September Moon (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #8)(100)

I frowned, wishing she wouldn’t bring up uncomfortable forbidden lover drama in front of everyone.

Much to my surprise, Arys agreed. “Do it,” he said. “Sinclair belongs to you. He has to be there. If we need to fight back against Shya and Gabriel, then we’ll need all of the power we can get.”

It was one of the hardest phone calls I’d ever had to make. I stepped out onto the back patio to speak in private. When it rang on the other end, I said a silent prayer that he wouldn’t answer.

“Let me guess. You missed out on your chance to dance with me last night and you’re calling to beg for a do over.” Kale’s chuckle was low and smooth, stirring the part of me that was his.

I couldn’t bear the thought of him being in danger, but Jez was right. He needed to know. “Kale, I have the scroll. It was made with twin flame power, and it can be destroyed that way. I die tonight.” Blurting it out hadn’t been my intent, but what other way could I say it?

He took a moment to process what I’d said. “Tell me everything.”

As I recounted Falon’s visit for him, he listened patiently. With each word that left my mouth, the harsh reality of it all began to take hold. Nerves had me quivering though I was unafraid. Fear had no place here.

“You know I’ll be there,” he said after I’d finished. His voice was strained as if he fought to keep his emotions from coming through.

I wanted to tell him not to come, to stay safe in the arms of one of the many blood whores at The Wicked Kiss. That would be an insult so I said only, “Thank you.”

After ending the call, I sent my sister a message. I was too chicken to call her and risk hearing her voice. It just might break the careful wall I’d constructed to cage the inner turmoil I ignored. It was a simple, straight forward message: Midnight tonight Shya will be on FPA property. Do not come out to confront him. Any who do will die. I’ve got this one. Trust me. I love you.

After some careful thought, I opted to ignore Falon’s advice to involve Brogan. She was a highly skilled witch, but she was also human. The death of her mother weighed heavily on my conscience. I would not risk her life.

I also chose not to heed Shaz’s suggestion that I ask Dayne to back me up. It was too soon in our alliance to involve his pack in something so volatile. I needed them to help establish my authority in the city, something they could not do if they were killed by Shya.

I stood outside, peering into the messy backyard. It was a relief to know that Coby and Kylarai were far from here on their honeymoon. From the wood grains on the patio railing to the scent of coyotes on the faint breeze, I lost myself in it all. I would be different when I stood here next.

Becoming a vampire was something I’d come to dread. Standing there, hours from my own death, I waited for the emotional meltdown. Tears, hysterical laughter, anything. It never came.

My resolve was strong. Hatred for Shya burned hot within me. Perhaps demons cannot be killed. However, they can be dealt with many other ways. Ruining Shya’s shot at Lilah’s throne was just the beginning. I would make that demon sorry he had ever uttered my name.

Chapter Twenty-Five

At half past eleven the first pang of fear clawed at the cage I’d locked it away in. We were at The Wicked Kiss where I joined Willow for one last shot of tequila. My companions waited, each of them as determined as I was. All of them with their own unspoken fears and worries.

Shaz and Jez hung out at the bar with us while both Kale and Arys chose to keep to themselves. Arys was outside with Jenner, waiting in the parking lot. Kale lingered near the door.

“To those who walk willingly into the dark because they know it’s the only way for the light to shine.” Willow held his shot glass up in a toast. His choice of words were nice, giving me a sense of reassurance that I was doing the right thing.

After the booze fest the previous night, tequila was the last thing I needed. But once I couldn’t share a drink with my friend anymore, I would miss it. And so I downed the nasty shot in one gulp.

I put up a hand in polite refusal when he offered me the lime tray. “Nah, I’d rather let it burn. It is my last drink after all.”

“I’m honored that you chose to share it with me.” Willow smiled, but it was forced. Concern graced his lovely gold-flecked green eyes. “I’ll be by your side through it all. Have faith that it will all play out as it should.”

Anxiously I played with the black amulet around my neck. It lay beside Kale’s cross. I had started to take the cross off back at home, then changed my mind. Something about it gave me strength. And I could use all the strength I could get my hands on now.

On impulse I threw my arms around Willow and hugged him tight. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I know I’ll never be able to repay you, but if there’s ever anything you need from me, don’t hesitate to say so.”

“Ready to go?” Jez asked, looking positively miserable. She wasn’t the type to hide her feelings, something I’d always admired about her.

“Not at all. But I guess I don’t really have a choice.”

I was dressed for a fight. In comfy yoga pants that hugged my body and a lightweight tank top, I was able to move without being hindered by clothing. The Dragon Claw hung in its sheath around my waist.

“If you get the chance to kill Gabriel, take it,” I said. “But be careful. Don’t try it if you don’t have a clear shot.”