The Long Lost

by Patti Larsen

  I calmly climbed behind the wheel, turned the key, belted in, drove home all without crying once.

  Yup, I’m that awesome.

  ***

  Chapter Thirty

  The house was empty when I arrived home. Even my faithful Galleytrot had gone off somewhere. So much for watching over me every moment.

  Honestly, I was happy he was out. I was getting a little tired of being babysat by a drooling, pony-sized rug. At least I was able to make him stay home when I left the house earlier. The mess he would have made in the back of my car… I adored him and Sassy both, but it would be nice not to have silver and black animal hair all over everything I owned.

  While my mind contemplated finding a magic solution to pet hair I could market to normals, I felt the touch of someone approaching. I immediately tensed at the feeling, knowing immediately a werewolf came to call. But this time the visitor was alone and wide open with her intentions. That’s why I was so willing to open the kitchen door and let Charlotte in.

  “It’s nice to see you,” the bodyguard said. She smiled like she meant it. I found myself smiling back and wishing I hadn’t.

  “What do you want?” So much for my manners. She didn’t react to my tone or my words, however.

  “I’ve been asked to invite you to the hotel,” she said, her accent thickening her words, making her sound exotic. “The Mistress wishes time to talk to you in private.”

  Oh hell no. Like I was going to cheerily wander into the lion’s den and present myself up as dinner. Not born yesterday, nor was I interested in having my mother tear me a new one when she found out I’d done something that incredibly stupid.

  “Thanks,” I said as my mind churned and my demon laughed at the very idea. “But no thanks.”

  Charlotte nodded slowly. “I was told to compel you to come,” she said, voice now soft, eyes downcast. “But I will not obey.” She met my gaze again. “I have delivered my message.”

  She turned and left without another word before I could wonder what they would do to her if I didn’t go. I could only imagine how angry Odette would be and that the young woman would be punished. For the first time I felt real empathy for the weres and considered perhaps they weren’t free agents after all.

  What hold did the Dumonts have over them?

  Just as the door swung quietly shut behind Charlotte, I felt a powerful hand grasp my upper arm, squeezing so the nails bit into my skin through the thin fabric of my shirt. I turned and met Gram’s faded blue gaze, hers so intense I tried to pull away.

  “You’re going to go with her,” she said softly, “and you’re going to keep your eyes and ears open.”

  I gaped at her. “You’re not serious.” What was she thinking? Mom would kill both of us.

  “I am.” I was only now feeling her. She’d shielded herself from everyone, it seemed. Now the magic we’d once shared reached out and joined me. “And you won’t be alone.”

  Okay, I already had a demon and a Sidhe princess in my head. I didn’t need Gram there too. But the subtle touch of her barely registered and I sighed. Like she was giving me much of a choice.

  “Fine,” I said. “But you’re the one who’s explaining this insanity to Mom.” I winced at my choice of words. Gram just cackled and pinched my cheek.

  “Done,” she said. “Git!”

  That’s how I found myself driving alone physically but crowded mentally up the winding road to the hotel twice in two days, heading for the very place I really didn’t want to go. And yet I was curious, too. What Odette thought she could learn from me I had no idea. But with Gram riding along, maybe we could uncover far more than I gave away.

  At least, I hoped so. The only way I could screw this up was to lose control of my temper.

  Oh boy.

  I tried to make a plan, but without knowing what to expect each one I came up with devolved into me fighting the entire Dumont clan and werewolves single handed like some Amazon super hero while glowing like a blue star. Not good and way too much imagination thrown in.

  Gram’s magic finally snapped my attention back with a sharp jerk before sending me a soothing touch.

  Be yourself, she sent. You’ll infuriate her. I grinned at her nasty chuckle as her voice faded out.

  Hmm. Myself, huh?

  That I could handle.

  As I pulled into the hotel parking lot, I realized the Dumonts had visitors. A car I recognized sat near the front door. Celeste’s ancient brown Volkswagen Jetta crouched on its boring black wheels. The Dullmobile.

  So what was one of the most powerful witches in our coven doing chatting with Odette Dumont? I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt. After all, I was here, wasn’t I? But considering the number of times Celeste and her cronies challenged Mom’s authority in the last year, not to mention her personal attacks on me, I was more than a little suspicious of her motives.

  I was fuming by the time I slammed Minnie’s door, stomping my way to the entrance, ready to call Celeste out. Just as I reached for the handle, the door opened wide, Charlotte standing there. She looked relieved long enough for me to see it, a small smile of gratitude touching her lips before she spoke.

  “The reason for your visit, Miss Hayle?”

  Um, what? “I was invited. By you. Like ten minutes ago.” What was I supposed to take responsibility for being here or something?

  Oh. Yeah. All right, then.

  “I’m here to see Odette,” I said, trying not to clench my teeth.

  “Of your own free will?” Charlotte’s eyes seemed to be trying to tell me something, but I was too angry to even want to figure it out.

  “You betcha.”

  Was that a grin wiped suddenly from her face?

  “Then be welcome.” She stepped aside with a private wink.

  Games. I hated them. What was with witches and stupid freaking games?

  My mood had not improved by the time I made my way from the front door to the open parlor. I barely glanced at Raoul who stood guard, flicking my power at him on the way by in my irritation. He flinched, but held his ground.

  Good for him.

  The look on Celeste’s face as I entered was almost worth it. I’d never seen so much shock and guilt in one expression in my entire life. And while she covered it quickly, I had my answer as Gram sighed in my mind in clear satisfaction.

  What exactly did she have to feel guilty for, the traitorous cow? And James? He stood there next to her, eyes down, cheeks red, hands trembling as he shoved them in his pockets. Conspirators, both.

  I was no tattletale, but I couldn’t wait to tell Mom.

  ***

  Chapter Thirty One

  “Ah, Sydlynn.” Odette rose smoothly to her feet, smiling as if nothing remotely nasty and conniving was going on. “So lovely of you to visit.”

  I glared at the pair of Hayle witches as I nodded curtly in return.

  “Your messenger insisted,” I said.

  “We really must be going.” Celeste bowed her head to Odette. “A pleasure, Ms. Dumont.”

  “Celeste,” Odette took her hand and squeezed it. “Delightful.” She turned to James who looked ill. “So charming.”

  The two hurried past me, but not before I shot them both a powerful question.

  What the hell are you doing here?

  A courtesy call, Celeste sent back while James’s mind trembled. And none of your business.

  We’ll see. I stayed with them all the way to the car, only letting them go when I knew neither would let their shields down.

  Odette smiled at me, an endless look of satisfaction. She planned this, clearly, wanted me to catch them with her, all the while not warning either of them I was coming.

  “Please,” she gestured as Raoul oozed into the room to stand behind her, “take a seat.”

  I refused to sit in Celeste’s chair, choosing instead to plant myself in the one James vacated. Sitting there somehow made me feel dirty just the same. Maybe it had to do with the way the werewolf leade
r stared at me with his empty eyes.

  Odette sat back on the ancient settee, steepling her fingers in front of her. “Thank you for coming to see me,” she said. “I’ve been hoping to spend some time with you, get to know you better. After all, our dear Quaid has told me so much.”

  I bet he had. I was about to comment when movement at the door drew my attention, followed by an inane giggle. I looked up, feeling shock as Andre entered, Angela on his arm. The woman was clearly thralled, far more so than anything the brothers had done to the girls in town, deep in the man’s control.

  Don’t, Gram sent. Watch.

  I knew she was right. I couldn’t show the least emotion. My eyes drifted over Alison’s mother like she was a houseplant and back to Odette. It was obvious the woman was disappointed in my lack of care while inside I seethed and allowed Gram to hold me back.

  Angela was so far gone she only giggled again when she saw me. “Hello, Syd,” she said.

  “Mrs. Morgan.”

  My reaction obviously a disappointment, Odette waved at Andre. “I’ll see you at dinner.”

  Was that hurt on his face? “Yes, Mother.”

  All a show for my benefit. Pathetic, really. So much for the supremely clever old woman Gram was so afraid of.

  Do not underestimate her, Gram’s voice whispered. There are layers here.

  It was clear Odette was doing her best to start a fight. But these clumsy attempts were so old school. And yet, what Gram said made sense. If this was so obvious, what was she up to that wasn’t so apparent? The old bait and switch? My tension rose.

  I couldn’t start anything here, but if she did, I would finish it.

  Now all I had to do was convince the old woman staring at me with predator eyes to make the first move so she’d have no reason to cry foul and place the blame.

  “I find you endlessly fascinating, ma chere.” Odette sipped from a wine glass at her side, watching me over the rim. “How you can survive with those two warring powers inside you, constantly fighting for control.”

  “We’re just fine, thanks.” Quaid, the bastard. He’d told his grandmother everything, for real. And after all we’d done for him! Next time I saw him my magic wouldn’t be reaching out to caress his, but to beat him into the ground.

  Gram was right. Dumont men could not be trusted.

  “A pity about Quaid,” she went on as if she’d read my thoughts. “He is such a fine match for our darling Ameline.” There was nothing darling about the cold-hearted girl but whatever. “And yet, his connection to her isn’t as strong as it could be.”

  Boo freaking hoo. Like that was my problem. “What a shame,” I said. “No super babies.”

  Gram cackled in my mind while Odette’s eyes tightened. Be myself. Got it.

  “Are you aware,” Odette asked, setting aside her glass, leaning toward me, her voice dropping as though what she had to say were a secret, “the connection between the two of you is far stronger?”

  I had nothing to say. Nothing. Until my anger surged. “I disagree,” I said. “Maybe he pines for me, but I forgot about him long ago.”

  It was hard to concentrate with Gram giggling hysterically in my head. Clearly I was doing it right. Odette paused, confusion and frustration only barely registering before she sat back and shrugged.

  “I see,” she said. “Then my offer will be useless to you.”

  Okay, I’d bite. “What offer is that?”

  “Only that I’m willing to reverse the engagement,” she said with a small, sly smile, “if you would consider joining the Dumont family in marriage.”

  ***

  Chapter Thirty Two

  Even Gram fell silent at that. I was so shocked it took me a long moment to say anything. And what did come out was pretty succinct.

  “What?”

  Odette’s smile told me I’d made her very happy. “Consider it,” she said. “Our two families, entwined again. You do know my dear cousin Ivan was your grandfather?”

  I had a shuddering moment when I realized I was related to Quaid. Sorta. Distantly. Still.

  “On my father’s side,” Odette smiled. “Twice removed.” Which meant no cousins for Quaid and me after all. Phew.

  And why was I worried about that exactly?

  After all, I wasn’t actually taking her seriously was I? Until it struck me. Opportunity was knocking and I was more than happy to open the door and let it stroll inside.

  I could tell from Gram’s feelings of approval she was thinking the same thing.

  “What about Ameline?” I found myself blushing and didn’t try to fight it. Best to let Odette think she had me. “Won’t she be disappointed?”

  Odette shrugged, a small smile lifting the corners of her mouth. “She’s adaptable,” she said. “And she also knows she needs to do what’s best for her coven.”

  Felt like a jab. I let it go. “Quaid and I…” I struggled with the right thing to say. “I’m not sure. Mom won’t go for it at all.”

  Odette pounced. “Your mother doesn’t know your heart,” she purred. “But you do, Sydlynn. And Quaid is in it.”

  It would have been funny if she hadn’t been right. “What happened to doing what’s best for the coven?” Wide-eyed innocence, that was me. And she bought it.

  “You’ll be coven leader some day,” she said, tone soothing. “You’ll understand how important it is to strengthen your power base whenever the opportunity arises. And this is an excellent opportunity. Imagine, our two families as one.” Odette’s eyes shone. “The magic we would have at our disposal.”

  I didn’t bother telling her by the time Mom died and I took over it was pretty likely Odette would be long gone herself.

  “It sounds good,” I said. “It’s just…”

  “You can tell me anything, chere.” Odette leaned forward and patted my hand. Ew.

  “She won’t listen to me.” I heard the familiar whine in my voice, the one I used to despise back when I still fought who I was. Good thing I spent so many years practicing. It came out sounding completely authentic. “Mom won’t let me near Quaid ever again, I know it.”

  I even let tears rise in my eyes. It was an easy thing. I just had to think of him.

  Damn it.

  Odette squeezed my fingers while her magic oozed out, just the barest breath of it, to touch mine. Did she think she was being subtle, really? I guess she was just used to dealing with less powerful witches.

  “I’ll talk to her with you, Sydlynn,” Odette said. “True love should never be denied. Your mother is very aware of that. Consider your father, for example.”

  Her power continued to wrap around me, searching for a way in. I held still, not wanting to alert her to the fact I knew what she was doing, playing the fool. I hated it, but Gram encouraged me from her quiet corner in my mind so I did my best.

  “I never get what I want.” Did I really sound like that once upon a time? Wow. I wanted to slap myself.

  “Join our family,” Odette said, gaze hypnotic, “and I promise you, there is nothing your heart will not have.”

  I almost believed her. Knew the spell she wove was powerful, more than I gave her credit for. She was a con artist, using magic to get what she wanted. I wondered how many witches she’d ensnared over the years, if this is how she’d won Quaid’s loyalty, that of the weres. Had to be.

  My disgust was so strong I couldn’t hold back any longer. My demon uncoiled and lashed out, severing the spell. The recoil of her magic sent Odette back into her chair, a look of complete shock on her face.

  Gram grumbled to me about ruining the moment, but my anger wouldn’t be denied any longer. “The next time you try that,” I snapped, “you’ll have more than your power come back at you.”

  Her eyes narrowed, but her smile returned. “How wonderful,” she murmured. “Quaid was right about you.”

  All at once I knew, this had nothing to do with me joining her coven. It was a test, plain and simple. And I passed, at least in her eyes. Which mean
t, naturally, I’d failed myself.

  Craptastic.

  At least Gram didn’t bother saying I told you so.

  “He was,” I said. “But he doesn’t have the whole story. And now he never will.” I stood up. “Nor will you.”

  Odette remained where she was, the foot of her crossed leg bobbing up and down. I didn’t know if it was a sign of agitation or amusement. “It’s been absolutely delightful,” she said. “I take it you know the way out?”

  Did I ever. I turned my back on her and marched toward the door, brushing past Charlotte without another look. The hall on the other side was dim, the air heavy and closed. I needed to leave that place, to escape outside and breathe fresh air. But I was brought up short as I stormed toward the exit, by the very person I’d just been discussing.

  Quaid stood at the bottom of the stairs, watching me. Bad choice. I stopped mid-stomp and let him have it.

  “I don’t care if you’re related to these people,” I bit out. “Anyone who willingly associates with them is seriously flawed. Wake up, Quaid.”

  He didn’t say anything. Glared with his dark eyes, magic wrapped around him like a cloak.

  Fine. Be that way. He could waste his life under the thumb of these horrible witches for all I cared. But if he even for a moment got in the way of me protecting my family, I would not hesitate to remove him as a threat.

  Would not.

  I put all of that into a shaft of anger and jabbed him with it. He flinched, but didn’t respond. Such a coward.

  The exit and freedom. I turned, almost reached it, when the door opened. The brothers blocked my way, the two of them smirking like they knew something I didn’t. I was seriously so wound up I would have clocked the two of them then and there if Gram hadn’t latched onto my mind and clamped down.

  “Sydlynn.” Jean Marc slouched sideways, filling his half of the doorway. I could smell the breeze coming in past him, but it was tainted by the scent of his stinking European cologne. “How lovely to run into you.”