Reclaiming Souls (16 page)

“Don't try to guilt trip me, Dev. I'll do it.”

“Last time I saw it, it was in some kind of urn shaped container. I don't know what it would have been transferred in since then, though, so keep your eyes open for anything unusual or out of place.”

“Got it.” He stepped closer to me and wrapped his arms around my neck. “I really am sorry for everything,” he whispered into my ear.

“Prove it by helping me finish this thing off and get Lexie back.” I let him go and walked towards where the pavement ended to start from there. I canvassed the ground, looking for any and everything that shouldn't have been there. By the time I made it back to where I talked to Kale, I still had nothing. I began to feel like I would never find her and save her life.

“Did you find it?” Kale walked up to me a few minutes later. I sat on the curb and dipped my head down.

“No, nothing. I take it you didn't either?” He shook his head.

“I'm sorry, Dev. We'll have to look again in the morning. Go home and get some rest. You of all of us need it the most. We'll look again tomorrow and won't stop until we find her.”

I smiled, slightly, “Thanks for helping and realizing you were on the wrong side. You're right. I need some rest. I'll see you tomorrow.” He waved goodbye as I stood and tucked my hands in my pockets.

Chapter Twelve

I was sound asleep. No dreaming, no moving around...just dead asleep. I didn't hear the knocking on my door. I didn't hear the person walk in. I didn't hear them tip toeing across the house to my room. I didn't feel them sitting down on the bed next to me and lying down. If someone wanted to kill me for good, doing it that night would have been the perfect night to do it. I never would have even seen them coming.

Sometime during the day, I woke up. My eyes were trying to focus as I rolled over. It took a minute to realize there was another body in the bed with me. I screamed and fell off the bed, hitting the floor with a thud. I peeked up over the edge at the figure laying there under my blankets.

Jumping to my feet, I ripped the cover back off of them. He rolled over and smiled up at me. I felt my knees go weak and buckle underneath me.

“Kellin!” I screamed and flew across the bed, landing on top of him. I wrapped my arms around his neck as he embraced me so tightly I thought I would stop combust.

“God, I've missed you,” he whispered in my ear.

“You have no idea how much I have missed you,” I grabbed his face and looked into his big beautiful eyes.

He looked over at the ring on my finger and rolled me off him and on the bed. He gently took my hand and pulled it to him to look it over. “Do you know why you wear this ring?”

I shook my head, “No. I do know I had a memory wipe but nothing else. Why?”

“I gave you think ring after you said yes to being mine forever.” He kissed my hand and laced my fingers with his.

My eyes went wide. “We were promised to each other?” He nodded his head with a big shit eating grin across his face.

“Would you say your answer is the same or has it changed?”

I pulled my hands free from him and wrapped them around his head; bringing him closer to me as I whispered back, “I think that would be a big yes...but I might need some convincing.”

He pulled back just a little, watching me bite my lip. “Yes, ma'am, I'm pretty sure I can convince you.” His lips came crashing down on mine. The butterflies in my stomach went wild as his hands traveled down my side and up my shirt. His hand against my skin felt so perfect. The touch of him was enough to send me over the edge without even doing anything else to me.

“Won't we get in trouble for doing this kind of thing?” I asked breathlessly.

He chuckled, “No, I've told you that before but you obviously can't remember the fact we've had this conversation before.”

“Oh, well in that case...” I reached down, grabbing hold of his shirt and ripping it off over his head. I stared in awe at his perfect body and bit my lip again.

He gently grabbed my hands and stopped me from going any further. “As much as I want to do this, I don't want you to feel like I'm taking advantage of you. This is as far as I can go right now. After we're united, believe me, I will make sure you can't walk when I'm done with you.”

I smiled, “I understand. It'll be worth waiting for.” I kissed his lips and curled up onto his chest. I couldn't feel a heartbeat and I couldn't feel the warmth that was surely coming off his body but just lying on his chest was enough for me. I reached down and grabbed the blanket, pulling it up over the both of us. He wrapped me tight in his arms, our legs intertwined with the others. “How did you get out?”

“The Creator came and unsealed the tomb. He admitted there was an error and told me I was free.”

“That's good.”

“What happened while I was gone? Not like it was a long time.”

“Jackson set everything up. He got Lexie killed on purpose and put Kale up to lying about seeing you kill that other Collector.”

“Holy shit.”

“The dark spirits came here and killed a lot of our own but we came back and killed them all.”

“I'm glad you're safe and made it out. Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For not giving up on me.”

I smiled and closed my eyes. “I would never give up on you.”

We fell back asleep and slept straight into the next day.

“Wake up, sleepy head,” Kellin was whispering into my ear.

I moaned my resistance, “I don't want to get up. I'm just fine right here, with you.”

He laughed, “We have some stuff to do today so get up and get out of bed.”

“Fiiiiine. What are we doing today?”

“I don't know...I thought, maybe, going to see the Creator about uniting us soon, if that's something you want.”

I shot up in bed and threw the blanket on the floor. “Why are you still in bed, jeez,” I teased him.

He rolled off the other side and threw his shirt back on. I stopped long enough to watch until his body was covered up. He took my hand and walked me out. The carnage was all cleaned up and new Collectors were starting to filter in and fill the voids left behind by the others that lost their eternal lives.

Kellin unlaced our hands and drew me in under his arm where I had gotten so comfortable being. “Wow, doesn't even look like anything happened here. I never would have known if you didn't tell me.”

“I know, it's horrible. I feel horrible for all the Collectors that died trying to save themselves or others.” We were almost there when something caught my eye on the side of one of the houses. “Hold on a sec,” I pulled out from under his arm and jogged over to check out what I saw.

“Is something wrong?”

I shook my head no. The little glass container was shining brightly even though there was no light directly on it. That's when it hit me. Lexies’ light. I bolted to my feet and ran past Kellin who followed after me.

“What's going on?” he yelled at me from behind.

“Lexie!” I didn't offer any other explanation as I made my way to the Creator. I burst through his doors and saw him talking with some other Collectors.

“Devalynn? Is something wrong?” He jumped to his feet, alarmed, as he checked the door from where I came from.

I leaned over my knees as I tried to catch my breath and held up the container. “Here,” I placed it in his hands.

He smiled gently, “You found her.”

“Yes. Please tell me you can save her.”

“I will do what I can. Come see me in a few hours. Is there anything else you needed?”

“Kellin and I would like to be united.” At that time, Kellin walked up and laced his fingers perfectly with mine. I looked over at him and smiled as big of a smile as I could.

“Do you want to do it before or after I try and piece Lexie back together? If you wait, there's no guarantee and it could make your day less festive but at the same time, if you don't wait, and I'm able to bring her back, you'll be upset you didn't wait.”

I pondered on it for a minute. “Could we go ahead and do it and if you're able to bring her back, could we hold like a small ceremony for her to be at?”

He nodded, “That sounds like a great plan. Where do you want to do it at?”

I looked at Kellin and we both answered. “Where the stars begin.”

“Okay, I'll see you two over there shortly. I'm going to go set Lexie down where she'll be safe.”

“Thank you,” I ran over and gave him a hug, wrapping my arms tightly around his neck.

He seemed to startle, not use to the affection from one of us. “You're very welcome and thank you, also, Devalynn.”

“For what?”

“For saving us all.”

I smiled and let go, taking Kellin's hand as we strolled down the edge.

“You sure you want to do this?” he asked me.

“You know, I'm not sure at all,” I teased, nudging him.

“We can turn around right now.”

“I was just kidding,” I laughed, “Of course I'm ready.” We got to the edge and waited for the Creator to show up.

“What are you guys up to?” Kale walked up.

We looked back and forth between each other. “We're being united today,” I tried to hide the smile that wanted to expose my happiness.

Kale grinned from ear to ear, walking up and hugging me. “I'm really happy for you, Dev. If this makes you happy, I support it. We just aren't like we were back on earth. Can I stay and watch?”

“I'm sorry it didn't work out between us, Kale.”

“Nothing to be sorry about. Are you happy?”

“More than you know.”

“Then that's all that matters.”

“Oh, yes, you can stay. We kind of just sprung it up and didn't get a chance to tell anyone. I wonder what's taking him so long. He said he would be here shortly. Someone tapped me on the shoulder. I looked behind me and had to blink my eyes a few times.

“Did you miss me? Of course you did, why am I even asking you that. I'm too awesome to not miss,” she grinned.

“EEEEK!!!” I jumped on Lexie, and squeezed tightly, not wanting to let go of her.

“Okay, you don't have to scream in my ear,” she teased.

“He said he was going to wait until after the ceremony to try and save you.”

“To try and save me? Dev, he can do it if he has the light from the fallen. Consider me the best present you ever got!”

My mood came down a few notches. “Lex, I'm so sorry about-”

She held a hand up to quiet me, “We'll talk about this later. Right now is about you two.”

“Hey, what are you doing later?” Kale asked Lexie.

She shrugged, “Probably emptying out Jackson's crap from my house and burning it all,” she laughed, “why?”

“I think we got off on the wrong foot and I'd like to make it up to you.”

“If you want to help burn all his stuff, you're more than welcome to.”

“I think I would really enjoy that,” he grinned sheepishly.

“Great! We'll have a big burn everything of Jackson's party after this!”

I laughed and shook my head. There was another voice laughing behind us. We all turned our heads and looked at the Creator.

“Are you two ready?” he asked, smiling at the both of us.

“More than ready,” Kellin took my hand in his.

We stood directly on the edge of the pavement where the stars began. The Creator waved his arm up at the stars and they began to twinkle brighter and shooting stars filled the sky. It was breathtaking.

“Holy wow! I didn't get that at mine! But it's okay, you two deserve it.” Lexie blurted out.

“Kellin, you have been an amazing person to have here. I am truly sorry for what happened. I can only hope that you'll forgive me one day. Devalynn, I knew you would be a perfect fit here only I didn't know that one day you would be saving us all from total destruction. I am honored to have you here. Together, you two are a match made for each other. Even after the memory wipe of Devalynn, you have found your way back to each other. That is real love. Deep down in you, you knew something your memory failed to let you know- that no matter what obstacles came up, you would do whatever it took to protect the other. Kellin, do you promise to love and protect Devalynn for the rest of your afterlife?”

“Yes,” he responded without hesitation.

“Devalynn, do you promise to love and protect Kellin for the rest of your afterlife?”

I squeezed his hands tight, looking deep into his eyes. “Absolutely.”

“By the power invested in me by myself, I proclaim you united,” he smiled and held his hands out, “you may kiss now.”

Kellin scooped me up in his arms and dipped me down as his lips touched mine. “I love you to the moon and back, Mrs. Devalynn Rose Banks,” he whispered in my ear when he stood me to my feet.

“I love you so much, Kellin.” I couldn't have imagined a happier time in my afterlife. After the events since I had gotten there, I needed a day to be completely and blissfully happy. I needed my happily ever after. 

Chapter Thirteen

“Okay, so everyone has been informed of the new laws and has studied up on them. It's time to put everything into action. I'm really nervous about this. What if they hate the changes I made? What if I only make things worse for the souls?” I asked Lexie as we waited to open the portal for the first time since the massacre.

She rolled her eyes, “Dude, really? Everything is going to be fine. Will you relax? I know this is your baby and all but you need to take a breather. If the Creator approved it all, then you really have nothing to worry about.”

“I guess you're right, I'm just...I dunno,” I shrugged.

“After the portal opens go watch from the command center to make sure everything is up and running smoothly.”

“Yes, ma'am,” I teased her.

“Ugh! Don't call me ma'am! I'm not some old lady!”

“Quick change of subject, how are things going with Kale?”

Her mood changed faster than I had seen it change before. “Great! You know, I thought he was such an ass and especially after all that mess but he's really a sweetheart. I think you just brought out the mean in him. We've been trying to take it slow since it's only been two months since the whole Jackson thing, buuuut....” she grinned like she was hiding something.

“But what!? You can't just leave me hanging like that!” I grabbed onto her arm and squeezed.

“Nah, maybe I should just wait,” she teased, laughing loudly.

“You're such a bitch. You know, you two are perfect for each other in the fact you guys are both asses.”

“I guess that's why we've decided to move in together.”

“You can't do that unless you're united,” I replied, slightly confused.

“I know,” she whispered, and pulled a necklace out that was tucked down inside her shirt. There was a petite little gold ring sitting around it.

“OmfreakinA! Why aren't you wearing it!?”

“Shhh!! Good Lord, I can't tell you any secrets, can I?”

“Wait, why is it a secret?”

“Because I told you already; it's only been two months since Jackson. We don't want to give off the wrong impression.”

“Who cares what anyone else thinks? It's your happiness, not theirs that matters.”

“You're right. I'm just not ready yet.” She dipped her eyes down to the ground and fumbled around with the papers in her hands.”

“You're right. If you're not ready, it's okay. I don't want to be the one to push you.”

“Thanks, Dev. Okay, here comes the Creator,” she nodded to him behind me as he approached.

Everyone became silent as he took his place in front of the portal. We had put up a memorial for the Collectors that were lost in the fight. Their existence was taken from them. The only ones who could remember were us so we put their names on plaques right next to the portal where everyone would have to see.

“Good morning. I think enough time has passed and it's time to get back to work. You have all been briefed on the new protocols. Are there any last minute questions?” He looked through the crowd for any. Everyone stayed quiet. “Good then. Devalynn, will you do the honors?”

Me? I wasn't supposed to be speaking at all at that thing. As if my nerves weren't eating me up already, I wanted to pass out at that point. I walked up to the front next to him, shaking. “Hey everyone. Um, I wasn't planning on speaking today so I'm just going to wing it. This is a major big day for us all. We can now save the souls of so many who made simple mistakes in their second chance lives. There will be some minor hiccups here and there as we get everything straightened out and work out the bugs so bear with us. If a problem arises, please bring it to our attention as soon as possible so we can get it resolved. Other than that, I don't have anything else to say. Good luck and let's do this right!”

The crowd erupted into cheers as the Creator waved his hand and the portal opened. Everyone had their lists and made their way back down to earth to start a fresh beginning for us all. Lexie hugged me before she went through the portal. Kale followed after her, waving to me as he made his way through it also. Kellin stayed behind with me to help me in the control room and to help train the ones who would be posted in there for a cycle. So everyone wouldn't get stuck doing the same job, I decided, with the okay from the Creator, to do cycles. 1 month in each job. If someone decided they were absolutely in love with one in particular, they could continue doing that one.

We ran back to the control room to watch the reclaimings and make sure they were going smoothly. I put on my headset next to Kellin. There were about eight others in there with us.

“Okay everyone, if you can hear me, give me a big thumbs up,” I spoke in it while watching all the screens with each Collector down there on a different one. Each one gave a thumbs up as they heard me through their ear piece. That was another thing I had implemented. Instead of leaving each Collector on earth with no one to watch their back should a dark spirit surface; we had eyes on each of them, protecting them. There were also more security checks coming back through the portals like an eye scan and voice recognition.

I walked back and forth, pacing the room and monitoring the screens. So far, everyone was following protocol. There were more being reclaimed at record speeds and the ones who had made a simple mistake in their second lives were being let go with a warning to clean up their act and control their monsters better.