Page 45 of An Anomaly of Sunlight

With a chuckle, he turns his back to us, taking a blanket from the couch and wrapping it around his hips. “Why would I pay to spell work uniforms? The more of those fucking things ripped to shreds the better.” We all soak in the comedic relief, melodic laughter filling the room.

“Is he... for good?” I ask.

Skyler stands, shaking his head. “The vengeance is for you to take if you wish. His heart must be removed, or he will be able to rise again. The choice is yours, Amethyst.”

Staring at the dismembered body before me, I remember the threat I had leveled at Enzo. That I would be his death. Staying true to my word, I straighten my stance, gripping the dagger tighter.

Not allowing another moment to pass in which he might rise again; I kneel, scoring the dagger across the left side of his chest. Stunned and impressed at how easily the flesh tears. “I promised I would bring his death,” I exhale a shaky breath, carving deeper. Through the ribs Skyler had left cracked.

Morbid fascination snakes its way into my brain at the sight of the heart in my hand. With one last slice, I free the organ from its shelter of broken bones. Dropping it and my dagger to the ground instantly as the splitting pain returns to my skull. My hands rush to cradle my head as I double over.

“Amethyst!” Skyler cries, swiftly pulling my head in his lap. “His. Fucking. Glamour.” I force out through gritted teeth as I see the new version of my memories play in my mind. After the third such vision I wish I could kill the son of a bitch again. At the very least I wish it could have been more painful for him.

“His death would break all glamours he’d placed.” Sage confirms. “Oh, Sunlight...” Skyler squeezes my hand. As the pain subsides, I push myself up, giving my head a shake to clear it. I glance over my shoulder at Enzo’s broken body. “One moment, please.”

Scooting over to his head, I grip the dagger once more. Pulling his mouth open, I stare at those fangs, rage simmering beneath my skin. Red hot retribution fuels my next movements. I slice into his gums, ripping the fangs out and dropping them on the floor beside me.

Only when I feel satisfied with my work do I rise. “I hate those fucking things.” Skyler and Sage both eye me with pride. “Well. That’s an open shut case of self-defense if I’ve ever seen one.” Sage claps her hands together. “I’ll get this shit show cleaned up.”

“Thank you. Both of you. From the bottom of my heart.” I offer them a smile, moving to hug Skyler. As my arm reaches out, I falter seeing the blood painting my skin. “I could really use a shower,” I declare. “Do you two mind?” Quirking a brow, as if wondering why I’d ask permission in my own house, Sage shakes her head. “Not at all.”

Skyler takes a step closer. “Mind if I come with?” His voice holds a tinge of desperation. I can’t imagine what he must have felt when he first arrived. “I would like that.” Tilting my head for him to follow, I head to my bedroom.

Thirty

Amethyst

Wrapped in a towel, I sit at the foot of my bed exhaling a sigh of relief. For the first time since coming home I don’t feel the constant worry in the pit of my stomach or the need to look over my shoulder. The nightmare is truly over.

Skyler leans against my dresser, clothed in a spare uniform he had in the trunk of his car. He studies me with his arms crossed over his chest. I pat the bed next to me. Eagerly accepting the invitation, he glides over to sit beside me. With a hand on my thigh, his gaze searches mine for permission. I pull his lips to mine.

This kiss is messy, frantic. Our hands glide over our bodies desperately. As if we could somehow stitch ourselves together tightly enough to never be apart again. Pulling back briefly to catch my breath, Skyler threads his fingers through my hair. “I love you, Amethyst. You are magnificent. Your strength is admirable, your beauty incomparable. I... I can’t fathom losing you.”

I pull him into a tight hug, burying my face in his chest. “I love you, Skyler. You are my gravity, being caught in your pull is my salvation.” His arms tighten around me. Suddenly his breath hitches. “Your wrist...”

I lift my head, glancing at the hand I rested on his arm. The markings from the ropes are... fading. “You didn’t shift, yet you’re healing anyway.” He muses aloud. Sage’s words resurface in my mind; this will heal when you shift.

And yet, my wounds have always healed. Even when I was still in Angel’s Rest. “Is that unusual for a shifter or a witch?” Skyler cradles my wrist in his palm. “Not just unusual. It’s unheard of.”

With a bewildered gaze, he keeps thinking aloud, “A witch would have to cast a spell to heal. A shifter needs to change forms. Something more must flow in your blood.” Words try to come out, but they don’t make it past my lips as shock freezes my face.

“Genes pass in interesting ways between species,” Skyler continues. “Sadly, my father and his kin only cared for pure wolves. My family tree is nothing but wolves as far back as I can track it. But yours — yours must vary.”

“Well, that’s very possible. I don’t know my father. Or who or what he came from. My grandparents on my mom’s side have both passed. I’ve never looked into my ancestry.” I pat his chest and move to grab some clothes. “Maybe Mom knows!” I pull a moss-colored sweater over my head and Skyler presses a kiss atop my hair. “Surely she can tell us something.”

Returning to the living room, everything is back to normal. Sage certainly delivered on the cleanup. Standing here alone though, I feel just as empty as the room itself. I roll my shoulders, skipping to the kitchen. Sage and Skyler are at the counter along with my ice-cold pizza.

“I was really looking forward to that pizza,” I sigh. “We can get you a new one, love.” Skyler’s eyes light up as they catch on me. We fall into a charged silence, every fiber of my being urging me toward him. The warmth in my chest longing for his touch.

“Well,” Sage breaks the tranquility, “that’s my cue.” She clasps her hands together as she moves toward the front door. “You pups enjoy yourselves under this fine full moon.” She waggles her eyebrows, dipping outside, and gently closing the door behind her.

Skyler lifts my chin, and I catch that hazel gaze. Falling into the depths of greens and browns. His scent wraps around me, inviting and comforting. His lips brush mine just as I hear the door opening again. “Amethyst!” Eyes wide, my gaze darts over my shoulder to Mom panting in the doorway.

Skyler dips his head to her, stepping back to give us room. Mom wraps me in a tight embrace, a hand brushing through my hair. “I saw a police car leaving your driveway as I was pulling into mine. Oh, thank the Mother — all the creators.” I clear my throat, debating how to break the news of my attack to her.

“Enzo, the vampire. He was here.” She pulls back, her eyes hot with anger. “Heavy on the was,” I continue, glancing Skyler’s direction. His chest brushes my shoulder as he reclaims his spot beside me. “He is a threat to Amethyst no longer.” He assures her. Mom smiles at him, relief washing over her.

“Thank you.” She rests her hand on his shoulder. “Skyler, I take it?” He levels a mischievous grin at me. “You’ve told her about me?” Playfully jabbing his side, we chuckle as he offers Mom a hand.