“Try it. Really look at me. Am I really that attractive?” This usually worked. It let people see through the magic to who I really was. I wasn’t ugly, but I wasn’t a knock out beauty either. I fell somewhere in between.
“That must be the lamest way to get rid of a guy I’ve ever heard.” He stuffed his hands in his pockets. “I bet you were making up the boyfriend too.”
“I don’t look any different to you?”
He looked at me seriously. “Nope. But maybe you will after coffee, or drinks, or dinner, or anything else you want to do.”
“Anything? Like if I wanted to have sex right here on the sidewalk you’d be down for that too?”
He grinned. “I’d definitely be down for that, but I’ve heard the jails here suck.”
“I’ve got to go.” I turned around.
“Where are you going?”
“Shouldn’t you be watching your dad’s store? You left it open.”
“Good point. Wait here.”
I didn’t reply. Hopefully I’d lose him. I’d dealt with clingy guys on a regular basis since being given the magic paste appropriately called Seduction’s Kiss, but this guy actually appeared to be nice, which made it worse. It was easy to ignore jerks, but this guy didn’t seem like one. I picked up my pace hoping he’d go back to the store.
“You really won’t wait?”
“I told you, I’ve got to go.”
“Fine.” He pulled out his phone. “I’ll text my dad and tell him to come by and lock up.”
I rolled my eyes. “Are you listening to yourself? You’d risk your dad’s stuff just to follow me?”
“Sure. He’ll understand. This is fate.”
“Fate?” I raised an eyebrow. “Nice try.”
“You don’t agree?”
I wanted to tell him the truth, it was magic, but the only thing that would accomplish would be making him think I was crazy. Wait. That could work. “You want to know what it is?” I stopped walking.
“What?”
“Magic. It’s magic.”
“Like there’s magic between us?”
“No, magic is making you think I’m more desirable than I am.”
He laughed. “You really do have the best excuses.”
I groaned. “Seriously? Don’t you think I’m crazy?”
“Not any crazier than me.” He grinned sheepishly.
“Goodbye, whoever you are.” I started walking again. I needed to lose this guy before I reached The Midnight Cauldron, the Voodoo shop where I got the stupid paste.
“I’m Evan. And you are?”
“No one you need to remember.”
“Come on. Do I have to guess your name?”
“What part of goodbye don’t you understand?”
“Those two words have nothing on fate, and this is fate.”
“You need to get laid or something. You’re a little bit pathetic.” I wasn’t one to make fun of people, but this guy had moved quickly from nice to annoying.
“You could help me with that, you know.”
“Ugh. Shut up.” I started speed walking.
“Hey, you’re the one who suggested sex on the street.”
“I wasn’t being serious.” I stopped and glared at him. “Leave me alone, ok? This isn’t fate. I have things to do, and you’re going to get in my way. Nice meeting you and goodbye.”
I rounded the corner, and The Midnight Cauldron came into view. Evan was still following me.
“I’ll leave if you give me your number and your name. A real number. Not a made up one.”
“You sound like an obsessed stalker.”
“If it helps at all, you’re the first girl I’ve done this to.”
“Gee, great.”
“So? What’s your name?”
I needed to get him off my back. There was only one way to do it, throw him a bone. “I’ll meet you at Old Absinthe House for a drink at nine.”
“Really? You’ll actually be there?”
“Sure. Just please let me do what I need to do.”
“How do I know you’ll actually show up?” He shifted his weight from foot to foot.
“You don’t.”
“That’s not good enough.”
“It’s all you’re getting. The alternative is I scream really loud and get you in trouble.”
“Fine, I’ll trust you’ll really be there, but how about your name?”
“It’s the name of a flower.” I took a few steps.
“Daisy?”
“Do I look like a Daisy?” I asked without turning around.
“Yes.”
I shook my head. “See you later.”
“Can’t wait.”
I looked over my shoulder. He was actually walking away. Phew. I had no desire to have a drink with the guy, but it at least bought me time. I’d have to figure out what to do later. First I had to survive my next encounter with the witch.
Chapter Three
Daisy
I waited until Evan had disappeared around the corner before stepping through the open doorway of The Midnight Cauldron.
The smell of incense still filled the small space, transporting me back to the Halloween that changed everything. Every little detail of the store looked the same. Candles lined the window sills, and the racks displayed the same little gifts and novelties. There was some comfort in the sameness. At least this place hadn’t changed.
When I reached the counter I noticed a few differences. The rack of vials had disappeared. It had been replaced by keychains and other knickknacks.
I hit the bell on the desk. I wasn’t thrilled about seeing Kalisa again, but I hoped she’d lead me in the right direction. She owed me after all the trouble she’d caused.
“Hi, can I help you find something?” an older woman asked. She was dressed in a flowing floral dress and had her hair tied back.
“Hi. I’m looking for Kalisa.”
“There’s no one here by that name.”
“She owns this store. At least she did a few years ago.” I tried to ignore the panic setting in. What the hell was going on? How did this woman not know the name of the owner?
“I’ve owned this place for over two years now, and it was sitting empty when I bought it.”
Another store sitting empty? Nothing was adding up. “Are you sure? This store was open when I was here about two and half years ago.”
“Maybe you’re thinking of another Voodoo shop.” She gave me a funny look I immediately recognized as the ‘you are crazy’ gaze.
I needed to stop before she tried to get me help. “Oh. That’s got to be it. Sorry.”
“It happens, but I’d be happy to help you find anything you need. Maybe a Voodoo doll? Or a frog’s leg?”
“No thanks.” I hurried out of the store. Either that woman was lying, or Kalisa was long gone. Had she screwed over other innocent tourists and been run out of town, or was there something else at work?
I broke into a near run as I moved on to the next place I’d seen that Halloween. I wasn’t actually going to step foot into the vampire bar, Gravediggers, but I needed to know it was still open.
I stayed on the far side of the street, confused when I noticed a crowd congregating outside the open doors. The last time I’d been there the place had been dead—no pun intended.
I tentatively walked over. A pretty girl dressed in a tight black dress smiled at me. “Two for one martini night tonight.”
“At Gravediggers?”
“Uh huh. Want to come in?”
“That’s okay.”
“Are you sure? You can take shots off me.”
“Uh, no thanks.” The Seduction’s Kiss paste was working at full force that night. Maybe being back in New Orleans made it stronger.
“Are you sure?” She batted her eye lashes.
I watched as a large crowd of girls all wearing matching t-shirts that said ‘Amy’s Bachelorette’ walked in. There was no way these girls were going into a vampire bar.
“You okay?” The girl touched my shoulder when I walked outside.
I shrugged away from her touch as politely as I could. “Fine.” I wasn’t fine. Not at all. Either everything had changed in two and a half years, or I was losing my mind. It couldn’t be. It had all happened. Owen had happened.
I headed back toward the hotel. I couldn’t stomach any more time out in the quarter, and I wasn’t in the mood for dinner. I wasn’t in the mood for anything. Except a drink. I could definitely use a drink to help me relax.
The hotel bar was hopping, but I managed to find a stool all the way at the end. The bartender, a guy probably in his early thirties, walked over. “What can I get you?”
“A Rum and Coke please.”
“Captain’s okay?”
“Yeah.” Paying for top shelf liquor wasn’t in my recent college grad budget.
He slid the drink across the bar. “Should I open a tab?”
“No thanks.” I put a ten down on the bar. If my drink cost more than that I was in trouble.
“What brings you to New Orleans?” Despite the crowd, the bartender was chatting with me. I hoped it was out of boredom. I couldn’t take much more of the crazed Seduction’s Kiss response.
“A job interview.” Having a cover story was convenient. It helped with my parents and with anyone I met while down there.
“Oh yeah? Anything cool?”
“An internship at The New Orleans Times.”
“Oh cool. Good luck with the interview.”
“Thanks.” I picked up my glass. “It’s tomorrow.”
“Is this your first time here?” He opened a beer for another customer and handed it to him.
“No. I was down here for Halloween a few years ago.” I sipped my drink. Between the alcohol and the light chat, I was starting to relax. I wasn’t crazy, there had to be an explanation for everything.
“Halloween, eh? Pretty crazy, right?”
“It was a crazier weekend than you would ever believe.” My stomach growled. I really needed to eat eventually.
“Are you staying here?”
As much as I was careful about sharing any personal info with people, I figured it couldn’t hurt. “Yeah.”
“Cool. I was asking because you should try the room service then. The food here is great.”
“My stomach was that loud?”
He laughed. “Kind of. If I was getting off soon I’d offer to take you out somewhere, but I have to be here until five.”
“Five a.m.? Are you serious?”
“This is New Orleans.”
I took another sip of my drink. “I guess so.”
He smiled. “If you’re still up, come back by.”
“Considering I have an interview at nine, I better not be, but thanks.” I smiled. All right, not a clinger. Maybe age helped dispel some of the magic’s effect.
The bartender walked off, and I started to people watch. One of the best ways to get your mind off things is to focus on what other people are doing. Most people have lives that are interesting to everyone but themselves.
“Hey, man!”
I turned to see the new arrival to the bar. He was an incredibly attractive guy with brown hair. He was probably a few years older than me, and I recognized him. It took me all of thirty seconds to place how, and my whole body froze. He was one of Owen’s friends that were with him when I first saw him. He was my first clue. My first proof that what I’d remembered happening that weekend had actually happened.
I waited. He was surrounded by people. The bartender evidently knew him because he immediately made and handed him a drink. “I assume you wanted your usual?”
“Thanks, Alex.” He accepted the glass of something brown. Probably whiskey.
I finished off my drink, still waiting for an opportunity to talk to Owen’s friend. What could I say? There was no way he’d remember me, but I couldn’t let this opportunity pass me by. Maybe Evan was right about fate—although it had nothing to do with me and him. This was about finding Owen.
I took a few deep breaths and walked over to where the guy stood with some friends. “Excuse me?”
He looked at me. “Can I help you with something?”
“I was wondering if you could tell me where to find your friend Owen?”
“Owen?” His eyes widened. His other friends looked at me funny.
“Yes.” I kept my expression neutral. I had to play this calm even though I felt anything but.
“Do you know him?” he asked.
“Yes.”
He nodded to his friends. “I’ll be right back.” He walked away, and I followed.
“I’m sorry to bother you, but I really need to find your friend.”
“What’s your name?” he asked.
“Daisy. What’s yours?”
He laughed. “I don’t get that question a lot. I’m Levi.”
“We met once before, but it’s been a long time.”
“You look vaguely familiar.” He seemed to be contemplating something, as though he was trying to place me.
“Glad I was memorable.”
He laughed again. “Nice sense of humor. I wish I could help you, but Owen left town.”
“What?” My chest clenched. “When?”
“It’s been months now.”
“Oh.”
“Sorry I couldn’t help.” He started to turn away.
“Wait.” I looked at him closer. He had to be a Pteron. He had the same look as Owen. “I know what you are.”
“Excuse me?”
Maybe I was going to get myself in trouble, but I was desperate and unwilling to give up on my only lead.
“I know you’re a Pteron.” Saying that word out loud felt good. So natural despite how little I understood it. The only thing I knew was that these creatures were strong and hiding a substantial set of wings. I’d kept the name to myself for years, not even sharing it with Andrew. Owen had emphasized the importance of keeping it secret, but now that I knew he wasn’t even in the same city I didn’t care. He saved my life, but that didn’t mean I was going to keep his secrets forever. If they wanted me to shut up, they were going to have to explain why.
Levi looked over his shoulder at his friends before returning his attention back at me. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Yes you do. Owen told me, and I’ve seen his wings. I know he’s one too.”
Levi shifted nervously. “I really don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Please stop. I’ve been waiting years for answers. I’m tired of waiting.”
He leaned over and stared into my eyes. “Listen, I don’t know who you are, but you need to stop. You’re only going to get yourself in trouble.”
“I’m already in trouble.” I sighed. “Please, just tell me I’m right. I need to know I’m not losing my mind.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “Fine. Let’s say hypothetically that you’re right. What do you want? Why are you looking for Owen?”
“I need to thank him.” My reply was far too simple. There were so many reasons I wanted to find him, but thanking him again seemed like a start.
“Thank him for?”
“For saving my life.”
His eyes widened slightly again. “Listen, there isn’t much I can do. Owen’s gone.”
“Can’t you get a message to him for me then?”
“I haven’t heard from him in months. He needed a break and went off the grid.”
“Off the grid?” I eyed him skeptically. “Somehow I doubt that.”
“It’s true.”
“Fine. Thanks for your time.” I turned away.
“If it helps, I’m sorry I can’t help you more.”
“It doesn’t help,
but thanks.” I should have headed for the elevator, but I didn’t. Instead I headed outside.
Chapter Four
Owen
I thought moving to the mountains would give me some peace and quiet, but I was wrong. It seems I was a magnet for people as desperate for company as I was to be alone. They say when you’re lonely the best thing to do is to surround yourself with people, but that’s not true. The more people I was around, the lonelier I felt. It was only a reminder of how I was still single and in the same place while everyone else in my life had moved on.
I’m not human. Maybe I should start there. The reason I was single—and as a result lonely—was because of that fact. I’d only shown two girls what I was. The first one ran away and broke my heart, and I never gave the second girl the chance. Her kiss, the heart stopping kiss that left me hungering for more, was the only warning I needed. It was too dangerous. I needed to run from her before she could do the same.
It had been over two years since I’d kissed a girl. I know that sounds pathetic, but really what was the point? Sex for the sake of sex gets old when there’s nothing to back it up. My best friends had never agreed with me. They’d spent their time sleeping with any girls they could, but even they’d settled down.
“Owen?” Clyde called as soon as I stepped outside my front door. You’d think living five miles from the nearest town would make visitors scarce, but I wasn’t that lucky.
“Hi. Is there something you need?” I tried to keep the edge out of my voice. I didn’t need to make enemies. I was trying to blend in.
Clyde laughed and adjusted the rim of his cowboy hat. He was a Montana boy who’d left his parents’ ranch to rough it in the Colorado mountains. He might have given up the ranch life, but that cowboy hat was still always on his head. “It’s always great to see you, man. Such a great sense of humor.”
“I’m on my way out.”
“Out where? You aren’t even wearing a shirt.”
He was completely right. A shirt was only going to get in the way for what I was heading out to do. “Who says I need a shirt?”
“Pretty much any store or restaurant. That is where you’re going, right? Into town?”
“No, I’m going for a hike.”
“With no shirt? And no water?”
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