“She didn’t do a very good job this time.”
If Traer was standing in front of me, it would have been a perfect time to kick him. Instead, I punched him in the arm. I wasn’t expecting the hard muscle that met my fist. “Don’t be a dick.” I placed my hand back on my lap. “Like I was saying, she guides me on many things. When I told her about some of the scattered, unclear and incomplete visions I’d had, she told me I could do the Echo Ritual. So, I performed it after I performed Tsura’s.”
He asked, “What's an Echo Ritual?
“They’re dangerous, and you can die from doing it if you have the greed for more power. I didn’t want more power, I wanted a clearer version of what I was gifted, so I would be able to protect the Irizat Luna.” I hiccupped a laugh. “Obviously, I didn’t die. So, last night after dinner, I had my first clear vision.” Except the one of Traer and me getting it on. I kept that one to myself. “It was of you talking to someone on the phone in a hotel room. Though the balcony doors, I saw the Bank One building. So, I Googled it. Google is always willing to help out a poor stranded girl who’s lost, and not sure of her next move. One button led to another until I found the location of Bank One’s headquarters, and then I found you.
Instead of being pissed I had tracked him down. He was more curious with how my visions worked. “Are your visions always of the future?”
“I don't know. So far they are. But,” I interjected, “I also had a few that will never happen. So, I write those off.”
“How do you know?”
The thought of Traer and me in some hot and heated make out session sometime in the future wasn’t going to happen. I hated to admit, the memory of the vision still revved me up a little. I pushed it away from my mind. “Believe me, I know.”
It was quiet for a bit. The rain had started. Traer turned the wipers on. The intermittent swishing deafened the silence even more, until I couldn’t take it anymore. “How long have you been a relic hunter?”
“Awhile.”
“How long is awhile?”
“Since I was seventeen, so ten years.”
He was five years older than me, and acted the same age, if not less mature. I chalked it up to the whole women mature faster thing. “Why a relic hunter? I mean, how did you get involved, and how did you know you wanted to be one?”
“I had always loved scavenger hunts and treasure maps. Finding the treasure at the end. And, I love making money.” He shrugged. “And when you love something, you’ll find a way to succeed at it.”
What was it about him? He made everything seem so simple.
“And there will always be investors,” he continued.
“Is that what you call the people you steal for, investors?” I asked.
“What else should I call them?”
“Oh, I don't know... thieves.”
He casually held up a finger. “Technically they’re not a thief... I am.”
“That makes it so much better.” I didn’t know where I was going with my questioning. I tried again, “Let me get this straight. So, some investor finds you, what? By way of the internet? Do you have a website?”
He huffed a laugh. “My business is a little more underground than that.”
“So, how?”
“Usually word-of-mouth. People with money keep tabs on other people with money. So, one investor talks to another investor. Most of the time, their wants are different. But, there was one occasion I had two investors wanting the same thing. That was interesting.”
“What happened?”
“I made them bid on it. The one who wanted it most would bid the highest. And, lucky for me, he wanted it a lot.”
“You know what you are?” I didn’t wait for an answer. “You’re a crook and a scammer.”
He held up his hand. “I like the word ‘thief’ better. And, I’m only a thief to the ones that I actually steal from, like you. I’m a hero to my investors.”
I growled out intelligible words. “You are so frustrating.” Him using the Irizat Luna, and us as his example really pissed me off. We had always been so careful. “How did you find us?”
“I have to give that credit to Lajaria. She made my job easy. Plus, you guys have so many ‘signs.’ Who the hell ever heard of a death bird?”
I scowled at him as fury bubbled inside me. “Do you see where Kem is right now? Dead. The death bird gave us warning, it knew.” I felt defensive and I hated it.
“I must say I am really sorry about that.”
“Did you just admit to shooting Kem?”
“Like I said, I’m sorry about that.”
I thought I knew as much, but hearing him say it brought a whole new level of ferocity. I wanted to reach across the console and strangle the bastard. And, I would have if I hadn’t needed him so much—first, to not crash us into oncoming traffic, and then for the sake of the Irizat Luna. Deep, steady breaths were my only option. After several I began to calm.
“So, why is there so much magic in this place called Rapture? I’ve never even heard of it before? Is it even on the map?”
“I’ve never seen it on a map. But, I’ve never looked, either. I’ve always known where it is. It’s in my blood to be guided there.”
“That doesn’t sound creepy at all.”
“Fuck you.” My patience was waning. We still had at least another half hour before we reached Rapture. I wasn’t sure that time included the drive to where Lajaria was.
Traer chuckled to himself. He loved to get me riled up, and he was good at it. “So, what’s so special about this place?”
I wasn’t sure if I should tell him or not. But, I supposed at this point it didn’t make a difference. “Rapture is where the Black Moon is closest to the earth.”
“The Black Moon?” he questioned.
“Yes, the Black Moon. It happens every three years. The Black Moon appears on the third new moon in a season, with a rare fourth new moon.”
He looked thoughtful as if trying to grasp where I was going with this. “So, then what?”
“The Irizat Luna’s liquid can only be replenished when the Black Moon is present. Getting to the precise location is one of the Protector’s most important jobs so that can happen.”
“That sounds a little...”
“What, like magic?” I offered. “You didn’t think the relic was an endless well, did you?”
“How should I know?”
“You would, if you were Indiana Jones.” Pleased with my comeback, I folded my hands in my lap and smirked.
He waved his hands in exasperation. “Would you stop comparing me with him?”
“No, I find it entertaining to see you get pissed off. Besides, if you were anything like Indiana, you’d know everything about the relic.”
He held up his hand and counted off. “First of all, I don’t give a shit about it; second, I find out only what I need to so I can get in and get out; third, I’m a real guy, he doesn’t even exist; fourth, I get paid to risk my life, he did it for a hobby; and fifth, I’m way hotter.” He gave me his best toothy smile.
“You’re an ass.”
“I never denied that, sweetheart.”
Ignoring him, I questioned him more. It was entertaining and it passed the time. “Are you married or do you have a girlfriend?”
“Why do you care?” he asked.
“I don’t, I wondered if she has any more scruples than you.”
“No, I do not have a girlfriend nor have I ever been married, nor do I ever plan to.”
“If you claim to have so much money, why do you drive around in this shit car?”
“This car is my work car. It blends in with all the others on the road. If I drove around in one of my other cars, say my Porsche, that would draw attention, which is the last thing I want.”
Not caring about his Porsche, or whatever else he spent his money on, I asked, “What did your parents do?”
“My mother was a librarian and my father ran a plumbing company.” Those were n
ot the answers that I had been expecting. “When I was small my mother would find treasure maps in books. She’d copy them and bring them home for me. I would study the maps for hours, until I knew every line, lake, and ocean.”
Due to the fact Traer was more interesting than I gave him credit for, I asked a few more questions. When I asked him about his favorite color. He looked at me with the most serious expression. And, without an ounce of smart ass or sarcasm in his tone, he replied, “The color of your eyes.”
I was left speechless and we sat in silence for miles. The Rapture exit was only two away and my stomach churned for more than one reason. I should be with my Protectors, preparing to be on our way to fill the Irizat Luna. The hike alone took days. But, here I was with the man who stole the relic and who killed one of my own. Pain, searing anger, and a hundred other emotions roiled in my gut.
Traer picked up his phone and pressed a few buttons. I heard someone answer on the other end. “I’ll be there in five,” he said, and glanced at me with an expression that was cross between triumph and regret. “I also have a surprise for you.” He ended the call, reached for the gun he had kept close during our car ride and aimed it at me. “The relic isn’t all she wanted.” Alarm rocked through me at his next words. “She wants to talk to her dead sister.”
Betrayal
The bastard knew more than I thought he did. I told him I spoke to one dead woman, but I never told him who. I didn’t know why I felt betrayed, but the knife in my back felt as if it was thrust in to the hilt. “How could you?” I asked.
He glanced in my direction. I couldn’t read the look on his face. “I’ll admit it wasn’t as easy as I thought it was going to be. And, I even planned not to. Then, there you were at the hotel.” He shrugged one shoulder. “Sorry.”
I didn’t acknowledge his insincere apology. “Are you getting a bonus?”
“Damn, I hope so.”
“You’re an asshole.”
He powered up his best grin. “I never denied it.”
“Giving her the relic isn’t enough?”
Traer turned to me. Something had changed in his expression. His cocky smile was replaced with sadness. He rubbed the pad of his thumb over my cheek. “I wish it were.” I didn’t know what that meant. His clear colorless eyes peered into mine. “Why did it have to be you?” he said in such a low whisper. If I hadn’t seen his lips move, I wouldn’t have been sure I heard him at all. He lowered his hand and looked back to the road.
I couldn’t give up yet. Maybe there were more in his sad smile and words than greed. “Traer, there’s still time. You have to be better than this.” I found myself in begging territory. “You hunted us down, stole the relic—isn’t that what it’s about, finding the treasure?” He didn’t say anything. “I don’t know about all the other relics you handed over to your investors. But, I can promise you this, none of them are as powerful as the Irizat Luna and none of your investors are as evil as Lajaria. The Irizat Luna is a relic with raw real magic. It brings out the person’s greatest gift. That gift can be anything, good or bad.” I couldn’t stop, he needed to hear everything I had to plea. “Plamen’s alignment with fire, Kem shifting into a wolf, Tsura being able to glamour. They use their gifts for good, to protect.” As I watched Traer, his jaw muscles worked. He didn’t tell me to shut up, so I took a deep breath and continued to state my case. “Traer, Lajaria will perform the Echo Ritual like I did. When she does, she’ll either die, which is doubtful, or she’ll be given enormous power. And, if I know anything about the vampire she is, she has found a way to make the Irizat Luna work in her favor. She has not come back from the dead and searched for the relic this hard and long, only to die.” Traer looked at me. “I guarantee you, her gift will be filled with only evil and blackness, because her soul is full of only venomous rage for revenge. And, I’ll tell you this, she has something very nasty planned for all of us, not only the gypsies, but everyone in existence.”
Traer pulled off to the side of the road; high shrubs made it impossible to see what was beyond them. He put the car in park and leaned on the console toward me. “What was her magic before she died?”
It was a smart and inquisitive question. I was impressed he thought to ask, and it gave me hope he was considering joining my fight against her. “She was gifted with making others see or believe what she wanted them to. Her gift was manipulative and powerful, and she was very good at using it.”
He puffed out an exasperated breath. “I hear everything you’re saying. And, granted, I’ve seen some shit in the last few days I never knew could happen, much less exist, so I’m not doubting you. But, you need to understand, I have a job to do. She’s already threatened me. So, if I don’t give her the relic, she’ll kill me anyway. Or, make me believe I’m dead or some other shit.”
There was nothing else I could say that would change his mind as he put the car in gear and pulled onto the road. In a half mile or so, we pulled into a driveway. Iron gates prevented us from going any farther. Traer reached out the open window and pressed a few keys on the keypad. The gates opened soundlessly. We passed through and drove up a winding driveway to an old, exquisite mansion. The landscape was impeccable, not a leaf or blade of grass was out of place. He continued down the long manicured drive. We passed statues, and shrubs cut to look like mushrooms and spirals. He followed the drive around and stopped in front of the enormous house. The black sedan looked out of place parked there. I felt like I should’ve been in an antique Rolls Royce. Two lion statues sat on either side of a wide stone staircase, which lead to double doors a giant could easily walk through.
I’d put my hand on the handle, preparing to get out, when a man in a tuxedo and white gloves exited through the front door. Traer got out of the driver side and went around to meet the man. He slapped the old man on the shoulder as if they were old friends. But, by the look of the butler, they were no more than possible acquaintances. I opened my door and stepped out.
“Old Fred, how are you doing?” Traer asked.
The man simply said, “Fine, sir,” clearly hating to be called old. He gestured a nod in my direction. I should’ve felt uncomfortable in my jeans, walking into such a grand house, but I didn’t. “The lady of the house is waiting for you by the pool,” said Fred.
I wanted to ask Old Fred to excuse me while I sliced the throat of the lady of the house. Then, possibly Traer’s throat, after I made him hand over the Irizat Luna. Sounded like the perfect plan if... I’d had my knives, and knew the relic was safe. I hadn’t bothered to ask Traer what Lajaria wanted from Inerique. I wished I had, but he most likely didn’t know. Or, he’d lie.
We walked into the house and Fred closed the door behind us. The sound was final and foreboding. My heart and nerves were spasming in unison with a new fear. I didn’t trust people with money; Traer was a perfect example of that. Once, when I was a little girl, I remember my mother taking me to a house not quite as large as this, but the owners were very wealthy. She was hired by the woman to do a reading. The reading had not gone well. When my mother told the woman what she saw in her future, she slapped my mother across the face and told her to leave, and she refused to pay my mother. The episode had left a bad taste in my mouth for the wealthy. Why did they think they could get away with anything they wanted?
I had to remind myself I wasn’t dealing with the woman of the house. Lajaria was barely a woman at all. The thought left me curious to see what body she inhabited. If it was anything like Traer said, I’m sure Lajaria had never looked like that on her best day, when she was alive. And, she most definitely did not look like the woman now; she would be so shriveled, not even with a walking stick would she be able to hold herself up.
We walked through the grand foyer. A gaudy gold and crystal chandelier hung from the vaulted ceiling above us. Directly under the chandelier, in the center of a table, was a massive bouquet of flowers. I had no doubt by the scent in the air that they were fresh. The smell made my stomach turn.
We followed Fred through French doors and into a garden. Lajaria waiting for Traer by the pool felt off. I pictured her sitting behind a large wooden desk, smoking a long cigarette in a darkened den, petting a small fluffy dog that looked like a rat. The image quickly disintegrated as soon as my eyes found the so-called lady of the house. I knew right away it was Lajaria by the way Traer had described her. And, she did indeed have a body that could kill. And, ninety-eight percent of it was exposed. The other three percent was reserved for each nipple and the small triangle over her bikini area.
Her lips were as red as blood. They oozed into a wide smile when she saw Traer. “Ah, aren’t you as gorgeous as ever?” I had never seen anyone actually saunter, until that moment. She moved with unhurried sex appeal.
“You are exquisite.” Traer wrapped charm around the words, as if they were icing on a cake; or, his hands around her body.
She took his hand, pulled him to her, and kissed both his cheeks before his lips. I wanted to vomit all over the pool deck. Finally, she noticed me. I wasn’t sure how to react to the situation. Should I talk to her like the vampire she was or act stupid? I decided to go with the former when she addressed me. Skimming me over his shoulder she backed away from him, and nudged him to the side. I was her focus now. “Traer, my love, you did bring me a special present.”
I wasn’t sure if this was the moment I should cut in to announce that I was no one’s gift, or bash her over the head with the cherub statue on my right.
“Jeta dear, it’s been so long. Welcome to my home.”
I couldn’t take anymore. “Not long enough. And, I’ll remind you this isn’t your home. As I recall, your decorations are darker and dirtier, with worms and insects crawling all over the walls.”
Her voice was stern and unwavering. “Don’t insult me girl.” The glance over my shoulder should have made me nervous. The heavy footsteps should have had me wanting to run. I looked over my shoulder to see two large men coming towards me. “I’ll deal with you later little gypsy girl. Right now I have something else to collect.” She disregarded me and turned to Traer and smiled. “Do you have my beautiful Irizat Luna?”
Magic After Dark: A Collection of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance Novels Page 157