Midnight Magic, page 18
“You knew what happened to me, and you did nothing...”
“There was nothing I could do!” Ava could feel the tears forming in her eyes.
“He’s still out there...” Ross looked in the distance, and Ava could see the shining beacon of light coming from the top of the stairs.
“Who?” Her voice cracked.
“The monster who killed me,” he answered.
He turned back to her, but this time he had shifted into someone else.
Something else.
Cassius stood before her, his green eyes soft and bright even in the darkness.
Ross’s words echoed in the air. The monster who killed me.
Her wrist burned with heat, and her breathing hitched.
Serenity befell her, and all she wanted was to submit to it. Feel its peace.
But the cries of death rang in the air. Ross’s broken voice.
There would be no peace.
Not tonight.
Ava awoke in her bed and felt the coldness of the air kiss her skin. She looked at her alarm clock, and could see the red digital letters read three am. She let out a breath as she stared at the ceiling. It had been quite a while since she’d had a nightmare such as this. She took a breath once more.
One. Two. Three...
The images still swirled around in her head. Of an angry, bloodied Ross. Of the beautiful monster who’d saved her life.
Dallas was right. She’d never be able to look at things the way they’d been before Ross was killed.
Before she’d learned the truth that monsters were real.
Perhaps it was guilt, or...perhaps it was just that she was drawn to the shadows, and what lay beyond them. She was a Crowley, after all. Darkness, and the affinity for supernatural things was in her blood.
Whatever it was, Ava knew for certain she wouldn’t be able to rest until justice had been served. There would be no peace for Ross’s soul, or hers, until she knew his killer had been served. And so, Ava closed her eyes, and focused on the sound of her breath, on the steady beat of her heart, until she found sleep once more.
The aroma of coffee in the air was divine to Ava’s senses and was almost enough to make her forget her terrible nightmare.
“I don’t know how you can drink that sludge,” Mal grumbled as he threw his flannel shirt on over top of a plain black shirt.
Ava sipped her coffee slowly as she noticed the stubble making a comeback on his face. Despite his recent shower, he still looked scruffy and unkempt. “I don’t know how anyone functions without it,” she chided as she followed him out the door, travel mug in hand.
“It’s called stamina, Ava.” Mal opened the driver side door of his car and wasted no time.
Ava fell into the passenger seat with a scowl. “You are the last person who should be giving a lecture on stamina, Mal. You can barely hang around here for longer than—”
“Dallas tells me you have good aim,” he said as he started the car, and pulled out quickly.
“Did he now?” Ava pursed her lips. It shouldn’t have bothered her, that Dallas told Mal about their little date.
It wasn’t a date.
It absolutely wasn’t a date because that would make me the worst person in the world. Going out on a date right after your dead boyfriend’s service with another man who’s over a decade older than you.
No, it certainly wasn’t a date. It was just a meeting of the minds to discuss her inevitable training. Dallas had mentioned he’d trained Vinny to hunt the evil bloodsuckers, and Ava knew without a doubt the chord had been struck within her as well.
“He did. Suggested we test out your ability with actual weapons, see what sticks.” Mal stared through the windshield, and Ava got the feeling he was hiding something.
Mal fiddled with the knobs on his radio, and Ava decided not to press him. Not yet anyway. If he was truly hiding something, she’d get to the bottom of it.
When Mal pulled up to the Bat Cave, Ava noticed three motorcycles parked out front.
“I was under the impression it was just going to be a brother sister bonding day.” She sighed.
“What’s the matter, Ava? Scared you won’t be able to hang with the big boys?” Mal shut the door, and a light chuckle escaped his throat.
“Oh, I can hang, Mal. I’m just worried your friends will laugh at you when I beat your ass.” She smiled as she made a beeline for the door.
“Keep that enthusiasm. You’re going to need it when you come face to face with those bloodsucking leeches.” Mal’s tone took on a darker tone as he opened the door for her.
“After you,” he said as he motioned for her to enter.
As Ava entered the gym, she could see the ring was occupied with two shirtless, sweaty men who happened to be rolling around legs locked onto one another.
“Go ahead, fucking tap...” the one on top growled, blonde hair falling in his face.
Tito, Ava reminded herself of his name. The one who was throwing knives before.
“Never!” the man underneath roared back as he threw Tito back with force, knocking him to the ground. Vinny stood up, cracking his neck, his steely grey eyes glancing at her as he smiled. Tito took advantage of the distraction and kicked his leg out from under him.
Ava couldn’t help but let out a laugh.
Mal opened a cabinet in the corner, and Ava could see quite the collection of blades, stakes and weapons that looked primarily medieval.
The sight alone excited her, but she was soon pulled from her anticipation as a sweat soaked, shirtless Dallas came traipsing around the corner.
Ava couldn’t help as her eyes roved over his defined chest, noting the twin star tattoos on each side above his pecs; his hips cutting the most delicious angle, that perfect v shape that was usually only afforded to male models and athletes. Ava felt her mouth run dry at the sight, and so she forced herself to look away.
Hell Ava, get a hold of yourself.
She grabbed the knife out of Mal’s hand.
“Hey—”
“Enough deliberating, Mal. Let’s do this,” she said as she took a stance she hoped was formidable enough.
CHAPTER 28
Ava patted her hair dry with the towel, her bare feet padding along the cool hardwood floor in the hallway, when the sound of a doorbell alerted her.
It seemed Becky had vacated the premises for the evening, in favor of a wine night with her friends—a weekly event in which they gossiped about their children’s love lives.
Though Becky didn’t have any children, that didn’t deter her from incessantly trying to match Ava with any of her friends’ sons, or their friends’ sons, and so forth.
You just need to meet a nice boy, and settle down, she had said on numerous occasions. Connie was just as bad.
It was one of the reasons Ava was glad to leave—and why she was so nervous about the idea of bringing Ross home for the holidays if everything went as planned.
But things didn’t go as planned, and that was her cross to bear.
She threw the towel in the hamper in the hallway before quickening her pace to the door.
When she opened it, her eyes widened in surprise.
“What the fuck are you doing here? I thought I told you—”
“May I come in?” Cassius’s lips turned up in a slight smile.
Ava twisted her lips and raised an eyebrow at him.
“If I said no, would that prevent you from coming inside?” She crossed her arms.
Cassius’s green eyes sparkled.
“Of course not, but it would be rather rude if I just walked in without being invited, now, wouldn’t it?”
Ava considered his words and decided instead to meet him on the porch.
She ran a hand through her wet hair, pushing it behind her.
Cassius’s eyes dilated only a fraction before returning to normal.
Well, that’s kind of strange.
“What are you doing on my front porch?” She didn’t mince her words.
“I needed to see you.” He cleared his throat.
Ava gazed at him skeptically.
“Does that work on all your victims?” she bit.
Cassius looked offended.
“I can assure you, Ava, I do not go around stalking young women as you may think.” He crossed his arms, and the motion brought her attention to his long, slender arms, the slight curve of his bicep. Her wrist flared with heat, her skin with goosebumps, and her heart beat faster.
Fight it, Ava.
She blinked furiously, before meeting his gaze, and remembered the sound of Ross’s pained scream.
“Could have fooled me,” she drawled.
“The vampires that...harmed you...”
Ava’s attention was on high alert at his words.
“You know who they are?” She stood a little straighter, and noticed she came up to Cassius’s chest.
Somehow, she’d made it closer to him, and the realization made her take a step back. She fought to look away, but she did not win the fight.
Glowing green eyes gazed upon her, and she could not deny the sight, the way he looked at her—caused her stomach to tie in knots, and her legs to tighten.
It’s just his natural defense.
But isn’t thrall supposed to make my brain...foggy?
She didn’t feel particularly confused.
But she did feel something.
A racing heart, an increased pulse.
Wetness blossomed between her legs.
Fucking hell, I need to be stronger than this.
“I do. And I know that they are planning to strike again.” Cassius licked his lips, and the sight was like a shockwave directly to her groin.
Ava shifted her weight. “Why should I believe anything you say?” Her eyes flickered to his lips, remembering their soft feel on her skin, his fangs puncturing her wrist.
The memory of it was not...unpleasant.
“Because I—”
Cassius could not finish his sentence, for he was punched square in the jaw by a rather pissed off Mal.
CHAPTER 29
It had been quite a long time since anyone punched Cassius in the face. He’d been in his fair share of brawls, what with his frequent stints in and out of bars, taverns, and even hotels throughout his life, but it was usually because he was breaking up a fight, not instigating one.
He rubbed his jaw, and the dark-haired man drew his blade.
The very blade he’d seen in the back of the red Chevelle outside the pizza place on campus.
“Mal don’t!” Ava put her hands up, and the man looked at her with question.
“Ava he’s—”
“I know, Mal. He’s...the one. The one who—”
“Bit you?” Mal growled and rushed toward Cassius once more.
“Saved me.” Ava stood between Cassius and the man she called Mal.
Cassius couldn’t help but notice the expanse of her figure, how her curves cut a most luscious silhouette against the fading sun. How his body responded to the sight, how he could feel her pulse quickening within him. His cock twitched, and he swallowed harshly, his mouth suddenly dry with thirst.
No, you can’t. You have to fight the thoughts.
Mal’s eyes widened, and he pursed his lips, looking from Ava to Cassius.
“Put the blade away,” Ava spoke slowly.
Mal gazed at him with anger, fury.
“If you even so much as try to touch her—”
Ava scowled at Mal.
“Fuck off, Mal. I don’t need you to protect me,” she snapped.
I will protect you, my sweet Avarice.
“As I was saying,” Cassius spoke up, drawing both of their attention.
“The vampires who hurt you—” Cassius’s gaze fell over Ava for a moment, before glancing back at Mal. “—they plan to strike again. At a party off campus. In an abandoned church off route sixty.” He stood straight, his voice conveying no anger or offense, despite the fact he’d just been assaulted by a pissed off human.
He has every right to be pissed, you bit someone he cares about.
It was then that the puzzle pieces came together for Cassius. Mal knew what he was.
The blade from the Chevelle’s backseat.
A hunter’s blade.
The similarities in Mal and Ava’s features.
Mal was a hunter...and Ava’s sibling.
Cassius let out a small breath.
Of course, this would be just my luck. Danger should have been my middle name.
“That’s by the—”
“Bat Cave,” Ava whispered.
“Bat Cave?” Cassius cocked his head to the side.
“When?” Mal ignored his question.
“Hallows’ Eve,” Cassius answered to Mal, never taking his eyes off Ava.
“I’ll be there,” Ava said, breaking his gaze.
This is not how I imagined this going...
“That is a terrible idea.” Cassius felt his own blood starting to heat, a feeling he hadn’t felt in quite some time.
Since Eden...
“Well, I wasn’t really asking your opinion, Cas.” Ava shot him a glare which should have been angry, or pissy, but it wasn’t either of those things.
In fact, Cassius thought it was rather...alluring.
It’s just the mark talking, nothing more, he tried to convince himself.
“You’re not ready yet,” Mal shot her a worried glance.
“I don’t need your permission, either, Mal. I’m an adult.”
“You’re fucking eighteen, Ava. You’re a child!” Mal grumbled.
Cassius felt a shock in his blood.
Eighteen?
The realization made him flush, but due to the lack of human blood in his veins, he was certain no one could distinguish any color to his cheeks.
Corpse blood didn’t light up his blush quite the same way human blood did.
“I’m going to that party, and I’m going to put a fucking stake through the vamp that killed my boyfriend, and then I’m going to—” Ava stopped abruptly.
“You’re going to what?” Mal’s shoulders tensed and he scowled.
“I don’t have to tell you shit.” She turned around and faced Cassius.
“This makes us even.” She gazed up at him and in her amber eyes, he could see the flecks of gold. In the dying sunlight, with heat in her eyes, Cassius’s entire being felt...alive.
She was so close. Close enough he could reach out, touch her. Run his hands through her wet, dark hair. Trace his fingertips down her soft skin, feeling her warmth.
Close enough to kiss.
To bite.
He forced himself to look away at the thought.
“I do not think it is a wise idea for you to put yourself in danger,” he whispered to her.
“Maybe I like a little danger,” she whispered back.
CHAPTER 30
Every time she closed her eyes, she saw bright, glowing green emeralds in her vision. His wet, pink tongue sliding over his perfect pout, and the memory of how it felt against the skin of her wrist pushed forth.
Ava tossed in her bed, trying to think of anything else.
When images of a sweat slicked chest, equipped with dual star tattoos washed away the memory of fangs and bliss, Ava groaned in frustration.
She looked at the alarm clock, which read three am. The witching hour.
This is fucking ridiculous. She stared at the ceiling in the darkness of her room.
Her wrist did not flare with heat, nor did her skin prickle with goosebumps.
Yet her skin was flushed and warm beneath the covers, and the thoughts of Cassius’s fangs sinking into her skin, of his tongue on her flesh, made her blood boil.
She was safe in her bedroom, beneath her burgundy sheets. Safe, and alone. There was nothing and no one to fight here; except her own thoughts.
The desires that kept her awake.
It was too much to bear, and Ava knew without a doubt she needed release.
To work out the frustrations of the evening, her anger.
To sate the spark of desire that had been ignited within her.
But she knew better. Vampires killed people.
They could not be trusted. They were the bad guys.
But yet somehow, in a way Ava could not explain, she knew Cassius was different. She couldn’t stop thinking about him. She screamed a muffled sound into her pillow.
He had come to warn her. If he wanted her dead, he would not go to all the trouble of telling her such things. But what reason did he have then, to tell her not to go to the party.
Probably so he can save you for another night, when he decides he’s ready to make good on his mark.
Ava had no reason to trust Cassius. But if there was even the sliver of a chance that he was telling the truth, that the vampires who hurt her, who killed Ross—if they were going to strike again, she couldn’t waste the chance.
The thought of driving a stake through their chest made her heart skip a beat.
Hallows’ Eve was only a week away. She knew she needed to up her training regimen, and as the thought broke through her psyche, her phone lit up with a text.
Who’s texting me at three in the morning?
Your brother tells me there’s going to be a vamp attack on Hallows’ Eve at the church by the gym.
Ava stared at Dallas’s text and wondered if she should respond. Nothing good ever came from texts sent at three in the morning. She could feel her cheeks redden slightly, as the thought of him in the gym earlier resurfaced.
Sweat dripping down his hard abs, down the angled muscles of his hips, which cut into his shorts.
Her insides tightened.
I swear the two of you are worse than a bunch of schoolgirls.
You’d know, wouldn’t you ;-)
Ava smirked, the light of her phone a beacon in the dark room.
I may have been a cheerleader, but I’m not a gossiping whore.
Dallas’s text bubble faded in and out, as if he was contemplating a response.
With that mouth of yours, I’m not quite sure I believe you.
Believe what you want. I don’t kiss and tell ;-) Ava smiled.
