Dead of Night: The Thorne Hill Series, #1

1

Y ou know, I say as I turn my dagger over in my hands, looking out into the dark woods in front of me. I’m starting to take this personally. I wait, closing my eyes to get a better read on the energy around me. Something dark and demonic is lurking about, but they haven’t made their move yet.

It’s not like I smell. I pick up a strand of my wavy brown hair. I showered and everything. My socks even match. The clouds that were covering the moon roll away, bathing the earth in a pale silver light. I cast my eyes up, feeling the power of the full moon. Come on, I just want to talk. I stand, needing to stretch my legs. I’ve been sitting on the cold stone steps of this historical farmhouse for an hour, waiting to make a kill. Shadows move across the porch and my heart skips a beat. There’s more than one demon out here and I’m all by myself.

Hell yes.

A small smile plays across my lips. Closing my eyes, I inhale and pull in energy from all around me. I’ve been tracking this demon for weeks, following several cases of people going missing on hikes at this national park. With no signs of foul play, the police have come to the conclusion that the hikers continued their journey through the park, going to the lake where they fell in and got swept away by the undertow. The lake has been searched, of course, but it’s not like you can drag all of Lake Michigan for their bodies.

But me? I know better. There are no signs of foul play because every last part of the bodies has been consumed. More hikers will go missing if I don’t stop the demons. They’re at their full power under the light of the full moon, manifesting from non-corporeal beings into those with physical bodies, which might be bad news for me if I didn’t know that tonight was also the only night they could be destroyed.

For good.

Well, if I can get to the spell I have written down on a piece of paper and folded in my pocket in time because very specific words need to be spoken in order to send these guys into the earth for a final dirt nap. I hold the dagger up in one hand, reaching around with the other for the spell.

The air around me cools, and I know at least one is approaching. Dammit. So much for getting out the spell. Yeah, I know I should have memorized it, but Latin has always been difficult for me, and I was banking on being able to look at the paper and read instead of recall. I almost roll my eyes imagining Tabatha’s narrowing gaze as she crosses her arms in her telltale I told you so look.

I hurry down the rest of the stone steps and move around to the side of the house, keeping my eyes trained on the dark woods closest to me. One of the demons lurches forward with a roar, teeth bared and taloned hands outstretched. The other stays behind, and if I couldn’t sense the darkness surrounding it, I wouldn’t know it was there.

Silly demon. You should know better than to trust a witch when she says she just wants to talk.

It lunges for me and I dart out of the way, knowing there’s no way I can stop and get to the spell now. I can’t kill it…not yet. I hold up the dagger, blade glinting in the moonlight.

Hit him hard and hit him deep. Strike the heart and make him weep, I whisper and feel magic pulse through my hand and into the blade. Without a second thought, I spring up and turn, throwing the dagger into the night. It hits one of the demons, sinking into its chest and sizzling with red-hot magic.

The other demon who’s humanlike in appearance but is covered in coarse gray skin, hisses and jumps away, rounding on me with talons splayed in my direction. I pull the spell from my pocket and unfold the paper. Right as I look down at my messy letters scrawled across the page, something grabs my hair and yanks me back.

The paper falls from my hand, fluttering to the ground. I jerk my head back, head-butting whoever is behind me. A demon growls and lashes out from the pain, moving its hands from my hair to my waist. It pulls me close and something warm and wet drips along my neck.

Sick, I say, bringing my elbow back in a swift movement. I hit it hard in the ribs, twisting and breaking out of its hold. I don’t have time to grimace from the demon blood that is rolling down my skin. The demon without a dagger in its chest barrels forward. I jump out of the way, diving to the ground and rolling back onto my feet in a well-practiced move. The wind picks up, blowing the piece of paper with the spell written on it away from the house and into the woods.

Son of a bitch, I mutter and throw out my hand, sending a ball of magical energy at the demon. It staggers back, knocked to its ass by the force of my power. I use the small distraction to my advantage and turn toward the paper. The other demon pulls the dagger from its chest and hurls it at me.

I dive forward, narrowly avoiding being hit right in the boob with the dagger. It clips my shoulder, tearing open my flesh. I fall to the ground, grunting in pain. Muddy grass squishes beneath me, smearing across my already-ruined shirt. I push off the ground, grabbing the paper and springing back to my feet.

"Mater et luna voco, I start to read, and the demons let out a shriek. They know what’s coming and I enjoy the hell out of this each and every time. Redde unde exierunt, I go on, voice growing louder. Cinis cinerem. Pulvis sunt pariter!"

I yank a crystal from around my neck and throw it down at the demons’ feet right as I finish reciting the spell. It sparks, sending a wave of magic into the air, and incinerating the demons into nothing more than a pile of ash.

Morning, Kristy says cheerfully, coming into the bookstore with two coffees in her hand. It’s an unspoken rule that the person who doesn’t open the store we own together stops by Curlew Café for coffee in the morning. She sets my black coffee on the counter and waves her hand at the blinds, making them magically roll up.

What happened to your shoulder? She comes around the counter and stashes her purse in the cabinet under the register.

I’m wearing an off-the-shoulder black sweater and leggings, and I didn’t even realize the cut was showing.

Stupid warbler demon threw my own dagger at me. After I’d stabbed him with it.

Gross. Kristy wrinkles her nose. I hope you disinfected it.

I did, and I used up the rest of my healing balm this morning.

I’ll make you more. She walks across the store, running her fingers over the spines of books and turns on the open sign.

Thanks.

How was the hunt, though? Did you get them?

Don’t I always? I grab my coffee and pop the lid off the paper to-go cup, letting it cool down.

Don’t get cocky now, Kristy teases, and it’s only funny because I’m not. I’ve spent years training, and most importantly, I know my limits.

I’ll try my hardest not to, I shoot back. And really, these lower-level demons don’t put up much of a fight. I didn’t even have to summon my familiars for help.

That’s good. Kristy shudders and flips the lock, opening up the store to the general public. Two customers come in by the time she gets back to the counter. Kristy and I met years ago, and while we both have magical powers, we’re quite different. Which is why we make such good friends.

Kristy is a pacifist. She likes making love potions, healing balms, and good luck charms. She spends her spare time gardening and watches nothing but HGTV. But cross her, hurt someone she loves, and the toy poodle turns into Cerberus.

I’m going shopping later today, she says, coming back behind the counter and pulling a notebook out of the drawer under the register so she can start making a list. Shopping is code for she’s traveling to another coven to purchase magical supplies. Do you need anything?

Black salt and mandrake root, I tell her quietly, eyeing the couple who went right to the romance section. We’re the only independent bookstore in the area, and after the last big chain retailer went out of business, things really picked up for us.

What about vervain and garlic?

Yeah. Better safe than sorry, right?

That’s what I’m thinking. Though so far the vamps in town have been pretty polite.

It’s always the quiet ones who turn out to be cold-blooded killers.

Kind of like you, she pokes, though it’s true. Killing demons is more of a public service I don’t get paid for, than murder, but it’s still killing.

Overall, the vampires have assimilated into the general population better than anyone expected once they revealed themselves to the world several years ago. But witches aren’t the general population. We have a bit of a jaded history and letting the world know vampires exist puts the rest of us magical folk at risk of being exposed. Which we don’t want. At all. Witches were persecuted once, and we don’t want to be in the public eye again.

With animal blood being sold by the bottle, vampires claim they have no reason to feed on humans anymore. And if they just happen to be craving the fresh blood of the living, they can pay top dollar for privately and ethically harvested human blood. The whole thing is still a hot debate, with some people saying it should be illegal to sell human blood like that when the Red Cross goes through shortages every year. Others say we should be able to do what we want with our blood, and if selling it to be filtered and poured into fancy black bottles is what some want to do, then we should let them.

That’s all you need? she asks, jotting down a few more things on her list.

Yeah, I did an inventory a few days ago and I’m good. Though if you’re able to stop by the Redwood Mortuary, I could use some more Dead Man’s Blood. Preferably something fresh and not from anyone with heart disease.

I can stop by and see what they have. Want me to bring everything over tonight?

Nah, you can bring it in next time you see me. Kristy lives downtown, within walking distance from the store, and I live on the outskirts of Thorne Hill in an old house I renovated myself.

The rest of the morning goes on like any other. I recommend my favorite indie author to a group of college-age girls, hook up an older couple with a romance series that’s sure to put the spark back into their love life, and find the perfect self-help book for a shy teenager who I’m pretty sure is skipping school right now, but hey—who am I to judge?

Kristy leaves when the lunchtime slump hits, and I sneak into the back room really fast to use the bathroom and grab my lunch. I turn on music, dancing in place as I open a Tupperware container of last night’s leftovers. I hold my hand over the spaghetti, using magic to heat it up. I sit on the chair behind the register, thinking I’ll get a minute or two at least before someone else comes in. But then the bell dings as the door opens.

I blink a few times and look up, my eyes focusing on the dark-haired girl who just walked into the store. She looks around, wringing her hands, unsure of herself. It’s her first time here because, trust me, I’d know if this woman had set foot in my store before.

Because she’s my sister.

Abby? Her name rolls off my lips and I feel just as surprised as she looks. It’s been over a year since we’ve seen each other, and the moment she turns and looks right into my eyes, something tugs on my heart.

I miss her.

Hey, Callista, she breathes, her eyes wide.

Callie, I correct and then feel bad. Maybe she forgot I don’t go by my full name anymore. What…what are you doing here? I mean…it’s nice to see you. Wait, is something wrong? I jump out of the chair behind the counter and smooth my hair back again. I slept on it wet and it dried all wavy. It’s pointless to try and tame it.

I wanted to see you. She moves into the store far enough to get out of the way of anyone else coming in but doesn’t take a step further. Clutching the strap of her Gucci purse, she looks around before turning her gaze on me. Penny turns one soon. We’re having a party.

One year already, I echo, feeling a pang in my heart. That went by fast.

Tell me about it, my sister says, still not moving into the store. She steals another glance around the place, not quite sure if the books are going to stay put or not.

It’s a regular bookstore, I assure her. You’re safe.

I…I…I’m not…it’s… She shakes her head, stumbling over her words. Clearing her throat, she reaches into her purse and pulls out a cream-colored envelope. I’d love to have you at Penny’s party.

I come around from behind the counter and take the invitation from her. I swallow hard, refusing to let myself feel.

It’s at our house, she goes on. We’re updating our kitchen, so all the food is being catered and brought in from Luciano’s. You still like that place, right?

Yeah, I say, though I haven’t been in years.

Good, because there’s going to be a ton of food. And their famous red wine. She meets my eyes and gives me a small smile.

I do like wine, I say, not agreeing or disagreeing to go to my only niece’s birthday party. I thought your house was new. You’re doing a renovation already?

Oh, right. You don’t know. We, uh, we bought a place in Lincoln Park.

Really? I say, not meaning to sound so surprised. I thought that penthouse was your dream house and it was so close to the hospital you work at.

Abby casts her eyes down and her cheeks grow red. We just thought a change would be, uh, nice. For Penny. The new place is close to the lake and a park.

She’s not telling the whole truth, but I’m not going to press. As long as she’s got a roof over her head and a safe place to sleep, I don’t care where she lives.

I look down at the invitation, not knowing what to say. She’s my older sister. I’ve known her my whole life. But this…this is awkward and suddenly I forget how normal people act. I turn my gaze back up, finding her looking around the store.

The bell chimes behind her and she moves forward, making sure she’s not in the way.

This place is nice, she says with a smile. You always were a big reader.

Yeah. Books were my safe place.

I’d really like it if you came to the party. Her eyes go to the cut on my shoulder. She inhales as she looks me over. You look good, Callie.

I wave my hand in the air. You don’t have to lie, Abby. I had a late, rough night last night.

With a guy? She offers a small smile.

A few guys, actually. I wiggle my eyebrows.

Sounds fun.

Is that a real smile I see on my sister’s face?

It’s not what you think. I’m just ridding the world of evil.

Callie, I’m sorry for the things that happened before, Abby starts and reaches for my hand. Her fingers sweep over my skin and my heart swells in my chest. I close my eyes and shove all the feelings aside.

I know you are, and I don’t blame you. I give her hand a squeeze. It’s good to see you again.

You too. Maybe we can make this a semi-regular thing.

Maybe, I say with a smile, but I’m lying through my teeth. There’s a reason I left home and never went back.

2

Idrum my fingers on the kitchen counter, staring at the invitation to my niece’s birthday party as if it’s a cursed object about ready to spring to life and attack me. In a way, I’d rather that be the case, because then I could attack back.

I don’t know what to do. I bite my lip and shift my gaze to a sleek black cat who’s standing patiently at my feet. Exhaling heavily, I grab the invitation and sink down onto the floor. Binx rubs his head against me and extends a paw, batting at the invitation.

I know, I say, agreeing with his thoughts. I’ve worked this hard to move on and build my own life, and life has been pretty good. I start to open the envelope and stop. I’m pathetic, aren’t I? I’m just going to open it.

Binx steps into my lap, purring. I open the invitation and let out a snort of laughter. You’d think this was an invite to the Royal Wedding. I bet the food will be good at least.

Binx nuzzles his head against my face. No, I don’t think you should go, though I’d love to take you.

I read over the info once more and let it all sink in. I’d love to see my niece. I’ve never met her, and I feel all sorts of guilty over that. No one else in our family has powers, but if I do, there’s a chance this sweet little girl might too. And if she does, you bet your ass I’ll be there for her.

I pull out my phone and enter the return address on the envelope into a Google search and find the Zillow listing.

Damn, I whisper, seeing the price tag. The place is gorgeous, though I can see why Abby would want the kitchen renovated. I can handle the party. I’ll force Kristy to come with me as my date, and we’ll mingle near the buffet and avoid direct human contact. But seeing my father…I don’t know if I can handle that.

I’ll just drive by it and see how I feel, I tell Binx. Baby steps, right? Because I know my sister and I need to RSVP sooner rather than later. She’ll be obsessing over it until she hears back from me.

I stand and Binx weaves around my ankles, letting out a soft meow.

Of course I’ll feed you first. At the mention of food, two other cats appear in the kitchen. I open the fridge, taking out pieces of venison. It’s cooked rare, seasoned ever-so-slightly to appease each cat’s personal tastes.

All right, I tell them once their dishes are filled. I’ll be back in a few hours.

The bartender hands me my drink. It’s pink, smells like cucumbers, and is being served in a dainty little wine glass. The drink had some sort of stupid, trying-too-hard-to-be-hip name, but it’s made with vodka and that’s all I care about.

I bring it to my lips and take a big sip, feeling instant relief when the alcohol slides down my throat. I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t face my family. I drove all the way up here, parked my Jeep on Abby’s street, and got out. I was going to walk by, get a read on the energy of the place.

But as I was crossing the street, my brother, Scott, came out of the house, talking and laughing with Abby’s husband, Phillip. And then I did something that hasn’t happened to me since my third year at Grim Gate Academy.

I panicked.

My heart dropped to the bottom of my chest and I spun around, walking as quickly as I could, not stopping until I stepped foot in this stupid, hipster bar. I’m going to have one drink, find something to eat, and then walk around the city, enjoying how easy it is to blend in until I’m good to drive home.

My mind slips and I get a flash of stark white walls, and pain prickles along the inside of my left arm from an infiltrated IV. I close my eyes, trying to force the memory away. I bring the drink to my lips again and suck it all down.

What the hell was I thinking?

I’m not going to that party. Yeah, I feel bad for my niece and even for Abby, but hell to the no. There’s no need to put myself in that situation.

Excuse me, a man says, sliding up onto the barstool next to me the moment it’s free. I turn, more than aware that my resting bitch face is on in full force right now.

Uh, hi.

The guy scoots his stool in a little and laughs. He’s decent looking, a little overweight, and has put way too much cologne on. My buddies bet me fifty bucks that I’d be too scared to come up and talk to the most beautiful girl in the bar. So…should I buy you a drink with their money?

I laugh. That line was so lame it might just work. On someone else, that is. Because this guy screams I watch horror movies with the lights on. There’s no way he could handle me.

You know what? I start. I’ve had a rough night. So sure, but I don’t want to give you the wrong impression. I’m leaving alone tonight.

He raises an eyebrow. Maybe I can change your mind. The words leave his mouth and then he realizes how forward he just was. A flush covers his cheeks and it’s more than a little cute. Sorry you had a rough night.

Thanks.

He waves the bartender down and orders me another one of these silly pink drinks.

I’m Gavin.

Callie.

So, want to talk about what happened tonight?

I’d rather just forget. I offer a smile. So, Gavin, what do you do for a living?

He tells me all about his job in IT, and my mind wanders, half paying attention to what he’s saying and half contemplating which potion I should mix up when I get home. It’s always good to have a banishing potion on hand, and the one in my cabinet is getting a little stale, losing its potency. The bartender brings the drink, and I down this one just as fast as the first.

After a bit more conversation, he gets me to come out to the dance floor with him, promising to keep things friendly. Kristy and I used to go out dancing at least once a month years ago, but we haven’t in a while, and I miss it.

Three songs later, and my bad mood has lifted. Gavin and I join his friends at a table at the back of the bar, and we order another round of drinks. I sip on another pink cucumber vodka whatever, realizing now that these things are rather strong.

And I haven’t eaten since lunch.

I leave Gavin and his little group of friends to use the bathroom. After I pee, I wobble my way through the crowd, wanting to order a water. And then I feel it.

A different energy coming from the opposite corner of the room. Different, but I know exactly what it is.

Vampire.

Stopping dead in my tracks, I whirl around and look around the bar. Everything spins a little, but I spot him easily. He’s bent over, looking into the eyes of a young woman. She stands, transfixed, and my jaw almost drops.

Drunk Callie’s poker face is not on point.

Only the really old ones have the power to hold their victims spellbound. And most of the old vampires died off years ago. The resurgence of the vampires is part of what led to them coming out. The originals would never have allowed it.

Reaching into my purse, I feel around for a weapon. I have the usual: a silver dagger, a vial full of vanquishing potion, a few crystals, and a little baggie of black salt. A silver-tipped wooden stake is the go-to weapon of choice for killing vampires, but it’s not a requirement for me…assuming I can conjure up enough energy to burn one from the inside out.

By the looks of it, this vampire is about to lead that pretty little blonde out of the bar and then feast on her blood. The poor girl nods at whatever the vampire said to her and she moves forward, following him.

I push through a group of bachelorettes doing a conga line, almost losing the vamp in the crowd. Then I see him right before he disappears with the girl through a set of swinging black doors.

Breaking into a run, I wrap my fingers around the dagger, ready to pull it out and throw it at the vamp. The door gives way to a dark hall and then a set of stairs going down into the basement. I go down the stone steps as fast as I can and pull out the dagger.

Hey! I shout, narrowing my eyes to see in the dark. The vampire already has his fangs sunk into the girl’s neck. She’s pinned up against a wall, and he has one hand covering her mouth to muffle her screams.

The vampire jerks away, his mouth open and fangs showing. Blood drips down his chin.

Let her go, I warn and the vamp steps away.

Are you volunteering to take her place? he sneers.

Sure, I say and throw the dagger. It hits him square in the chest, and while the silver blade won’t kill him, it’ll hurt like hell. Especially since it’s enchanted. I extend my hand, fueling the blade with magic, sending pulses of energy through him. The pain brings him to his knees, making him twitch as the magic continually ripples through his body.

Go, I tell the girl who’s blinking and trying to figure out what’s going on. She clamps her hand over her neck to stop the bleeding. Get someone to call 911. She pushes off the wall and staggers past me.

That won’t be necessary, a deep voice comes from the stairwell behind me.

Oh, shit.

More vampires.

Keeping one hand extended to fuel the dagger, I turn and lock eyes with a tall and intimidating man.

Only, he’s not a man.

He’s a vampire.

I can tell just by the sight of him. He sucks all the air out of the room, and it’s not because he needs it. He hasn’t taken a breath in years. In centuries. The energy coming off of him is unlike anything I’ve felt before.

He makes the vampire on his knees in front of me seem like a newborn, and for some reason, I can’t stop staring at him. He’s tall and muscular, with a sharp jawline covered in the perfect five o’clock shadow.

Another vampire is behind him, with her arms crossed, looking more bored and annoyed than anything else.

What is going on here? the tall, dark, and old vampire asks. He also seems bored, like he thinks he can swoop down here with his fancy vampire speed and take me out. Well, I’ve got a surprise for—my stomach gurgles. Dammit, I suck in a breath, swallow the lump in my throat, and regret that last drink.

Vampires feeding on unwilling humans, I say through gritted teeth. I’m drunk and surrounded by three vampires. I’ve had worse odds…I think. Okay, maybe not. I think I can handle myself, but I’d rather not take my chances. I throw my hand in the old vamp’s direction, sending the enchanted dagger flying into his chest.

Only, he catches it.

Son of a bitch.

Interesting, he says, holding the dagger between two fingers.

She’s…she’s a…a…witch, the other male vampire says, slumping to the ground.

You’re just now figuring that out? the old vampire retorts. He’s dressed in all black, and his dark hair is effortlessly swept back. I’d be blind not to see the beauty of this lifeless man standing in front of me. And a powerful one at that. You’re lucky, Adam. She could have killed you.

Kill her! Adam says and gets to his feet. He tries to come at me, but I send a jolt of energy through him, coming raw off my hand. It hits him in the chest and sizzles through his body. He slumps down, convulsing as the energy blast ripples through him.

I conjure up another ball of energy and narrow my eyes, looking at the vampires on the stairs. The female sidesteps behind the old vamp, her eyes wide.

I suggest you let the human go and get medical attention. I bring my hand up a bit more, trying to look threatening. Really, though, I’m hoping I don’t puke all over my shoes.

You…you’ve got to get her…Lucas, Adam pants, trying to get to his feet again.

Lucas, seemingly pissed that I now know his name, zooms down the rest of the stairs and over to Adam. My heart skips a beat, but I hold steady, impressed with myself for how well I’m holding onto this energy ball.

Is what she’s saying true? Lucas demands, grabbing the collar of Adam’s shirt. He picks him up as if he weighs nothing. Did you feed off a human without consent?

I…I…she wouldn’t have said anything. I had her spellbound.

Lucas shoves Adam against the wall and then plunges the dagger into his chest. He tips his head, almost as if he’s confused.

This didn’t kill him.

No shit, Sherlock, I spit. It won’t. But it will do this. I redirect my focus on it and waves of energy start rippling through Adam’s body again.

I like it, Lucas says dryly. He steps back, looking me up and down. There’s something intimate in his gaze, like he’s mentally stripping me down in front of everyone, wondering what each and every curve of my body looks like without clothes on.

I might be curious about him too. Just maybe. A little. Because he’s all hardness and muscle with a face the gods themselves would be jealous of. And then our eyes meet and something indiscernible passes through me.

Lucas stiffens, making me think he felt it too.

Then he moves with vamp speed, scooping up the blonde girl and handing her to the female vampire.

Take care of her, he tells the other vamp. Discreetly.

What the hell does that mean? I snap.

It means, take her into the office and patch her up. I have a reputation to maintain and do not want to lose business over a vampire attack at my bar.

I let out a snort of laughter. You own this hipster place?

Lucas raises one eyebrow and it’s all I can do but quiver with lust. Yes. It’s one of the many establishments I own. He avoids my gaze and looks at Adam. Do what you want with him. Or leave him for me to deal with.

Something tells me whatever Lucas is going to do will be way worse than death.

I twist my wrist, and the dagger turns inside Adam’s chest. I send the energy ball I was holding into him, and the blast knocks Adam unconscious. He’ll be out for a few hours at