Soul Broker by Tina Pollick

her side, but was blocked by Barak and Kastas.
    “Move!” They remained steadfast, holding their weapons, ready to strike. “I don’t want to hurt you, but I will.”
    Eaton moved behind him, closing in on where Mackenzie landed.
    “Eaton, stop! I don’t want to kill you, but if the choice is saving you or her, I will choose her.”
    “I can’t. You don’t know what she has planned for me if I fail.”
    “I’m sorry, my friend. I know you’re not here by choice, but that changes nothing. “
    Eaton took another step, and Drew’s chest clenched. Of the three that were here, he knew without a doubt that Eaton didn’t volunteer for this. Eaton and Drew had been part of more sexual torture sessions than he cared to recall. That didn’t change the fact that Eaton would kill Mackenzie unless he did something.
    Drew reached his hands up, collecting the moisture from the air. The droplets collected together and morphed into a whip that rested in his hand. He commanded the water as his father did, and right now this was his last option to save Eaton’s life. He extended his arm and the whip snapped over Eaton’s head with a crack that split his skin from the corner of his ear, down his arm and side. Eaton screamed.
    Drew turned and cracked the whip on Barack, knocking him off his feet, then turned it on Kastas. The whip circled in the air over Kastas’s head. He raised his sword and the flames sliced through the water, but the whip remained whole. With a swift jerk, the whip wrapped around his ankles. Drew gave a sharp tug, throwing Kastas to the ground.
    Drew turned. Eaton had his hands around Mackenzie’s throat. She was not standing on her own. Her skin was pale, her lids partially closed, and she was not trying to defend herself.
    “Let her go, Eaton.”
    “I can’t…”
    Several things happened at once. First Drew’s collar hit the ground, then Eaton, Barak, and Kastas faded until they were gone. Drew brought his hand up to his neck. The collar was gone. He touched his raw, blistered neck for the first time in centuries. A weight lifted from his shoulders, and a thousand thoughts raced through his mind. Freedom was something he dreamt about, but never considered it a possibility. He was free.
    Drew turned to see Poseidon. He didn’t know how long he had been there, but he held Mackenzie in his arms.
    “Where did they go?”
    “They’ve returned to Olesha.” Poseidon turned his head left then right.. “Where’s Sophie?”
    “She’s somewhere safe.” Drew reached up and rubbed his neck. “My collar is gone.”
    “Yes, son. You are a free man.” He laid Mackenzie on the ground. He ran his hand above her chest. “She’ll be okay.”
    Drew nodded and knelt next to her. He brushed her hair away from her face. “You and Sophie will be safe now.”
    Poseidon looked at Drew. “It sounds like you’re saying goodbye to her.”
    Drew ran a hand through his hair. “She deserves so much better, and Sophie deserves-.”
    “You. She deserves to have a father who loves her. A father that will be there for her, no matter what. A father who would trade his life for hers. She deserves you, son.”
    Drew picked Mackenzie up. “I don’t know how to be a father, and I certainly don’t know how to have a relationship.” He placed a kiss on her forehead.
    “No one knows. We just do the best we can for those we love.” Poseidon placed a hand on Drew’s shoulder. “I have to get back. If you need anything, just call. And Drew, I expect to see my granddaughter, soon.”
    Drew nodded. “Dad.” Poseidon stopped, but didn’t turn around. “Thank you for everything.”
    Poseidon didn’t turn back around. He kept walking in the direction of the beach.
     
     

     
     
    Mackenzie woke up surrounded by a group of women. She didn’t recognize any of them, although the one holding her hand resembled her mother. She tried to sit up, but every muscle in her body screamed in agony.
    “Sit back, dear. You’ve