Page 40 of Lady Death

“It’s not,” she replied and settled back in her chair. “Death is a black mass that lingers over the shoulders, and when I touch it, I can see how the person is going to die. I saved Brim that night. Just like I saved Ronin’s tonight.”

Keres sorted through her memories of that night. “Wait. How?”

“A shadow appeared on Ronin’s back, and I saw him being shot from someone in the parking lot.”

It was all clicking together in her head. “That’s why Hunter was babysitting us. Why I saw Ronin going outside.”

“Yep.”

“Did I mess it up?”

“He’s still alive, so no.”

Keres winced. “I wish you guys would’ve told me.”

“Most people don’t believe me.”

“Maybe once upon a time I would’ve been one of them.” Keres bit her bottom lip and took a deep breath. “Do you know what my name means?”

Leia shook her head.

“It means death spirit. It’s not my real name. It’s the one I chose after the attack that killed my best friend.”

Leia placed her hand over Keres’s in comfort. “I’m so sorry you had to endure that.”

“I suppose if there are people like you that, you know,help others, there has to be the opposite of that, and that would be me.”

She looked down, not able to maintain eye contact.

“Curses are in the eyes of the beholder.” Leia squeezed her hand. “I’ve never seen Ronin open up to anyone the way he does with you. I hate what led you to him, but I’m glad you found each other. I know my husband suggested you leave, for your protection and ours, but you’re one of us now. If you wish, you can move away. It’s completely up to you. But we’re family, and family sticks together.”

That word jolted Keres, and tears gathered in her eyes.Family.

“What if you get hurt?” she achingly asked.

Leia leaned in. “What if we don’t?”

If she ran, she’d be running for the rest of her life. Maybe not from Davorin, but from something or someone else. Nothing but a coward scared of her own shadow. If she ran, he would continue hurting people. If she ran, she’d lose Ronin, and the new family she now had.

“I want to stay,” she whispered.

Leia beamed. “I’m glad. I know I could never replace the friend you lost, but I’m here for you. Whenever you need me.”

Then she rose and came around to give Keres a hug, and that meant everything.

****

Back in the bedroom, Ronin still slept. She sat back down on the chair to finish her coffee, watching him. Going over what Leia said and coming to the realization that she’d do whatever it took to protect her new family. Then Ronin shifted, capturing her attention, and a moment later he opened his eyes. Pain dulled the green orbs. He licked his lips and winced, reaching up to tenderly probe the stitched-up gash.

“Careful,” she cautioned.

He looked around the room. “Why am I here?”

“The others thought you’d be more comfortable in your own home.”

He gave a low grunt of acknowledgment. “Don’t know why I bought this stupid house.”

“It’s beautiful.”

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