The Gathering
Page 24
Her enthusiasm dimmed. I didn’t want that, but I did want her to be smart and careful. “That’s why you followed Lilith. You were worried for her?”
“Yes.”
“What is doing the killing?”
“That’s the million dollar question.”
She reached for my hand, the news sinking in about the mystics that shared the city with us. “I think I’ll take that drink now.”
“Have they always been here?” Dahlia asked later that night.
“The witches have, the others just arrived.”
She rolled over, her head next to mine on the pillow. “What about Ivy? Does she know what Bain is?”
“Yes.”
She took that question to the next logical place when she asked, “Is she something?”
“Yes, but we’re not sure what.”
“I knew, I mean I always believed, but it’s…” There was a touch of fear with her excitement. “It changes everything.”
“Yeah, it does.”
“Why are they gathering?” She swallowed. “It’s because of whatever is killing, isn’t it?”
I wondered when she would get there. “Yes.”
“How bad?”
I pulled her close. “I don’t want to sugarcoat it, Dahlia.”
“Bad.”
“Yeah, baby.”
“Can they stop it?”
I didn’t know, but I wasn’t going to say that to her. “Yeah, we’re going to stop it.”
“Can I talk to Ivy about, you know…”
“Yeah, I think she’d like that.”
“Is Lilith a part of it?”
“I don’t think so, but I’m going to find out.” I rolled and pinned her under me. “You okay?”
“Yeah, just…it’s a lot to process.”
“I’ll take your mind off it for a little while.”
Her legs spread wider. “Good idea.”
“Josiah, morning,” Ivy greeted the following morning.
“Sorry for just popping over, but I have something.”
“Come in. Have you had coffee?”
“Yes, but I could use more.”
She walked to the coffeemaker, poured a cup, and placed it next to me. “What’s up?”
“I told Dahlia last night.”
It took her a second before understanding dawned. “Oh.” She studied me a minute before she asked, “How did she take it?”
“Really well actually, but the more it sank in, the more concerned she grew, more for what is coming not what is already here.”
“I can talk with her if you think it’ll help.”
For someone who lived in relative isolation, Ivy really was a people person. “That would great. Thank you.”
“Sure. It’s a lot to take in.”
“Also…”
Aine walked into the kitchen. “Sheriff, morning.”
“Good morning.”
“Dahlia knows,” Ivy said.
“No way. That must have been a fun conversation. How is she? Huddled in a corner?”
“Not quite,” I said on a chuckle.
“Good for her.”
“I think Lilith is a witch.”
That earned me both of their attentions. Ivy asked, “Why do you say that?”
“We followed her last night. She was walking alone at night; with what we know is out there, I wanted to make sure she got to where she was going. From what we glimpsed of where she went, Dahlia thought it was a coven meeting. There was a symbol over the door, a three-headed dog and a pentagram.”
“Holy shit.” Aine’s reaction turned both of our heads.
“You know the symbol?” Ivy asked.
“It’s the symbol for a coven who answers to a god.”
“What god?” I asked.
“Hades.”
I wasn’t sure I heard her correctly. “Hades, as in Greek Mythology, god of the underworld.”
“Yeah.”
“He’s real?”
I got a look from her. “You’ve accepted demons, lycans and vampires but a god has you questioning.”
“It’s just…” I wasn’t religious at all. I didn’t believe in all that high power shit, so yeah, this was a definite curveball. “Should we be worried that a coven that answers to the god of the underworld is practicing in New Orleans?”
“My crows, they’re his too,” Ivy offered, but she was thinking out loud.
“So, we can assume Hades is helping us?” I can’t believe I just said that sentence.
“It would seem.” Ivy looked as thrown as me.
“Why? Why would he help us?” I asked.
“Good question,” she replied then added, “I’ll see what I can find out.”
28
Bain
I want to know what the hell they’re waiting for!” Brock liked a straight fight; this waiting shit was making me edgy too. “There were a shit ton of those things at Misty Vale. Where the hell are they?”
“They haven’t left New Orleans, so I’m guessing they can’t. They held Ivy, but they let her go, so whatever they needed from her, they didn’t get, or they found another way to get it,” Jareth summarized.
“I’m thinking they found another way because after twenty-two years, they gave up without much of a fight,” Brock offered.
“I don’t know if they are waiting for something, someone, or a specific day,” I said.
“What do you mean?” Jareth inquired.
“She was told to remember the number thirty-three. She turns thirty-three on the summer solstice.”
An odd look moved over Jareth’s face. “And she was held for twenty-two years.” Jareth stood. He was definitely onto something. “The sheriff mentioned he was here eleven years this summer.”
“I’m not getting it,” Brock said.
“Eleven, twenty-two, and thirty-three are the three most powerful numbers in numerology.”
Brock chuckled. “Seriously, you’re into numerology.”
Jareth threw Brock a look. “No, but I once spent a very pleasant weekend with a woman who was into it. Modern day numerology is based off of the Sumerian code.”
“What the hell is that?”
“Only the oldest documented law code in the world.”
We all turned in the direction of the door a few seconds before Ivy appeared. She stopped, seeing all of us already looking in her direction. “It’s a little unnerving how you do that.”
I don’t think it was a conscious thought when she joined me. Not touching, but she always put herself right next to me when we were in a room together. If she didn’t, I corrected the oversight.
“The sheriff just left. Lilith, Dahlia’s business partner, is a witch.”
When she didn’t get a reaction from that she added, “That doesn’t surprise you?”
“No, there are a lot of witches in New Orleans. Working at an occult shop is kind of fitting,” Jareth answered.
“Oh. Well, anyway, they saw her last night going to a coven meeting. Josiah said there was a symbol over the door of a three-headed dog and a pentagram. Have you ever seen that?”
Jareth and I shared a look. Yeah, I’d seen that before. I was fucking done with being left in the dark. She knew we recognized it when she asked, “What is it?”
“An elite order of witches in the service of Hades,” I said.
“They have only one purpose,” Jareth added.
“Which is?”
He glanced my way before leveling his stare on her. “At the command of Hades, they are the ones who bring forth the four horsemen of the apocalypse.”
Surprise was chased with shock and a touch of fear, so why did I have the feeling she knew more than she was saying? “Well, I don’t think I’ll mention that to Josiah, at least not right away.” She turned for the door. “Horsemen…I think I need a drink.”
“You’re not going to comfort your woman?” Brock teased.
“Anyone else sick of being in the dark?” I asked.
&
nbsp; “Yes,” Jareth drawled.
“Anyone else get the feeling she knows more than she’s saying?” I added.
“Yes,” Jareth replied.
“It’s time to get some answers.” I headed for the door.
“Where are you going?” Brock asked.
“Vegas.”
“Why Vegas?”
“The devil is in Vegas.”
“I’m just saying she isn’t going to be happy you went without her.” Brock wasn’t wrong, but I’d deal with that later. My priority was keeping her safe.
“What’s that?” he asked of the bag I held. I’d grabbed something on our way out. If anyone could give me answers, I suspected the one we were visiting could.
“Just something I’m hoping to get some clarity on.”
We arrived in mere minutes, the beauty of magic.
“He’s going to know we’re here,” Jareth warned. “He has sensors up all over to identify what mystical beings are in his casino.”
“I want him to know,” I said as we strolled into the Bellagio. The place was crowded, practically hip to hip. Over indulgence and decadence dripped from every crystal chandelier. We’d only just entered the main casino floor when we were surrounded.
“Please come with us.” The one who spoke didn’t wait for our agreement. We were led through the casino to an elevator that made only one stop…the penthouse. The doors opened on luxury. Antique furnishings, paintings from the old masters, highly polished walnut floors, gilded mirrors. Our escort pushed open two golden doors revealing a room lined in windows framing the strip and standing in the middle was the man we’d come to see. Wealth and power came off him from the Italian suit and loafers he wore, to the diamonds that winked at his wrists.
He didn’t turn to us when he said, “What brings you, Bain?”
“I’m looking for answers.”
He turned then, his golden eyes taking in his guests. “Jareth, it’s been an age.”
“Darius.”
“And you’re Brock. Welcome to Vegas. Please, let’s sit.”
He waved to our escorts; they filed out of the room.
“Would you like something to drink?” he asked.
“No, thank you.”
He settled in a chair that looked a bit like a throne. Crossing his legs and linking his fingers, he asked, “What can I help you with?”
“I imagine you know what’s going on in New Orleans.”
He didn’t show emotion; it was how he could do what he did with taming back evil day in and day out. He moved very slightly though indicating annoyance. “I don’t know details.”
Darius Black was Hades’ right hand man. How was it possible he didn’t know the details? “Hades’ coven is in New Orleans as are his hellhounds.”
He brushed away nonexistent lint from his pants before he said, “For Ivy.”
That caught me by surprise. “You know Ivy?”
“Of course.” He studied me for a minute. “Tell her I’m here. She only needs to call.” He paused then added, “I don’t think I’m the one you need to talk to.”
One minute I was in the Bellagio and the next I was in a room that looked like any number of living rooms: leather sofas, carpeting, painted walls, and a flat screen television. Sitting crossed legged on one of the leather sofas was a man.
“Bain.” He stood and crossed the room to me. “Welcome.”
I looked around. “Where am I?”
“Hell.”
My attention jerked to my host. “Are you?”
“Hades, yes. I understand you have some questions.” He gestured to one of the sofas. “What would you like to know?”
I studied him, and I couldn’t help the feeling of déjà vu. “Have we met before?”
“Yes.”
“You were the one to turn me immortal.”
“I was.”
“Why?”
“Because you earned immortality from the life you lived as a mortal, and she needed a protector.”
Ivy. His confirmation stirred another question that had plagued me. I asked him, “How was I a mortal during the time of the gods?”
His expression didn’t change, but I sensed surprise. “I must confess I don’t know, but I cannot see into you like I can the others on Earth.”
I hadn’t expected that answer. “Why not?”
There was a touch of irritation when he replied, “I don’t know.”
“But I was once human.”
“I know.”
I pulled out the artifact I’d had forever. Before I even asked, I saw interest sweep his face. “Do you know what this is?”
“No, but…may I?”
I handed it to him and saw the spark that lit through him. Magic. “How did you get this?”
“I’ve always had it. Do you know what it is?”
“Not exactly, but it’s powerful and very old. I have scholars; would you mind allowing them to look at it?”
“I’d like answers.”
“I will see it returned as it was given.”
He regarded me, and there was something different about him. He knew more than he was saying, but right now, my concern was for Ivy. “What is she?”
“She wasn’t any different than others of her kind, but she found something, a connection that turned what was ordinary into extraordinary. She has a light all to herself, a power, a grace, and a compassion that sets her apart.”
He wasn’t wrong, but he didn’t answer my question. I moved on. “Do you know what is happening in New Orleans?”
“Yes.”
“She has your hellhounds and your coven is there. Are you helping her?”
“Yes, as much as I can. What is in motion cannot be undone.”
“Even if it kills her?”
He looked pained and I realized that whatever was in play, he was helpless to stop it. “She’s doing what she does, what she has always done…leading with her heart. She will fight to protect that which she loves regardless of what becomes of her. As far as the ones you fight, the one they serve is ancient and powerful, and he wants your world. He has from the very beginning. He was denied it, but that only makes his hunger stronger.” His hands curled into fists, and I felt his rage. “Even the gods can be arrogant and blind, but she has set it in motion, and Earth is hers, I have no dominion over it.”
“Earth is hers? What do you mean?”
“Creation starts in darkness; love brings it to life. It was Ivy’s love that brought the world to life.”
“Who is she?”
“You know. Deep down, you know the answer to that.” He stood. “She knows what she’s doing. She doesn’t remember yet, but that is all part of her plan. She will see this done, but I’ll leave you with this. To offer oneself for others, to do so without coercion but voluntarily…that is very strong magic in itself.”
My heart twisted because it was what I feared.
“Nothing is ever truly over, and when one door closes, another one opens. I’m sorry I can’t give you more. If you find yourself at a crossroads, look for the dog. She will help you.”
He turned to go but stopped and looked back at me. “Ivy is very special to me.” His eyes speared me, the flames of hell burned in their depths. “If you hurt her, you will learn firsthand why it is I rule over all the demons of hell.”
“If I hurt her, do your worst.”
He smiled. “Yes, you will do.”
“What the…?” Brock said when we materialized right on the outskirts of the bayou.
“What did Hades say?” Jareth asked.
“Ivy has a plan, one that is even now being executed. It can’t be stopped.” My hands fisted because I knew what she intended, but I wasn’t going to fucking lose her again. Not again.
“That doesn’t sound so bad,” Brock said.
“The coven is at her command. What she’s started is bringing about the end of the world.”
“Well, fuck.”
Ivy was dressing for bed when I returne
d. She no sooner turned to me, and I had her up against the wall. I pulled my cock out, pulled her panties down, and drew her onto me. Her eyes turned all dreamy, and she drew her lower lip between her teeth. I pinned her to the wall, holding her hands up over her head with one of mine. She moaned, and her face went soft.
“You will remember, you will remember what you’ve set in place, and you will finish what you started. I will stand with you, and I will fight with you.”
“Bain?”
“I have fucking loved you from the very beginning. And I know now you have to do this, but I will not lose you. Do you hear me?” I moved my hips, pulling out before sinking back in. She shifted into me, taking me deeper. I pressed my thumb to her clit, and she went boneless. “I fucking plan on fighting for you because I want this…” I moved harder and deeper. “I want this now and forever.”
I watched her sleep. I’d been drawn to her from the beginning, a need that trumped everything else. I knew now what she intended; I wasn’t going to let that happen. Darius knew Ivy, Hades did as well. It was fair to guess that she was a goddess, but she had a connection to the earth as well, a protector of Earth, maybe a little more than just the protector.
Hades’ comment that he couldn’t see me was significant, particularly since he was the one to give me immortality? That artifact was the key. He knew more than he shared, but my hope was the answers would help me save Ivy.
“Bain?”
Sleep still clouded her eyes, but she looked worried.
“You’re beautiful.”
A smile curved her lips even as her cheeks turned pink. “Why are you over there?”
I settled on the edge of the bed. “I went to Vegas.”
Understanding moved over her face. “For answers. Did you get them?”
“A few. Darius said to tell you he is ready. All you need do is call.”
“Darius?”
“You know him by another name.”
“Who?”
“The devil.”
Her expression was adorable. “Are you teasing me?”
“No.”
“And the devil knows me?”
“As does Hades.”
Her mouth formed an O. “The Hades? How do they know me?” She answered her own question. “I’m one of them, aren’t I?”
“Yes.”