Hells gate box set, p.28
Hell's Gate Box Set, page 28
part #1 of Hell's Gate Series
Sliding on what I considered my barstool, I waved at Gloria, a well-endowed woman in her forties who had a smile for everyone, and white curls that bounced in total disarray around her shoulders. Some days her perpetual happiness grated on my nerves, and all I’d have to offer her was a growl. On those days, she knew it was best to leave me alone.
“What’ll it be this evening Lucy?” she asked, filling a glass with ice, then a shot of whiskey, and setting it in front of the man a few seats down.
“Sex on the beach?” I asked, tapping my fingers against my chin as I mentally scanned through the list of cocktails I’d made it my mission to devour. I’d been here a week, and this was my third rotation of the cocktail list.
Wiping her hands on a tea towel she smiled, “Coming right up.”
The man who’d ordered the whiskey moved to the bar stool next to mine and nudged me with his elbow. “I can help with that,” he said.
“What?” I knew what was coming. Always did. Stupid humans.
He grinned, raking his hand through his hair. “Sex on the beach.”
I glanced at him, only to be rewarded with a leer. So gross. “Not interested.” Ignoring him, I turned to Gloria, who was making my cocktail. She looked from me to the guy and back again, trying not to smile.
“No need to be rude.” He puffed, and my eyebrows shot into my hairline.
“Rude? Dude that was not rude. Your pathetic attempt to have sex with me was declined. You take rejection as rude? No. You see, this is where human nature has gone all wrong. Men feel entitled. They feel they can say and do what they want to a woman with no consequences. When a woman says no, she’s rude, or a bitch, or frigid, or whatever other insults you think you can throw at her. But you know what? I don’t give a rat’s ass what you think. Say what you want. Honestly, I don’t care, because you mean nothing to me – your existence has no meaning in my life what-so-ever. I’m meant to feel privileged that you deigned to speak to me? Well here’s some advice for you. Go fuck yourself, you pathetic twat waffle.”
Gloria barked out a laugh, slid the cocktail to me, and addressed the guy who was now flushed bright red. “You lucked out Pete, move along now, and stop bothering the lady.”
“She ain’t no lady,” he protested, grabbing his drink and scampering away. I wanted to read him, to open my magic and see if he was slated for heaven or hell, but I’d suppressed those abilities since arriving on Fury Island and the not knowing was liberating. I got to judge every person I met on the merits of how I perceived them to be at that moment, not what I knew of their past. I’m sure a lot of them were sinners, some worse than others, but I enjoyed not knowing, not judging. Sweet, sweet, freedom.
Chapter Two
I was eventually kicked out of the Elephant & Wheelbarrow when it closed, but I wasn’t ready to go home even though I could barely stand up, fatigue and alcohol making me stumble as I staggered out the door. Outside I squinted into the darkness, my eyes refusing to adjust. Rubbing them with my fists I blinked repeatedly before my focus returned. While I was on Earth I needed to rest more, sleep more, be more human than angel, but I resisted, for when I closed my eyes, that’s when Levi crept into my thoughts, and I’d wonder about him. What he was doing. If he was okay. And then I’d be angry because I cared. So I avoided sleep as much as possible.
Instead, in the early hours of the morning, when the rest of Fury Island was sleeping, I walked the shores, wandering aimlessly until the sun rose over the horizon and I eventually stumbled into my bed in Del’s old cottage. Now that she’d moved in with Jase, her place was empty, and she’d agreed to let me be her tenant.
I was down on the beach when ruckus laughter echoed on the night air, and in the distance, flames shot toward the sky. I assumed someone had set up a campfire on the beach, and headed in that direction, when the mewing of kitten froze the blood in my veins. I paused for a second, then sprinted forward, my gaze zeroing in on three teenagers standing around the campfire, laughing. One of them held a tiny orange kitten by the scruff, dangling it over the flames. It twisted and meowed in fear while the boys laughed and taunted it, lowering it closer to the flame before pulling it back.
Then the unthinkable happened. The teenager holding the kitten let it go. Without hesitation, I extended my wings and froze time, snatching the kitten up in my hand before the flames could touch it. With it cradled against my chest time resumed and the boys looked at me in horror, my wings of fire spread out behind me, my eyes dancing with the horrors of hell.
“Run,” I boomed, for I was ready to consume their souls then and there for what they’d done. They didn’t need telling twice; they dropped the bottle of beer they’d been holding and ran, scrambling and tripping in their haste. With their backs to me, I flung out a hand, marking them, one, two, three. Hell was now in their future.
The kitten meowed against me, and I ran a soothing hand over its trembling back, healing any burns it had received with a stroke of my hand.
“There now,” I soothed, keeping my voice low and concealing my wings, “that’s better, isn’t it?” The kitten began purring, and I smiled. Then, I realized what I’d done. I’d used my magic. They’d have seen. I needed to get out of here, now. Hugging the kitten to my chest I took off at a jog, making sure my magic was locked down tight. I couldn’t be angry for risking it, the little ball of orange fluff cradled against my chest was worth it. I’d have to stay vigilant, keep out of sight, and maybe I’d get lucky and wouldn’t be discovered. I almost laughed at the impossibility of my hopes.
They’d be looking alright. Not only Levi, my fated mate, but possibly Dacian, one of my oldest friends. Then there was dad, God, the one who’d done the unthinkable, and hid it from me. But, he’d been in the predicament he was in because of my mom, Lilith. And they’d all be looking for me. And let’s not forget Ashliel, my second in command. I’d left her looking after Hell – she’d be concerned by now. I usually checked in regularly, to be silent for so long was not like me, and I knew she’d be worried. My thoughts briefly touched on my brothers Gabriel and Michael, banished to earth for their sins. Not that they’d be looking. They didn’t know the latest, plus, they were assholes. If they were looking for me, it would be to laugh and poke fun at my expense.
Arriving home breathless and wheezing, I unlocked the door, and staggered inside. Putting the kitten on the floor I leaned over, hands on knees, trying to catch my breath. I’d run the entire way from the beach to the cottage. Uphill. Fuck, I was out of shape. In the kitchen, I poured myself a glass of water before putting a saucer of milk down for the kitten. It continued purring as it lapped it up.
My phone began ringing, and I glanced at the screen. It was Del.
“What happened? I felt something.” She demanded as soon as I answered the call.
“I slipped. Used some magic.”
Silence greeted my words, then she said cautiously, “And?”
“And now I’m hiding.”
“What made you use magic?”
“Some idiot kids were about to drop a kitten into a campfire.”
Her gasp echoed my sentiments exactly. “Oh, God. Is it okay? Did you save it?”
“Yes, it’s okay. I have it here. She was a little singed, but I healed her.”
“Oh, Lucy.”
“Save it.” I knew where she was going with this. Del had a soft heart. She wanted me to reach out to Levi, to talk to him, but I refused. “I don’t want to talk about it. Can you get Jase to call by and check on the kitten?”
“I thought you said you healed it?”
“I did, but I want him to take a look, make sure it’s okay.”
“You’re keeping it, aren’t you?” I knew she was smiling, could hear it in her voice so I hung up. Del was good to me. Patient and kind, and I repaid her by being rude and mean. I couldn’t help it. Everyone and everything irritated me these days.
Del, Jase, and their dog Duke were…special. They were the key to the gates of Hell. The key had started off as a single talisman, and over time it was broken into three pieces and scattered to the corners of the globe, entrusted to select people for safe keeping. Only, it was getting harder and harder to keep a relic hidden, these humans could be tenacious when they wanted to be, and with a demon hot on the trail and a shard of the relic in Del’s hands, I’d transformed the key. It was now an intrinsic part of Del, Jase, and Duke, evident by the tattoo’s the three of them bore. Collectively, they were the key. Hidden. Secure.
They were the reason I was on Fury Island. They shielded me from any location spells Levi, or my dad may have used to find me. And with my magic locked down, I intended to stay hidden until I was ready to face them on my own terms, for right now, I was rubbed raw. I was too angry at my father for unknowingly absorbing my unborn child to save himself, and at Levi, who had known and not told me. I felt like a first-class idiot for not even knowing I was pregnant – granted, my baby had only been conceived hours earlier, but Levi had sensed the moment our daughter had sprung into creation. And hadn’t said a word.
Silent tears tracked down my cheeks, and I swiped them away. I’d lost her before I’d had the chance to celebrate her. My daughter. Levi and I hadn’t even talked about kids yet, but when a being chose you as her parents, boom, you were knocked up whether you wanted to be or not.
The kitten mewed, and I crouched, scooping it up and cradling it against my chest. It yawned, and I followed suit. It was time to sleep. I’d worry about the rest later. Climbing the stairs, I slid under the covers fully clothed, the kitten tucked under my chin, it’s purr vibrating through my chest. Together, we slept.
Chapter Three
It was barely two hours later when a bang on the door jolted me awake.
“Seriously?” I grumbled, eyes bleary. Throwing back the covers I scooped up the kitten, tucking it under one arm, and stumbled down the stairs, half asleep. I could sense who was on the other side of the door before I opened it.
“A house call,” I muttered. “I’m honored.”
“Del told me you have a new house guest.” Jase smiled his wide smile, dazzling me with his teeth, and pushed past me, his arms full. “I’ve brought supplies. Litter tray. Food. Vaccinations.”
Pushing the door shut, I waited while Jase set up the litter tray, took the kitten from me, and placed it inside. The poor little thing must have been bursting, for it immediately squatted and took a piss.
“Plumbing’s working ok,” Jase observed, moving on to the food. Scooping something wet and foul looking into a bowl, he placed it on the floor. Once the kitten had finished scratching around in the tray, it clambered out, tripped, smacked its face on the floor, then continued on its way, straight for the food. It purred as it ate.
“I’m a bad pet parent,” I confessed. I’d given it milk, but nothing else.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Jase scolded. “You rescued it hours ago. Where were you going to find all this at four in the morning?”
“I told Del I’d bring it in for a check. You didn’t have to come.” Annoyance tinged my words, the heat of my ever-burning anger not far beneath the surface.
“Lucy.” He sighed. We’d been butting heads ever since I arrived on Fury Island. Everything he said I automatically disagreed with. It wasn’t that I didn’t like him, he was a good man, and I wouldn’t have chosen him to be a part of the key if he wasn’t. To be honest, arguing with him had become more habit than anything else.
“Del is coming over later with some toys and bedding. I just brought the essentials. Once she’s finished eating I’ll look at her, give her shots and be out of your hair.”
Right. Let’s ignore that I sounded like an unreasonable and ungrateful bitch.
“Coffee?” I asked instead of giving him the apology he was probably expecting. Or maybe he wasn’t. He was probably used to my crappy moods by now.
“Sure,” he said.
I made coffee while Jase watched the kitten. I thought he was being creepy weird, but he explained that he was observing her to make sure she could eat and swallow okay, and that she didn’t have trouble walking. Once she finished stuffing her face with the pet food, she sat back and began grooming herself. At first, she did an absolute crap job, but instinct had her licking her tiny paw and rubbing it against her face. Cutest thing ever.
Jase laid a towel over the kitchen table, opened his vet bag, and pulled out a stethoscope, thermometer, and syringe. Then, he scooped the kitten up and placed it on the towel. And just like that, my eyes welled up. The tiny kitten looked impossibly small in comparison to his big hands – it was just a baby. A baby.
Not wanting him to see my distress, I left my coffee on the bench and bolted upstairs with no word of explanation. I needed a shower, I’d been in these clothes for three days now, and I’m sure I smelled delightful…too bad I didn’t care.
Staring at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, I grimaced. Still as beautiful as ever. The only thing that was different, if you looked close enough, was the dullness in my eyes. To me, they were flat. Lifeless. They reflected the pain and despair of my fight with Levi and the loss of my baby and I wondered if I’d ever get over it. Would it always hurt this much?
Stripping off my clothes, I stepped beneath the spray of the shower, contemplating the day ahead. First, get rid of Jase. I was grateful he’d come to check on the kitten and bring it what it needed. Del would turn up soon; I’m surprised she didn’t come with Jase, then I’d have to put up with her good-natured concern. But, once I booted her out, the day was my own. Only I was spending it on lockdown. The slip with my magic last night meant I might have led Levi and whoever else was with him, straight to Fury Island. The tv and couch sounded awesome right now, and my mind ran through the daytime soaps I found quite entertaining. And of course, I had the kitten to keep me company, so Del could stop worrying so damn much.
Coming back downstairs dressed in track pants, t-shirt, and fuzzy socks, I felt marginally better. Nothing would take away the constant ache in my chest, but the sight of the little orange ball of fluff sitting at the bottom of the stairs certainly eased it.
“Hey,” I cooed, picking up the kitten and cuddling her. “How about some tv huh? We’re having a quiet day in, fuzzy butt.” Flopping on the couch, I picked up the remote and flicked through the channels until I found something appealing. I Love Lucy appeared on the screen, and I snorted. How appropriate. Settling back, the kitten turned in circles on my lap before settling into a position.
Lucy’s re-runs were interrupted with the arrival of Del. I called out to come in before she even reached the door.
“It’s so freaky when you do that,” she said in greeting as Duke ambled inside. Carrying two bags, she pushed the door shut and followed the black lab.
“Told you, I can sense you, Jase, and Duke.”
Duke sniffed the air, tail wagging. First, he explored the kitchen, and then sniffed his way to me, zeroing in on the kitten on my lap. I expected the kitten to hiss and spit; instead she looked at Duke, then stretched her neck out to sniff. Nose to nose, the two got acquainted.
“Oh my God,” Del squealed, “that’s just the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen.”
“Yeah, yeah.” I put the kitten on the floor, keeping a close eye in case Duke trod on her…or worse, decided she was a tasty morsel.
“You don’t have to worry about Duke,” Del said as if reading my mind. “He’s great with all animals. He’s a big softie, wants to mother them all.”
“So, Jase left when I was in the shower, and I didn’t get to ask, is the kitten a girl or boy?” Although I’d been referring to the kitten as a girl I hadn’t been sure.
“She’s a girl.” Del sat in the armchair to my right and began digging around in the bags she’d brought with her. Out came a mountain of cat toys. I smiled at her indulgence.
“Have you thought of a name yet?” she asked, pulling out a cat bed that had been scrunched up tight inside the bag. It exploded once released from its confines. She threw it at me and I caught it one handed and tossed it onto the floor.
“Nah.” I shrugged. I guess I should name her but thinking of girl names brought me back to my lost little girl, and my brain froze.
“Are you okay?” Del paused what she was doing and looked at me with concern. My throat was tight, so tight that I couldn’t force out a single word. Still, I managed to nod.
“Your baby, the one you lost, was a girl?” She knew the basics and had been diligently pecking away at me ever since I arrived to get the full story.
I nodded again.
“We should do something for her,” Del said. “A memorial. A way for you to say goodbye.”
“Stop.” I did not want to talk about this. At all. Ever.
“Please talk to Levi. He must be hurting too. The two of you can support each other.”
“Stop.” This time there was a thread of steel in my tone mixed with a layer of anger. She needed to stop pushing. I was holding on by a thread; if she pushed me over the edge, it wouldn’t be pretty.
“Lucy, I know you’re hurting. I can see your pain, and it makes me hurt. You say you can sense me? Well, I can sense you too, and I have to be honest, it hasn’t been pleasant. You came here to get your head together and heal, but you’ve done nothing – nothing – to help yourself. You’ve been stealing cars, holding parties in people’s houses who are out of town, getting drunk almost every night. It’s not helping.”
She opened her mouth to continue, but I held up a hand and shouted, “Enough!” The whole house shook, Duke whimpered, and the kitten ran to him, seeking shelter between his front paws. Remorse washed over me. I didn’t want to scare the kitten, or Duke, they were innocents in this, but I couldn’t let Del keep pushing, for if she broke through, I’d unravel, and I doubted I’d be able to put myself back together. I couldn’t risk it.
“Lucy -”
I glared her into silence. “I swear Del, I don’t want to hurt you, but you have to shut the fuck up. I. Do. Not. Want. To. Talk. About. It.” I breathed out and tried to still the tremble rocking my body. “Please, just go.”
