Blame The Goth Girl Vol. 3: For the Wages of Sin is Death, But the Gift of Ministry is Eternal Life

Blame the Goth Girl

Vol. 3

For the Wages of Sin is Death, But the Gift of Ministry is Eternal Life

By Bettina Busiello

Copyright © 2015 Bettina Busiello

Smashwords Edition

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite e-book retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Bettina Busiello recognizes the trademarks and copyrights of all publications, music and companies mentioned within this work.

All rights reserved.

Cover Titling by Jacob Mathews

Cover art by Christopher Zakrzewski at www.requiemillustrations.com

Editing by Katherine Tate

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1

Elliot

I dropped my phone into the console and slammed on the gas.

Whoa, everything okay? Roger asked.

No. Whatever this is—it’s affecting Nicki.

It’s alright. Calm down. He put his hand to my arm. We’re no good to her if we end up wrapped around a telephone pole.

He was right. I gave him a look and flipped on the sirens.

At least I’m getting through to you. He grabbed onto the handle over the door and took a deep breath.

I slammed the brakes as I pulled into the parking lot of the Motor Bar. Roger was still hanging on for dear life.

You coming? I asked as I moved to get out of the car.

Just a moment. I think the contents of my stomach are still on Third. I’m just waiting for them to catch up.

I shut the door and ran inside, mentally preparing myself for the worst. Onyx was waiting for me. Where’s Nicki? I asked.

Downstairs.

I stepped toward the backroom and Onyx put her hand to my chest, stopping me. Stop. Take a deep breath and calm down.

At first the action made me furious. I was about to push her out of the way when I noticed the plea in her eyes. They issued a wave of calm over me. Roger will be in any second, I said. I took a deep breath and continued toward the back room.

Blanche was securing Nicki in a cage. As soon as I saw the handcuffs, I rushed over to Nicki to undo them.

Before you say anything, this was Nicki’s idea, Blanche said.

I nodded to Blanche. Thank you.

I’ll give you two some privacy. She looked at the other two occupied cages. Well as much privacy as one can have in such circumstances.

"Don’t… don’t stand so close to the cage," Nicki said. She was shivering. Beads of sweat poured down her face. The pacing of her breath told me she was trying to fight whatever this was.

I won’t leave your side, I said.

You’re no good to me dead… which you will be if you come any closer.

It was difficult seeing her like this. Can I get you anything?

She gave a quick shake of her head… almost as if she were trying to focus.

Roger is with me. He’s going to draw some of your blood, okay?

She nodded.

Blanche came back downstairs with Onyx and Roger.

Oh, Nicki, Roger said. His eyes were glassy as he looked at Nicki before turning to Blanche. I’m going to draw blood from her first, but I’m going to need you to help me with these other two.

You got it, kid.

Despite their friendship, I could see him hesitate to reach into the cage for Nicki’s arm.

The look on Nicki’s face wasn’t exactly welcoming either.

Here, she said, shooting her arm out through the cage bars. It was so fast, it took both Roger and me by surprise.

He pulled out an alcohol swab and cleaned the area in the crease of her elbow. I need you to hold still for me, Nicki. He stuck in the needle and began collecting vials of blood.

I reached out and held the hand of her other arm. She squeezed my hand. If I hadn’t been trying to be strong for her, I would have retracted my hand in pain.

All done, Roger said, pulling out the needle. He looked up at me. I might need your help with the others as well.

I’ll be right back. I kissed the back of Nicki’s hand before getting up and heading toward Earl’s cage.

He should be easier than Ziggy, Blanche said.

Earl was on the ground, passed out. Fur was beginning to cover most of his body though he still had the shape of a normal guy.

Blanche grabbed Earl’s arm and held it through the bars for Roger.

Aren’t you worried he’s going to take a chunk out of you? Roger asked.

Nah. Ziggy was the same way before he went full wolf. Earl will be like this for at least another twenty-four hours.

Interesting. I’ll have to note that. You’re also going to need to give me specifics about what changes Ziggy went through… if you could, please.

Sure thing. I’ve been watching him like a hawk since he arrived. She tapped her temple. I may be old, but this noggin’ is pristine.

The statement caused Roger to give a slight chuckle. Okay. All done with Earl.

Now the fun part, she said with sigh. It would be ten times easier if Nicki could help.

I glanced over to Nicki who was still in a cold sweat at the bottom of her cage.

Please don’t take this the wrong way, but I’ve only had a crash course on veterinary medicine. I do know, however, that the saphenous vein in the back leg would probably be ideal for me to draw blood. I just hope the needles I brought will hold up.

Ziggy growled as Blanche approached. Calm down, Zig. I changed your diaper when you were growing up. The least you can do is show me a little respect.

It was clear Ziggy wasn’t backing down. He growled, his eyes penetrating Blanche’s.

After a few seconds, I saw a greenish, yellow glow come from Blanche’s eyes before hearing a low growl emit from her throat. She spoke, but her eyes stayed locked on Ziggy, and her words came out with the same growl. If you’re gonna do this, do it fast.

Ziggy froze; his eyes locked on Blanche’s.

I quickly reached in the cage and pulled Ziggy’s back leg. Roger stepped over me and knelt down to insert the needle. For a split second, Ziggy’s attention went to Roger, who froze in a panic. Blanche stomped her foot and her growl became louder.

Hurry, I said in a hushed voice.

I’m going as fast as I can. I need three vials in order to run proper tests.

He capped the first and set it on the top layer of his case. The second went just as quickly, but the third almost lasted forever.

Blanche’s concentration broke with a sound coming from upstairs, and Ziggy spun around, snapping at Roger just as the vial filled. I grabbed the needle as we both fell back. We hurriedly scooched away from the cage.

"Well that was close," Roger said.

Blanche looked up. "Sorry, boys. I should go see who’s paying us a little visit. I know the sign says closed. Whoever it is, is going to get a real talkin’ to." She took the stairs two at a time.

Roger capped and labeled the new batch of blood samples, setting them in the case with the others. Now the hard part, he said.

As if this wasn’t? Onyx asked. She had been so quiet, intently watching the events unfold, I’d almost forgotten she was there.

Nope. Now I need to figure out what’s causing this. Roger stood up, grabbing his medical bag in the same motion. Elliot, if you would be so kind as to take me back to the lab.

I looked over at Nicki who was off in her own world of pain. I really don’t want to leave her.

Roger reached out and grabbed my hand. You’d be doing more for her by taking me back to the lab, he said in a soft voice.

If you don’t mind, I could use a ride home too, Onyx said.

Fine. Just know I’m coming right back, I said.

Understood.

****

After dropping Roger off at the office, I took Onyx back to her house.

You want to come in? she asked.

No. I really need to get back.

Come on. You need to eat something. I made all this food and have a ton of leftovers piled up in my fridge. Besides, I was hoping you could take something to Roger on your way back since he’ll be working all night.

As much as I tried to tell myself I wasn’t hungry, the gnawing sensation in my stomach said otherwise. I grimaced. Fine.

She motioned to the couch after stepping through the doorway. Relax. You’re going to make yourself crazy being so tense. Trust me, I just went through the same thing.

I had to admit… she was right. If anyone knew how I was feeling over this, it would be Onyx.

I’ll be back with some tea and food. Don’t worry—you’ll see Nicki again tonight. Her voice echoed from the kitchen. I’m not sure what your tastes are, so I’ll just bring out a little bit of everything.

The first thing she came out with was a bowl of some kind of vegetable casserole.

If you want, I can call Rome, she said as she set the tray down.

That’s not necessary, I said.

She walked back into the kitchen and carried out some sort of meat dish next, followed by a potato dish. The coffee table was beginning to run out of room. With each trip, she came out with more and more food.

Did you have a party and I missed it? I asked.

Nah. I was bored. She came back out with a tray of pastries and set them on the end table.

I uh…. I thought for a moment then shrugged and began eating. Wow. I couldn’t help but speak with my mouthful. This is really good.

She smirked. Expecting something bad? She found a free area on the other end table to set the tea tray on.

Never… I just….

It’s okay… and thanks.

While she poured, I couldn’t help but notice a sadness in her eyes. You okay?

Yeah. She gave a half-smile. It’s been a long week.

I set my plate down. I suppose I didn’t help with that.

What do you mean? You did nothing wrong.

I mean my bombshell of being with Nicki. I nervously scratched my head and sat back in the couch.

Don’t worry. I know the consequences of acting impulsively on emotions. You don’t have to apologize to me for having feelings for someone who was in the picture long before I was.

Still. I should’ve made time for us to talk.

She handed me a cup of tea and look around. When? It’s been non-stop.

I patted the seat next to me.

We can talk now if you’d like. She smiled and sat down.

You aren’t upset with me, are you? I asked.

No. Not at all. I haven’t had time to think about it, really. I mean… that night at the club… it just sort of happened.

You’re right. I guess I read too much into it. I cleared my throat. Perhaps I was still reading into it. Sitting there with such an air of calm surrounding her, she looked almost distant. She wet her lips and stared at the coffee table filled with food. My hunger returned… except it wasn’t for her delicious food—it was for her sweet lips. If she was indeed pulling away from me emotionally, it only made me want her more. I closed my eyes and looked down.

You alright? she asked.

I wasn’t. What kind of asshole was I, sitting there, lusting after someone else while my girlfriend was in pain and locked in a cage in the basement of a dive bar? No. I should really go. I stood up.

She followed my action. Wait. At least take something for Roger. I’ll go make him a dish. She walked back into the kitchen.

You’re really kind, I said, watching her fill a rather large Tupperware for Roger.

I do my best. We sort of dragged him into this world, huh? She lifted those seductive eyes to me and smiled.

That we did.

She handed me a bag as we walked toward the front door. I put in some pastries for you both. She gave a sheepish grin.

That was it. I couldn’t take it. I grabbed her hand and pulled her into me, hungrily kissing her lips. A soft moan resonated in her throat. No matter what I could convince myself about being with Nicki, there was still something between me and Onyx. I broke the kiss and looked at her. I won’t explain myself, was all I could say as I took the bag and rushed out the door.

Chapter 2

Onyx

Complicated. That’s what it all boiled down to. A bunch of confused boys running around, toying with people’s emotions.

After all the many nights I’d imagined kissing Elliot again, when it actually happened, he had nothing on the kiss I experienced with Daevan.

Daevan. He was almost a distant memory. Perhaps I forced him to be so since I knew I’d probably never see him again. All I had was a stone carved with a rune as a reminder of what took place in my attic.

My phone rang; it was Lisbeth.

Yo.

How ya holding up? she asked.

I realized I hadn’t spoken with her since the night of her ritual.

Okay. Why do you ask?

You know… since Daevan left. Ooh, I’m so sad to see that baby go. If there was any way, shape, or form Lisbeth’s voice could get higher pitched or cutesier—talking about babies did it.

I couldn’t help but laugh. You’re too much, Liz. So, how did everything go? I asked.

Oh man, it was intense. I got super shy around Ezra’s brothers… but what can ya do?

Asking her about the details seemed a bit invasive, not to mention I didn’t want to be reminded of the connection Ezra had with Daevan.

"I