He was too eager to blame it all on others, and be the tortured figure that was abused and had no choice. Yes, I felt sorry for him, I even pitied him, but it was also his fault.
The door knocked again, “Be out in a minute,” I sent with mind speech. I’d never tried that with anyone but my mother and father, it appeared she heard me though. I didn’t really have time for a shower apparently, so I cheated. I shifted to a fox, ran to my closet, and shifted back. Instantly clean with my hair all straightened out, I pulled on a pair of black stretchy shorts, and a red tee.
I grabbed my phone and purse, then went to the door and pulled it open, most likely I also wore a scowling face.
Lisa handed me a coffee, and I smiled gratefully, “You are a goddess.”
She flipped her blonde hair haughtily, “I’m glad to see you finally recognized that fact.”
I chuckled, but it came out weak. I was still half out of it and started to sip my coffee.
“Sorry, I didn’t sleep well. What’s the plan?”
Lisa said, “Breakfast now, witch at eight.”
I groaned, “Alright.”
Lisa asked as we walked down the stairs, “What happened, why didn’t you sleep?”
I ticked it off, “Evil uncle back in town, tried to kill evil uncle, evil uncle kicked my butt. Then we had story time and he left.”
Lisa asked curiously, “Story time?”
I nodded, “All about how the patricide, matricide, and fratricide was not his fault, and he’s just a misunderstood victim of circumstance.”
“So… what are you going to do about it?” she asked.
I shrugged helplessly in frustration, “Nothing, for about five hundred years. He’s too powerful, I have to live with it.”
I really wasn’t that blasé about it inside, but there really was nothing I could do about it. I was trying not to lose my mind, and I knew if I let the hate and anger build up over the years it would destroy me. I needed to forgive him for what he did, and when the time came that I had the power, chase him down and end him for the crime of being a rogue. Not that it would be easy to do that. Forgive him for my parents’ death I mean.
Melody could probably kill him, but I wouldn’t ask her too, and she probably wouldn’t do it anyway.
Lisa asked disbelievingly, “Really?”
“Well, I have about as much chance of killing him as you would against Ceara. Does that put it in perspective?”
Lisa nodded soberly, “Yes, I see your point.”
I thought she would, I hoped she didn’t ask any more questions about it, I really didn’t want to dwell on it any longer. I was also getting a bit thirsty, and it’d only been thirty-six hours. What’s with that anyway? I figured it would be tonight when I started to feel it at the earliest.
We grabbed some breakfast, I chose some scrambled eggs, sausage, and some bacon. We made our way through the tables, and sat near Eustice and the two guards that were at Legends last night.
“Morning,” I said in a distinctly uncheerful voice. I really needed to wake up.
Eustice grinned, “You forgot the good part.”
I faux scoffed, “Who said it was good?”
Eustice said, “Fine. This is Jerry and Matt. They’re part of the guard, and were at Legends last night.”
I nodded, choosing not to explain I’d seen them while I was impersonating a ghost.
“Nice to meet you,” I even managed to sound sincere.
They both did that man grunt thing, apparently they needed coffee too. Or, maybe they were upset because they’d lost two vampires under their watch last night. Geez, I was truly stupid sometimes.
“Umm, I planned on calling for an estimate from the wolves, for Pulse and Legends, later this morning.”
Eustice said, “That’s fine, better you than me. No need to rush either, it will be a while until we can reopen Legends, and Pulse just has minor damage, we can open anyway.”
I was kind of both filled with dread, and excited about seeing Jared again. I also knew it was all in my mind at this point, I hardly knew him at all and certainly had no real feelings for him. But… I knew we were compatible, the ultimate in compatibility. If I hadn’t become a bloodsucker that is.
Lisa and I shoveled the food down as quickly as we could. For some reason we needed to be there as soon as the store opened, but I didn’t ask why. Maybe she was just trying to get it done fast to impress the boss. Vampire speed was awesome sometimes, but apparently my stomach didn’t agree with that assessment when it came to eating as we got up a few minutes later.
Eustice said offhand, “Before I forget, stop by the third floor and pick up your license and other paperwork from Ethel.”
I held back the groan, “When we get back, we’re running late as it is.”
He nodded, “Be at Pulse before seven, wear comfortable pants or shorts and shoes, we’ll take care of the shirt.”
“Will do,” I said over my shoulder as I followed Lisa out the door.
Chapter 21
I slid my sunglasses on before we reached the outside sunlight. My stomach had already started settling from the speed eating, which I was thankful for, and I was also more awake from the food and coffee. I felt more like myself as the car left the dim lighting of the garage and rolled out onto the pavement of the city streets. The sun still irritated my eyes a bit, but it also felt good against my body along with the cool morning air through the open window.
The car was the fastest option, well, the fastest that we could employ. We could run there straight out, but although quicker, the danger of exposure in doing that was too high. Not only because of humans, but the ever present traffic cams. Despite Lisa’s best efforts, with morning traffic it was a couple of minutes after eight as we found a spot across from the candle store.
Lisa said, “Let me do the talking,” as we crossed the street.
I wanted to be offended, but I couldn’t deny the witch hadn’t exactly taken an instant liking to me yesterday.
“No argument from me.”
She smiled, “Sorry, it’s just…”
I waved her off, “I get it.”
She pulled the door open and I followed in her wake. Tina’s daughter was at the register again, it was getting close to late July, so I imagined this was a summer type thing for her until school restarted. She looked miserable while she was watching some show on her iPad with a pair of headphones in.
Lisa said, “Hi Katy, need to speak to your mom again.”
Katy paused the show and looked up, “Twice in as many days,” she turned her head, “Mom!”
I covered my mouth and coughed to cover an amused smile, but Katy completely ignored us and had already gotten back to her television show.
A few moments Tina came out, “Hi Lisa, Miku, what brings you by this time?”
Lisa said, “A group of…” she was cut off by the door opening, and we all turned around and stared at the people walking in. It was just an old human couple, possibly shopping for candles, or something.
Tina said softly, “Perhaps we should speak in the back, my daughter can see to their needs.”
Tina turned and moved through the door behind the counter, and I reluctantly followed. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting, but it wasn’t what I found, a normal stock room. Tina closed the door and turned to us.
“The room is warded for sound so don’t worry about secrecy, what’d you need exactly?”
I tilted my head in confusion which caught Tina’s eye, “What?” she asked.
Crap, so much for letting Tina do the talking.
“Umm, it’s not important. Just curious.”
Lisa looked exasperated, but Tina just smiled, “You mean, how did I hear my daughter screech my name if this room blocks sound?”
I nodded sheepishly.
Tina said, “No harm in a little curiosity, the ward keeps sound in, not out. Like one-way glass does for light.”
I wasn’t sure how, but I felt like I just rose a litt
le in her estimation.
She turned back to Lisa, “So how can I help?”
Lisa replied in a matter of fact voice, as if giving a report, “We were attacked by rogues last night, and their leader left a trap. We have a few of his turns, and we wondered if you could track a maker bond.”
Tina didn’t answer right away, and her eyes got a faraway look for a few moments. Lisa and I exchanged a glance and then just waited.
Tina replied, “Maybe. Do you know how witch magic works?” she looked at me, “As opposed to a sorcerer, or sorceress?”
Lisa shook her head, and Tina looked at me.
I answered clinically, following Lisa’s example, “Sorcerers can see and feel magic, they can also directly control the magic they have an affinity for, and only that one element. Witches can’t see the raw magic, and they can’t directly control magic. They have to use rituals, spells, and components. But with those spells they can control four of the elements, fire, earth, air, and water, not just one.”
The latter part offsets the advantages of a sorcerer, but only if a witch was prepared with spells and devices. If they were caught out, they were almost helpless outside of a few basic spells that didn’t require other components. But when prepared, they were very formidable.
Lisa asked, “That’s interesting, but why does it matter?”
Tina smiled, “Because my power depends on spells and incantations I know. Written, verbal, arcane symbols or runes, it is all passed down through the families and covens. I know no spells that would track the connection between a maker and his turn, but I know many that would trace the connection between an article and the owner, and other similar tracking spells.
“So my answer is maybe, because I can’t just make one up. I’d need a pair of vampires, maker and their turn, to… experiment with my magic on, try different things. There are no guarantees I’d get it working, except that it wouldn’t harm the vampires in any way, but I might be able to develop something. With time. It helps that we already know the connection will be through the element of air.”
Lisa nodded, “So if we send you a pair from the coven? Do you have a preferred time to get started?”
Tina smiled, “Any time before three, after that I have to hold the counter while my daughter runs about creation with her friends.”
I held back a snort.
Lisa nodded in thanks, “I think Ceara will move fast on this. Thanks.”
Tina walked us out, and Lisa didn’t say a word until we got in the car.
“That went well. And your side issues didn’t hurt any.”
I asked, “Isn’t she an ally?”
Lisa nodded, “Yes, but she’s also a witch. They can be touchy. She’s supposed to help us, but the speed of that help can vary if you catch my meaning.”
She started the car and pulled out into the road.
“What now?”
Lisa sighed, “I can let Ceara know what’s going on, if you want to deal with the construction part. I need to start my shift anyway.”
Oh, so that’s why we’d gone so damned early. I should’ve realized that a while ago. Between my uncle, my mate conundrum, and getting used to the idea that I was a vampire I was probably more self-absorbed than usual. Actually, there was no probably about it. I wasn’t usually this way, I was overwhelmed, not selfish.
Still, no matter the reason, I needed to take my head out of my butt, or I’d continue to miss the obvious, and maybe next time it won’t be about something harmless…
When we got back we split up when we reached the third floor. Lisa went straight to Ceara, and I was standing in Ethel’s office door. I’d knocked almost a full minute ago on her opened door, and she hadn’t even looked up yet, her face was buried in a sheaf of papers. I wasn’t sure what I’d done to deserve her attitude, but I was already tired of it. Clearly, she was making me wait to make some incomprehensible point that only made sense to her.
Still, no matter how good knocking her out with lightning and simply grabbing my stuff off her desk would feel, I knew it was a really bad idea. So I waited.
It was another minute before she looked up.
“Can I help you Miku?” she said in a voice that indicated she’d rather not.
“I came by to pick up my paperwork, Ice sent me.”
She smiled at me but it didn’t reach her eyes, “Right, you need identification so you can… serve humans. I’m sure you’ll fit right in.”
She picked up a manila envelope and waved it at me. I suppressed a number of curse words, and walked over and took it from her hands, managing not to snatch it as if I was angry.
“What’s your problem with me Ethel?”
Ethel’s eyebrow rose in faux surprise but her smile was vicious that her games were having an impact on me. I already regretted the question.
“Whatever do you mean dear?” she asked innocently
I had to suppress an eye roll, and the desire to flip her off, and just thanked her, though it galled me, and then I walked out before she could say anything else.
Daniel caught my eye, and then waved me over. I kind of wanted to call Jared and was tired of being sidetracked, which probably proved I was definitely a masochist. But Daniel was nice, and painfully shy so it must be important. So I gave him a light smile of greeting as I walked over.
“What’s up?” I asked brightly, and I found I meant it. It was nice to see a friendly face after dealing with that… woman.
Daniel said, “The estimate’s been approved by Ice already, so you might as well schedule the work when you call about Pulse and Legends.”
I frowned, my mind was drawing a blank. Then it came to me.
“Oh, for B and B? Sure, I can do that.”
It was his turn to look confused, and I said, “Billiards and Beer…”
Daniel chuckled, “Right, sorry. I guess I’m distracted this morning.”
I tilted my head, “Do you know why Ethel… is Ethel?”
Daniel appeared surprised and looked past me. Of course, she’d probably just heard every word, damn vampire hearing. Way to put my foot in my mouth.
He mouthed questioningly, “Lunch, eleven thirty?”
I nodded and winked conspiratorially as I walked away. I suppose in a way it didn’t matter, I could live with her enmity. But I did want to know why, she didn’t know me after all. I stopped by the dining area for another cup of coffee before heading up to my condo…
Chapter 22
“Jared speaking,” his voice was low, and went right through me. Not for the first time I wondered at the wisdom of this.
It all came out fast, “This is Miku. I’m calling to schedule the repair on Billiards and Beer. Also, I need a couple of more estimates. There was a fire at our Legends location, and cosmetic damage at Pulse.”
He replied, “Okay. I do have that approval right here, faxed an hour ago. What happened at the other sites?”
I wasn’t sure how much I was allowed to tell, it was coven business after all, so I kept to the basics.
“Arson in the bathrooms. Like I said though, Pulse just has light cosmetic damage.”
He grunted, “Alright, I can have my crew out at the pool hall first thing tomorrow morning, after that we can look at the other sites?”
Dear Inari, the man’s voice made my stomach flip, and other things. This was a bad idea.
“I’ll be there.” Probably exhausted after waitressing tonight with little sleep, but I would.
Jared replied, “See you then,” and hung up.
I stared at my phone a few minutes, I was such an idiot.
I had a couple of hours before lunch, and it would be a long night followed by another early morning. I figured I should try and catch a little sleep. I had the feeling vampires did not hold normal hours. I put my phone on the end table and curled up on the bed. Unlike last night, I fell asleep almost as soon as my head hit the pillow…
I reached over and swiped my phone. The alarm was annoying, but I didn’t want
to stand up Daniel for our lunch plans. I brushed my hair out in the bathroom, and made sure my shirt wasn’t wrinkled, the stretchy shorts I didn’t have to worry about since they were skin tight. I grabbed my stuff and wasn’t even late when I got down to the lunchroom. Daniel waited for me at the doorway.
He smiled, “Let’s go,” and walked over to the stairs.
It took me a brief second to realize we were going out for lunch, and the obvious reason why. We couldn’t talk here either, not without everyone hearing us.
As we walked out on the sidewalk he asked, “Do you like sushi?”
I shrugged, “I like fish. But I haven’t tried it yet.”
He nodded and we set out. About halfway to the sushi place, I realized we were being followed, and not by anyone alive. There was a soul following, and he had his eyes glued to me. I was aware sorcerers of elemental spirit gave off a light, spirit energy, that disembodied souls could see. He was obviously curious.
I concentrated on him for a moment, and read his soul. His name was George, at least for his most recent life, and he’d died fifteen years ago in a mining accident. It happened sometimes, if the death was traumatic enough, a spirit could fail to move on. Be stuck here.
It was with a certain sense of relief that I reached out and fed his soul some spirit power, and broke the bindings he’d inadvertently place on himself. There was satisfaction as his face cleared of confusion, and I could see in his face that the memories of lifetimes were returning to him. Finally, something easy, that I knew exactly what to do to help.
I smiled as he faded, finally back on track with the plan of the universe.
Daniel was quiet, but he held the door open for me as we went into the sushi place, and had me go first when the server led us to a table.
I asked, “What’s good?”
Daniel replied, “I usually get a sampler plate, little bit of everything. It’s hard to say what you’ll like, and a good way to figure it out.”
Spirit Sorceress: Spirit Sorceress: Book 1 Page 12