Deadly Darlings (October Darlings Book 2)

by Wendolyn Baird

  “Holy shit.” Tomas whistles.

  “What the freaking hell?” I gawk at the paper strewn room. “How did they not even think this was weird?”

  “Mortals don’t always know magic when they see it.” Tomas shakes his head at the obvious purple aura basically floating out the doorway and into the hall. “At least now we know why your friends were being hunted down. It’s not about you Addie; it’s about Eden.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  THE ONLY RELIEVING aspect I can hold onto while staring at what was my side of the room just a week ago, is the fact that my graveyard mint is safely at Tomas and Ramona’s place. Who knows how Eden would have desecrated it otherwise?

  Notebooks filled with peculiar symbols and drawings of herbs are scattered over her desk, mingling beside classwork, and supplies I know she’s filched from her family’s tattoo parlor. Stolen piercing needles and body jewelry are the least of my worries as I survey the rest of the mess. The pages are drenched in supernatural energy, and although I know the heat is on in the building, Tomas and I can see our breaths even here.

  “What is all this stuff? When she said she was taking notes on spells and stuff last year, I didn’t think she meant like this. I thought she couldn’t do magic.” I hesitantly pick up a journal, but the chill from it is so strong, I can’t keep it in my grasp. Stepping back, shuddering, I allow Tomas to move forward instead.

  “Maybe it was a latent power.” He frowns, leaning over the papers and eyeing a series of cracked quartz pendants laying in a row on the edge of the desk. “This is seriously messed up,” he murmurs. “This isn’t light magic,” he shakes his head and little tufts of hair blow in the draft wrapping around us, “she’s mixing magicks. This is dark.”

  “What do you mean by mixing magics? Isn’t magic... just magic?” I rub my hands together and nod down at Frank, who is winding and unwinding his tail nervously.

  Tomas presses his lips together and shoves his hands into his pockets, falling back to stand beside me. “No, she’s combining mage work and witchcraft. Magicks, with a k. The two don’t go together. When people try to... it’s powerful, but deadly. Like you. Witches and clairvoyants are more similar than witches and mages but mixing the two types of magic still isn’t stable.”

  “What, like I’m going to spontaneously combust one of these days, unstable? Or I’m going to go insane, unstable?” I ask shrilly.

  “No, not like that.” He pulls his hands out of his pockets and reaches towards me before dropping his hands abruptly. “You can use both because it’s in your veins. I think.”

  “You think?” I repeat caustically.

  “Well, how am I supposed to know?” He snaps. “I’ve never even heard of anything like this happening before! Let alone had to go after a ghost this physically strong! And you want me to figure out both at once?”

  “Uhm, yeah!” I retort, my voice raising and fists clenching. “Or did you not notice how much this affects me too? I thought the plan was to work together.”

  “It was! It is.” He sighs heavily, glaring at me as crosses his arms. “I just wasn’t expecting this mess. Do you have any idea where she could have picked it up? It’s not like magic holders put this stuff up online. Mages have private academies where they learn their stuff, and witches do that weird pass-on-the-grimoire thing.”

  “Grimoire?”

  “Spell book,” he explains. Like it was obvious. Maybe it is in whatever strange world he grew up in, but as odd as my family is, this is all new to me.

  “No. Uhm, the only places I know she hangs out are Diablitos and some tiny little tattoo shop she’s trying to become an apprentice at. We could probably check them out.” If Sabrina will give me the address of the shop, that is.

  “We better move fast,” Tomas replies. “And in the meantime, do you have any idea on how to get rid of this?” He nods at the journals and the fractured pendants with a look of nausea.

  “Yeah, uhm... I have an idea, but you’re not going to like it.” I grimace at my bag, and back at the objects I really, really, don’t want to pick up again. Carrying those around may as well be like slapping a sign on my head that says, hey serial killer ghost, come and get me.

  “I don’t like any of this,” he retorts. Shrugging, he rolls his silvered eyes and then stares down at me. “What else is new?”

  SPENDING MY EVENING guarding a pile of dark magic notebooks isn’t exactly how I’d planned my day, especially considering the only place I had to hide them is my new bedroom.

  Tomas was unable to pry the mirror off the wall, so Ramona draped an old quilt over it and artfully tied the fraying edges like it was never meant to be used any other way. It doesn’t make a difference though; I can still feel the emptiness of the in-between calling me from behind the fabric.

  With a crowd of my Nix ancestors hovering about the room with disapproving and shocked expressions on their transparent faces, I leave the mint burning in hurricane candles rather than my normal tea lights, and head down the hall.

  Ramona is preparing to join Yvette for some kind of study group, and Sabrina has suddenly decided to stop taking my calls, so the only person I have to talk to about any of this is Tomas. Of course.

  I mean, I guess I could always call Delia. But she’s an hour away, busy with her own life... and I really don’t want to get her involved. I don’t even know if she’d believe me. Somehow, despite living in a house full of ghosts, my aunt has always maintained a strict disbelief of magic. So much so that Frank pretends to be stationary around her, and I’m surprised she hasn’t noticed my bracelet was her former door knocker.

  “Do you think this is going to work?” I ask Tomas as I saunter into the kitchen.

  He’s propped up against the counter, waiting on a pot of coffee to finish brewing and gnawing on what appears to be a cold slice of pizza. I need to remember to buy some fresh foods to stock the fridge now that I have access to one. If the ghosts don’t kill me, all the junk food I’ve been eating lately will.

  “I sure hope as hell that it will,” he mumbles around a mouthful of food. “I’ve never had particularly good luck though, so,” he shrugs, “I suppose we’ll find out tonight.”

  At sundown we’ll head down to the nearby cemetery, and as soon as the security guard clears off, we’ll light the notebook in a portable barbeque pit. With any luck, good luck that is, we’ll be in and out without getting caught or drawing any attention our way. And in the meantime, I’m just hoping my line of defense hanging out in my room will keep us safe until then.

  “What connection does Aimee have to Eden?” Tomas asks suddenly.

  “Oh. Uhm,” I stop, one hand on the fridge, “besides going to shows together, I don’t think they had much in common. Just music taste. Which I guess is a bigger deal, since Aimee does nothing but go to band practice, class, or concerts.”

  “And the shows?” He presses on. “Are they all at Diablitos?”

  “I’m honestly not sure. Why, what are you thinking?” I let go of the refrigerator handle and look more closely at his serious expression and the twitch of his lips.

  “I think there’s either a witch or a mage in town, and we need to find them. Whoever was teaching her it’s okay to mix magicks most likely has an interest in unique powers. And” he levels his gaze with me, “I’m willing to bet they’re not above using blood magic.”

  A shiver crawls up my spine and the taste of blood coats my mouth as I lose my appetite. It isn’t until Tomas is handing me a napkin that I realize I’ve bitten my lip again, but there are worse things to worry about than nervous habits.

  Maybe it’s not the ghost I need to worry about most after all.

  “I’m calling Terra,” I decide. “Even if she doesn’t want to be around me, a phone call can’t hurt, can it?”

  Tomas finishes his pizza and shuts off the coffee maker. “I’ll call her for you. You get something to eat; it’s bound to be a long night.”

  Tomas pours himself a cup of coffee
and strides off, apparently intending to drink it black. As soon as he leaves the room, I pull out my phone and debate over the numbers. I know I shouldn’t call, but Sabrina isn’t answering. And besides, I miss Ellis’ voice.

  Hitting the call button, I shut my eyes and slouch down onto the floor. One ring, two.... Why would he answer me anyway? Thinking what he does?

  Third ring, and then...

  “What do you want, Addie?” I flinch as the hostility in Ellis’ voice, but a shakiness falls over me as relief hits. He might be mad, but he still answered. That’s a good thing. He still answered.

  “How’s Eden?” I squeak out.

  “In pain,” he answers shortly. “Sabrina is upstairs with her now helping her eat. I’m in the gift shop trying to find a book or something for Aimee because the TV isn’t working in her room. The hospital doesn’t want to discharge them for another night so they can watch for signs of infection.”

  “But they’re going to be okay?” I clarify.

  “Well, Aimee’s dropping out and heading back home as soon as she’s released, but yeah, they’ll be fine,” he sighs. It sounds like he’s moving the phone from one side to the other and when he speaks again, his tone is softer. “This isn’t your fault, so try not to go into your usual self-pity wallow. It’s like what happened last year, only you aren’t the target. Aimee told the cops it was a guy with a scar on his face, but I talked with Eden and she said it’s like what happened with the Nick look-alike last year. The same dead eyes. If you want to help, take care of that thing.”

  “Ellis,” I say, trying as hard as I can not to let my voice crack as I speak through the lump in my throat. “You know I love you, right? I was serious. I’m not with Tomas and the only reason, really the only reason I said we needed a break is because I didn’t want you to get hurt.”

  “Addie...” he trails off, and I can picture the solemn conflict on his face as he’s most likely pinching the bridge of his nose. After a brief pause, he sighs again, and this time, I can feel the weight of his emotions even over the phone, and they might just crush me.

  “I don’t have time for a relationship anyway. And I am hurt, there’s no getting past that, so please, stop. And besides, it doesn’t matter if you’re dating him or not. You still can’t tell me you don’t feel anything for him. I know you, Addie. Just like I also know you moved out of your dorm. Now, do you think you can honestly tell me where you’re staying?”

  I hold my breath until I’m sure no tears will slip out, and then I carefully reply, “Ramona invited me to stay with her in her guest room. Tomas does have a room here as well. But it’s really not a big deal. I miss you.”

  “Yeah,” he agrees, “I miss you too. Too bad that doesn’t fix any of this shit.” And with that, he hangs up. No goodbye or chances for a rebuttal. Nothing but silence as I let my phone fall to my side.

  He’s right. As much as I wish I could lean on him or Sabrina, those days are over. Now, it’s just me and Frank. And if I can let my guard down the way I know I ought to, there’s Ramona, and Tomas as well.

  “Terra won’t help you on this plane,” Tomas announces as he walks back into the room.

  Quickly wiping my eyes, I shove my phone in my pocket and climb to my feet.

  “What were you doing down there?” He asks, tilting his head to the side. He’s freshly shaven again and looks like he spent the last few minutes on the phone changing as well. Decked out in all black and sturdy boots, he certainly seems ready for breaking into a graveyard.

  Snorting, I recall a time I joked with Sabrina about dressing that way for this express purpose, but the laugh catches in my throat against a sob.

  “Nothing,” I clear my throat, “I dropped my phone, that’s all. I’m fine.”

  Tomas narrows his eyes like he knows I’m anything but, and I blink as innocently as I can back at him. Thankfully, we have too many other pressing problems for him to scrutinize me for long.

  “Alright. Let’s pretend I believe that” he scoffs. “Moving on. Like I said Terra won’t help in the physical world. If we want to talk to her, we’ll have to meet her in the Shadow World.”

  “Uhm, no! No way!” I shriek, garnering a questioning yell from across the duplex.

  “What’s going on out there?” Ramona shouts from behind her door. We both ignore her, and my heart picks up its pace as a sick feeling crawls over me.

  “Why would she want to go back?” I hiss at him. “The last time we were in there, something started chasing me. And I’m sorry, did you forget the creepy ass hands that pulled me through a mirror?”

  “Yes!” He snaps. “Yes. I’m fully aware of all of that. I didn’t say it was a good plan, it’s just what we’re stuck with if we want her help.”

  “No, I’m not going there on purpose,” I repeat. Picking at the skin around my cuticles, I chuckle choke back panic even as I start to count all the messed-up things going on right now.

  “Addie! Focus!” Tomas snaps his fingers in front of my face, and I realize I’ve started hyperventilating.

  I still can’t breathe, and my chest is so tight, it’s like someone is crushing a sharp rock into it. My eyes are watering, and I’m shaking so much, Frank almost falls off as he struggles to climb to my shoulder.

  “Addie?” Tomas peers into my face, stepping closer than ever, and his body heat only reminds me of how cold I am.

  “Ugh,” he groans. In one swift move, he pulls me against his chest and tucks my head under his chin, holding me tight. His heartbeat is under my ear, and the steady rhythm makes it easier for me to catch my breath.

  “Hey, you’re okay,” he murmurs against my hair. “I’ve got you,” he whispers softly, and there’s enough affection in his voice that I believe it. This isn’t someone I need to protect. This is someone who can protect me.

  Inhaling deeply, I gingerly wrap my arms around his waist and lock my hands together behind his back. Hanging on for dear life, I let the rest of my panic wash away as the consistent beating of his heart reassures me. I’ve been fighting against him this whole time, but now I can’t understand why. I can trust him, of course I can. My muscles relax against him until we're stuck in a still and silent embrace.

  “Wow!” Yvette giggles. “And here I thought he said they weren’t dating!” Standing at the front door, she leans on Ramona who has apparently just opened it.

  I try to lift my head off his chest, my face reddening with embarrassment, but Tomas continues to hold me close. Lowering his lips to my ear, he whispers, “play along. It’s the easiest way to go.”

  Raising his voice, he addresses Yvette while fixing his sister with a significant gaze. “We weren’t. We are now, but since she just ended a relationship... we don’t really want it broadcasted anyway. The other guy’s pretty jealous.”

  “Oh, I bet,” Yvette laughs, while Ramona gawks at us.

  Opening and shutting her mouth, she debates how to respond as I widen my eyes at her. If I can play along, so can she. Come on, Ramona, catch up!

  “As if y’all are interesting anyway,” Ramona finally says, waving us off like old news. “Come on, Yvette, let’s get out of here,” she urges her friend.

  “Aww, but I wanted to ask Tommy how he asked her out!” Yvette twists around Ramona's form to gawk at us, even as Ramona is gently pushing her out the door.

  “Oh, come on!” Ramona moans. “He’s boring, let’s go.”

  The door bangs shut behind them as the lock clicks in place, and as soon as the screen door clatters closed as well, Tomas drops his arms.

  “Sorry,” he apologizes. “She’d never believe us even if we tried to tell her the truth. She’s stubborn like that.”

  “I know.” I nod. “It’s the easiest way. But I still don’t want to project myself into the in-between on purpose. I have no control on where I show up or when I get out.”

  “It’s okay,” Tomas reassures me. A light smirk crosses his face as he gazes at me. “We’re going together, and I can control those
things.”

  “Okay,” I sigh. I’m not ready for this, but we need the help. “Let’s go get some supplies ready then.”

  Tomas follows me down the hall, pausing only when I fling open my bedroom door and reveal the many ghosts crammed inside.

  “No wonder I’ve had a headache all day!” Tomas swears, rubbing at the back of his head as he takes them all in.

  My Uncle Robert is frowning outright, but most of the others try to hold back their shock.

  “I guess this is that new friend you told me about? The other clairvoyant?” Marlowe guesses. As far as I’ve been able to find out, the rest of my family seems just as ignorant of gallowbirds as I was before.

  Tomas opens his mouth to speak and I rush to answer before he can.

  “Uhm, yes,” I splutter. “That’s right, exactly! Everyone, this is Tomas. Tomas... this is most of the former Nix clairvoyants.”

  I introduce him quickly, but the pallor creeping across his face tells me the shock of this many ghosts is wearing on him. If peaceful souls have this effect on him, I wonder how he’ll fare when it comes down to another run in with our hag.

  “Adeline,” my grandmother stops me as I move to rummage through a box. Her familiar expressions are endearing even though she’s transparent and not fully part of my world anymore. “You need to be cautious. From what you told me of the twins, I wouldn’t trust them if I were you.”

  “I know Nana,” I smile weakly, wishing I could hug her, “I’ll have Tomas to watch my back.”

  She lifts one finger his way and purses her lips together. “You better bring my granddaughter back in one piece, young man. I’m not ready for her to join my side.”

  “Yes ma’am.” Tomas nods quickly, falling into the line any southern grandmother would expect from such a request. Well, from any request really. And everyone knows, a grandmother’s request is always really a demand. What they expect, they get.

  Which is why my hands don’t shake nearly as much as I pull out bits of dried roots and herbs from a tin stashed under a stack of index cards. Devil’s shoestring, check. Dragon’s blood infused sage, check. And for good measure, a little bit of vervain and mint. Just in case.