Ghosts were usually gentle whispering creatures that have no outward power. She should know shed even played with them as a child. Their true power resided within their spirit that inner power is what drew demons to them. Once under the control of demons, ghosts became little more than puppets doing their masters bidding innocent victims in the games demons played.
Guys steps were silent as he closed the distance between himself and Tiara until the salty water surrounded the soles of his boots. The breeze was still warm, even though Halloween was just a couple weeks away the night humans dressed up as monsters. He didnt even want to think about what that night would bring.
Tiara, his voice was cold knowing shed lied to Storm about the number of people she needed on her team just to keep him at arms length. We need to talk.
Tiara had been so lost in thought that hearing her name so close to her had caused her to flinch. She inwardly sighed knowing she was about to hurt Guy and turned around to face him. She swallowed when she noticed the pain shimmering in his eyes.
Guy, I am so sorry. She meant every word.
Guy tightened his fists at his sides. She was telling him no and they both knew it. He tried to push away the thought of forcing her to do his bidding, but it was just on the edge of his mind tempting him.
Carley was a part of PIT and died to save anothers life Mine. She deserves a second chance, he insisted as if theyd already participated in a silent argument over it and in a way, they had.
Tiara slowly shook her head but her expression was full of sympathy. Her voice remained calm and serene as she tried to explain why she couldnt revive his sister, To jerk someone back from death is to bring back a zombie without a soul. They can talk and move, but they are hollow little more than shells their soul used to live in. My job is to free zombies from their creators not create them myself.
Dont give me that crap, Guy lost the fragile hold hed had on his anger. Your mother could control souls and now that power is yours, so just tell Carley to get back in her body. Once shes there, you can seal her in it. Come on, its only been a couple of hours. Shes barely cold.
You would bind her to a body in worse condition than it was when she left it? You would want that for your sister? Tiara asked in sad disappointment. You havent thought this through Guy. What kind of life would that be for her?
Guy was suddenly in front of her, grabbing her wrist and roughly jerking her forward until they were only a couple inches apart. Glaring down into Tiaras startled face he growled, Ill do whatever it takes to bring her back. I took care of her before and I can take care of her again.
If you dont want more than just sunburn, then I suggest you let go of her, Zacharys voice was close and full of warning.
Zachary had held back, listening in on the conversation between Tiara and Guy. He knew Guy was hurting... hell, everyone knew what Carley meant to the big man. However, when Guy grabbed hold of Tiara in a near violent manner, Zachary refused to stand back and let him manhandle her. She was so small and fragile compared to him. She looked like she would break.
Guys eyes narrowed on Tiara, not paying attention to Zacharys threat. Instead, he continued to stare down into Tiaras bright eyes, too bright for a normal human. Once more, the thought of forcing her to do what he wanted slipped into his subconscious. What did he really have to lose hed already lost everything he lived for.
He isnt hurting me, Tiaras voice was calm but she refused to break eye contact with Guy. He was hurting her, but what hurt most was the edge of madness forming in Guys angry gaze. He wasnt really angry at her he was feeling the normal sensation of survivors guilt. In his mind, he should have been the one to die instead of Carley.
Guy, if you let go of me, Ill use my necromancy to call to Carley. Then you can ask your sister what it is she wants now. Tiara didnt struggle against him. She wanted him to trust her.
Zachary shook his head and took a step toward them. I dont think thats a very good idea, he stated darkly. He was a master at reading people and although Tiara was doing a damn good job of hiding it, he could tell she was frightened. I said let her go Guy!
Im not hurting her, Guy nearly shouted back at him.
Zachary ground his teeth and tried to keep a strangle hold on his own fiery temper that had abruptly surfaced. He knew Guy was grieving and it was obvious the other man wasnt handling it very well. Be that as it may, that didnt mean he was going to let Guy take it out on Tiara.
Without even realizing he was doing it, the air surrounding Guy became several degrees hotter.
Guy let go of Tiaras wrist and turned his glare on Zachary as he broke out in a sweat, Stay the hell out of this.
Oh, I think its too late for that, Zacharys lips hinted at a dangerous smile.
Not wanting to be the reason someone was hurt, Tiara reached out and touched Guys arm to get his attention back on her. I will call Carleys soul not her body, she whispered, and you can talk to her. Now that she had his full attention she reached up, cupping his face between her palms. I will need something from you first.
Ill give you anything, Guy said with desperation. And after its done if you need me. He placed his hand over one of hers and turned his face toward it, kissing her palm softly and dropped to his knees so he wouldnt be so tall for her. Ill be there for you.
Zachary growled inwardly knowing exactly what Guy was suggesting and he didnt like the sound of it. He moved his angry gaze to Tiaras face wondering what she thought of the idea of trading necromancy favors for sex.
Thank you, Guy, her full lips lifted in the barest hint of a soft smile. But what I need is for you to let all the love you feel for your sister wash through you. I can use it to call to her soul.
Even from where Zachary was standing, he could see Guys eyes soften and his face relax but he couldnt stop himself from taking another step forward when Guy wrapped his arms around Tiaras waist and pressed himself against her as he closed his eyes.
Tiara took a deep breath and also closed her eyes feeling a brothers overwhelming love for his little sister in the way he was holding on to her so tightly. She could even feel his hands shaking with emotion. It was so pure of heart that she felt a longing to know such a love.
Zachary watched in wonder as Tiara seemed to shimmer and Carleys likeness melded within her own. Carleys soul was clinging to Tiaras and gazing down on her brother in confusion. In the span of a few seconds, Zacharys distrusting expression faded into something that could only be described as gentle.
Guy, Carley said softly.
Guys eyes shot open and he quickly lifted his head to look up at his sister standing in the circle of his arms.
Carley, Guy's voice shook as tears started falling from his eyes. Why did you do that? It should have been me.
Carley smiled, It was my turn to protect you. I dont regret it and I wouldnt change a thing.
Guy shook his head in denial, I didnt need protecting what I needed was my sister. He tightened his arms around her possessively. I promise I wont let you go this time.
You were always taking care of me. Carley said. But look at me now, she spun around in a circle since it was really Tiaras body he was holding not hers. I can walk again. If I want to I can even fly.
We can make things better this time. Ill find a way to make you happy, he promised and readied himself if she said no.
Carley sighed softly and leaned down to give him a tender kiss on his cheek. Im happy now Guy. The only thing I ask is for you to find a way to be happy and for heavens sake, find a girlfriend!
Guy lowered his head drawing as much magic from the earth as he could, Tiara can bring you back Carley. Dont you want that as much as I do?
Carley reached out and ruffled his hair like he used to do with her. Im sorry Guy, but no please dont take this away from me.
Guys eyes widened guiltily and he jerked his tear blurred gaze back up to his sister, There is a way for both of us to get what we want.
Just as his sisters lips parted in confusion, Guy thrust the palm of his hand hard against her and Tiaras chest, quickly whispering the words of the spell hed memorized less than an hour ago. The burst of power blew Tiara backwards, leaving behind a momentary shadow of herself before it faded into an image of Carley still standing in front of him.
What have you done? Carley whispered.
Guy blinked now that she was stabilized without Tiaras connection. She hadn't given him another option and he refused to let her leave him again. So, hed made his decision and bound her spirit to this world.
Zachary lunged forward with his arms outstretched, catching Tiara before her head hit the sandy beach. Quickly making sure she still had a pulse and was breathing, he glared over at Guy noticing the warlock was still looking at the same spot Tiara had just been standing as if he could still see Carley.
Carley looked over her shoulder at Tiara then back at her brother disapprovingly, That was mean you could have at least warned Tiara what you were going to do.
Ill make it up to her, Guy smiled and wiped some of the tears off his cheek. Now that you hold the link between worlds, we won't need anyone to be a medium for us.
Carley giggled knowing the spell was harmless but at least now she could visit, even if he and Tiara were the only ones that could see her. Just remember not to talk to me in front of people. They will think youve lost your mind. Looking up at the castle, she realized she could even be Guys secret spy if PIT needed her. She would talk to him later about it.
I love you big brother, but you might want to go apologize to Tiara before Zachary decides to roast you. She leaned down and swept her lips across Guys forehead again even though she knew he couldnt feel it. Ill be right here.
Guy watched as Carley smiled brightly at him before her image faded away leaving Zacharys angry form in his direct line of vision.
What the hell did you do to her? Zachary growled while cradling Tiaras limp form against his chest.
Looking down into Tiaras relaxed face, he brushed some of her hair away when the wind lifted it across her cheek and lips. He immediately stilled, realizing several things all at once. Her skin was just as soft as it appeared to be and so was her hair.
Zachary shivered as it fell from his fingers like silken thread. His gaze moved to her full lips in stunned silence when the urge to kiss her made his chest tighten. Her retained innocence made her so much more beautiful and tempting than hed ever thought her mother was that knowledge frightened him in ways he couldnt grasp.
Guy watched the emotions play across Zacharys face as the other man interacted with Tiaras unconscious form. A tight ball formed in the pit of his stomach not at all liking that Zachary was so close to her conveniently forgetting whod had her in his arms just moments before.
Pushing himself up from the wet sand, Guy quickly closed the distance between them and stood over Zachary for a moment. He unconsciously fisted his hands before falling back to his knees beside Tiara and gazed lovingly down at her soft face.
I didnt hurt her I swear it. I would never hurt her. Guy said in a deep voice, meaning every word. He reached out and ran the back of his fingers across her soft cheek and almost growled when Zacharys arms tightened around her body but gained control of himself. She gave me the one gift no one else could and I owe her everything for that. Guy tried again.
I asked what the hell you did to her that knocked her out. Zachary demanded, pushing Guys hand away from Tiaras cheek, not trusting the warlock to touch her. Hed already made that mistake once. Shes not like us when it comes to healing. Shes human you idiot, and that makes her fragile.
Guy let his hand fall to his side understanding Zacharys protectiveness but didnt back away. I combined a spell Carley and I found a few years ago with the necromancy power that was emanating from Tiara while she was allowing Carley to use her body as a conduit. He reached out for her again only for Zachary to knock his hand away a second time.
Back off, Zachary ordered.
Its because of her that I can now see Carley anytime I want. Guy continued, ignoring the demand. Tiara gave my sister back to me and for that reason I will forever be in her debt.
If Tiara doesnt wake up and tell me shes alright, then Ill send you to be with your sister the hard fast way. Zachary threatened only to flinch when soft fingers ghosted across his lips.
Both men jerked their gazes down to the small woman but it was Zacharys eyes Tiara sought out.
Zachary was nearly knocked breathless when he saw Tiaras true eye color up close for the first time. They were full of shattering flecks of vivid gold and green that seemed to move at random, almost hypnotizing him, and they stared back at him with tantalizing innocence.
Im alright, Tiara whispered finding herself wrapped in Zacharys overwhelming protectiveness.
She quickly became infatuated with Zacharys perfection. Wanting to touch the man that had visited her thoughts so many times over the years, she let her fingers trace his lips once more before she trailed them down his chin and neck in a caressing motion. When he inhaled sharply, she realized what she was doing.
Tiara abruptly pulled her hand back and sat up in an attempt to scramble off his lap.
Zacharys brain had shut down when he felt her touch linger on his lips for a moment before grazing over his chin. He repressed a shiver when those same fingers delicately caress his neck and moved toward the back of his neck where the skin was unbelievably sensitive. When Tiara started to move, he had to force himself to let go of her so she could rise to her feet.
The second she was out of Zacharys arms, Tiara barely had time to sway on unsteady legs before Guy pulled her into his embrace. She blushed when she felt him pressing every inch of her body against his in a bear hug.
She could feel the small flare of hunger that had started while she was in Zacharys lap begin to burn brighter. Being held by a man was something new to her because no one except her mother had ever been allowed this close to her before.
I can see Carley now, Guy exclaimed, lifting her up higher until her feet were dangling at least a foot off the ground. Thank you.
Guy was happy he had his sister back but that feeling of desire for this little woman was starting to build once more. The urge to do more than simply hold her swept over him. When Tiara squirmed a little bit, he gazed down at her with hungry eyes. I didnt hurt you, did I?