“You mean the two monsters you’ve been keeping as pets?”
My head snaps upwards at the new voice to see a Ghost crouching down on top of the roof of our cabin.
The door to our accommodations opens. Yet another Ghost appears, his back to us as he drags Jonah out by his arms. He’s bound and gagged, limp and bleeding from the corner of his mouth. My heart sinks as I watch the Ghost drop Jonah into the dirt near us. Theo’s hand lands on my shoulder as he shifts his weight. I turn to look where his focus is directed to see two more Ghosts stepping out from the brush with Kwil’s arms over both of their shoulders. His head is bowed, and his legs are limp as they drag him over to us. My Mystery Man’s shirt is covered in blood.
Is it his or someone else’s?
“Don’t move, Viktor Fowlmor, or we’ll gut all five of you right here and now,” the one on the roof orders calmly.
I look back at Viktor, who has taken a step in our direction. He freezes. Movement behind Viktor draws my attention. Four more Ghosts step out from the darkness. Their swords are drawn and ready as they creep closer.
The Ghost on the roof leaps down and walks over us. His head turns to face Theo.
“Theodon, Viktor, you and your brother Kwil have Fallen, and you know what happens when the Fallen do not remove themselves from this world.” He pauses as he waits for a response. At Theo’s nod, he continues, “We’re not going to draw any more attention to our presence. We will all head into your cabin where we’ll dispose of you three appropriately. Willow Harvest, your presence is requested by the Brotherhood, so for now, if you comply with our orders, you will be spared.”
I blink in surprise.
“Do they have my car?”
“Of course that’s what you’re worried about.” The annoyance in Viktor’s voice makes my mouth twitch.
“What else am I supposed to worry about?” I look at Viktor and quirk a brow.
“Shut up and get inside,” the Ghost in front of us orders.
I suck my teeth while my hands brace themselves on my hips. “Now, Iknowyou didn’t just tell me to ‘shut up,’”
My temper flares. The audacity of these men to barge into our lives and order me around… I wish I had the massive balls these guys seem to have.
“Willow…” Theo’s hand tightens on my shoulder in warning.
“Woman, I will not tell you again.”
Woman?Woman? The fuckingnerve! My cheeks warm as my hands turn to fists on my hips. I think I hear Theo let out the softest of sighs as I glance around at the seven Ghosts, but I ignore him.
“I have been cursed, twice.” I hiss, taking a step forward despite Theo’s attempt to pull me back. “I’ve been held hostage, hunted, threatened, and stabbed. Most of that was done byGhosts. So, you know what? I’m done pretending that nothing can be done in this situation. You came searching for three Fallen Ghosts and some monsters, right? Well, guess what? You found us. Now I’m going to make you wish you hadn’t.”
The one making the demands stiffens as I take one more step forward. I lean in and sneer, “You picked the wrongwomanto mess with.”
Chapter19
WILLOW
Agust of wind blows through our small group as a chill rushes through my veins.
One moment my feet are on the ground, the next I’m hovering about four inches above it. Energy buzzes around me as my temper causes a surge of power to wind its way through my body. The Ghost in front of me lunges. That one must have some pretty big balls.
Without lifting my hands from my hips, the Ghost drops.
The other Ghosts let out a collective gasp. I throw my head back and laugh at the grown men suddenly beginning to back up. I don’t let them get too far. They drop in sets of two until there are just heaps of Ghosts in all directions.
“No, Willow! We’ve already killed two. We can’t kill any more. They’re just following orders,” Theo hisses, his hand wrapping around my wrist.
I glance at the one Viktor killed and the one the Sliver used as its host. That one is most certainly dead. The Sliver must have destroyed the Ghost’s soul pretty quickly once it gained control of the body.
With a huff, I turn my attention to Theo.
“They’re not dead… yet.” I look around at my work and smile. “Are you?”