Revenant(30)

“Tracker? Look at me.” When he didn’t, that small act of resistance made her smile. But she really did need him to look at her. “Tracker! Eyes up.” This time he lifted his head, and the flash of defiance in his gaze gave her hope. “Next time you tell someone to leave, look them in the eye. You have the right to your own life now. Only Jillian can take away your freedom, and somehow I doubt she’s done that. In fact, I’m guessing she had to force you into your own private cabin, didn’t she? And she’s not making you clean the barn, either. You need something to do, so she’s letting you help around the house. Am I right?”

He nodded.

“Good,” she said. “Now, tell me to leave, and do it like you mean it.”

His throat worked on a swallow, then two, but finally, he met her gaze with a rock-steady one of his own. Deep inside his amber eyes, the werewolf inside him sparked to life for the first time since she’d known him.

“You need to go.”

“Better.” Even though her chest ached, she was proud of him. Stepping close, she took his hand and pressed a coin into his palm. “If you ever need me, this coin will allow you to summon me. I’ll be there. Take care, Tracker.” She started to dematerialize, but he grabbed her wrist.

“Wait.” His grip was strong, sure, but his voice was gentle as he said, “I’m glad you’re an angel now.”

With that, he pivoted around and began tossing hay around as if she weren’t still there. She lingered only a heartbeat before flashing away.

At least he didn’t see the tears in her eyes.





After leaving Eidolon’s office, Blaspheme took the hospital’s Harrowgate to the clinic. Things were slow this afternoon, with only three people waiting to be seen in the reception area. She was still rattled by Eidolon’s mention of nearby angels, but she reached up to run her fingers over her stethoscope as she walked, reminding herself that she was a professional, and right now, people needed her.

Nerves contained if not completely soothed, she spent the next six hours with patients, and then she stopped by her mother’s room.

Deva was sleeping, but she cracked open her bloodshot eyes as Blaspheme studied her chart.

“Blas,” she croaked. “I haven’t seen you in hours. I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Of course I am.” Never mind that there might be angelic assassins waiting to slaughter them both. She smiled reassuringly and sank down in a chair next to the bed. “How are you feeling?”

Deva closed her eyes again. “Like someone put me into an industrial-sized blender.”

“That’s pretty much what you looked like when I saw you yesterday.” She took her mother’s hand, which had healed from most of the defensive wounds she’d gotten. “What do you remember about the attack? How many angels were there? More than one?”

Eyes still closed, her mother nodded. “There were two Eradicators. They neutralized my wards and broke into my house while I was preparing for your concealment ritual.”

Blaspheme ground her molars. “I said no. We’re not doing it.”

Deva’s eyes popped open, but instead of being glazed with pain, they were sparking with fury. “You will do it, Daughter. You’ve known since the beginning that the spell has a shelf life of a hundred and eighty years. You’ve gone past the expiration date by twenty, and you’re running on fumes. I didn’t go through two hundred years of hell and hiding for you to be selfish now.”

She was calling Blaspheme selfish? For not wanting to take a life to preserve her own? That was rich. Deva was the most self-centered person she knew.

“Are you losing your False Angel powers?” Deva asked.

Blaspheme white-knuckled her mother’s medical chart. “Some are gone,” she admitted. “My wings no longer produce aphrodisiac powder. My X-ray vision is failing. I can’t charm people into not getting angry anymore.” She really missed that one.

“Are you developing any vyrm abilities?”

“Not yet.”

Deva sighed. “It won’t be long. Once vyrm powers appear, everyone will know what you are.” She squeezed Blaspheme’s hand. “We have to perform the ritual. Now. Before I die.”

“You’re not going to die, and we’ve been over this.” Blas slammed the chart down on the bedside table. “No sacrifices. I’ll find another way.”

“This is the only way.” Deva struggled to sit up, was grateful when Blaspheme pushed a button to raise the head of the bed. “You’re almost out of time. No more stalling. The Eradicators are onto us. I have a False Angel picked out for you. She’s healthy, powerful, and a real slut. When you absorb her essence, you’ll feel like yourself again. Maybe you’ll finally get laid.”