Ava Delaney: Lost Souls Volume 1

By Claire Farrell

Ava Delaney: Lost Souls. Books 1-3. An urban fantasy adventure.

~Best read after the original Ava Delaney series~

Tainted:

The backdrop may be grim, but Dublin city has become the centre of change. And as the humans and supernaturals figure out how to live in each other’s worlds, the person who forced that change has quietly stepped aside for a peaceful life.

Ava Delaney is still trying to adjust to her own altered existence when a tainted nephal turns up on her doorstep, apparently on the run from the monster who changed Ava’s life before she was even born. But she’s not supposed to interfere, even for the lost souls she’s vowed to help.

But as the first vampire leaves death in his wake, and Ava becomes an easy target to blame, she realises she has to take care of business once again. There are more secrets hidden in the shadows, more voices just waiting to be heard, and obedience has never been Ava’s thing.

Only one thing is for certain: for people like Ava Delaney, there’s no such thing as a peaceful life.

Tethers:

Ava’s been protecting her shifter friend from the alpha for months, but now he’s managed to come up with a brand new excuse to take Esther, and the Senate have turned their backs on her completely.

While Ava works to find a way to keep Esther out of Mac’s reach for good, a series of violent murders put everyone in the cul-de-sac under suspicion. An entire race will be exterminated the real culprits aren’t found, and people like Ava just might be next on the soon-to-be-extinct list.

Tithes:

Ava’s been trying to help her past and her future co-exist, but when it all goes wrong, she’s barely able to take a breath when the next drama begins, and she begins to wonder about her string of bad luck.

Tensions are already running high when evidence of slavery appears on Ava’s doorstep, quickly followed by an unwelcome blast from the past with news that forces her to rethink where her trust lies.

The only thing Ava knows for sure is that it’s time to finish cleaning up the mess that started with Fionnuala because bad luck is catching, and everyone she cares about is affected.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Claire Farrell
• Release date: May 23, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311137128

Claire Farrell

Claire Farrell is an Irish author who spends her days separating warring toddlers. When all five children are in bed, she overdoses on caffeine in the hope she can stay awake long enough to write some more dark flash fiction, y/a paranormal romance and urban fantasy.

Book preview

Ava Delaney: Lost Souls

Ava Delaney: Lost Souls

Volume 1

Claire Farrell

Copyright © Claire Farrell

[e-mail]

Book cover image provided by Yocla Designs

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Licence Notes

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All Rights Reserved.

Contents

Tainted

Introduction

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Epilogue

Tethers

Introduction

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Epilogue

Tithes

Introduction

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Epilogue

Reading Order

Books by Claire Farrell:

Tainted

Introduction

By Claire Farrell

Editing by Red Adept Publishing Services

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The backdrop may be grim, but Dublin city has become the centre of change. And as the humans and supernaturals figure out how to live in each other’s worlds, the person who forced that change has quietly stepped aside for a peaceful life.

Ava Delaney is still trying to adjust to her own altered existence when a tainted nephal turns up on her doorstep, apparently on the run from the monster who changed Ava’s life before she was even born. But she’s not supposed to interfere, even for the lost souls she’s vowed to help.

But as the first vampire leaves death in his wake, and Ava becomes an easy target to blame, she realises she has to take care of business once again. There are more secrets hidden in the shadows, more voices just waiting to be heard, and obedience has never been Ava’s thing.

Only one thing is for certain, for people like Ava Delaney, there’s no such thing as a peaceful life.

Copyright © Claire Farrell

[e-mail]

Book cover image provided by Yocla Designs

---

Licence Notes

---

All Rights Reserved.

1

Aheavy knock at my front door interrupted Peter Brannigan’s aggressive grovelling session.

My nostrils flared. I smell blood.

His stance immediately switched into that of a fighter expecting a battle. That was a relief; I was far more comfortable around the non-sentimental version of my ex-boyfriend.

We both reached for weapons on our way to the door. It wasn’t likely to be danger on my doorstep, but after the wars, battles, betrayals, and deaths over the last year, we were understandably wary.

I opened the door, half-expecting a hooded assassin or some other equally annoying disturbance. I saw a stranger.

The teenage girl seemed unsteady on her feet. Her top was covered in blood, and a festering burn on her arm and shoulder looked painful. Spring in Ireland generally required a coat, but shock may have been the cause of her trembling. I looked past her and saw an injured man lying beside the front gate, as if those last couple of steps had just been too much.

The girl leaned against the jamb, her eyes widening with surprise and relief. You, she breathed in an indistinct accent. Are we safe here? Is it safe?

Yeah, it’s safe, I said automatically.

She let out a heavy sigh and collapsed. I reached out to catch her, falling to my knees as I tried to support her weight. Holding her, I felt something connect inside of me, some instinct telling me it was right and true and all for me. After floundering for weeks, I had a sense of purpose to my new life.

Peter stared down at us. What the hell?

I couldn’t tell him that the girl might be my first soul, the very first one in a line of many I had sworn to help for reasons I still didn’t fully understand. I had recently, and secretly, pledged one hundred years to a secret organisation with more power than the ruling bodies who appeared to control everything on the planet. The death of the Matriarch, one of the Eleven who kept the balance on our plane of existence, had occurred, at least in part, because of me. I took her place after an old ally upset that balance over love, almost bringing the darkest demons from realms unknown into our world. Some demons had passed through, but so far, the world hadn’t ended, so that had to be a bonus. Becoming the new Matriarch had been a kind of punishment for my role in causing tremendous upheaval in a world tied down by ancient laws and deals.

I studied the girl in my arms. She was young, maybe sixteen or seventeen, and she had been led to me. That was my job: finding the lost souls in the world and helping them back on the right track. Nobody had actually explained how to do that or even how I would know what the right track might be. And none of my friends knew the complete truth about my new path in life. They assumed the protection over us had automatically come with my inheritance. I had my reasons for letting them believe that nicer version of the story.

Peter scoped out the perimeter in a way that made him look like a soldier then assessed the unconscious man as if he were debating whether or not he needed to put him out of his misery. He’s in pretty bad shape. Peter had once been what amounted to a hired assassin of supernatural beings, and although he claimed to have changed, some things were too ingrained to ever really go away.

I wasn’t worried about trouble following the new arrivals. Inheriting most of the cul-de-sac from the last Matriarch—a soul-sucking, redemption-seeking hag who had also been my sweet old landlady—had its undeniable benefits. Since I had taken over her role, my friends and I were practically untouchable, but the trade-off meant I couldn’t interfere if my actions would benefit me. I had basically been put on a higher pedestal and neutered for good measure.

Go get Anka and Margie, I said. Maybe Val. We’ll take these two inside and see what the deal is. If Lorcan’s around, both of you should check outside the cul-de-sac to see if anything’s out there.

You sure?

I nodded, refusing to look at him. In truth, I was glad of the distraction. I wasn’t ready for the conversation he was so keen to have. I was still learning to deal with myself, never mind adding anyone else to the equation. Again.

While Peter was gone, I studied the girl. Something about her was familiar, but when I reached out with my other senses to see her energy, all I saw was a confused mess of colours. She was different from anything I had ever come across. That made two of us.

Val soon jogged from next door, a mace in her hand.

I raised my eyebrows. The medieval-looking weapon probably isn’t necessary.

It’s hard to tell with you. She set down the mace inside my foyer. Anka’s getting supplies ready. She wasn’t sure what to bring.

Help me carry them inside. The girl can go on the sofa. She’s in better shape.

We quickly moved her first. The man, blond with glasses, looked pretty badly injured, so we carefully carried him upstairs to Emmett’s old room. Peter’s son had been a lost soul of a different kind. The kid was living with his dad most of the time lately, and my house felt empty without him.

Val looked at the stranger on the bed. That’s a nasty head wound.

Looks like a recent wound to the stomach. There’s a bandage under the shirt.

She frowned at the bloodstains. He must have busted his stitches. Any idea who they are?

Nope. With our luck, bad news. Let’s check on the kid.

Downstairs, we hovered over the teenage girl. She was athletic and leggy, on the edge of growing out of the gangly stage. Her hair was long, blond, and streaked with blood. The ends were choppy, as if it had been haphazardly cut by someone more interested in function than aesthetics.

She’s not much older than Leah, Val said. But she knew enough to come here.

Maybe they were trying to track down Mrs. Yaga.

She shrugged. They look human.

Looks can be deceiving.

Anka and Margie let themselves in.

That’s a nasty burn. Margie tutted as she peered at the young girl. It’s healing poorly. Hasn’t been tended to properly. She tapped her chin. Or she’s been injured more than once.

The other one is upstairs, I said. No burns, but he’s in a pretty bad state. Maybe take a look at him first.

The girl stirred restlessly, her forehead creasing.

I’ll clean her wound after we look upstairs, Anka said. She and Margie left the room, armed with bags of ointments.

Did she get a chance to tell you what happened to them or what they want? Val asked.

I shook my head. But she doesn’t wish us harm, or she wouldn’t have gotten in. She asked if they were safe then passed out. Poor kid looks like she’s been through the ringer. Maybe Leah will have some insight.

Perhaps. Will you be okay if I leave to ask her?

I nodded, barely hearing her. I was sure the girl had recognised me at the door, but I had no idea how she had tracked me down.

Peter returned alone, his jaw clenched. Signs of a disturbance outside. An abandoned car that was in a crash. Either one of them is a shit driver, or they were run down by somebody else. Think they’re trustworthy?

I nodded. They wouldn’t have made it this far if they meant us harm. Besides, she’s a kid.

He looked at me as if I were crazy. Yeah, because in this world, people are innocent until they’re thirty, and then they choose the good or bad card. Come off it, Ava. You can’t trust anyone.

I gave him a meaningful look.

Except me! You can always trust me. He cleared his throat. From now on. He took my hands. Ava, we need to fix this. Emmett loves you. We both miss living with you.

You made your choices, Peter. And he didn’t say he loved me.

Deep down, you understand the choices I made. I know you do.

Seeing through you doesn’t make it any better.

His shoulders sagged. Somebody once told me I’d regret having such a cold heart, and she was right. I do regret it. You and Carl and Emmett and even the rest of the weird Scooby gang… you’ve all made a difference. I can’t say I let you in, Ava. You kind of kicked down the doors. But I’m glad we met because you opened my mind to so much. Even before you brought my son home, you had changed my life for the better. I just wish… I hope you can see what you’ll be missing out on.

I sat next to the girl, a cold sweat running down my spine. I was a coward, a massive coward. I couldn’t even look at the man who had once shared my bed every night, a man who had given me a family by sharing his son. But I couldn’t forget he was the same man who couldn’t bring himself to trust me because I wasn’t human. He had sharpened knives in my kitchen at night when he couldn’t sleep, and he was a man who couldn’t love his son the way a father should. Peter was trouble, and if I let my guard down, I would regret it.

The girl stirred again, and her eyes fluttered open. They were green and clear, scared and vulnerable. She sat up in a hurry then flinched.

It’s okay, I said. You’re safe as long as you don’t mean us harm. This place is neutral. Kind of.

She nodded, but when she caught sight of Peter, she shrank back into the sofa.

He won’t hurt you, I said softly. Nobody will hurt you here.

Her gaze focused on me again. A man gave me your address, she whispered. I had nowhere else to go.

Were you being chased? Is that what happened?

She nodded. They’re looking for me. Probably looking for you, too.

Who? I asked.

The first, she whispered as if in awe. Seth and whoever works for him.

Seth? Who…? Wait a minute, the first vampire? As in, the monster who had bitten my mother to taint me in the womb. My heart raced, and I bit back the urge to count out loud.

The girl nodded enthusiastically. "You were on the television, showing your true face, and I knew you. I knew it had to be you. But then I got stuck in the games. We had to fight, but the vampires knew I was different, and he was probably there. He wants us back, my dad says."

I tried to follow the rapid outpouring. Your dad is the man with you?

She gripped the arm of the chair as if she had been shocked. Yes! Where is he?

Upstairs. He’s in bad shape, but my friends are taking care of him. They’re into, um, natural remedies. What’s your name?

Jessica. And you’re Ava.

So you do know me. My heart raced. And you know about Seth. How?

You don’t know? She blinked, looking confused. Because we’re the same. I’m a tainted nephal. Just like you. My dad is a seraph, sent here to create nephilim children with a human wife. But Seth tracked him down. He attacked my mother while she was pregnant with me and tainted my blood in the womb. My mother died. Dad and I escaped, and we’ve been running ever since.

I met Peter’s eyes. He shook his head, frowning.

Are you sure? I asked.

Of course I’m sure. I want to see my dad.

As soon as my friends are finished with him, I said. They’ll need to take a look at your arm, too.

She glanced at her arm absent-mindedly. Oh, that’s nothing. It was… never mind.

So you think Seth is after you, I said. Where did you come from? I mean, how did you come to be here?

She huddled into the corner of the sofa. We’ve always run, moved from place to place as often as possible. But… things changed, and we got stuck in England.

Ah, I said. You mean when the vampires decided to overthrow the Committee.

A flicker of anger crossed her face. The vampires took over slowly. Nobody knew what was going on. We found some safe places, some not so safe places, and escaped to Ireland on a fishing boat. But the Guardians found us and kept us in a hostel.

As in, gave you a place to stay or forced you to stick around? Peter asked.

We had no choice in the matter. They were waiting for us when we jumped off the boat. At the hostel, a fire started, so we took the chance to escape.

Is that when you came here? I asked.

No. We found a safe house. People led us to safety. They knew by looking at us that we were running. A lot of people were running. She shook her head. But even then we weren’t safe. Vampires and other people kept coming at us, and Dad got hurt. Then I realised I was being followed wherever I went. So we were given a car and told to leave. We didn’t make it far before they started following us again. I had gotten your address at that press conference where they announced the emergency numbers, and I didn’t have anywhere else to go, so… sorry.

There’s no need to be sorry, I said. How long were you driving?

Oh, less than an hour, she said. We were staying in the city centre. We’ve been fighting back a lot. The streets are crazy.

This whole story is crazy, Peter said. Guardians, fires, safe houses? What the hell is going on out there?

We’d heard reports of mayhem on the streets, but nothing quite like Jessica’s story. Still, we had been concentrating on the bigger picture. Maybe we hadn’t cleaned up as thoroughly as we imagined.

I glanced at Peter. He was on edge. I needed to get him away from Jessica as soon as possible. I sensed her reacting to his shifting emotions. I thought maybe if she calmed down, her story would make more sense.

Change is going on. It takes time for everything to settle down and find a level point again. We’ll have to find these safe houses and make sure everyone is okay. I caught sight of Jessica’s terrified glance and smiled at her. Not right now. When we’ve sorted you out.

As soon as my dad is feeling up to it, we’ll be leaving. Her cheeks flooded with colour. We don’t impose, and we can’t stay anywhere for too long. I just didn’t know where else was safe, and Dad was hurt. Plus I wanted to warn you. That video of you telling people to fight back was the only thing we saw for a while, so your face is pretty well known. You should be careful.

I shrugged. Being careful hadn’t gotten me anywhere. Peter, maybe you should get back to Emmett.

He hesitated, but when I gave him a meaningful look, he nodded. I’ll leave you to deal with… whatever the hell this is.

Good, I said. Explain it to him, okay?

He agreed and left with a grim expression.

That your boyfriend? Jessica asked a little shyly.

No, I said emphatically. We just share a kid. Well, not my kid. His kid. But I… never mind.

Anka and Margie came downstairs, whispering to each other. Jessica pulled her knees to her chest, wrapping her arms around her legs.

How is he? I asked, noting how freaked out Jessica looked.

He’ll be fine. He needs a lot of rest and recuperation. He’s practically malnourished, Margie said, pursing her lips. What are you going to do with him?

Let him sleep, I suppose. Can you take a look at Jessica’s burn?

Jessica’s eyes glinted red in the sudden sunlight that streamed through the window. The sun had disappeared for a long time when Eddie Brogan had messed with demons and ancient powers, but the constant darkness had recently faded. People had celebrated, and it had been kind of like the birthing of a brand new world, too. I had helped reveal the supernatural world, overthrow a corrupt supernatural government, and even end a vampire war, but while some people wanted to pat me on the back for a job well done, others saw me as the instigator of a lot of trouble and danger.

They’re trustworthy, I added when the feral look in Jessica’s eyes didn’t fade. I can stay with you if you want.

I’ll keep an eye on the man, Anka said, to make sure he doesn’t have a bad reaction to any of the herbs. Margie can deal with the girl. She headed out of the room again.

The air thickened, and I cleared my throat, feeling uncomfortable. Jessica’s gaze was a tad too intense, her story too familiar—yet outrageous at the same time. I hadn’t known what to expect at my door, but a teenage tainted nephal claiming to be hunted by a vampire who was more myth than man certainly wasn’t it.

Margie cleaned up the burn and wrapped Jessica’s arm. The girl didn’t flinch or cry. I couldn’t stop staring at her. She was me nine years earlier, except less… unsavoury. She had a steadiness—or maybe it was a coolness—about her that I had never possessed, but something else simmered under the surface.

I wished Gabe were around to tell me what to do with her. My heart hitched a little. I missed that stupid angel with his stupid smart mouth and his stupid chip on his shoulder. He had been the closest I had to a supernatural relative, but I was faced with someone who might be more like me than anyone else on the planet. I couldn’t wait to learn more.

2

As soon as Jessica began to look a little less like a wild animal trapped in a cage, I left her with Margie so I could take a look at the damage outside the cul-de-sac. Shay pulled up in a squad car as I approached the exit. He had gotten out and was studying the wrecked car when I caught up to him. He looked tired, and his sallow skin was pale from lack of sun. But then he looked at me and smiled, and his dark brown eyes brightened, lifting years off him.

I take it this isn’t a coincidence, I said.

Got a weird call on the emergency lines. Your name was mentioned. Everything okay?

I wasn’t sure how to answer that question. I have some visitors, and I’m trying to figure out how much of the mess was them and how much was whoever was chasing them.

I’m gonna need to talk to those visitors.

The man’s unconscious, and the girl is just a kid. But there’s probably something you should know, now that you’re part of the new… initiative.

He gave a little scowl. What is it?

I shoved my hands into my pockets. The man is an angel.

He looked confused. Like Gabe?

I pressed my lips together to keep from snapping at him. Hearing Gabe’s name brought out a lot of anger. When his confusion turned to concern, I forced myself to answer. No, not like… him. This man is a seraph. Like my mother. So that makes the girl… me.

He gave me a blank look.

"You know, tainted, like me."

And that’s significant because?

I stared at him, wondering if he was being purposefully stupid. Uh, the first time I was brought to the Council’s attention, they planned on putting me down like a dog. You should probably talk to Phoenix about this. He’ll explain. Anyway, Jessica’s under my care as long as she’s here, so there will be no putting down or caging the new tainted nephal, okay?

He took a step back, looking a little horrified. Are you serious right now, Ava? You actually think I would be a part of—

No, but you’re in bed with people who have been. Look, I know you’re a good man. You’re human, and you think you can do some good with this initiative and the new Senate and all of that, but do you really think you can restore a new Council and not have a lot of things revert?

For one, the Senate isn’t the Council. Yes, the initiative’s plan is to create a brand new coalition government, but the Senate itself is made up of people voted for by humans and supernaturals alike.

People vote for the names they recognise, I scoffed. There hasn’t been time for anyone to discover if their representative has a clue or not.

He held up his hands. "For now, the Senate deals with immediate issues while the new sectors work through adjusting old legislation. To create a new government, we need a complete overhaul. That means changing laws to work fairly on both sides of the fence. The people deserve to get to know the new representation before anyone is officially sworn in, and they’ll get their chance once we can put something permanent in place. It’s a process, and it will take time. We will make mistakes, but that doesn’t include sacrificing teenage girls."

I resisted the urge to sigh. The old rules will apply for a very long time. People will always look at me like I’m a monster. It’ll take generations of integration before change will even begin to truly happen. And that’s fine. That’s how it works, and we all have to deal with that. I’m just warning you and anyone else who matters that I’m not going to let any of that shit happen to this kid. If she’s like me, we’ll figure out what she can do, but she’s not going to stay in the children’s home. Are we clear?

His face softened into a lazy smile. I stepped back a bit to avoid being sucked into his charm. I had assumed I was immune until I saw him work a room of unhappy humans until they were practically bowing at his feet. I wasn’t so sure that Shay didn’t have some subtle kind of Prince Charming power nobody knew about. Anka had assured me that wasn’t a thing, and deep down, I knew it was just his way of giving everyone who spoke to him his full attention, making them feel important, but I wasn’t taking any chances.

That’s very clear, Ava. So can I ask her what happened? A team of integration agents was being sent in, but I came instead. I knew you wouldn’t want a pack of noob agents invading.

Well, thanks, I said shyly, fully aware of the way my cheeks burned. Not that I wanted anything from Shay. But I wasn’t blind. Or deaf. Or stupid. Maybe a little stupid. We’ll see if she’s up to talking.

I appreciate that. He gestured for me to take the lead.

How are those new agents doing? I asked as we strolled toward my home. The Guardian stigma washing away yet?

They’re in pairs now, a human matched with a supernatural because we thought that would do most for public relations. Honestly, they haven’t been out in the field often enough in this capacity to judge, yet. I’m hopeful, though. Some of the teams have really bonded.

Back at my front gate, Leah and Dita were waiting.

What’s going on? Dita asked. She had recently turned ten, but she was taking a stretch, beating out Emmett, who was almost the same age.

Shay chucked her on the chin. Never you mind.

Later, I promised and started to continue walking. But when I caught sight of Leah’s expression, I hesitated. Anything you need to tell me?

Leah bit her knuckle anxiously. You know what she is, right?

She said she’s like me.

She’s angry, Leah said. I mean, I think that’s her thing. She has a different side to her. The rage is… powerful. Be careful.

I’m always careful, I said lightly. Head back inside. Shay needs to talk to our new visitors for a bit.

Leah led Dita back into the house they shared with Dita’s mother, Anka, and Leah’s guardian, Val. I was pretty sure Dita would have her face plastered to the front window for most of the day to be sure she didn’t miss anything.

Ava!

I turned around. Phoenix strode down the path toward us. The royal fae’s black and platinum hair hung over his shoulder in a loose plait, and his long leather coat flapped around his ankles. He was probably the only person on the planet who could have pulled off that look.

I glanced at Shay. I thought it was just you coming.

He shrugged, looking a little irritated. He probably got the same call I did. We have a new database set up with known names and addresses so we can deal with the emergency calls more efficiently. You were one of my red flags. He rubbed the back of my neck. Just looking out for you all.

Oh, I said, surprised. Thanks.

Phoenix reached us and nodded at Shay. I see you heard.

Yeah, and I came to talk to the people who made the call. Shay’s jaw clenched. Joining us?

There was a little tension between them, but as long as it stayed beneath the surface, I didn’t care.

Phoenix bowed his head and looked at me. If I may. He could be so freaking formal sometimes.

Just let me do the talking, I said. There’s a scared teenage girl in there. I don’t want either of you fucking this up.

Aren’t you going to tell him? Shay asked.

Phoenix’s green eyes flashed my way. Tell me what?

Inwardly, I groaned. We share a similar heritage. She’s with me now. Nobody gets to keep her or judge her or put her in a supernatural children’s home. I don’t care what your new rules say. You can take her over my dead body.

Phoenix’s lips twitched. I hated when he laughed at me.

Duly noted, he said steadily. Anything else?

Um… I took a deep breath. She kind of thinks that Seth is here, or that he’s coming here.

Seth? Phoenix asked.

As in the very first vampire. The one who… created people like me.

Then let’s get this over and done with, he said briskly. There’s a lot to do.

The pair headed into my house. I stared at the walls of my sunny, red-bricked cottage, the place that used to be my own personal sanctuary, and sighed before following them. It was going to be an eventful day all round.

Inside, Jessica was practically climbing over the back of the sofa to get away from Phoenix. Ava, run! He wants to kill you.

I raised an eyebrow at Phoenix, who lifted his shoulders into a shrug. Any context for that warning? I asked.

Jessica gestured at Phoenix. I saw him. With the werewolves. Her cheeks pinkened as she squeezed the fabric of the sofa.

I caught myself praying it wouldn’t rip and wondered when exactly I had turned into an old lady. The werewolves helped us. They aren’t your enemies, trust me.

Jessica slowly slipped back into her seat, evidently relaxing. I was taken to the games. We were forced to fight each other, fight against vampires and monsters and—she pointed at Phoenix—"he was there. I saw him. His people fought against the vampires, and we were able to get out of there. She stared at me. I had begged my dad to bring me to you. I knew you would understand. When she glanced at Phoenix again, her eyes took on a red tinge. But his people warned me against you, Ava. They said you were on the wrong side but that you would die soon. I can’t… you can’t trust him!" Her tone verged on hysterical, and her hands were clenched into fists.

I felt Phoenix stiffen next to me and knew I had to take control of the situation. Anka, out of here quickly, I said in a quiet voice.

Anka edged away from Jessica and fled upstairs, but I doubted the girl even saw her anymore.

"You can’t trust any of them!" Jessica screamed and bolted for the door.

I stepped in her way and grabbed her arms. I trust him. So can you.

She struggled, her eyes wild. "No. No! He wants to kill you. His people told me so."

Yeah, about that. I eased her into an armchair. That was his mother. She hurt a lot of people. Phoenix was a victim, too. But he took our side because his kids are with us.

Not just that, he murmured.

I shot him a dirty look. Let’s all sit down and discuss this calmly, okay?

Shay, Phoenix, and I sat on the sofa as Jessica took heavy breaths.

After a moment, she calmed enough to ask, So where’s his mother? Is she trying to kill you? Is it safe here?

It’s safe here, I said. And his mother… well…

I killed her, Phoenix said. My children and I destroyed her evil. You have nothing to fear. We’re on the same page, Ava and I. I’m very sorry you were caught up in the games. It was violent and horrific and should never have happened. It was caused in part by some of my kind, including my mother. I’m righting those wrongs as best I can.

The red tinge vanished from her eyes. A werewolf licked my hand.

I looked at Phoenix, who smiled. Icarus, we said together.

Jessica held up her hands. "Look, what’s going on here? Why are they here? She tilted her head at Shay. You were at that press conference, too, right?"

Yes. He leaned forward, his expression soft. It would help if you told us exactly what happened. Your emergency call got the right people involved, but whoever was chasing you was gone by the time we arrived.

She looked to me for reassurance. I nodded, hoping to encourage her so I could find out exactly what was going on.

Okay, she said, suddenly appearing much younger. Okay. Since we arrived in Ireland, we’ve been fighting and hiding and running and… She shook her head with a little laugh. It was about the same in Britain. We were going around in circles, trying to find a way out. The vampires had been invading the ports and airports for weeks, maybe months. Dad and I were stuck. Then weird rumours started spreading, and communication shut down. We were in Derby when the old air-raid sirens went off, and police and army began setting up barricades to stop people from leaving. That’s when we finally realised how serious it was. A lot happened, including the games, but we finally found a way out. We made it to Scotland and took a fishing boat out of there.

What happened when you got here? Shay asked.

Dad called them Guardians, the people who took us. We were brought to Dublin on buses. Lots of us. We had no choice, or they were going to send us out to drown. We ended up in a hostel. We all wore the same white clothes, and we didn’t do anything but eat and sleep and stare into space. So we made a plan to escape—Dad and I… and a friend. There was a fire, and everyone escaped, but a witch was already there. She saw me and tried to take me, saying she knew somebody who wanted to meet me. At the time, I figured it was Seth.

She touched her arm near the burn. My friend put fire between the woman and me, giving Dad and me a chance to run. The fire wouldn’t stop, but we got away because people helped us. Strangers, some of them human, and they helped us for nothing.

Phoenix had flinched when she talked about the fire. Holy crap. What did he know? And then something else occurred to me. I had known someone with a healing burn on her arm.

I scratched my ear, feeling uncomfortable. I don’t suppose this witch was a bit cleavage flashy? Had red streaks in her hair?

Yes, Jessica said. Do you know her?

Yeah. I made a face. She’s dead now. So is the man who wanted to meet you.

Her face fell. I was kind of hoping it was somebody who could help me.

Not without a trade, I responded. Eddie Brogan had been one of the first people to help me. I hadn’t enjoyed watching him die, but Jessica was damn lucky that he hadn’t found her.

A trade you wouldn’t have wanted to make, Shay added. What those two did was make the sky dark for a while.

Jessica’s eyes widened. She took my friend. Do you think he’s… dead, too?

I glanced at Phoenix. He gave no hints, but I was suspicious. If he’s around, we’ll find him, I said firmly. What happened when you escaped? That was a while back, if Marina was still alive.

She stared at her hands. "Like I said, people helped us. There are safe houses everywhere, people… humans willing to help. People warned Dad not to sign the register, that they take the children."

Register? I asked. What register?

Shay shifted uneasily while Phoenix’s face remained blank.

I gave Shay a warning glare. We’ll be talking about that later. What happened next, Jess?

We ended up in a safe house. Gerard took us in for nothing; he looked after us. But vampires came. They weren’t alone.

Beasts? Shay asked. Or something else?

Just this group who go around wrecking everything, she said. They wear hoods, but they’ve been causing mayhem at night.

I smothered a groan. That group had been part of the plot to overthrow the Council in favour of a dictatorship. The hooded assassins had eventually lost their leaders, but apparently, the remnants of the group were still roaming around, causing mischief.

They came our way more than once, and we had to fight. ’Cept Dad got hurt. During the day, I would look for my friend. Then, I saw the press conference. She gave me a weak smile. "You were there, so I tried to find you, but you had already left. Some man gave me your address. Then I saw them—she nodded at Phoenix and Shay—and I ran."

I frowned. Who would give out my address?

Shay sighed. Moses was there that night.

Yes! Her expression brightened. He told me his name so I could tell you who, um, to kill if I was some kind of new ninja assassin.

I grinned. Sounds about right.

Jessica continued, I noticed I was being followed. I kept getting away, but it was only a matter of time. Dad was afraid. You were all over the television and stuff, and he thought that would draw Seth in. Then again, he’s convinced Seth had something to do with the vampires trying to take over. Anyway, I made Dad leave, and Gerard got us a car. But whoever was after us must have been waiting, because they tried to run us off the road. So we came here instead. She shrugged again. I didn’t know what else to do.

I caught Shay’s eye. Somebody should probably look into these safe houses. See if they need help.

Somebody should look into Seth, Phoenix said. How can you be so calm?

I don’t know any better, I lied. A million butterflies had taken flight in the pit of my stomach, but I didn’t want to freak Jessica out. Besides, he can’t get in here. Can you two try to find out more about the hooded assassins and the people who followed her? And this hostel she stayed in. I gave Phoenix a pointed look. I’m interested in the fire, too.

I wanted them both to leave so I could get the chance to be alone with Jessica. I had a lot of questions, and despite their good intentions, I wasn’t sure if trusting those in charge would ever be a smart move.

3

Iclosed the door behind Shay and Phoenix, but as I took a step toward the living room, Jessica’s father roared her name from upstairs, rooting me to the spot. I winced as what sounded like a lamp crashed against the floor. The noise was quickly followed by the man stumbling down the stairs. I ran and caught him before he face-planted on the floor. He looked me in the eye and recoiled.

Take it easy, I said, trying to find something in him that reminded me of Gabe or maybe gave me an idea of what my mother had been like, but there was nothing. He was just a stressed-out man looking for his daughter in a place he wasn’t familiar with. Margie and Anka came down after him.

He wouldn’t stay put, Margie said in a disapproving tone.

He struggled, but I held on tightly.

Relax, I said. Jessica’s fine. Just waiting for you to wake up. I sensed Jessica behind me and tried to lead her father into the living room, but he aggressively shrugged me off.

Anka went over and tried to check his stitches. He shoved her away, sending her toppling against the bannister.

Anka, go home while I deal with this, I said through clenched teeth.

He’s just scared. She stepped around the man to squeeze my hand. I’m fine, Ava.

We’ll leave until he calms down, Margie said, taking Anka’s arm and guiding her to the door.

When I heard the front door close, I turned and glared at Jessica’s father. First, you’re going to apologise for being such a dick to my friend.

He stared at me blankly.

This is my house, I said. Either calm down or get out.

Fine, he said. Jess, let’s go.

I realised that he had been looking through me the entire time, more concerned with making his escape. I was just furniture in his eyes.

Dad!

You heard her, he said.

I wasn’t talking to Jessica, I said coolly, beyond pissed off and probably not thinking very clearly. She’s safe right where she is.

He snorted. Oh, and you can somehow keep her safe?

Yes, actually. This place is off limits to anyone who means us harm. In case you haven’t noticed, nobody here is trying to kill you. From what I hear, that’s a big change for you.

Please, Jessica said, going over and blocking him from the door. Just listen for a few minutes. They could still be out there waiting for us to reappear. She looked at me over his shoulder. Right?

I shrugged. Whoever had been after her was long gone.

And my arm hurts really bad now, and you probably have concussion, she added. Let’s just calm down and have a rest while we figure out what to do next. I mean, if we leave and you pass out again, then I’m on my own, so let’s take a breather here. Okay, Dad?

They stared it out for a moment before he squeezed his eyes shut and nodded. Fine. He adjusted his glasses and smoothed down his hair. But then we’re leaving.

I’ll go make tea or something. What I really needed was to give myself a chance to calm down.

In the kitchen, I tried to remember that those two had gone through hell, and I probably shouldn’t add to it by getting annoyed easily. The man had been chased by who knew what then had woken up in a strange place without his daughter. I should have been more understanding. And I had been until he put his hands on Anka. That wasn’t going to happen again to her, not if I could help it.

Thinking about that made me realise he had managed to hurt someone, even though in a minor way, inside my home. That put some questions in my mind. Had he been able to cause harm because it was accidental, or was there some kind of loophole because he hadn’t stepped inside with an intention to harm? Just what were the limitations on the rules of protection?

I threw a bunch of teabags into a creepy vampire-frog teapot Carl had bought me as a joke. I did a quick count and removed the sixth bag. There was enough drama without inviting bad numbers into the equation. I caught myself wiping down the counters in even strokes that added up to fourteen and forced my hand to quit. I didn’t need to revert to comforting myself with numbers every time I encountered a reminder of my heritage.

I took the tea and some biscuits into the living room and sat on a chair. Jess and her dad were at opposite ends of the sofa, wearing identical stubborn expressions.

So… I poured the tea into three cups. We’ve gotten off on the wrong foot. I’m a… well, people come to me for help, and I find a way to help them. But I can’t help if anyone is violent to anyone else under my care. Do you both understand?

Jessica nodded, but her father didn’t react. Arsehole.

Maybe we could start with you two telling me what you know about Seth. What he looks like, the people he associates with, the—

We don’t know anything. The man’s expression shifted as he retreated behind an invisible wall.

Okay, so wrong tactic. I just realised we haven’t even been properly introduced yet. I’m Ava. Pleased to meet you.

When he didn’t respond, Jessica rolled her eyes and said, His name is Adam.

We have to leave, Adam said.

"We just decided to stay for a night," Jessica said in an exasperated tone.

I know, but I can’t. I don’t want you in the presence of a tainted nephal. Not now. Not ever.

I drew back, trying hard to control my disgust. I thought that’s what Jessica is.

She folded her arms across her chest. I am.

No, Adam said. The taint isn’t strong in her. There wasn’t enough time for it to fully infect her because I took her first.

Took her? And Seth just… let you? I asked. He attacked her mother then stepped aside and said, ‘Go ahead, man. Your baby.’

Of course not. Adam glanced at Jess. We had help. We were protected for long enough to get away.

And her mother?

His face paled. I… she died while I…

While you?

While I cut the baby from her womb. I had no choice! She was dying, but the baby had a chance to be saved. That’s what I was brought here for! Sweat rolled down his cheeks.

Okay, calm down, I said, seeing a frantic look cross Jessica’s face. Jess, do me a favour and run outside. Look for Anka and Margie. Your dad’s feverish, and he needs—

No! He shot out his arm to grab Jessica.

She jumped up and ran from the room.

He glared at me. I won’t let you! I won’t let you turn her into something dark. I won’t let you… He blinked rapidly before promptly passing out on the sofa.

I breathed a sigh of relief. Thank feck for that. I headed outside and found Jessica leaning against the wall in my garden. Hey, I said. See anyone?

Some kid was loitering outside your gate. She’s gone for help. I didn’t want to go back inside.

That was Dita, Anka’s daughter. Your dad passed out. How are you doing?

I’m fine. I’m always fine.

I bet you are, I said. But me? I wouldn’t be fine.

Yeah, right. She shrugged. I saw you kill a monster. You’re strong.

I put my back against the wall and nodded toward the house next door. Anka couldn’t hurt a fly, but after everything she’s been through, she’s still standing. She’s not fine all of the time, but she doesn’t let it stop her from pushing forward. That’s my idea of strength. And there’s nothing wrong with not being fine sometimes.

"So what makes a monster-hunter not fine then?"

One, I’m not a hunter. And two, lots of things. I’m a person, Jess. She didn’t look convinced, so I carried on. Last year, I saw a picture of my mother’s face for the first time in my entire life. The only two people who knew her are either dead or have no memory of her. I’ve nobody to talk to about her, and sometimes it kills me. I can only imagine how you feel when he talks like that.

What do you think about what he did? she asked, ducking her head and looking at me from under her eyelashes.

He had to save you. I hesitated. I understand the reason he gave. I didn’t say how repulsed I was at the thought.

What if he could have saved my mother, too? Maybe I’d be more tainted or whatever, but we’d be a family.

People don’t survive an attack by the first vampire. It’s too much for a person to handle.

"But we’re alive, she said. Both of us. How does that happen?"

I ask myself that all of the time. I gave her a wry smile. Sometimes, life is out of our hands. There’s a lot about fate and destiny and all of that shit, and while I think that, ultimately, we make our own futures, somebody else had a hand in our pasts.

I need to find my friend. Parker has to still be out there.

I thought of Pheonix’s earlier reaction. I’ll do what I can to track him down. I promise.

She fidgeted for a few moments before asking, How come we weren’t followed in here?

This place is kind of a sanctuary.

But why?

It’s a long story.

She bit her lower lip. Are you going to help me kill him?

Seth? We don’t even know for sure if he’s in the country.

Dad told me that the only reason we’re alive is because he promised I would be the one to kill Seth. I have to… I don’t know how I’m going to do that. Are you supposed to help me? Is that why we both survived?

I don’t know, Jess. The thing is, sometimes I can’t—

Ava, Margie called from behind me. Is he all right?

Fever, I think, I told her. That and the fact he can’t calm down for five seconds straight. He’s in the living room.

We mixed up a tonic for him, something to give him a peaceful sleep. She looked at Jess and smiled. But he’ll be fine. He’s in the right place. Trust me.

I stopped Anka, who had been following Margie, as she passed us. You don’t have to go in there.

He’s not usually like that, Jess interjected. I swear he isn’t.

Anka nodded. I have no feelings on the matter. She strode into my house with her head held high.

I looked around the cul-de-sac and noticed a lot of curtains twitching. We should get inside. Meeting the entire neighbourhood might be a little much for you right now.

Wait, Jessica said. What were you going to say before?

I rubbed the ringed scar on my wrist. Um, it’s kind of… awkward. I’m a little tied down when it comes to… I sighed. I have to ask for permission to help you, and I might not get it. Okay, kid? So I might not be able to kill Seth for you, but I can hide you here for a long time.

No. She shook her head. I’m not hiding anymore.

But—

You don’t understand what it’s been like. I can’t keep running. I want a life, Ava. A real life with… I just want all of this to stop.

I felt sorry for her. Let me see what I can do. But let’s keep this between us for a bit, okay? If anyone asks, you’re in hiding. That’s all.

She stared at me for a long time. Can I trust you?

Yes, you can.

Even though you’re friends with that royal fae… man.

He’s been through a lot, I said under my breath. Phoenix was a good man, and so was his father. But his mother was an evil bitch who went out of her way to destroy her own husband and rip any happiness from her son’s life. She took his memories, made him forget his human wife and his children. She even made sure his children were taken to Hell.

She squinted. Like, actual Hell?

The real deal. They were taken to a slave market and ended up being sold to vampires in England. Eventually, the truth came out, and Phoenix was reunited with his children, but he has no memory of them. We’ve gone through more than just a vampire war here. Imagine what it’s like for Phoenix to know that he was once happy but he just can’t remember it. So please try to cut him some slack.

She stared at me, her eyes eerily expressionless. Where are the werewolves now?

Free. And technically, they don’t exist. A lot of people wouldn’t be happy to know that a pack was kept alive here.

I don’t get how you’re going to hide those… things.

How often had I been called a thing? They’ve been treated pretty horrifically, too. I brushed the flyaway hairs away from my face with a weary sigh. Listen, Jess. Everyone here has a story. You can’t judge any of them.

I’m not trying to!

I’m just saying that life is a lot more satisfying when you give people a chance.

It must be easier when you have a place to live, too.

My irritation melted away. You’ve never had a home?

She scuffed the toe of her shoe against the concrete. We’ve never stopped running. You don’t understand my dad. Sometimes, I don’t either, but he acts like he has no choice in any of this. He’s terrified. I’m not even sure if— She sucked in her lower lip and shrugged. I should go see if he’s okay.

I followed her, wondering what she had been dragged through in her short life. Inside, Margie and Anka were finishing up with Adam.

We’ve made sure he’ll sleep for as long as he needs, Margie said. Every time he gets overexcited, he’s going to set back his healing. He’s as bad as you, Ava.

Ha, bloody, ha. Is he gonna be okay?

All he needs is some rest and relaxation. Is he staying here?

I nodded. Jess is staying here, and she’ll probably want to be close to her dad. Just let everyone know that she needs some space for a bit. Make sure they back off, okay?

Margie laughed. As if I can stop the inevitable.

I’ll keep Leah and Dita out of your way, Anka said.

I glanced at Jessica. They might be good company for her. She can join their lessons with Carl. Maybe she can start at the new school whenever it opens.

School? Jessica said, looking terrified. I’ve never been. I mean, I don’t know—

I cut her off before she could get too worked up. It’s the same as most of the kids who will be attending. I told you. You’re not the only one with a story. Plenty of people around here are working hard to have a normal life after years of craziness. There’s no reason you can’t do the same.

She smiled. She looked so pretty when she was happy, but I was fairly sure her default expression ran along the lines of worry mixed with fear.

I patted her shoulder. Let’s sort out the spare room for your dad. Anka and Margie can watch over him. Maybe between the two of us, we can carry him upstairs without hurting him.

With a lighter step, she trotted up the steps after me. We started organising the room.

I’m strong, she confided. No fangs, though.

You know about that, huh? I covered my mouth with my hand, strangely embarrassed.

You kind of showed the world. She lifted one shoulder in a half-shrug. "That’s what kept me going. Back in the games and everything else, I knew there were people like you, like me, helping each other. I feel like I already know you."

She hummed as she drew a sheet across the bed. I didn’t feel as though I knew her at all. My first soul was definitely going to be interesting.

4

When the doorbell rang for the fifth time, I said wryly, I didn’t know somebody had called a meeting.

News spreads fast around here. Carl interrupted his busy schedule of eating me out of house and home to answer the door. And we’re officially worried, so we want to know what’s going on.

I looked around at the people gathered in my living room. I think you all are just bored because there’s no war going on.

Lorcan stretched out his arms and grinned. He had recently cut his hair as short as Peter’s so people would stop confusing him with his now semi-famous father. It suited him. You getting into more trouble is always interesting.

I’m not in trouble, I protested. I just happen to have a house guest who might be.

Oh, and is that why she’s claiming that Seth is after you? Esther asked from the hallway.

I stared at her in shock. What are you doing here?

I’m not welcome anymore? It’s ’cause I’m bald, right?

I rushed over to hug her. As far as I knew, she was still supposed to be in the clinic after receiving a serious head injury. Her hair had been shorn, revealing a thick ugly scar on her skull, though it didn’t detract from her looks in any way. Her dark brown eyes had a little less sunlight in them, but she was one of my closest friends, someone who had stood by me when everything in the world had gone wrong.

Baldness looks freakishly good on you, I said. I’d just look like a weird egg.

She laughed and held me tightly. Aiden’s on the run, she whispered. The new alpha wants to pass judgement on him for his crimes. I left the hospital to avoid the questions. I might disappear for a while until all of this dies down.

My blood chilled. Her brother had cheated his way to the top as alpha of the shifters. I could only guess what payback they would have in store for him. Anything I can do?

I’ll let you know. She pulled away from me. So where are the guests?

Upstairs. I sat on the arm of Lorcan’s chair. Peter, Val, and Anka had already taken over the sofa.

Tell us everything. Carl gestured for Esther to take his seat. I’m out of the loop since I moved, and I hate it.

I rolled my eyes. You moved four doors away. Don’t be ridiculous.

She mocks me. He clutched his shirt. She always mocks me.

Esther winced as she sat down. Leave her alone. The more you tease, the less she gossips.

Wait, Carl said, standing. We need more snacks.

I have like two sentences to say, I said with a laugh.

I’m still hungry! Carl trotted to the kitchen.

You feeling okay? I asked Esther.

Sure am. Her smile never reached her eyes, though.

I decided to wait for some privacy before broaching the subject again. Carl returned with every remaining item from my fridge and cabinets that contained sugar.

Wow, I said. What’s that about?

We don’t keep junk in my house.

You live alone, Carl!

He grinned and grabbed a biscuit.

Can we get on with this? Peter asked. Leah and Lucia will kill me if I leave Emmett there for too long. He and Dita get up to way too much mischief together.

My daughter does no such thing, Anka said indignantly. The boy is the one who—

Okay! I held up my hands. The girl is waiting upstairs, so let’s get this done.

Shouldn’t she be here for this? Esther asked.

I shook my head. I want to get some stuff out of the way first. Most importantly, we’re safe here. This place is protected, and whoever chased that girl and her father here didn’t make it inside. There’s no need for any of you to worry.

So there’s definitely someone chasing them? Lorcan asked.

I nodded. Looks like it. They were stuck in the UK during the BVA invasion. The vampires caught up to them, and Jessica was trapped in the games. The rumours were true; the vampires actually organised fights for their own entertainment. Jess reckons Phoenix and his werewolves saved her. I shook my head. "The poor kid’s been running from Seth her entire life. I can’t get much out of her father, though. I don’t know if Seth’s following them,