by Rose Pressey
“I don’t know if I can handle much more, Halloween.” She clutched at her chest.
“I think you’ll enjoy this news.”
Her eyes brightened and she sat a little straighter. “I’m listening.”
“The Coven has asked me to host the annual Halloween Ball,” I announced.
My mother gasped and clasped her hands together. “I can’t believe it. My one and only daughter is finally being welcomed by the Coven.” She waved her hands in front of her face to fend off the tears.
This was what made her proud? What about that I’d started a small business? I didn’t need the approval of some club. Or did I? Why was I so excited about hosting the Halloween Ball?
Annabelle sat up straighter. “I don’t know, Halloween. I don’t think you should give them the time of day.”
I cast a glance at my mother. She would not be happy with Annabelle for that statement. I gave a warning glare to Annabelle, but she didn’t take the hint.
Annabelle scoffed. “They didn’t want you before, so why should you allow them into your life now?”
There was no way I could let my mother down now. The look of happiness on her face was priceless. As much as I’d disappointed her with my magic in the past, I owed her this one. Besides, I couldn’t deny that I liked being wanted for a change. I was popular and it felt good.
“I see your point, Annabelle, but this way I can show them I am in charge. I can finally prove myself.”
My mother beamed. Annabelle shrugged. She’d come around to my way of thinking soon enough. I gestured with a tilt of my head for Annabelle to look at my mother.
When she noticed my mother’s smile, she nodded in understanding. “Well, I guess now that you’ve explained it, the party at the manor does sound like a good idea.”
Chapter Thirty-Three
When I returned to the manor that evening for my date with Liam, Isabeau had Nicolas cornered in the library. She was running her hands through his hair. Why didn’t Nicolas just tell her to get lost? I was all for manners and Southern hospitality, but I had to draw the line somewhere. Isabeau had to go. My movement must have caught Isabeau’s attention because she turned around and glared at me. Nicolas’ fangs reached over the bottom of his mouth and his eyes had a glazed-over look. I wouldn’t even bother to ask what was going on.
Isabeau smirked and laughed. “Good evening, Halloween.” She said my name with disgust. “Are you all ready for your evening with Liam?”
She touched Nicolas’ face as he stared at me. I couldn’t read his expression, but it looked like there was hurt in his eyes. I hadn’t told him of my plans with Liam. I hadn’t planned on it either. There was nothing to my date with Liam, right? I’d wanted to get more information from him. That was all. He seemed more forthcoming about the whole situation with me anyway.
Nicolas shouldn’t be jealous when he was flirting with Isabeau. I didn’t hang around and give Isabeau another chance to mock me. There was no telling what she had said to Nicolas. I had to get rid of her right away. No more feeling sorry for her and no more Ms. Nice Girl.
I turned around and ran out the front door. Now more than ever I needed fresh air and to get away from everyone. All I wanted was to be alone with my thoughts.
Nicolas called out to me, “Halloween, please, I want to talk with you.”
I glanced over my shoulder as I ran. Nicolas moved with lightning speed after me. I knew I wouldn’t be able to outrun him. What did he want? There was nothing to talk about. Up ahead, the ghosts waited for me. They didn’t even try to hide this time. They were becoming bolder and obviously losing their patience waiting for me to perform magic. If they were anything like Isabeau there was no way I would ever turn them.
My side hurt and my legs couldn’t move any faster. My speed was slowing. When I reached the line of trees, Nicolas grabbed my arm from behind. He spun me around and pulled me toward his chest. His eyes were clear and focused on my face. His gaze slid down to my lips and he pressed his mouth against mine. I sucked in a sharp breath. My heart raced as his tongue met with mine. I couldn’t stop myself. His lips were warm and delicious and I relished every moment of it. His tongue traced a sensuous path down my neck and I sucked in a sharp breath. The tips of his fangs eased against my warm flesh.
Finally, I let my mind break free from this moment. I pulled away and stared at him.
“Halloween, don’t go out with Liam tonight,” he said.
“Is that what all of this is about? You just don’t want me to go out with him?”
“No, that’s not what all of this is about.” He stepped closer to me and I moved back a few steps.
I stared at his fangs and then back at him. “This is just all some weird macho game you all have going on, isn’t it? You don’t care about me at all.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. I do care about you.” His gaze fell to my neck..
“Then why shouldn’t I go out with him tonight?” I stared at him waiting for an answer.
“Because I want you to go out with me. I want to be with you.”
The ghosts had found us. I looked around and they had me surrounded. It was like they were planning their attack. Nicolas didn’t seem to notice or, if he did, he didn’t care.
“What is going on with Isabeau? You looked awfully cozy together.” I tried not to sound accusing.
He shook his head. “There is something going on with her and I’m not sure what.”
I looked around at the ghosts and they stepped closer. I would have to get out of there soon or I wasn’t sure what they would do next.
“What do you mean?” I asked, glancing over my shoulder again.
“There is a bad vibe about her,” Nicolas said.
“You can say that again.”
“Where did she come from?” he asked.
“I don’t know. She was here when I got the house. I don’t know how long she’s been here or what she wants. I don’t know why she is here.”
“Have you asked her to leave?” He looked at me intently.
I glanced over my shoulder again. “Not exactly. It isn’t that easy. She has nowhere to go. I didn’t want to kick her out with nothing. I have tried to find out about her. I looked for a death certificate, but I can’t find anything. She says she was from Enchantment Pointe, but I can’t find any proof of that.”
Nicolas reached for my hand again. Maybe it was my imagination, but I thought he was staring at my neck with a hunger in his eyes. Did he want my blood? It would make sense that he did. After all, he was a vampire.
I peeked over my shoulder again. The ghosts had moved closer. There was no more time left. I had to get out of there.
I pulled away from Nicolas. “I have to go.”
He touched my arm. “Halloween, don’t go. It’s not safe.”
Yeah, he was telling me. It wasn’t safe anywhere I went. My life wasn’t safe anymore. I felt like the walls were closing in on me and I was running out of places to go.
I ran toward the house and didn’t look back. If Nicolas followed me, I didn’t know. It didn’t matter. I burst through the door and toward the stairs.
Isabeau was standing in the foyer. “You look like hell.”
I didn’t hurl the insult at her that I wanted to. I bit my tongue and continued upstairs. Maybe I was just jealous of Isabeau’s flirting with Nicolas, but it was my home and I could toss anyone I wanted out on their butt.
I’d take a shower and get ready for my evening with Liam. Maybe he could help me figure out what was going on. I could trust him, right? After all, he was a witch like me. Witches had to stick together. He wouldn’t lie to another witch. He’d done nothing but offer to help me since he arrived at the manor.
I slipped under the water and tried to erase the crazy thoughts from my mind. It was no use though. I was more confused than ever. My thoughts were consumed with Nicolas’ lips pressed against mine—the heat from his body and the tips of his fangs touching my mouth.
I climbed out of the shower and into a blue dress and heels. I wasn’t sure where Liam was taking me, but I hoped it was away from this place for the evening. If I had some distance, maybe I could stop thinking about it for a while.
But the reason for my date was to find out more about what was going on and nothing more. I’d push romance away. Discovering Nicolas and Liam’s true agenda was my main concern.
When I stepped out of the door, I heard movement coming from Isabeau’s room. I walked over and pressed my ear against the door again. She was reciting another spell. What was she up to? I needed to ask the Coven about her. Surely someone knew of a witch who had died and was possibly haunting the manor. Perhaps if I tried to find out more history about the manor it would give me clues about Isabeau. There had to be more information about the manor other than the rumors I’d heard over the years.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Liam was supposed to meet me in the parlor. When I reached the entrance to the room, he was already there, looking out the window. He seemed deep in thought.
“What are you looking at?” I asked.
He turned around and drank in my appearance. “You look beautiful.”
I smiled. That was a good way to start the evening. Had he been looking at the ghosts? I hoped they weren’t waiting for me when we went outside. I was glad that Nicolas hadn’t been downstairs when Liam and I left for our date. It would have been awkward to see him.
“Where are you taking me?” I asked as we stepped out onto the veranda.
“I thought we’d eat at a great little place in town.” He held the car door open for me.
“That sounds lovely.”
We slipped into Liam’s sleek black car and eased down the driveway. When I glanced in the side mirror, I saw Nicolas looking out the library window at us. My heart sank. What had he tried to warn me about? Why was I in danger?
A strange vibe buzzed around us, but I wasn’t sure what feeling was or where it came from. It was a different sensation from what I felt from the books. I glanced over at Liam and he smiled. Could he be what Nicolas was warning me about? No, he just didn’t want me to go out with him. Nothing more.
“Have you always been great with your witchcraft powers?” I asked.
Liam glanced over at me as he steered around the corner. “Um, I suppose so. Like with everything I improve with practice. Why do you ask?”
“I don’t think it’s any secret that my magic wasn’t the best before I got the spell book.”
He stared at the road. “No, it wasn’t a secret. But that’s the past now. I wouldn’t worry about that.”
I studied his handsome profile. “Speaking of past, you and Nicolas are still enigmatic about your past. Why don’t you tell me more about yourself? After all, people having dinner together usually talk about themselves and share details.”
He glanced over again. “There’s not much to say. I’m just a boring guy. After college I began working for the Underworld. I’ve been there for ten years now.”
“Do you have a ton of cases?”
“I keep busy, yes. You’re the most interesting so far though.” A smile played at the corners of his mouth.
I would have said that he and Nicolas were the most interesting guests I’d had so far, but they were the only guests. If any future guests were more interesting I would definitely reconsider the bed-and-breakfast business.
We made it into town and parked along the curb in front of the little restaurant. Liam opened the car door for me and I slipped out. With his hand on the small of my back, he guided me toward the restaurant’s entrance. Stars sparkled in the black ceiling of sky.
“I’m glad you agreed to go out with me.” Liam’s presence was resilient as he walked along beside me.
I glanced over at him as we walked into the restaurant.
“I wasn’t sure if you just wanted to go out because of your weird competition with Nicolas.”
“There is no competition,” he said with a smile.
Checkered tablecloths covered the tables dotting the room. Candles were placed in empty wine glasses with wax dripping down the sides in the middle of the tables. Luckily, Liam had made reservations or we probably would have been waiting for a long time. We weaved around tables full of people and were seated at the back of the restaurant. We ordered pasta and wine from the menu.
Taking a sip of my wine, I studied Liam’s handsome face. “Why did you come to LaVeau Manor?”
I didn’t want to beat round the bush any longer. I’d just come out with it.
He sipped his wine then offered an easy smile. “You don’t waste any time.”
“I feel like I’ve waited long enough to ask. I trust you’ll give me honest answers.” I folded my hands in front of me on the table and waited for a response.
He set his glass down. “The law in the Underworld doesn’t want a witch to rule who shouldn’t be in that position. They sent me to make sure the book didn’t get in the wrong hands.”
“Then why do you want to destroy it? Wouldn’t that end law and order?”
He shrugged. “Maybe it’s time for a change in the Underworld.”
“A change for the worse? How long have things been tumultuous?” I asked.
“Not long,” he offered. “It didn’t take long for things to get out of control.”
“So why change now?”
He shrugged. “Things change. Why not make it now?”
“I haven’t seen anyone show up other than you and Nicolas who want the book. So why should I take your word for it?” Maybe there was too much distrust in my voice, but I felt it was justified.
Well, no one other than the men and Isabeau had shown up. But I didn’t think she had any interest in the book other than wanting to make sure she wasn’t turned back into a ghost, although I didn’t know that for sure. She had been performing a lot of spells.
“Mara hasn’t tracked you down yet, but she will.” His tone was apologetic.
“How were you able to find me before she was?”
“That’s my job. That’s why I was hired as a detective for the Underworld and she wasn’t.”
I guessed he did have a point.
“Who is this Mara?” I asked as our food was placed down in front of us.
I didn’t waste any time sinking my fork into the food. Planning the Halloween Ball, running from ghosts and vampires, and having dinner with mysterious gorgeous men was hard work. It made me hungry.
“She’s the estranged sister of the last leader. Mara feels she should be the one in charge, that her sister’s death somehow made her in line to get the book. She’ll eventually be able to track down where the book is,” he said.
“Why wouldn’t she be the new leader then? How is this decided?”
“It’s usually decided by the current leader and a team. That’s if the leader retired, but if something happens to the last leader, then it’s a completely different scenario. Apparently the last leader felt that her sister would get the book—that was why she had your aunt hide the book.”
“What happened to the last leader?” I asked, almost afraid to find out the answer.
“She was murdered,” he replied softly.
Chapter Thirty-Five
I choked on my wine.
“Who murdered her?” I asked when I’d recovered.
He stared at me. “We don’t know. It was rumored that her sister killed her.”
I swallowed hard, then asked, “For the book?”
He nodded. “Yes, for the book.”
And now she was coming for me? This couldn’t end well. And I thought I had problems before. If what he said was true, I had a lot more to worry about than a few botched spells.
“Have you always lived in New Orleans?” I’d play the same question game with Liam as I had with Nicolas.
“No, I lived in Bayou L’Ourse,” he offered casually.
My eyes narrowed. “So you are both from the same town? You know each other well, don’t you?”
“No.” He didn’t meet my stare.
“You are both from the same town, currently live in New Orleans and show up on my doorstep within hours of each other, but you don’t know each other?”
“I didn’t say we don’t know each other,” he said.
“Yes, you did. When I first met you all.” I pointed my fork at him.
“I may have crossed paths with Nicolas at the coven meetings.”
My heart rate increased. “Wait. Why would a vampire be at the coven meetings?”
“Didn’t he tell you? He’s a witch too,” Liam replied as if this was common knowledge.
“He didn’t tell me,” I said softly.
Why had Nicolas left out that detail about his life?
“So if you didn’t ask me out just because of Nicolas, then why did you ask me out?” I cast a glance his way.
He smiled. “I asked you out because I think you’re a fascinating person. With a name like Halloween how could you not be?”
I tried to hide my smile. “Having a name like Halloween isn’t easy.”
“You certainly make it seem easy.” He grinned then took another drink from his glass.
“Why does Nicolas tell me that you’re dangerous, then you warn me that Nicolas is dangerous?”
“I can assure you I am not dangerous.” He placed his hand on mine. “I’m a sucker for a pretty face though.”
“Flattery will get you nowhere, Mr. Rankin.” I pointed with my fork.
“It’s not flattery, Hallie. It’s a fact.” He took a drink of wine.
“That doesn’t really answer my question though. Why should I be afraid of Nicolas?” I wouldn’t take my eyes off him until he answered.
He leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table. “I’m just not sure he has your best interest at heart.”
“But you do?” I asked with a raised brow.
“Absolutely.” He took another bite from his plate.
I’d taken the last bite of my tiramisu when I felt eyes on me. The ghosts had entered the restaurant. This was not good. How had they gotten in? If they could come in here, then I would probably no longer be able to keep them out of the manor. I had to find a way to protect myself from them. With scowls on their faces, they looked like they were completely pissed off. This was no longer about being reanimated. This was now more about revenge against me.
