Waking the Dead by D.B. Sieders

Author:D.B. Sieders [Sieders, D. B.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-386-56631-1
Publisher: City Owl Press

“Zeke, where are you going?” she asked, stifling a yawn. She didn’t want him to think she was clingy, but she couldn’t help longing for the simple pleasure of falling asleep in his arms, secure in the knowledge that he’d still be there when she woke up.

“Sleep, love. I’ll be back soon.”

He conjured a shirt and smiled, no doubt amused by her reaction to the display of guardian magic. Refusing to be distracted, she sat up and said, “I asked you a question, and I’d like an answer.”

He shrugged. “I’ve got to go to work.”

“Work as in claiming a soul?”

His smile faltered and he dropped his gaze. “I don’t claim souls, but yeah, I’ve been called to help a soul cross.”

“Then take me with you.” The demand burst out of her mouth at nearly the speed of thought, but she couldn’t be bothered to worry about wisdom behind it, or complications, or ramifications. She had to do this.

Just as Zeke apparently felt compelled to argue. Dead or undead, he was still a typical male. “What? I can’t do that!”

“Why not? I’ve done it before. And if I really am a living soul broker, then I'm supposed to be helping souls cross over.” No point in pleading or whining about it. A direct not-taking-no-for-an-answer argument founded on logic and served with a side of stubbornness had a much better chance. Of course, he could pull an Ezra and disappear, so she flexed her fingers beneath the comforter, prepared to strike if necessary.

He might wind up wishing he hadn’t taught her quite so well.

To his credit, he didn’t up and disintegrate. Instead, he began to pace, running a hand through his mop of dark hair, no doubt thinking up some condescending argument against her participation. Something along the lines of how it wouldn’t be “safe” for her. Well, screw that. Damned if she’d sit back and play damsel in distress. She hauled herself out of bed and began pulling on her jeans.

“Vivian, look—”

She cut him off while bending to grab her shirt. “Don’t patronize me, Zeke. It won’t work. And besides, you said it yourself. I need to learn how to use my powers so I can defend myself against the reaper. What better way to do that than helping you? Two birds, one stone.”

He squared his shoulders and crossed his arms across his chest, leveling her with a stony gaze. “You didn’t enjoy your first go around with the drunk driver. And you didn’t want the responsibility with that other soul from the hospital.”

“No,” she answered honestly, pausing to rummage through her dresser for a brush and hair clip. “I didn’t. But this time it’s my choice. I’ve seen how the reaper works. I want to know what guardians do.”

She had him, or so she thought until he spoke. “What about Mae? You’re just going to leave her here by herself? You’re her guardian, remember?”

Goddamn him, he was right. And she hated him for it.

Mirroring his stance, she met his stern gaze with her own.

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