21 Shades of Night, page 294
Nodding, Tyler moved to step around the nurse’s station, deliberately closing the distance between them. “Deacon?”
“Yeah?”
“Give me your gun.”
Instead of answer, Deacon sighed and gripped the back of his shirt, pulling him to a stop. “No killing the nice man, Wade.”
“I’m not going to kill him.” Tyler smiled, so close to violence he could feel it boiling in his blood stream. “Just peel his skin from his bones.”
“None of that, either.” Sighing, Deacon jerked his chin at the nurse, who’d somehow even gone more wide-eyed. Christ, how old was this idiot? “I’m Chief Stone. This is a police matter, so I’d appreciate it if you could just tell me what room Shay Evernight is in.”
Looking like he was about to piss his pants, the nurse kept as much distance as possible between himself and Tyler as he cautiously moved to the first desktop computer.
After a few keystrokes, he swallowed hard and nodded. “Room 211. She’s in the ICU.”
Tyler staggered backward, sure someone had just reached in and physically removed his heart from his chest. Vaguely aware of Deacon thanking the doctor, Tyler took off at a dead run for the stairs, too impatient to wait for an elevator.
Not particularly caring that he scared the nurses as he crashed through the door on the second floor, he shouted the room number and was already running toward it when one of them pointed him in the right direction.
God, what the hell had he missed? And how the fuck could he have failed this badly? She’d been fine when they’d all gotten to the hospital, and she’d gone with Ivy and Hayden to get Malia checked out, while Tyler had reluctantly stayed downstairs with Deacon to get their stories straight.
But then they’d all come back down together, minus Malia, who was being kept overnight for observation, and Shay. Tyler had lost his fucking mind.
How many goddamn times was he going to have to do this? Let her out of his sight, only to find out he’d fucked up and she’d gotten hurt when he should have been there to protect her?
He slowed to a stop outside her room and closed his eyes, forcing himself to breathe evenly. No matter what the fuck he found on the other side of the door, he wasn’t going to lose his shit. She didn’t need him in psychotic, kill everything mode.
But, Christ, he wasn’t even sure he had other modes at the moment.
As he reached for the door handle, he braced for the worst. The door swung open before he could even touch it, and he stood there like an idiot.
Shay blinked up at him, concern darkening her beautiful face. “Ty? What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
He let out a harsh sound. “I have.” He scowled and took a step toward her, crowding her space and backing her into the room. “You look fine.”
This time, it was temper that lit in her eyes. “Well, thanks. You look fine, too.”
Ignoring that, he moved in even closer, then kicked the door shut behind him. “Where are you hurt? And why the fuck didn’t you tell me?”
“Hey.” She frowned up at him and slowly lifted her hand. A white bandage had been wrapped around it, but as far as he could tell, it was the only wound on her. “It’s just a flesh wound.”
“Then why the fuck are you in the ICU?”
She blinked, before the clouds cleared in her eyes, replaced with emotion.
“Oh, Ty,” she murmured, moving into him and wrapping her arms around his waist. “I’m fine, really. I got a little lightheaded from the blood loss while the doctor was examining Malia, and they just gave me a room nearby to stitch me up.”
He wanted to believe her, but his brain wouldn’t kick in to gear. “Don’t lie to me, gypsy.”
“Please.” She placed her free hand on his chest and pushed, giving him no choice but to fall back into the room’s only chair. Without saying anything, she placed her knees on either side of his thighs and braced her hands against the back of the chair, near his shoulders. Leaning forward, she pressed her brow to his. “I can’t keep secrets from you. Haven’t you figured that out? I can’t even keep my emotions from you. I don’t know how you do it, but whenever you’re near, the last thing I want is to hide. And I hate it. I hate it, because this isn’t me. Or, it’s not supposed to be me. I’ve never given control of my emotions over to anyone, let alone my heart, but I can’t seem to stop doing it.”
“I don’t know what the hell any of that means.”
To his surprise, a laugh bubbled out of her and for the first time in more than twenty-four hours, that smile he loved so much lit up her face. “It means I’m not lying. It means you’ve got me where you want me, so now the only question is what the hell you’re going to do with me. Just be aware, I don’t intend to let you out of my sight, ever.”
Not sure what was harder in that moment, the pounding of his heart or his dick, he cupped her ass and searched her face. “You scare me, gypsy, but God, I love you.”
She stilled, her eyes going wide. “What?”
Goddamn it.
Opening his mouth to tell her to ignore him, he said something else, instead. “I love you. And I don’t care if you don’t love me back. I’ll find a way to make you eventually, because I’m too stubborn not to. And don’t think I’m walking out the door, either. You invited me back to this town, and into your home, and your life, so you’re just going to have to accept that I’m fucking staying now.” Digging his fingers into her ass, he pulled her down to his lap, letting her feel how much he wanted her. “Here. I belong here.” Lifting his hand, he pressed it to her luscious breast, over her heart. “Especially here. So get used to me, because I’m yours now.”
“But your job— “
A glare darkening his face. “My job can be done from anywhere. And if you start looking for reasons not to be with me, you’re going to piss me off, Shay. Because it’s too late for that. You sealed your fate with me by being the person who’d sacrifice everything to keep the people she loves safe.” When she just continued to stare at him, he cursed and closed his eyes. “Okay, I’m done with the flowery shit. Just tell me you love me, please. I don’t care if it’s a lie— “
“I love you, Tyler Wade.”
He opened one eye as his heart seized up in his chest, making it hard to breathe. “Never mind. I do care if you lie. Please don’t be lying.”
“Not lying.” Leaning down, she kissed his closed eye, his nose, his cheek, before her lips slid over his. “I don’t even know when it happened, just that I can’t breathe without needing you near me. Okay? I love you. I love you so damn—”
He cut her off with his desperate mouth, devouring whatever else she was going to say, because he’d heard everything he needed. Who the hell knew what the future held, but he didn’t care. She loved him. She’d ruined him. And as long as she agreed to keep him, he was never, ever going to complain.
* * *
If you enjoyed Hunter Undone, make sure to check out book one of the Dragon Lore series, The Dragon’s Heart.
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Convinced dragons have gotten a bad rep throughout time, and more than a little addicted to fairy tales and romance novels, Eden Ashe has decided to re-write history. In her version, the dragons are ancient warriors in tarnished armor, who not only deserve the girl in the end, but will fight forever for her.
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JUMP TO...
BENEATH THE BROKEN MOON by SARAH MÄKELÄ
CLOSE LIAISONS by ANNA ZAIRES
TAKEN BY THE BEAST by KRESSLEY & HAMILTON
NIGHT HAWK by J.E. TAYLOR
ROOK by JC ANDRIJESKI
THE LOST QUEEN by ANGEL LAWSON
A PRESCRIPTION FOR DELIRIUM by NOREE COSPER
REAPER by K. DE LONG
PURGATORY by SUSAN STEC
FORBIDDEN LOVE by TERRY SPEAR
THE WOLF, THE WITCH, AND THE WASTELAND by JACQUELINE SWEET
KNIGHTS OF STONE: MASON by LISA CARLISLE
HUNTER UNDONE by EDEN ASHE
SOUL TIES by LJ SWALLOW
WOLF IN EXILE by AMBER ELLA MONROE
AWAKENED by LAXMI HARIHARAN
HIGHLANDER’S KISS by JOANNE WADSWORTH
THE WATCHER’S DAUGHTER by CJ FLYNN
DARK WINGS by SKYLA MADI
DESIRING DEATH by C.P. MANDARA
WITCH OF THE CARDS by CATHERINE STINE
SOUL TIES
BY LJ SWALLOW
Copyright © 2016 by LJ Swallow
Soul-hunters sent to capture Nephilim souls never return and Ava has no choice. Return with Keir's soul in exchange for her freedom or die trying.
Ava has retrieved hundreds of souls from demons and this mission doesn't worry her, but Keir isn't what she expected. Half angel, half demon and a hell of a lot hotter than Ava's usual targets. She's tempted to get closer to Keir before she takes his soul—if he doesn't kill her first.
As if battling a Nephilim isn't enough, Ava faces another hurdle: getting past the strange human girl, Dahlia, who has an inexplicable hold on Keir.
The pair have secrets and when Ava uncovers the true fate of the souls she returns to her superiors her world is turned upside down.
Ava finds herself in the middle of a war where the lines between good and evil are blurred and she has two choices: betray Keir and live, or join his battle and risk going to Hell.
Soul Ties © 2016 LJ Swallow
All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
Warning: the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Part 1
Chapter 1
I SQUIRM IN my seat and straighten the arms of my leather jacket. The tall man across the mahogany table leans back in his chair, his body moulding into the plush upholstery. I dig my fingers into my knees as he regards me with unreadable eyes. "Ava, you are one of our best operatives. Your success is impressive. The number of souls we have retrieved with your help has made a huge difference to our future."
My stomach flips as I wait for the but. There's always a but. Every time.
"But, we need you to go back."
There it is. My shoulders slump but I keep my gaze fixed on his cold, grey eyes. Don't show weakness. Deficiency would be the end—a return to my life amongst the Fated people, and to desolation.
The man leans to one side and pulls open a drawer, his long black ponytail sweeping forward. He produces a manila folder and places the file on the table. Flipping to the first page, he points at a picture. The code printed reads NPHM.
Shit. "That isn't possible, Darius. Sir. I'm not capable..."
"I don't tell soul hunters to do the incapable."
"But a Nephilim... they're stronger than demons, how can I retrieve his soul?”
A young guy smiles up at me from a photograph, hooded jacket casually open across his broad chest, his violet-flecked blue eyes the single betrayal of his heritage.
"I can't go back there. Please." Nausea pours into my stomach. The human world is abhorrent, and each time I'm sent to retrieve demon souls I struggle. Mixing with humans is bad enough, but what's worse is my powers are useless in their world. I'm subjected to physical fights when I confront the demons. Fights that hurt.
"Ava. You have been chosen to do this. Your skills as a soul hunter are some of the best, as is your ability to blend in. There is no one else we can trust."
The backhanded compliment doesn't detract from the magnitude of what he's asking me. I wipe a hand across my face to disguise the anxiety pulling down the corners of my mouth. "You said I wouldn't have to go back..."
“The previous soul hunters failed. I misjudged them. I am not misjudging you, because I’ve seen what you can do. The Nephilim are strong, but I know you’re capable of succeeding. I know you will make the right choices.” The unmistakable warning in his voice dampens my desire to retort. There’s no way I can refuse.
I pick at an imaginary piece of lint on my jeans. If I collect souls trapped in demons, in return, I'll be free from servitude. The Caelestia who rule my world and life promise freedom, and I can live in their bright world. But after two years, this promise hasn't materialised.
Each time Darius sends me to collect a soul, he informs me I'll receive my Will and be freed when I return. Yet every time I complete my mission, Darius calls me back to his office. Just one more. Every time.
Two years ago, I snatched my chance, left my world of the Fated behind, and took on the duties of a soul hunter. As a reckless teenager, I didn't listen to my people who told me I’d be making a grave mistake. I never considered life would be worse as a soul hunter than staying with my family and the Fated, but it is. Living as one of the Fated means a half existence, always at the whim of the Caelestia, who claim they keep us protected. No, we’re subdued; not good enough to share their utopia unless we prove ourselves worthy. My people are right; a soul hunter's life is worse, the threat of death follows each day, and many of us never return from our missions.
Darius again commands me to return to the living hell of humans and demons.
"How did they fail?" I ask. “Can Nephilim sense soul hunters? Is that why?”
“No. Your essence is no different to a human, the same as with all demons.”
“Then what happened? How am I different?” Why are you sending me to my death?
“Are you questioning my judgement?”
I stare at my boots. “No.”
A shadow crosses Darius's face as he rises and moves across the room to the bookshelf spanning the wall. He traces a finger along a line of brown books and pulls one out.
Darius tosses the book next to the manila folder. "Everything we know from the past can be found inside these."
I tip my head to read the spine, trying to decipher the words stamped in gold leaf on the well-worn book. Nephilim.
"But I know the history," I say.
Darius leans towards me and I shrink back. Why can I never bite my tongue and say the minimum required? His grey eyes darken; his face an uncomfortable distance from mine. "You don't know their future."
"Sorry."
Darius steps back and folds his arms across his chest. "You are unwise to question us. You are here to do as we tell you. How many times do I need to remind you of that?"
"I'll do what you say."
"Very sensible, Ava." He reaches into his drawer again, pulls out a spherical crystal, and places it between us. The reality of what he's asking hits home. Larger than the ones I've been given before, the crystal sparkles as if the illumination comes from within. Rainbows dazzle as they spread across the room, colouring Darius's face.
A soul crystal.
"You know what to do with this, of course," he says.
Capture his soul inside. Bring the crystal back. Don't fail.
My heart thumps, and my palms slick with perspiration as I ready myself to raise the next question. I won't see Darius again now, not until after the mission.
Darius speaks before I can ask. "This time, I promise to give you your Will. I have contracted with the Caelestia; I cannot refuse you."
My eyes sting with tears of weakness I will never let anybody see. I want to shake Darius, scream at him not to lie to me again, cry that he's broken his word so many times. But they won't break me.
Why involve the Caelestia? His superiors' involvement screams danger, but Darius's countenance betrays nothing.
He returns to his chair, indicating with a flick of his fingers that I should take the items he provided. My damp palms stick to the manila folder as I pick it up. I tuck the file underneath the book and try my hardest to hide my shaking hands as I pocket the crystal.
"Goodbye, Ava." Darius turns to a clipboard and traces a finger down the list. "Ask Ben to enter when you leave."
Outside, I duck my head. I don't want to acknowledge the row of unfortunate soul hunters waiting on the narrow benches; I only care about my own success or failure.
"You're next," I mutter to the guy sitting nearest the door. He refuses to look at anything but his scuffed boots, a contrast to the gleaming marble floor. This guy disconnects too. We all do.
I never meet the same soul hunter twice.
The stinging tears threaten to flow at the memory of my friends and family in the Fated world. Back then, I was a guarded person but never held the emotionless persona I have now. I repeat my mantra: Do not show weakness, do not lose.
