Soul Song (The Soul Mate Tree Book 10)

by Mikea Howard

  Confident, but still cautious, Tim ran his hand down the invisible barrier. Electricity filled the air as thunder bellowed. The split pulling the dead through always caused a great disturbance. Chill wind blew across and through them as the rift opened, allowing a stunning elderly couple to step through.

  Quickly dragging his hand back along the barrier, he sealed the veil, keeping anyone else from passing. Dottie’s gasp had his head snapping up. She stood still as a tree, giant tears running down her cheeks, her hands over her mouth.

  The dark man held his arms out. “We missed you, Smudge.”

  She glanced to Tim first, waiting for his nod before running headlong into her grandfather’s arms. Her joy acted like the cork on a champagne bottle being popped inside him, and he bubbled over with pleasure. He knew she trusted him to keep her safe, even knew she loved him, but he’d do everything in his power for her.

  As he took in her excitement of reuniting with her grandparents, the gigantic smile hurt his cheeks. When she reached her hand out to him, he couldn’t move to her fast enough. Although he loathed rushing her, they only had a limited time.

  Chapter 16

  Dottie twined her fingers with Tim’s, his contact grounding her. The whirlwind of her emotions settled with his proximity. She refused to turn her gaze away from Grams and Gramps, fearful they’d disappear. Pulling him forward, she used her free hand to wipe the damp tracks along her cheeks.

  “This is Tim, the cat who saved me and grifted my heart in the process.”

  Her grandfather stepped up, shaking Tim’s hand. “It’s ducky ta meet you, son. Our little Smudge here appears ta be quite over the moon with you.” Furrowing his brow, he bluntly added, “What’re yer intentions with our Dottie?”

  Gasping, her grandmother swatted Gramp’s shoulder. “Thomas, her dandy young fella deserves our gratitude, not grillin’.” She swayed her hips, making her way around the ghostly form of her husband, glancing back. “Besides, you know I doan’ care for yer pet name for our Dot. It suggests she came inta bein’ on accident when you know God sent her for a reason.”

  Shifting to the side, Gramps draped his arms over Dottie and her grandmother’s shoulders. “I thank God every day for my favorite dames.”

  Grams patted his hand before focusing on Tim again. “What kinda special bein’ are you? How is it yer both here, callin’ us ta meet our Dot?”

  Staggering back, Dottie’s stomach sank. She’d amassed so much excitement by the notion of seeing them again, their God-fearing beliefs hadn’t entered her mind as a possible complication.

  She sent up a prayer. Please, God, erase any past sermons of Shifters and Weres bein’ pure evil from their minds. Hopefully bigotry hadn’t held any sway after their deaths.

  Standing tall, shoulders squared, Tim smiled at her grandmother. “I’m a proud eagle and spirit guide for the horned god, Miss Dorothea.”

  “Call me Dorothy, and it’s a pleasure ta meet someone with such a . . . unique job. I’d thought mine had taken me ta some strange places, but you’ve got me beat.” She searched the area around them. “The horned god, hmm.”

  Dottie blurted out, “Not the devil, but ‘nother good deity, like our God. Shifters aren’t demons either.”

  Both hands pressed to his belly, Grandpa Tom’s laughter cut through her perceived tension. “Calm down, girl. We hold nothin’ against ‘em. Yer Grams is jus’ givin’ him a hard time. If we’ve learned anythin’ on the other side of life, it’s that we’re all special in God’s eyes. Even the ones who worship others and do things we can’t. Hell, my own Gramps used ta tell us tall tales ‘bout how our African ancestors used ta turn inta cheetahs ta hunt for the tribe.”

  Tim’s grip tightened on Dottie. Glancing up she caught a glimpse of his widened eyes. Tilting her head, she attempted to send him a questioning look.

  Tim dipped his head at her Gramps. “Perhaps it’s not something you can do, because your family forgot how to over time.”

  Dottie startled at her grandpa’s guffaw. “Well, wouldn’t it be somethin’ if what you say is true. Jus’ picture the faces of some of ‘em proud ta be human people if they found out they held dormant Were genes.” He whooped, slapping his knee.

  Tim cleared his throat. “I apologize if our visit seems short, but we don’t have much time, and there’s another reason I brought Dottie here.” His gaze softened as he tipped his head at her.

  No, but she didn’t want to rush these moments. Time be damned, she couldn’t leave her Grams and Gramps, or their warm, comforting hugs.

  Dottie had wasted years she could’ve spent with them. Living a lie propagated by her alcoholic mother . . . keeping Dottie away from those who loved her, to punish them. A deep desire to curl up in her grandpa’s lap as her grandma sang a lullaby washed over her. Jerking to a stop, she came to with her love’s fingers firm around her arm. Unbeknownst to her, she’d taken steps toward the barrier her grandparents entered from.

  Panic resonated through Tim’s voice. “Na-qui-si, come back, focus on me. Don’t let the in-between tempt you into moving on. The realm is manipulating your emotions. Please hasten your question. I just found you, I refuse to let go now.” He jostled her shoulders. “Let me know you understand, Dottie.”

  As much as she missed her grandparents, she couldn’t imagine losing Tim before they had their forever together. “Yep, right now sounds ducky.”

  Digging into her pocket, Dottie hoped the locket had passed into the realm with her. Triumph swelled her chest. Peeling back her fingers, she took a second to admire the piece. She popped it open, dropping the small piece of brass onto her palm.

  “Where is the lock for this key?”

  Her grandpa raised his fists, cheering. “You found it. I knew you’d solve the riddle, my brilliant smudge.”

  “Thomas, what are you two talkin’ ‘bout?” Dottie’s grandmother picked the key up, inspecting it.

  “Dorothy, remember when I told you someone big and bad sought after our money and Dot’s inheritance?”

  “And I told you you’d become a paranoid, senile ol’ face stretcher.” Gram’s lips formed an ‘O’. “You mean durin’ our impromptu trip ta . . . the bank in Sector Four?”

  Dottie squealed. “Kansas City, like Javier and I thought.”

  Gramp’s brows rose. “Javier? You cuddlin’ more than one beau?” He winked at her.

  Waving her hand, she shooed off his facetious poke. “What is it and where do I find it? We’re in a race with the Animal Gang, you gotta gimme all the details, Gramps.”

  The old man spilled every juicy tidbit. Explaining how the dirty lawyer he’d paid to draw up their Last Will and Testament sold all of his clientele’s financial information to the head of the AG. Her family’s wealth piqued their interest the most.

  Thankfully the world of performers often crossed paths with the underbelly of the city, and someone told someone, who told Grandpa Thomas about the Animal Gang’s scheme to take all their money.

  She clenched her fists. If I ever come across that dirtbag attorney I’ll throttle him for wrongin’ my family.

  It took a while, but Gramps figured out their plan involved killing him and Dorothea, then they could woo Dottie and take her inheritance. He assumed as long as they didn’t have access to the legal documents, they’d keep her alive. Hiding the papers where they likely couldn’t find them, he sent off the riddle to his best friend, Art.

  She tried to be angry at them for sending a babysitter to protect her, but she couldn’t. It meant they cared, even when she’d believed they didn’t. Fighting back the lump in her throat, she redirected her frustration and got to the point.

  “As much as it hurts me ta say . . . we’re out of time, Gramps. You gotta direct us ta where the documents are, and what ta do once we have ‘em.”

 
He sighed. “I know, Smudge. I jus’ really liked layin’ my peepers on you again. Thought we could steal a little more time.” Kneeling to the gray sand, he drew lines. “I buried all the documents, jus’ outside the Sector Four K.C. Stockyard on the west bank of the river. The box yer key opens is at the root of the prettiest tree. You’ll know which one as soon as you see it.”

  Once he finished laying out how to claim her inheritance, it hit Dottie. They’d reached the end. The last moment she’d have with them . . . until they met again in the afterlife.

  ~ ~ ~

  Tim kissed Dottie’s forehead. “Now would be the time to say goodbye to them, love.”

  “I know,” she whispered, nodding her head. “I doan’ know where ta start. There’s too much . . .”

  Her grandfather stepped forward, gently wiping away her tears. “We love you, Smudge. You’ve always been loved and on our minds.”

  The elder Dorothea leaned in and kissed her namesake’s cheek. “Doan’ take this the wrong way, but I don’ wanna see you for a long time.” She smiled. “Live long and love well, baby girl.”

  “I will. I love you both.”

  Tim brought Dottie’s hand up, brushing his lips along her knuckles. When she leaned into him, he stood as her rock while her grandparents passed back through to the other side.

  “You didn’t have ta open the path?” she questioned with a sniffle.

  “No. What you call Heaven is where they’re meant to be. The universe won’t fight their passage.” He wrapped her in his arms. “You ready?”

  Pulling in tight against him, she pressed her head into his chest, nodding.

  He kissed the top of her head, then pulled them back to their bodies, still resting on the bed. Once again, she followed as though a part of him. Tim expended no additional energy to do anything with her by his side. The notion made him curious how connected they’d be with a mate bond. While he considered the best way to broach the subject, their door flung open.

  Javier paced in. “Oh, thank the goddess. You’re finally moving.” He sat on the foot of the bed with a sigh. “You were out much longer than you said.”

  Dottie sat up, blushing. “Javier.” She cleared her throat like an adolescent caught necking. “We didn’t mean ta worry you.”

  Even though she worked as a performer, she had a dieselhead modesty. It shouldn’t surprise him since she became a part of his life after growing up in a city. In his core, it felt as though they’d been together for years, but he still had everything to learn about her.

  Tim added, “I apologize as well. I should’ve considered how visiting family could take a bit longer, and warned you.”

  Javier met Tim’s gaze and gave a firm nod. “I have tea on. I’ll meet you both the kitchen when you’re ready.” Hopping up, he left them alone.

  Perceptive man. He knew their host felt bad for intruding on them. Tim recognized the remorse in the Spaniard’s expression when he’d caught Dottie’s discomfort. He purposefully directed his attention to Tim in an attempt to alleviate it.

  Always adaptable, his woman stood, patting her hair and fixing the loose curls by re-pinning them. With one arm up and the other putting a bobby pin in her mouth, allowing her to use both hands, she spoke through her closed teeth. “So, Old Kansas City, jus’ the two of us?”

  “I believe anything is possible with you.” He chuckled. “But it won’t hurt to ask other people’s opinion.”

  “Okay.” She pulled the hair clip from her mouth. “I’ll be out in a moment. Will you add a little honey ta my tea?”

  “Of course.” Tim winked, then brushed her hip with his fingers as he passed by. “I’ll see you shortly.”

  Giggling, Dottie said, “Go.”

  When he stepped into the kitchen, Javier let out a puff of air. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to embarrass her. She fits so well, I forgot about the city girl sensibilities.”

  “She fits perfectly. But the other dieselheads in your pack do too. I have to remind myself sometimes.”

  “You did get lucky with her.” Javier poured the tea. “I know mates mean everything.”

  Handing over two mugs, Javier grabbed his own and took a seat at the breakfast nook. Tim sat across from him, swirling the wooden dipper in the honey pot on the table. Dripping the sweet amber into Dottie’s cup, he grabbed a spoon to stir it.

  Javier spoke as Dottie entered the room. “I used to scout for the REG, or roaming enforcer group. They’ve worked to gain intel on the Animal Gang for a while now, and’ll put you up in a safe house. They have a number of places scattered throughout the sectors.”

  Sitting down and blowing over the top of her hot cup, Dottie raised an eyebrow at the Spaniard. “Roamin’ Enforcer Group?”

  Javier paused a moment. “I guess you could compare them to your human FBI or CIA. They do the same for Weres and Shifters.”

  “Holy Moley, I had no idea.” Reaching for Javier’s hand, she added, “We guessed right. It’s in Sector Four in Old Kansas City.”

  Javier whooped. “I knew it.” A knock at the door had him hopping to his feet. “Hold on, be right back.”

  Taking a moment to just observe his woman, Tim took in the fullness of her lips as she sipped her tea. Her small hands wrapped around the mug. She had thin fingers tipped with well-manicured, but unpainted, nails. The pale curve of her throat gently moved as she swallowed.

  No, he’d never tire of this view. Tim hoped to study every minute detail of her every day, forever.

  He met her gaze when she set the mug down. “Watcha starin’ at me for?”

  “How could I not?” Tim lifted the corner of his mouth. “I like looking at you.”

  A rosy flush moved up from her chest and filled her cheeks. “I like it too, but stop bein’ fresh. Right now there’s work ta do.”

  Javier returned with a woman holding a small leather-bound book. Taking his seat, he grabbed the journal and flipped through the pages, scanning them quickly. He spoke absently, “Layla, meet Tim and Dottie, and vice versa.” He tapped the page. “Aha. We have two places near there.”

  Layla pulled up a chair and pointed at the page. “This one would be better of the two. I mean, Dottie is pretty recognizable.” Blushing, she shrugged at them. “I’m a big fan.”

  Dottie grinned. “It’s nice ta meet you. I’m sorry we haven’t run inta each other before now.”

  “I live down in the scrub encampment, and don’t come up all the time.”

  “Oh.” Dottie frowned.

  Layla laughed. Smiling, she asked, “What story did you hear? How we scrub their floors, or we’re prisoners, or we’re sex slaves, or are in line ta be their dinner?”

  “I, um, I heard yer their servants.”

  Javier let out a guffaw. “Layla, taking orders? That’d be the day.”

  “I’m called a scrub ‘cause I’ve scrubbed myself clean of the city. I prefer a simple life. Although I do enjoy some diesel things, like music.”

  The Spaniard spoke up. “Yes, we’ll have to have you come back to perform, Dottie. But first, would you like me to set up a meeting with REG scouts? Then you’ll have somewhere to stay in K.C.”

  Nodding, Dottie answered, “Yes, please. But how’ll I pay ‘em?”

  Tim reached out to take her hand. “Weres and Shifters function with a system of contributing what you’re able.”

  “So, what will I have ta contribute?” She squinted at him.

  “If you tell them your story, what the AG did to you, and details about your fiancé’s–”

  She set her cup down hard. “Ex-fiancé.”

  Chuckling, Javier took over explaining. “Information about your ex-fiancé’s associates, will be enough.” He closed his book, tapping it with his palm.

  “How’s my story gonna help
?”

  Tim spoke. “There is a lot they might extract from it. The gang is stealing other people’s fortunes as well as profiting from their bootlegging. They pulled in a human to con you, therefore the roaming enforcers may decide to widen their scope in surveying AG associates too.” He paused to reach out for her hand. “But if you aren’t comfortable sharing your personal information, we’ll find another place to stay along our travels.”

  The smile she gave him sent blood straight to his cock, and held the promise of a reward. “It is personal, but I’m over it. I’d like ta move on with our lives, but if it’s possible ta help take down the Animal Gang . . . we should do it. Right?”

  Javier smirked behind his mug, taking another sip. “I’ll send a message out tonight. You two okay with waiting to head out until tomorrow?”

  Dottie squeezed Tim’s hand, her eyes sparkling. “Actually, I’d like ta chin with some of the women here like Molly, Kara, and Sadie. Some questions keep buzzin’ ‘round my head I’m sure only they’ll be able ta answer, and besides, I’ve never had anythin’ like a dame’s night ta talk ‘bout . . . girl stuff.” She nodded toward Layla. “Would you join us too?”

  “I can’t, but I’d be happy ta take you. I jus’ dropped one of yer albums off ta Molly’s on my way here.” The scrub winked.

  “What a great idea. I’ll take care of any final preparations for our travels. You go find them and set it up.”

  He loved the women of Blue Wolf and how openly they accepted Dottie into their fold.

  Her childlike exuberance warmed him. The obvious excitement reminded him of the joy she gave him from the moment he found her in her private in-between. If he could offer her even a fraction of his elation, he’d do anything.

  Chapter 17

  Overwhelmed by everything that had happened in such a short amount of time, Dottie followed along behind Layla. Praying the group could alleviate the fears spiraling out of control inside her, she climbed the steps and lightly rapped on the door.