decided to put her out of her misery.

“It’s not a secret, darlin’. Raphael marked me so he can track me when I leave today.”

She flinched and wrapped her arms around her waist, tightening her sweater like a shield. Looking up at Killian, she asked, “Is it like the demon marks? Like what Da…uh, the demon did to me?”

She didn’t like to use his name. She was absolutely terrified Dagin would hear her and show up to party. Smart girl--he just might. That particular demon had a knack for being in the wrong place at the right time. Killian put his arm around her and murmured something in her ear. She relaxed the iron grip on the poor sweater, but still looked anxious.

Raphael spoke up. “It’s quite similar, child. The demon marks a human to gain access into their mind or body. They use it as a back door of sorts. They can place thoughts or dreams into the person’s head, usually to get them to invite the demon inside. They can also use it to possess the person if it stays undetected long enough. Of course, an angel’s mark is not used to harm. I will use it to track Sean’s presence and to send him instructions telepathically when he’s unconscious, drugged, or otherwise unwilling, or unable, to hear me. Sean can use it to communicate directly with me as well.”

“Could you use it to make him do something against his will? Or stop him from doing something wrong?”

The angel shook his head. “No, Mica. Sean, or anyone, is allowed free will by God. It would be against our teachings to attempt to control someone’s free will.”

Sean grimaced and said, “Can’t say the same for the hell spawn I’ll be living with. If I end up trying to cut your head off at some point, try to remember it’s not me!” He kissed the top of her head in a pre-apology.

“Whoa! This place is a dump! Would anyone really believe this is our safe house?” Mica’s whispered question made Sean grin in the dim light of the grungy living room.

Yeah, the place was a dump. It was barely furnished with cast off crap from a charity center. The couch smelled like cat piss. The single lamp burned with a dull glow as if its bulb was tired of living.

“Demons live in worse. They won’t know the difference.”

“Won’t Jordan?”

Good point. “Maybe. Probably not though. He knows we usually try to keep a low profile and blend in. This is a low-end neighborhood. Not too crowded; not a lot of nosy neighbors. Logically, this is a good place to put a safe house. I think he’ll believe it if he tries to verify my story. Since we have to leave you and Dec with a real safe house, this will have to do.” He paused and took her fingers in his for a minute. Her hands were cold and stiff.

“Mica,” he began and stopped.

What could he really say to her?
I’m sorry I have to kill you.

This wasn’t going to be easy for either of them. Her nerves were jumping all over the place already and he felt guilty just thinking about what he had to do now. He’d already hurt her enough to last ten lifetimes...he didn’t like doing it again.

The plan was solid. His boys had run through it with him a hundred times and they were sure it would work. Sean wasn’t worried about himself; hell, he could handle anything the soul suckers could throw at him. He’d been in tougher spots. He’d be fine. He was wiggin’ over leaving Mica alone with only Dec for protection. Not that his boy Dec wasn’t a good fighter; he was. It seemed like one bodyguard wasn’t enough. If Jordan sniffed out their lie, Mica would be his first target. Since no one knew how Mica’s powers could affect the growing baby, they had all agreed that she wouldn’t use her active powers while she was pregnant. They’d also agreed that no one would teleport her in case it rearranged the baby’s molecules. Yeah, too risky. No one wanted the little dude to come out with his body parts in the wrong places.

Except for her Sig, Mica would be defenseless for the next eight months. If Jordan came calling, Dec would need backup.

Despite his worried thoughts, his fingers tingled with the beginnings of readiness. It was time to rock and get the fuck out of here. Sean’s blood thrummed a little faster through his muscles as his body psyched itself up for the role of his lifetime.

Bringing her fingers to his lips, he gave them a chaste kiss and rubbed some warmth into them. With eyes heating with the power of his
saol
, he looked deeply into hers and said, “Are you ready for this?” She shivered and he wanted to wrap his arms around her. That wasn’t his job now though.

“As I’ll ever be. This’ll be fun. Don’t worry about hurting my feelings. Just go with it. I kinda like Evil Sean!” She tried to smile but it fell short. Instead, her lip trembled and she bit it.

“This is going to work. I know it will. Have some faith in me, okay? I’m coming back. I have to.”

“I know. Promise me you’ll be careful?” She wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him one last time. Her lean body felt too good pressed against him and he let himself enjoy her touch. Yeah, he still loved her. He was a dumbass, but he couldn’t help it.

He groaned inside and hugged her back. She was warm and soft and completely trusting. He rubbed his hand over her back. She was making this really, really, hard for him. How could he do this? It was the perfect cover, but he was sure that it meant he was totally evil deep down. He just hoped his karma wouldn’t take another hit…

“I’m always careful, love. You remember what to do? It’s time.”

Nodding once, she stepped away and switched into her role. She curled her lip at him and put on her most haughty expression. She winked and stuck her tongue out at him.

With a wave of his hand, he removed the protection that enveloped the house. It was now open to prying eyes.

Taking a deep breath, he rounded on her with rage whitening his face. “You’re going to marry Killian? How could you do that to me after all I’ve been through?”

“To you? You’re not serious? Did you think I would marry
you
when I can have him?” Her voice dripped with disdain and she looked him up and down and dismissed him. “You’re not half the man he is. Look at you! Weak, pathetic,
unstable
. Your disappearance was the best thing that ever happened to us. You should’ve stayed gone and saved us all the trouble of dragging your dumb ass out of the Stone Garden.” She punctuated the insult with a low laugh and turned away from him.

“You faithless little bitch! You swore you loved me and then you hooked up with Killian the second my back was turned! How long did you plan that? You couldn’t wait for me?” He swung her around to face him, eyes burning into her face. “It’s your fucking fault I ended up in the Stone Garden to begin with! You strung me along...used me until you got what you wanted!”

So close to exploding into full-scale soldier-mode, he had to reel back some of the energy slamming through him.

Acting, acting, he reminded himself mentally. Don’t set her on fire!

She smirked into his face. “Oh my, are we switching to Evil Sean now? Your act is so old.” Her voice turned to sing-song as she mimicked him, “Oh, I’m so evil! Oh, I’m so confused! Whatever shall I do?”

“For God’s sake, grow a pair. Good, evil…whatever! Make a friggin’ decision so we can move on with our lives. Your morality crisis is getting on my nerves, and frankly, we’re all sick of you.”

Moving lightning fast, he grabbed her wrist and snarled low in his throat, “You got it, babe.” Yanking her closer, he growled, “So I’m asking myself a question. Just how much evil do you want from me? Hmm? When do I get to cut loose?”

She tried to back away but he held her in an iron grip. Her face paled as she got a close look at him. He grinned showing his canines and pushed her against the wall behind him. Pinning her in place, he sneered, “What? No answer to that? Let me tell you what I think. I think I sacrificed my happy ass for centuries helping you stupid, worthless, faithless humans. And for what? You’re worse than fucking demons. Killing, raping, destroying each other. You don’t deserve to live.”

He lifted one large hand and placed it against the side of her face, cupping it almost gently. Caressing her cheek with one thumb, he purred against her ear, “And you’re the worst of them. Aren’t you? Lying, plotting, unfaithful bitch. I would’ve sacrificed everything for you and you ruined it.”

A heartbeat passed and he said nothing.

Another heartbeat and he let the corners of his mouth lift slowly as she realized what he was doing.

Her eyes went huge and she tried to turn her head away from the pressure of his hand, but she was frozen in place. His thumb continued tracing gentle circles against her skin but his hand seemed to squeeze her skull. The pressure built and she freaked.

Staring hard into her eyes, Sean focused on her brain and watched as she panicked like a cornered rat. Her eyes darted back and forth desperately looking for rescue. Her heart pounded against him, its rhythm frantic, out of control.