Death be Charmed

by Epstein, Katie

  After several rings I was about to give up, but then I heard the sweet word of “Hello” from my roommate.

  “Rosie!” I screeched before I tempered my voice down a little as she screeched with me. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you. But I need your help.”

  “Why? What’s up?” she asked with panic, and I had to hold back a chuckle.

  “Sorry, Rose. Nothing’s up. Nothing serious anyway. But it’s a long story that I can’t go into now.”

  “Jeez, Terra. You frightened me half to death. What’s going on?”

  “Hair emergency?”

  “Wait … what?”

  “Yes, it’s me. I know. Hair emergency doesn’t come from my mouth very often. But I’m in a pretty gown, ready to go down to a very posh ball, and my hair is a mess. Help me.”

  “What am I supposed to do from here?” she asked with humor in her voice.

  “Talk me through it.” I raced over to where I’d thrown my brush to collect the weapon of mass destruction then headed back to the mirror. “I have a brush. I have things that look like hairpins. Some form of spray. And not much else.”

  She chuckled. “Do I really want to ask where you are right now?”

  “Probably not. But if you need filling in, speak to Mayra when she’s back from her retreat with the Silver Coven. Now, what do I do?”

  “Do you have a mirror in front of you?” she asked, and I put the watch comms down on the dresser.

  “I do.” I held up my brush as I readied myself. “What’s next?”

  “Prepare yourself, Terra, because this isn’t going to be easy.”

  “Right.” I nodded, taking a deep breath. “I’m ready.”

  “Then you need to listen … very carefully …”

  After a few curse words and temper tantrums, I finally calmed down and managed to force my hair into some form of an elegant style. Rosie had very patiently guided me though it, and my friend deserved a medal by the end.

  From her instructions, I’d managed to grip my hair back into a loose bun at the nape of my neck. A few wisps hung down from the front, and it was the best I was ever going to get. Thanking her profusely, I said my goodbyes, conscious of the time, and hung up.

  Grabbing the only clutch I’d brought with me, I exited the room and made my way to the stairs. Why Bernard couldn’t have come up to the room, I wasn’t certain, but he hopefully had an update for me.

  Holding onto the bannister, I lifted my gown slightly so I could make it down the stairs without falling on my face.

  “Well, my oh my,” I heard Bernard murmur as he came around the corner. “You look stunning.” He watched me with a sly smile as I descended the stairs. I’m sure he was waiting to catch me in case I took a tumble. But when I reached the bottom, he merely took my hand and lifted it to his lips to kiss. “Lavani is a miracle worker.”

  “He’s a pain in the ass,” I muttered, and Bernard smiled.

  He leaned in close, so his lips were almost touching my ear, and whispered, “There are things we need to talk about. But not here. Not now.”

  I nodded my head and gave him a look of understanding. “Then let’s go to the ball. I’ve missed you, my darling.”

  “I’ve missed you too, sweetheart,” he said as he guided me through the hallway. A vampire passed us and nodded their head in greeting.

  “So the ball is at the House of Strix,” I stated, making polite chit chat. “Can I walk it in these heels?”

  “In that dress, I’m sure you could fly. But don’t worry. It’s on the other side of the estate so I’ve ordered a car to be brought around.”

  “Well, that’s lazy.”

  “It’s called making an entrance, my dear. You of all people should know how to make one of those.”

  Ten minutes later, we were pulling up outside the House of Strix.

  If I hadn’t have already known which house we were at, I would have known who it belonged to just from looking at it.

  The house in front of us was as creepy as its owner. The dark gothic peaks showed no warmth as it stood against a moonlit sky. Parts of the house leaned out as if ready to grab its closest prey, the arched doors and windows like watchful eyes and hungry mouths. The deep gray stone looked almost black as the lighting around the grounds was limited to keep it in the shadows. And it all breathed and pulsed with a dark energy that wanted to scare; wanted to frighten.

  Suppressing a shudder, I held more tightly onto Bernard’s hand as he led us to the front entrance.

  Footmen waited, dressed in black, while other guests piled in beside us. But the place didn’t lighten up any as we walked into the lobby.

  Dark gray walls matched a marble floor of the same color; a deep mahogany crafted into the grand stairwell that led up to a second floor. Disturbing creatures had been carved into the woodwork, mimicking their way into the few paintings that decorated the walls. They complimented the creeping plants that looked like dark blood flowing down the walls. The feel of it set my teeth on edge.

  Bernard led me into a room to our right where the ballroom was located. High ceilings and chandeliers seemed to be uniform among the houses, but there was something different about this place. Something dark.

  Less candles had been lit, so a dusky glow settled over the guests. People huddled in corners, talking in a way that seemed careful. Controlled. No one wanted to annoy their host, it seemed.

  An orchestra played in the corner, and it was music that I recognized. Not that I was a connoisseur of music, especially when it came to Earthside classical. But I knew this one. I’d heard it often in the hospital where I’d grown up, and it was one that sent a chill down my spine.

  I hated the feeling that the song had been picked out for me particularly. But how would anyone know about it? No one would. And no one would know the meaning of it as it brought back bad memories from my past. I’d never told anyone about that minor detail.

  Taking a deep breath to rid me of my sudden unease, I put it down to just being a coincidence. The tones creating the song of ‘O Fortuna’ picked up their pace without the help of its usual vocal accompaniment. I shuddered.

  “Are you okay?” Bernard asked me, and I nodded.

  “I’m fine. Just a little tired.”

  “We’ll stay for a little while then head off.” He gave me a tender kiss on my temple, and I put my arm around his waist. The feel of him grounded me a little, allowing past memories to slide away.

  “You can’t go too soon,” a voice came from behind us, and we both turned to see Parris Avar standing there. He was dressed in a casual gray suit and a white shirt, a dark cravat around his neck. His face was extremely pale, and tiny, dark veins around his eyes could be seen this time round. No wonder he wore dark make-up around them to soften them a little.

  “Parris,” Bernard said tersely as he nodded a welcome in his direction.

  “And Terra.” Parris turned his attentions to me, “that gown is divine. It’s so nice to see your husband is spoiling you.”

  “I’m very lucky,” I said, trying not to say it through gritted teeth. Whatever Parris was trying to get at, he wasn’t attempting to hide his jibe.

  “Well, I would say you both are. Not only has Bernard landed him a beautiful bride, but he has landed him the only Sapphire Citizen, Enforcer Field Agent in the PCA.” He carefully studied Bernard. “And yet you married in Vegas of all places.”

  Bernard stiffened. I wasn’t sure if it was because Parris had discovered what type of citizen I was, or because he’d already declared Parris as dangerous. But no matter what, we were here undercover. To upset Parris now could get us thrown out of his house before I had the chance to seek out and speak with Adalyn Lemaire.

  “Vegas was a dream,” I told Parris with as much casualness in my voice as I could muster. I lifted my hand to Bernard’s cheek and forced him to face me. “Neither of us could wait. Could we, darling?” I leaned in to kiss him slowly, and with affection. Thankfully, Bernard responded and relaxed a l
ittle. Parris didn’t look too impressed once we’d finished our demonstration.

  Bernard’s eyes flared with need when I pulled away, and his upper lip twitched with delight. “I wasn’t going to have her run from me again. So I put a ring on her finger as soon as possible.” He dropped a light kiss on my nose then turned to our host. “You have a wonderful place here, Parris. If a little dark.”

  Parris was happy to accept the challenge Bernard had thrown his way with that small, underlined comment. “Darkness is what we seek, isn’t it?” he replied as he looked at me. “It is in our souls. But I’m sure your darling wife doesn’t mind a few shadows. Do you, my dear?”

  “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Bernard demanded, his anger evident. Parris merely smirked.

  “She has wedded a vampire, has she not? Surely there must be a craving in her soul for darkness.” He put his hands up as if pleading innocence. “I mean no offense, to either of you. I simply tell the truth.” He took a step closer toward me. “But I’m right, aren’t I, Terra? You crave the shadows as much as you fear them.” He lowered his voice. “You’re used to the dark.”

  Shivers turned to heat as the fear he evoked in me switched to anger. But before I could do anything, Bernard pushed Parris away.

  “Do me a favor, Parris?” he said, his voice deadly. “Stay away from my wife.”

  Parris’s eyes flared, but then he grinned. “You needn’t be so sensitive, Bernard. Living with the humans on Earthside has made you weak.” He laughed and nodded his head before Bernard could retaliate. “Enjoy our celebrations. Both of you. And please help yourself to the champagne. It’s exquisite.”

  Bernard went to head off after Parris as he walked away, but I pulled him back. “Leave it,” I said, tugging his arm and urging him into a shadowed corner. “He’s trying to get a reaction out of you.”

  “You think?” Bernard snapped. “I need to talk to you soon,” he let out a brief sigh, “but it can wait for now. Let’s have a drink and listen to the music.”

  “This song’s not to my taste,” I said distractedly. Bernard frowned at the sad expression on my face that I was finding difficult to hide.

  “Give me a minute.” He kissed me on the cheek then walked up to the orchestra. I watched as he scribbled something for them on a piece of paper, followed by an animated conversation with the conductor who stood before them. Two minutes later, Bernard was back by my side. He said nothing as he waited for the last part of ‘O Fortuna’ to play out and the orchestra’s noise shimmered into a new tune. An instrumental version of Sir Mix-a-lot’s love for big butts started to play, and I looked in Bernard in disbelief.

  “Parris will kill you,” I told him with laughter in my voice.

  “He won’t know what the song’s about. They don’t care for Earthside music here. He’ll think it’s a classic.”

  “Which it is.”

  “Of course it is.” He held his hand out to me. “Fancy a dance, dear wife?”

  A grin spread across my face at what he’d done for me. All dark thoughts Parris had probed at, forgotten. “My dear husband … I would love to.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  IT WAS WHEN Bernard and I settled in a dark corner to sup on some champagne when Adalyn Lemaire made her appearance.

  The vampire with red hair and elegant curls pinned on the top of her head looked extravagant when she first entered the ballroom. She wore a high neck gown that puffed at the sleeves and went in at her waist, with a bustle at the back that made her appear as if she had walked out of an historical romance novel.

  We both watched as she tentatively assessed the room. I was figuring how best to make my move when Lillith Arosa appeared in the room all of a sudden, demanding the attention instead.

  The Head of House Strigoi had me stopping in my tracks at the sexuality that oozed from her in waves. Suddenly, I found myself feeling very intimidated.

  Why, I wasn’t sure. Women didn’t usually bother me that way. I hated that her presence made me feel like shrinking back into the safety of Bernard’s arms. This particular vampire took no mercy in the way she dressed, and she knew it. Long, black, glossy hair cascaded over her shoulders, against a pale blue and very revealing gown. The shape of it showed her decent sized bosom to its fullest, as her olive skin shone beneath the candlelight. Lillith walked as if she was making love to her onlookers, and when she came up to the side of Adalyn, she lovingly put her arm through hers. She whispered something into Adalyn’s ear then placed her blood red lips on her cheek in a way that claimed her in front of everyone.

  Adalyn smiled and dropped her arm so Lillith could take her hand. Lillith chuckled and stroked the cheek of the male vampire who had come to stand on her other side. He was over six foot tall with a bald head and goatee. He looked at Lillith adoringly as he took her other hand in his own. The whole room seemed to watch their little performance. And then Parris appeared out of nowhere as if breaking the spell.

  Parris spoke to Lillith, but no one could hear what was being said above the music. But I knew there and then that I wouldn’t be able to talk with Adalyn so directly with Lillith in earshot. I didn’t need my instincts to tell me that Lillith was a very powerful vampire who liked things to go her own way, and she seemed quite enamored with Parris. That, in my opinion, put her over on enemy lines.

  “She’s not that bad,” Bernard whispered to me as he glanced over the room at Lillith. “She likes power and she likes to embrace her sexuality. That’s all.”

  “Are they lovers?” I dared to whisper.

  “Which ones?” he asked teasingly, and I frowned.

  “Adalyn and Lillith,” I paused, “and the bald guy.”

  “Lillith likes to keep her options open, so it wouldn’t surprise me.”

  “Have you ever been there?” I dared to ask a little louder this time. I wasn’t concerned over anyone hearing. I’m sure there were several females in the room thinking the same thing of their own partners.

  “I’m not to Lillith’s taste because I like to live with the humans. She doesn’t understand that. And so I’m a puzzle she does not wish to crack. She likes to keep things, shall we say, simple?”

  Turning my back to the newcomers, I tried to relax but being in this house, with these particular vampires, was putting me on edge. I didn’t feel like myself, and my gift was prodding at me in warning like a constant tapping on my shoulder.

  “Was Vienna invited tonight?” I asked, and he shrugged.

  “I don’t know. I haven’t seen her.” His lips pressed together in a thin line. “I haven’t seen Florin either.”

  “I hope she’s okay.” I gnawed at my lip. “Maybe we can check on her later?”

  He smiled with affection and took my hand in his own. “You’re a very good person, Terra. Don’t ever doubt it.”

  “Takes one to know one,” I whispered, and his smile turned into one of regret.

  “In another life, another world …” he hesitated, as if he wasn’t quite sure how to word what he wanted to say with so many being able to listen in. But I understood what he was trying to say to me.

  “I get it,” I told him. I was aware of the pull between us that would never develop into anything more than what it was. But it hurt all the same. Bernard was an amazing vampire, and it was a shame he wasn’t the one for me, and I for him. But it didn’t stop me from wishing for the day when he would find someone who adored him. He deserved more than this cold life, jumping from mistress to mistress. He needed warmth and love. He needed the complexity of a relationship.

  “Let’s get some more champagne.” He lifted his hand to mine and kissed it. “I have a hankering to see you drunk.”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “Oh, I do. You’re hilarious when drunk, if I remember correctly.”

  I laughed as he pulled me across the room to get a drink. “Fine. But if I start to feel sick, get me out of this gown first. I don’t think Lavani will let me return it covered in vomit.”


  Bernard twirled me around and dropped a quick kiss on my lips. “Lavani won’t have it back anyway. It’s yours.”

  “I can’t …”

  “Yes. You can. It suits you, my twilight beauty.” He twirled me again before heading off to get me a drink.

  An hour later, champagne bubbles were going to my head, and the urge to pee was getting too much to suppress after the third glass. Bernard pointed me in the direction of the ladies room, so I headed off to try and do the impossible in this gown.

  Once I’d defeated the impossible, I put my clutch down in front of the mirror of the bathroom to wash up and check my appearance. The room was huge, more like a dressing room, with dark paneled wood coating the walls. The mirrors were framed with iron ivy, and the gold taps looked like they cost more than my apartment.

  I washed my hands before drying them while checking that the sides of my hair were still in place. I also made sure that my dress wasn’t tucked into my underwear and that I could pass for presentable once more. The door creaked open as I picked up my clutch. As luck would have it, Adalyn walked in. Alone.

  “Good evening,” she said to me with a nod of her head. However, she didn’t go to one of the cubicles like I would have expected her to. She went straight to the mirror to apply her lipstick instead.

  “Good evening,” I replied, moving back to the mirror to do the same. I’m sure I had stuck a lipstick in my bag somewhere.

  “It’s a lovely party,” I added, and Adalyn scoffed.

  “It’s a Parris party. I wouldn’t exactly call it lovely. More like an evening for people to show off and talk about one another.” She turned to face me. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you around here before? Are you new to the hive?”

  Ah, I thought in understanding. Her voice may have been nonchalant with casual enquiry, but her eyes were assessing. It looked like Lillith had sent her lover in here to find out who I was. Well, that was fine with me. They’d played right into my hands.