Deadly Kisses (22 page)
Authors: Kerri Cuevas
Thirty-Seven
B
ee and I watched from the stone wall as they placed her coffin into the grave in the old cemetery of Kells Haven. Jaleb had read the messages on her phone. It was where Bee wanted to be buried because it was the only home she had ever known.
She was sad that her family hurt. I hoped Jaleb could hold them together without resorting to drugs or alcohol. But Bee had made the decision to die instead of Jaleb, and it felt right that she was now by my side.
A priest read from the Bible.” Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
It was odd that they were not religious, but they read Psalm 23:4 like it was the natural thing to do. I hoped it would give her family the peace they needed.
We watched as her funeral came to an end. Jaleb took Lucky out of the cage. He kissed the top of the birds black head and opened his hands. The bird flew up into the dull sky, and Bee’s Mom cried.
I wrapped my hand around the scythe. “Let’s give Jaleb back the Sight of Death now,” I said, looking ahead to the small private ceremony.
Her brother needed to have his sight back. It was a heavy burden to bear, seeing Death, but he needed to protect them all. Bee put her hand over mine and an electric current ran under the ground and into Jaleb. He moved his toes at the sensation. When he looked up and saw us, Jaleb almost fell backward. We waved to him.
When the priest left a new chant started, one I didn’t recognize. It left me with only more questions. They tossed something in the hole. It landed on Bee’s coffin with a soft thud. After the crowd drew away, the only thing left was her grave, and Jaleb. He strolled over to us, his hands tucked into his black suit pockets.
“Aiden look, you can dress up the boy and make him look good. I’m impressed he didn’t wear jeans to my funeral,” she said.
“I bet he’s wearing a band shirt under that pretty suit.” I could see the edge of it sticking out.
Jaleb held out his knuckles to me.
“What’s up, bro?”
“The usual. Just burying my sister, reading through her secret diary I found in her sock draw, and explaining to Mom and Dad what happened.”
“And how’s that going for you?”
Jaleb sat down next to Bee. “Oh, fantastic . . . except the diary part. Too many details. Just kidding, sis. I burnt it before Mom read it.”
“Thanks. I didn’t want Mom to read about the Grim Reapers I’ve seen throughout the years.”
“Please tell me I can keep the Sight of Death. I will miss you way less if I can see you.”
I reached over and slapped his knee. “It’s all yours. Our gift to you.”
“I should have requested a new truck, dang it!” Jaleb snapped his fingers together and his arm swung toward his chest. “Any news to report on your side?”
“Still training with Abe. We’re going to get into Ivar’s good graces to find out information to stop them. For now, your family is in balance,” I said.
Jaleb stood up, pointing at me. “You take care of her, man. I don’t want my sister going to Hell.”
“Not my little Reaperling! And wherever she goes, I go. Our souls are quite content staying within each other. It has proven an excellent tracking device.” I laughed as Jaleb had a dumb look on his face. Bee had never told him that part.
Bee filled him in on the overlooked information. “I unintentionally took Aiden’s soul hostage and bonded to his scythe. Now I can’t get my own. In order to stay Grim Reapers, we’re a package deal.”
“I pity poor Abe having you two as double agents.” Jaleb kicked at the ground, messing his shiny black dress shoes.
“How did you know about Abe? We just found out he had Reapers on the inside yesterday,” I said.
Jaleb put his hand to his forehead. “Maybe I should have died instead. You need a wise one in your presence. It was obvious he had plans brewing already when he released you from his service, Aiden. He somehow knew it would be Bee who would die. He wanted you to guide her. I do confess it came to me after the fact though.”
“How’s Mom and Dad? Are they taking it as bad as I think?” Bee asked.
“Yes and no. Not after what I told them, and I didn’t leave the details out. Mom half laughed saying she always knew you would follow your heart, but not to your death.” Jaleb eyed me. “I’m still pissed you ruined my plans, but I really wasn’t ready to go. I respect you, sis, you’re brave.”
“Thanks.”
“When will I see you again?” Jaleb folded his hands in his lap, looking down.
“After training we’ll go on assignment. We’ll be here as often as we can. Jaleb, I sent Marlin a message. Allow her to help you, kay?”
“Sure. I’m so on this and will protect the twins from Ivar. Don’t worry about a thing,” Jaleb stood with his hands in his pockets.
“I’m not, don’t worry.”
“Be safe, and don’t let my sister boss you around too much.” Jaleb said, turning to leave.
Bee and I sat on the stone wall watching the sun set as the brightness faded to gray. It’s funny how life takes twists and turns and goes to places you never would have dreamed of. In a sick way it was the best ending I could have hoped for. I had Bee to share it with, forever.
Bee sat in my lap snuggling in close. Her energy spun around us as she burrowed into me. I grasped her face, bringing my lips crashing to hers. Our souls came in a wind. Our mouths were a torrent of licorice, sweet tart, and vanilla. I devoured her love, bringing my arms around her neck. I didn’t intend to push her away—ever again.
I worried when Ivar called upon us, scarring me with an “I” as his property, but we would be okay because we had each other. We would make our mark on the hereafter by bringing down the Ancients.
We pulled away from each other, but Bee still had her hand wrapped in my hair. When the crypt opened we turned to see Abe.
“Son, bring your Reaperling and let us go.”
Weird as it was, Abe was the father I never had. With Bee by my side, I was happy—complete—a family.
Destination: Grim City.
Mission: Take down the Ancients, and free Bee’s family from Kessler Flynt.
Duty: Honor and giving my heart to the girl I’ll love for all eternity.
Acknowledgements
T
his story would still be living in my computer if it wasn’t for the wonderful folks at WiDo Publishing, who believed in me.
I have many people to thank, so here it goes. Kristine Princevalle, my brilliant editor, who helped me to become a better writer. Karen Gowen and Amie McCracken, more excellent editors who spiffed the story up, making it perfect. Allie Maldonado, I still read your emails because they make me smile. My wonderful critique partners who were always an e-mail away—Laura Diamond, Ben Spendlove, Kelly Bryson, and Rachael Harrie: You guys seriously rock! David Baboulene—I did it and you’re a heck of a teacher. Katie Labrie for loving my characters as much as I do, and being there since the very first word. A special thank you goes out to Nancy Cavanaugh and Mike Coppola, my very best writing friends. Linda, Diana, Suzanne, Michelle, Lisa, and Micah for your encouraging words. To my fantastic blogger buddies, each and every one of you is dear to me. Steven Novak for my beautiful cover.
I couldn’t have done this without the loving support of my family especially my superman husband Carlos, my three beautiful girls, Aunt Lucille, my Dad, and my grandparents. Stephanie, my birthday buddy. And lastly, a thank you to The Band Perry and their song
If I Die Young,
which was one of the inspirations for this story.
They say writing is a solitary activity. As you can see, it isn’t.
About the Author
K
erri Cuevas was born and raised in Rhode Island. In 2005 she moved to New Hampshire with her husband, three kids, cats, and a rabbit named Hercules. When she’s not writing, she’s chasing chickens on her small farm or searching for the ultimate mac-and-cheese recipe.
Kerri went to college for Early Childhood Education but now writes books for young adults full-time. Her storytelling stems from watching too many horror flicks as a teen, although she no longer needs to sleep with the lights on.
