Courting the Darkness

by Fuller, Karen

  “Caleb!” Mica roared. “I should kill you where you stand.”

  Caleb flashed a crooked grin. “Awe, y’all know I didn’t mean anything by any of it.”

  Desiree bounced a fireball in her hand. “No, Caleb, I don’t know after the stunt you pulled earlier. I can’t trust you anymore.”

  “Awe, you know you love me, Dez.”

  That was it, the final straw. She lost it. Bringing her hand back, she let the fireball fly. It knocked Caleb off his feet into the cavern wall. She marched up, standing over him. He had managed to bring himself to his knees. She was trembling with rage. “I. Do. Not. Love. You!” she shouted. “You idiot! You almost cost me the love of my life! I have been on this earth for a hundred and twenty-five years and never really knew love. I finally find it and you get delusional and try to steal my one chance at happiness.”

  Caleb looked up. “You could learn to love me. I could make you happy.”

  Denise rolled her eyes. “Caleb, she’s right. You are delusional.”

  Desiree closed her eyes to get her composure back together. When she opened them, Caleb was standing again. He grinned and started to take a step toward her. She side-stepped him and reached for Mica. He placed himself between her and Caleb.

  “Back off!” Desiree shouted from behind Mica. “I don’t love you. I love Mica. I don’t know how to be more direct than that.”

  “But Mica doesn’t love you.”

  “You’re wrong, Caleb. I do love her, and I will protect her with my life. We’ve been friends a long time, which is the only reason that you still live. Don’t make me have to protect her from you. I will kill you if I have to.”

  Caleb’s shoulders slumped. “Okay, okay, I’ll stop. I concede to defeat.”

  Denise strolled up to Caleb, grabbing him by the throat and slamming him up against the wall. “It’s my turn, you mangy polecat,” she hissed. “Lose my number.”

  Caleb laughed. “Oh, Denise, I’m sorry. I was drunk when I called you.”

  “Because of you, Mica almost ripped out my throat.” She slammed him against the wall one more time, and released him. “I should have known better than to have listened to you. You were always the one for practical jokes. I know this wasn’t a joke, but here I am still the one with egg on my face. What possessed you to call me in the first place?”

  Caleb looked away in guilt. “I—uh—don’t know.”

  “There’s that look again.” Mica narrowed his eyes, looking at Caleb harder. “That’s the same look you had on your face when you came back from that drunken binge. That look like you’re feeling guilty about something. What are you hiding? What did you do?”

  Caleb ducked his head. “I—uh—don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Caleb…”

  Caleb looked away. “Okay, okay, I confess, it wasn’t my idea to call Denise. It’s just, when it was suggested, it sounded like a good idea at the time. I’m sorry.”

  “If it wasn’t your idea, then whose idea was it?”

  Caleb scratched his head and still refused to look at him. “I—uh—was just talking to a guy I was drinking with. I—uh—was just being friendly. He—uh—uh—was real easy to talk to, and he was—uh—after all, buying the shots of Crown.”

  Mica rolled his eyes. “Caleb, this drinking buddy with the bright ideas, who was he?” Caleb actually flushed and Mica became more suspicious. “Answer me.”

  “He said his name was Johnny. Mica, I don’t even really remember talking to the guy.” He shrugged helplessly. “He was still there the next morning when I woke up and reminded me of what I said.” He glanced at Denise, swallowing hard. “And did… He took great pleasure in watching me squirm.”

  Desiree’s eyes grew wide and she brought her hands up to cover her mouth. “Oh my God, Caleb!” she gasped. “You didn’t!” Everyone looked at Desiree and her reaction. “That’s how he knew everything. My God, you told him. How could you?”

  “I didn't know it was him, Dez. I had never seen him before. I would’ve never done that on purpose. You have to know that.”

  Mica tilted his head. “Desiree, what are you talking about?”

  “Jason Hargrove! Caleb ran his mouth to Jason. That explains how he knew where we were—everything.”

  Mica’s head whipped back around to Caleb. “You ran your mouth to Hargrove?”

  Caleb cringed. He splayed his hands, shrugging helplessly again. “He said his name was Johnny. I didn’t find out who he was until the next morning.”

  “Why didn’t you kill him when you had the chance?”

  Caleb looked away. “I told you, he took great pleasure in reminding me of what I said. He hurried back to his vehicle. When I hollered at him, calling him by name, that’s when he said I had the name wrong. He said, it’s not Johnny, its Jason, Jason Hargrove. He actually laughed at me and slammed the vehicle door. I morphed and chased him for about ten miles, but I couldn’t catch the van.”

  “Wait a minute. I’m missing something here.” Denise placed her hands on her hips. “I’ve never heard the name Jason Hargrove before. Who is he, and how did he know anything about me?”

  Mica crossed his arms over his chest, still glaring at Caleb. “He’s the one who started all this mess in the first place. He is a witch hunter. He kidnapped Desiree and took her to Salem to burn as a witch.”

  “I’m still confused. Our kind doesn’t normally associate with witches, no offense to Desiree. How do you two even know her?”

  Caleb shrugged. “Drake sent us to rescue her.”

  Denise’s eyes grew and she looked at Mica. “Mica, do you think it wise to mess with Drake’s property? His temper is worse than yours.”

  Desiree stepped out from behind Mica to face Denise. “I’m not Drake’s property.”

  Denise cocked her eyebrow in disbelief.

  Mica sighed. “Drake assured me before we left that he only wanted Desiree for her magic.”

  Denise started to laugh. “Her magic, yeah right,” she remarked sarcastically, looking Desiree up and down.

  Mica grinned. “Our little Desiree here is quite talented.”

  “I’ll bet she is.” Insinuation rang clear in her voice. “I bet she’s real talented. That’s why you two were fighting over her.”

  “Denise! That will be enough. She is talented as a witch, and Drake did want her for her magic.”

  “Oh, come on, Mica. You know as well as I do that magic is just an illusion. We rely on what is real and tangible, not…trickery!”

  “Her magic is real. I’ll prove it to you. Follow me.” He lifted Desiree into his arms.

  “What’s the matter? Can’t she walk on her own two feet?” Denise remarked dryly.

  “She’s afraid of the dark,” Caleb replied.

  Denise rolled her eyes. “Naturally.”

  “Just cut the sarcasm and follow me.”

  They drew close to the mouth of the cavern and sunlight was beginning to light up the corridor. Denise put her hand on Mica’s arm to stop him from going any further. “Mica, we can’t go any further. Just tell me what you’re talking about.”

  Mica placed Desiree on her feet, grinning at Denise. “Watch me.” He proceeded to walk into the sunshine.

  “Mica, don’t!” Denise shouted.

  Mica turned to face them. He raised his arms and face to the sunlight, and smiled.

  Denise’s mouth dropped open in disbelief. “That’s not possible.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  Desiree ran up to Mica and he wrapped his arms around her in a hug. “I love you,” he whispered, “and I’m sorry you had to hear it the way you did. I should have told you before.”

  She grinned. “I love you too. I would have probably said it sooner, but you are just so damn intimidating.”

  He laughed. “I’ll try to work on that.”

  She laughed. “Don’t bother. I love you just the way you are.”

  He brought his lips to hers in a demanding kiss. She broug
ht her arms up around his neck and molded her body to his.

  Caleb cleared his throat. “Y’all have an audience, you know.”

  “Go away, Caleb,” they said in unison, and Denise laughed.

  “Come on, you mangy polecat.” Denise punched Caleb in the arm. “Come back inside with me and leave these two alone for a while. We’ve both been enough trouble for at least one day.”

  Caleb hung his head, following Denise back into the cavern. “Don’t call me that.”

  Denise laughed.

  Mica kissed her forehead. “Let’s go for a walk.”

  “That would be nice.” She put her face toward the sun, grinning. “I’m tired of that old cave anyway. It kind of creeps me out.”

  He twined his fingers in hers. “Oh, I don’t know. I will always have fond memories of that place.”

  She flushed. “Come to think of it, I will too. That Express Van will always be near and dear to my heart as well.”

  They stepped out into the bright sunshine. Mica looked up to the sun, squinting his eyes to the glare. “My eyes are not accustomed to the brightness yet.”

  She laughed. “I’ll put sunglasses for you at the top of my shopping list.”

  He pulled her back into his arms. “You are amazing.” He kissed the top of her head.

  She hugged him tighter. “You’re pretty amazing yourself.”

  “I’m kind of anxious to leave and take you to your new home. Let’s go pack up. We’ll leave tonight, and by this time tomorrow, this mess will be all behind us.”

  She kissed his cheek. “That sounds good to me.”

  He swept her off her feet and into his arms. “I hope you never get accustomed to the darkness. I rather enjoy holding you this close.”

  She giggled playfully. “Not half as much as I do.”

  He grinned. “You’re not afraid of the dark anymore, are you?”

  “I certainly don’t like it much, but if I’m with you, I’m not afraid anymore.” She grinned mischievously. “But if you wish to continue to carry me, I won’t complain.”

  He brushed his lips with hers and she boldly latched on tighter, slipping her tongue between his lips to stoke his. He broke the kiss, looking deeply into her eyes. “I definitely can’t wait to get you back home.”

  She laughed softly. “I hope you always feel that way.”

  “Since you can make me feel that way with just a look, I don’t foresee it changing in the near future.”

  She grinned, giving him a quick kiss. “Let’s go pack. I was ready to leave hours ago.”

  * * *

  “Start packing,” Mica announced as he entered the cavern. He set Desiree back down on her feet. “We’re leaving at sunset.”

  Caleb’s eyes widened. “But we haven’t caught Hargrove yet.”

  “If Hargrove is still stalking us, he will follow us to New Orleans. At least there we’ll have more backup. Hargrove has demonstrated how devious he can be, and I’m not taking any chances with Desiree’s safety.”

  Denise nudged Desiree’s arm. “Desiree, could I talk to you for a minute?”

  Desiree gave Mica an uneasy glance and he nodded. “Oh—uh—okay, Denise. What’s up?”

  Denise chewed on her bottom lip. “How did you do it?”

  “Do what?”

  “Perform this miracle for Mica?”

  Desiree was careful to keep a straight face. “I did it with a blood sacrifice. Are you volunteering?”

  Denise backed up in confusion. “Uh—no—I—uh—I volunteer Caleb.”

  Desiree laughed. “Hey, Caleb, Denise has enlisted your services as a blood sacrifice.”

  “She’s what?” Caleb stepped forward, clearly confused. Mica joined Desiree in the laughter.

  Desiree wiped the tears of laughter from her eyes. “Denise, even if I told you how I did it, you couldn’t replicate it. You’re not a witch. You don’t have any powers.”

  The disappointment was clear on her face. “Oh, I was just wondering.”

  “I’ll tell you what. If you promise me that you’ll never interfere in our lives again, I’ll help you.”

  “That’s an easy one.” She smiled. “You’ll never have to see me ever again.”

  “You don’t have to go quite that far.” Desiree laughed. “Just don’t listen to any of Caleb’s schemes and I’ll be happy with the arrangement.”

  “It’s a deal.”

  “Wait here. I’ll be right back. I need to keep them hidden until we’re ready to leave. My freedom from Drake depends on those amulets.”

  “Amulets?” Denise threw out her hands in confusion.

  “Yes, amulet.” Mica walked over to show her his.

  “That little thing is that powerful?”

  “Yeah, she almost brought the roof of the cavern down on top of herself blessing these things. Don’t take it lightly.”

  Desiree walked up to Denise, handing her the amulet on a gold chain. “Wear it and it will protect you in the daylight.”

  Denise put the necklace on. “Thanks. I don’t have to do anything else?”

  “Why don’t you go try it out? We’ll walk with you.”

  Denise’s eyes grew wide. “Now?”

  Desiree smiled. “There’s no time like the present.”

  “Don’t be afraid, Denise.” Mica laughed softly. “You can trust Desiree.”

  Desiree took Denise by the arm. “Come with me outside. You will love it.”

  Denise looked between Mica and Desiree. “Okay,” she replied timidly, following Desiree to the mouth of the cave. She stopped just at the edge of daylight. “Do you promise me that I won't burn?”

  “I promise. Have a little faith.” She tugged on Denise’s arm, pulling her into the daylight.

  Denise closed her eyes, cringing, and when nothing happened, she opened her eyes in wonder. “I’m not burning.” She laughed, running outside.

  Mica stepped up behind Desiree, wrapping his arms around her. She leaned into him. “I think you just made a new friend for life.”

  Desiree smiled. “I’m just glad she’s happy. I don’t mind sharing my magic. I just don’t want to share you.”

  He laughed. “That won’t be a problem. I’m all yours.”

  She pulled his arms tighter around her. “I’m going to hold you to that. It took me over a hundred years to find you. I can’t go back to the way it was before I met you.” She shuddered. “Promise me you’ll stay.”

  “I’ve already told you, I can’t live without you. I promise I’ll stay, for better or for worse. You’ll get sick of seeing me, I’m sure.”

  “I don’t think that’s possible.”

  He laughed. “I’ll remind you of that when you get mad at me.”

  Denise ran up to them, spontaneously hugging Desiree. “Thankyouthankyouthankyou,” she remarked excitedly.

  Desiree laughed. “You’re welcome. Just take advantage of it, and don’t stay cooped up in the daytime.”

  “Hey, where did everybody go?” Caleb shouted from the cavern.

  “We’re outside watching Denise’s debut in the sun,” Desiree shouted back.

  “You gave Denise an amulet?” He came outside and his mouth dropped open. “Well I’ll be damned. They do work. Mica’s amulet wasn’t just a fluke after all.”

  “Oh ye of little faith.”

  Caleb laughed. “I am now a true believer.” Desiree and Mica laughed with him.

  “Denise, I hate to cut your time in the sun short, but we have to pack,” Mica remarked. “Desiree isn’t safe here.”

  Denise walked up to them. “I’ve never seen you run from a fight before, Mica. I would think two vampires and a black panther would afford her plenty of protection from one human, but I’ll help pack.”

  “In a straight forward attack, any of us could handle him.” He looked at Desiree and smiled. “Even Desiree. Hargrove doesn’t attack straight forward. You heard for yourself how he tricked Caleb. He got past us at the truck stop and slipped a threatening note
under Desiree’s door in the showers. And he’s also been to these caves while we weren’t here. No, Hargrove doesn’t fight fair. We’ve got to get her out of here now—today.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  Mica and Caleb joined Desiree and Denise in the main cavern. “The sun just set and the van is packed with everything except Desiree’s magical things,” Mica remarked. “We’ll grab those and should be out of here in five minutes. Look around to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything.”

  Desiree smiled. “I’ll go get…” She cocked her head to the side to listen. “What was that?”

  Mica gripped her arms, looking into her eyes. “Go cast your shield! Now! Don’t come out until it’s over.”

  “Mica?” Fear gripped her voice.

  “We’re out numbered. Desiree, please, do as I say. Go now!”

  Panic penetrated Desiree’s heart and she ran for the other cavern. She could hear a fight begin in the room behind her. She picked up a candle, stepped into the circle, and stood at her Altar. “Fire,” she commanded loudly, and all the candles ignited. She felt the added power surge vibrating beneath her feet. She cast her eyes up and spread her arms wide. “Spirits, shield me now!” she commanded, and the winds whipped around the room. She turned and stared intently at the doorway to the cavern.