Something Wicked: HarperImpulse Romantic Suspense (21 page)

He shook his head. This beautiful, wonderful woman had just survived a demonic possession straight out of a horror film,
that’s
what happened. “You saw it. You tell me.”

The man took a deep breath. “How am I supposed to put this in a report?”

Dylan could care less.

“Owww!” McCormick groaned as he touched the back of his head. The young officer stumbled toward the stage. “Collins, is Alexandra okay? What happened?”

Dylan’s chest tightened as he watched her stomach rise and fall with shallow breaths. Where was that ambulance?

Zach’s hand squeezed his shoulder. “She’ll be okay, man. Don’t worry.”

The confident words helped calm his fears, and for the first time in a long time, Dylan was glad to have his brother with him again.

“So are you staying here in Charleston or coming back to Atlanta?” Zach’s voice gave nothing away as to what he preferred. Frustrating man.

Alexandra feigned a shudder. “Atlanta, definitely. I mean, the firm would fall to pieces if I quit.”

His mouth quirked up in a smile. “Probably.” Then the smile faded. “I thought you and my brother had something going on between you.”

She stopped in front of the water fountain and gazed out at the ocean beyond the trees. She’d convinced him and Dylan to meet her in the park near the Battery—neutral ground. There was something they all needed to do, and soon. She would have done it sooner, but she had been left exhausted from the whole possessed-by-a-demon thing and had spent most of the last twenty-four hours sleeping it off. She still felt weak, but she could do this. She focused on Zach’s question. Was it so obvious to him that she had fallen for his brother?

She took a deep breath. “I have feelings for him. Strong feelings. Can’t deny that.”

He shrugged. “Doesn’t bother me. All I want is for my brother to be happy. If that means you need to stay in Charleston, I’ll deal with it. I want you to be happy too. I mean that.”

“I know, but…” She shook her head. “This city drains me. There’s too much history here. Too many dead people. For my own sake, I’d rather not make it my home.”

If she stayed, it would be a constant battle against her inherent need to help every ghost she met and the sickness that often followed when she did. Connor had performed a ritual that had weakened the anomaly, but it was still there. He hoped it could be eliminated in time, but he didn’t know.

Zach frowned. “Atlanta’s an old city, too.”

“It is, but it’s really not as bad as this one. Trust me.” She’d have to explain it all to him sometime.

Speaking of Connor and the Bellator…

“Zach, are you interested in hiring other psychics for the agency?”

He sighed. “We’ve picked up a lot of business from it. I might. Someday. Why?”

She was still considering the offer to join the Bellator. Connor had even suggested following her to Atlanta to work with her on learning more about the organization.

“I met someone who might be interested. He could probably use the work.”

“What about Dylan?”

She’d opened her mouth to respond when another voice asked, “What
about
Dylan?”

Speak of the devil.

“Sorry I’m late. Got snagged by a reporter on my way out the door.” Leaning over, he gently kissed Alexandra on the lips. His arm slid around her back, pulling her into his side. “How do you feel?”

She forced a smile. “Like I got knocked on my ass by a demon. But tons better than I did.”

He reached his other hand out to Zach as he greeted his brother. “How’s it going?”

“Can’t complain.” Zach arched a brow as he looked at her. “We were just discussing when Alexandra was coming back to work.”

“Really?” Dylan glanced down at her. “And?”

She slid her hand into his back pocket and squeezed. “I thought I’d stay in Charleston a few more days, give myself time to recover.”

“Good.” His smile reflected boyish glee. Pervert. She knew exactly how he wanted to spend the next few days. Disappointment threatened to sour her mood. She’d hoped he would show more regret that she was leaving. Make an offer to leave with her. Try to talk her into staying. That he’d show some emotion—any emotion besides lust—toward her.

Zach fake cleared his throat. “Should we get on with this? I’ve got a plane to catch tonight.”

Alexandra bit her lip, not happy with that news. She’d hoped he’d stay a few days and get to know Dylan again.

He reached and pulled a small jeweler’s box out of his coat pocket. “I got this for Hannah this morning. After everything I saw yesterday, I decided life’s too short to keep putting off the big decisions. I’m kind of eager to get home.” He opened the box and showed them a modest but gorgeous diamond ring she knew Hannah would flip over. “What do you think?”

Alexandra smiled. “I think I’d better be a bridesmaid or I’m kicking both your asses for all you’ve put me through.”

Zach smiled before shifting his attention to Dylan. “She, uh, hasn’t said yes yet, but if she does, I could use a best man. You interested?”

Alexandra held her breath, waiting for the answer. This was a big gesture on Zach’s part. Risky. She’d slap the crap out of Dylan if he didn’t accept.

Holding his hand out again, he grinned as Zach’s hand clasped his. “Why not? Congratulations, Zach. I’m happy for you.”

Emotion glazed Zach’s eyes, and she looked away, feeling intrusive. “Thanks, Dylan. She hasn’t said yes yet.”

“She will.” Dylan nodded. “Call it a hunch.”

Alexandra smiled up at him. She really, really wanted to kiss him right now. She knew the brothers still needed work—she could tell by the physical distance Dylan kept putting between himself and Zach—but at least it was a start.

“So…?” Zach murmured. “We gonna do this or what?”

Right. Alexandra blinked and focused on the task at hand. She gestured to their left. “There’s a nice spot over there.”

She sat in the middle of the park bench and motioned for the men to join her on each side. She sucked in a deep breath and closed her eyes, silently dropping the mental wall she’d put in place to keep spirits away. After her ordeal with the demon, she’d been wary of letting it down, even if it had meant blocking out George and Rebecca for the past twenty-four hours.

Okay, Rebecca. You’re welcome to communicate with me now. Where are you, lady?

She opened her eyes, and Rebecca stood directly in front of them.

A sigh of relief escaped her lips. “She’s here.” Alexandra reached out her left hand to grasp Dylan’s. She held her right hand out for Zach. He hesitated only for a few seconds before sliding his fingers into hers. They were all connected now, not because they needed to be to communicate with Rebecca, but because Alexandra sensed it would please their mother.

“Thank you.” Rebecca clasped her hands together beneath her breasts. A tear fell from her right eye. “Oh, my boys. My beautiful boys, together again.”

Alexandra swallowed. “She’s happy you’re together.”

Rebecca covered her mouth. She sniffled before speaking again. “Tell them I want them to work on their relationship. I want Dylan to forgive Zach, and I want Zach to insist on being a part of his life, even if Dylan tries to push him away. Tell them that. Go on.”

Alexandra did, repeating the wish carefully and clearly, trying to keep emotion from clouding her tone.

Rebecca reached a hand forward and cupped Zach’s cheek. He flinched, as if he felt the gesture. “What was that?” he asked, glancing around.

“She touched your face.”

He swallowed hard but said nothing.

Rebecca reached out and did the same to Dylan, cupping his face with both hands. “Oh, my sweet baby.”

“Is she touching me now?” Dylan asked softly.

“Yes.”

He nodded. “I think I can feel it.” His eyes gleamed with unshed tears. “She’s really here.”

“I told you she was.” Alexandra pushed back the lump that was swelling in her throat. She leaned forward. “Rebecca, your sons are together again. They’re safe.” She swallowed hard, finding it hard to say the next words. “Do you want to move on? I can help you cross over if you’re ready.”

“I don’t know if I can go.” The older woman sucked in a deep breath. “What if they need me? What if they start fighting again?”

Alexandra shook her head. “You have to think of yourself.” She’d explained to both Rebecca and George that the longer they remained, the greater the risk of becoming demons. Both had expressed disbelief before horror and acceptance.

“What’s she saying?” Zach demanded.

“She doesn’t want to leave either of you. She thinks you might need her to stay.”

“You’re our mother,” Zach whispered. “We’ll always need you, but—” He shook his head. “We want you to be at peace. I
need
you to be at peace.”

Dylan’s fingers tightened their hold on Alexandra’s hand. “We’ve got each other now. We can take care of each other, me and Zach. He’s right, Mom. You should go. This chance might not come again, and we don’t want you stuck here.”

Rebecca nodded. “I suppose they’re right. I don’t want to become like that thing. I don’t ever want to be controlled by one again either.” Nodding, she looked at Zach. “I’m so proud of the man you’ve become. I approve of your young woman. She’s good for you. She loves you, and no one deserves to be loved more.”

Alexandra struggled to repeat the words without getting emotional. A tear escaped Zach’s control, and he wiped it away. “Thanks, Mom.”

“And you,” Rebecca said, focusing on Dylan. “You’re the best thing I ever accomplished. You’re so honorable and courageous. I’m so proud of both of you.” She looked at Alexandra. “I’m so happy to know that you love my son, and that he loves you. I never had a daughter…until I met you, Alexandra. Take care of him. Promise me.”

She thinks he loves you.

Alexandra nodded and shifted uncomfortably. She wasn’t so sure. She repeated the words to Dylan, leaving off that last bit. The last thing the poor man needed was to hear a declaration of love right now, or to feel pressured into one of his own. It would probably send him running for the water.

Rebecca shook her head knowingly at her when she remained tight-lipped about it. “You’re not ready yet, but you will be. I have faith in the two of you. Please have faith in it, too.”

Alexandra nodded.

“What’s she saying now?” Dylan asked.

Rebecca knelt in front of them and placed her hands on Alexandra’s knees. “When Dylan was four, he got out of the house without me knowing and climbed up a neighbor’s tree. He fell and broke his arm. Zach heard him screaming and found him. He was only eight, but he carried his little brother three blocks and rode with him in the back seat to the hospital, cuddling Dylan and reassuring him everything would be okay. Dylan took strength in his big brother that day. Remind them both of that. Tell them never to forget that bond they used to share. It never goes away, no matter what else happens. They’re family.”

Alexandra repeated the story. Dylan chuckled. “It’s one of my first memories. I was so scared and then you came and picked me up. I knew everything would be okay.”

“You screamed like you were being murdered.” Zach snorted at the memory. “I was so scared you were really hurt.”

Rebecca laughed with them and stood. “I think I’m ready now.” She leaned down to Dylan, kissed his cheek, and whispered something in his ear. His face paled as he seemed to stop breathing for a few seconds. She repeated the action with Zach before straightening. “What do I do, Alexandra?”

“You cross over by going into the circle. We have to ask for it to appear. If you’re ready, it will.”

With a nod, Rebecca closed her eyes.

“Here we go,” Alexandra whispered, exchanging glances with both Dylan and Zach before closing her eyes and praying for Rebecca to find peace. She opened her eyes as a whitened hole seemed to swallow the scenery in front of them. Rebecca turned and gasped, “Oh, it’s so beautiful. So peaceful. Do you feel it?”

She stepped forward until the light engulfed her.

Then she was gone.

Alexandra blinked rapidly as the scenery returned to normal.

“She’s gone. She’s crossed over.” She looked between Zach and Dylan. “Your mother is finally at peace.”

Both men remained quiet. Neither attempted to remove their hands from hers, which spoke volumes. This was a familiar scene, one she’d performed before with other people helping loved ones cross over. But it had never felt this personal for Alexandra.

Goodbye, my friend. I’ll miss you.

Zach was the first to stand. “Thank you, Alexandra.”

She rose too and was surprised when he pulled her into an awkward hug. “You’re welcome, boss.”

Pulling back, he smiled wryly at that. He looked past her shoulder, growing more serious. “I know you’re my brother and all, but she’s practically my family, too. You hurt her and I’ll kick your ass.”

“I’d like to see you try.” But the comment was good-natured.

They spent the rest of the afternoon in that tone, and Alexandra was relieved to see that the two brothers were getting along—finally. She and Dylan accompanied Zach to the airport, wished him luck with his proposal, and then watched as his plane left the ground.

Dylan was quiet on the drive back to his place. She’d already agreed to stay with him for the remainder of her time here. She had no idea what the future held for them, or if he even wanted a future with her, but she planned to make the best of the next few days with him.

When they got out of the car, he slid his hand in hers and tugged her along after him. “I remember someone telling me she wanted to take a carriage ride before she left.”

“Yeah, but
now
?”

“It’ll give us a chance to talk. I don’t trust myself to do that if we’re not in public.” He leaned down and whispered, “I want to take you to bed so bad.”

“Why don’t you?”

“We need to talk.”

“Talking is overrated.”

He chuckled and led her to a nearby carriage stop. He forked over a wad of cash and then gestured for her to climb into the carriage. He settled next to her, tucking her into the curve of his arm.

This city really was quite beautiful at night. Very romantic.

“I was wondering what your plans are when you leave.” Alexandra’s ear was pressed to his chest, and Dylan’s heartbeat seemed to gallop into overdrive when he spoke the words. She lifted her head to look at him.

“My life is in Atlanta now. I have a job that I actually love, and friends.” She took a leap of faith. “But I’m not opposed to visiting Charleston every now and then.”

He seemed pleased by that. “Good, cause I understand why you wouldn’t want to live here. Quite frankly, I don’t blame you.” He glanced around. “Not sure I’ll ever look at the place the same.”

“It’s still a beautiful city, Dylan.”

“Yes, it is.” He smirked down at her. “But I have a feeling it’s about to lose a lot of its appeal for me.”