"There's this place, it's deserted for miles around but more importantly we have no ties to it so we can't be traced there."

Nikki waited for the impending 'but' wondering what conditions were attached to their new hideout.

"We'll have to make some sort of donation but that's no problem, Roxy's taking care of it, the others are going to meet us there."

Ah, Roxy. Nikki had not forgotten the woman who had turned her back allowing her to run to almost certain death, but as yet she wasn't sure how she felt about the female Guardian. Clearly Roxy held no loyalty to her but she had only been protecting her friends. Still Nikki vowed not to put her trust in the pixie faced Guardian.

"Where?"

"Bodmin Moor. It's-"

"Yes I know it. Are you sure it's safe?"

"As safe as anywhere will be. I can't promise anymore than that."

Nikki sank back against the soft leather back seat of their rental and sighed. The rain had continued into the morning, the thick angry clouds blocking out any attempt of light. Outside, the world around them had woken and was drearily going about its day, fighting through the gloom to survive the monotony of a new working day.

Next to her, Josh nudged her arm and pointed at the book in her lap. "You ready to look at that thing again yet?"

Her eyes swept the cover guiltily. She should study it, try and make sense of the swirling text, it was the least she owed Zeke but she couldn't. Each time she went to lift the heavy cover she paused before backing out, knowing instinctively that the pages held nothing but trouble. "I ... " Her hand dragged down her face and she huffed. "I should want to but I can't."

"Okay."

Grinding her teeth, Nikki scowled. "It's not though is it? This holds answers and I'm avoiding them. And worse still, I don't even know why."

"You'll get there." Josh soothed, rubbing her shoulder gently.

Lapsing into silence, she sank back into her private thoughts, the book burning under her touch, begging to be opened.

"Penny for them?"

The corner of her mouth lifted as Josh's lips found her neck. It was obvious he was only trying to distract himself from the situation with Joanne but she couldn't help the tingle his kisses left against her sensitive skin.

"See for yourself." Opening up her mind she welcomed him in. "Just watch your step it's pretty cluttered in here."

A soft laugh escaped his lips as she felt him clumsily crash through her disjointed thoughts.

"Wow."

"Yeah, not pretty is it?"

He declined to answer, instead dipping his head to her shoulder, he sighed. "I'm hungry."

"We can stop soon. There's a service station just up the road." Sam checked over his shoulder, his eyes flashing quickly over Nikki. "You look ... refreshed."

Tipping his face upwards Josh's looked at her closely. "He's right, you do. You look--"

"What?" Heat crept up her neck and flushed her cheeks.

"No, really, you look," he frowned, "better."

"Than what?"

"Than ever. You're flawless."

"Oh come--"

"He's not exaggerating." Sam piped up. "You're changing. Your skin looks healthier than it ever has. It's almost like you're glowing."

She stared at her hands and studied the flesh covering them. The pale skin was soft and supple and her nails were strong with white tips. Her scowl deepened. She had never had good nails.

"It must be something to do with Elizabeth's blood."

"Hmm. Not necessarily." A smirk danced across Sam's mouth as he cocked his head and watched her through the interior mirror. Next to her, Josh stiffened, the arm slung over her shoulder, tightening. "I think it's probably more to do with my blood. I mean think about it, you're faster, stronger and definitely healthier since you drank from me. It can't be coincidental."

Unable to stop herself, Nikki snorted. "Seriously? You're taking credit for my transformation?"

"Why not? Tell you what, try it again and see what else happens."

A low growl rumbled in Josh's chest. Putting his hands on Sam's headrest he dragged himself forward. "That's enough."

Nikki heard the hiss and caught a reflection of his narrowed, dangerous eyes. Not only was he secretly stressing over Joanne, Josh was jealous but she understood why. She'd refused his offer of blood only moments before Sam had crashed in and saved her. Had the shoe been on the other foot she would be burning with envy but Josh had held it together, hiding it well until this point. Laying a hand on his shoulder she coaxed him back.

"You know he's just trying to wind us up, right? As for Joanne, they're treating her like a princess; I don't think she's ever had it so easy. They're being very careful, taking it slowly so not to spook her. She's safer than all of us and I'm betting she's not alone. I bet they've got all the other possible Prophets in the house with her."

His bottomless gaze speared her, and Nikki swallowed down the fluttering in her stomach. The five o'clock shadow he seemed to be constantly sporting suited him and the glint in his deadly stare unleashed a torrent of sordid memories through her racing mind. Unaware of herself she closed her eyes and gripped his arm, her body recalling the feel of him as he had pinned her to the bed and fulfilled her carnal desires.

Next to her, Josh stifled a gasp. His hand grabbed her thigh and he squeezed roughly startling her from her delicious recollections. Her eyes opened but what met her gaze only fuelled the stirring deep within. His invitingly soft lips were parted and his shoulders rose with each gulping breath of air he raggedly sucked in. Dragging her eyes from his tempting mouth she saw that his brows were furrowed and his eyes were closed in concentration.

She knew that look; it was an expression guaranteed to quicken her already racing heart. Lust surged through her and gritting her teeth she forced herself to stay still. Even the smallest of movement would unlock her tense muscles, sending her straight into his strong, inviting arms.

"Nikki." His eyes slid open and Nikki's breathing stopped. She had never wanted him more.

In a single beat his lips were pressed against hers and his hand tangled in her hair. Surrendering to his touch, Nikki let go of her inhibitions, delighting as his apparent need matched hers. The weight of his torso pushed her further into the seat as he stretched over her, his lips moving rhythmically with hers. In the heat of their passion the rest of the world melted away.

"Hey, hey! This ain't a peep show, wanna dial it down a notch or two?" Sam complained, flicking the hair out of his eyes as he shook his head. "Jesus, get a room."

Flushed and embarrassed Nikki tried to pull away but Josh held her still. Craning his neck he threw a satisfied smirk at his friend. "Keep your eyes on the road and you won't have a problem."

"Seriously?"

"What do you think?" Josh mumbled as his lips found the dip between Nikki's shoulder and neck.

Mustering all her strength she laid her hands on his chest and shoved, managing to move Josh a few precious inches away.

"He's right, I'm not into an audience."

Screwing his face up, Josh groaned. "I swear to god ... "

Making a show of heaving himself across the back seat and away from Nikki, Josh muttered harsh insults as he glared daggers, his eyes fixed on the back of Sam's head. When he had settled in place he reached across and gently squeezed Nikki's hand before closing his fingers around hers.

"Yeah, I know." Sam sighed with more than a hint of laughter in his voice.

Frustrated and self-conscious, Nikki ground her teeth and swallowed down the lust that clawed through her. The silence in her mind was still taking some getting used to and in times of high emotion it was second nature to seek out Ezekius. Only now she couldn't because he was gone. Leaning down to collect the book from the floor where it had fallen during the madness, Nikki gathered it up she flipped it open, staring down at the same illustration that had captivated her earlier.

Slowly the gears inside her mind began churning and what had first unsettled her about the picture clicked into place. It wasn't a just a death scene. The way Malus was cradling the Prophet so delicately, the anguish of his downturned mouth, how his eyes held the glassy white stare of his victim ...

Her heart lurched as she contemplated the unbelievable. Was it at all possible that this had all started out because of love? No, surely not.

Blankly, she turned to Josh and studied his face. Of course it was possible. Hadn't she done something similar? Sliding her eyes closed she quickly flipped through all the information she had. Latébris and Mortemb were in an endless battle, each trying to best the other for control of the earth. But why?

"Why do you think they battle so hard for this world? What does it hold that is so important?"

The car slowed somewhat as Sam turned to look at her.

"Humans?" Josh offered.

Nikki thought for a moment. "But what do they want humans for?"

"Food, blood sport, slaves. Anything and everything. Where are you going with this?"

The concern in Josh's unwavering gaze brought Nikki back to the moment. "Don't panic, I'm not questioning sides, I'm just trying to understand the reason for this  war. I mean, neither really needs this world or its inhabitants, and yet here they are, centuries later still battling over it. I just don't get it."

"Simple," Sam sniffed arrogantly. "Pride. By backing down they'd be implying their inferiority."

It was a reason, however Nikki questioned the plausibility.

"But," lowering her eyes to the book she found it impossible to shake the niggling thought burrowing into her conscious.

"What?" Josh pressed gently. He drank in her confusion and Nikki could almost hear him begging entrance into her tangled thoughts.

"I need to show you both something when we stop."

"Two minutes, almost there." Sam said, indicating to turn off the main road.

Nikki remained rigid in her seat, churning through the thick sludge like thoughts milling frustratingly slowly through her head. There was something hiding behind the murky images, she knew it, but each time she reached out to try and make the connection she was blocked. David, the man who had informed her of her predestined title after she'd left the Guardian's protection, had given her the same version of events as Sam, but he'd never fully explained, he hadn't gotten the chance.

The car rolled to a gentle stop and Sam turned in his seat. "What's up?"

"This." She held open the book. She gave them a moment to study the drawing.

"So it's true, he killed one of the Prophets." Josh slid across the leather seats and looked closer but remained suspiciously quiet.

Sam scowled. "What? What am I missing?"

Nikki didn't answer him. She was waiting to see if Josh drew the same conclusion she had. His chest rose and fell slowly as he sought out every little detail. Eventually he opened his mouth and inhaled. "Who drew this?"

Nikki met his eyes and shrugged.

"What does it matter?" Sam's irritation was clear.

"Because this doesn't show Malus killing a Prophet."

"Of course it does."

"No!" Josh squared his shoulders, lifting the book out of Nikki's hands and holding it closer to Sam. "Look again and look carefully. Yeah, it shows the Prophet dead but I don't think Malus was the murderer."

"What are you talking about? We all know the story--"

"Exactly, story." Closing the book Josh leaned back in thoughtful contemplation. "Where did that story come from? How easy would it have been to manipulate?"

In the drivers seat Sam was becoming more and more agitated. His scowl darkened and his patience was obviously wearing thin .

"Malus didn't kill the Prophet, the other three Prophets did." Nikki blurted out shocking both Sam and herself in the process.

"What?"

"I - I ... "

"This isn't the picture of victory. It's a drawing of unending torment and sorrow." Josh spoke quietly as he followed his own train of thoughts.

Unable to keep his disbelief in check, Sam burst out laughing. "Why the hell would Malus care? He's a notoriously cold murderer. He values nothing of life."

"And why do you think that is?" Nikki's mind had broken out of the shackles. "What would cause someone to shut down like that?"

"Nikki, Malus is not a person, he is a demon, he doesn't have the ability to comprehend sympathy, mercy or love--"

"So am I!" Nikki snapped. "I've shown you how capable I am at feeling those things. So If I can, why can't he? Look at the drawing, Sam. The war isn't about humans or this world, it's about them, the Prophets. It's about revenge."

Gripping the steering wheel, Sam sighed deeply making it clear he didn't buy Nikki's explanation.

"I think," Nikki said, speaking her thoughts aloud, "the Prophets killed their own, I don't know why but I'm sure of it, just as sure as I was when I found out I was a demon."

"Oh great," Sam muttered.

Nikki couldn't blame him for his reaction but it still stung. Knowing she wouldn't get anywhere with him in this mood she chose to change tactics. "How did you know the Hunter was Elizabeth? When all we saw was the assassin, how did you know it was Elizabeth?"

His dark head turned slowly. Facing her, Sam stared Nikki down. "No," he rasped. "This is nothing like that. I had years of connection with her not to mention the bond given to Guardian's and Powers--"

"Ah but it is. I have the blood of my own kind keeping me alive not to mention the tie to Latébris that seems to be growing stronger. I've joined with those minds and they're capable of evil you and I couldn't possibly imagine let alone understand."

"Fine, let's play devils advocate and say you're right. Why would they kill one of their own?"

Josh reopened the book and handed it to Sam. "Look at his eyes."

"It's just a drawing! It's someone else's idea of what happened, it doesn't make it the truth."

"No it doesn't but equally you can't dismiss the idea." Sliding a hand down Nikki's cheek, Josh stared at her, his eyes glistening in the dull, cloudy light. "Tell me, how long did you hunt the demons who murdered Libby?"

"Fuck you Josh!" Sam shook, his balled fists turning white as he squeezed his hands tightly. He snarled another curse before throwing open his door. Stepping out into the heavy downpour he slammed his door as hard as he could, the metal groaning against the impact, and without a backward glance he stalked away.

Josh, oblivious to Sam's outburst, kept his attention on Nikki. Dropping the book lightly in her lap he smiled softly. "Keep looking, Zeke wanted you to have this book badly so it's got to be important. And don't mind him," he jerked his head in Sam's retreating direction. "You know what you're doing, or at least you will, until then I'm gonna support you every step of the way, no matter how much anyone else disagrees. No matter what, I'm with you every step, sweetheart."

Nikki swallowed. "What if I'm wrong?"

His lips pressed to hers in a chaste kiss. "I don't think you are. I think you're the key to unlock this whole thing. Just go with your gut."

Letting out a wry laugh, Nikki rolled her eyes. "Because that worked out so well last time."

"But this time I won't be fighting you every step. This time I'm right there with you and I won't let you go over the edge, I promise." Knotting his fingers in her hair at the nape of her neck, Josh tilted her head and put his lips to her ear.

Nikki inhaled, breathing in his musky scent as she dropped the book in favour of winding her arms tightly under his, her hands coming to rest on his shoulders. Leaning her head against his absent heartbeat she manoeuvred into his lap. "Promise you won't let go of me, and in return I promise not to do anything without telling you."

"Deal."

Knowing that Josh believed her did little to settle her racing mind. She knew she was right but something sinister came with this assurance. Why had the Prophets turned on one of their own? What had started this and where the hell did she come into it all?

"Stop stressing. We'll get to the bottom of everything."

Pulling away fractionally, Nikki's brows pulled together, she hadn't felt Josh enter her mind. "You're getting good at letting yourself in," she commented dryly.

"Huh?"

"Just then, I didn't realize you were in my head."

His arms constricted around her, his muscles tightening in his sleeves and distracting her sullen thoughts momentarily.

"I wasn't 'in your head'. I just ... The more time I spend with you, the closer we get, the easier it is for me to connect to you again. Guess we get to share it all this time around, thoughts, emotions," his voice grew huskier, "passion."

"Josh."

"I know, not the time or place," he grumbled wresting with his frustration.

"No, not really."

"Okay, well I could really use a cold shower and I'm guessing you wanna take a look through the book so I'll go find Samuel and give you some peace."

He shuffled her off his thighs and made his way out of the car. Closing his door, he ducked down and planted a kiss on the wet glass before scurrying away to find Sam.

With the book once again back on her knees Nikki smiled at the Guardian she loved as he was lit up by the lightening in the sky above him. Just as quickly as the illumination flashed across the sky, Nikki's heart stopped beating and her blood ran cold. Above the clouds, hidden by the weather she spotted the outline of bony wings, far too big to be birds and too black to be manmade. Dashing out of the car she flew towards Josh, screaming his name from her terrified lips.