Avenging Angel (The Fallen #4)(83)

“He wasn’t on my list.” The words were spoken quietly as Bastion’s powerful wings folded behind his body.

“What damn list?” Tanner wanted to know.

But Marna already understood. “The death list.” Because there really was a list of names, a list of those who would soon have their souls taken.

“Cody wasn’t on the list. I had no warning about him, I just—” Bastion exhaled. “There was no foretelling for his case. When I got to him, he was already on the ground, with half of his stomach cut out.”

Marna flinched.

Tanner didn’t move. “And his killer?”

“There was no sign of another angel there.” Bastion was adamant.

“No scent?” Tanner pressed. “No f*cking flutter of wings? Nothing?”

“Just your brother and the blood. There were humans a few streets over, I could hear them, but nothing else.” Bastion turned away from them and headed back to the window. “The guy isn’t an angel. You need to look closer to home for this killer.” Then he leapt through the open window, wings soaring and breaking glass in the top windowpane as he flew high up into the dark sky.

Marna stared after him. Her old life had never been so far away. As if to remind her of what she’d lost, the scars on her back seemed to burn. Burning, itching—why wouldn’t they just stop bothering her? Reminding me of what’s gone.

She put her back to the window. “There’s one person who can tell us what he saw.” A guy who’d gotten a very up-close look at the killer.

And Cody was recovered enough now to tell them everything.

Tanner nodded. Marna pushed past him, ready to find Cody and— He stopped her. “Do you still miss . . .” Tanner began, but then his words died away.

She knew what he’d been about to say. “Heaven? Sometimes.” How could she not? “But I’m finding there are things here that I like very, very much.”

His gaze lifted to meet hers.

She offered him a smile. “Now let’s go find out who this guy is and let’s stop him.” Because she was ready to move on with her life. Humans knew joy—she’d seen it on their faces. Maybe, just maybe, she could know it, too.

A home. A family. Tanner . . . and a child? Perhaps all of that could be hers.

But not with the killer waiting out there. Not with him playing his games.

Finish him. Then she could really start living.

Only . . . as soon as they opened the bedroom door, Tanner swore. He rushed past her and barreled down the stairs. Marna heard the faint sound then, too. A car’s motor, speeding away.

Tanner yanked open the front door. Marna was steps behind him, and she saw the glow of fading taillights.

“Cody,” she whispered.

The sagging front porch creaked as Riley stepped from the shadows. “The demon said he had hunting to do.”

“Sonofabitch.” Tanner stared after those red lights with his body tight.

“The guy was muttering about owing you, and making things right.” Riley stopped at Marna’s side, but his eyes were on Tanner.

Tanner threw a hard glance over his shoulder. “And you just let him drive away?”

“Why would I stop him?” Riley wanted to know. “I paid my debt.” He gave a little salute to Marna. “I don’t owe anyone now.” He started walking back into the house.

Marna caught his arm. “We were even before this. Now I’m the one who owes you.”

He sent her a quick smile, one that showed the edges of his fangs. “I like having an angel in my debt.”

Why did everyone seem to keep forgetting? “I’m not an angel anymore.”

His grin widened. “Even better.”

A snarl came from Tanner.

But Riley just laughed. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. “There’s a motorcycle hidden about a hundred yards to the east, under an oak. Take it. Join the hunt.” He tossed the keys to Tanner and gave him a little salute. “And now, that means you’re in my debt, too.”

Whistling, he headed into the cabin.

“Bastard,” Tanner muttered.

Yes, but he was a bastard who’d helped them. She caught Tanner’s hand. Laced her fingers with his. “Come on.” If they hurried, they’d be able to catch Cody. Dawn would come soon, and this battle would best be fought under the cover of darkness.

It was easier to hide the truth from humans in the dark.

They raced through the brush, heading east quickly through the night. Marna had to double-time it in order to keep up with Tanner. Her shifter was so fast.

Then they were at the motorcycle. Tanner climbed on, and she jumped behind him, holding tight. The engine burst to life with a growl as great as Tanner’s panther, and they leapt forward.

Her heart slammed into her ribs as they gave chase.

She couldn’t see any sign of Cody’s vehicle now, but he had to be close still. The motorcycle leapt off the old path and onto the twisting two-lane highway with a jarring thud that had her holding even tighter to Tanner. Faster, faster. Her hair whipped behind her as they drove.

Another corner.

Another tight turn.

Her thighs squeezed around his as the vibration from the bike shook her legs. When had she grown so used to the adrenaline rush of danger? When had it started to turn her on?