Souls (Runes series) Read online

  I stopped by the portal and looked over my shoulder at them. They were laughing, having a bro-moment. I almost felt bad I had to intrude. “You touch one of my boys and I’ll make you sorry, Grimnir.”

  He grinned as though relishing the thought. He knew the way I’d make him sorry and, in his perversion, actually enjoyed it. I shook my head and turned to face the portal. It led to Raine’s room. I couldn’t see her, but I heard her.

  “Stay,” she said. “And if you’re really nice, I’ll take you downstairs.”

  Curious, I walked into her room. She was by the window seat. “Who are you talking to?”

  She glanced over her shoulder at me and made a face. “A cat.”

  “You have a cat? Since when?” A black cat with gorgeous green eyes curled up on the window seat and watched Raine as though listening to her words.

  “Since last night. She refused to leave my room and now I’m stuck with her.”

  “Oh, she’s cute.” I reached out to pet her, but she hissed and I snatched my hand back. “Is she feral?”

  “No, just weird. She hates everyone, except me.”

  “Even Torin?”

  “Yep. He calls her Evil Claws while Femi insists I name her Bastet or Isis.” Raine rolled her eyes. “Anyway, I got the dagger.”

  I dragged my attention from the cat, who I swore was listening to us. Her eyes volleyed between Raine and me, and seemed to become less adoring whenever she looked my way. Didn’t witches have cats as companions? What was that word? Familiars!

  “Is she your familiar?” I asked.

  Raine rolled her eyes. “She’s an unwanted guest. I’d tell you how I got her, but that’s a story for another time. Let me show you how the dagger transforms.”

  ***

  Moonbeam Terrace Assisted Living’s parking lot was packed. It was a typical Saturday. Visitors walking in and out. Couples plotting how long they’d stay or trying to come up with an excuse for a quick exit before leaving their cars. Adults scolding their children to stop whining or reminding them Grandpa was paying for their music lessons. I’d heard it all. People didn’t like being around sick, dying, or elderly people. I worked mainly with residents whose families dumped them at the facility and rarely visited.

  We found a place to park, and I turned to study Echo. He’d gone silent and broody after Raine showed us the dagger. Like his scythe, when she engaged her runes while gripping the handle, it elongated into a staff, except her blade coiled into a round end the size of a baseball, and cradled in its core was a blue crystal. I’d seen enough witch movies to know that witches channeled their power through a crystal.

  I reached out and stroked Echo’s cheek. “What is it?”

  “I’ll always know when you need me, but just in case I’m detained, find Raine. Wherever you are, you can create a portal to her.”

  He really was worried about this. He might act cocky in front of Torin, but with me, he always kept it real.

  “I will, and I promise to stay away from dark souls.” Silence followed. I wasn’t sure whether he believed me or not. I indicated the entrance of the building with a nod. “I have to go.”

  “I know.” He stroked my cheek, brushed his lips across mine, and smiled. “You remember what I taught you about air portals?”

  It was a work-in-progress. “Yes,” I fibbed so he wouldn’t have to worry. “I. Will. Be. Fine.”

  “You better be or I swear…” His eyes glowed for a second. Then his hands left my face and dropped to his side. “I’ll see you tonight.”

  His movements fast, he etched runes in the air in front of us, and in seconds, the windshield, the dashboard, and the steering wheel disappeared and a portal took their place. All I had to do was stand and I’d be in it. This was why I sucked at creating air portals. You had to be really, really fast. I didn’t recognize his destination, but it looked like an empty room. When the portal closed, I grabbed the pie box from the back seat and headed toward the entrance of the nursing home.

  Mrs. Sallie Jepson was the resident I spent time with every Thursday and Saturday, and sometimes Tuesdays. She had some weird neurological disease that left her bedridden. She was one of the many residents who were wheelchair bound, but one of the few who was still mentally sharp. She had a mouth on her and rarely got visitors.

  Squeals of children’s laughter and adult voices reached me from the common room. I peeked inside, but didn’t see Mrs. J. She must still be in her room. All this activity would only bring her down. Her daughter was one woman I would love to strangle. No matter how bad things were between them, she shouldn’t just ignore her mother.

  Some of the residents were staying inside with their families or used the back porch for their activities. Others were on the many benches scattered in the back lawn of the wooded compound. Mr. Reeds, the resident player, and the mysterious Captain Gerald were playing chess. The captain usually kept to himself. He was one of those whose family never visited.

  Instead of heading to Mrs. Jepson’s room, I swung by their table. “Be careful, Captain G. He cheats.”

  Reeds laughed, his heavy jowls moving, gray eyes twinkling. His son and daughters with their children never missed a visit, so I knew they’d be here. He had five children, and they took turns.

  “Ah, more pie,” Mr. Reeds said. “Do I get more than a slice this time, or will that beady-eyed witch put a spell on me? No, don’t answer that. From the light flashing in your eyes, you’re about to blister my ears. She’s not a witch. She’s an angel disguised as the devil.”

  That was a good one and I almost smiled. He always said outlandish things about his fellow residents, and none flattering, but he’d never gone after Mrs. J. Even the Captain’s mouth twitched.

  “You’re impossible, Mr. Reeds. Good afternoon, Captain G.”

  The captain grunted and moved his piece. It was his howdy grunt.

  “That means he’s just fine, not that it’s any of your business. I never knew anyone who could say so much without opening his mouth. It makes our conversations very interesting. Do you want to play, Cora?” Reeds asked, studying the board. He was a terrible player, but an interesting companion. “Or would you rather play strip poker in my room,” he added, winking. The captain grunted again. That was his disapproving grunt. No wonder I’d deciphered Dev’s sounds.

  I leaned down and whispered to Mr. Reeds, “You can’t handle me, old man. You will lose, and then my boyfriend will bury you in an unmarked grave for trying to seduce me.”

  He laughed hard, slapping his thigh. “If I were young, I’d give your man a run for his money.”

  I laughed. “You’d lose. I’ll see you two later.” I weaved my way through the room and headed toward Mrs. J’s room. I turned a corner and my feet faltered.

  A couple stood outside her room, runes all over their faces. The black dusters, gloves, woolen scarves around their necks, and heavy boots screamed Grimnirs. Other than Echo, the only Grimnirs I’d ever seen were those who’d tried to capture me and use me as bait. I swallowed, debating whether to find the nearest exit and head to Raine’s or pretend I couldn’t see them. The runes said they were invisible.

  Then another thought flashed through my head. They could be here for Mrs. J, which meant the spunky lady was dead and her soul had either run or refused to leave with the Grimnirs.

  I forget about running away and instead raced toward them, my heart pounding. The girl looked up, saw me, and nudged the guy.

  “Are you here for her?” I asked, managing to infuse anger and fear in that one question.

  A nurse peered out of a room, saw me, and snapped, “No shouting or running in the hallways, Cora.”

  I slowed down. “Is Mrs. J okay?”

  “Last time I checked,” the nurse said. “We just moved her to her chair. She’s waiting for you.”

  “Thanks. I thought… Never mind.” I continued down the hallway. The Goth-meets-hipster pushed against the wall and moved forward to intercept me, but I didn’t slow down
. If they were poaching on Echo’s turf, they’d better think again. He reaped all souls around here.

  I’d thought Echo looked like my worst nightmare when we first met, but this guy took it a step further. Problem was the long black hair, tats that were definitely not runes, Gothic black studs, and chains were over the top. At least he didn’t go for heavy makeup, which would have distracted from his violet eyes. Still, Echo had looked more intimidating with less and beat him hands down on a hotness scale.

  The girl was surprisingly clean-cut with an angular face and cat-like eyes. In fact, she could be Olivia Wilde’s Doppelganger, except her hair was black and streaked with fuchsia highlights.

  A quick glance over my shoulder confirmed that Mallory, or was it Melody, was wheeling a resident toward the hall and couldn’t see me.

  “What do you want?” I asked, focusing on the two soul reapers. “I hope you’re not here for my friend.”

  “Are you Echo’s girl?” the girl asked.

  Suspicion slithered in, and I narrowed my eyes. “Why?”

  “Are you or are you not his girl?” she asked rudely.

  “Nara,” the guy warned.

  “This is not the time to be nice, Rhys,” she snapped.

  “Rhys?” I asked, remembering Echo’s childhood buddies. “You’re Echo’s friend?”

  He blinked, clearly surprised, then his face hardened. “That was a long time ago.”

  “No one can be friends with that psycho for long,” Nara butted in.

  Now she was pissing me off. “Call him psycho one more time… Just once. I dare you.”

  Fear flickered in her eyes, and I knew it wasn’t because of me. Echo.

  “I didn’t think you would. Excuse me.” I tried to pass them, but she grabbed my arm.

  “We need to talk,” Nara said.

  I yanked my arm from her grip. “Don’t ever grab me like that, Grimnir. Not if you want your head to stay attached to your neck. You want to talk, try saying please.” I glanced up and down the hallway, but no one was there. More of this and someone might see me and presume I was talking to myself. “Now go away.” I walked past them.

  “Is it true Dev came to see you?” Rhys asked. He sounded hopeful.

  I glanced back and our eyes met. Now him I can deal with. Plus he had that tortured look down to a science. After hearing Echo’s story and the fiasco with Torin’s father, I knew most Valkyries and Grimnirs carried a lot of baggage.

  “Yes.”

  “Liar!” Nara snapped. “Dev is nothing but black smoke of nothing. Do you get a thrill out of Echo going on the rampage for you?”

  I was really beginning to dislike this Grimnir, but her partner’s pained expression had me reaching for my cell phone. It was obvious he didn’t share her attitude. I found the screen shot and showed it to him.

  “I don’t read or write Druidic. Dev wrote this on my computer.”

  Rhys’ hand shot out, but he stopped before touching my cell, his eyes wide as though he recognized the handwriting. Nara peered at the screen and a spasm crossed her face. I could swear it was pain.

  “I’m not a liar, Rhys. And if Echo gave you grief over this, I’ll talk to him. Dev came to me for a reason, and I mean to find out why.” The two reapers didn’t say anything, but I had their attention. “What does it say?”

  “He needs your help,” Rhys said.

  “But don’t tell lover boy,” Nara added, smirking.

  I focused on Rhys. “If you’re interested in what I learn, I’ll let you know. But first, she,” I jabbed my cell at Nara, “needs to lose the attitude.”

  Rhys’ mouth twitched as though he was suppressing a smile. Nara glowered. I turned, pushed the door open, and disappeared inside.

  Mrs. J was by the window staring outside, probably hoping her daughter was here for once. She looked so frail and alone. I pushed the annoying reapers from my thoughts and plastered a smile on my face.

  “Good afternoon, Mrs. J,” I said in my most chipper voice, while placing the pie on the table.

  “Took you long enough to come inside,” she griped. “I heard your voice outside my door hours ago.”

  Grinning, I walked around her wheelchair so I could see her face. “I missed you too, Mrs. J. Do you want to go outside?”

  “If I wanted to go outside I would have told the nurse.”

  She was in one of her moods. “How about a slice of pie?”

  She glanced at the boxed treat. “Brought more leftovers, did you?”

  “More like first-outers.” I opened the box and removed a plastic plate and fork from where I’d stashed them. “Meaning it was the first batch to come out of the oven. I took two of them to my friend’s house. Remember Raine? I told you how her dad has cancer and her mother had to go away for a while, leaving her with her father and a nurse.”

  “Weak woman. I despise weak people,” Mrs. J grumbled. “Your friend is better off without such a mother.”

  Was that a hint at the problem between her and her daughter? I waved the plastic knife at her. “Hey. We don’t write off family just because they fall short of our expectations.”

  Instead of a smile, she sunk lower in her seat. “What would you do if you were your friend?”

  “I’d be disappointed, maybe angry, but then I’d forgive her and move on.” Not that Raine needed to forgive her mother. Svana Cooper had gone to meet the Valkyrie Council so she could get back her Valkyrie status. I wondered if she would reap her husband’s soul when he died.

  Mrs. J shook her head. “To be so young and naive. What do you know about living with regrets and the power of forgiveness?” She moved a trembling hand and grabbed the controls on the arm of her chair. Slowly, she wheeled herself to the table. It might take her forever to move around, but she liked her independence and I respected that. “Okay, I’ll have some pie, Ms. Jemison, and you can continue reading where we left off.”

  Mrs. J loved historical romances. I placed her plate on the table, got her a drink, and reached for the book. We’d stopped where the rake, Lord of Something, was about to ravish the spinster sister of his fiancé. Even though there were other volunteers who came during the week, she only allowed me to read to her. I’d tried to introduce her to audio books, but she was old school.

  She ate two slices of the pie as I read. Then we left the room. Rhys and Nara were still outside. Still cloaked. I glared at them and mouthed, “Go away.”

  They didn’t bother to respond, but followed us down the hallway. I ignored them. Mrs. J liked to control her wheelchair when indoors. Except for corners, she was pretty good. Voices came from other rooms we passed. Captain G’s room was quiet, the door open. He sat by the window reading a book, long, grey dreadlocks hiding his face. Poor guy.

  “Do you ever talk to the captain, Mrs. J?”

  “That cantankerous old fool? No.”

  “He’s new and needs a friend,” I said.

  “I don’t have time for friendship. This is a place for the dying, not relationships. You check in, and you check out in a body bag. Let’s go to the river. Maybe I’ll fall in and drown when you’re not looking.”

  Mrs. J was a piece of work, but then again, it couldn’t be easy to stay positive in her situation. Dumped here by her uncaring child. Her health worsening. Personally, I thought she was dying of heartbreak.

  I switched the controls on her wheelchair to manual and took over steering. The first people I saw when we left the building were the Grimnirs. What was their problem? They followed us down the ramp, past families picnicking, until we reached the path along the river. When we found the perfect place under a tree and went back to reading, they sat on large rocks down the path from us.

  For the next hour, I completely ignored them. At least, they didn’t follow us inside the building. I gave Mrs. J another slice of pie before I left.

  I always felt sad whenever it was time to leave her. She was so lonely and bitter, and although I knew she looked forward to my visits, a visit from her fam
ily would mean much more.

  “I’ll see you next weekend.”

  She gripped my hand. “Bring this boy you say you plan to marry to see me sometime.”

  I stared at her suspiciously. “Uh, why?”

  “No need to look at me like that. I want to see if he’s worthless like most young people I see walking around with headphones and pants so low their underwear are visible because they can’t afford a decent belt.”

  I laughed. “They can afford belts, Mrs. J. That’s just a craze.”

  “I know that. You think I’m senile? Why are you reluctant to bring this boy to see me?”

  “Because you might steal him from me. I don’t trust you.”

  She pursed her lips. “Likes older women, does he?”

  “Or some of your meanness might rub off on him. I like him just the way he is.”

  She harrumphed. “A sweet boy, is he? No woman wants a doormat.”

  Doormat and sweet weren’t words I’d use to describe Echo, and he didn’t like older women. “Okay, Mrs. J. You win. I’ll bring Echo to meet you if you do something for me first.”

  She blinked, her lined face creasing into a frown. “You’re blackmailing me? A helpless old woman?”

  “Helpless? Ha! You put the fear of God in everyone every time you open your mouth. I’m never sure what barbs you’re going to lob at me. You,” I pointed at her, “are one scary lady.”

  She grinned, her dentures rattling. “What do you want me to do?”

  “Reach out to Captain G and I’ll bring Echo.”

  Her wrinkly face scrunched up in folds as she frowned. “No.”

  “Then no deal,” I said.

  “You’re an impudent girl.”

  I laughed. “And you are a cantankerous fool. See you next week.”

  “Don’t bother coming back.”

  “Fine. I won’t.” Mrs. J might act like she didn’t need anyone, but she did. I was coming back.

  I was still laughing when I reached the captain’s room, saw that the door was open, and knocked. He grunted a response, which meant come in. I heard it every week. Didn’t stop me from leaving him a piece of pie.