The Smokiest Grave Page 11

  The person behind Cat blew his nose again. Stupid Naturals and their illnesses. She was lucky that her immune system was not like a Natural, so she didn’t need to worry about most illnesses.

  She turned around and gave the heavy man a death stare. She might have even let her green eyes shine sapphire a little. Get a hold of yourself. She tried but was failing miserably.

  As a child growing up, Cat had seen basic illnesses take the strongest person down. She lost her childhood best friend to the flu. That's why she hated sick people that knowingly spread their germs around, like this man.

  This big, bald guy with an ugly, too-long gray goatee and expensive suit looked like he could afford medicine, but maybe others on the plane wouldn't be able to.

  Cat debated smacking him around or knocking him unconscious. I should wait at least until we take off, so they can’t throw me out... Would they throw me off in midair? The thought chilled her to the bone. Maybe she should wait until the plane landed.

  She turned back around and told him to cover his mouth. As she did, the engine rumbled shaking the plane. The sound made her heart pound harder, so she braced herself for takeoff and let her body relax.

  As expected, she did not enjoy the pressure crushing her head in as if two strong hands had her head in their grasp. But once the massive machine steadied, her pain and nausea subsided. Cat was able to relax for a while until the turbulence rattling the airplane made the panic in her flare up again. The flight attendant came to help after Hendrick pushed the assistance button above his head.

  Her plump body was barely holding her pink uniform together. She wiggled over to Hendrick, “How may I help you?” She was looking at Cat’s tense posture, her chestnut brown eyes opened wide. Her rosy cheeks turned a shade lighter. “Oh, I see,” her small plump hand went to her mouth showing off the scribble tattoos on her wrist.

  “Let’s have your strongest drink and soda.” Hendrick inclined his head to the woman silently telling her he had the situation under control.

  The plump woman rubbed her hands on her pink uniform and pulled at her sleeves, shaking her head. “Peanuts help too,” she snapped to attention, walking to the front of the plane.

  “She was against us in the war,” Cat’s voice was breathless and panicked. Cat felt silly for making such a fuss, but she couldn't stop her body's reaction. She could always bottle up her fear.

  Not this time. The situation was too much for her. Cat’s younger sister had died in a plane crash a few years ago. Christina hadn’t listened to mom’s warning. Cat wasn’t sure what happened to the plane, the massive thing just fell out of the sky.

  Since then, anything that involved heights terrified Cat to the point of paralysis. The fear had even affected her job once. A few years ago, she had to go after a crazed Unnatural. Bad luck for her he chose a fifteen-floor building to run into.

  Instead of trying to get out of the building, the stupid guy ran to the roof. He caused havoc in his wake, blowing things up which led four people to their death. When Cat finally reached the top of the building to trap him, she almost had a heart attack. Nevertheless, she managed to overcome her fears and get the psycho.

  Unfortunately, there was no way to get over the fear today because she was trapped inside, in a woozy hell she created in her mind. The ground was too far away. And it didn’t help that the plane smelled like rotten eggs because of the emotions seeping from her pores. The sickly scent was not making other Unnaturals around her happy. The unpleasant odor repulsed even her.

  “She is not our enemy any longer. You are safe,” Hendrick grabbed her hand finally, giving in to the urge. She needed help and he could provide the security she needed at the moment. Cat nodded over and over.

  “Can you get her under control? Her odor is giving me a horrible headache,” a man from the back of the airplane grumbled to a flight attendant passing out drinks.

  Hendrick was even rubbing his nose from the assaulting smell. Seeing that made her want to leave that much more. Jumping out of the plane with a parachute sounded better every second, “I need to get out of here. I shouldn't be here,” Cat said, looking like a scared, cornered animal. Her green eyes were wild. They darted around looking for an exit.

  Hendrick let go of her hands and grabbed her face rubbing her cheek with his thumb. Cat’s gaze settled on his mesmerizing blue eyes after a few seconds, but she wasn’t looking at him. She was trying to hide in herself to get away from her fear. “Actually, look at me, Kitty.” When he was satisfied that her beautiful orbs focused on him, he continued, “Ye are safe. I’ll never let ye fall.” He took a big gulp before continuing, “I can fly higher than this plane can soar, love. If I'm here, Kitty, ye are safe.” His voice was like sweet nectar for her soul.

  They both gazed into each other’s eyes for a long time. The concern in his eyes and his strong hands on her made her feel safe. She relaxed, taking in a deep breath.

  When he thought she could handle her emotions better he moved his hands to her shoulders, massaging. The flight attendant came back, putting down ten little bottles with cups of ice, four sodas and some peanut packages quietly, not wanting to distract either of them.

  Cat was not hyperventilating anymore so Hendrick looked away to make her a drink. His large hand looked even larger as he handed her a mixed drink, “Drink up, love. We have a long flight.” His voice was as sweet as he could make it.

  “Will you keep-,” Cat looked away, embarrassed to the point of tears. When one drop traveled down her face, she gave up asking him. She hated that he made her feel safe. Finally, she gave a fake smile and took the cold drink from him.

  Hendrick lightly brushed his fingers against her cheeks, “Aye lass, I’ll keep touching you.” Hendrick knew what being overcome by a horrible emotion was like and in that moment a person just needs an anchor. He could be hers.

  Cat gave him a real smile and did as he said, taking a big gulp of the bitter, dark drink. Ironically, she enjoyed the way the cold liquid burned going down. I’m going to need a lot more of these.

  The rest of the flight went well. Whenever she felt her terror coming back she grabbed Hendrick's arm, which he didn't seem to mind. She was practically in his lap anyway. Most important, her sickly smell turned into more of a sweet and sour scent of intoxication, which the Unnaturals didn’t seem to mind as much.

  Other than that, Cat didn't remember a lot of the flight. She consumed little bottle after little bottle. If there were any other significant events, the rest was a blur.

  Now that she was off the plane and sober, all she wanted to do was take a shower to get rid of the hangover yeasty odor that seemed to be oozing out of her skin. I’m going home on a train when this is all finished. There is no way I will get back on a plane.

  On the drive to Hendrick's friend’s house, Cat called Izzy to let him know what was going on. He had volunteered at the precinct before, so he knew how to get into the CIU database. If she needed him to.

  Not a lot of people use computers anymore but there were a few at the precinct. Izzy sold his kidney for a laptop. He was the only other person she knew with one and asking David to break the rules twice in one day was not right. Being in Montana, Cat wasn’t in her jurisdiction.

  Izzy would have to do. She wasn't even sure she'd need him yet. Better to be prepared, then not.

  Cat called her mom to let her know she was leaving town for a while and asked her to take care of Xena. Being so far away from Cat, the distance could cause Xena pain. Like intense, painful cramps and her mom was the best amulet maker she knew. So, she could whip something up to help Xena. She didn’t belong at Cat’s side at a time like this. She wasn’t sure what danger awaited them.

  Cat straightened her shoulders as Hendrick drove the rent-a-car into his friend Yvonne's bumpy driveway. A small blonde woman that she assumed was Yvonne stood outside waving. For some reason, Cat didn’t like her. She was too pretty.

  “Hello Yvonne, it's been a long time. I'm sorry it had to
be under these circumstances,” Hendrick said after getting out of the car and giving her a close body hug, “This lass is Cathleen. She's an investigator that's going to help us.”

  Yvonne gave her a bright smile. Then shook Cat’s outstretched hand enthusiastically, “Call me Cat.” At the touch of their palms, the brick walls of Cat’s hatred crumbled. Cat could smell her lavender scent, which left her feeling calm.

  She had on a light purple dress that went well with her brown eyes. They both said, “Nice to meet you,” in unison. Cat didn’t even hear her say her name.

  Cat followed Hendrick into the house which was much more prominent from the inside. The moment her feet stepped inside a warm, happy feeling napped at her being, like a kitten drinking milk from its mom.

  The walls were a beautiful sun-kissed yellow; the furniture was a glossy white with brown and green throw pillows. The same brown and green decorated the rest of the house, making Cat feel comfortable.

  The only thing unsettling was her dining area. The room was huge with the same color scheme as the rest of the house, but the dining table was incredibly large. Its vibrant brown surface was wide and long, fitting at least fifty people.

  Hendrick walked into the kitchen through the swinging door, so Cat moved to follow, her stomach rumbling in approval. Yvonne gently put her hand on Cat’s shoulder, “Wait a few minutes, they are going to fight over the food. It might get physical depending on how hungry the men are. They only do it among themselves. Otherwise, they are house trained,” Yvonne laughed at her joke. The sound was a sweet chortle. At the same time, she grabbed Cat’s hand, pulling her to the bathroom.

  “Is that a normal thing around here?” Cat asked and smiled to show Yvonne her joke was amusing.

  Yvonne nodded and kept walking.

  She let Yvonne lead the way. That’s odd, I think she is taking me to the bathroom. She needed to take a shower anyway. There was no harm in Yvonne being nice. That was, until she turned around and reached for the bottom of Cat’s shirt, ready to pull the thing over her head.

  Ummm no.

  “I think I can take my clothes off,” Cat said smacking her hand away.

  “Oh,” she brought her hand to her mouth like Cat burned her, “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you, I guess I'm just used to helping people. I run a halfway house for people in need,” she waved a hand towards the ceiling as she spoke.

  She walked away from Cat like a dog with its tail between its legs. While washing her hands, she looked into the mirror at Cat releasing a big disappointed sighed. “There are towels in here,” Yvonne pointed to a shelf under the sink.

  Cat looked to the already filled tub, and her curiosity got the better of her, “You bathe them?”

  “Oh, I thought Hendrick told you what I am.” She waved her wet hands towards Cat. “I'm a relaxer. Hendrick told me what happened on the plane, so I got fully charged for your arrival,” she sounded offended.

  Relaxers are Unnaturals that get their powers from the sun which explains that perfect golden skin. How their skills work always fascinated Cat, they take heat from the sun and transfer the soothing warmth into a person. The warmth manifests as calming thoughts or a replacement of negative emotions.

  When they become of age, they find jobs like a masseuse or a medicine man.

  Cat looked at Yvonne’s hopeful gaze and crumbled again. Having a relaxer was part of her bucket list anyway. “Fine, get me naked,” they both giggled and blushed a little. She tilted her head down to let Yvonne take her black shirt off.

  As she stood there in her lacy gray bra Cat had an urge to fill the silence, “How are you going to do this? I can already feel the magic working,” she paused her babbling when Yvonne smiled. Yet, the urge to fill the silence came back, “This is my first time. I love that you have this kind of business; I've always wanted to do this. How long have-” Yvonne stopped her with a hand on her mouth.

  “Good Lord, calm down.” She took an exaggerated deep breath, “Feel the warmth running through your body sweetie. Because it’s your first time, your body will fight the effect.”

  She did relax until she had only her underwear left to take off. Her face was beet red and the room was thick with the fresh potatoes scent of embarrassment she emanated.

  ***

  “Don’t worry, you can do the rest. I'll help you wash your hair and back.” Yvonne put her hand in the cooling water and instinctively it bubbled to life.

  “Cool. I wish I could do that,” Cat said almost dropping her arm from her exposed nakedness.

  Yvonne turned around, so Cat could get completely naked and jump in the bath. Cat had her arms raised, putting her hair up, when Yvonne accidentally glanced in the mirror and caught a glimpse of the symbol on the inside of Cat’s arm. Directly across from it were bold, beautiful, familiar marks.

  Oh, great sun Gods, is that a Dragonvire symbol?

  Without thinking, she turned and faced Cat, lifting her arm forcibly before she could step into the bathtub. “What is this?” Yvonne asked.

  “Aaah! Stopp!” Cat screamed, flabbergasted, and tried to smack her hands away.

  ***

  “Wait. You can see it?” Cat asked, forgetting about being uncomfortable. “No one except my parents have ever been able to see the tattoo.”

  The big swirling shapes were something she was born with. One had fire in the middle and the other had a stone. On her pale skin the markings looked more like a tattoo than a birthmark, so she called it a tattoo.

  Yvonne looked at her with her head tilted to the side and her skin crinkled around her eyes. “Yes, of course. What does it mean? I know what this side means, but what's the swirly rock in the middle?”

  The two women were so immersed in the intricate markings that when the bathroom door crashed open making tons of wood chips fly everywhere, they let out a wretched scream. They leaned into each other to shield their eyes.

  Gaining her composure quicker, Yvonne jumped in front of Cat’s exposed naked body, shielding her from showing off her goods.

  Cat’s hand reached for a gun she knew she didn’t have. This is the second time, dammit. You need to get it together.

  She never took her gun from her work bag. It was too far away to be useful now.

  Cat relaxed slightly when she recognized the scent of one of the men. A masculine peppermint and campfire scent. Hendrick.

  “Where are they?” Hendrick asked, sword in hand and blue eyes looking around. He looked like he was ready to kill anything in his path. Cat looked at both men in surprise. Their shirts were ripped, and both were sporting cuts and bruises. I guess they were hungry.

  “What the hell are you talking about? I was giving Cat a bath.” Yvonne tried to explain, but she was getting so mad her skin turned red.

  “Why did you scream, then?” Hendrick's friend said, putting away his sword.

  Both women looked confused for a second, “Maybe when you charged me.”

  “Possible,” Yvonne said blankly. Her mind was leaving fight or flight mode gradually. Quicker than Cat knew was possible for a relaxer, she grabbed a hanging towel to drape over Cat.

  “I need to show Hendrick. Cover up.” Her eyes pointed at Cat’s exposed breasts.

  In a frantic movement to grab the towel, Cat’s embarrassment spiked and shot a fresh course of adrenaline through her. I’m freaking naked!

  “I need this arm up, sweetheart,” Yvonne said with an apologetic look in her eyes. She knew Cat had issues with nudity and she hated to do this to her, but they needed to see. “Look.” She pointed at the symbols on Cat's arm and body.

  “Holy Goddess you are gorgeous. I’m Jake. Nice to meet-" Hendrick's friend stopped when Hendrick slapped him in the back of the head. “Ow, what?” he finished. It made Cat even more uncomfortable. So, she took a couple of steps back.

  There were too many eyes on her. The towel was like thin paper against their stares. A few faces in the hallway looked away to be polite. Everyone in the house stood in fron
t of her.

  If she weren't so intrigued by finally knowing what her tattoo meant, she would have pushed everyone out of the broken door kicking and screaming.

  "Chill, Jake, don’t make this worse than it has to be for her," Yvonne defended Cat. The gesture warmed Cat’s heart. She had never had someone protect her before. Other than her mom. Everyone always thought she could handle things for herself. Most of the time they were right, but it still felt good to know someone cared enough to step in and defend her against their own people.

  Cat wanted to bring the focus back to her tattoo, “Can you see it?”

  “Of course, we see it, we aren’t blind,” Jake said letting a small hint of a Scottish accent show.

  “Why do you bear the mark of a Dragonvire?” Hendrick interjected.

  If the Goddess hadn’t told her what these guys were, she’d be scared. She’d seen people get killed for being accused of things like that.

  “I don't know. I was born with it.” She licked her dry lips. “I’ve never known what the symbols meant.”

  “How do you not know?” Hendrick asked, his face inches away from her tattoo.

  “My parents said this one is the sign of my people. I never knew exactly what it meant because they didn’t know either,” she replied, stepping back a few feet.

  “Why didn't you get it looked at?” Yvonne asked her.

  Cat was getting nervous, Hendrick wouldn’t give her space. He followed after her with every step she took backward, “I tried, and then they would disappear. When I tried to find out myself, other people didn't see them.” She took a deep breath before admitting the final thing.

  A stinging pain slithered its way into Cat’s mind. Ow, stop, blocker.

  “There’s something else. I was going to tell you this anyway. I can tell you have a blocker in the house. I can feel them probing my thoughts. Fittingly, I’ll spill the beans; I know what you are.”

  An eruption of how, run, and kill her sounded from a few people out in the hallway. Cat didn't pay much attention to them. The death stare coming from Hendrick was her priority. The way he kept walking until he pressed her against the wall made Cat’s heart hammer in her chest.