The Darkness of Sable

by Faith Bicknell

  “What are you thinking about?” he asked.

  The sigh she issued held worry and regret. “I feel awful for leaving Cheyenne.”

  “You can’t do anything to help her, Sable.” Thomas wished he could comfort her where her daughter was concerned, but at the same time he could relate to how she felt. Although he didn’t have any children, he knew he’d be fiercely protective of them if he did have a son or daughter.

  She gazed at him. “No? Why can’t I? I have this odd power now. Why can’t I figure out a way to use it to help her? If Cheyenne can be turned, then there has to be a way to turn her back, right?”

  “I don’t know.” He brushed his thumb over her cheek and searched her eyes, eyes awash with determination. “I really don’t.”

  “I have to figure out a way to help her. She’s my daughter.”

  “I know.” He sighed. “I wish I had an answer for you.”

  “That’s why I want to be a Paranorm Marshal,” she insisted and leaned her head against the seat.

  “No way, Sable. I don’t think—”

  “Just hear me out, please?”

  Thomas didn’t like the idea. He worried enough about Sable as it was, and if anyone in the Black Rift got wind of what she wanted to do, the sect would amplify their attempts to woo her to their side.

  Obviously frustrated, Sable tucked a lock of hair behind her right ear, an action Thomas found highly erotic for some reason. She’d returned to the same hairdresser to cut and style her mangled hair. The little Latino woman had nearly blown a brain fuse when Sable had walked into the salon. Thomas smiled at the memory. He’d miss wrapping himself in her long hair as they made love, but the bobbed style and some fire-engine-red highlights made her look twice as sexy, if that were even possible. His groin stirred, and Thomas crossed his legs to force it into submission.

  “We know of the Paranorm’s worlds,” Sable continued, “so if I have a power, too, then there has to be a way to change Cheyenne back and bring her home. If I can train to be a marshal, I’ll have an inside edge. I’ll learn more and have access to things I wouldn’t otherwise have.”

  “And if Cheyenne doesn’t want to be human?” He stared out the window at the palm trees whizzing by. He couldn’t bear to see the expression on her face, but it was essential Sable consider the idea.

  She touched his arm. “Why would she want to remain as a Glaistig?”

  He turned and met her gaze. “Why are there people who refuse to give up alcohol or drugs?”

  Her mouth worked, but no sound came out.

  “By all that’s magic, Sable, I’m not being cruel. Just speaking the truth.”

  She gulped, and tears glimmered in her eyes.

  “Hey.” Thomas pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead. “You must realize that after your daughter has been a Glastig for so long, she’ll continue to lose everything about her that’s human.”

  “Do you mean she’ll forget me?” She sniffed.

  “No, she’ll maintain her memory of her childhood, you, her father, friends, and so on, but what those things mean to her, the emotions tied to them—all of that will fade.”

  “How long will it take for that to happen?”

  He shrugged. “It depends on how hard and long she fights it. Emerald said she’d been taking care of her for the last four years.”

  “Oh, Thomas, she might be a grown woman, but she’s still my child. I feel so helpless.”

  He couldn’t watch Sable tear herself up over this so he’d do what he could to help her find Cheyenne again. “Take comfort that Cheyenne knows you’ve searched for her all this time, and the two of you have made amends. Once we’re home, we’ll put our heads together and figure out a plan to save her.” He prayed she’d see the logic in his words. “Every warrior needs time to regroup and make new battle plans.”

  She glanced up at him, her lower lip trembling. “Really?”

  “Yes.” He kissed the tremor from her mouth. “Better?”

  She nodded and offered him a smile. “Thank you.”

  “I love you,” he said. “I want you happy, and if you’re not happy, then I’m not either.”

  She snuggled against him and reached over to turn the sound up on the stereo.

  A news reporter’s voice filled the backseat. “Jacquelyn Tade, the new, young wife of Halson Tade of Tade Enterprises, was found dead in their home early this afternoon. Mrs. Tade’s body was discovered just inside the doorway leading from the garage to the kitchen. Her cash, credit cards, and jewelry were gone along with some money in the house and a few expensive items.”

  Sable gasped, her hand flying to her mouth, her gaze meeting Thomas’s. He stared back at her grimly. I knew that jerk was cold, but I didn’t think he would kill his own wife. Bile rose in his throat.

  “Mr. Tade discovered his wife as he was arriving home from a business trip,” the newscaster continued. “Two puncture marks were found on Mrs. Tade’s neck. Authorities suspect the perpetrator used a hypodermic filled with toxin to kill her. The coroner confirmed that she’d been dead only an hour before her husband discovered her body. An autopsy and an investigation are pending.”

  The man’s voice shifted into a more businesslike tone. “On the Gulf Coast, the oil leak…”

  “By all that’s magic,” Thomas moaned and hugged Sable.

  Shivers assailed her body.

  “I feel badly for his wife, but I’m so relieved you’re not married to that fiend anymore. He’s after you, too, Sable. We’ll have to be more careful than usual.”

  “Why would Hal do such a thing?” Disbelief coated her words. “And who can he be in league with?”

  “I don’t know.” Thomas sighed, shuddering. “The more we’ve unraveled your case, the more mysteries seem to pop up.”

  Light flared in the passenger compartment. Thomas squinted and held one hand over his eyes as Sable gasped and stiffened next to him.

  Another flash of light followed, this one brighter than the first. The compartment glowed with soft illumination then dimmed once the communication orb finished materializing. The ball grew more substantial and finally hovered in midair, turning this way and that, its colors swirling from soft pink to purple to a brilliant sapphire blue.

  “What is that?” Sable whispered and pressed closer to Thomas.

  “Don’t worry,” he replied and squeezed her hand “It’s part of the Old World’s way of communicating with its marshals.”

  “Valimar,” Yasmine said. “I’ve brought you a message from the Judges.”

  “Why does that voice sound familiar?” Sable asked.

  “Sable.” The orb spun to the left then to the right. “I’m the bearer of good news.”

  “Oh?” Thomas sensed the worst. “What is it, Yasmine?”

  Sable’s startled gaze flew up to meet his. He shrugged.

  “The Judges have agreed that you should train Sable to be a Paranorm Marshal.” Cold laughter flowed out of the colorful ball. “Now that Hal has murdered his new wife, we feel Sable’s best method of protection is to train her in the magical arts and weaponry. The Old World welcomes you, Sable.”

  “Thank you,” Sable said, her tone subdued.

  “Her training is to commence as soon as you are home and settled.” Orange transformed into deep purple with vibrant green swirls undulating over the orb’s surface. “Is that understood, Valimar?”

  Thomas swallowed a groan of unease. “Yes. Yasmine, do the Judges have any clues who Hal’s working with, if he’s even working with anyone? Is it the Black Rift?”

  A sigh erupted from the orb. “No, but they’re looking into the matter. The Judges request that you report on Sable’s progress every other day. Oh, and Valimar, I apologize for my nastiness the other night. You’re good friend.”

  “Don’t worry about it,” Thomas said. “I wasn’t very nice either. I’ll buy you a cup of coffee next time I see you.”

  Laughter flowed out of the ball again, this time lighter
and sincere. The orb faded and winked out, leaving faint sparkles that dimmed and died like embers.

  “It’s official!” Sable practically bounced on the seat, but then a look of remorse crossed her face. “I can’t be happy when I know that somehow Jacquelyn’s death is probably tied to me.”

  “Sable, none of this is going to be easy.” Thomas ran his hands over his cornrows.

  “Aren’t you happy we’ll be working together?” She blinked at him, her expression perplexed, eyes wide with worry. “I finally have a way to reach my daughter and help her.”

  “Maybe,” he said, “and maybe not. First, learning magic and weaponry isn’t as easy as it sounds. Secondly, once you start getting assignments, we might be separated, and if you’re on an assignment, you’ll find it’s going to be very difficult to concentrate on Cheyenne’s case.”

  Disappointment settled over her features.

  He pulled her tight against his body and draped his arm over her side. “Now that Hal’s going to remain a thorn in our backsides, things are going to be even stickier to handle.” He let out a sigh that resembled a deep growl. “We’ll figure something out, baby girl. Someway, somehow…”

  She snuggled closer, and love swelled in Thomas’s heart. I’d fight Satan himself for this woman. He kissed the top of her head.

  The limo parked. The door opened, and Goldie’s chauffeur helped Sable out of the car.

  “Gerald, please be sure to tell Goldie how much we appreciate her loaning us her driver and car,” Sable said.

  “My pleasure, ma’am,” Gerald replied. “Be careful out there, understand?”

  She stared up into the big man’s bright-blue eyes. “I understand very well.”

  “Good.” A huge smile stretched his mouth. He winked, walked to the trunk, and helped an attendant remove their luggage. The giant returned with her makeup case. “By the way, I want to apologize for frightening you in the hotel garden.”

  She smiled, took the kit from him, and placed her other hand on his brawny forearm. “You were trying to protect me, Gerald. There’s no need to apologize.”

  He smiled and winked at her again. “I hope I have the pleasure of being your driver again one day soon. Giants tend to grow very fond of their little friends.”

  She tugged on his shirtfront. He leaned down, and she pulled his big head toward her and kissed his cheek.

  “May the White Powers watch over you,” he said, his cheeks flaming.

  Once everything had been loaded onto a cart, the attendant pushed their luggage inside and over to the baggage area. Thomas took her hand as they strode through the airport, picked up their tickets, and headed for their gate.

  “Sable,” a feminine voice called.

  She paused, recognizing the voice but uncertain of it, too.

  “What’s wrong?” Thomas asked.

  “Didn’t you hear someone called out my name?”

  He shook his head. “It’s so crowded and noisy, I don’t know how you can hear anything.”

  She’d heard her name, hadn’t she? She raked her gaze over the travelers walking and jogging through the airport. Some even sprinted to reach gates before they missed their flights. A group of foreign students ambled by, their discussion in French rapid and excited.

  “There you are.”

  Sable whirled to find the debonair vampire, Ignacio, at her elbow. He smiled, his neon-green contacts back in his eyes.

  “Holy shit,” Thomas exclaimed. “Where the hell did you come from?”

  He laughed easily. “Sorry, dude. Didn’t mean to scare you. Emerald wants to speak to Sable before her flight leaves.”

  Sable scanned the crowd. People moved aside as if parted by some unseen force. Emerald emerged, her short, form-fitting dress as red as her hair, cleavage so pronounced her boobs looked like they were shoved up to her collarbones. Her red Jimmy Choos accentuated her legs, making them seem super long. She smiled, teeth perfect and white, fangs obscured. She strode slowly toward them, her strides lengthy, hips swaying. Heads turned as she passed. Men’s mouths dropped open. Women ogled her with a mixture of envy and awe.

  “Sable,” she purred, finally reaching her. “So good to see you again.”

  “It is?” Sable didn’t know whether to run like hell or stand her ground. “Wh-what do you want?”

  “I’m here to give you a message.”

  “From?”

  “Why Cheyenne, of course.” Emerald spoke so smoothly that her voice reminded Sable of the most expensive silk.

  Sable glanced at Ignacio. Her gaze moved from him to Thomas, who shrugged, but he kept a firm grip on her arm. She returned her attention to Emerald. “And?”

  Delighted laughter fell from the vampyress’ lips. “You don’t pull any punches, do you?”

  “Not when it comes to my daughter, I don’t.” She took a deep breath and stared Emerald directly in the eye. “What’s the message?”

  “Cheyenne realizes now just how complicated her life is and what sort of danger you would be in if you continue to pursue her. She says that she loves you and for you to let her go.” Emerald cradled her Gucci handbag in her arm as if it were a baby.

  “I can’t. She’s my daughter.” Something niggled at Sable. However, she knew the vampyress could read her thoughts, so she stowed the whisper in a dark, secret spot of her mind to listen to later. “Cheyenne knows I’d never let her go.”

  “I knew you’d say something like that,” Emerald said. She leaned close, lowering her voice. “Accept a friendly bit of advice. Let her go. You don’t want to draw unnecessary attention to yourself…or to your daughter.”

  “Are you threatening me, Emerald?” Sable asked.

  Ignacio snorted sardonically.

  Emerald arched a fine red brow at him but returned her attention to Sable. “Don’t think that because you have a new power or that you happened to be clever enough to defeat the Furies that you can take on the Paranorm worlds.” She smiled, her canines lengthening briefly only to retract again.

  Regardless, Sable got the distinct impression the smile was genuine, that the flash of fangs was just for effect.

  “I really like you, and it’s not often I like a human.” Emerald reached toward her.

  Sable struggled not to flinch, watching her stoically as the vampyress touched a lock of her new asymmetrical haircut, a longer version of Emerald’s.

  “Besides”—Emerald grinned—“you have excellent taste.”

  “Gee, thanks.” Sable stared steadily into Emerald’s effulgent gaze. She had to keep a firm mental wall up so the woman couldn’t penetrate her mind.

  “Hmm,” she said. “You learn quickly, and you’re quite strong.”

  “For all my wealth,” Sable replied, “I have very little of value in this world. My daughter and the love of my life are all I truly have. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep them safe.”

  The vampyress’ eerie green gaze swept over Thomas. “Yes, Valimar is a fine specimen, isn’t he? Perhaps we could sh—”

  “Sorry,” Thomas said, “not interested.”

  Ignacio chuckled, and Emerald burst out laughing, drawing the attention of many men.

  “He’s just as feisty as you are,” Emerald said. Her expression sobered. She glanced around. Seemingly satisfied that all was as it should be, she continued, “I’m seriously doing this as a favor to you, Sable, plus I’m quite fond of Cheyenne. Despite who or what she is now, the things you instilled in her as she grew still remain. Normally by now, a Glais begins to lose all emotions. They maintain memories, but they’re like still shots of people and places that mean nothing to them. However, in Cheyenne’s case, she’s maintained her conscience regardless of being a Glais. That’s incredible and it’s unprecedented, not to mention it’s why I’ve been watching over her.” She glanced at the passersby again. “And hiding her.”

  Sable’s mouth dropped open, and adrenaline pounded through her system. “What do you mean?”

  “Now that your ex-husban
d has been converted to a vampire and is working for the Black Rift, he’ll be searching for Cheyenne, too. Don’t hunt for her,” Emerald said. “I’m moving her somewhere safer, but she wanted you to know that she loves you and hopes that you’ll move on without her.”

  Ignacio cupped Emerald’s elbow and walked away with her.

  “Wait!” Sable took a step toward them, but Thomas snagged her arm. “Let go, Thomas.” She tried to shake him loose, but he held fast. Craning her neck, she looked after Emerald, but she’d already disappeared.

  “Sable!” Thomas tugged her back to him and held her close and whispered in her ear, “Choose your battles wisely.”

  “I wanted to know more about Hal working for the Black Rift,” she snapped.

  “Now’s not the time.” Thomas stared sternly into her eyes. “You forget that you have no idea who or what the people are around you now. What was once a sweet Filipino college girl could be an angry shape-shifter, or that little old woman buying a roll of antacids might be a pissed-off vampire in disguise—or worse.”

  Defeat sliced through Sable as if someone had actually stabbed her with a knife. She sucked in a breath at the pain of knowing her daughter remained in jeopardy. How can I just leave Cheyenne behind when I know she’s in danger? A whimper escaped her, and she slumped against Thomas.

  “We’ll figure something out,” he said. He glided his arms around her body and held her close.

  She drew strength from him. Finally, she sighed and stepped back.

  “Hey,” he added. “I promise.”

  “Attention passengers,” a voice rang out throughout the airport. “Flight 419 will depart in ten minutes….”

  “Come on,” he said. “That’s us.”

  “I have a feeling we’re going to see Emerald again soon,” Sable said, allowing Thomas to hook her arm with his.

  “What makes you say that?” He dodged a little boy who had dropped his Transformers toy in their path.

  She glanced over her shoulder, sensing someone’s gaze upon her. “I don’t know,” she answered. “It’s just a feeling. Besides, where there are two strong women, there’s either an alliance or a catfight.”