September Moon (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #8)

I also chose not to heed Shaz’s suggestion that I ask Dayne to back me up. It was too soon in our alliance to involve his pack in something so volatile. I needed them to help establish my authority in the city, something they could not do if they were killed by Shya.

I stood outside, peering into the messy backyard. It was a relief to know that Coby and Kylarai were far from here on their honeymoon. From the wood grains on the patio railing to the scent of coyotes on the faint breeze, I lost myself in it all. I would be different when I stood here next.

Becoming a vampire was something I’d come to dread. Standing there, hours from my own death, I waited for the emotional meltdown. Tears, hysterical laughter, anything. It never came.

My resolve was strong. Hatred for Shya burned hot within me. Perhaps demons cannot be killed. However, they can be dealt with many other ways. Ruining Shya’s shot at Lilah’s throne was just the beginning. I would make that demon sorry he had ever uttered my name.

Chapter Twenty-Five

At half past eleven the first pang of fear clawed at the cage I’d locked it away in. We were at The Wicked Kiss where I joined Willow for one last shot of tequila. My companions waited, each of them as determined as I was. All of them with their own unspoken fears and worries.

Shaz and Jez hung out at the bar with us while both Kale and Arys chose to keep to themselves. Arys was outside with Jenner, waiting in the parking lot. Kale lingered near the door.

“To those who walk willingly into the dark because they know it’s the only way for the light to shine.” Willow held his shot glass up in a toast. His choice of words were nice, giving me a sense of reassurance that I was doing the right thing.

After the booze fest the previous night, tequila was the last thing I needed. But once I couldn’t share a drink with my friend anymore, I would miss it. And so I downed the nasty shot in one gulp.

I put up a hand in polite refusal when he offered me the lime tray. “Nah, I’d rather let it burn. It is my last drink after all.”

“I’m honored that you chose to share it with me.” Willow smiled, but it was forced. Concern graced his lovely gold-flecked green eyes. “I’ll be by your side through it all. Have faith that it will all play out as it should.”

Anxiously I played with the black amulet around my neck. It lay beside Kale’s cross. I had started to take the cross off back at home, then changed my mind. Something about it gave me strength. And I could use all the strength I could get my hands on now.

On impulse I threw my arms around Willow and hugged him tight. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I know I’ll never be able to repay you, but if there’s ever anything you need from me, don’t hesitate to say so.”

“Ready to go?” Jez asked, looking positively miserable. She wasn’t the type to hide her feelings, something I’d always admired about her.

“Not at all. But I guess I don’t really have a choice.”

I was dressed for a fight. In comfy yoga pants that hugged my body and a lightweight tank top, I was able to move without being hindered by clothing. The Dragon Claw hung in its sheath around my waist.

“If you get the chance to kill Gabriel, take it,” I said. “But be careful. Don’t try it if you don’t have a clear shot.”

She nodded, double-checking the dagger tucked into her boot and the smaller one strapped to the inside of her wrist. “I’m going to ride with Kale. He looks positively constipated, which means he needs to vent.” She pulled me into a hug, squeezing so tight it hurt. “I can’t believe this is happening. I love you, Lex.”

“I love you, too. Are you sure you’re up for this?”

“Don’t worry about me. Seriously.”

I glanced across the room at Kale. His expression was a perfect neutral mask. He wasn’t going to let me see whatever he might be feeling. “Take care of him, Jez. Don’t let him do anything stupid. Give Arys and me a few minutes to get into place before you join us. Be careful. Shya will be unpredictable.”

I considered trying for a moment alone with Kale, then decided against it. We both needed to be tough right now. Poking at our vulnerabilities would only compromise our ability to think without emotion clouding our judgment.

Passing through the doors of The Wicked Kiss into the parking lot brought a smile to my face. Many times I had dreaded walking into the building. This time I dreaded having to leave.

Handing my keys to Shaz, I got in on the passenger side of the Charger and sucked in a deep breath. I could do this. I had to. If I didn’t, I would become more of a slave to Shya than I already was.

“Fuck that,” I muttered to myself. The more I thought about Shya, the angrier I became. As long as I was pissed off, there was no room for fear. Feeding the growing rage, I let myself recall the many things he had done.