“No, it is not shock, Angeline. It is your fae side seeing the reality of the situation and regulating your emotional reaction.” Dan cocked his head to the side studying her again. “You were brilliant, actually but we need to work on balancing your human and fae sides. I am afraid your ears are no longer your only fae feature.”
“Indeed.” Angeline frowned. She felt different. But, this was part of it. Her features would become sharper, more exotic as her mother would say. Again, it did not bother her as if somehow her emotions were numbed. “Well, we have a fundraiser to dress for.” Angeline stood and made to brush her pants off. Dan and Trin just looked at her, silently scrutinizing head to toe. “Is there a problem?”
Trin spoke first. “Very well. I insist you two remain together this evening if you still intend to accompany me. I have an unsettling feeling but my Sight is clouded by something. If they made an attempt in broad daylight on campus they will not hesitate to make a move this evening.” With little more than a half-effort at a stern look, Trin glided out of the room shutting the double doors behind her.
“Angeline, are you alright?” Dan’s brow furrowed. “We do not have to go tonight, you know. We could just stay in.” He reached out and took her hand lightly in his.
The warmth spread through her like a fire, bringing up memories of their kiss and the sensation lit her senses. Angeline clamped them down, forced them away. This could not happen. “I am perfectly fine. You heard Trin, I saved Val from that demon. Why should I be upset?”
“Don’t lie to me, Angeline. Do you feel nothing for me?” Dan’s eyes flickered. His hand warmed even more in hers.
“We cannot do this.” Angeline pulled her hand away, the cold isolation numbing her emotions once more. “We need to get ready. I need to go tonight. Can you understand that?”
Disappointment colored Dan’s expression, “I understand. I will help you any way I can but eventually we are going to have to talk about us. Your fae side reacts to me, Ang. You know that.”
“We are not free to do anything about it. Either of us.” Angeline looked at the floor. She really wanted to study the room, to explore the Manor but duty called. “Please take me to my suite so I may dress.”
~
“You look lovely, Angeline” Jaiden approached with a flute of champagne in his outstretched hand. “Seems you are keeping interesting company these days.”
Angeline looked up to Dan and smiled before responding to the new arrival. “Hello, Jaiden.” She declined the champagne and slipped her free hand around Dan’s waist instead. “What can we do for you? Are you making a donation this evening?”
“I think I have already made my donation to the cause by way of my girlfriend, wouldn’t you say, fairy girl?” Jaiden downed his champagne and the one he brought for Angeline. “Perhaps I should take your boyfriend in exchange?”
“I would like to see you try, half breed.” Dan spoke up, an unusual edge to his voice, “You are in over your head, boy. If you could have seen my girl in action today you would know you don’t stand a chance.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that.” Jaiden place the empty flutes on a passing server’s tray. He brushed his hands together emitting a bit of fire for their benefit. “I may be a half-breed but I have other tricks and other friends.” Three rather non-descript, dark-haired men walked up behind Jaiden all dressed in identical tuxedos.
“I think it’s time you and your friends leave.” Trin appeared from out of nowhere. Her floor length fuchsia chiffon dress a dash of color in the field of black and white formal wear. “This is not the time or place for a fight and I am certain your father would agree.” Trin inclined her head toward a sharply dressed man in the midst of a mass of people clamoring for his attention.
“Very well, until later, fairy girl. I look forward to another run in with you as well, angel. You cannot protect her forever.” Jaiden cracked his knuckles in a menacing fashion but directed his companions to the nearest exit.
Once they were out of earshot, Trin turned toward them. “That was cheesy, wouldn’t you say? He is rather irritating. Just the same, watch yourself, luv. He is going to keep after you.” She looked toward the main entrance as the photographers began snapping pictures of a new arrival. “Ah, finally. I will leave you to it. My date has arrived.” Before they could react she disappeared into the crowd.
“Who is that?” Angeline shifted to get a better look at the apparent celebrity. “I did not know she was seeing anyboy.”
“That would be Ryder Cohen.” Dan allowed her a few more moments before continuing his description in her ear, “He is an Immortal and patron of antiquities. Trin has been dating him to buy some time.”
“What!” Angeline’s response came out as a hiss. Dan applied light pressure with the hand about her waist. She reined in her shock and masked her face once more. “Ryder Cohen as in the Immortal who has been murdering Sullivan Seers for generations?”
“Yes. The very same. Would you like me to introduce you?” Dan smirked, a rather attractive expression to be certain.
“Indeed. What is she doing with him?” Angeline watched as Ryder greeted Trin with a debonair smile and embraced her affectionately.
“Dating him, of course.” Dan began leading her toward Trin and Ryder. “Just play nice, Angeline. We need him on our side. Trust me.”
6 months later
“Do you have to leave?” Angeline did not realize how much she relied on Dan’s presence. Their relationship remained a very sharp double-edged sword. Neither free to love the other but both unable to deny something existed between them. Sometimes the balance was maddening but mostly she just liked him being around. Dan packed the rest of his things and zipped the gym bag shut without looking at her or answering. His jaw tensed once or twice but that was it. She watched him silently from the wing-backed chair by the window, enjoying the sunlight on her face.
Finally, he looked at her. Dan settled on the guest bed he slept in fairly regularly since Angeline moved in to Willow Wood Manor. “Angeline, you know I have to go. Storm has returned and she has no idea what is going on yet. Trin asked Shane and I to keep it that way for now. You will be well protected here.”
“I know. It is lonely when you leave. That man, Keene, he is wrong.” Angeline frowned. His presence weighed heavily on her mind, especially when he watched Trin as though he could devour her. His mind was blank as well. Other than a handful of maids, gardeners, and the like, Willow Wood Manor offered little by way of social outlets. Ever since the local papers reported the authorities were seeking a woman fitting her description in conjunction with Val’s murder Angeline had been restricted to Willow Wood’s grounds. Dan and Shane were working their angle on the force and close to pinning it on a drug sale gone wrong but somebody kept coming back to murder – likely a friend of Jaiden’s. Sure there were dirty cops on the force, Dan and Shane both knew it, but eventually it would be laid to rest. Good thing Angeline could be patient.
“Relax, Ang. We are close to burying Val’s case. Shane found the perfect person to pin it on, a nasty demon we know who nearly exposed our world recently. He is known to deal on campus and everybody recognized Val’s erratic behavior in the weeks prior to her death. There are no eye witnesses. Just keep researching with Trin and learn what you can for now, alright?” Dan knelt before her and touched her hand gently. “Someday fairy girl, someday we will both be free.”
Angeline withdrew her hand. “I will never be free, Dan. You know that.” She turned away and looked out the front window. Keene was staring up at her from the front drive, a strange expression on his face. “I really do not like that man, Dan. Did you do a background check on him? What is his story?”
“He’s clean, Ang. Legally speaking, he is a saint.” Dan stood stiffly, clearly put off by her perceived rejection. “Just be on your guard. I trust you can handle yourself sufficiently. Good-bye, Angeline.”
“See you soon, Dan. Be careful.” Angeline forced herself to sit still as
he grabbed the bag and practically stalked out the door. She remained in the chair until he pulled out of the front gates. Angeline rested her head on the back of the chair and let one tear roll down her cheek before wiping it away with the back of her hand.
“Angeline?” Trin walked into the room, dressed in dirty overalls and a bright red tank top. “I thought I might find you in here, luv. We are going out tonight so get washed up and meet me in my room in fifteen minutes.” She took off down the hall before Angeline could respond.
~
“Stop fidgeting, you look lovely.” Trin pulled Angeline by the elbow through the parking lot toward the front of Ryder Cohen’s club, Noveau, without another word. Angeline’s head itched beneath the wig and she felt terribly exposed in the skimpy attire Trin forced her into. When they reached the front of the club and saw the long line of similarly dressed women, Angeline understood the costume.
A burly bouncer in a tight black t-shirt and black leather pants lifted the red velvet rope to allow them access without question, “Ms. Sullivan, always a pleasure. Mr. Cohen is at his usual table awaiting you and your guest.” Angeline felt his eyes following her as she walked away, again cursing the too tight leather mini beneath the mid-driff baring bandeau top. The bright blue wig itched something terrible and the fake glitter lashes kept interfering with her vision. How did people dress like this regularly? The interior of the club surprised her given the plain black exterior. Sleek black tables rimmed in gold were arranged in between black leather high backed booths that formed a two semi-circles around a massive parquet dance floor. Every booth seemed to be full or overflowing as opposed to the half full dance floor. The club’s massive bar filled the entire far wall and it appeared to be worked by half a dozen men clothed in black with well-oiled hair. Trin stopped before the center booth along the back wall of the club, still holding Angeline’s elbow.
“Ryder, luv, you remember my assistant, Angeline?” Trin presented Angeline to the booth, occupied by Ryder and another man, vamp by the looks of him, crisp blue dress shirt and expensive-looking suit, nice but not overdone. His platinum hair fell smooth and straight to his shoulder and his features could only be described as flawless, fine porcelain skin stretched over a masculine jawline and long straight nose. Trin squeezed Angeline’s arm lightly, “Angeline, this is Dorian. You are safe with him.”
Both men silently slid toward the back of the booth to make room for the ladies. Angeline settled beside Dorian as Trin nestled up to Ryder with a chaste peck on the cheek.
“You are looking well, Angeline.” Ryder turned to his companion, “Dorian, I have asked Trin and Angeline to join us this evening as we discuss your information.” He raised a hand in the air and a bartender appeared almost instantly at their table. “Clyde, please bring a bottle of red wine and a warmed flute of type O for our friend.”
Dorian inclined his head slightly toward Ryder. “Thank you, friend. Is it safe to discuss these issues here, then?”
Ryder turned to Trin, “Would you mind, Trin?”
“Not in the slightest, luv. Once Clyde returns with the drinks I can work my mojo.” Trin adjusted one of her rings slightly, enough that Angeline caught the transference of power.
To cover, Angeline turned toward Dorian. “Is this your first time here, Dorian?”
“Indeed. Though I must admit, had I know such lovely women inhabited this vicinity I would have surely visited before.” Dorian eyed Angeline appreciatively. “You are part fae?”
Angeline smiled demurely, “Yes, on my mother’s side.”
“You are exquisite.” Dorian sniffed again, almost imperceptibly, “Your blood is strong with fae power.”
“Yes. I took on my younger sister’s fae gifts.” Angeline masked her unease at the topic. Dorian was about to ask another question when Clyde returned with their drinks. Ryder dismissed him and Trin took her cue to cast a privacy barrier around their booth. Angeline had to admire the trick - they could see everything going on around them but nobody could hear their conversation.
“Nobody can hear us.” Trin settled back against the booth adjusting her rings.
“We received disturbing news in our main office approximately six months ago. The elders brushed it off but then the same rumor made its way to the North and East regions a few months ago. Since then, similar messages have appeared in every vampire district. I have been investigating for the last few weeks. More messages have turned up in other factions – witches, wood sprites, water sprites, weres – and those are just the friendly factions. Who knows what about the others? I need to know if the Immortals have received such warnings or if you, Trin Sullivan, have seen anything unusual.” Dorian paused and took a long drink from his goblet.
Ryder leaned forward, “What kind of messages, Dorian? How can I tell you if I have received one if I do not know what you speak of?”
Dorian slowly set his goblet back on the table with a soft clink. “The messages were familiars, babbling madness with their eyes pulled from their sockets.”
Angeline gasped and nearly dropped her wine goblet but steadied it upon the table. Everybody turned to look at her. Trin raised an eyebrow. “Angeline? Does this mean something to you?”
“Yes. Of course it does. Is this a test?” They continued to stare at her blankly.
“What does it mean to you, luv?” Trin swirled her wine in its glass, watching it hypnotically. “Angeline, tell us what you know.”
“It is an old fae story passed down generation to generation to warn of the evil that sent the Tuatha De away from this realm. It is one of the first stories you are told when your fae blood is activated.” Angeline dropped her voice. “It is the reason I took my sister’s fae gifts.” She avoided looking at her companions, closed her eyes and allowed her second vision to take over. Trin’s warm sympathy, Ryder’s obvious surprise, and Dorian’s piercing ice blue gaze regarding her carefully. It was Dorian who placed his cool hand on hers and squeezed gently to urge her on. Angeline took a deep breath, opened her eyes and refocused on her wine goblet. Memories of her mother flooded her mind and gave her strength. “When our world was new the Tuatha de Danaan walked the Earth, building and shaping it for the coming of man. Then the Unseen arrived. From where we do not know. It spread disease and darkness. The Tuatha De rose up against it and finally bound the Unseen to another dimension. Weakened, they left our world to bury their dead and rebuild but warned that the Unseen could return. One of the first signs would be messengers struck blind and driven mad. There are several other harbingers of course but the one that will interest you all would be the one pertaining to me and my kin, specifically, my sister, Olivia. Her birth was unseen , she is the eighth child of a fae female and bears the mark of the White Lady. The rest matters little but what does matter is that in the end I made the choice to save my sister and do my part to prevent the Unseen from rising. ” Angeline trailed off. She took a drink of wine and waited. Nobody spoke but Dorian continued to hold her hand, running his thumb in circles over her knuckles. The vampire’s cool touch struck her as such a contrast to the warmth of Dan’s skin though not unpleasant. Angeline tilted her head to meet Dorian’s gaze.
“It is not often I find females intriguing, Angeline. I should enjoy the opportunity to know you better if you would permit me.” Dorian’s eyes, the strangest powder blue with tiny pinhole pupils that never seemed to dilate, bored through her with such intensity she had to fight the urge to look away.
“Enough, Dorian. Stop testing the girl.” Ryder broke the connection, irritation evident in the hard edge in his voice. “This changes things, everything really, now is not the time for your flirtations. Besides, I do not believe Gregoire would be understanding of such behavior.” The men exchanged a significant look before Ryder continued, “Trin, what do you know if the Unseen?”
“I know much and more, luv. But this is not the time or place for such discussions. If somebody is attempting to raise the Unseen, we need to seek the summoner and prevent the
entire issue.” Trin downed the rest of her wine before acknowledging the silence surrounding her. “What? Wouldn’t that be easier than fighting the beast? Cut out the middle man and you avoid the problem.
“And how do you propose we accomplish that, Seer?” Dorian inclined his head slightly, his eyelids half closed and fingers silently thrumming the table beside Angeline’s hand. He wore a single ring, a simple band inscribed with symbols Angeline recognized vaguely from her studies. Interesting. She would look them up later.
“There are ways, always there are ways. Why would you question me now, vampire? You know of me, of what I possess, what I have accomplished, do not forget yourself.” Trin’s eyes flared in a manner Angeline had never seen, rimmed with bright gold spreading toward the pupil. Ryder reached out and squeezed her arm lightly.
“Trin, not here.” Ryder looked meaningfully at Angeline and nodded toward the door.
“Trin, let’s go. We can research, let the men digest this information and regroup tomorrow. I could reach out to my family and see what more they know.” Angeline stood and reached out for Trin’s hand. Her mentor shook her head slightly and focused on Angeline’s face. The gold faded from her eyes as recognition set in.
“Very well, luv.” She leaned over and kissed Ryder lightly on the cheek before standing. “Good evening, gentlemen. We will surely revisit this discussion at a later time. Oh, and Dorian, before then please remember who I am.”
Six months later
“We should have arranged the funeral during the evening.” Angeline climbed into the passenger seat of the lead car. “Dorian should be here.”
“It would have been too suspicious. Especially now, Ang.” Dan gave her knee a squeeze and started the car. “Her niece is here; Storm does not know everything yet.”
Angeline pulled at her black pencil skirt. “I am aware, Dan. Perhaps it is time –“
The Storm Sullivan Saga: The Emerald Seer Series Box Set Page 35