Page 30 of Runt's Haunted Ride
"He asked how I knew that. I told them my grandfather used to be really into phoenixes. How he told us kids about the ones who, when they rejuvenate, their ashes are real gold. The President asked if I was fucking crazy. I told him I wasn't. Luckily, one of the other guys said his grandma used to tell him the same sort of thing." Jack shook his head. "That's exactly what I needed. The President jumped up, whooping and hollering, saying this has to be what he's been looking for—the valuable merchandise."
Fear coiled in my stomach. "So, the club thinks this is just a treasure grab? Take me and my gold?"
"Kind of," Jack confirmed. "But wait, see, the President wants you. So, they think we're stealing gold and the gold maker. But what we're actually doing is rescuing you and bringing you to the clubhouse where I'll keep you safe until you're back to full strength. It will work, Kai. We spent the rest of the morning making the plan. Here's how it's going to play out. Every one of our members will be there tonight, and we'll all be armed. The plan is, the minute you do your thing, we'll create chaos, grab you and the gold, and get out."
"Jack, I don't understand." I got off the bed and walked a few steps away, turning back to him. I crossed my arms. "You want me to be a captive of the motorcycle club?"
"NO, Kai, not at all." Jack followed me, taking my hands into his. "You'll never, ever be a captive again. Not as long as I'm breathing. The club is just to give you time to regenerate. That's all. It will be easy to get away from them. As soon as you're back to yourself, we're gone. You and I."
"But Jack, this can't work. I can't leave Mortis. The magic will bring me back. This carnival is how far I can be from him. Not one foot more."
"Not if I kill him." Jack reached into his other pocket and pulled out two bullets. He set the bullets in my hand. "You toldme a blessed bullet could kill Mortis. I read online that phoenix energy can be a blessing. I need you to bless these. Do you know how?"
I picked up one of the bullets, studying it. "You're prepared to kill him?"
"To free you?" Jack put his palm on my face, drawing my eyes to his. "I'd rip him limb from limb until there was nothing left but a bloody pile." Jack kissed my forehead. "But since you said it has to be a blessed bullet, I'll go with that. Now, will phoenix energy bless them?"
I looked down. "I think so. All I have to do is touch the object with both of my forms. Human and phoenix." I looked from the bullet to Jack. "If the fire's too hot, will they explode?"
Jack tilted his head. "Yeah, probably."
"Fuck."
Jack laughed. "Now, that's my girl." Pride shone in his eyes. "If we blow up, we blow up together. Go for it."
I took a steady breath, holding the bullet in my right hand. I raised my left middle finger and summoned my fire. After being in the sun all day, it was easy. A small, golden flame ignited at the tip—hot and controlled. Before I could second-guess myself, I bent my right middle finger together, my human finger and my fire finger pressing against the bullet simultaneously.
Power surged through me, warm and electric. The bullet glowed briefly, absorbing both my human essence and phoenix fire. When I pulled my hands away, the bullet looked normal, but I could feel the difference. It hummed with energy now.
"It worked," I breathed, handing him the blessed bullet.
"I should say so. Your eyes glowed."
Shocked and excited, I asked, "They did?"
"Yes, it was amazing."
"That's phoenix power. I haven't done that for a long time. It felt good." I picked up the other bullet and repeated the process.
"These are going to save us," he said with absolute conviction.
"I hope you're right." I twisted my hands together nervously. "But Jack, even with blessed bullets, Mortis is powerful. He'll transform, use his full voodoo god form. And when I burn—"
"That's why I need you to tell me everything." He took both my hands in his. "What happens when you burn? What do I need to know?"
The mate bond flared at the care in his voice, the fierce protectiveness. "When I burn, it's a transformation fire. It doesn't hurt—it's actually euphoric. Like finally being able to breathe after holding your breath too long. The flames will consume me completely."
"How long does it take?"
"Maybe a minute. When the flames die, there will be a pile of gold ash—enough to fill both your hands. Mortis usually collects it in a special container." The thought made me sick. "In the center of the ash pile, you'll find me. I'll be a chick, about the size of a baby chicken, covered in golden down feathers."
Jack was memorizing every word. "No wonder you're helpless."
"Completely. For all purposes, I'm a chick. I can't fly, can't defend myself, can barely walk for the first hour. I'll be weak and disoriented." I squeezed his hands. "Jack, for those first twenty-four hours, I'm utterly reliant on you. If something happens to you while I regenerate..."
"Nothing's happening to me," he said firmly. "What do you need? Food? Water?"
"Small pieces of fruit and some small chopped nuts if you can get them. Berries are best. And water—I need a water source. It helps the process." I thought about what else he should know. "Warmth is crucial. And sunlight if possible. Wait," I grabbed the bag and handed it back to him. "Put the cinnamon in mysleeping area. It will speed up the transformation and make it less painful."
