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.