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

He looked the same as I remembered. Middle aged but handsome with eyes that reflected an inner knowledge I could only imagine.

“You don’t have much time,” he said. “I’m here to see you before you go back.”

“Back?”

“To the other side. To the living. You’re in between now but not for long.” Veryl sat back in his chair and pressed his fingers into a steeple. “I warned you about Shya, did I not?”

I felt ashamed, knowing without a doubt that I’d been wrong to murder this man. “I’m sorry I didn’t trust you. There were just too many secrets.”

“There were,” he agreed with a slight head nod. “I too am sorry. I wish things had been different between us. It was my intention to protect you, not too harm you.”

I surveyed the small, simple white room. It felt safe and warm despite there being no obvious way in or out. “I suppose none of that matters now.”

“You’ve done well,” he said with a smile, revealing straight white teeth. There were no fangs. “I couldn’t be happier with how you’ve grown into your abilities.”

“So where is everyone?” I asked, feeling very disembodied. “Don’t I get some big welcome or something? Do I have to face everyone I’ve killed? Or just you?”

Veryl chuckled, and it was a sound of carefree happiness. “Just me. Everyone else is on the other side. You don’t get to join them yet. You’re going back, very soon. So let me make this brief. You must be prepared, Alexa. The evil you’ve faced, it’s not over. It is never really over.”

“What are you talking about?” There was a pang of disappointment that I wouldn’t see Raoul. Or Lena. I missed them both.

Veryl reached across the table and captured my hand in his. It felt warm and soft. “You’re not going to feel like yourself when you return. The turn will dominate you, making you a monster. But you must embrace your light. You’re going to need it.”

“You’re scaring me.” Though I said the words, I didn’t feel afraid. I felt detached, as if this entire thing were a dream that I couldn’t take too seriously.

“You’re not finished, Alexa. Not even close. As a Hound of God, you have a duty to uphold, regardless of whether you’re a vampire or not. The dark side will lure you into blood and mayhem while the light will guide you in love and honor.” Veryl’s expression grew grave. He leaned in close as if sharing a secret. “Possessing them both will be a great challenge. But if anyone can overcome it, it’s you.”

His warning left me feeling sad in a place that didn’t seem to recognize such an emotion. Sadness just didn’t belong here.

“What if I don’t want to go back?” I challenged. “Can’t I just stay here with you?”

Veryl patted my hand in a fatherly way and gave me a gentle smile. “I’m afraid not. You’re needed among the living. There are things you must do yet. A role to play that is yours and yours alone.”

Hadn’t I done enough? Was the face off with Shya only the beginning? I wasn’t sure I could take any more of that.

“And if I refuse?” It was a stubborn, childish remark. Feeling backed into a corner, I had an irrational urge to argue his words though he had given me no reason to.

“You won’t. It isn’t your way.” Veryl rose and held his arms out to me expectantly.

I moved lightly, as if my feet never touched the ground. His embrace was strong but gentle, parental and encouraging. Veryl had cared for me as if I were his daughter. And I hadn’t known that until now, when I could feel it without him ever having to say so.

“I’m sorry for the ways I’ve wronged you.” The words were not enough, but I had nothing else to offer.

He patted my back and smoothed my hair back before peering deep into my eyes. “Don’t be sorry. Just be who you’re called to be, a protector of mankind.”

I stared at him in wonder. Only Willow had spoken those words to me. Had Veryl always known?

There were so many questions I needed him to answer. Before I could utter a single one, I was pulled away, drawn by an unseen force. It felt as if I were being sucked through a shrinking tunnel, watching the white room grow smaller in the distance.

Veryl’s final words reverberated through my thoughts, an echo that followed me back to where I belonged: protector of mankind.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

A hurricane of sensations welcomed me back. From the overbearing scent of cologne, wolf, and paint to the immaculate touch of satin sheets on my skin, it all hit me at once.

Voices carried to me. They belonged to Arys and Shaz, and though they spoke in low tones, I heard every word as if they shouted in my ears.

“It’s almost sunrise,” Arys was saying. “She probably won’t rise tonight.”

“I don’t care. I’m not leaving. And neither should you.” There was such vindication in Shaz’s tone. “Do you think she’ll still have the wolf?”