A Job From Hell (Ancient Legends #1)

going
to ditch them when I found somebody who’s interested. My buddy’s coming by
today to pick them up and take them to a paranormal investigator. He says maybe
they’ve something to do with the world of vampires and werewolves. He matched
up the symbols with some legend he found in some old book. Says there’s a race
every five hundred years or something. What a load of crap, huh?”
    Werewolves? Were they real as well?
Nervously, I peered to the nearby bushes, wrapping my soaking wet coat tighter
around me as if it could protect me. “No,” I yelled. “Don’t you dare give him
the stones! Bring them back. Bring them back right now.”
    “What for?”
    “I know who the owner is, and she’s quite
fond of her stones. Do you hear me? She’s very sentimental. So bring them back.”
    “No way. What if she traces their
disappearance back to us?”
    I smirked. “Bit too late for that. Just do
me a favor and do as I say. I might not be here when you arrive, so wrap them
in something and leave them in the kitchen. And Dallas, don’t you bail out on me,
or I swear I’ll kill you.”
    “What if—”
    “No ifs. This is serious,” I yelled,
cutting him off.
    “Okay.” Dallas took a deep breath. “You can
count on me.”
    Yeah. Heard that one before. “Hey, before
you leave, I just want you to know that no matter how mad I get at you, I’ll
always love you.”
    “Even when you kill me?” He laughed, taking
none of this seriously. “I love you too, sis.”
    “You mean the world to me. I wish I could
give you a big hug.” I tried to hide the quiver in my voice. “Take care,
Dallas.”
    “Are you crying? Don’t get all mushy on me.
I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
    After hanging up, I hurried back inside.
Dallas would arrive soon with the stones. Clare said returning them wouldn’t
change anything, but I could at least hope. It was a waiting game now. Aidan
would be safe soon, and then I’d leave the gemstones up to him. I changed my
clothes and tossed the wet ones into the tumble dryer, then dropped on the sofa
and stared at the walls, unable to shake off the feeling that I didn’t get the
best deal. In fact, I wondered whether I got a good deal at all.

Chapter 15

 
    Aidan

 
    Several times, I woke up to find new succubi probing my cuts and wounds. The pain was so intense
I hung on to my consciousness like a shipwrecked person onto hope that rescue
was near. But I knew my rescue might not come for a while. How long did I have
before the succubi’s poison coursed through my body, molding
my will to theirs until I longed for what they had to offer? I had no idea and
no wish to find out either. Where was Kieran when I needed him? The corners of my
mouth cracked as I tried to call him even though I knew words were useless. My
powers were weakening and any telepathic bond between us would be lost in the
depths of Layla’s magic-infused dungeons anyway.
    Something moved before my eyes. I focused my
gaze as the chains cut deeper into my flesh. A pang of pain rippled through my
body and I let out a cry, hating myself for nourishing Layla’s self-satisfaction on which she thrived. The flicker of a girl appeared; a tiny shape
with huge, brown eyes I would never mistake, not even in death.
    Amber inched nearer, almost touching me.
The succubi shifted, but didn’t notice her. Was I
dreaming, imagining my mate? I clenched my teeth, suppressing another cry. No
need to worry her. Amber stood in front of me now, a deep frown set between her
brows, the succubi’s flowing dresses brushing against
her jeans. I opened my mouth to speak out a warning. Don’t come nearer. Don’t let
them touch you. “Amber.” My voice was just a whisper, but if she could see me,
she’d sense the warning.
    The succubi hissed, pushing their nails into my flesh. A new wave of darkness washed over
me, and with a last glance at the one I loved, I let go, eagerly falling into
oblivion that’d gift me a few merciful moments of peace.

 
    ***

 
    I lifted my head, waiting for that vengeful
probing to come back with full force. When it didn’t, I opened my eyes warily.
Had Layla tired of me? No chance in hell. Did she
come up with a new plan to force me into submission? That was a more likely
explanation.
    Through my hazy gaze I first noticed the succubi cowering near the opposite wall. The soft light of a
torch highlighted the fear in their pale faces. What scared them? The chain
around my neck cut deep as I tilted