by Tara Brown
“Blackwater?”
“My family was less amazing but not less magical. So I was raised by her family and taken in to be her sister in all things. She has been with me my entire adult life. When we first came, black people were only maids and butlers and grunt workers. It was surreal to see, after having been raised and loved by her family my whole life and treated as their equal. So for show, she worked for me, but she has always been my sister. Of course she likes to be busy, she won’t live any other way. So now she cooks and cleans and counsels and we keep each other company.”
“She’s trapped behind the barrier on this place, isn’t she?”
Lydia’s eyes sparkle. “You felt that, did you?”
I nod.
She chuckles softly. “Annabelle made the barrier. I don't know if you know what happens to a witch who makes a barrier this strong—”
“They die,” I interrupt.
“They do indeed. So Annabelle is here, spending all of her eternity with me. We open our home to the Roses, always helping Lorri when we can. We train witches and we keep the balance here.”
I realize I’m so captivated by everything I’ve forgotten to ask. But I don't have to. She smiles. “Portland, and yes, I have called Lorri on the phone and told her you are here, safe and sound.” She gives me a look. “I wasn't joking when I said what you did for those two kids was sweet. It isn’t often we see something like you do something like that.”
It makes me scowl.
“It’s rare to keep the kindness when you take on the taint of being immortal. Humans become a bit secondary.”
“I don't know where Portland is, and I don't think any kid should grow up with parents who hate them.” She sees right through me so there isn’t any point in sugarcoating it. “I would never wish my childhood on anyone.”
“She’s still out there, floating about the universe, searching for you. But she can’t hurt you.”
“She’s probably in a trailer, haunting a swamp in her off time though.”
“You’re safe here and Annabelle no doubt has a bath poured for you. Go on up and get clean. You’ll feel better. And then you can get a good night’s rest before Lorri shows up tomorrow.”
I take a cookie from the plate and walk out of the kitchen to the dark hallway. There’s a sitting room, a proper foyer, and a massive set of stairs. Beautiful stairs, real grand and elaborate. I almost wish Em could see them, but I know she’s having fun at Roses Academy training.
I run my hands along the smooth wood as I climb the stairs. When I get to the top, a light is on in a room and the door is open. I worry it’s a trap and that relaxing sounding bath might be bait, until Annabelle appears in the hallway, smiling up a storm. “Now hurry up.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I pick up the pace, walking to the shimmering ghost in the dark hallway.
What has become of my life?
The bath with Annabelle means that in those exact terms. She pulls your clothes off and chats incessantly, and when you get into the water, she washes your hair and hums.
I wasn't crazy about getting naked in front of her, but once the humming and hair washing started, I was sold.
“Miss Lorelei, you been running a long time. Your soul is sleepy like I ain’t never seen before.”
“Yes, ma’am.” When she’s done cleaning my hair and conditioning she rubs my shoulders with her magical—literally—hands. My whole body relaxes. I’m putty in her hands.
When she’s done she pats me on the arm. “You have a good sleep, now ya hear!” And she’s gone.
I get out, wrapping myself in the towel and staring at the mirror. My reflection is just me. No words or whispers or reflection I don't quite recognize. Just me, dripping wet in a towel.
I dry off and walk to the bed in the room across from the bathroom. I drop the towel to the floor and fall into the soft, pillowed mattress and let a thousand worries fall from my shoulders. I sleep like the dead.
When I wake I’m refreshed and a sort of pleasantness washes over me. I don't know when I’ve last felt this way. Nothing feels too big. Nothing feels like it’s my responsibility. Everything seems detached and too far away for me to make a difference with it.
Dorian and Gwen pick at me. Okay, Landry too. But even they don't make me stressed. I’m completely free, for seven seconds.
Then I hear them.
The boots clicking across the floor.
I wince, not wanting to admit I know exactly who it is. She storms into the room, not even knocking and nods. “You’re okay then?”
I nod.
Lorri sighs, “You had me worried. What happened? Lydia says she saw Marcus in your memory.”
I shudder, recalling all those details. “Marcus must have made a deal with Rydal and Whit and the boys. They made a trap at the castle for me. When I walked into it, I fell into darkness and then Marcus opened a door for me and I was there.” I realize I’m not explaining it real well, but I’m completely lost still on how it worked.
“A traveler’s door. He made a witch make a traveler’s door for you to walk into in Scotland and end up here in Portland at his creepy mansion.”
I shrug. “I guess so.”
“Then?”
My skin crawls but I force the words out. “Then he was real nice to me, feeding me and getting me a shower and some clothes.” I roll my eyes realizing how dumb it all sounds. “He gave me a nightdress. I passed out ‘cause he drugged my food and woke up on top of the bed chained like a starfish.” My insides tighten along with Lorri’s jawline.
She cocks an eyebrow. “Disturbing but not surprising.”
“Then Rydal came in, pretending to be Whit, which was weird. He drank my blood.”
Lorri’s head is shaking and her eyes are getting murderous. I almost don't want to finish the story.
“Then Inger came in. He tried to feed but Marcus walked in and killed him right there. A man named Henry was at the door and when he saw me, he seemed real upset. Marcus was all riled up so he forgot to lock the door. I dragged my hands from the cuffs, broke the bed, and escaped the room. There was some kind of black rock everywhere. I couldn't use my magic in there. “
“Devil’s rock. It’s called obsidian.”
“Oh.” I still don't know what it is. “When I got free of the room, my magic was back and I ran. I ran through the woods and then the lady, Miss Lydia, found me.”
“After you killed a family, burned their house down, and gave away their children.”
I want to argue that but it’s sort of how it worked. It’s a real simple version of the story that makes me sound worse than I am.
“Okay then. Get dressed. Clothes are in the top drawer. Meet me downstairs. Annabelle is making breakfast. We eat and then we leave.”
“Is everyone else okay?”
“They’re fine.” She turns and walks away. “We can talk at breakfast. Hurry up.”
I wonder what she would be like if she didn't sort of like me.
The clothes in the top drawer are weird, futuristic-like. Black underwear and black leather pants that are so tight I feel like I might die when I get them done up. I do a couple of squats, surprised at how much give the leather has. They fit like a glove within moments. Then I pull on a black bra and a dark-burgundy tee shirt. A pair of black boots is there. When I get them on I realize the clothes were put here specifically for me.
Creepy.
My heels click along the floor, like Lorri’s. Must be a trademark of the Roses Academy.
When I get downstairs, Lorri, Lydia, Dorian, and a man I don't know are sitting at the table. Dorian gives me his usual smug grin. I sneer back but then get lost staring at the stranger. He’s gorgeous.
Lydia points at the stranger. “This is a friend of ours from Norway, Aleksander. Aleks, this is Lorelei.”
He has to have the most haunting blue eyes I have ever seen. I feel like the ocean moves behind his stare, and if you hold his head close to yours, you’ll hear the waves.
&n
bsp; He blushes and nods, looking sort of cut off from life.
Brandon Green strolls into the kitchen and pats me on the back. “How is our favorite recruit this week?”
“Hungry and wishing I could scratch the eyes off Marcus.”
He chuckles. “A regular Tuesday then, huh?”
“I guess.” I shrug and sit at the table that I swear is bigger than before. The magic house is fairly awesome.
Annabelle gives me a cold peck on the cheek when she lays my plate of food down. “How’d you sleep?”
“Real great.”
She rubs my shoulders for a second and vanishes, reappearing in the hallway off the kitchen. Aleks lifts his eyes. “You sound like Annabelle when you talk.”
It makes me laugh. “She’s from the South too.” I smile, noticing he smells real good.
Lydia twitches her head back and forth, staring right at me. Mr. Sexy Eyes is off limits, apparently.
Dorian leans across the table, narrowing his gaze. “So the brothers were at Marcus’ den of sin?”
I take a bite of bacon after sliding it through the real maple syrup and close my eyes. “Mmmhmmm.” The bite is heaven. What can’t Annabelle cook? Lord in heaven.
“She can cook it all, kiddo. She is the real deal,” Lydia says as she sips her tea.
I smile. “You need to stay outta my head.”
“I think you’ll stay out of more trouble with me in there.”
I glance at the sexy Aleksander and agree. “That's probably true.”
Dorian snaps his fingers in front of my face. “They were at Marcus’?”
“YES!” I snap back.
He laughs. “Well, you were moaning about breakfast, and I didn't understand your bacon mumbles. Pardon me for not speaking hick.”
“You know what, Dorian?” I put my fork down. “I’m about six seconds from taking my shoes and earrings off, so you better run.”
“You’re wearing boots and there are no earrings.”
I jump across the table but he flashes, pulling us both. We’re in my room upstairs. He shoves me onto the bed as I shoot a firebolt at him. He turns the lock on the door, pointing like he’s outraged at me. “That could have really hurt.”
“The next one will,” I snarl but he just grins.
He winks and he’s behind me the same as in the daydream I had. He dips his face into my neck, taking a long inhale. “You owe me some kisses.”
“Not a chance.” I shake my head, closing my eyes and letting his lips graze my neck tenderly.
“Yes, you do.” He kisses my cheek.
Lorri is in the room suddenly, touching us both and winking. We are no longer kneeling on the bed. Instead, we are on the grass in a forest.
“That was rude.” Dorian’s hands drop from my waist. My face is on fire.
I stand up next to Lorri, following her gaze to Dorian who doesn't appear impressed. “I don't see why you couldn't give us fifteen minutes.”
Lorri rolls her eyes. “You mean five?” She grabs my arm. “You owe me one.”
“Okay,” I mutter uncertain and watch as Dorian gets up, brooding and griping but following us through the woods.
When we get to the mansion, I pause. I know these woods. “Is that Marcus’?” She nods, scoping the grounds out. My insides start to do their churning and panicking thing. “Why are we here?”
“To kill some vampires.” She gives me a smug look. “You do whatever Marcus says. Let me worry about rescuing you later, okay?”
“I’m bait?” My stomach hurts.
“You are now. You’ll be perfect at convincing Marcus to work with us.”
We walk directly to the front door. Henry answers it with a confused look. He frowns at me, completely baffled as to why I would come back. I nod, like I’m reading his thoughts and fully agreeing with him. “We need to see Marcus.”
Henry exhales loudly and leaves. Marcus comes to the door in a tan leisure suit moments later. He frowns when he sees Lorri, but his eyes light up when he realizes I’m there too. “This isn’t really the sort of party I imagined us having.” His eyes dart to Dorian. “Brother, I didn't see you there.”
They’re brothers? That makes so much sense.
“I could tell you were distracted.”
Marcus nods. “She is distracting.” He glances back at me. “Have you enjoyed her kisses too, Brother?”
“I haven’t.” Dorian chuckles. “Unlike you, I prefer not to give witches the chance to poison my soul.”
My head snaps around to him. I’m offended but also aghast he would say that after he was making moves ten minutes ago.
“Anyway.” Lorri puts a hand up, stopping the conversation. “You help us with Whit and his brothers, and you can have her.”
“What?” My jaw drops.
Marcus chuckles. “Oh, Lorri. Only you understand the depths I will go to have what I want.” He gives me a depraved smile. “Ollie is inside. Inger is dead as I’m certain Lorelei here has told you. Rydal ran when I killed Inger. But Whit never came here. Rydal says he’s gone rogue, not one of them any longer.” His eyes pierce my soul. “Apparently, he’s in love with young Lorelei. Not that I can blame him. She does inspire me to want to love. Reminds me of a friend I had once.”
Lorri shoves me at him. “Bring Ollie out.” I stagger into his arms, burning him with my touch the moment he’s near.
He winces and licks his fingers. “She’s spicy.”
Dorian chuckles as Marcus walks back into the house.
I spin, snapping, “I can’t believe you would just give me to him.”
Lorri’s dark eyes light up. “I’ll do anything to win.”
Marcus is there within seconds. Ollie looks like he was sleeping. He scowls. “Lorelei!”
Lorri nods at Marcus who moves quickly. Ollie makes a face, the same one Inger made, drops to his knees, and then falls flat onto his face. Marcus tears his head from his body and nods at me. “Make a fire, would ya?”
I’m trembling but I manage to gain enough composure to point my finger at the ground next to me and shoot a flame, starting a fire. He tosses the body into the fire, grabs my arm, and waves at Lorri. “Henry will track the other two. They’ll be dead by tomorrow.” He pulls me into the massive front entryway and slams the door.
I spin to run for the door but Marcus grabs my arm, dragging me down the hall. I zap his hand, forcing him to let go.
He turns, starting to get angry. His lips become a thin line.
“Don't give me that look.” I put a hand up. “Dragging me around like some prize isn’t ever going to win me over. Don't you want me to like you?”
He folds his arms across his chest. “I’m listening.”
“Why don't we have dinner first and get to know each other?”
“You are dinner.”
I bite my lip. “What about doing something you like to do and getting to know each other?”
“I like to eat blood and I like to nap.”
“Can you nap while I read?” I’m not tired, but I need to maintain some level of dignity.
He cocks an eyebrow. “I like chess. If you beat me, I will respect you as more than just a meal. If I win, you will shut your pretty little mouth, unless I tell you otherwise.”
I hold a hand out. “Deal.” I have something he doesn't know about.
He stares at my hand like I’ve offered him poison. He walks past my hand and crosses the room to the chessboard in the corner.
He sits, looking impatient. A strange grin crosses his lips. “You know, the one thing saving you right now is that I enjoy the chase. The suspense makes it more exciting.”
I nod, not listening. I can’t hear him and the voices of the ancients in my head. He makes his first move and my hand is guided to countermove. He makes his second move and again my hand slides over the next one. His eyebrow goes up. “You’ve played before?”
I shrug. “My daddy was a fan.” I don't want to lie and say no. Henry walks into the room. He pauses a
nd the corners of his lips come up. He winks at me, almost scaring me. His bowler hat is intimidating, but the cheesy grin he’s fighting tells me everything I have to know. I sense something about him. He’s strong—stronger than me but something about his magic that's held back. It’s almost like a leash. He’s an odd sort of manservant for a vampire to have.
But something else tells me Marcus isn’t an average vampire. I focus back on the game, desperate to work him over.
Marcus is sweating within thirty minutes, and I know exactly how I’m going to win. I can even foresee his moves. The ancient inside me is seriously good at chess.
He gives me an odd look, hovering his hand over the table, watching my reaction to the move. His eyes are filled with anger but he’s keeping his cool for the most part.
I smile at him so he doesn't make the move. He makes a different one, the one my hand predicted he would. I make my move right away and he screams. “YOU’RE CHEATING! I KNOW IT! I CAN’T PROVE IT BUT I KNOW IT!”
“Guess that means you forfeit?” I wink at him, sitting calmly in my seat as he yanks on his hair.
Chapter 11
The whole thing is wearing on his nerves. I told him the moment he beat me in chess, I would do any damned thing he could think of.
Seventeen games and five days later and I move my king into check.
His eyes lift. Something is there behind them, a wry grin. He laughs suddenly, quite evil-like too.
He moves his queen and my heart sinks.
“Holy hellfire, how the hell did you do—” My eyes widen. “You cheated. You son of a bitch, you cheated.”
“Prove it.” He shrugs.
I point. “I swear to the gods that was not a queen a second ago.”
“You’re mistaken.”
Son of a—shit!
He gets up and skips around the room. It’s a weird sight but at the same time it makes me laugh. He bows gracefully when he circles back to me. “My lady, you owe me some delicious blood.”
I sigh as Henry brings Lorri into the room. She cocks an eyebrow at Marcus’ shit-eating grin and the state of both of us. I’m in a velour leisure suit, lavender to be exact, and he’s in a reddish-orange one. She shakes her head. “The fashion of this decade is impossibly horrid.”