“As much?” I grimaced.
Nita gave me a level look then gestured at the paper. “The first step will be for you to set the paper on fire— Not yet!” she slapped my hand as I raised it to comply with what I’d incorrectly perceived as a request. “And then you will snuff it out. First I will explain a bit about how magic works.”
I crossed my ankles and dropped to the floor, Indian-style. Nita did the same. “I’m all ears.” I was grinning despite myself.
“Magic is when a construct of will is used to overcome the mundane order of the universe.” She rolled her hand at the wrist and brought her palm upward, and an orange flame sparked from her hand, flickering in the air before me. I leaned closer, peering with interest at the incredible sight. Nita pulled her hand back, giving me a disapproving look. “There are two kinds of magic: sorcery and wizardry. Wizardry is when magic is learned through memorization of techniques which carry power. Sorcery is when forces of nature are bent through sheer will. Like so.” She indicated her hand. “Sorcery is what I do, and it is what you will attempt to use to control the power that you have come to possess.”
For the next few hours, Nita drilled me in the ways of mental control. I produced the Hellfire and she showed me how to snuff it out again successfully. After that, I projected the Hellfire onto the paper in the cast iron bowl. She showed me how Hellfire was incredibly dangerous, far more so than normal fire. While I would expect a normal fire to die once the paper was gone, Hellfire was not so easily defeated.
When the paper was devoured, the Hellfire clung to the bowl and began to spread and destroy that as well. Nita let it eat through a small section of the bowl in way of demonstration before coaching me through the process of withdrawing the horrifying thing I had released. The Hellfire didn’t simply snuff out at my command. Instead I had to kind of draw it back into myself. Otherwise, it just kept burning. This served to prove to me the deadly power of the gift I had been given, and it successfully discouraged me from wanting to play around with the stuff unnecessarily. Ultimately, I thanked Nita for the lesson and we went our separate ways. She assured me we would be seeing each other again when I returned from the trip to Canada. “Or at least,” she stated dryly, “that’s how my luck would have it.” She was smiling despite her flat tone.
19
Touching Base
It was almost sunset by the time Nita pronounced me “as good as I was going to get for the time being” and sent me on my way. I hadn’t learned enough to make calling the Hellfire safe, but I had learned enough to know that it was never going to be. On top of that, I had at least successfully called it out and then snuffed it out again at my will several times, and I had even learned to project it onto things other than my hands. I figured that would be pretty useful if anything tried to stalk me again, like that vampire guy or if whatever had been following me at work turned out to be more than an illusion in my mind. At least I knew if it came down to it I could defend myself.
Though, the more I had learned about Hellfire, the more certain I was that it was better if I never had to use it at all. That stuff was a serious fire hazard. I mean, obviously; it was fire. But it was even worse than normal fire. It was fire that seemed, well, hungry. It had just continued burning and spreading as long as I had let it, and it hadn’t stopped at the ends of what I considered flammable materials. Nita had said it would burn virtually anything on this plane of existence, whatever that meant.
I stretched as I wandered back into the main lobby which was quieter now than it had been a few hours ago, though still occupied. Apparently this place didn’t close early. I pulled out my phone and called Ralof.
“Dakota?”
“I’m all set.” I leaned against a wall out of the way.
“All right. I will finish up here and come get you shortly.” He replied.
“Actually, I was thinking… I was thinking I might stay the night in Nashville.”
Ralof made a sound that vibrated through the phone. “You mean to see Amorie.”
“Yeah. She lives out here, and well, I haven’t been able to see her much. It’s a hell of a drive.” And from what I gathered from what little she’d told me about her work, it apparently kept her rather busy. “I figured I’d at least call her up and see if she’s busy while I’m in town.”
“Hmm. Do that first. Let me know. If not, I will take you home.”
I couldn’t help grinning. “Ralof, I’m a grown woman. You don’t have to baby me so much. I can take a cab if I need to. I’ve done it plenty before.”
Ralof made a rumbling noise that sounded like he wanted to protest. “I… I know Dakota. I am sorry. You are still very new to the supernatural world and I worry about your safety. Besides, you are one of my pack.”
“I thought you said being part of the pack would give me some protection. People wouldn’t mess with the pack so easily and all that.”
“Yes, but not everyone will know you are part of the pack at a glance, and I wonder if they can tell at all given how suppressed your wolf is. It will take time for people to know that you are one of us, and that they would be better off leaving you be.” His voice was concerned, but not overbearing. I knew he was just trying to protect me.
“I appreciate it, Ralof. If you’d feel better, I’ll call her first and get back to you.”
“I… would appreciate that, Dakota.” He sounded somewhat relieved. “I will wait here until you call again.”
“Thanks, Ralof. It’ll just be a sec.” I hung up and paged down to Amorie’s entry on my contact’s list. I’d only dialed her number a small handful of times. We’d talked since the date, just chatting for a few minutes here or there, but I hadn’t actually gotten a confirmation from her that we were going to see each other again. At least a little part of me was worried I’d been a one night stand to her. That possibility made my stomach drop. A cold chill spread over my skin as I tapped her name and waited for the phone to bring her voice to me.
“Hello there, little wolf.” The sultry tone of her greeting caressed away my concerns.
“Hey Amorie. I have a surprise for you.”
“Oh? And what is that?” I shivered at the seductive quality of her voice.
“Me! Ta-da! I’m in Nashville.”
“Oh… Well, that is a nice surprise. I suppose that means you have time to come and see me?” I could hear papers shifting in the background. I really needed to remember to ask her about her work.
“I’d like to. Could we meet up? I haven’t had dinner yet…”
“How convenient, neither have I.” She purred. My pulse quickened. “I am sure we could work it out, ma chérie.”
Yes. “Awesome. Where do you want to meet?”
“It would be best if you could meet me at my home. I will have to take care of a few things first, and then we may go out to eat.”
I smiled to myself excitedly. “All right, text me the address and I’ll be over soon.”
“Very well, ma chérie. I can not wait.”
I did my best not to look as jelly-legged as I felt as we said goodbye. The room was not empty, and I didn’t really want everyone around to realize just how much Amorie’s voice alone had turned me on. I decided that now was a good time to step outside. Maybe I should have done that before I’d called Amorie. I stepped out front and as soon as I reached the sidewalk, I felt the wolf in me stirring, bounding eagerly to the surface. For a moment, it was almost overwhelming. I had struggled to be sure that the feeling of my wolf wasn’t just my imagination before, but feeling her suddenly after the wards had been suppressing her all day made it very clear that she was really and truly there. I wandered over to the curb and watched the cars passing on the street as I called Ralof back. He answered with a grunt. I tried to speak as normally as possible. “Hey. So yeah, it’s fine. Amorie has time for me. So you can just go on and I’ll make my way back in the morning.”
Ralof rumbled, “Are you sure you will be all right?”
“I’ll be
fine. I’ll just get a cab home in the morning.”
“All right. But if you need me, you will call me.” My wolf seemed to take comfort in Ralof’s concern.
“I will. Thanks, Ralof. And thanks again for bringing me out here. I’ll come see you soon.”
20
Dipping In
The cab dropped me off in front of a freaking mansion. With the way that Amorie typically dressed I should have guessed her house would be nice, but this was way above any expectations I’d had. I walked up to the big, fancy double doors and pressed the doorbell which chimed in beautifully ethereal tones inside. I took a couple of steps away from the elegant, ebony door to admire the front of the house again. It was a modern, three-story mansion with obviously Baroque influences. There were fewer windows than I thought a house of that size should have, but as soon as that thought crossed my mind, I realized that probably just meant that Amorie must have had this house built to her own specifications.
I glanced over the lawn and my eyes lingered on the gorgeous statuary fountain that had caught my eye on the ride in. The statue depicted a beautiful woman in a long flowing gown that draped from her arms where she held a pitcher bearing the water down into the pool below. Her face was melancholy, yet serene. She gazed down into the water where it fell with her eyes of stone and the emotion of her expression was so incredibly rendered that I just knew there was a story behind her creation.
The sound of the door opening drew me from my thoughts and when I looked back, Amorie had filled the doorway with her beauty. I took a step toward her and paused to take her in. It struck me every time I saw her how absolutely beautiful she was. Tonight she wore a tailored black suit with a button down top and a slender skirt with a slit on the side, and stiletto heels. The fine cuts and material suggested it was designer work. I drank in her form with my eyes and sighed. “One day, you’ll have to teach me this sorcery that makes you even prettier each time I see you.”
Amorie’s mouth curled at the corner as she leaned on the door frame, emphasizing the curve of her luscious hips even more. “Bonsoir my little wolf.”
I stepped over to her, smiling. “Hey Amorie.”
“Welcome to my home.” She gestured for me to follow as she stepped out of the doorway, inviting me in past the thick, tangible ward that parted like a curtain around me as I entered. I fell into step beside her and we moved into the foyer. “What do you think?”
I glanced up at a stunning Baroque-styled crystal chandelier which held dozens of candles, which given the lack of flickering, appeared to be electronic, which at first seemed a bit odd given the richness of the decor, but then I figured, hey, vampires and fire, eh? The room was grand but tastefully appointed, darkly adorned in burgundy velvet and rich, dark wood. “It’s beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“I am happy that you like it.” She took my hand in hers and pulled me close. My breath caught at the unexpected closeness. “I am also glad you are here.” She slid her arm around my back and pulled me against her.
Oh… Me too.” I settled my arms around her and gazed up at her happily. I wasn’t sure where I stood with Amorie, but apparently we were at least still a thing at this point. “So, I’m guessing you have room for me to stay—”
Amorie covered my mouth with a kiss. I found the cool contrast of her lips too distracting to care about what I’d been saying, and kissed her back. Her hands slid down my back and she picked me up against her, lifting me to my tip toes. I melted against her curves, kissing her with growing hunger as she caressed my back. I found the neckline of her suit with my fingers and started to work through the line of buttons standing between us as she pushed her hands under the fabric of my black button-down, pulling it halfway up my back. I groaned at her smooth touch which sent chills up my spine. Her mouth left mine breathless as she kissed down my cheek toward my neck, and the excitement and thrill of having her near my neck, knowing well what her fangs could—
Amorie’s cell phone rang in her pocket and she cursed, pulling back just enough to reach for it. She slung the phone to her ear with an annoyed expression and answered it. “What is it?” She kept one arm around me and held me close, stroking my back as she listened. I grinned at her, amused at how annoyed she was to be interrupted. That felt encouraging. She smiled at my grin, then frowned and sighed, “Truly?” She closed her eyes. “No, I will have to do it.” She lowered her hand from my back and found my fingers, twining hers into them. “Give me half an hour. And tell him not to leave. If I postpone my evening plans and he does not wait for me, I will be severely displeased with him.” She puffed lightly at whatever the caller said in response. “You could say that. À bientôt.”
“Of course.” Amorie put her phone away again with an irritated sigh. “I am so sorry, Dakota, but there is a matter that requires my attention.”
I frowned. “Aww. I guess if you have to…” I kept my tone teasing but I was actually pretty disappointed that she had to go. I hadn’t really been able to spend too much time with her since we’d first met. Being that she lived all the way out in Nashville and I lived in Knoxville, tonight had felt like a rare opportunity for me to spend more time with her and I was more disappointed than I wanted to let on. Being an adult and all that.
“I am so very sorry. But I must.” She kissed my cheek softly. “But I will make it up to you when I get back.” She stepped away and started toward the stairs, my hand still held in hers, so I followed. “I am also afraid it interferes with the reservation I had made for us.”
“That’s okay. I’m more concerned with spending some time with you than with where we eat. I can just make a sandwich if…” I firmly reminded myself I was in a vampire’s house. “If…”
“There is some food in the kitchen. I do not keep very much, as you might have suspected.” She smiled over her shoulder at me. “But I will bring something back for you when I return if you like.”
“That’d be great. I’m pretty hungry despite having stuffed myself earlier at the SII cafeteria. But I had a busy day, so I’m not surprised.” We reached the broad, marble tiled landing where a huge painting in an intricate iron frame hung on the wall above. I paused briefly to admire the wispy, abstract design of a feminine silhouette peering over her shoulder in a breezy field beside some dark, tangled trees. The style of the painting made the girl appear fuzzy and almost transparent, as if she might have been a ghost or a dream. “Wow.”
Amorie took my arm, “Isn’t she lovely?”
I nodded. “Beautiful.”
Amorie led me down the hall. “Most do not notice her immediately. Because of the style of the painting, she appears like one of the trees at first. I’m impressed that you saw her right away.”
“Dyslexia actually has its advantages. Being highly visually-oriented is one of them.” Besides that, I was pretty accustomed to noticing shadowy forms by now.
Amorie tilted her head. “You had not told me you were dyslexic.”
I shrugged. “Hadn’t come up. I don’t tend to mention it if it isn’t relevant.”
Amorie nodded slowly. “Of course. But does that not mean my texting you is more complicated than a call? I do not wish to burden you, ma chérie.”
I shook my head as we reached a door at the end of the hall. “Neh. I can read just fine if I can take my time.”
“Ah. I am sorry I do not know more about this condition. I do not wish to offend you with my assumptions.” She opened the door and let me into an expansive bedroom, elegantly furnished with the finest decor I had ever seen in person.
First off, the room was a suite more than just a bedroom, with a sitting area near the door and an open archway leading into the bedroom proper. The sitting area consisted of a Baroque-styled black and silver settee, two matching chairs, and a pair of end tables dividing them, with a rich burgundy rug beneath. “You’re not.” I commented coolly, doing my best to hide how out of place I felt in the elegant mansion. “I don’t expect you to know everything, afte
r all.” I grinned at her.
Amorie smiled back. “I am glad to hear it.” She stepped past the settee and chairs and beckoned me into the bedroom with a wave of her hand as she hurried toward an ornate dresser styled to match the end tables in the sitting room. “So you should tell me what you learned today. I don’t have long for now, but I can spare a moment while I dig out this old key.” She opened a drawer that seemed to be full of odds and ends and started rummaging through it.
“In brief, someone may have messed with my head, and SII is going to send me to Canada to meet a Mentalist who might be able to fix it, my hands catch fire because of Hellfire, as you suspected, and the cup that caused it was connected to a demoness called Ni—” I remembered how Adrien had reacted to my saying her name out loud. Amorie glanced up at me, pausing her search to peer at me curiously. “I’m… I’m actually supposed to avoid saying it out loud. We’ll just call her Mufasa.”
Amorie raised an eyebrow at me as her face contorted with humor, then a look of realization struck her. “Ooh. I know of the one of which you speak.” She turned to dig in the drawer again. “I have met her before.”
“You have?”
“Yes... She is not so bad. There are others who would be far worse for you to have a connection with.” She finally plucked a little silver key from the dresser, then slid it into a pocket and closed the drawer.
“Oh? Well, I’m not really sure what I’m going to end up doing with that. It was suggested that I might confront her and discuss my situation. After all, I have no idea what my current situation really is. And it’d be better to know than not. And if she’s unhappy about me having this power, I’d rather give it back to her than for her to feel badly about it. Whatever I do, I know I don’t want to mess with Mufasa.”
Amorie walked back over to me and slid her arms around me again. “That is very true.” She embraced me and kissed my cheek again. “We will talk about this more later when I am not pressed for time, but… If you do decide to go and speak with her, please, allow me to take you.”
Awakened (Auralight Codex: Dakota Shepherd Book 1) Page 15