by Raven Steele
I sucked in a surprised breath. “Of course not. Where are you?”
“Stuck in the middle of a wet forest. Indonesia, to be exact.”
My heart skipped a beat. “What are you doing there?”
“Adelaide brought me here, of course. She said it was for you.”
“She did?” I should’ve guessed Adelaide had something to do with them being in the one place I needed. She had uncanny psychic abilities.
He muffled the phone and spoke to someone, and I just barely captured Adelaide’s sweet voice in the background. Then he returned. “She said you’d know why we were here. Do you require anything? You only have to ask.”
“I need the petals from a Corpse flower.”
He paused long. “You must be dealing with some powerful magic. Is it because of the fae witch? Is she getting closer?”
“We believe she’s here and growing stronger. And her name is Ivona. She believes she’s Trianus’ mother.”
“Are you in danger? Do you need me to join you in Rouen?”
Part of me, an older, more broken part, wanted to tell him yes, especially now that Korin had arrived. Detrand knew about my dark past serving Korin, but something stopped me from saying anything. At one point in time, I had relied on Detrand for everything, and not in a healthy way. I needed to see if I could do this without him, which led to the other reason he sent me to Rouen. He wanted me to work with the Ames de la Terra because he knew I needed something to assuage my consciousness for all the bad things I’d done. Resisting Korin all on my own would be a good test.
“I like the sound of ‘we’,” he continued. “You were not meant to be alone, Samira.”
I swallowed through the tightness in my throat. “I’m not.”
We spoke a little more, and I gave him my address, then we said goodbye. I realized he hadn’t said he would send me the flower, or if he even could. But I was certain he wouldn’t let me down.
I leaned against the house and stared up into the star-filled night sky, remembering those words Detrand had said to me when we had last parted. “Be like the stars, Samira, and fight the darkness.”
I held that thought as I slipped back inside. Luke and Briar were in the kitchen with Lynx all looking at me with hopeful eyes. None of them wanted to fall victim to such strong compulsion.
“It’s on its way.”
Lynx’s shoulders dropped, and she smoothed her hair back. “Thank God.”
“Who did you call?” Briar asked. She was shoving aside a bundle of sage so she could rest her arms on the table. Luke stood behind her chair, rubbing her shoulders. I’d known Luke for a long time and had never pictured him as the—how would Briar put it—pussy-whipped type.
“An old friend,” I answered, “but that’s not what’s important. I learned something tonight. You might want to sit down.”
Luke straightened, his hands lowering to his side. Briar and Lynx looked at each other then up at me.
My gaze focused on Briar, and I kept my voice gentle. “The fae witch lives. She never died. In fact, you made her stronger.”
“Me? How?”
“They believe it’s because you killed three alphas within a three-month cycle.”
“That’s a bad thing?” she asked incredulously.
Luke frowned. “Who’s they?”
“Fae folk,” I answered him.
At this, Lynx dropped into a seat next to Briar. The movement was so quick, had there not been a chair, she would’ve fallen to the floor. She stared at the floor and whispered, “The fae are involved?”
Briar threw up her hands. “How the hell would they know? You saw that bitch go poof just like I did!”
“It was a trick. She’s in human form now, appearing as a male who calls himself the Phoenix.”
“I’ll find and kill him,” Luke growled.
“I wish it were that easy.” I walked to the refrigerator and grabbed my thermos of blood. It was halfway gone. I’d need to get more blood soon. I only had a few bags left in the deep freezer I kept in the basement.
“Let’s just find her, then we can figure out how to kill her,” Luke said.
I lowered the thermos from my mouth. “That brings up our next problem. She can shapeshift into anyone. She can be anyone. And no one knows how to find her.”
I let my words sink in as they all looked at each other.
Briar was the first to speak, her voice low. “And I assume she, or the Phoenix, is still after the Abydos?”
I nodded.
“Is the blood safe?”
“It’s in the safest place on earth. I am certain that she cannot get her hands on it.”
Briar’s shoulders relaxed a little, but she still held her serious expression. She’d kept the Abydos safe for so long that, even though I watched over it now, she still carried the burden in ensuring its safety.
Outside, a sudden gust of wind rattled the kitchen window. The cold chill snaking up my spine reminded me of something. “Have any of you seen an exceptionally tall, thin man with a bald head sniffing around here?”
Lynx shook her head.
“Do you have a stalker?” Briar asked.
Luke’s eyes had gone to the window, his muscles tense. “When did you last see him?”
“A couple of hours ago. He followed me home, and I saw him at Sinsual the other night. Whoever he is, he’s extremely powerful. I felt it.”
“Could it be this Phoenix person?” Lynx asked.
“Maybe, or it could be fae.”
“Fae?” Briar asked, wrinkling her nose. “Why would they be following you?”
I opened my mouth then closed it. She didn’t know about Eddie, and I didn’t feel it was my place to tell her. Or to tell her about Black Glen. “The bottom line is, now that Korin is back in town, I fear we may be in over our heads. We need more help. I’ve already reached out to the fae and they will help us anyway we need. But it’s not enough.”
“You have the Silver Claws at your disposal,” Briar said.
“We need more. It’s time we called upon the Witches of Rouen.”
Chapter 12
As I laid down for the day, burying myself into my coffin, I was reassured by the last several hours. Briar had talked to Roma and she had agreed to meet with us to discuss how the Witches of Rouen could help. They, too, had sensed a growing evil and were anxious to stop it. The problem was they lacked leadership. They had never been a real coven, just a group of misfit witches who, like other supernaturals, had found themselves drawn to Rouen and all its mystical qualities.
Briar wasn’t the only one to get things moving. Lynx also stepped up and spoke to a few distant cousins in the area. She did not, however, speak to her immediate family, the Morgans. They belonged to the Order of the Crimson Night, an old coven of witches that had always aligned themselves with the Principes Noctis. They would not be helping us. In fact, we were going to do everything possible to keep them from knowing what we were doing, as they may attempt to stop us.
With Roma’s help organizing the Witches of Rouen, the fae’s help, and the muscles of the Silver Claws, we would be in a good position to not only try and rid Korin from our city, but also try to uncover the Phoenix’s true identity. Only then would we be able to stop her from raising Trianus again.
But deep down, even with all this help, I knew it wouldn’t be enough. We needed one more group on our side. The vampires. And I was the only one who might be able to turn Korin’s coven against him.
Whatever positive feelings I had moments ago turned cold and full of rage. Korin had to go. It couldn’t be just about driving him from town. His hold over so many was too powerful. No, that hold had to be severed permanently.
I punched at the top of the coffin in frustration. For me to kill him, I might have to release all of the Kiss of Eternal Night. It had taken me years to come back from that the last time I’d embraced the Kiss. I punched again. I couldn’t go back to that again. There had to be another way.
Because I was so an
gry, the sun’s light rising into the sky had very little effect on me, and I couldn’t sleep. Only short bursts that were always interrupted by nightmares of Korin and all he had made me do to others. All the many heads severed by my hands …
Night came at last, and I jumped from my casket, anxious to shed it and the trapped memories. I couldn’t hear anyone upstairs. Briar was probably at Fire Ridge, and Lynx out with her second cousins. She wanted to tell them everything before we all met at midnight in our living room. It could get crowded. I wasn’t sure who Roma was going to bring.
I dressed quickly, knowing I didn’t have much time. I wanted to return to Winter’s Cove to talk to Teddy to tell him about the cure Lynx was working on. Maybe he and Kristina could finally break free. Others too, if they wanted. But it wasn’t just them I wanted to talk to. I had to know how much of a hold Korin had on Faithe. I had to get her out of there.
Upstairs, I found an assortment of cakes and cookies all recently baked and spread along the counter. The table was also covered, but with ingredients for the spell Lynx was working on. There wasn’t an exposed flat space anywhere. Lynx must be nervous about tonight. I only hoped she hadn’t inadvertently mixed any recipes.
After downing a microwaved blood bag, just barely heated, I headed out. A faint breeze blew through the warm air, carrying with it the scent of the ocean. It made me think of home, my human home near the Black Sea. Sometimes I thought about returning, but I never did. I wouldn’t recognize it after so much time passing, and I wanted to remember my childhood place as it was.
I parked in front of Winter’s Cove and headed up the stairs, my footfalls heavy against the stone steps. I hated this place and couldn’t wait to be free of it. Maybe I’d get a chance to burn it down like I did the first one.
It had been cathartic before, and I would love to see it burn too.
A few vampires were huddled in the entry way when I walked in. They were wearing evening attire, tuxedoes and long, shiny black dresses, as if they were going out for the night. I didn’t recognize them, which meant they were newer vampires. They cast me a long look, their gazes sliding up and down me with disdain. I hated the thought of what they might do in the city tonight. This coven was not a human-friendly one. They wouldn’t kill them, as to not bring attention to our kind, but they wouldn't be gentle, either.
I walked past them into the living room. A young woman who looked more child than adult sat at a grand piano. Her long and slender fingers danced across the keys, playing a haunting melody. There were at least a dozen vampires spread throughout listening or talking amongst themselves. They, too, were dressed up. Maybe the other vampires weren’t going out. Maybe this was the beginning of a dinner party.
I glanced down at my own clothing of black leather jeans and black tank top. I didn’t fit in at all, but when had that ever stopped me? I approached the nearest vampire, a female who looked vaguely familiar. I think she had joined the coven shortly before I left. “Can you tell me where Teddy is?”
“Samira, right?” she asked, extending her limp hand to me. A diamond bracelet hung around her dainty wrist. “My name is Gwen.”
I ignored her outstretched hand. “Nice to meet you, but I’m in a hurry.” I didn’t want Naburus to catch wind of me being here.
Gwen’s expression soured. “He’s back—”
“Samira!” a voice hissed from across the room.
My whole body stiffened at the sound. After I inhaled a deep breath, I turned around. “Hello, Michael.”
Michael, my first lover when I joined the coven, strolled toward me. He was tall and muscular with blond hair to his chin. His stunning blue eyes, the color of the sky lit up by lightning, looked me over. My hand automatically curled into a fist and it took me a moment to loosen it. It was unfortunate he’d decided to approach me. For him.
He stopped in front of me, tugging at the sleeves of his tux. “I heard you were here the other night.”
“You heard correctly.”
“You didn’t come see me.”
I raised my eyebrow. “And?”
He leaned toward me, inhaling my scent. “I am head of security now. It would have been polite of you to do so.”
“Congratulations on your new position. I remember how you coveted it.”
Snorting, he leaned back. “Do you also remember how I coveted you?” His gaze fell to my lips. “And I’m accustomed to getting what I covet. Always.”
I gave him a casual, unaffected stare. “You haven’t changed one bit.”
“Good evening, Michael,” a deep, clipped voice said. A breath passed my lips and a shiver rolled down my back. Mateo. I tried not to light up, and failed, as I saw him stride towards us, his eyes focused on Michael. He also was dressed in a fancy suit. Apparently I was the only one who hadn’t received an invitation.
Michael looked from me to Mateo, his expression darkening. I had left Michael for Mateo, who used to be head of security. Clearly time had not softened Michael’s anger toward me. Or Mateo and Michael’s anger towards each other.
Michael sneered. “Isn’t this grand? Mateo and Samira, together again.”
“We’re not together.”
Michael feigned surprise. “But I thought you two were soulmates, destined to be one since the beginning of time? Isn’t that what you told me, Samira?”
“We are.” Mateo’s voice was firm, and he turned towards me, a half-smile on his face. “Isn’t that right, tesoro mio.”
My darling. It was sweet when Mateo meant the words, but now they were used as a weapon against Michael. It was petty and beneath Mateo, especially since we were no longer together. Mateo touched my hip possessively. “And you are not to touch her.”
Michael sucked up to Mateo. “You do not have the authority to order me around in this house.”
I placed a hand on Michael’s chest and gently pushed him back. “I didn’t come to start trouble. I just need to talk to Teddy, then I’ll be on my way.”
“Ah, another one of your boy toys. You sure leave a trail of them wherever you go. Such a thorough vampire slut.”
Before I could do it myself, Mateo punched Michael in the face. Michael’s head jerked back as his lip split and blood ran down his chin. He brought his thumb up to swipe it. He licked it, grinning. “Mmm, I always liked a spirited mate. Looks like you picked a good one, Samira. He’s a lot like me.”
Growling, I stepped in between the two, but Mateo reached around me to stab Michael’s chest with his finger. “You will watch your mouth. You may have power over me in this house, but all I have to do is drag you outside where I rule Rouen.”
Michael raised his eyebrows. “Ah yes, the new King of Rouen. But what happened to the true leadership of your coven?”
Mateo didn’t respond but held his gaze firmly.
Michael hissed in his face. “You were only permitted to lead the coven because those above you couldn’t fix the problems with the first batches of Scorpion’s Breath. Korin killed them for their mistakes, leaving you in charge. You didn’t earn the position. The blood of my lost friends gave it to you.”
Mateo’s body tensed, and I thought he might punch him but instead Mateo said, “Careful, Michael. Your jealousy is showing. You’ve craved your own coven for centuries, but Korin will never allow it. Is it because he doesn’t trust you?”
“It is because he needs me to protect this coven, since you no longer do.”
“Are you certain?” Mateo edged closer to me, brushing his chest against my back. My mind zeroed in on that tiny spot of connection between us. And the way he was standing, the possessiveness of it. I wanted Mateo to go away, to let me fight my own battles. At the same time, I wanted him closer, to touch me as he had done before.
Michael snarled, his fangs descending. “Be careful, Mateo. As Korin gives, he may also take away. One word from me about your trustworthiness, and Korin could destroy your coven in seconds. And then you will never be allowed to leave his presence again.”
“I would like to see you try,” Mateo purred, then, gripping my stomach, pulled me to him tightly. My heart jumped at the movement. Smirking over my shoulder, Mateo ran his finger up my inner arm. Goosebumps prickled my skin, and I hitched a breath.
Michael’s eyes raged as he followed Mateo’s finger all the way up my arm, over my shoulder towards my neck. Warmth pooled in my stomach, my bones ached, my heart stuttered and my mind shattered. Need and desire controlled me. I couldn’t stop from turning my face, baring my neck to Mateo.
It was instinctual, every pore in my body responded to his touch. I held my breath, waiting to see if he would bite me.
Did I actually want him to?
Mateo’s hand slid down to my wrist, holding it loosely, allowing me to pull away if I desired. Then he leaned in, lightly scraping his fangs over my neck and a small moan escaped me. I shut my eyes, closing myself off to him as a soft red marked my cheeks, embarrassed at how I had betrayed my need for him. I wanted to push him away, to tell him to go to hell. To run and never return; facing the love of my life who had ruined me was too painful. I couldn’t stand the temptation of his presence any longer.
But I knew I could not do so, because we were in a match of wills, and showing a united front to Michael was more important than my feelings right now. And so, I allowed his lips to brush over the sensitive part of my skin once more, placing small kisses at the base of my neck, licking the thin, sensitive skin right over my pulse, causing my nipples to stiffen in anticipation. He lifted his face to smirk at Michael again. “She is beautiful, isn’t she?”
Michael clenched his fists, his face red with fury. Instead of addressing Mateo, he turned to me. “This is the second time you’ve come into our home without proving yourself.”
Mateo tightened his hand, as if he might punch Michael again.
“Proving myself?” His words woke me out of my sensual dream. He had to be joking. “I used to be a part of this coven. Why would I need to prove myself?”
The side of his lips turned up. “Because it’s been a long time, centuries, in fact. You may have gone soft. We can’t have weak vampires in our home. You remember Korin’s rule.”