“There’s that, too. It wouldn’t surprise me if that’s why he hasn’t. He trusts you, though.” Sitting forward in her seat, Christina’s demeanor changed to something more businesslike. “How about we spend the rest of the flight discussing possible magic lessons?”
With the Devlin subject firmly over, I conceded; and the remaining time was spent on safer topics.
Chapter 18
Standing out on Royal Street, I compared the address on the business card Mikey gave us with the store in front of us. A small shop, in a long line of many, the green and white striped awning gave it a friendly appearance. With the large wooden sign announcing Fortunate Voodoo, it fit in perfectly with the other occult establishments that littered the tourist area. Peering in through the window, the inside looked void of customers, making it the ideal time to meet Diana.
“You sure about this?” Mason asked, apprehension spread across his features. Both he and Devlin kept studying the area as if they expected a trap. Although we’d only just met Mikey at our wedding, something told me the dragon wasn’t that devious—not if he’d won the approval of my mother. She was a tough one to fool. I couldn’t count the number of times she’d seen through my lies and tall tales growing up. There was no way she’d introduce her daughter to someone if she thought for one second he’d later betray her.
“We’re here now. What’s the worst that could happen? The young woman in there has no idea who the seer is?” I knew I was tempting fate, but it had to be said. If this truly was a dead end, we at least know and then could head home. “Did you ever know the seer’s name?” I asked Devlin.
“All I have is Marie. Elynor spoke her name a few times, but never the surname,” Devlin admitted.
“Needle in a haystack much?” Daniel commented, and I shot him a warning look.
“Not helping.” He had the decency to look apologetic.
“How about me and Daniel stand outside, as guards, while the three of you go inside and find out?” Christina had already taken position by the side entrance, her hands behind her back as she watched passing tourists. “We’ll let you know if we spot anything suspicious.”
“I don’t like this. I feel we’re too exposed,” Mason whispered his uneasiness.
“I agree; but until we rule this Diana out, we need to see it through.” Taking his hand, we entered the store, jumping slightly at the sound of tinkling chimes signaling the door had opened.
“Be with you in a moment. Feel free to look about and see what catches your eye. We have plenty of trinkets for all kinds of occasions.” The feminine voice came from toward the back of the store, behind the long glass counter. Craning my neck to see if I could catch a glimpse of the woman, I was soon distracted by the variety items for sale. It was like Vivien’s study on crack—vials and bottles filled with oils and mysterious liquids, spells promising all kinds of outcomes from love to revenge. A small doll drew my attention, the attached tag explaining the voodoo figure was best to capture the heart of someone the owner longed for.
“Do you think any of this works?” Mason asked, picking up a candle and checking the price underneath. Cocking his eyebrow, he put it down only to pick up a tiny drawstring pouch filled with fragrant herbs.
“They say it’s all in the intent.” Turing to see the newcomer, our gaze dropped to a young lady with long brown hair sitting in a wheelchair. “Anything will work if you believe hard enough.” She winked as she retrieved the pouch from Mason’s hand and tucked it back on the shelves with the others. “How can I help you?”
She gave me the once over before a wide grin erupted over her face and her eyes lit up. “I know exactly what you need. Come with me!” Following her, she led Mason and I over to the glass counter and lifted a medium sized figurine over the top. “You are in need of a fertility Goddess, are you not? This is one of our best sellers. Many return to tell us they are expecting and thank me for my suggestion.” The clay statue was of a curvaceous female with large full breasts. She represented everything culture declared expounded motherhood and fertility.
Lightly touching the statue, I shook my head. “Sorry, that’s not why we’re here. Although why you thought we might be interested has me curious.”
“Why should it, you’re newlyweds, right? The spirits whisper about the great love between you two. But also of the heartbreaking decisions that are yet to be made.” Diana wheeled her chair back from around the barrier, looking up at me with sympathy. “Some say I have the sight. Would you believe me if I said perhaps a smudge stick might aide you? Cleanse and purify your auras and you’ll be shocked at the good fortune that you’ll begin to attract.”
She seemed so sincere, even though she was no doubt giving us the spiel she gave other ignorant tourists. “We don’t need smudge sticks, thank you.”
“Then perhaps a spell, something to strengthen the love between you, to ward off those who might wish to destroy your relationship? Jealousy can be deadly.” Glancing at Mason first and noting his skeptical stare, she turned her business speech to me. “Or maybe you’d rather I read your fortune. Have you ever had your cards read? The Tarot never lie.”
“Or you could simply answer the questions we have you, Ms. Jacobsen. That is, if you’re done trying to sell my niece useless trinkets.”
All friendliness fled her appearance and hostility replaced it. With a quick move, she reached behind her wheelchair and produced a pistol and aimed it directly at Devlin’s head. “I suggest you leave now, before I squeeze this trigger and splatter your brains all over the wall. Messy, sure, but vampire gore collects a pretty price to the right customer.” She didn’t flinch once, her hand steady.
“Such a severe reaction to questions we haven’t asked.” Devlin didn’t move either, trying to use the calming influence of his voice to soften our would-be attacker.
“There’s nothing you can ask that would tempt me to answer you. I know who you are.” Diana grimaced through clenched teeth. If she knew who Devlin was, then maybe Mikey was right and she did know where to find the seer we were looking for. For a second, I thought she might have been the very person, but she was too young, too well preserved, to have lived centuries without any hint of aging. Maybe Diana was a relative of the person we were seeking. Whoever she was, I was certain she held the answer.
“And who do you think I am?” he baited.
I prayed she would reveal she knew he was Devlin Lockhart, the brother of Elynor. That admission would have guaranteed she was at least there.
“Vampire. A filthy, blood-sucking, parasite. Your kind isn’t welcome here. None of you are. I revoke your welcome into my store. There is nothing here for you and I strongly recommend you leave New Orleans. Go back to where you belong.” It was a long, venomous speech for someone who’d been hospitable just moments earlier. She may have wanted to come across angry and belligerent, but I wasn’t the only one who caught the thread of fear tangled amongst her words.
“But please . . .” The gun was swung my way and Mason growled. It would be the only warning Diana received if she didn’t lower her weapon.
“Your pet dog doesn’t scare me, either. The things I’ve seen would give your nightmares nightmares. Walk away and pretend you were never here. Forget you ever heard my name.” She cocked the safety, her finger beginning to press against the trigger. “Leave. The next time I have to say it, I’ll start firing.”
“It’s okay, we’re done.” Devlin was already backing away through the different displays, their allure not so enticing anymore. Mason and I did the same, although Mason never once removed his focus from Diana. Once we reached the doorway, I couldn’t help myself. I couldn’t leave it like this.
“Diana, we meant no harm. I apologize for any misunderstanding.” Not giving her the chance to fire at us for still standing there, we spilled out into the street, Daniel and Christina instantly asking what happened.
“It was a complete bust. She knew something, all right, but wasn’t willing to divulge any informati
on. She held us at gunpoint the moment she realized who Devlin was.”
“Don’t you think it was a little extreme? Are you telling me that living here in New Orleans, the owner of an occult shop, that this type of reaction to a vampire was the norm? She must’ve sensed we were werewolves and didn’t seem to have a problem with that. Why Devlin?” I wondered.
“Only one way to find out.” Devlin grinned like he’d won the lottery.
“We’re not going back in there.” Mason and I both had the same idea.
“We don’t have to.” Waving an envelope in the air, Devlin looked proud of himself. “I believe this is where the young Diana lives. Let’s see if she’s as gung-ho in her own home. Maybe if we can get her alone, she might be a little more receptive to talking.”
Glancing over my shoulder at Fortunate Voodoo, I wasn’t quite as confident with the odds as he was.
She definitely knew who Devlin was. I hadn’t missed the flash of recognition before she shut down and began threatening us. The question was, how did she know him and how could I get her to spill the beans without someone getting shot?
****
“I say we forget this, turn around, and head home.”
“I second that,” Daniel answered, agreeing with Mason. The fact that two powerful predators were getting the heebie-jeebies right now was a bad sign. Even I couldn’t deny the unease I was feeling.
The address Devlin had swiped from the store hadn’t led us to a quiet residential home, but into the bayou—heavy vegetation, swampy water that was no doubt filled with menacing alligators just waiting for their next meal. After driving down a winding dirt road that made Mikey’s seem like a short distance, we’d broken through the surrounding trees to find a small home on the waterfront. The house was totally unassuming; yet none of us could shake the need to be cautious.
“We’ve come this far,” I reassured everyone, getting out of the car. “Besides, Diana’s in a wheelchair. I just want to ask her a few questions and then we can leave. Seems crazy to come all this way for nothing. Put your big girl panties on, guys.” I poked out my tongue as Christina chuckled at the affronted reactions.
I could hear animals moving about in the trees, birds chirping away, and I tried not to squeal in surprise when I spotted a snake slithering across the soiled path.
“Maybe you should try a pair yourself.” Daniel elbowed, his joking smirk making me want to slap him.
“It just shocked me, that’s all. Let’s go.” Ignoring his retort, I walked up the short pathway and approached the door. All the while, I was trying to figure out an explanation that didn’t make us look like stalkers. Diana had been pretty adamant she wanted us gone; yet here we were, at her home. Any other time I would’ve obliged, but this was just too important.
“Let me knock.” Mason grabbed my arm, putting himself in front of me with Devlin closing in behind.
“There’s no need. You all must be the stupidest people I’ve ever met. Or, you have a death wish.” The fly screen kicked open revealing Diana. At least I thought it was her—she looked older and wasn’t sitting in her chair. She stood as tall as me and, like earlier, had a gun pointed directly at us. “How did you find me?”
“We don’t mean to intrude. We just need answers. Please, let us ask our questions and then we’ll leave you in peace.” My heart raced with each word I spoke.
“Or how about I just shoot you dead right now? Or feed you to my gators?” There was a snapping sound behind us, and sure enough, two large alligators flanked our retreat. “Wilbur and Bubba haven’t had a good meal in ages; although I don’t think they’d want to chomp on a vampire.” She shot a look of disgust at Devlin.
“Do we know each other?” Cautiously, Devlin stepped forward, staring hard at Diana. “I know it was you we talked to at the store, but you look different.”
Swinging the gun to aim at his head, the young woman wore a cruel grin. “I know bullets won’t hurt you, but I know what would. Take one step closer and I’ll stake you where you stand. I mean it.”
“Please, we just need an answer. We wouldn’t have gone to extremes to find you, but we’re desperate. Please, help us and you’ll never have to see us again,” I begged.
“I know you’re the seer who made that prophecy for Julian Blackwell,” Devlin murmured, never taking his eyes from her. “Just five minutes of your time and we’ll leave. You have my word”
The fear that contorted her face proved she was the one we were looking for. The gun dropped, faltering in her aim, and she took an involuntary stumble backward. “You need to leave. I have nothing to say about that monster. By you just being here, you’ve brought danger to my home.” All her bravado and anger was reduced to ashes. She was terrified.
“Won’t you help us? You’re the only one who can. You are the seer, aren’t you? Maybe you know of a loophole, a way to stop him?” I wasn’t going to budge until I knew.
“You’re the one,” she whispered, recognizing my aura “You’re the one who will grant him his desire. My poor child.” The look of sorrow and pity in her eyes spoke volumes. “There is no loophole. He made it so my prophecy was airtight. I was young and foolish, dazzled by his charm, and believed he would love me if I gave him what he wanted. I told him his future, wording it in a way that guaranteed its success. What I didn’t know was that by doing so, I also bound my life to his.”
“So you live as long as he does?”
“Yes, and before you think you can stop him by killing me, he performed dark magic to prevent that from happening. I spent many years attempting every kind of death you can imagine. He’s made me somewhat immortal, preventing me from entering my final rest, keeping me from my beloved family.”
My heart hurt for her, ached over the bitterness that she was fully justified in feeling. Julian truly was a monster by preventing her from finding peace after a long life. “I’m so sorry,” I whispered.
“I am, too. It was the first and last time I ever ignored my visions. They warned me about him, but I chose to follow my childish impulses, instead. I’m sorry you’ve journeyed this far and I have nothing to give you.”
“Surely there’s something?” I asked.
Diana looked about, as if expecting Julian to step out from the shadows caused by the approaching night, and nodded. “Perhaps I can read your future? Maybe I will see something that might aide you in your battle; because, believe me, in the end, you will fight. That has always been inevitable.” Stretching forth her hand, she noticed my hesitation. “There are many ways I can divine a fortune, sometimes a simple touch is enough. May I?”
Knowing her purpose, I nodded and tried to remain still as her fingers brushed across my skin. It was the lightest of contact, a small zing of electricity, and I wondered whether she saw anything. Her fingers seized my wrist, tightening quickly, and her arm began to shake. She was definitely witnessing something behind her closed lids, images that terrified her.
“Darkness. Such horrible darkness. And death. It begins.” Her eyes flew open and her haunted stare rattled me to the core. “You must leave. Now. Waste no more time returning home. He comes for you with a strength that would crumble mountains.”
It was my turn to reach for her hand. “Tell me. Is there a way to stop him? Anything?”
Diana recoiled as if my touch was poison. “Magic. Only magic can stop him.”
Mason came forward, pulling me back into him, wrapping his arm around my waist. “We need to go.”
“But, we have to know what kind of magic?” I was frantic now. We were so close to getting the answers we’d been searching for. “Please, Diana. Anything else?”
With an empty voice, body sagging with exhaustion, she shook her head. “I can’t see beyond the overwhelming darkness. Something is coming. You must be prepared.” She slumped down to the wooden floor, resting her head in her hands. “So much despair.”
Fear warred within me, but I couldn’t let it overpower me. “Then we’ll stop him, Diana. We’ll s
top him and set you free. I promise.”
With a grateful smile, tears streaming down her cheeks, Diana mouthed a soft thank you. I felt sorry for her, that she’d become a victim of Julian’s cruel designs. She was merely another pawn that he moved about, not caring how his actions affected others or the toll his choices took on their lives. I couldn’t imagine living the life she had, never knowing when she’d die—only that she couldn’t.
We slowly said our goodbyes, warily stepping around the two alligators standing guard over their owner. Driving away, I wasn’t the only one brooding over what had happened and trying to understand what the new information meant for us.
“Do you believe her?” Christina finally asked.
“We’d be fools not to,” Devlin answered. “I’ve seen a lot of people try and spin me a lie. She was terrified when we mentioned Julian’s name. There’s only one other time I’ve seen that look.” He gripped the steering wheel tighter. “The night my sister gave birth to Lucinda and she saw him there, waiting to steal her baby.”
“Then let’s go home,” Mason gently counseled.
Home. The word once filled me with comfort.
I just hoped there weren’t any surprises waiting for us when we got there.
Chapter 19
“Welcome home.” It was a somber greeting from Wade and Alex at the door. Mason had called ahead to let them know to expect us, and to put out the word for an emergency meeting on our arrival.
Diana’s still warning rang loudly in our memories.
She’d foreseen darkness and death. Whose, she didn’t tell, but I knew the likely assumption was it was mine. I could feel the crazed, maniacal frenzy churning within Mason through our connection. They’d gone over countless scenarios during the flight back to Woodside Hollow, but none satisfied them. When I tried to suggest maybe there wasn’t a perfect plan, I was dismissed. It hurt a little to be ignored, but I understood. Now wasn’t the time to take offense. It was a time for action.
Forever Changed (The Mystic Wolves) Page 16
