Dark Curse

by Kim Richardson

  “We did. They won’t be bothering you anymore.” My eyes fell back on the wife. Something in the way the wife was staring at me told me she wasn’t convinced it had been coyotes at all. Perhaps she’d known all along what was out there but just couldn’t bring herself to say it.

  They did get my number through Father Thomas. Why call a priest and not wildlife control if you suspected coyotes were ravaging your graves? Because they knew it wasn’t the coyotes. They knew it was supernatural.

  It was always easier to blame the coyotes than it was to accept the truth. Everyone slept better at night.

  I reached inside my jacket, pulled out a crumpled piece of paper with my blood-stained hand, and gave it to the husband. “Your invoice,” I said. “Thank you for your business. I accept all major credit cards and PayPal.”

  Mr. Graham took the bill, careful not to touch the corner with my bloody fingerprints.

  “You have a good night.” I smiled at them, though their faces seemed to be frozen in an uncomfortable embarrassment, the type of expression that said they didn’t want the neighbors to know we’d just vanquished a demon on their property.

  Layla moved towards Mr. Graham and smacked him hard on the shoulder. “You can go back to having sex with your wife now,” she said, her white teeth showing. “No more disturbances.”

  Oh. God. She. Didn’t.

  Mr. Graham coughed, like he’d choked on his own spit. His wife’s face darkened, her mouth a silent ‘o’ of surprise. I didn’t bother to look at the husband as I pulled Layla away from him by the elbow and started towards my Subaru.

  I caught her looking at me with a sly smile. “I can’t believe you said that.” I laughed. “You are crazy. You know that?

  “What?” she shrugged, an innocent look on her face. “You know that’s what they’ll be doing later. What else do old humans do with their time? They have lots of sex.”

  I gave in to another laugh just as my phone chimed. I pulled it out and checked the screen. “It’s Danto,” I told Layla, reading the ID on my screen. “He wants to see us.”

  Layla lost her smile. “Me too?” Unease flashed behind her eyes, and she cast her gaze down. I knew she was thinking about that time her blade had been pointed at the vampire’s throat.

  “Yes.” I slipped my phone back into my pocket. “Both of us.”

  “What for?”

  I shook my head. “Something about the Gray Council. Says it’s urgent. But first we need to get out of these clothes and shower.”

  We walked back to my subbie in silence. Layla’s face was scrunched into a slight frown, and her eyes seemed far away. Was she nervous about the Gray Council? Or was it seeing Danto again?

  I didn’t have time to worry about that now or even the hard feelings I harbored for the Gray Council. I could barely think my own thoughts over the pounding of my heart inside my ears.

  A feeling of dread made its way into my soul. I pulled out my car keys and clasped them hard, trying to hide the trembling of my hand from Layla.

  What did the ghoul mean by the change? And what the hell did it have to do with me?

  2

  I leaned against the soft plush red sofa in Danto’s private room in the back of his vampire club, V-Lounge, trying to wrap my mind around what the ghoul demon had said. I was pissed. My anger was coming out of my pores. But I was also terrified, which only increased my anger. Hunters didn’t get scared.

  It was just like Tyrius had said—accepting darkness changed you physically, morphed you and corrupted your body into a creature of the night, of darkness. Was that what the ghoul demon had meant by the change? Was I going to turn into a monster?

  Maybe it had already begun...

  The rational part of my brain tried to tell me not to panic, but the other part, the stupid one, was already sprinting the hundred-meter dash giving me the adrenaline shakes. Calm down, Rowyn.

  But some little voice in the back of my head told me I was being silly, that I was overreacting. The part of me that didn’t trust much and believed in even less whispered that the ghoul had just been messing with me.

  Either way, it was too late for questions now. I’d already accepted the stupid gift.

  Damn. I had to talk to Lucian. I would make him tell me what the hell was going on.

  “Did the gloomy vampire tell you what this was about?” asked Tyrius, perched on the edge of the couch. His ears were perked as he surveyed the handful of vampires lounging comfortably on sofas and chairs.

  I let out a long sigh through my nose and ran my fingers through Kora’s fur. The weight of her on my lap was a nice comfort. “Just that it had to do with the Gray Council again.”

  “You think it has something to do with Lisbeth?” Tyrius shifted his weight but kept his eyes on the vampires in front of him.

  “Positive.” I started to bite the inside of my cheek. The thought of seeing Lisbeth again had a certain appeal. I wanted to beat that old bat with her cane.

  “Where the hell is Danto?” complained Tyrius, his voice tinged with annoyance. “We’ve been waiting here for ten whole minutes. How long does it take to get ready? The dude’s always practically naked. I don’t like the way the blood suckers are staring at us—like baal shish kabobs.”

  I doubted vampires were interested in the baals, but I kept quiet as I looked about the room, letting the scent of old blood, vampire and alcohol settle over me. The room had a vampire-like theme and feel with the red carpets, red sofas, and long, black velvet drapes. The only item that didn’t scream vampire was the flat TV mounted over the roaring fireplace.

  After a quick shower and piling Tyrius and Kora into my Subaru, we’d driven south to Manhattan’s Greenwich Village to Danto’s club. Both cats had sat on my lap, staring at Layla the entire time while she’d kept throwing them hisses and glares. I didn’t know whether she was afraid of them or just didn’t like the idea of having a baal demon on her lap. It made me smile. The cats, though, were having a blast, which explained why they kept torturing the poor woman.

  We’d made it to Danto’s vampire club around ten past eleven, and I’d been surprised not to find Danto there to greet us. Just his flock of two-legged leeches.

  My tension tingled as I surveyed the vampires, their black eyes utterly unsettling and gleaming with anger. But the vampires weren’t looking at me. They were looking at Layla.

  Guess the news of her pointing a blade at their leader’s throat had reached the community.

  Layla sat next to Tyrius, her ass barely touching the edge of the couch. Her knees bounced with nervous energy as her fingers grazed the hilts of her blades around her waist. She looked like she was about to bolt at any minute or start a fight with the vampires. But that would be bad.

  “You need to calm down, Rowyn,” said Tyrius as he looked up at me, mistaking my sudden tension for Layla as my own.

  My heart pounded faster than I wanted. “I am calm.” I shifted forward in my seat, enough to get a better view of Layla and stop her if she decided to do something stupid.

  “You most certainly are not,” said Tyrius, as he gave me a sideways glance. “I can smell the stress sweat on you. Loads of it. Like buckets full.”

  I glared at the cat. “Thanks. You’re just so full of compliments today.”

  The cat let out a frustrated breath, his blue eyes back on mine. “I know you’re thinking about what the ghoul said. Am I right?”

  I bit my lip. “Maybe.” Damn that cat. I should have kept my mouth shut about that.

  “Don’t overthink what the demon said,” informed the Siamese cat, his tone thick with worry. “It was probably just messing with your head. That’s what demons do. They mess with people’s heads, and then they eat them.”

  “Tyrius is right,” said Kora, looking up at me, golden eyes flashing. “Demons love to instill fear, filling your head with lies. Don’t worry about it. It doesn’t mean anything.”

  “And it was a ghoul, for crying out loud.” Tyrius rolled his eyes.
“Everyone knows ghouls are as smart as a bag of rocks. Nonsensical gibberish. Think IKEA assembly instructions.”

  A smile worked its way on my face. “But it wasn’t gibberish. It almost made sense. It was trying to tell me something.” Until Layla killed it. Now I might never find out.

  “You’re working yourself up for nothing,” said Tyrius, his eyes darting to Layla.

  Was I? I didn’t think so.

  I turned and focused on Layla. “Layla? Are you okay?” I mumbled, trying to keep my voice low but knowing it was pointless since the vamps had super-hearing.

  The Unmarked woman took a slow breath. Exhaling, she still sat on the edge of the couch, her face twisted in anguish as she looked at the floor at nothing.

  “This is my fault,” she said, her dark eyes large as they came back to me. “They’re going to kill me because of what I did. Because of what I am.”

  “No one’s going to kill you. I promise.” My heart clenched at the pain I saw on her face. I knew exactly what she meant.

  Layla’s bottom lip trembled as she nodded, but I could tell she didn’t believe me. Her posture stiffened as the vampires shifted at the sound of someone approaching.

  I turned, my eyes settling on a muscular bare chest and porcelain-like skin. Barefoot, dressed only in black slacks, he crossed the room in his usual sensual grace.

  Danto was by far the most beautiful man I’d ever beheld. Months ago the mere sight of him would make me catch my breath, but now I only admired him. Perhaps I just got used to his unnatural good looks. Or maybe it had something to do with a certain elf with a really nice ass.

  The thought of Gareth and our night together sent my pulse quickening. My skin tingled at the memory of his strong arms around me, his touch, his kisses. I hadn’t seen him since, not because I didn’t want to but because Layla needed me more.

  We’d made plans for tomorrow night. He was going to cook me dinner at his place, and just the thought sent my skin prickling all over.

  There was nothing in the world sexier than a man cooking dinner. Well, maybe the same man naked and cooking dinner. Definitely.

  The vampire brushed his long black hair out of his gray eyes and looked at Layla. I nearly fell off the couch at the smile he gave her. It was mesmerizing, the kind that would have had women throwing their naked bodies at him. Damn.

  I think Layla almost slid off the couch as well by the startled and bewildered look on her face. But the hanging of her jaw and the bit of drool solidified it.

  Finally, Danto met my gaze. “The Gray Council’s called another meeting.”

  Layla was still staring at Danto like he was God himself, sent only for her.

  “They have? When?” I asked, aware that the vampires were all standing up, though I wasn’t sure if the gesture was in greeting or maybe they were coming to the meeting with us.

  “In half an hour,” answered Danto as he folded his hands together. “I just found out when I texted you.”

  Tyrius snickered. “Don’t you remember what happened the last time we went for a meeting? We almost got our asses kicked.”

  “This time will be different,” replied the vampire and smiled faintly. “The Gray Council called the meeting tonight. Not me. And because of what happened the last time, they’ve assured me we’d have added security.”

  I made a face. “Who do they think was behind those attacks?” I didn’t like this out-of-the-blue meeting. Lisbeth was a smart old broad, always a step ahead of us. I seriously doubted she’d agree to anything that could possibly ruin her, maybe even send her to the depths of the Silent Gallows.

  Danto arched his dark eyebrows, his pale complexion stark in the dim light. “They think it was PARAS, the extremist hate group. The half-breed group that oppose the council.”

  “Really? I’ve never heard of them. Maybe I should join,” I added smiling.

  Danto’s expression was hard and my smile faded into my jaw. “A meeting with the Gray Council is the best way to expose Lisbeth to the rest of the members.” His eyes found Layla. “Layla is a key witness, but also a victim. She’s proof of Lisbeth’s schemes. Maybe the only proof we need to remove her from the council once and for all.”

  “It’s never that simple,” I grumbled, rubbing my hands on my jeans in an attempt to rid the tension from my body. I looked up to find all the vampires watching me. Cre-e-e-e-py.

  “This time it will be,” said the head vampire, pulling his gaze from Layla to look at me. The conviction in his tone almost had me convinced too. Almost.

  “I want to believe you, Danto. I really do,” I said. “But it’s Lisbeth we’re talking about. She won’t willingly admit to anything. She’s not stupid. The old bat probably has a get-out-of-jail-free card.” I thought about it for a minute. “The Gray Council asked for me and Layla specifically?”

  Danto shifted his weight, his expression losing some of its certainty. “Not exactly.” He raked a hand through his hair. “They asked for me and you.”

  “But not Layla?” My pulse quickened as I shared a look with her.

  Danto let out a breath, trying to find his composure. “It doesn’t change anything.”

  “Like hell it doesn’t,” argued Tyrius. “I’m with Rowyn on this one. Something smells rotten, and I’m not talking about your vampire stink.”

  Kora shifted nervously on my lap, mirroring my own tension. “What else did the Gray Council tell you?” My gaze traveled back to the head vampire, my jaw starting to clench. “What’s this urgent meeting about if it’s not to overthrow Lisbeth and her evil plans?”

  “It is about Lisbeth,” affirmed Danto. “The Gray Council took in my concerns and they all but told me we were going to discuss them. I believe this is a trial. Lisbeth’s trial.”

  Layla jumped to her feet. “I’m going with Rowyn,” she expressed, jaw tight defiantly. “I don’t care what the stupid council says. I’m going.”

  “You are,” agreed Danto as he looked over to the Unmarked woman, a small smile reaching his lips. “It’s why I asked for you too. The council might not know who you are, but they will after the meeting is over.”

  Layla flashed him a wicked smile and I swear I saw Danto’s face flush.

  “Don’t even think about shoving us to the side, vampire,” growled Tyrius, the tip of his tail twitching in annoyance. “Kora and I are coming too and there’s nothing you can do about it. I’ve always got Rowyn’s back. Always. We’re partners. It’s my job.”

  I reached over and gave Tyrius a rub under his chin. “Thanks, buddy.” Love that kitty.

  The vampire smiled at the cat, holding real warmth. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Danto’s posture eased a little. “I’ll get a car ready,” he said and made his way towards the other vampires.

  Making a sound of approval, Layla pushed herself into motion and paced around the room. She moved with a sultry grace as she circled around the fireplace, her eyes on Danto. She wore her leathers again, a mix of goth and sex, fitting in amongst the vampires.

  “You think going to this meeting is a bad idea. Don’t you?” Tyrius settled himself closer to me on the couch, his brow furrowed. “I can read your mind, woman.”

  “I do.” My stomach knotted.

  Tyrius cocked his head, his ears flattening on his head. “You think Ethan’s going to show up.”

  Anger tightened my gut further. “I doubt he’d miss this. And there’s nothing I’d like better than kick his ass. But Danto said they were going to add to their security detail.”

  “Right, like that’s going to stop Ethan.” The cat exhaled. “Let’s not go. Danto can tell the council it was too short notice. He couldn’t reach you in time.”

  “And miss any real chance at getting rid of Lisbeth? I can’t. I can’t pass this up.” I let out a breath through my nose. “I need to be there tonight. I need to get this over with.” But there were too many ifs. Too many maybes.

  I kept my eyes on Layla as she moved about the room and paused when she
got about two feet from Danto. His back was to her, and she turned to give me a brazen smile. Her expression was a sultry mix of desire and domination. And then she flung out her hand—and pinched his butt.

  Danto flinched and turned around, his features high. But then his full lips quirked, morphing into a full smile. He’d liked that.

  Giggling, Layla moved away slowly, her eyes on the vampire. Now this was interesting.

  I wanted to smile, to laugh, but I couldn’t. Anger and fear were cemented in me, and my face muscles wouldn’t move.

  “Car’s ready,” announced Danto, looking poised and ready like he was about to give a pitch to a business meeting.

  Layla was all smiles as I stood, grabbing both cats and settling them on my shoulders. I didn’t share their eagerness, partly because I was still on edge about going before the Gray Council. A much larger part was that I couldn’t shake the feeling of dread that stuck to me like a cold sweat since my encounter with the ghoul.

  Because I was pretty sure things would get worse before they got better.

  They always did.

  3

  I’m not one to brag when I’m right, but I don’t like to admit when I’m wrong. Still, I’d like to think I’m more often right than wrong, and now was one of those moments. Something was seriously off with the meeting.

  At first glance, the council chamber looked like a perfectly ordinary court room with polished wood furnishings and wood paneling on the walls decorated in strange symbols—a scrawled mixture of languages, some demonic some angelic with added sigils. There were also carvings in the likes of wolves, fairies, vampires, trolls and many more half-breed races.

  A dais, opposite the six rows of chairs facing it, made of dark, richly polished wood, rose up several feet higher with nine suspiciously throne-like chairs perched upon it. And in each of those chairs sat a gray-robed figure—the Gray Council members.

  The faces that looked down upon us were probably a mix of half-breed Heads of Houses and a few angel-born. But I barely took notice as my gaze stayed on one particular, wrinkled old face.