Dusk Til Dawn Read online

  Avery gave her a smug smile she was tempted to smack off his face as she pushed past him into the next room, swinging her light around the large space. Like the previous area, there were a few scattered remnants of furniture covered in heavy cloths, a thick layer of dust coating the surfaces. She ambled over to the remains of a fireplace, most of the brick now crumpled on the floor. She bent down, thumbing a piece of rubble when a loud crash sounded on the other side of the room.

  She tensed, her hand clutching her chest as she snapped her head toward the noise, her breathing a traitorous wheeze in the sudden stillness. “What the hell was that?”

  As if on cue, something scraped across the floor, then fell in a clatter of dust and sound. The hairs on Annie’s arms prickled to life as a rash of goose bumps flared along her skin.

  Avery’s hand settled on her shoulder, grounding her slightly. “Just the residents getting a bit restless. But all of our temperature readings are low, so it’s nothing to worry about.”

  Annie coughed as she tried to swallow. “Temperature readings low? What would happen if they were high? And why the hell are you taking temperature readings?”

  He patted her shoulder this time. “It’s just standard investigating. And let’s not worry since they’re low and keep going.”

  Annie scowled as he walked away, running some kind of unit over a toppled chair. She pushed to her feet when it dawned on her. The chair had fallen over—by itself. That was the noise she’d heard and the source of the cloud of billowing dust. A surge of panic pulsed through her veins as she watched Temperance and Avery scour the area around the chair. They seemed completely unfazed by the incident, ducking when a piece of wood soared through the air, splintering as it impacted the far wall.

  Her mind whirled as she mentally scrolled through every known scientific explanation only to come up empty. There simply wasn’t a logical reason for what was happening inside the house. She swung the circle of light around, trying to illuminate as much of the room as possible when something growled beside her.

  Annie gasped and turned, backing away from the angry hiss that followed. She searched the fireplace, but only crumbling bricks glared back at her through the light. Fear churned in her gut, propelling her across the floor. Avery shouted her name, drawing her attention just as she bumped against a tall lamp. The glass covering swung sideways, the hinges emitting a shrill creaking noise. She grabbed at the tall pole, only to have it shudder beneath her grip. Her eyes widened as a swirling white mist appeared, taking the shape of a head, then dissipated, a disembodied voice pleading with her to leave.

  Annie released the lamp, her hand going to her mouth just as the lantern lifted up then toppled on her, dousing her shirt in a foul-smelling liquid.

  She reeled backward, tripping onto a covered chair. Her breath came in gasping pants as she fought to calm the pounding in her head. Shit. Had she really just witnessed a ghost materialize out of thin air?

  “Annie. God, honey, are you okay?”

  Temperance’s voice tickled the edges of her consciousness, but she didn’t do more than grunt a reply as she reran the events in her head—the angry growl, the swirling mist, the ghostly warning…

  “Damn it, Annie, talk to me!”

  Firm hands clamped around her shoulders, giving her a hard shake. Annie cursed and looked up, pinned by the fear flashing in Temperance’s eyes. She’d never seen her sister remotely scared before.

  Annie took a quick breath, a cold shiver snaking down her spine. “You saw that, right? That…god, what was it? It can’t…I mean, it’s not possible…”

  Temperance tightened her hold, stopping Annie mid-sentence. “Easy, sis. Everything’s going to be okay.”

  “Okay? Something growled at me, told me to leave then dumped…” She paused to sniff the cuff of her shirt. “Shit! It dumped kerosene on me. How is that remotely okay?”

  Temperance gave her a reassuring smile. “It’s okay because you’re still here, yelling at me.” Her mouth twitched slightly at the edges. “And yeah. We saw everything. Pretty extraordinary, really. I’ve never seen someone attract that much attention on their first hunt.” She tilted her head. “Maybe I’m not the only one with ties to the paranormal.”

  Annie shook her head. “Oh no. I deal in science. Hard cold facts. This…” She waved her hand around the room. “This is way out of my league. I’m still trying to grasp just a shred of logical reasoning for what just happened.”

  Avery’s mouth quirked into a slight grin. “You mean something other than ghosts.”

  Annie sighed, accepting Avery’s hand as he yanked her onto her feet, nearly sending her sprawling to the ground again as her balance shifted. He grabbed hold of her arms, muttering under his breath until she regained her equilibrium and took a step back.

  She glanced away. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to insult you guys, it’s just…shit.”

  He gave her a genuine smile. “None taken, but Temperance is right. This is…”

  “Insane?”

  He laughed. “Impressive. Though we could have done without the kerosene.” He pulled at the soaked fabric. “You need to get out of this before it reacts with your skin.”

  She stared at him, looking over to her sister and back. “I just witnessed something toss a piece of wood across the room. A swirling white mist dropped a lamp on me, and you’re worried if my skin might react?” She gave an exasperated sigh. “This is surreal. Ghosts…” She released a weary breath. “Besides, I didn’t bring another shirt. Call me crazy but I didn’t think ghost hunting would require a change of clothes.”

  Avery chuckled. “You’d be surprised. And I have a shirt in the car you can borrow.”

  Temperance tapped his shoulder. “I’ll go grab it while you stand watch.”

  He nodded though Annie didn’t miss the amused look in his eyes. “Of course, darling. Though you do realize these are ghosts. Standing watch isn’t really going to help.”

  Temperance cocked her head. “Just humor me.”

  “Anything you say. Do me a favor and grab that UV emitter while you’re at it.” He glanced around the room. “Just in case.”

  Annie shook her head. She didn’t want to know what Avery might need another device for. She inhaled, ignoring the pungent stench of kerosene surrounding her. “I’ll be fine, Tempie. Why don’t you let me go and grab the shirt and the UV thingy you need? Then no one will have to stand watch.”

  “Are you sure?” She edged closer. “It’s dark out there.”

  Annie grinned. “Believe me, at this moment, a dark, normal driveway sounds like paradise compared to in here. I’ll be fine.”

  Temperance nodded. “Okay. The UV emitter’s in the trunk. It’s in a red bag by itself. And Avery’s shirt is on the backseat.” She tugged at Annie’s sleeve. “But take this off. Now. Every second you wear it more of that oil gets on your skin.”

  “Will do. Good thing I wore my cute bra.”

  She smiled at Avery’s chuckle, pulling her shirt over her head as she walked toward the first room. She draped it over one of the blankets, making a mental note to get it at the end of the investigation. They were right about one thing. Her top was ruined. And she could already feel the sticky residue leached onto her skin. She could only hope it wouldn’t leave a nasty rash behind. She needed a shower and soon.

  Eerie shadows seemed to follow her as she crossed into the adjoining room, careful not to touch anything else as she wove her way through the furniture. Her skin beaded against a flutter of cool air, and she crossed her arms on her chest, trying to ignore the uneasy feeling building between her shoulder blades. As crazy as it seemed, she felt as if she was being watched.

  A hushed scuffle sounded behind her and she turned just as a set of strong hands locked around her arms, spinning her away. She screamed then reacted, stomping on the creep’s foot before driving her elbow backward. It connected with hard muscle, and she grinned at the male grunt that followed. His hold eased, and she took advantage o
f the lapse to grab one of the blankets covering a small sofa. She pivoted, tossing the cover at the guy shrouded in darkness as her flashlight bobbed in her hand, making the beam look like a streak of light.

  The guy deflected the attempt, not even giving the blanket a second glance as it puddled in a gray heap on the floor. Instead, he moved, pinning her to the wall before she could do more than palm his chest. The flashlight knocked against his shoulder as it got trapped between them, the glare illuminating his face. Bright blue eyes stared back at her, half hidden by strands of dark brown hair tousled across his head. He had several days’ worth of growth on his jaw, the scrubby hair adding to his rugged appearance. High cheekbones and a full mouth completed the picture until those eyes widened as his lips parted in shock.

  “Shit, you’re not—”

  Annie shifted her weight, cutting him off as her knee collided with his groin. His grip loosened as he bent forward slightly, giving her just enough space to dart beneath his arm.

  “Wait. I’m not trying—”

  His voice rumbled through the air as his hand snagged her wrist, once again spinning her around. Her momentum sent a small piece of furniture skidding across the floor and into the wall, the sound of breaking glass splintering the air. She yanked against his hold, wondering how Avery and Temperance hadn’t heard the scuffle, when her boot caught on the edge of the blanket. The fabric slid sideways, toppling her backward. There was a frenzied moment of free-fall before he was on top of her, his arms bracing her fall as they landed together on the blanket, a shower of dust shooting into the air. One of his hands cupped the back of her head while the other snugged her waist, protecting her through his embrace. She gripped his shoulders, ignoring the jolt of energy that seemed to fuse her skin, and tried shoving him off, when twin beams of light pooled around them. Annie turned, gazing up at Avery and Temperance as the couple stood there, watching, amusement tilting both their lips.

  Avery glanced at his wife before his focus settled on the guy. “Well, darling, it appears you’ll get to finish your ass research sooner than planned. Temperance, Annie, I’d like you both to meet my big brother—Dylan.”

  Chapter Two

  Dylan Smith closed his eyes, secretly praying a hole would form in the floor and swallow him. He’d known the moment her flashlight had illuminated her face, he’d gotten the wrong sister. He’d seen pictures of Temperance, and Avery had mentioned she had a sibling often enough that there was no mistaking the connection—the same shaped jaw, the same brilliant blue eyes—not that the realization had done him much good. He’d been too far gone to do more than attempt to calm her down. Then she’d bolted on him, and he’d been lucky she hadn’t broken her neck when she’d tripped on the blanket, not that having him land on top of her had been much better.

  He took a deep breath, unsure what to expect as he opened his eyelids, instantly mesmerized by the vivid blue eyes staring back at him. Flecks of gold wove through the irises, making them sparkle in the glaring light. He glanced down her body, groaning inwardly when he realized she wasn’t wearing a shirt. Warm skin moved beneath his hand as she squirmed slightly before huffing out an exasperated breath.

  He cursed, wishing he knew what to say when she laughed. The sound held a lilting quality to it, and he had a sudden urge to hear it again.

  She relaxed her head into his hand, a cocky smile capturing her lips. “Not to play favorites, but I much prefer the way Blake introduced himself, though there’s something to be said for a more physical approach.”

  “Sorry…Annie, right? I thought you were Temperance. Avery’s mentioned she’s a spitfire, and I thought I’d surprise her and…well, obviously I didn’t think enough.” He shifted, uncertain how to untangle himself without squishing her breasts more fully into his chest. Already he could feel the tight buds pressing against his body, the hard points threatening to unhinge his control.

  Annie seemed to take his indecision as another prank and simply shook her head. “Are we waiting for someone else to jump out and say ‘boo’ or can we get up now?”

  He cursed again. Shit. This wasn’t going at all like he’d planned. Dylan nodded and gently eased his hand out from underneath her head, placing it on the blanket beside him. He shifted his weight, trying to pull out his other hand when the cover slipped again, and he fell sideways, taking Annie with him. She gasped as he tumbled onto his back, dragging her onto his chest as his watch caught in the clasp of her bra. She flopped down on top of him, bewilderment creasing her brow. He scrambled to right them, but only succeeded in sending another piece of furniture over on its side.

  More glass splintered in the darkness, the shrill echo sending shivers skating down his spine. He groaned and let his head fall against the floor. In all his thirty-three years, he’d never fucked up as badly as he had tonight. Annie sighed, the soft sound like a brand on his heart. He glanced up at her, his breath stalling at the amused smile lighting up her face. God, she was stunning.

  Avery cleared his throat. “Should we leave you two alone?”

  Dylan glared at his brother, knowing that one comment would kill the sensuous atmosphere that hovered over him and Annie. He clenched his jaw, pushing up onto his elbow when an ungodly howl resonated through the air.

  Years of training took over, and Dylan moved, gaining his feet in the space of a heartbeat as he gathered Annie behind him, shielding her body with his. One hand unholstered the gun nestled against his ribs as the other curled around her, keeping her snug to his back. Her startled gasp rustled the collar of his jacket, but he didn’t ease up on his grip, determined to stand between her and whatever had cried out.

  “Avery. Get Temperance out of here. Now! I’ve got Annie.”

  Avery cursed then moved over to him, shaking his finger before pointing at Dylan’s gun. “Don’t you ever leave that thing at home?”

  Dylan growled at him, searching the room for the source of the sound. “Damn it, this is what I do. Now get the hell out before whoever made that sound shows himself.”

  “Not who. What.”

  Dylan gave his brother a sideways glance. “What the hell are you mumbling about now? And why are the two of you not hiding inside the car yet?”

  “Because this isn’t something you can fight. At least not the way you’re thinking. This is our territory.”

  Dylan furrowed his brow. “Your territory? But you’re a ghost hunter…”

  His words trailed off into a harsh rasp as the air off to his right began to swirl. A dark mist whirled like a cyclone over the floor, slowly growing as another howl bounced off the walls. Dylan scooted back, taking Annie with him until her back pressed against the wall again. He gripped his gun, not quite sure what to aim at when the mist seemed to ignite in a flash of light. He squinted at the sudden glare, not taking his gaze off of the spot when the shape of a man materialized out of the fog.

  Dylan aimed his gun just as Avery and Temperance shot forward, flinging handfuls of some kind of powder at the form. Another shriek erupted as the silhouette tilted its head back, rising off the floor on a blast of hot air. Pieces of wood and small ornaments flew across the room, circling the entity before crashing to the ground. Dylan shielded his face with his arm, wondering what the hell was going on when the man scattered into a swirling haze then vanished.

  Dylan forced himself to swallow, staring at the empty space, half expecting his other brother, Cal, to emerge from behind a screen, laughing and pointing at him. Though he’d asked his twin to join him in the prank on their new family member, Cal had sworn he’d had previous obligations.

  Avery sighed. “Well, that was…unexpected.”

  Dylan turned to his brother, still waiting for the obvious answer to leap forward, as he glanced around the room, his heart beating a tattoo in his chest. “Unexpected?” He took a single step forward. “That was fucking crazy! Shit. I don’t even know what that was!”

  Avery walked over to him, gently pressing on his arm until Dylan lowered it, placing his g
un back in his holster.

  “Easy, Dyl. Just take a few deep breaths.”

  Dylan growled, releasing Annie as he stalked forward, searching the area where the mist had disappeared. “Don’t tell me to fucking breathe. I know how to handle myself. Shit, I didn’t spend a decade running maneuvers only to lose it when some jackass plays a prank on me. It’s Cal, isn’t it?” He spun around. “Fine, Cal. You can come out. You got me good, but the joke’s over.”

  Avery released a weary breath, glancing at Temperance before joining Dylan in the middle of the room. “I’m well aware of how highly trained you are, but this isn’t what you think it is.”

  Dylan gave Avery a smug smile. “It’s Cal. I know it. I told him I was coming here to surprise Temperance…even had him call that investigator friend of yours to ensure you’d be here. But then he bowed out. And now he’s turned the tables on me…literally.”

  Avery chuckled. “Sorry, bro, but Cal’s out east. Massachusetts, I believe. Though that explains why Roberts was so quick to give us this job. He didn’t think there was anything out here to investigate.”

  Dylan took a step closer. He had four inches and thirty pounds on his younger brother, though he hadn’t tried to intimidate the man since he’d left home. “Enough. This isn’t funny anymore.”

  Avery gave him a slap on the back. “Never said it was. Though seeing you completely out of your element is somewhat interesting, especially when I know you could kill me without breaking a sweat.”

  Dylan’s gaze darted to Annie for a moment. But if Avery’s statement frightened her, she hid it well. “That’s not what I do.”

  “Not anymore. But that doesn’t change the fact you’re a lethal weapon in your own right, which is why I find it so amusing you insist on carrying a gun. We both know you don’t need it.”

  Dylan scrubbed a hand down his face, glancing from Temperance over to Annie and back again. This wasn’t the place for that conversation. “Okay. So what’s really going on here?” He held up a finger. “And don’t tell me it’s the work of ghosts. You know I don’t believe it that shit.”