The Smokiest Grave (The Unnatural Series Book 1) Read online

  “You are the best partner.” She punched him in the chest and ran to her Yari. The dirt road created a dust build up behind her.

  She kept bending her ankles to the side with all the potholes, “Ouch.”

  It’s a good thing I am strong and can make magical amulets or I’d be out of a job.

  “You’re welcome. And you owe me one!” David called after her. She really did owe him one. As she ran with the warm wind in her hair Cat’s heart fluttered with joy, she was so happy to have a friend like him.

  She laughed as she pictured herself smacking some sense into Hendrick. All she had to do was make it in time.

  Ready or not, here I come.

  Fourteen

  How had it ever come to this? In all his years, he never thought this would happen to him. Hendrick stood there dumbfounded. He was cornered in the men's room, backed against the wall. I’ve killed numerous demons from childhood on. Why is this woman so different for me? Da would laugh his silver tale off if he was here.

  Cat stood in front of him with her arms stretched out at her sides holding gold daggers and blocking the exit. Her menacing stare and lethal body were ready for action.

  The way she changed her tactic by slipping the knives back into her hair and putting her hands on her hips made Hendrick’s blood travel lower in his body. She was going to fight with her body, not with weapons, like a true warrior.

  Stop that, she is not even naked for crying out loud. If you start to rise, I’m going to put a bucket of ice in my pants. That did the trick. He lifted his head higher, proud of himself.

  He could plow through Cat, of course. Yet, he doubted she would give up even then. "You are not going," he straightened his shoulders, making her blazing eyes twitch slightly at the corner. Ordering people around worked when he was king, and he hoped it did today.

  "I was hoping you'd say that," Cat looked at him with a long, toothy grin, eyes tilted menacingly at him. He couldn’t lie; she was kind of freaky when her hair floated.

  Without warning, she dashed toward the wall throwing him off guard. He was expecting her to hotfoot his way. Cat’s long legs bounced off the wall launching her up in the air. Her fist slammed into Hendrick’s face making a loud, satisfying crunch. As soon as her foot touched the ground she side-kicked him in the chest.

  A wicked smile accompanied her taunt, "I owed you payback for being a bastard.”

  ***

  He wasn't expecting her to attack as fiercely as she did, so he pathetically took the hits full force. She hits stronger than most men.

  “I deserved that,” he held his jaw trying to move the firm bone around to make sure nothing was broken.

  He knew if he didn’t fight back, she wouldn’t respect him. No true warrior would. And they both knew if she didn’t best him right now, she wasn’t going. He didn’t need another person to take care of, he needed another warrior.

  Let’s see what you got.

  “Ya think?” she lifted on her tiptoes, her fist was still pointed at him with her arms bent, ready for action. He could see the excitement shining in her green eyes. They were even a shade lighter.

  Hendrick smiled enough to make her chest a little red, "Ye still not going." This time he expected her attack, so he stopped the skillful fist flying towards him. His fist collided with her ribs.

  She still managed to kick him in the gut, though. So, they both toppled over, holding their sore areas. “Are ye trying to kill me?” As a dragon not shifted yet, his stomach was a soft spot for him. Even with his vampire side, his core stayed tender.

  “No, but maybe hurt you a little,” she said breathlessly.

  She advanced again, trying to kick him in the face. But his broad hand grabbed her muscular leg, stopping the leather boot inches from his face.

  ***

  Cat didn't let that stop her; she used her other leg to kick him. She pushed her foot off the floor, and when her foot connected with his head, he let go of her leg. She didn’t waste any time. She jumped on him and wrapped her long skillful leg around the back of his knees.

  Once she felt the soft curve of his leg, she kicked his knees out making them buckle, and she pulled him to the ground on top of her. She threw him over her shoulder with a big push of her legs using the momentum of their fall. With all her weight on her shoulder and her head to the side, she rolled backward until she was on top of him.

  This time she didn't grab anything sharp to keep him down. Her smug smile and her knee on his chest was enough. “I win.” She sat all the way up when he blinked at her a few times.

  “How the bloody hell did I let ye do that to me twice in one lifetime?” Hendrick shook his head in shock. As a last resort, he tried a different tactic, “Ye know lass, if ye wanted to be on top, all ye had to do was ask.”

  She snorted, “If I wanted you, Hendrick, you would already be mine.” She crossed her arms over her chest.

  “Is that so, lass? Now, who is the cocky one?” He lifted one brow in question. Knowing if she didn’t get off him soon he would be hard with excitement.

  Cat rolled her eyes and took her legs off his chest. Hendrick took cunning advantage of her move by grabbing her leg. Using his strength to show her he could fight back if he wanted to. He brought her leg down to straddle around him and pulled her closer, “Why do ye want to help me?” he was inches away from her face making his breath caressed her skin and causing her sweet honey scent to sink into his clothing.

  With wide eyes, she gulped, “I believe it's my destiny.” She was telling the truth, whether he believed her words or not was his problem.

  ***

  He laughed at that, letting her go after a few mumbles of disapproval. “Okay,” was all he said as he got up, brushing off his clothes.

  She did do well in the fight. So, she could be handy. As much as he didn’t want her in his world, she could help bring his brother home.

  ***

  She thought he was going to say something else, but he licked at his two front teeth and sucked at them like pulling food off his pearly whites. The sound made her step back. She had only seen people do that when they were agitated.

  He walked toward her with slow, powerful strides and reached for her duffel bag. Cat frowned and pulled the bag away from him, smacking his hand, “What are doing?”

  “If ye coming lassie, I’ll be holdin’ yer bag,” he let his accent deepen, knowing the sound ruffled her feathers.

  When he saw goosebumps decorate her milky skin, he knew she was frazzled. Deep inside, he wondered if her reaction was to him or the memory of the other lad. He was betting it was the latter. The thought had a dark green pin of jealousy lacing its way into his heart.

  Stop that.

  “Why?” Her face crinkled at him. She tightened her grip on the duffel bag. She was afraid he was going to throw it out the window and make a run for the plane.

  He crossed his arms, not wanting to forcefully take her items away from her. He wanted her to give them to him, “Ye a lassie, right?”

  “Yes,” she dropped her bag and copied his movement locking her head to the side. She was not fond of his games, but he certainly like to play them.

  “Well lass, where I’m from men hold a beautiful lassie’s bag. So, hand it over.” His large hard went in the space between them, waiting. He even wiggled his thick fingers when she didn’t do it right away.

  Cat debated attacking him again but didn’t want the hassle of fighting. She gave over the bag, shooting hate lasers at him with her eyes.

  The damn man has to win at something. Even if he loses the battle, he’ll conjure up another battle to win. It’s annoying.

  They both left the bathroom together. She had locked the door, so a line of snickering men was waiting to go in. This must be the only men’s bathroom. If he high-fives these twerps, I’m going to smack him.

  She smiled when he left the men’s hands hanging in the air. Yeah, take that, twerps. She stayed close to him just in case. Since he possessed vampir
e traits, he could outrun her. She wouldn't be able to keep up even if she tried. However, she could still jump on his back for the ride.

  They both stayed dead silent the rest of the way to the security check even though she kept sneaking glances at him trying to read his face. Cat hoped with all her being that he had an amulet to help him get through the Unnatural x-rays or this was about to get nasty.

  ***

  Hendrick wished he could use his dragon and fly, but that would get him killed by a Hunter.

  They both were too tense. If his amulet didn't hide his Dragonvire beast, they were both in deep trouble. In other words, dead. Now was time for a prayer.

  Fifteen

  Hendrick heard a small beep as he walked past the Unnatural detector. Great.

  The dreaded, “Sir, can you step over here please,” came next. The phrase was blistering to his ears. If only they were in a dark alley and not in this crowded airport, he would punch the scowl off the security guard’s face.

  He looked around, there are no other guards coming, so the amulet might have worked.

  “Is there something wrong?” Hendrick smiled as nice and innocent as he could. He also made sure his accents weren’t detectable and tried to make himself look shorter. I'm a normal American, just like you lad.

  The security guard murmured something under his breath, “One-way or round-trip?” he pointed his black stick at Hendrick and looked at him like he had feces all over him. The guard looked fragile and wimpy, but Hendrick knew with one yell from the guard, twenty guns would be pointing at his heart.

  He knew that, but his royalty instincts kicked in making him straighten up. Which wasn’t a bright idea, he already was taller than the small lad, and now he towered over him.

  Hendrick could see the guard’s hand twitch as his fingers hovered over a button on his thick black belt. The rest of his uniform was a dirt brown, so the shiny belt stuck out.

  Both vampires and dragons are proud beings. When both lineages mix in one person, the pride and predatory instincts are much stronger, harder to control. So, if someone tries to talk down to them, it is hard not to react. Both beasts chocked their way out to prove their worth.

  Bampot, you are supposed to look harmless. Hendrick tried to regain control of himself. The guard didn’t know any better. At least he didn’t say bampot out loud. Using his father’s language to call himself an idiot was a sure way to get into trouble.

  “Sir, I think you should come with me.” The guard rested a hand on his belt near his amulet bag. They were probably sleeping amulets.

  Hendrick was about to say something and probably make matters worse when Cat ran up, her glorious honey scent coated the air, swirling around him. The smell alone was enough to calm his beasts, which was funny, because his body’s reaction was to stiffen, thinking she was going to attack again. But as her soft full lips dove for his, he relaxed.

  Clever lass. Show them I am a loving Unnatural. If she uses her badge, she’s smart and willing to soil her reputation to help me… A pinch of guilt fluttered inside of him. This was why he didn’t want her with him. Once you’re in my world, you usually can never go back to your old life or die.

  She kissed him with so much passion he forgot where he was. He grabbed her lower back pushing her soft body to his. That’s how the ladies in the court used to kiss him. Like he was the only man they had ever seen and ever wanted to see.

  Those memories made him freeze up. If his dad could see him now Hendrick would never live it down. Ye let a wee little lassie, show ye up?

  When she pulled away slightly to say something against his lips, he wasn’t ready. “You ready baby?” Cat’s voice was a sweet lover’s whisper. She tried not to laugh at the ‘wow’ look paralyzing his face.

  ***

  Cat was breathless. That was the best fake kiss she’d ever had. So much electricity, she could probably make a light-bulb shine in her mouth if she tried. She was surprised he hadn’t shocked her into silence too. She considered devouring his lips again as she gazed into his blue eyes waiting for a response, maybe I shocked him too much?

  It was a good thing she played this role of a flirty girlfriend for a living or he might have ruined their cover by taking too long to answer. She had to cover for him, so she ran her tongue over his lips with one quick swipe, “I love the way you taste, lover.” That definitely got a reaction, he pressed himself against her like he wanted to mesh their bodies together.

  That's when the airport security guy coughed into his hand.

  Thank the Goddess, what was Hendrick waiting for? She turned to the guard, feigning embarrassment. “Oh, I'm sorry I didn't see you there. I'm CIU investigator Cat-”

  “Spurlock. I know,” The guard shuffled his feet and turned a shade redder.

  She gave him a quizzical head tilt, “Do I know you, officer?” Cat was trying to be polite, after all, so she called him an officer. Buttering him up would work to her advantage. The last thing she wanted was to piss him off.

  “Yes, kind of. You saved my little sister from a nasty vampire attack last year.” He gripped his black stick letting the uncomfortable glare in his brown eyes get the best of him. The ends of his eyebrows were so long his eyes looked strained under their weight. He clenched his jaw tightly, finally meeting her eyes.

  Good for you boy. Cat couldn’t help but smile. She remembered when he spoke to her to ask her out, he wouldn’t make eye contact.

  Their vampire radar must have gone off. That’s what I was hoping. “Oh yeah,” she put on her famous shining smile. Maybe she could use that to her advantage. “You are Bilma’s older brother, Josh. I remember because afterward, you asked me out for drinks to thank me,” her voice drifted off. The look of horror in her green eyes. Dang it, there you go letting your mouth ruin things again. The Gods seriously messed up in my development.

  “That you refused.” He stepped back, white-knuckling his stick. Josh turned as red as if she slapped him a few times, hiding his freckles.

  Cat looked at Hendrick when his hand at her hip pushed her toward him, now you want to join in? I could smack you. “Yeah, it's policy not to mix business with pleasure,” she said, quickly changing the subject. “So how is Bilma doing? She still calls me sometimes for help.”

  “That's good.” With the mention of her helping his baby sister, his posture softened, and he let go of his death grip on his weapon.

  A large woman chose that moment to yell at the guard from the X-ray Unnatural detector across the room. “Move it along Newbie. There are other people to question. If you can’t keep up we will find someone else who can,” her angry voice bit out, too. Josh literally flinched as if she raised a fist to him.

  His brown eyes darkened with hatred towards the woman. Poor guy probably gets pushed around a lot. With his too-large, blocky teeth, equally large nose and skinny form he was probably the go-to target for everyone.

  Maybe I should give him a few lessons when I get back. She had done it for his sister, and she might as well extend her help to other family members.

  “You can leave,” he waved them on. In a slouch, he went back to his post. The sympathy rolling off her was too much. She’d have to deal with that when she got home. He looked like life had beaten him down good.

  “That was a close one, and you’re welcome,” Cat took a deep breath. When she noticed Hendrick was still holding her hip, she blushed, “You can let go now.”

  Hendrick let go as if she had spontaneously contracted a contagious disease. He grumbled a thank you and strode towards the moving table to grab his belongings. If Cat hadn’t noticed the tension in his shoulders, she might have been offended.

  No reason to get your ass kicked, Cat, just ignore him. At least, he said thank you. So, she followed him in silence, grumbling back. He acted like she was wrong for helping him out. If anyone else questions him, I’m keeping my mouth to myself, ungrateful jerk.

  She grabbed her shoes from the airport bucket and put them on, dreading what sh
e was about to do. Why had she fought so hard to go along with him again? After all this is over she needed to check her sanity.

  Sixteen

  They boarded the plane and found their seats. The room stunk of mold and feet, so she pinched her nose to try and escape the odor. Cat frowned as she studied her surroundings. She imagined how the planes used to be from the stories her grandma told her. If they were still like that then maybe her palms wouldn’t be sweaty.

  Ever since the war, airplanes had lost all their class and technology advances because there was no one around that knew what they were doing to keep things like that up.

  There were no more televisions or phones on board and the closest thing they had to an air mask was a brown paper bag. Most beings that chose to ride in a plane nowadays were scoundrels and master Unnaturals. That’s why they screen for them, to identify the Unnaturals and weigh the possibility of an attack.

  The planes tacky gray walls and tightly bunched up seats made Cat feel sick. This is going to be the longest ride of my life. I’m going to need a few shots to get through this.

  As soon as they sat down, a sneeze erupted right behind Cat’s head. Cat imagined the germs spraying the back of her headrest and wafting around the edges to fill her nose. The thought sounded an alarm in Cat’s mind making her heart slam against her chest. The walls were closing in around her and the oxygen was leaving the plane as her anxiety took over.

  Her hands trembled uncontrollably, “I hate flying. Why couldn't we have driven there?” Cat said with a death grip on the chair. She clutched the arms rests and they cracked in her cold, clammy grip. Hendrick watched the veins bulge in her arms and hands that were in a tight pale ball. If she weren't careful, she would puncture her skin, and the vampires on the plane would not be happy.

  “I told you we don't have time for that. You said you wanted to come along and help.” Hendrick wanted to grab her hand and let her know there was nothing to be afraid of, but he held back.