Twice As Guilty: Grim Alliance, #4

By Miranda Stork

Drew and Devin were always more than twins. More than brothers. More than bandmates.

They even died together.

When Drew and Devin become Reapers, both of them bury their past and focus on saving souls for the Hall of Rest. The darkness of their childhood, and the brightness of their brief stint as a famous band, disappear as they are reborn in their new role. They secretly long for the women who will be their soulmates—and Devin believes he has found his, in the faerie Helena.

But Empusa is already two steps ahead of the Reapers, and a spy in their midst begins to unravel the close connection of the twins, ultimately leading to destroying the Grim Alliance from within. Events will make Devin and Drew question their past, as well as their future, and will test the boundaries of brotherly love. A block on the Hall of Rest means souls are trapped in Empusa’s realm, and puts a strain on everyone involved.

The Reapers must find out Empusa’s plan in time, or the Hall of Rest will fall to the goddess’ grasp, as will the Grim Alliance—and the twins who are at the epicentre of the fallout.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Isara Press
• Release date: Mar 11, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524223854

Book preview

Twice As Guilty

Miranda Stork

Published by Isara Press

Copyright © Miranda Stork 2016

The right of Miranda Stork to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988

All the characters in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers; Isara Press.

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This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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Chapter One

Have you ever thought about picking up a book and learning something, instead of scribbling down our old songs about doing unspeakable things to girls in short skirts?

Devin glanced up to meet his brother’s grin, one eyebrow cocked as he pushed his large headphones back, resting them on his shoulders. His gaze flickered over to the hardback in Drew’s hands and back to the scribbled notes of music by his own feet, before smiling back cheerfully and retorting, "Hey, those songs were the product of knowledge. Can’t help it that it was my knowledge. Anyway, I’m just noting stuff down, not really writing."

Drew chuckled at the response, folding his book and laying it beside him on the modern garden bench. He threw his feet up to rest them on the wooden table that Devin leaned against, crossing them casually, his jeans riding up with the swift movement. You about to give me tips? I’m good, thanks.

The sound of jeans scuffling against the concrete slabs of the patio came as Devin swivelled around, throwing his notes up beside the book. His smile fell, and he gave a tired shrug, the blond spikes on his head bouncing to and fro. Not from me, bro’. I’m the one who needs advice. He gave a low sigh, eliciting a deep frown from his twin.

Yeah, right. You learned how to talk to girls before I even learned why you would want to. How could you need advice? The ‘Spike-haired Casanova’?

Devin raised his pale blue eyes to the open doors leading into the white-tiled house, as though checking no one was listening in. He folded his arms over his chest in a protective manner. I don’t know about that, not at the moment. He blew out hard, shaking his head. Sure, I can pick up women, but not the sort you want to bring home and introduce to the parents—aka Father Gabe, Mother Talia and Uncle Greek. Helena...she’s different. I don’t know how to talk to her, so she’ll actually want to know me better.

The frown on Drew’s brow grew deeper, and he pulled his feet down from the table, sitting forwards and resting his clasped hands in his lap. He was silent for a few seconds, his gaze scanning his brother’s expression, before he quietly asked, You really like her, don’t you? I thought you just...you know... The more reserved twin struggled for the right words, and he made a gesture with his hands, jerking his head towards the house. You know.

You thought I just wanted to sleep with her?

Well...yeah.

Devin nodded dejectedly, letting his arms fall to his sides, his fingers carding through the blades of grass beneath. I think she thinks that, as well. But I don’t, I really do like her. Like I want to...I don’t know, take her out to dinner, laugh as we run down a hill together, buy her chocolates; all that crap.

Hiding a snort, Drew’s face creased into a smile again, and he shook his head. Well, here’s your first piece of advice—don’t call romancing a woman ‘all that crap’. He sobered, leaning over to playfully bat Devin on the shoulder. Hey, cheer up. It just takes time. She’ll get to know you better. Why don’t you drop the ‘cheeky chappy’ act when you talk to her? Or even...keep distant for a while.

Keep distant? Devin looked up sharply, his jaw dropping open. Thanks, bro’, that’s great advice. If I like someone I should stay away from them?

An uncomfortable expression covered Drew’s face, and he leaned back again, his long fingers latching into one another as he rested them against his plain black t-shirt. That’s not what I meant, and you know it. I just mean until you come out of your shell a bit more, Devin. I know the real you, the you that isn’t always loud and obnoxious, but I know why I’m the only one who sees it. You know I do. But until you let it out more, I don’t know that Helena would listen to you. He put his hands out apologetically, giving a casual shrug.

The blades of grass by Devin’s hand came out of the ground with a vicious tear, something cracking in his expression. You know I can’t, he replied hoarsely. I just can’t, Drew. Only you know me, and that’s enough. No one else needs to know.

Before Drew got a chance to reply to his twin, there was a gentle ruffling of greenery as Helena strode across from the opposite end of the garden, her casual gait suggesting she had been out for an evening walk. She turned her soft blue eyes over towards the twins, her expression remaining as stoic as ever, only a single eyebrow rising to suggest she had any thoughts on the pair. She kept her gaze trained on the twins as she came across, giving them a small nod in greeting. You two look as though you’ve seen a ghost. What’s up?

Devin uncharacteristically bent his head as his cheeks flushed with sudden colour, scrambling to his feet as he cleared his throat noisily. Er...nothing, Helena. We were, er...just reminiscing. There was an awkward silence as he glanced over at his brother, who met his blush with a wide-eyed stare of confusion, imperceptibly shaking his head. Snatching up his scribbled notes and pen, Devin turned back for a moment, running his hand across his blond spikes of hair. Well, I, er...I’ve got something to do inside. I, er...I promised Gabe I would...er...help him with something. See you guys later. Before anything else could be said, he spun on his heel and rushed towards the large glass doors to the house, disappearing inside as though a Warder was on his tail.

Helena stared after his retreating figure coolly, folding her arms across her chest as she glanced at Drew. Is he always that fast when he runs out on women?

Runs out on women? Drew narrowed his gaze at the Spectre Hunter, picking his book up once more as he prepared to carry on reading. What do you mean by that?

Nothing. Just my twisted sense of humour, I guess, Helena tartly replied, her glacier eyes trailing across Drew’s long fingers to the cover of the book. She smoothly slid down into the seat opposite, the tightly woven black wicker creaking under her weight. Folding one leg across the other, she spoke again, raising her voice a little. I’ve read that three times. Good, isn’t it?

Unsure whether she was speaking to him, Drew raised his sharp blue eyes above the top of the book, fixing the faerie with a searching glare. Why is she being so chatty with me, all of a sudden? Is this some kind of...I don’t know, way of getting to Devin? I’m sure she likes him, that’s what all the sharpness is about. They’re as bad as each other. Taking a customary look at the smart front cover of the book in his hand before turning back to the words, the Reaper replied in a flat tone, Yeah, it’s pretty good.

Not as good as his second one, I thought. The second one showed much more of his ‘style’, if you know what I mean.

Curiosity piqued, Drew finally closed the book with one hand, laying it down beside him. He latched his fingers together again and self-consciously brought his leg up to rest it against his other knee. Jerking his head towards the steady countenance of the faerie, her long dark hair blowing against her cheek from the evening breeze, Drew pressed, I had no idea you were into books. You’ve never mentioned it before.

A rare smile creased over the faerie’s lips, disappearing as suddenly as it had appeared. I bet there’s a great deal you don’t know about me, yet.

There was an undercurrent to her words that made Drew’s stomach twist with apprehension as he held her gaze, his eyebrows furrowing as he leaned forwards on the seat, preparing to go inside. Something in his instincts made him believe having a conversation with Helena wouldn’t be the right thing at the moment. I guess. Erm...it’s been nice chatting, but I’ve got to—

Go and help Gabe with something? Helena interrupted with a dry tone, mirroring Devin’s earlier words. She rose up from her seat just as Drew stood up, taking a slow step until she was no further than a few inches from him, craning her head to gaze up at his worried face. Have I said something wrong?

No, of course not. You’ve just caught us at, er...a bad moment. We should have been doing something, anyway. We were skipping working, just taking a break, you know how it is. Drew paused and took a deep breath, glancing over to the pristine glass door while the hand on his book tightened. Her manner was really starting to make alarm bells go off in his head. Is she...flirting with me? She can’t be. It’s my imagination, talking to Devin about her. She’s just being friendly. Clearing his throat and forcing a smile, the blond-haired Reaper edged a step to the left away from her, the air seeming clearer without her presence. I don’t mean to be rude, it’s just—

Helena cocked her head curiously and the grin faded a little, her eyes travelling across the length of Drew’s body with undisguised detail. That’s okay. It’s nice to know there’s someone else I can chat to in here about literature. I miss discussing the classics. If you ever want to chat again...well, you know I’m around. The grin widened once more, revealing her even white teeth, and she stepped over to lay a hand on Drew’s arm. He stared at it as though it was a tentacle that had flopped from a Warder’s sleeve, but let it stay even as his body screamed for him to return inside. Licking her lips, Helena lowered her voice and added, There was...something else I need to talk to you about. About your brother.

Finally. At least if she admits she’s attracted to him, I can go and tell Devin. Relaxing considerably, Drew hid his sigh of relief and nodded sagely. I bet I can guess what it is.

Really? Her incredulous expression made his stomach flip in concern, and Helena shook her head. I don’t know how you could, but...look, I’m not interested in him. But he’s making it pretty obvious that he likes me. Do you think you could maybe talk to him? Try to discourage him somehow?

Drew raised an eyebrow, tension rising through his body again as he searched her eyes. There were tiny flecks of green and violet that he hadn’t noticed before, and they seemed to mingle together as he stared back silently. Does she really believe I’ll just blurt it out to him like that? But maybe someone should talk to him. I guess. Finally, he stuttered, I...I can’t do that, Helena. You’ll have to tell him yourself. I won’t hurt him. Dragging his arm away sharply, Drew twisted on his heel and made his way towards the house, blowing out a calming breath as he reached the darker safety of the hallway. He hadn’t noticed until that moment just how red his cheeks had gone, and the tight knot in his stomach released itself. Shaking his head to himself, he flung the book down onto a nearby white high-gloss table, marching towards the sitting room and the drinks cabinet. He didn’t want to think on what his gut was telling him. It was easier to ignore it for his twin’s sake.

Chapter Two

Devin leaned his head back against the cool wall behind the bed, casting his eyes to gaze out of the window. It was a tall sheet of clear glass, cleaned so thoroughly by the mechanical wizardry of the modern house that it shone back a perfect reflection of the Reaper staring into it. Tearing his eyes away from his mirror image, Devin focussed his gaze out towards the thick forest that lay beyond their adopted home, the green pines swaying and bending in the wind. Two swallows darted around one another as they tried to find the warm pockets of air to float on, seemingly immoveable as they hovered in mid-air.

The mattress creaked as he twisted back, letting out a heavy sigh as he reached over for one of what Drew jokingly called ‘Anthropology of the female magazines’. He always did like being wordier than me. I’m not even sure that all those words aren’t made up. Smirking at the thought, Devin slid down the bed to a relaxed position, the blue pillow behind his head sinking as he flicked open the glossy pages. He gave a cursory glance across the room, as though checking for anyone coming up the stairs to disturb him, momentarily eyeing the lock on the door before shrugging the thought away. The lock was rarely used, as everyone in the house needed their own space in some way or another, and they respected each other’s privacy.

The room itself was split between the two personalities that inhabited it. Drew’s side was neat and tidy, the covers pulled tightly across in hospital corners. Two shelves above the bed curved under the heavy weight of books piled from one end to the other, all arranged alphabetically. A simple rug adorned the side of the blue-sheeted bed, and the glossy white bedside table held a single white lamp. Devin’s side, by contrast, was the anarchic version of the room. Magazines with fast cars and naked women were strewn across the floor, covering the floor and obscuring the wrinkled rug. The shelves above his side were instead covered with a variety of old music CDs and cassettes, and a large jar of plectrums. Devin hadn’t owned a guitar since becoming a Reaper—he couldn’t bring himself to even touch one, the bad memories returning at a brush of the fingers—but he liked having the small plastic triangles around to remind him of the good times, if there had been any. Clothes were laid over the back of the black leather chair in one corner, a punky collection of discarded garments, waiting for someone else to pick them up. There was one identical feature between both sides of the room though, and it spoke loudly of the emptiness the twins shared. Not a single personal item or photograph graced their possessions. Most of the others had at least one item to remind them of loved ones from their past lives—even Ryder considered his bike and jacket to be reminders—but the twins had nothing.

Devin pushed any thoughts of the outside from his mind, casting his mind away from the darkness of his past, staring down instead at the pouting woman on the worn gloss page, arching herself in a seductive pose. In a ritual that had become second nature to him, Devin let his hand slide down towards his jeans, the nerves in his fingers jumping at the cold of his metal zip. The sound of the zip opening ripped through the air, a delicious noise that seemed to speak directly to Devin’s groin, and it tightened excitedly. Tilting back his head, Devin closed his eyes and let out a low, agonised groan of pleasure as he let his fingers trail over the bulge beneath his hand.

He imagined Helena’s sweet scent pouring over him as her hand, not his, began to slide up and down rhythmically. Her long hair brushed his navel as her head lowered to kiss his flesh, and he hissed at the thought, the hand became more urgent in its movements. Fire slipped along his veins as his cheeks flushed with heat, and tiny drops of sensation built up between his legs, as he focussed on Helena’s heated mouth kissing his own, her sapphire eyes lingering over his body in shameless greed.

Oh, Helena. Gods, I want you.

Devin let out a soft moan as his brain lit up with pleasure racking his lower body, and the pleasure gained from his makeshift images of the woman he wanted. His