Well, it wouldn’t work with her!
But, still wasn’t it true?
“Darkness shadows your every movement. But, it’s a different kind of darkness, one represented by a stranger with evil intentions. It’s twisted, sinister, diabolical, deadly,” the psychic continued, her words becoming more dramatic. “And it nearly snared you!”
The cold fear clutched her heart.
Now, she was hitting too close to home!
How could the psychic even know about what transpired last night?
The old woman’s hold tightened. “Yet, it failed,” Charity said surprised. “But, things are far from over, and you must be careful! Your very life depends upon it!”
“That’s enough!” she exclaimed, trying to pull away. But, the psychic had surprisingly brute strength as she held on. “I don’t want to hear anything else!”
Crazed, maintaining her hold, the psychic stood. “But, you must! A new entity has arisen, a mighty strong one. He’s fierce, proud, and just as deadly. But, he is your ally and enemy. A curse and a blessing! And eventually, he will become your destiny. Your life will never be as you know it---never again!”
“Let go of me!” she shouted, jerking free. “I want you to stop this at once!”
Growling under her breath, Macy came up, and even she was agitated by the woman’s strange behavior.
The chair threatened to topple over as Charity fell onto it. Seething, the psychic pounded the table again. “Leave me! Don’t show your face around here unless fate warrants it!”
“Don’t worry,” she vowed, standing before jerking the bag from the back of the chair. But, still, she could feel the tears coming on. “I most definitely will not be back! Come on, Macy---time to go.”
“I’m sorry Nicole,” Charity sobbed. “I didn’t mean to frighten you. I’ve seen many things in my time, but this is too frightening even for me. Please, I don’t want us to depart on such terms. Sit down, please.”
After a moment of hesitation, she sat down with reluctance.
But, Macy was hardly in agreement as she nudged her.
The psychic’s laugh was uncomfortable. “I’m not a fool. I know what people think of me. What is it---I’m senile, loony, and many other unflattering labels? And it’s partially my own fault, I presume, since I do tend to act irrational at times.”
True, she mulled.
“And I know that some will claim that my words are false,” the woman admitted quietly, and she imagined her bowing her head in disgrace. “I must shamefully admit that I have bilked a few people or two with false lies and treachery. Believe me. I have paid for my discretions dearly. I’m lonely---bitter. And that’s enough punishment to scar anyone’s soul.”
The old woman’s last words hit too close to home. Didn’t she live the same lonely and bitter disappointment everyday?
“But, I swear to you,” Charity went on, “that what I say to you is true! The danger is there, and it will only intensify with each---”
She cut her off abruptly. “Enough. If we are going to remain on friendly terms, this has to stop. I can’t handle any more of your so-called ‘visions’.”
“But, don’t you understand? Everything will not be gloominess and darkness! Someone awaits you ---”
“Charity, would you just stop it?” she interrupted again. “No more of your lies---”
The psychic’s words were low. “Finally, after all your trials and suffering, you will have what you’ve longed for---the very gift that all of us want to claim.”
Her exasperated breath left her. “And exactly what’s that?”
“Love, Nicole---love.”
A few minutes later, she and Macy were standing outside the psychic’s shop again. But, instead of departing, she paused. The woman’s last words had been beyond false and cruel, she mulled, gripping Macy’s leash firmly. Love wasn’t a part of her future and probably never would be. “Let’s go,” she whispered, nudging the guide dog gently.
They journeyed on, only now her mood was less jovial, and her steps were now heavy. Of course, her whole outlook for today had just changed drastically.
Moments later, she sat alone in the corner booth at the Java Spot, listening to the soft muted voices milling around her. Not even the vanilla cappuccino calmed her nerves as she sipped on it, and the powdered sugar doughnut tasted flavorless as she ate a sizeable chunk.
A child squealed in the booth behind her.
Startled, she jumped in surprise.
“Mind your manners,” the child’s mother chastised, but still the affection was plain in her voice. “You’re not supposed to conduct yourself like this in public.”
Sobering, holding the mug tight, she listened to their exchange.
The fresh tears sprang to her eyes.
Would she ever have a family?
A husband?
A child?
She nearly started when the waitress stopped alongside the booth.
The waitress’s deep southern brogue was heavy. But, she didn’t sound to be that old, twentyish maybe. “Are you ready for a refill, honey? We have some fresh peach cobbler, straight from the oven. Care for any? It’s on the house since you’re our best customer.”
“Sure. And could you top it with some whipped cream? And sprinkle on a little cinnamon.”
“Anything else?”
She shook her head. “No, thank you. That’ll be all.”
Without a further word, the waitress departed.
Sighing, she turned towards the clear paned glass, but her thoughts were interrupted when the young girl squealed with excitement. And obviously, it was because she’d noticed Macy sitting nearby.
“Momma, look! A dog---I want one just like it. Please Momma, can I have one, please? And it’s a girl, too! Wonder what her name---”
“Didn’t I ask you to mind your manners? And don’t bother her, okay?” the mother chided. “Listen, I’m going to the restroom, and I want you to wait right here. I’ll only be a minute. Be a good girl. Understand?”
“Okay, Momma,” the girl said, and the woman treaded away.
Suddenly, the young girl draped herself over the back of the booth. “Is that your dog?”
Smiling, she imagined the girl with sugary sticky fingers and a trace of chocolate ice cream smudged on her face.
“Yes, she is. And her name is Macy.”
The girl’s tone was resentful. “I want a dog, but Momma won’t get me one.”
“Well, maybe she’ll change her mind,” Nicole added, and her mood dimmed somewhat.
Before the accident, hadn’t she and her mother been close? And as of late, their relationship was more than strained.
Again, the little girl couldn’t hide her curiosity. “Why do you have a cane? I think you can walk, and I hope that you’re not playing like you’re sick. Momma says that you shouldn’t ever play like you’re sick. I did one time, and I got into big trouble for it.”
A soft smile curled her lips.
Was the little girl trying to chastise her?
The child slapped a hand over her mouth. “Oops! Momma told me to never talk to strangers.”
“And your mother is right. Talking to strangers isn’t a good idea nor is it safe.”
“But, you’re nice,” the child whined in protest. “I can tell that you are, and you’re pretty too. I want to be pretty just like you.”
“Well, I’m sure that you’re already beautiful and smart,” she smiled. “Besides, you don’t want to take your looks after an old woman like me, do you?”
“You’re not old, silly! You don’t have any gray hair, warts, or wrinkles,” the girl giggled. Then, her words were shy. “Aren’t we friends, now? Can I ask your name?”
Again, her smile was genuine. “Nicole. What’s yours, sweetheart?”
“I’m Jessica. But, you can call me, Jessie. That’s probably easier to say, isn’t it?”
“It certainly is,” she teased.
Then, she sobered.
How would it be to hold such innocence again? To view the world through rose-colored glasses and not realize the ugliness that resided within?
Taking a stern tone, she frowned. “Jessie, I have to fall back on what your mother has told you. She’s right---you should never ever talk to strangers. Not ever, ok? As a good friend, I have to tell you the same thing. In the future, I don’t want you to approach strangers, no matter if they don’t seem like a bad guy. Promise me, ok?”
“Promise,” Jessie agreed quickly. “But, I want you to quit playing like you’re sick, too.”
She hesitated.
How could she explain her situation to a child so she’d understand?
“Well, I’m not exactly playing sick,” she said, easing into it gently. “There is something a little different about me.”
“What’s wrong with me?” Jessie asked horrified, slapping her hand over her mouth. “Now, I’m being too ugly and rude!”
“How old are you, Jessie?”
“Nine,” she boasted.
“And I must say that you’re a pretty smart kid for a nine year old.”
At one time, hadn’t she been that way herself?
“Jessie, I have trouble seeing things. As a matter of fact, I can’t see anything at all because I’m blind. But luckily for me I have Macy and this handy little cane to get me where I’m going.”
“You mean, you can’t see? You can’t see me, not even a little?”
“That’s right,” she nodded.
“Is that why you have those sunglasses on? I’ve never met a blind person---”
“Jessie!” the girl’s mother exclaimed, horrified as she joined them. “Miss, I’m truly sorry. But, she can be a pretty, petulant child at times. Jessie, apologize---”
“No harm was done,” Nicole broke in quickly. “As a matter of fact, I rather enjoyed our conversation. But, I did caution her about talking to strangers.”
“Well, thanks for watching out for her while I was in the john—I mean, restroom,” the woman muttered uncomfortably, her keys jingling as she lifted her other parcels. “I would stay around to help you get where you needed to go, but, I’m in a hurry. And, we really must be going.”
Her brows rose at the woman’s assertion.
What gave her the idea that she needed help?
“Come on, Jessie!” the woman shouted again.
“Ok, mom. I heard you. I’m coming,” Jessie whined as she slid from the booth. “Bye, Nicole.”
“Goodbye, Jessie,” she smiled as she swept past.
But, a few seconds later, she heard the child’s running footsteps as she rushed back to her table. Before she could muster a movement, the child bounded onto the booth alongside her. Then, the child cupped her small hands over her left ear and whispered. “He’s gonna get you! Be careful! Run! Hide!”
“Jessie,” she said stunned, turning towards her. “Why---”
“Jessie, I said, let’s go!” the mother snapped, jerking the child from the booth..
Before she could respond, they were stalking away.
The smile left her eyes.
Exactly what had Jessie meant by her comments?
He’s gonna get you!
Be careful.
Run.
Hide.
Aren’t the whimsical thoughts of a child often far-fetched, she mulled, shaking her head, and removed the sunglasses from her face.
She almost started when the waitress returned.
The waitress placed the plate on the table. “One slab of peach cobbler, nice, bubbling, and hot, complete with a huge wallop of whipped cream topped with cinnamon...”
“And you are absolutely fantastic for doing that, too,” she murmured appreciatively. “Bet it tastes as delicious as it smells. Thank you.”
“Hope that you enjoy it,” the waitress said, already moving away.
After scooping the fork into the dessert, she took a fast bite. “Oh, my goodness,” she whispered, savoring the taste. “I have just found a small piece of heaven.”
The sexy drawl made her heartbeat triple. “Now, I’d like to have some of what you’re having.”
What is he doing here? Well, this is a public place idiot, she thought nervously, almost sputtering on the peach cobbler. Face flushing with warmth, ignoring the somersaults turning in her stomach, she kept her expression guarded as she faced him. Then, wiping the napkin across her lips primly, she addressed him with surprising coolness. “Mr. Sullivan.”
“Xander,” he reminded her smoothly. “Mind if I join you?”
“Of c—course not,” she stammered, waving to the seat opposite her. “As a matter of fact, I don’t think that I’ve thanked you enough for last night.”
The table shifted slightly as he sat down. “You don’t owe me, anything. How are you?”
As she chewed on the pie, she forced her brain to work.
The man had the most devastating effect on her!
And when had she ever been so tongue-tied!
“When I awakened, it was a little jarring, but I’m fine now,” she admitted. “The thought scares me of what could’ve happened, and if you hadn’t shown up---”
“But, I did, and that’s the only thing that you need to focus on. I don’t want you to worry about that son-of-a-bitch. He’ll be apprehended and pay for what he’s done.” After a brief pause, he asked, “Is this dive usually this busy?”
Distracted, she barely heard his words, and instead, her mind drifted to other territories.
Were his eyes brown, green, blue, or gray?
Did black hair frame his rugged, handsome features?
Get a grip, she whispered inwardly, shoving in more pie.
The man just asked a simple question!
And alerting him to the fact that she was incredibly attracted to him would be plain stupid, not to mention embarrassing!
The pie now tasted lumpy and gooey as she struggled with her reply.
“Is it always this packed?” he asked again.
“Y-yes, it usually is,” she muttered, her lips finally working. “They have a national reputation for a reason. Everyone flocks here because of the coffee and cappuccino mixes. It’s the best.”
“And I take it that you’re well enamored of the food, too?” he teased. “You’ve certainly attacked the hell out of that peach cobbler since I’ve been here.”
Her flush deepened. “Aren’t you here for that same reason---to find something satisfying?”
“And by seeing you, I’ve certainly done that, haven’t I?” he challenged.
She blushed again. “I fail to see how I factor into it, and you’re teasing me.”
“Am I?” he asked. Then, a dangerous edge laced his tone. “No, actually, I’m here to work on a case.”
Why had she even believed his simple teasing?
“Well, don’t let me interfere or hold you up,” she said, fighting to hide her disappointment.
“You’re not.”
Leaning back against the booth, he studied her.
In the daylight hours, she was even more beautiful.
Again, her hair was pulled back in a sleek ponytail, and a faint smidgen of red glossed her full lips. As usual her skin was flawless, except now a light, delicate coral hue dusted her cheeks. Her lashes were naturally thick and curly, framing her wide expressive brown eyes as she faced him. The black turtleneck scooped her slender nape, fitting the rest of her body to perfection. Dark denim jeans swathed her lean hips and thighs, finally falling over the black booted heels.
It was downright odd that he’d dressed the same: a black turtleneck and dark jeans, albeit with a more masculine touch. His added extra was the black leather jacket and the silver-sheathed dagger that hang around his neck. And the dark shades shielded his piercing gray stare.
As the early hours had dawned, he’d detected the vamp’s scent. Quickly, he’d scouted out the entire apartment complex and surrounding area, but he’d come up empty-handed. After Officer Peters had departed, he
’d waited as she’d locked her door carefully behind her. Even her golden retriever had looked towards his apartment as they’d eased passed. It was as if Macy sensed impending danger and was secretly summoning his help.
So, he’d maintained a careful distance as he followed them. Even now, he could remember every hair-raising second as they’d taken each step. Every time they passed a darkened alleyway, he’d been prepared for the crazed vamp to launch an attack. And he would have gladly mangled him alive if he had.
As they’d crossed 22nd Street, the vamp’s scent had dissipated immensely and he’d relaxed somewhat. But, things had only worsened once the old psychic derailed their journey.
His hands clenched into tight fists across the table as bitterness seethed through him. The old woman knew too much. And she could easily reveal his true identity if he weren’t careful.
So, he’d hung back, quickly sidestepping into a dark alleyway.
But, still the old woman had sensed his presence.
At first, he’d been surprised when Nicole had willingly allowed herself to be sucked into the woman’s lair. Still, he could sense her wonder as she’d pondered the woman’s prophecies.
The minutes had ticked by slowly and he’d opened the portal. Immediately, he’d seized hold of the old woman’s thoughts. And, she’d sensed his aura and he’d pulled away quickly---but, not before sensing the crazed vamp’s aura, too.
At that very moment, the vamp’s scent returned, and it hadn’t taken long to determine his whereabouts. The vamp had kept his head downcast as he walked amidst the crowd and then broke off. Then, the bloodsucking vamp stopped at the shop’s entrance.
From the dark shadows, he’d watched the vamp, mentally calculating the right moment to make his move. The tension crackled in the air as the vamp grasped the doorknob. But, the moment he did, the shock had played across the vamp’s face as he snatched his hand back. As the crazed vamp turned to face the crowded streets, he finally spied him within the shadows. Then, surprisingly, rather than confronting him, the vamp broke off in a dead run.
He’d given chase, he mulled darkly, remembering every harrowing moment. They’d left the city and moved to the undergrounds. But, once they’d reached the dense woods, he’d lost the vamp’s scent. For half an hour, he’d scouted the area until he was satisfied that he was gone. Then, he’d returned to the city in search of her, finally locating her at the Java Spot, and he’d been more than relieved to find her safe.
Dragon Reign: A Paranormal Love Tale Page 5
