The Smokiest Grave

  Copyright © 2018 by Tosha Y. Miller

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof

  may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author.

  Title ID: 8138927

  ISBN-13: 978-1985398856

  This is a work of Fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  Dedication

  --This book is dedicated to my beautiful younger sister, Erin. Even the darkest past can hold a bright future. I love you to infinity and beyond.

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  One

  Two

  Three

  Four

  Five

  Six

  Seven

  Eight

  Nine

  Ten

  Eleven

  Twelve

  Thirteen

  Fourteen

  Fifteen

  Sixteen

  Seventeen

  Eighteen

  Nineteen

  Twenty

  Twenty-one

  Twenty-two

  Twenty-three

  Twenty-four

  Twenty-five

  Twenty-six

  Twenty-seven

  Twenty-eight

  Twenty-nine

  Thirty

  Thirty-one

  Thirty-two

  Thirty-three

  Thirty-four

  Thirty-five

  Thirty-six

  Thirty-seven

  Thirty-eight

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Acknowledgments

  Vocabulary

  Prologue

  Day Zero

  It was another typical summer day in 2018. The U.S. government hosted an international congregation of scientists in Washington D.C to discuss a possible new weapon. In the process of the presentation, something went wrong, and the weapon activated.

  BOOM!

  A massive bomb explodes and sends everything in Washington D.C. up in flames, along with the Whitehouse. All that was left in its wake were dust and a giant crater.

  With that dire mistake, everything society knew went up in smithereens.

  As the rest of the government officials tried to rebuild after the devastation, they were caught unaware by the appearance of The Council of Supernatural Beings.

  With vacuum of power in the government, a Supernatural named Sebastian, decided it was time for his kind to fill that void. As a result, a worldwide war broke out among the Humans and the Supernaturals.

  It was a brutal, bloody war, with no end in sight. As the war progressed, the Humans nicknamed the Supernatural, the Unnaturals. In responds, the Unnaturals nicknamed the Humans, Naturals. Both names stuck which divided the world into two factions.

  2086

  The war is over, but the hostility between the factions is still very real. Due to the war, technology has not advanced and is in fact at a standstill. The left-over technologies are expensive. Modern gadgets such as light bulbs, microwaves, and televisions are luxuries reserved for the rich. However, stapled such as water, food, as well as magic amulets are available for all.

  Technology is not the only thing that is segregated. Unnaturals remain separate from the Naturals. Although work has been done to bridge the hatred and create peace, one thing still hinders the work of peace; Dragonvires.

  That one thing is the Dragonvires bloodline that still lives, which is a hybrid between dragons and vampires. Despite being a hybrid, their bloodline has been around for thousands of years; to protect the world from demons.

  As a Dragonvire warrior, they have been given heightened abilities. With their dragon-beast side, they are stronger and can smell even the slightest scent. With their vampire-beast side, they are fast, have the ability to hear even the faintest sound, and their sense of touch is maximized.

  The gods also gave their blood mystical abilities. The sweet crimson nectar can kill a demon with one drop, can help heal injuries, and can turn things into gold.

  Alongside the beings called Sapphires, Dragonvires protected the gods in ancient times. It is said that Sapphire beings were exterminated in the Salem Witch Trials because they were so easy to hunt and kill. Their hair changed colors with their mood.

  Even to this day, people don’t know the degree of their massive powers. They only know that if a Sapphire is killed and its heart is cut out, it would turn into an amulet able to cast powerful spells. It is said, amulets only exist today because of their sacrifice.

  A Sapphire hasn’t been seen in a long time because of the Hunters. On the other hand, there were thousands of Dragonvires, and they lived in an angelic kingdom. Unfortunately, that kingdom was destroyed by the Unnaturals when they learned of the terminal effects of Dragonvires blood on the Unnaturals.

  It was a shock when humans discovered Dragonvire blood didn’t just kill demons; it also kills magical beings.

  Back then, this made the Dragonvires the most in-demand thing out there. Whoever had information or could get hold of their blood was rewarded by the human government.

  Today, they are still hunted by both factions for their blood. The society is convinced that once the Dragonvires are eliminated, peace will reign.

  Individuals devote their lives to hunt Dragonvires. Those people are called ‘the Hunters’, and they have managed to win the fight so far.

  However, the gods know better and plan to guide pure souls to help steer the world back to righteousness.

  One

  Bum!! bum!! bum!!! Cathleen “Cat” Spurlock clenched her ears. The beat of the music hammered deep inside her earlobes. Even her heartbeat played in time to the fast music like a skilful musician. “Will they shut up? I feel like my head is about to explode,” Cat whispered.

  Her plump lips were now numb from excessive biting. She wanted to disregard the hair at attention on the back of her neck, but that was impossible.

  Why now, Goddess? Couldn’t we talk later? This happened every time the Goddess wanted to chat. It wouldn’t be a big deal if the conversations didn’t make her go into a magical coma. She was always tucked away somewhere safe when the coma started, not surrounded by unnatural hating people.

  One moment she was on her date seated in an uncomfortable wooden booth, as she tapped her unpolished fingernails against her knees, irritated that the stupid bar couldn’t get comfortable seats.

  The next, her back was against the bumpy wall as she drifted down its rough surface. She didn’t care how the little spiky mountains scratched her back in all the wrong places; she needed to hide in the shadows. If no one could see her, it'd be worth all the discomfort.

  She scowled at the few people that glanced her way. Nope, not hidden.

  She was sure she’d heard Bruce excuse himself to use the restroom, but it was better to find out than just assume.

  Her squeaky voice called out to him, "Bruce?" She relaxed when he didn't respond. A deep sigh escaped her, maybe she had time.

  It would be hard to explain her situation to a stranger, let alone a friend. Yeah, it only looks and feels like I have one foot in the grave, but it'll all be over soon. Thanks for your concern.

  Her body wasn't unhinged yet, so she had time. She needed to get away and hide. The thin, fake tree next to her wouldn't help conceal anything.

  She cleared her thoughts and concentrated on her surroundings. She was near the bar. Only five high gray tables with tons of black stools and low hanging lanterns were in her way. The brown booths along the wall would not be
a problem.

  At least she wasn't on the dance floor when the fever hit her. To get out of the bar was already going to be difficult enough and would arouse suspicions if she tried to manoeuvre around all the stools and tables to the exit with an unstable body. To move through sweaty bodies closely packed against each other would have been impossible.

  Cat sucked in her breath. There was an employee-only exit sign close to their table when she sat down earlier. She turned to the right and used the fake tree to help herself up. The flimsy tree mocked her as the green trunk cracked and sent her back to the ground.

  That was enough to make her chest heave and her pulse spike up.

  “Hey, you okay?” A small, timid voice that was barely heard over the noise in her ears startled Cat.

  Cat mumbled a response, but the woman did not seem to hear her and continued to move her lips, “What’s wrong-” Cat cut her off, and gathered more of her face into her arms.

  Her eyes never met the woman’s as she spoke, “I’m fine, just had way too much to drink, and I’m a little embarrassed.” She sighed to emphasize her embarrassment.

  “Well, we've all been there. At least you are with Naturals, not some nasty Unnaturals. If you need help, just holler.” Cat listened as the woman's footsteps receded. The sound made her shoulders relax. That was close. If they suspected magic on her, she’d be in trouble. Dammit, why didn’t I listen to mom?

  She sighed and leaned her sweaty head against the cold wall. Her hands trembled, and goosebumps rippled across her pale skin. Her vision was fuzzy around the edges. She hoped a good rub would clear them.

  "Ugh, of course not." Her fist hit the ground as her vision darkened even more. It was too late to depend on her eyesight; her body was about to go into a trance.

  If she tried to get up now, she'd have to feel her way around which would draw too much unwanted attention. Her eyes would shine brighter than mercury silver with magic.

  She wanted to talk to her mom. Maybe luck would be on her side and her mom would have some transport amulets around. She searched her pockets. They were shaky and frantic. If she could call her mom, her mother would come down to help her. But unfortunately, after frantically searching through the nooks and crannies of her pockets, she found nothing.

  She should have listened to her mother's caution, but her friend Rebecca had set up this blind date months ago after she learnt that Bruce was interested in her. There was no way she could back out. As much as she hated blind dates, she wanted to get over her fear of dating and be normal for once.

  Cat squared her shoulders. All right, enough of the pity party, I need to get out of here.

  She took a few deep breaths as she got to her feet. To stabilize herself, her hand went on the rough wall. When her feet were steady on the floor, she took a deep breath and smiled. Good.

  She took a few steps toward what she hoped was the exit but ended up staring up at the ceiling, flat on her back. Basically, her body decided that wasn’t going to happen, that lying down was the better plan. Body 1, Cat 0.

  She wasn’t one to give up. There MUST be a way. She was not a fan of the upside-down turtle Cat.

  Why me? Why this gift? Couldn't I teleport or fly instead? Now that would help me out of here. She lay there, sprawled out on the hardwood floor like a drunk.

  Fresh adrenaline flowed into Cat's body as people hovered over her. She could tell it was two men by the smell of their musky scent mix with whiskey. She hated people hovering over her like she was a caged animal. Maybe if she ignored them they'd go away. Fat chance, Cat.

  When they didn't, she opened her eyes. Everything was even fuzzier, but she could make out the two figures as they stared down at her. "Leave me alone," she rolled to her side and put her head in her hands.

  One of the guys bent over, "Looks like the little lady is smashed."

  Cat could feel the heat of his body get closer to her. Her eyes are letting her down now. His face is an indistinct mess. She pushed against the hard floor as she tried to keep a distance between them, but the ground wouldn't budge. “Get away, both of you,” she snarled.

  The other guy knelt and touched his partner’s shoulder and they both laughed, "Let’s have fun with her. She’s drunk, no one will know. They'll think we want to help her get home."

  Someone from far away shouted, "Hey, what are you two doing to my date?" A wave of wooziness hit her, when she moved in the direction of the singsong voice. It was Bruce.

  In a fluid motion, the two men stood up. Great, no normal person can move so smoothly. They are Unnaturals. She held her breath and waited.

  She could interfere, say one word and throw them off their feet. Or she could freeze them with another word. Yet, doing so would be a death sentence for her. She needed to stay hidden.

  There had to be a few Hunters in here who wanted a new magical being to kill. Because of them, she had to hide what she really was to keep her family safe and to gain respect.

  She worked as an investigator for the CIU; a company called Criminal Investigation for Unnaturals who choose a group of top ranked fighters to protect the Naturals, aka non-magic folk, from the Unnaturals who are supernatural beings like shapeshifters and witches. The ironic part was, the CIU started out with the aim to protect the Unnaturals from Hunters.

  Now, her job was to bring in the Unnaturals the police couldn’t take down. Anyone unlucky enough to get on their complaint radar will be brought in. Most of them were harmless.

  Since high school, Cat had devoted her life to help those who are too weak to fight for themselves. She knew all too well the feeling of helplessness, what it did to people, and if she had it her way, no one, and that includes her would ever feel that way again.

  If her clients saw her like this, she'd be out of a job. Cat needed to get home, to where she was safe with all her wards and weapons. If anyone tried to come in unannounced who meant her harm, they'd be fried from the inside out.

  She was glad no one knew about her abilities. Charms, like killing defence charms, are a must-have for most homes and businesses and had been on sale at any local witch’s brew since the war.

  She must have passed out. Someone was lifting her up. She stiffened, “Don’t worry babe, it’s just Bruce.”

  She knew it was him by his aftershave and cheap soap smell. He struggled to hold her in his arms until he used his knee to get a better grip.

  Cat tried to help him; she knew she was a little on the heavy side. Her efforts didn’t do much, only turned her stomach. "Oh no," she pulled away from him, as she stared at the ground, and let go of her stomach contents.

  Just for tonight, she wanted to be a normal girl on a normal date. She had ignored her instincts—and her mom's—and now she prayed for it.

  Stupid gift. That seemed to be her favorite words these days.

  ***

  Bruce was halfway to the exit, as he struggled to hold her in his arms when her power exploded. Gold, sparkly flecks shot in all directions and gray smoke emanated from her body.

  Cat put her head back and opened her mouth to let the steamy heat out from her blazing hot body. Bruce’s muscles quiver under the stress and nearly drops her. For the love of the gods… his mouth fell open. She’s an Unnatural.

  "Oh my God, is she-" a woman poked her nose into Cat’s face. Bruce pulled her closer like a lover in need and shielded her from onlookers.

  "No, she's smoking, it's the only thing that calms her after shots." Bruce said and kept his pace, as he shoved people aside to keep the curious eyes from gawking at Cat. He wasn’t a fan of Unnaturals, but he was not about to leave her in a lion’s den, either.

  ***

  The smoke snaked from her body, signalling to the Goddess that Cat was ready. When the Goddess had something to say, she couldn't force Cat to see or speak to her, but she would make it damn near impossible to ignore her call.

  Cat could only imagine what the smoke smelt like for Bruce. That acid smell of her vomit breath would assault any nose w
ith a vengeance, regardless of whom or what they were.

  Her long russet colored hair floated at the tips. Now Bruce knew for sure and without a doubt Cat was an Unnatural.

  She didn't want that. If he knew, he could want to kill her, and in a few minutes, there was nothing she could do about it.

  Who could blame the Naturals for hating Unnaturals? The war had been long and brutal. The battles had left the ground a sticky crimson that consists of Naturals’ blood.

  The story she heard was that the Unnaturals would have won the war easily because of their superior strength and power if the world did not find out what Dragonvire’s blood could do to magical beings.

  Dragonvire’s blood was used for centuries to heal wounds and to turn things into gold. It was never known that the blood can also be used as a weapon to kill Unnaturals.

  Only one drop of their blood could kill even the most robust Unnatural, so both sides wanted the weapon. The Naturals to use it, the Unnaturals to prevent the Naturals to use it.

  Of course, when the Naturals got hold of that blood, the odds during the war tilted in their favor. The rest of the war intensified around the world with this discovery.

  Dragonvires were strong, but they were no match for the world. And the world wanted them for their blood, no matter the cost.

  When every bullet, spear, and sword was decorated with the poison of the Dragonvire’s blood, the Unnaturals lost the war. The Naturals victory wasn't enough to wipe everyone of them out. Just enough to make a truce between the factions. Now, they must live together, and hope the difference between them can be settled someday.

  Cat woke up when the frigid air slapped her in the face. Her green eyes fluttered, and the power flashed in her eyes. Those green depths were shone like bright sapphire.

  The last time she was alone with a man, a vision changed her life. So much that even to this day, that horrific event dictated her life.

  Now it was happening again. Here she was, helplessly waiting for the Goddess to speak to her. As she laid in this man’s arms, paralyzed, as a tear escaped her. There was no way she would go through that again. By the Gods, this better not be how I die…