by Nikki Landis
I already spotted the keg an hour ago and this was my third cup. My irritation with Gabriel and Damian was already diminished. I was feeling surprisingly good, dancing to the freaky tunes blaring from the monstrous speakers at the end of the room.
“You smell like the wolf,” a deep voice observed, “And it stinks.”
Why did people always assume if you were sitting alone you wanted company?
I wasn’t in the mood for bullshit, so I ignored Ryder who appeared out of nowhere as usual.
“Gabriel’s an ass. Don’t worry about the hex bag.”
My hands rose to the table where I was sitting and tapped on the top as I glared right into his hazel eyes. They glowed with an odd hue, not really a color but more like a hologram. It was incredibly weird. “How the hell do you know that? And don’t lie.”
We were alone and hopefully he felt comfortable enough to confide in me. I left Gypsy inside when Gabriel walked in the door thirty minutes ago. I’d rather not argue with him tonight.
Ryder sat next to me on the back patio, plopping in a vacant chair. “What do you want to know, angel? I’m an open book.”
Uh huh. “Where did you come from?”
“Ohio. It’s cold as fuck there.”
My eyes narrowed at his response. That wasn’t what I meant. “I mean, what are you doing here? Why are you in Mystic Hallows? And why do your eyes have an odd look to them?”
He held up his hands and laughed. “Woah, you’re a curious little Raven, aren’t you?”
That was the third time one of them referred to me as a raven. Was it the black hair?
“Answer the questions.”
“Alright.” He leaned back and placed his hands behind his head, the muscles in his arms bulging as he did so. “I’m here because something evil and wicked has entered Mystic Hallows.” I knew that already. We established this last night. “You were almost killed so you know what I’m talking about. My eyes have an odd look because I’m not human. Thought that part was obvious.” He smiled wide like this was a joke between two friends. “I’m a ghoul.”
That answer didn’t tell me much. My experience with ghouls was limited.
We had a lot of supernatural beings wander in and out of Mystic Hallows and I witnessed a lot of weird shit but not many ghouls. “I’m afraid I’m not very knowledgeable about your kind.”
“Few are,” he acknowledged. Ryder dropped his hands and sat upright, excitement gleaming in those hazel orbs. I thought I saw a flash of amber or red before that unnatural shimmer returned. “Ask away. I’ll tell you whatever you want to know.”
Alright. “What’s a ghoul? What kind of immortal?”
“We’re a special kind of supernatural creature. Half living, half dead. Ghouls have the gift of soul touch. We’re two separate forms, always with one foot on each side of the veil.”
“Really?” How was that even possible? You were either immortal or you were not.
“Yes, Lycan have their werewolf and human forms. Vampire also transform to an extent – fangs, glamours that hide the real monstrosity beneath. But ghouls – we have two distinct bodies. One is the man you see before you but don’t be fooled. I’m not human. The other form is that of the ghoul, a living spirit that craves flesh. Think of that form like a wraith with skin and muscles and bone, somewhat similar to a zombie but with intelligence and all body parts intact. And I mean all.” He winked as I gasped.
Eww, zombie dick?
Wait. Hold on. Did he just say what I thought he said?
“Craves flesh?” I asked, holding back the urge to retch. Please say no.
His laughter stretched across the leaves and yard, blowing in the subtle wind. “Oh, yes. I must survive. What else am I supposed to eat?”
“Not people,” I shuddered.
“Not living people,” he agreed.
Well, shit. “I’m seriously grossed out.”
My response seemed to humor him greatly. “I’d expect no less, but I would never eat in front of you and trust me, you don’t want to see it.”
I had no doubt that was true.
“Okay, wait. What did you mean when you said you have the gift of soul touch? What’s that?”
“I can briefly control the soul of another being,” my jaw dropped, “before or after death.”
Get out. No way! “Wow,” was all I said aloud.
“You’re not going to ask me any questions about it?” His eyes crinkled in the corners with humor. “You’re usually so curious, angel.”
“I’m picturing The Walking Dead. Am I right? Walking zombies?”
“Pretty close. You worried about being eaten?” His leering grin confused me before I realized his joke was sexual.
Damn, immortal hottie #3 that wanted in my pants. If I told Gypsy, she’d squeal with delight and tell me to go for it. I hated to admit I was in a serious dry spell. My last relationship, if you could call it that, was a disaster. Sebastian Wildes was a jerk. Didn’t help he was one of the thirteen. I was glad we never actually slept together.
Blushing, I looked away. “Ryder, you’re something else.” What was the matter with me? I never blushed but these immortal men had my libido skyrocketed into freaky let’s get it on mode. Even the weird ghoul.
I decided to change the subject.
“Why are you telling me all of this so easily? Planning to kill me afterward?” I was only slightly joking.
He huffed a little in agitation but finally smirked. “Doesn’t make much sense in harming you. You’re one of the witch families that protect the veil. Ghouls are also tasked with guardianship. We often work in tandem with witches. It’s a natural collaboration.”
I heard of these relationships. Willow knew a few ghouls. She spoke about it to Aunt Gwen before, but I wasn’t sure that the Howe family had ever had a partnership like this. At least, not before I knew about it.
Our conversation was brought short when I felt the magic of another witch. A familiar one. Sebastian Wildes. Speak of the devil . . .
“Cassie Howe. How have you been, darling?”
Ryder immediately scowled.
Tempted to flip him the bird, I answered with more than a little attitude. “What do you want, Seb?”
He plopped his ass down uninvited on my other side and shrugged. “It’s been far too quiet this Samhain. Don’t you think?”
What was that supposed to mean? Was he speaking about the attack on me and Gypsy? Didn’t he think it was exciting enough? “Your point?”
He tapped his chin thoughtfully. “I expected more this year, with your birthday and all.”
So? “Worried you won’t be invited?”
“Oh, honey, I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Who’s your friend, Cas?” Damian’s voice was so cold it made the air feel chilled. His hands rested on the back of my chair as if he were telling me without words that he was here. I didn’t figure it would be long before he made an appearance.
“Oh, I wouldn’t call him a friend.” Sebastian and I were staring each other down.
“That’s not nice, darling. We were much more than friends.”
Gabriel’s low growl was a warning. I wasn’t sure when he arrived. The same time as Damian? “Doesn’t look like this is the case anymore.”
“Tsk, tsk,” Seb admonished as he glanced at all three men. With a self-satisfied smirk, he leaned back in the chair. “Fucking all three at once? You weren’t into that kinky stuff when we dated.”
I was going to kill him. Before I could think about it, I stood face to face with Seb. Magic bounced back and forth between us as the air crackled. An electric charge lingered on the edge of my fingers and sparked with violet light. I had never been this angry, not as long as I could remember.
“Careful, little spitfire. They say it’s a thin line between love and hate. You must still harbor some deep feelings for me.” He winked and grinned wider, enjoying the torment. “I’ll leave my door unlocked for you. We definitely have unfinished business.”
Thr
ee unhappy immortals around me closed in. I felt the vibrations of their disgust and anger.
I was pulled back into a strong embrace as I darted forward, ready to scratch out Sebastian’s eyeballs. “By the power of three –”
“Don’t, Cas,” Gypsy’s voice halted the damaging spell I was about to cast. “He’s just leaving. Aren’t you, Seb?”
The fight left his body immediately and Sebastian seemed almost subdued. “Forgive me, Gypsy. I haven’t been myself the last two days.” He turned my way but didn’t apologize. “You know where to find me if you want to talk, Cassie.”
Everyone was silent as we watched him walk away.
“Cas, how could you think of harming him like that?” Gypsy sounded upset. “Seb was just having some fun.”
Shit. I forgot she had a thing for him not long ago. “I’m sorry, Gyps.”
“Sometimes I wonder if you take the Howe legacy seriously at all.”
Her words gutted me like a knife, and I exhaled with an audible oof. No words could form in my throat because it closed up tight from the sudden tears that filled my eyes. I wouldn’t cry. Not now. But I was totally devastated by her words.
“I’ll see you back at the house.”
“Gyps,” I finally managed to choke out, but she already walked away.
Gabriel placed his hand against my cheek and leaned in, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “I’ll go talk to her.” His eyes held mine for a moment and then he was gone, running to catch up to my cousin before she ended up too far alone.
“He had it coming, if you want my opinion,” Damian interjected.
I didn’t need his added commentary.
“Nobody gives a shit about that right now,” Ryder snapped, holding me tighter in his embrace. “Can’t you tell Cassie’s upset?”
I needed the hug and turned in Ryder’s arms, my cheek resting over his heart. Odd not to hear the thrum of a beat. He was cool to the touch, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. “It’s alright. I was wrong. Gypsy is right. That’s not what magic is for. We never harm others intentionally.”
“Fuck that,” Damian yelled, “don’t let either one of them get the best of you. Don’t let anyone, Cassie. EVER.” His green eyes deepened into a sharp jade while his face twisted into a snarl that was frightening. A pulsing shimmer hovered around his body. I thought I caught a glimpse of something dark with large leathery wings before the image was gone.
“Dude. Get your shit under control. You’re scaring Cassie.”
“Fuck!” he yelled, before flashing away so fast I didn’t catch his body depart.
“I seem to have a knack for making people disappear tonight,” I commented dryly when the silence had lasted too long.
“Oh, angel. It’s not you.” Ryder stroked my back as I blinked and rid the tears from my eyes. No more. I’d make it up to Gypsy and talk to Sebastian later. He obviously had more on his mind than he was willing to share in public.
“I think I need another beer.”
Ryder chuckled lightly. “Come on, little Raven. Let’s get you smashed tonight.”
“Sounds perfect,” I agreed, trying not to dwell on my mistakes.
Samhain was certainly starting off with a bang.
Chapter 6
“So,” I slurred, waving the empty cup around in the air. “Tell me why you like to eat dead people.”
Ryder’s loud chuckle increased the size of my grin. He was a funny guy and good natured. Plus, he was never uncomfortable or weird. I never got an awkward vibe from him.
“Well, angel, it’s my only food source so I don’t really have a choice.”
Hmmm, interesting. “You can’t eat human food in your current form?”
“Nope. It turns my stomach sour.”
Now that was incredibly ironic. Dead flesh was okay but human food made him retch? “I have no idea what to say to that,” I giggled.
“My turn.” He sat up straighter. “When did you last have sex?”
I frowned but couldn’t keep another giggle from escaping. “That’s bad manners, Ryder.”
“Got ya!” he blurted out and smirked. “Forfeit. Take a shot.”
Shit. I forgot we agreed about the rules before we started. “Fine,” I pouted and tossed back the whiskey, coughing as it burned down my throat. “Happy?”
“Oh yes, you’re smashed, little Raven, just like you wanted.”
I leaned forward and nearly fell into his lap, giving Ryder an unsteady hug. “You’re the best!”
He chuckled at my loud voice. “You know I’m totally sober, right?”
Damn immortal. I completely forgot that little detail, too. “Sucks to be you,” I quipped, enjoying my current condition immensely.
When I reached for another beer, he pulled the cup gently from my hand. “Time to sober up. It’s getting late.”
Nah, I didn’t care. “Ryder, give me the cup.”
He snickered. “No way. Try to take it and I’ll turn into a ghoul right here in front of everyone.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“I would.” He leaned back on the couch and grinned wide. “You’ve been lots of fun tonight, angel.”
“I don’t think anyone would care about the ghoul thing. We all know supernatural creatures exist. You’re just playing with me.”
He lowered his head and whispered in my ear softly, his lips brushing the shell as I shivered. “Wanna play with me?”
I opened and then closed my mouth, my thoughts muddled. Was that sexual? From Ryder?
He laughed hard when our eyes met.
Screaming interrupted our little game as Ryder and I glanced around the room. We were in our own little world, daring one another to take shots and asking ridiculous questions that I would never explore with sobriety. Damian was still MIA and I was hoping Gabriel was able to take Gypsy home without a problem.
The Bishop twins – Kane and Karter – were with a big group of teens gathered across the room. I noticed the good-looking brothers earlier. They were seniors at Gypsy’s high school. We grew up with the Bishop family. Gypsy was close to them. In fact, she was part of an inner circle with the Bishop twins, Willow’s daughter Autumn, Drake Martin, and Simone Wildes (Sebastian’s younger sister). Being a few years older, I wasn’t part of their little coven, but I knew the group well.
At first, I thought the screams and raised voices were because of a game or some other nonsense. They weren’t. I could tell it was serious when more screams sounded frantic and frightened.
I sobered up much quicker than I wanted. Thoughts of Gypsy and that tub filled my head. Was someone hurt? Sebastian was right earlier. It was too quiet tonight.
Bolting up from the couch, I ran toward the group. Clarity was returning as my brain switched to high alert. I wasn’t prepared for the utter chaos and bloody scene before me when I reached the frightened teens. Kane and Karter were on the ground, clutching at their throats as blood trickled from between their pale lips. Splashes of crimson dotted their clothing as droplets landed on the carpet. Eyes wide with shock and horror, they looked to me in panic.
“What’s happening?” I screeched. My thoughts were still muddled slightly by the alcohol.
“There’s something wrong with the candy!”
“They’re choking!”
“No, it’s something sharp!”
Voices blurted out responses as everyone tried to figure out the cause of the blood. I ignored the distraction and bent down next to Kane. “Let me see in your mouth,” I ordered as he shook his head. “Now, Kane!”
He was freaked out and I couldn’t blame him. Peering inside, I saw a metallic object and gasped.
“Kane stay completely still and calm. It’s a razor blade,” I whispered. Never in my life have I seen another person look so terrified.
Kane listened to my directions as I reached inside his mouth and carefully pulled out the blade. He gripped my hand and squeezed tight. “Karter,” he dared to whisper as I nodded.
Karter didn’t hear
our conversation, so I had to repeat my instructions as he remained still, pulling out a similar razor blade from his mouth. Both guys look relieved for a moment before they reached for my hands at the same time. The crowd dispersed but Kane and Karter didn’t move.
“What’s wrong?” I asked as the look of panic on their faces returned.
“Shit, Cassie,” Ryder replied next to my side. “I think the razor blades are back.”
My eyes widened in horror when both brothers slightly nodded. Fuck! This was bad.
They we cursed.
As calmly as possible, I looked directly into each of their eyes. “I’m going to get help. I need my Aunt Gwen and Willow and their circle.”
The twins barely nodded in acknowledgment, but I knew they heard me.
When I turned to Ryder, he understood immediately. “Ryder, I need you to bring my Aunt Gwen and Willow here as soon as possible. They should be in my backyard preparing for another Samhain blessing. Go!”
He didn’t hesitate but ran for the door as I felt a familiar presence enter the house. The same dark, evil, and heavily oppressive aura that tried to harm Gypsy and me for the last twenty-four-hours. I knew the rogue witch was back and targeting the Salem families. Only Gypsy, me, and the Bishop brothers were harmed so far but my gut was telling me this was a deliberate attack on the thirteen.
Kane and Karter felt the dark witch’s presence at the same time because they squeezed my hands tighter. Without a second thought, I called to the ancestors for help. “My uplifted ancestors, fierce protectors and skilled healers. Please answer my call.”
My eyes closed as the power in the room multiplied by tenfold. The ancestors were close. Thick colorful auras danced on the edges of my consciousness and interweaved with my own. The air around us thinned. Time seemed to slow as I felt the rogue witch closing in. He or she was manipulating the continuum. A rare ability that only a few witches possessed.
In fact, I only knew of two witches that were capable of such magic. My Aunt Gwen was one. The other left for college three years ago. I hadn’t heard from Jadis since we graduated high school, but I’d never believe she would commit such atrocity against her fellow witches.