CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“How long are you going to keep this up, Ella?” Marcus checked his weapon and ammunition. It was five thirty in the morning. The sun was awake and a bright summer day beckoned, but they weren’t headed for the beach.
Ella twisted and weaved her hair tight into a long plait and fastened the end with a black elastic band. She pressed her lips together and inhaled, not wanting to bicker with him before they left for the derelict psychiatric hospital in Waltham.
“For crying out loud, if I didn’t know your moods before, I sure as hell have no way of avoiding them now. Speak to me. This is ridiculous.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her to stand in front of him.
She stared down at her hunter-green tight combat pants and knee-length laced black boots. She was ready to fight; she just didn’t want to fight him. Not now—it could wait.
“No, it can’t. I never go into a fight without being focused on the mission. I need to know that your mind is on the task at hand. Nothing else, or we won’t go.”
She shoved his chest and pushed again harder and harder. He didn’t move. “Damn you, Marcus Drayton. The day you walked into my life, you turned it upside down. You don’t get to take over. You’re not the boss of me.” She heaved the word out and huffed out air, not feeling any relief.
“Technically, I am.”
He smirked and Ella punched him full force in the gut. He reacted and grabbed her right fist before she could land another blow in his ribs.
“Do you really want to fight me, Ella? Because we can fight if you want or make love—whichever you prefer. But the fact remains, I know you love me. You took a vow, for better or worse. You gave yourself to me freely, body and soul. I did the same to you. This, this thing that is between us, that has you all hot and bothered, is ridiculous. We’re not going to have a power struggle here. You heard what Isabella said—it’s an instinctive urge for one to assert power over the other, and I’ve been sensing it for some time. It’s survival. A need to keep my mate safe, but I’m not going to take control. Hell, that sounds far more trouble than it’s worth. But I still have those handcuffs around here somewhere if you continue to struggle.”
Ella kicked her left foot out high, aiming for his chest, but he ducked and twisted around. He grabbed her around the waist, holding her back tight against his solid chest. She wriggled and pushed to free herself, but his lips pressed a single kiss on the side of her neck below her ear and he moved his hand up under her dark shirt to massage her breast softly. Instantly, her nipple hardened, betraying her inner turmoil, and her breathing increased. He continued to kiss and suck the soft skin on her neck, and she moaned against him.
“You’re not playing fair,” she said, her voice hoarse.
“I’m not playing.”
She pressed her head back against his chest as Marcus continued to tease her with kisses. His warm breath tickled against her skin and sent shudders down her body. The tension within her dissolved, but left her at his mercy. She groaned as delightful tingles flared in her belly, but Marcus stopped his ministration as the front door opened. Two sets of boots clomped across the wooden floor as Jake and Isabella marched in. Ella snapped to attention, but Marcus still held her and her cheeks flushed at the sensations still swirling through her.
“Should we come back?” Jake’s eyes were glued to Ella’s chest, where Marcus’s hand still cupped her breast.
“Don’t you ever knock?” Marcus bit back as he slid his hand away from Ella’s body and let her go.
She tucked her shirt back in her pants and called her heart to return to normal. Today was important. Both Jake and Isabella were armed and ready for action in dark combat pants and boots. She turned to study Marcus, frowning.
“I want you to get a couple of hours of practice in at the range before we head out.” He walked away from the group and walked through a door that led into his front office.
Ella glanced at the two left there waiting.
“How is everything after yesterday?” Isabella asked.
“Okay.” Ella gave a short smile and studied her friend. There was much to analyze, and she didn’t know what Jake knew or didn’t.
“Is he under control?” Jake asked.
Marcus strode back toward them. “Yes, he is,” he answered before Ella could. “Okay, here’s your gun. It’s a Glock, nine mm—it’s the perfect pistol for you. It has an accurate aim, it’s small and the trigger squeeze is easy to use. Let’s head for the range and you can try it out. Shooting a person isn’t your first option. I’m still not a hundred percent sure that we should go until you’ve had more training than we have time for today. Have you ever used a gun before?”
He peered down at her, his direct gaze on her, and she nodded.
I can take care of myself, Drayton. I have been working out, and I have skills.
I know you have skills, sweetheart—I’ve witnessed them—but I mean tactical awareness.
“What is it with you two? There’s something odd going on.” Jake studied them and watched Isabella.
“They’re just in tune with each other, Jake. Couples who are close don’t often have a need for words. Did you know that?” Isabella moved for the front door.
“I know all about body language, honey, if that’s what you’re referring to?” Jake walked behind her.
Ella walked and grabbed her short leather jacket, slipping her arms through.
Marcus caught her, holding her hips to turn her to face him. He clipped a small holster onto her belt around her waist. He blew out a deep breath. “I want to review tactics with you because if you’re not ready, out in the field is not the place to discover that. This is not a game, Ella. I cannot be distracted by you. If I perceive a threat, I will go automatically into kill mode. I need to know you will be prepared because if you’re not, there’s no way in hell you’re coming.”
I’m not going to argue with you about this, Ella.
She studied the black holster as he placed the pistol into the holder and pulled her jacket in front to hide it. She shook her head back and met his concerned dark stare. “I’m ready, but I’m not sure I will need it. I’m not scared, Marcus. You know that.”
“I know. Maybe you should be. I don’t want you firing the weapon at random or taking unnecessary risks either. You must be controlled and calm. You also need to listen to my commands because out there I am in charge. If you can’t do that, this ends here and now. Do you understand?”
Ella looked up as Jake and Isabella halted at the door, watching the scene with a keen interest. Both wanted to know her answer.
Damn it, Ella, out there you cannot work alone. Drayton’s right.
Ella, you don’t lose anything by accepting direction from a more skilled partner who eats and drinks this shit. We’re a team. It’s how it works—you know that.
Listening to Isabella and Jake’s thoughts made her response easier to formulate. She wasn’t going to fight this. She nodded at Isabella. There were issues they needed to fix but not now. Working with a team was still new for her, but having backup reduced the anxiety. Plus she didn’t intend to be a problem or to get anyone hurt.
Marcus grabbed his leather jacket and walked to the door. “An hour at the range before we head to the Metropolitan State Hospital. What can you tell me about the place, Isabella?”
Isabella observed Marcus, Ella, and Jake and took a deep breath. “The place gives me the creeps for a start.”
Jake turned his head and peered at her. “Run it by me again, how we know this fucking place even exists, because I don’t remember the doc quite revealing this location.” Jake folded his muscled arms.
Isabella coughed and slid her gaze over at Ella. “I have a talent for reading people’s mind, Jake. I can pick out thoughts and visualize what’s inside their mind.”
Jake undid his arms and massaged his chin. “So that was the shit you pulled in interrogation, that’s what it revealed.”
She didn’t look at him, but answered by nodding.
“Jake, Isabella, can you two please have this meet-and-greet conversation another time. Now isn’t the time. The facts, please, Isabella.” Marcus closed the distance to Ella and placed his arm around her shoulder.
Isabella nodded. “The history is horrendous. It was the largest state psychiatric facility in Massachusetts, back in the days when they incarcerated people with mental illness. It opened in 1929 and closed in 1992, due to budget costs and its terrible reputation. There were rumors of barbaric treatment and poisonings. Two dozen children died in the 1960s from strontium poisoning. Their bodies are believed to be buried in the cemetery.”
“Shit, why is this place still standing?” Jake asked as Marcus stared at Isabella hard.
“Not all of it is. Only the main building. There’s more. In 1978, a patient—Anne Marie Davee—was dismembered by a fellow patient Melvin Wilson. A huge cover-up followed. The history of abuse and death that surrounds the place is unbelievable. With its history, the area attracts tortured souls and possibly other creatures. I’ll warn you now.”
“Excuse me. What do you mean? How do you know?” Jake grabbed Isabella’s arm and she twisted around. He released her and she grabbed her red hair with both hands to tie it back into a ponytail.
“Well, I mean with its history, it’s bound to be haunted. It’s a derelict building, closed for many years and the spirits of those departed will haunt such places. Don’t you believe in creatures of the night and things that go bump, Jake?”
He narrowed his eyes, tilting his head and giving a broad smile. “Nothing scares me except emerald-eyed witches.” A broad smile littered across his face.
Ella shot her gaze at Isabella.
He doesn’t know; he’s teasing.
I’m not sure he could handle the truth.
At some point, you need to tell him, Isabella.
Ella agreed with Marcus on that point. She studied the elite team in front of her. They were all ready to go to the place she had been violated and her baby had been ripped from her. A sour taste of bile rose into her mouth. She covered her mouth with her hand and willed the fear to subside. A cold sweat washed over her skin, and she shivered. Marcus switched around and stood in front of her, placing his strong hands on her shoulders.
“You don’t have to do this to prove how strong you are. We can go and look for the evidence. Isabella can help.” He brushed a few stray strands of hair that flopped over Ella’s face as she pressed her lips tight.
She breathed out and the nausea passed. “I have to go. I hear his cries.” She rubbed her forehead.
“Look. About that. I saw something yesterday and it reminded me to consider all possibilities. After what we’ve been through the last couple of days, I cannot ignore who we are any longer. You’re a warrior, Ella, and in every way my equal—do you hear me?” He tilted her chin up to stare into his eyes, which touched her soul.
Acceptance and a wave of love rushed through her mind, almost bringing her to tears. He believed her. She wrapped her arms around his waist and turned her head to rest it on his rippled chest. God, how she loved this man.
I love you, too, sweetheart.
Thank you. I can do this with you at my side.
Always.
“Are you two done? All this lovey-dovey stuff makes me feel left out. What do you think, Isabella—want to give it a try?” Jake said.
He leaned closer to her and landed a peck on her cheek. Isabella jerked around and grabbed either side of Jake’s smooth cheeks and pressed her lips over his mouth. Jake’s arms closed around her and for a moment, the kiss continued in front of Ella and Marcus. Isabella eventually pulled away, putting an end to the show and leaving a startled Jake with his arms wide and his mouth open. His eyes fixed on Isabella.
“I thought that would shut you up. Come on, lover boy, let’s move.” Isabella opened the front door and stepped outside into the daylight.
Jake continued to watch her as she moved to cross the porch and stepped forward to follow her. He glanced back at Ella and Marcus. “She fucking takes my breath away. We don’t start every mission like this, but we sure as shit should. Certainly gets my body pumped for action.” He headed for Isabella.
Ella broke free from Marcus and stepped through, wanting to get this day over with as quick as possible. At the door, Marcus let her walk outside as he grabbed the door behind him and locked it.
“I know you feel you have to do this, but if at any time, you change your mind, it’s okay. I’m never going to think less of you. You don’t always have to be strong for me. Your battle is mine too. Stepping away is sometimes the smartest move.” He smoothed his thumb over her cheekbone.
She nodded, feeling the strength of his love filling her, and she smiled up at him. “I have never felt more loved than I do with you and it makes me feel I can do anything.”
Marcus lowered his head and pressed his lips over hers, nudging the seam open. He thrust his tongue inside to deepen the kiss and he embraced her in his arms as she leaned into him. His tongue touched hers and a heat built between them.
If we don’t stop now, we won’t be going anywhere.
Marcus loosened his arms from around her. He withdrew his tongue and lay a soft kiss on her lips before he backed away. Catching her hand, he pulled her down the stairs and headed toward the main house, where Isabella and Jake had entered.
“Jake is right—starting a mission off this way is very different. You’re intoxicating, Ella, but I will not hesitate to pull you out. Not because you’re my wife, but if your presence there increases the risk to anyone, I must consider the team, not just you. Do you understand that, Ella?”
She had not worked on a mission with Marcus. It had been agreed from the very beginning it was for the best. Conflict of emotions could cause issues once deployed and they both agreed they didn’t want to risk anyone’s life. But now, she hoped the way they could read each other’s thoughts would help them. Everyone was in a heightened state of alert at the thought of this trip to the deserted hospital.
She could do this.
I know you can.
****
“Are you sure this is the right place? It looks locked up tight.” Jake crunched over the gravel in the small parking area off the quiet side road. Marcus gave a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree survey of the area, sweeping his gaze back to the enormous two-story red brick mausoleum with four colossal white stone pillars that stood guarding the heavy wooden doors at the entrance. The decaying paint peeled off the columns and window surrounds. All the tall windows were boarded and black graffiti was sprayed across the front. Huge yellow warning signs screamed at them of asbestos and danger if they dare enter.
The surrounding fields were overgrown with tall pale grass, weeds, and discarded glass beer bottles. In the distance, a swanky new condo complex stood in stark contrast to the decaying and ghostly site. It was eerie and desolate. Marcus strode over to where Ella stood, facing the front building, and he picked up her cold hand.
“Isabella, are you sure?” he yelled over at her.
Isabella stood at the front, near the steps that led up to the entrance. She stood still, with her back to the others. Unsure that she had heard them, Marcus marched closer, pulling Ella with him, and touched Isabella’s shoulder. She jumped and screeched. In an instant, Jake was there. Isabella faced them, her face like a white lily. She swallowed and nodded. “This is the place. Only, I’m not sure I can go inside,” she said in a quiet voice.
The wind picked up and moans echoed around them. This place gave Marcus the creeps. It was empty of life and yet, the air crackled with energy. He was certain he heard whispers. Or was it the wind?
“You’re shitting me, right? You’re scared of an empty building?” Jake stepped closer to her and for once Isabella stayed quiet.
There are spirits here. Children, young adults, old and young. I’m not sure I can go inside.
Why?
Being a witch, I’m susceptible to the souls of the lost. I feel their pain. Their anguish.
Marcus took a deep breath. Ella didn’t speak, but he could hear her heart as it thundered along at a frenzied rate and shook his head at the sky.
“Okay, if you’re sure, I’m not going to make you come inside. Ella, do you sense any other supernatural entities or unexpected visitors here or nearby?” He ran his eyes over the entrance and back at the group. They had plenty of daylight, but once inside the building, it would be as dark as shit. Hence, they each carried a pair of night vision goggles.
“No, I cannot pick up any other scent than ours,” she said.
Marcus stared at Jake, who eyeballed him as he tilted his head to the side and his forehead creased.
“What the fuck. Why do I feel as if I’ve been left out of some vital information here? Isabella says she can read minds and Ella can what? Pick up other supernatural scents? Shit, boss, did I miss that debriefing?” Jake pushed his face into his.
He never kept secrets from his team and he winced. There was a lot Jake and the team needed to know.
Isabella swiveled around to face Jake head on. “I’m a witch, Jake.”
“Yeah, right.” Jake stood back, raking his hand through his short-cropped hair as he inspected the building. “I say we skip the visit inside for today and return when we’re all on the same page. I don’t like going in blind.”
He was right. He should know who was at his side and what they were capable of. They were here as a team, like it or not.
Isabella lifted her head skyward and the clouds rolled in from the east, covering the sun. Darkness descended. Jake snapped back around and watched as she flicked her fingers at him. In seconds, he stood right in front of her. His arms lay clamped at his side. Once again, Isabella gazed up at the sky and blew out a gentle breath. The clouds dispersed, revealing the bright sun and letting daylight reign once more. She lowered her face to look right at Jake.
“I’m a witch. My coven resides in New England, and it’s not something that is for common consumption, Jake. Likewise, with Ella and Marcus. Human beings aren’t the only people who reside on this planet. There are many life-forms, and we have co-existed for centuries, but the force that took Ella is a danger to us all. I can erase your memory and read your dirty thoughts, so if you’re going to freak out, do it now. I would hate to have to track you down, but I would, if you became a threat to me or my kind,” Isabella said.
Jake shook his upper body and stepped back with his mouth hanging open, looking from Isabella to Marcus and then back at Isabella. Jake launched himself at her and gripped her shoulders.
Marcus held Ella back as she gasped.
What’s he going to do?
Read his thoughts.
Jake cupped Isabella’s face with his hands and pressed a hard kiss on her lips. She softened into his body and wrapped her arms around his back, molding their bodies together. They kissed for a few moments back and forth. Then Jake broke apart from her and stood back.
“Okay, well now, I’m totally turned on. I knew you were special, Sparkles. This only confirms it. But if you try that shit on me again, you will pay. As for you, boss, you have some explaining to do, but I guess it can wait until later.” Jake smiled and kept his eyes glued on Isabella.
“After that little demonstration, I feel stronger. I’ll go inside after all,” Isabella said.
Jake grabbed Isabella’s hand and sauntered toward the giant building.
“It was only a kiss, Jake.”
“I know, but it’s the second one today. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.”
Marcus didn’t move. He eyed the vicinity, uneasy about stepping inside the decaying tomb. The thought that the Elusti had brought Ella here and carried out a caesarian in such a rotting and haunting site increased his fury.
“I am sorry, Ella. I didn’t expect to feel the way I do when I came here. I’m a controlled man. I rationalize every mission, undertake a risk analysis to assess our position after a thorough examination of all the evidence. But this place, I would never have imagined they would have brought you here. Look at it,” he said with arms outstretched.
Ella stared at the brick building.
I know, but it’s the kind of place that no one else would suspect either. I just want to go inside and see if I can sense anything, Marcus.
He nodded down at her. “Stay close and do everything I tell you, understand?”
She nodded.
“Okay, I want to do a quick walk around the building to work out the best point of entry. Come on.”
He trudged through the overgrown grass to study the covered windows, crumbling stone, and brickwork. The signs were situated all around warning of asbestos, and Do Not Enter further highlighted the desire to keep this building sealed. He couldn’t understand when he looked over into the distance at the modern converted housing complex why this structure remained at all. Taking a deep breath as he looked back at the imposing rectangular building, he stopped when one window caught his view.
“Okay, it looks as if we can easily gain entry here. I don’t see any security cameras or detect any signs of recent access. Are you absolutely certain?”
He aimed his words at Isabella; she was the one who had seen the image of this building inside the doctor’s mind. Ella didn’t know the location and was under the influence of drugs and God knows what in her system.
“That might be the case, Drayton, but I know this is the place. I also know we’re not alone.”
Marcus watched Ella’s features harden as they stared at the hospital. Her heart ramped up speed and her shoulders tensed. Waves of fear and apprehension flowed through her veins.
Isabella and Jake stepped closer, each looking left and right as the sky clouded over and moans lifted into the air. The wind picked up speed and whistled through the low trees on the edge of the garden. Their position was hidden from the road by a bank of thick green bushes and trees. They had parked a good distance away, leaving the Humvee at the housing complex, not wanting to draw attention to their presence here.
“Who else is here, Ella?”
“Spirits and something else but he’s cloaked.”
“What the hell does that mean?” Jake asked.
“It’s when an entity doesn’t want to be seen. I can get a whiff of their scent but not enough to identify them,” Ella said.
“Focus. Jake, stay close to Isabella. We all need to be vigilant. If at any time I say abort, we’re out of here immediately.”
“Ladies, I have to ask because you obviously have talents us mere mortals don’t. Please, feel free at any time to put them to use if we need protecting?” Jake smiled.
The girls laughed.
“Speak for yourself, Jake. I’m a gifted man—ask my wife,” Marcus said.
“I will help as much as I can,” said Isabella.
“Me too,” Ella said.
“Once we’re inside, judging from the sensations Isabella and Ella are getting, we’re treading into unknown territory. This is code orange on the risk assessment. A perceived threat. Expect anything. Focus on your surroundings and don’t lose sight of one another. Weapons drawn and targeted. Once inside, we split into two teams. Isabella, you’re with Jake. We talk through the headsets. If you spot anything, get in touch immediately.”
Everyone nodded. Working with Ella at his side added to his mounting tension. There was no fucking way he could work with her like this ever again. He had mastered his technique of blocking certain thoughts from her and she still fought to control her thoughts. He swiped a glance sideways; her jaw lifted. She looked determined. He touched her shoulder and she met his gaze with her mouth held tightly closed.
“I’m right at your side, okay?”
She inhaled. “I know.”
Jake moved to the large window that contained twelve panes of glass and pulled out a small screwdriver from his pocket. He looked back at the group as he worked to jimmy the window to gain access.
“I used to have to break into my home when I was a teenager after nights out with the boys and Diana.” He smirked at Isabella.
She folded her arms and frowned. After a moment or two when the window didn’t budge, Isabella pointed her hand at the window, spoke several ancient words and it lifted with ease.
“Ha, you would have been very handy back in those teenage years,” Jake said.
He waved his hand to direct Isabella inside first and helped hoist her up as she climbed in through the window. Ella followed next, and then Jake. Marcus kept watch behind them as each jumped inside until it was his turn. Waiting a moment longer to ensure that they weren’t being watched, he swiveled around and jumped up to clamber inside. The instant odor of damp and rot hit his senses, and he covered his mouth.
The room they stood in was a small office. The white-washed walls were peeling, revealing peachy mortar and large wavy cracks, like veins spread out. Single black wires hung from the ceilings with light bulbs, some broken and some still intact. Built-in bookcases filled the wall on the right, and a large overturned desk lay sprawled on the floor. A thick layer of gray dust covered everything like a carpet. Stringy cobwebs hung like Halloween decorations. Papers and books were strewn on the floor.
“Beyond this room, there’s no natural light. Put your goggles on, ladies,” Marcus said, studying each one in turn.
“I could light the building up but the spirits here don’t like the brightness. It will annoy them. They’re sensitive souls,” said Isabella.
Jake, as per habit, already wore his and stood at the doorway, ready with his pistol in hand. He checked his weapon as he searched the corridor and studied the only exit point in front of them. He took careful steps out into the hallway and Isabella followed. Marcus proceeded in the opposite direction, down the long narrow corridor. His night vision goggles allowed him to navigate his way, sidestepping broken bottles and pieces of furniture that littered his path.
After a moment, he glanced back to check Ella was close behind. She stood at his back. He glanced at the floor as rats scurried around. Ella screamed and grabbed his arm.
I’m sorry. It ran over my foot.
Rats—it’s to be expected. You need to be quiet, Ella. You’ve announced our presence to those sensitive souls.
Sorry, I was focused on what’s in front, not the damn floor, Drayton.
He carried on down the long corridor, which turned left into an expansive open foyer area where the ceiling lifted to the second floor. Jake and Isabella came into view from the opposite side. They all turned around, studying the high domed ceiling and reception area. At the front was a large and heavy desk with shelves behind filled with loose papers all covered in dust. Papers littered the floor as well as more broken glass, odd chairs, discarded cans, and rubbish. On either side of the front desk, there was a sweeping curved staircase that led up to the second floor. To their left and right were multiple doors, some open and showing long rooms and others closed. A little farther down was an alcove with smaller stone steps that descended to the basement.
He tapped his headset. “You go upstairs. We’ll head for the basement. I’m still not convinced we’re in the right place. Christ, this place doesn’t look touched in years. Anyway, twenty-four minutes on the clock.”
He moved to the stairwell that descended into the basement. In some places, the stone steps were chipped and chunks were missing. He dodged the broken steps and held his pistol out in front as he zigzagged down. The air was thicker and more pungent the lower they went.
Some steps are broken—be careful or you’ll fall.
He pressed on, thudding down the steps, until he reached the bottom. He was used to wearing the night vision goggles that enabled them to not only navigate their way in the dark but to seek out heat signatures using the thermal trackers in the goggles. The infrared light that was picked up by the heat emitted from people or animals glowed green. The color was used specifically to make it easier to view for longer periods of time. The smell differed from upstairs; it was damp but a strong odor of bleach assailed his nostrils.
Ella, how are you doing?
I’m okay. I’m right behind you. I—
Standing in the hallway there was a whiteboard with graffiti and rude pictures drawn on it, but as he swept his gaze down the long corridor, the area appeared clean. Sparkling clean. Ella tugged his arm.
This way.
Her voice wavered and he reached to pull her back, but she charged in front of him and pushed through a set of double doors. He raced after her inside the adjoining room and came to a complete standstill as he glanced around, examining the cleanliness. A fully outfitted anesthetic room faced him, ready and waiting. Two gurneys stood on either side of the room. Carts sat next to them, stocked high with supplies. The walls held oxygen tubing and suction. Modern resuscitation equipment and machines surrounded him.
“Jake, Isabella—get down here.”
Monitors were fixed to the walls and discarded surgical gowns lay at his feet. He kicked the uniforms away and swallowed down his fury; it wouldn’t help anyone right now. Bloodied sheets, swabs, and gloves lay in trays and in the open waste bins. Sharp boxes stood idle and the room swam around him. Ella had been held here. The blood was hers. Sniffing the air, he knew without question this was the fucking place. Cupboard doors lay open and the shelves were equally stocked with supplies. He turned his gaze back in front and saw the doors swinging. Ella had darted through to the room beyond.
Damn it, Ella.
He charged at the door, pushing with all his force, and dashed through. Inside, a sterile and empty surgery lay, with a high ceiling and a set of enormous round lights focused over the center stage. There were no windows in the room, but there wasn’t a speck of dust either. Steel mobile carts surrounded the long operating table. Machines sat at the head of the slim table and blood splattered over the floor, where more bloodied gauze swabs lay. In the corner, a small resuscitation unit was tucked away.
Ella stood there with her hand pressed down on the small cotton sheet. Her heartbeat thumped and thumped.
A high-pitched cry filled the room, amplified to the fullest. A baby’s. Marcus could hear the cries all around him. A healthy cry. The doors swung open and he pointed his Glock at it. In darted Jake and Isabella, each with their weapons pointed out in front.
Fuck.
“This place is a tomb. We need to leave. There’s nothing here. Come on,” he said.
Ella stood with her back facing him and he watched as her shoulders shook. Sobs that she had held inside broke free. He stood behind her as his eyebrows dipped and his nostrils flared. All she had faced and endured had led to this shit hole. Their baby had been born here and taken from them.
“We’ll find him, Ella. I don’t care what it takes. We’ll find him. I promise.”
She spun around and pressed herself against his body. He gathered her tiny frame into his arms and held her, letting her tears fall.
He’s here, Ella. Alive and healthy, but he doesn’t ever stop crying. He’s crying for you. Only you.
Ella stiffened in his arms. She panted and moved back from Marcus.
Did you hear that?
“We’re leaving now,” Marcus said.
The professor’s voice had been as clear as day. What the fuck?
They moved as fast as they could and retraced their steps back the way they came, not stopping. Jake and Isabella ran behind them. No one talked, but thoughts swirled around inside Marcus’s brain.
I need air. That bastard is taunting us.
There are so many souls here.
They reached the main reception area again. Ella pulled at Marcus’s back and he turned to take her hand, guiding her closer to him. They needed to get outside. The stale air made it harder to breathe and the unease he felt earlier now clawed at him. Ella was shaking at the professor’s words.
Jake held Isabella around the waist as they reached the top. She leaned on Jake and was quiet.
“What’s wrong?” Marcus asked.
“I don’t know, but she’s spaced out. Let’s get the fuck out of here. I’m going to carry her the rest of the way.”
Isabella moaned but didn’t resist as he hoisted her up into his arms and twisted to head down the corridor back to the window. But he stopped dead in his tracks. Marcus pushed Jake to the side and stared at the outline he could see in his goggles. The night vision equipment could detect heat signatures. All heat which included bodies, glowed green, but a blue light flashed brightly in the shape of a woman. He had never seen anything like it.
The slim woman in a long dress hovered in front of him. The hairs on his neck rose. He had never seen a ghost, but what stood a couple of feet away sure as shit wasn’t human. The figure floated at least two feet off the ground and glided toward them. Long hair flowed around her face and wicked laughter bounced off the walls as she stretched her arms out in front. The stinking decomposing smell rose. He placed his arm out at the side to stop anyone moving forward and searched for another way out.
I need to stand. She needs me.
Marcus pivoted around and studied Isabella as she struggled in Jake’s arms.
“Let her go, Jake.”
Without question, Jake released Isabella, who wobbled on her feet as she stood, and he helped to steady her. She stepped through the two men until she stood in front, removing her goggles and lighting the corridor. Marcus lifted his goggles to watch the scene. The ghostly apparition opened its mouth and screeched a horrible squealing sound. Marcus covered his ears. Isabella lifted her arms and he heard her mumble words. Her body tilted forward and a wind from nowhere blew down the corridor, forcing them back. Isabella pushed her body forward, raising her arms toward the ceiling, and her voice grew louder as she repeated the same incantation over and over. She pulled out several long slim sticks from her pocket and lit the ends with a lighter. The smell of sage wafted toward him. Isabella proceeded to wave the flame around and smoke billowed out around her. The wind died down but the creature remained.
“Viam ad domum ire retro progredi in lucem. Dimissi fuerunt.”
Marcus heard the Latin words spoken clearly: to find your way home, let go of the past. Move forward into the light. Let go of the past.
Isabella spoke more forcibly; her voice deepened and her hands thrust out in front as the burning sticks continued to smoke. Above them, a swirling white cloud appeared and grew. The ghost stopped squealing and stood for a moment. Instead of a translucent ghoul, a young woman stood next to Isabella and she took her hand. The ghost was pretty, with long auburn hair and brown eyes that flashed over them before rising to look at the light that beamed from the swirling mass above them. Isabella spoke words he couldn’t hear and the woman nodded. The woman walked and then floated into the cloud, vanishing into thin air. The dark corridor returned and Isabella slumped.
Marcus and Jake darted forward to catch her. He held her with Jake as she lifted her head.
“I’ll take her.” Jake lifted her up and trudged down the hallway.
Marcus looked back and Ella ran to him. They made their way down the corridor. It was time to get the hell out of here and into the fresh air.
Once outside, Isabella stood next to Jake, arguing.
“I promised Marsha, that was the ghost in there, that I would help. I’m going to the cemetery whether you’re coming or not.” Isabella stared up at Jake.
“Damn it, you all but collapsed in there. Now you want to go traipsing around some haunted woods,” he yelled at her.
Marcus stepped closer, holding onto Ella as he observed the surrounding area. It remained quiet, but he sensed a shift in the environment. Did you feel that? He stared at Ella and she nodded.
“I didn’t want to go inside in the first place because this is what happens—ghosts find me—but I did. Now, are you telling me you’re scared, Jake? Because I never took you for a wimp.”
Jake stood open-mouthed as his eyebrows converged, and he didn’t speak for a moment.
“There is nothing in this world that scares me, Sparkles, except maybe you.” He dipped his head inches from hers.
Marcus stepped closer, with Ella by his side.
“I hate to break this up, but whatever you need to do, you need to do it now. We’re not alone out here any longer.” Marcus watched the outer perimeter.
“Follow me. It shouldn’t take long. At least, I hope not.” Isabella marched off, headed through the thick bushes to a dirt track that led into a hidden woodland. A thick crop of trees flanked them on either side as they marched at a steady pace. Marcus held Ella’s hand tight while he kept his focus on their surroundings.
Marcus had had enough of today. The cries he had heard confirmed his baby was alive. The Elusti had taken him. He was as sure as he could be of anything and yet, he didn’t know where to begin to search for his son. He rubbed his forehead as he marched through the grass, making sure Ella was close to him. She had known all along they had a boy. At the realization of what he had put her through—the burial of a baby girl who wasn’t theirs—he stopped and pulled Ella into his arms. He pressed his lips into her silky hair, allowing himself to feel her softness.
“We’ll make this right.”
She leaned into him and he looked down at her pinched, pale face. The swirling emotions she had increased his throbbing headache, but he continued to cradle her in his arms. A short distance away from where they paused was a low-lying stone wall and a rickety wooden sign that read Metfern Cemetery. He watched as Jake stubbed his toe on something hidden in the grass, tripping and almost falling, but he righted himself just in time.
“Be careful. You’re walking over someone’s grave,” Isabella shouted.
“Shit. Well, it isn’t very clear. Again, what the fuck are we doing here?”
“I need to let the spirits that remain here pass on.”
Before anyone else could speak, Isabella stood in the center of the grassy field, her arms raised skyward. As before, the dark clouds rolled over and covered the sun. An unnatural darkness fell.
“Hurry up.”
A cold atmosphere descended and several white ghostly apparitions floated up from the ground. Young children, boys and girls. A woman. Each transparent silhouette wandered toward Isabella as if she were a magnet drawing them in. She spoke the same words from earlier with a deeper, more guttural tone. Her confidence and power surged as a strong wind picked up, forcing trees and bushes to bend and sway back and forth. The wind billowed around Marcus.
“Viam ad domum ire retro progredi in lucem. Dimissi fuerunt.”
To find your way home, let go of the past. Move forward into the light. Let go of the past.
The ghosts formed a line on either side of her and as each one touched her outstretched hands, a break in the clouds allowed a bright-white light to burst forth. The souls of the departed each in turn ascended into the golden white streams of radiance. Each time, Isabella’s body twitched and she fell forward, until by the end, she dropped to her knees on the ground.
Immediately the sky cleared and the sun shone brightly. Jake ran to her and gathered her up in his arms, lifting her without any struggle as she flopped against his chest. Marcus sensed a new presence and quickly eased Ella to his side before he pivoted around to face the unknown assailant, ready to shoot to kill. Standing in front of him was a handsome pale man with well-defined muscles and around the same height as him. He had a head of midnight-blue hair and a full, thick beard. His equally dark eyes scanned over him and shot toward Jake and more intently on the woman in his arms. The stranger bared his gleaming white elongated teeth and hissed. The man dressed in fitted dark jeans and a white sleeveless T-shirt showed off his tattoos that adorned his skin like a masterpiece painting.
The gun won’t work on his kind, Marcus. He’s a nightwalker.
How is he able to walk during the day?
Some are more powerful than others, but I’m not entirely sure.
The stranger, despite his modern attire, bowed before them. “I would like to introduce myself. I’m Roman. Isabella may have mentioned me; if not, she really should have. Now, I’m not here to fight, but you have something that belongs to me, and I’m here to take her.” He spoke directly to Jake. In a flash, Roman ran at Jake, and Isabella was removed from his hold. As Marcus moved to intervene, Roman whizzed past him and vanished. The speed of the nightwalker was supersonic.
“Well, that answers my question about Sparkles having a boyfriend.” Jake stared at the dust left behind.