Possess My Soul (#5, The Possess Saga)

CHAPTER ONE

The Vision

I hate him.

Tears stained Lucas’ cheeks. His feet pounded the ground and blood dripped from his sniffling nose. He ran away from his house, past the barn, and into the thick line of trees that lay just beyond. A scrawny, sickly boy of eleven years old, his lungs burned from the exertion. But he had to get away. He stumbled and slowed his pace, leaning against a tree to catch his breath. Staring back at his home, he wiped his tears away, paying no mind to the painful split in his lip.

Why did she have to marry him? Why did mommy have to marry him?

"Why are you crying, Lucas?" A deep, velvety voice whispered in Lucas’ ear. He spun around, startled from the sound, but saw no one.

"Who’s there?!" His small voice squeaked and Lucas strained to see the stranger in the fading twilight. But he didn’t see anything.

"A friend. Now tell me, Lucas. Who made you cry?"

"My-my stepdad."

"What did he do to you, you poor, poor thing?"

"He beats me. Everyday. For every little thing I do. I-I don’t know why my mother loves him!" Tears came with the rage in Lucas’ words and the voice laughed, dark and sinister.

"You hate him, don’t you?"

"Yes. Yes, I do. I hate him." He sniffled, wiping at his face again.

The voice let out another laugh and dark fog rolled through the trees, creeping over the ground around Lucas’ feet. A chill rolled through him and his body shook. Everything inside him told him to run. He took a few steps back, but the next words froze him in his tracks.

"I can stop him, Lucas. I can make him go away."

*****

It was still dark out when I awoke. Wet black wisps of hair clung to my forehead and my skin gleamed with sweat. Nolan stirred next to me and I sat up, attempting to calm my heavy breaths.

Harley? Ya okay? His voice was still heavy with sleep and a strong, muscular arm reached out to encircle me in the darkened bedroom.

Yeah. Yeah, I’m fine. Just a bad dream. I assured him, despite my own fears. The bed creaked with his movement and he sat up, turning on the lamp on his nightstand.

Harley? What is it? His blue eyes studied me with concern and he pulled me back against him. His hand rested on my swollen belly and the action only made a tight knot form in my chest. He persisted as I remained silent, his soft lips gently kissing my bare shoulder. Please tell me, love.

I...I’m just nervous, about the baby. I finally spoke, easing back against him. He was solid and warm but it did nothing to calm the chill within me.

Is that all? A hand stroked my tummy and he kissed my cheek.

Yeah. Yeah, I’m just a little scared I think.

Yir goin’ ta do great. I’ll be with ya the whole time. Ya can even break my fingers if ya need ta.

A small smile pulled at my lips as Nolan teased me, but I couldn’t find any reassurance in his words.

Just one more week. The words left my lips, to nobody in particular.

Mmm, just one more. I can’t wait ta meet our wee jellybean. Nolan burrowed his face against my neck and held me tighter.

I couldn’t wait to meet her either.

Unfortunately, it didn’t look like I would get the chance to.

*****

I hadn’t told anyone about my vision. Being half-fae, I had the ability to sense others’ impending deaths. Anomalies. Deaths that didn’t have to happen. Sometimes, if I had enough time to get to them, I could stop their deaths. But I never imagined I’d see my own.

Maybe mine wasn’t set in stone...yet. But death and life always have a balance. Who’s life would be forfeit even if I could save my own? The only life I could think of was the one growing inside me.

I couldn’t bear the thought.

No, I won’t lose you.

I rested my hand over my tummy and closed my eyes.

So that’s it then. I’ll bring you into this world at the same time I’m leaving it.

By some stroke of luck maybe I’d get a glimpse of her before I went. But there was no sense in distressing anyone else about it. There would be nothing they or I could do to stop what would happen in just a few more days.

Remy sensed something off with me, and in the days since my vision, he hadn’t left my side. He kept himself tucked against me, warm and purring, every once in a while peering up at me as if he knew. At least he could keep my secret for me.

I’m sorry Rems. But you’ll still have Nolan. And Emma too. I rubbed my tummy, feeling the small baby inside it shift around at my touch. She wasn’t as active as she used to be. It only meant one thing.

It’s almost time.

What’s that, love? Nolan startled me. He leaned over the back of the sofa and kissed my cheek.

Nothing. I was just talking to Remy about his new sibling. I forced a smile but avoided Nolan’s gaze. My heart ached every time I looked at him. How would I say goodbye?

Ya better be nice, Rems. And no stealin’ the baby’s food. Yer quite plump as it is. Nolan poked Remy’s side and the cat let out a defensive mrowr in response.

He’s just fluffy. I cooed at my orange tabby and a loud purr erupted from him at my doting tone.

Mmm hmmph. Angus needs ta quit bringin’ him haggis.

Every once in a while is okay.

Nolan grunted in response though a smile pulled at his lips when I finally turned my attention to him. His light, curly hair was messy from sleep, frizzy in certain spots just like it was every morning. He leaned over the back of the couch and I reached a hand up, twisting my fingers into the curly mess as his smile grew.

Ya look so beautiful right now. C’mere, love. He gently shooed Remy from his spot next to me and slid onto the sofa, cupping my face and kissing me. I eased into the kiss, pulling at his soft full lips. He let out a content sigh, his fingers running through my hair. God, how did I get so feckin’ lucky ta find someone like ya. He whispered against my lips, causing the aching in my chest to swell.

I didn’t answer, instead urging him closer as I kissed him. If this was one of the last moments I’d get—my calm before the storm—then I wanted to remember it. He laid me back against the sofa carefully moving over me, one hand caressing my tummy.

Mmmph, why don’t ya come back ta bed with me fir a bit?

Don’t you need to go downstairs to start prepping the pub for lunchtime?

I can be a little late. Nolan stood, carefully pulling me up with him, Besides, ya remember the doctor said that is good for helping things along.

I couldn’t help the laugh that escaped and Nolan’s eyes twinkled at me deviously. I’m sure that was your main concern, wasn’t it?

Mmm, of course, he laughed in that husky tone that always sent a shiver through me. I felt another tug in my chest, another sliver of pain at the thought of not hearing that laugh again. But I pushed it down once more. If I didn’t have much time left, then I didn’t have time to feel bad for myself. I only had time to enjoy what little bit of happiness I could squeeze in with him before I went.

Come on... He led me by the hand across to our bedroom, but we didn’t make it to the doorway before it happened. I stopped him, looking down at myself and the puddle beneath me.

God, I wish I could have had just a little more time.

Babe, I think my water just broke.

*****

When we reached the hospital, it was chaos. There were ambulances, police, and news vehicles crowding the Emergency entrance. I tried to hear what was going on, but we weren’t close enough. None of it mattered anyway. I’d be gone soon.

I’m a couple days early, but I already called the doctor. We don’t need to go in that way. I assured Nolan. He eyed the ER, then turned the truck around to the main entrance and pulled up in front of the glass doors. He handed the keys to the valet, thanking them before helping me out.

You called everyone else, right? I looked up at him as he eased me into a wheelchair. I want them to be here for yo—I want them to be here when Emma comes.

Nolan gave me a questioning look but nodded. Yes, I called them. Aggie is rounding up the troops as we speak.

Good. I felt a little more at ease at that thought. Of everyone that had been there with Nolan when something went wrong, I trusted Aggie the most. I was sure she could help Nolan through this too.

Harley! Ya okay? Is it another one? Nolan stopped and kneeled in front of me. I was doubled over, my hand gripping the side of the wheelchair. I could only nod, letting out puffs of breath. A couple nurses were already rushing to our side, seeing me in active labor.

Come on, mommy. Let’s get you into a room. The woman’s chipper tone stung me.

Mommy. I won’t get the chance to be her mommy.

Twenty minutes later we were settled into a room in the maternity ward and my contractions were coming quicker and stronger than before.

My, first time moms usually are sitting and waiting for hours for anything to happen. You’re just moving right along, aren’t you? The nurse shook her head after she checked my dilation. Hope your doctor gets here before the baby does. She joked but I gave Nolan a nervous look.

He kissed my forehead and came closer to the side of the bed. It’ll be okay, love.

I squeezed my eyes shut. Another wave of contractions hit me hard. My fingers gripped the bed railings and I tried to hold back the scream forcing its way up.

Breathe, baby, breathe. Nolan’s hand caressed my back and I let out a slow breath, tears stinging my eyes.

I’m scared. I couldn’t help the pitiful tone in which the words came out when the contraction finally subsided. Nolan leaned over me as I laid back. He brushed the strands from my face that were stuck in place from the sweat coating my forehead.

Yer doin’ good. Yer almost there, love, and I’ll be right here the whole time.

I nodded, pressing my forehead to his and his fingers intertwined with mine. I didn’t want him to be here. I didn’t want him to watch me die. But it was a comfort to know I wouldn’t be alone. I gave his large hand a squeeze, savoring the feel of it and the way mine fit in it so perfectly. God, I didn’t want to let go.

I won’t. Not until I have to.

The doctor came into the room a couple minutes later, just as another wave of contractions subsided.

Well, Mrs. Finley, you’re ready to go. Next contraction, I want you to push, got it?

I nodded, still clutching Nolan’s hand as another one hit.

Alright, here we go. Push!

I let out a pitiful whimper at the pressure building within me, but pushed with everything I could.

Alright, just a couple more pushes, Harley. You’ve got this.

I already felt my body weakening, but I did what I was supposed to. Just how the vision went. I pushed again and the world blurred around me.

Harley, I can see her head! You’re almost there. Nolan’s voice was filled with joy, and a tear ran down my cheek. I didn’t want to leave him, but at least he’d have her. Our baby girl.

Okay, one more push. The doctor’s voice was barely distinguishable, but I already knew what I had to do.

I’ll always love you, Nolan. My words slurred together and I gave his hand one last squeeze. With everything I had left, I pushed. I heard Emma’s wailing just before the lights faded overhead and my hand slipped out of his.

Harley? Harley!

*****

The overwhelming joy at the sight of my newborn daughter quickly faded as Harley’s grip on my hand went slack. A sinking feeling ran through me and I turned my attention away from Emma to Harley. As if in slow motion, her head lulled to the side, her eyes rolled back in her head, and the rest of her fell limp against the bed.

Harley? Harley!

I cupped her cheeks, turning her face to me and pushing the hair out of her already paling features.

Harley? Open yer eyes!

Mr. Finley, I think you should step out into the waiting room. Someone’s hands were pulling at me but I jerked away.

She’s my wife! I’m not leaving her! What’s wrong with her?

Her blood pressure is crashing! Someone get him out of here! Now! A larger orderly grabbed my arm, pulling me back out of the room.

No! I won’t leave her! What’s going on?

Sir. Mr. Finley! Whatever is going on with your wife, they’re working as hard as they can, but you need to calm down!

Feck you!

I stepped toward the orderly but someone’s hand grabbed at my wrist.

Nolan. What the hell’s going on? I spun around to see Aggie and Camden.

I don’t know! They won’t let me back in! My voice came out shaky. I looked down to Aggie’s hand holding my trembling wrist. My whole body was trembling.

Did something happen to the baby? Aggie’s eyes widened.

No. Tears burned my vision and I shook my head, trying to conceal them. No, the baby’s fine.

Oh, god. Nolan? Aggie’s arms were around me and I crumpled against her, sinking down onto one of the couches in the waiting area. She’ll be okay. She has to.

My eyes drifted back toward Harley’s room. A nurse came out carrying Emma away from the confusion as several other staff rushed in pushing a crash cart. My heart dropped into my stomach and my worst fears froze me to the spot. I strained to hear what they were shouting but I couldn’t make any of it out. Camden came up behind us, placing a hand on my shoulder but saying nothing. His grip tightened and I looked up as her doctor came out of her room, head bent low, a remorseful, grim expression on his face.

No. Feck no! She can’t! No! He avoided my eyes as he slowly made his way toward us. No. She can’t. No!

Mr. Finley, I’m sorry—

A loud noise like a sonic boom rumbled through the ward and the doctor stumbled, catching himself on the wall. The hall lights shattered one by one outside her room. Th power flickered for a moment…then suddenly returned to normal. Startled still, the doctor pulled himself to his feet, starting for me again. But he paused and turned back toward her room. I pulled away from Aggie and Camden and followed the doctor as my heart hammered in my chest. God, what now?

Harley’s hands gripped the bed rails and her back arched off the bed as she gasped for breath, blue eyes wide open.

This can’t be. Something must have been malfunctioning. The doctor mumbled to himself and bent over Harley, listening to her heart and checking her pulse. Still shaken and confused, I stepped toward her, touching my hand to hers to assure myself I wasn’t imagining things. She’d looked dead…

Harley?

Her eyes shifted to mine, confused for a moment before she smiled and tilted her head.

Nolan?

CHAPTER TWO

A Strange Homecoming

"This isn’t what I wanted." Lucas couldn’t stop himself from gagging at the metallic smell that clung to him, the warm blood that dripped down his hands.

"You said you hated him. You wanted me to make him go away. The voice laughed. That’s precisely what I did."

"But...but you didn’t say it would be like this."

"Because you never asked, my dear Lucas. Now...for your side of the bargain."

*****

Thanks for helping me with them, Aggie. I think she’s still a bit shaken up after what happened. I gave Aggie a quick hug as she held the baby carrier over her other arm.

She’s still shaken up? I think we all are. Either way, you know it’s no big deal. Auntie Aggie is always a call away. She winked then smiled down at the tiny bundle covered in blankets. All that was visible of Emma was her chubby little face and a pink beanie with little puffballs on the top.

Ya just had ta put her in that hat, didn’t ya?

Yep.

I’m sorry you’re aunt’s crazy, Emma. But she is a ginger—ow! I rubbed my arm, narrowing my eyes at Aggie but smiling. Careful swinging your fists around while holdin’ my baby.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. So she still hasn’t held her yet? Aggie’s expression turned serious as we stood outside Harley’s room.

No. Not yet. The doctors say she might be suffering from post-partum depression or something. Said she should come around soon. I can’t really get upset with her, after she nearly...ya know. But she hasn’t asked for her at all. It’s almost like she forgot she was ever pregnant.

Well, like I said, if you need any help—with either Harley or the baby—I’m right next door.

I nodded then pushed the wheelchair into the room to find Harley sitting on the bed. Aggie followed me in, placing Emma’s carrier on the recliner. Harley’s eyes shifted to the sleeping baby for a moment, then to Aggie, her face expressionless.

Ya ready ta go, love? I touched her arm and she looked up at me, not saying anything, only nodding. She’d been doing this the last few days. Still the doctors insisted this sometimes happened with new mothers. Well, come on then, I’ll help ya up. I slid my arm under Harley’s to steady her. She stood, then lowered herself into the wheelchair. Before I let her go, she pressed her face against my neck, her lips and nose brushing my skin as she inhaled deeply. The action sent an unsettling shiver through me.

Um, alright then. We got yers and Emma’s discharge papers, so were ready ta go. I cleared my throat, then grabbed her overnight bag and wheeled her toward the door. When we reached the entrance of the hospital, Camden was pulling my truck around. Aggie settled Emma’s carrier into the backseat while I helped Harley.

Baby’s secure. Did you want us to come over after, or give you three time to settle in? Aggie asked.

Give us some time. I’ll call if I need anything. They both nodded and Camden tossed me my keys.

See you guys tomorrow. She said, then grabbed Camden’s hand and disappeared into the parking lot as I climbed in next to Harley.

I’m sure you’ll be happy to get home, right? I reached for Harley’s hand but she slid it into her lap and turned toward the window. I gritted my teeth. Patient. Be patient with her. I moved my hand to the shifter and put the truck in drive, heading back to the pub in silence with the exception of the tiny grunts and whimpers coming from the back seat. I parked the truck behind the pub and opened Harley’s door for her before moving to the backseat and pulling out Emma’s carrier. She reached a tiny fist up at me, whimpering and grunting some more. I managed to open the back door to the pub, balancing Harley’s bag on one arm and Emma’s carrier on the other. Harley just stood there watching.

Harley, can ya get the door ta the apartment fer me? She stared blankly at me, looking around the kitchen after we walked in. The door, Harley! Fer Christ’s sake, please! I motioned with my head and she finally opened it and stepped out of my way. I stomped up, trying not to drop Emma. Discarding the bag on the floor, I sucked in a breath, feeling rather exasperated already. I set Emma’s carrier down and unbuckled her as she kicked and wriggled. Harley’s footsteps slowly came up the stairs and her eyes appraised the apartment with curiosity.

Yer mom came over and helped me clean up a bit while ya were still in the hospital.

She nodded.

So, here’s yer new home, Jellybean. I took Emma out of the carrier and cradled her against my chest circling the living room slowly as she blinked big, blue, unfocused eyes up at me. Despite whatever was going on with Harley, I couldn’t help but smile at my daughter. She let out a tiny sneeze and the little puffballs on her hat swung forward over her face. Okay, so maybe the hat was kind of cute.

Harley, did ya want ta— I let out a sigh, seeing she had already gone to our bedroom. Don’t worry, Em. Mommy’s just not feeling well right now. She’ll play with ya soon. I kissed her forehead, then walked into my old bedroom that Harley had converted into her nursery. I placed Emma into the crib, watching for a moment as she settled herself then headed back toward the bedroom.

I froze in the doorway, spotting Harley standing in front of the mirror, completely nude. She appraised her reflection with the same odd curiosity she’d had walking into the apartment. I bit my lip as her hands ran up over her breasts then down between her legs. Her head rolled back and her lips curled into a devious grin. She’d barely gained anything with the baby, and it had only further emphasized the features I already loved on her. I wanted to go to her right then and push her down on the bed, but reminded myself that physically she couldn’t handle that right now. Still, I could watch. She let out a soft sigh, turning around and appraising that perfectly shaped bottom of hers and my breath escaped me with the sudden rush of arousal the ran through me. Mmmph.

Harley’s gaze darted to me and narrowed suspiciously. She looked me over, lifting her nose as if she was scenting something and one eyebrow ticked up in curiosity.

I’m sorry, love. It’s just been a while, and you look... I bit my lip again, taking a deep breath to compose myself. Don’t worry, I remember what the doctor said. We can’t fer a while.

Her lip turned up at the corner and she said nothing but strode toward me with intent. I backed up but she flung herself at me, pressing her naked breasts against my chest. Her hand slid down, mercilessly groping me through my pants.

Feeeeck, Harley. Ya can’t be doin’ that ta me. I groaned and pressed my forehead against the doorframe, forcing myself to push her hand away. She sucked in a deep breath, her grin stretching across her face. But there was something different about it. Something…unnerving. No, you’re imagining things, Nolan.

I’m goin’ ta take a shower. I moved past her, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling running through me. I still felt her eyes on me as I undressed and it made me feel oddly exposed. I turned my back to her before sliding the shower door open. The cold water jolted me, but I needed it to clear my head and the strange mix of arousal and fear. I had no idea what was going through her head, no idea what I was going to do with her not talking to me, and certainly no idea what I was going to do with the newborn slumbering in the other room.

I stuck my face under the showerhead, letting out a deep breath. Always in over my feckin’ head. Always. This was supposed to be