The room looked like the residence of sunshine itself. Soft goldenrod paint coated the walls with accent trim in a brilliant white. The supple gold silk curtains and dust ruffle perfectly matched the paint. Two wing-backed chairs, the bedspread, and even the upholstered canopy over the bed were rich shades of brown with gold weaved through them. A table overflowing with goodies had been wheeled into the middle of the room. In the center rested a stunning arrangement of white roses and curly rods of willow. Around that sat every kind of cracker, cheese, or fruit a person could want and champagne flutes filled with sparkling lemonade. The decadence of it all made it look even more inviting. Temptation won out and I reached for a grape. A hand shot out of nowhere and slapped mine away.
“Don’t move!” snapped a small, wrinkly old woman with an expression so sour the very idea of smiling would probably shatter her head. Thin, sandpaper skin made coarse from years of handling fabric clasped my forearms. “Stand straight!”
She snatched the tape measure draped around her neck and began measuring every inch of me. I sincerely hoped she was the person in charge of the dress fittings, or this was just awkward and inappropriate.
Alaina picked that moment to stride in from her private bathroom. “Celeste! There you are! I see you’ve met Helga.”
“We’ve met,” I squeaked as Helga goosed me with her tape measure.
The posh life suited our bride-to-be quite well. She plucked a champagne flute from the table and rolled the stem between her fingers before bringing it to her lips. An appreciative moan escaped her lips. “So, do I get to see the dresses I have to choose from or … ”
“No!” The wrinkled old woman barked and hopped down from her footstool. She scribbled one last measurement on a yellow legal pad then stomped out of the room and slammed the door behind her.
A light blush warmed Alaina’s cheeks. “I didn’t mean to insult her.”
“I think she works with fabric instead of people so no one catches on to the fact that she’s the devil.” Out of spite I plucked a handful of the formerly forbidden grapes and shoved them in my mouth.
When her moss green eyes widened to alarmed Os it occurred to me that jokes like that probably weren’t well received by someone that grew up in the Spirit Plane.
“She’s not a people person,” I clarified as I chomped. “Not actually the devil.”
Alaina breathed a silent phew and took another sip of her lemonade. Just as I picked up a glass of my own, a soft knock sounded on the heavy six-panel door and Mom poked her head in.
“Hello, Alaina.” I knew that smile. That was the fake smile she wore in dire circumstances when she was about to snap. Nothing good ever followed that smile. “Your room is lovely, dear. Celeste, can I borrow you for a quick sec?”
“Sure.” I set my glass back down and followed her out into the hall.
“You’re talking through your teeth and that vein in your temple is throbbing,” I pointed out as soon as the door clicked shut behind us. “I take that to mean the wedding fun train is rolling on.”
Mom pressed her lips together and peered down the hall in one direction and then the other. Convinced it was all clear, she leaned in and hissed, “I don’t know what religion Alaina’s relatives are, but they’re gathered in the Grand Foyer holding hands and chanting at the front door. It’s not my place to question anyone’s beliefs, but our guests are finding it a bit … off putting … to walk in and get chanted at.” She gave my arm a quick squeeze. “Could you talk to them, sweetheart … please? You know them better than I do.”
So much for being stealthy with the supernatural stuff.
“Sure, Mom. I’ll take care of it,” I said with a tight smile and turned to stride off down the hallway.
“Other way, dear.”
I spun around and marched in the opposite direction. “Stupid big house.”
The low heels of the sensible, yet cute, shoes I’d been told to change into shortly after we arrived clicked over the polished wood floors and echoed through the cathedral of a hallway. It would’ve been nice if my black pencil skirt allowed me a longer stride, but apparently urgent matters were not factored in when this particular item of clothing was designed. After all the guests were settled, we were supposed to meet on the back lawn for the ceremony rehearsal immediately followed by a catered dinner in the ballroom. For the occasion I’d been forced into heels, a sleeveless white shift blouse that buttoned up the back, and the infuriating skirt that caused me to shuffle like a penguin.
Staff members buzzed here and there as they prepped for the wedding festivities. They strung rose and ivy garland down the hall, whisked candelabra centerpieces off to the ballroom, set up tables and chairs, and escorted guests to their rooms. I smoothed a renegade lock of hair that had fallen from the half-hearted twist I attempted and tried not to think about the knot of pain flaring in my chest. Surrounded by this spectacle celebrating the many facets of love I couldn’t not think about Caleb. Pain sawed into my heart with a dull, jagged edge and caused my hands to tremble. It would be so easy to seek out the comfort Rowan offered, but that vice needed to stop. Now. Since admitting to myself that I really was using him it didn’t feel right to allow it to continue. Six months too late I was finally going to deal with losing Caleb. I needed to meet the gut wrenching sorrow head on starting now. No more easy fixes.
Guests milled about in the massive foyer gaping at the splendor of the elaborate winding staircase where Grams stood center stage. “This staircase was considered for Gone with the Wind but we turned it down because we like to keep our anonymity. Which, of course, is why I never mentioned my connection to the Biltmore bloodline.”
Despite my mood, I couldn’t help but chuckle. I adored that crazy old broad. She had even changed into an outfit she deemed worthy of the Biltmore; a hat that looked like she’d plucked a parrot and hot glued its feathers to a beanie cap and a blue sequin dress straight out of the Copa Cabana. She shot me a wink through freshly applied fake eyelashes.
The reprieve she gifted me from my melancholy provided just the boost I needed. With a deep, cleansing breath I pushed my way through the crowd and even managed to mingle as I went.
“Aunt Mildred, it’s so nice to see you! Cousin Connie! Have you lost weight? Uncle Lestor, you dropped your box of … toupees. Let me help you with that. Wow, that one’s—festive. There you go. If you head over to that gentleman he’ll show you to your rooms. His name is Fredrick.”
Mid-way through the packed foyer the crowd parted. Some people tried to look anywhere except directly at the spectacle the Council members created. Others openly stared. The majority of guests scurried past as quickly as possible.
I ran a hand over my face and slowly shook my head. Bernard, Big Mike, the cranky redhead, the Grand Councilwoman, and Sophia stood shoulder to shoulder holding hands. Their gazes focused and intense … and seemingly directed at the front door. The rhythmic chorus of their chant echoed through the foyer and resonated down the halls.
“Haud malum , haud everto , haud diabolus vadum penetro hic. Servo is terra. Servo is domus. Servo illa populus. Haud malum , haud everto , haud diabolus vadum penetro hic. Servo is terra. Servo is domus. Servo illa populus. Haud malum , haud everto , haud diabolus vadum penetro hic. Servo is terra. Servo is domus. Servo illa populus.”
The Capshaw’s, our next door neighbors from back in Michigan, entered the house to that booming chant. The poor couple jumped and lost hold of their luggage. It popped open and littered the floor with their clothing and unmentionables. As they scampered to gather up their belongings I hooked my hand around Sophia’s arm and yanked her around to face me.
“Oh hey, Celeste! Can you believe this place? This is like luxury redefined!” Her almond shaped eyes glittered with appreciation. She oozed femininity with dark hair piled on top of her head and a silky red dress that hugged her curves. I suddenly felt like a little kid playing dress up.
“Can the small talk. What’s going on?”
Her eyes flicked to the Grand Councilwoman before she leaned in to whisper, “The Council needed the protection spell up STAT. For urgent situations like this it’s always best to call in a muse. We’re like magical amplifiers.”
“Why is there urgency?” I asked through my teeth all the while keeping my fake smile in place for our guests.
“They didn’t tell you? I … uhhh … ” Her words trailed off and she gnawed on her lower lip.
After that she clammed right up, her leery gaze focused on her big boss. I took that as my cue to go straight to the root of the problem. I sidestepped around Sophia and used a little bit more Conduit strength than I needed to when I thumped the Grand Councilwoman’s bony shoulder with the palm of my hand. She stumbled forward, her haughty glare at full wattage when she turned my way.
“I beg your pardon.” Her words came out clipped with annoyance.
“What part of ‘blending in’ do you not get?” I pointedly glanced around the room then back to her with my eyebrows raised.
She pulled herself up ramrod straight and folded her hands. “I make no apologies for the discomfort of outsiders when I am acting in their stead to protect them.”
“Protect them from what?” I hissed. “A fantastic time in a gorgeous mansion? ‘Cause that’s all I see you accomplishing here.”
The Councilwoman peered down her nose at me. “Leave it to the Conduit of the Gryphon to speak about a situation she doesn’t fully understand.”
The redhead snorted a humorless laugh.
I crossed my arms over my chest and stared her down. “We haven’t been formally introduced, you must be the Grand Councilwoman’s lapdog.”
The girl’s nostrils flared. Her lips disappeared into a stern, white line.
“Terin,” the Councilwoman spoke as if disciplining a naughty child, “do not let her goad you into reducing yourself to her adolescent, human level. We have a job to do. One she is currently hindering us from.”
“Yes, Grand Councilwoman,” she murmured in a husky voice. “My apologies.”
They turned their backs to me and clasped hands once more.
My hand closed around the raven-woman’s thin arm, no wider than my wrist, and spun her back around. “I’m afraid I’m going to need you to explain this job to me. Quickly. Before I revoke all your invitations and boot you out of here myself.”
The redhead whipped around. Her pupils, irises, and whites of her eyes vanished, instantly replaced by red and orange flames that flared in her sockets. From behind me a few on-lookers gasped. It seemed Rowan would be serving a healthy dose of memory eraser as an appetizer for tonight’s meal.
Terin’s hands balled into fists. Her lean muscles were instantly taut and set on a hairpin trigger to erupt into violence.
I gave her a charming smile that dared her to make a move.
“We don’t have time for this,” the Councilwoman spat. She stepped closer to mutter for my ears only, “I gave you my assurance that this event would be free from demon attack. If you want us to uphold that promise it is crucial we invoke this spell immediately. Because, you see—you stubborn, obstinate girl—there are three demons on the perimeter of the property right … this … minute.”
“Oh.” My confrontational gusto sputtered and deflated. “Well, crap.”
CHAPTER Twenty-five
“Wee-ooo, wee-ooo. Bum-bum-bummm.”
Big Mike peered down at me with one eyebrow raised.
“Like in an old western movie? Good guys and bad guys squaring off?” His blank stare failed to register any comprehension at my clever reference. “High noon. Tumble weed blowing past. No? Nothin’?”
I missed Gabe and Keni; they might not laugh at all my dumb jokes, but they at least got them. However, my sword—Gabe—was currently being fitted for his tux and my shield—Keni—was busy trying to convince Alaina that black knee-high go-go boots would be appropriate under her bridesmaid’s dress. Upon last check that discussion was not going well for little sis. That meant I had to settle for the next best options …
Squish. “Tsk-uhhh!” Sophia lifted her foot and examined the grass and dirt caked on her sparkly red Mary Jane stiletto.
“Why am I here?” she huffed. “Muses don’t fight! We inspire and right now I’m inspired to go back inside.”
“Did you want to send me out here alone and unprotected? You remember that whole fate of the world thing, right?” I kept my gait steady and led the way across the perfectly manicured lawn toward the three silhouetted figures at the edge of the Biltmore property line. Truth be told, Sophia wasn’t the only one wishing for alternative footwear. I missed my tennis shoes … and the ability to walk without shuffling.
“Just seems I was the wrong choice. You were standing right next to the … ”
“Ah!” Big Mike grunted. He fixed his steely gaze on her, the veins in his thick neck protruded. “She wanted you to come, Sophia. No need to talk out of turn.”
“Of course. Don’t know what I was thinking,” Sophia said with a tight smile, her lips pressed together so hard white lines formed around her mouth.
I couldn’t have fought that eye roll if I tried. I was so over all this stupid, Council crap that they cooked up to validate their own self-worth. My only concern at the moment was stopping demons from ruining my brother’s wedding. He and Alaina would get their happily ever after if I had to dismember a thousand demons to make that happen.
Huh, I wonder if I could find a wedding card with that sentiment?
I shielded my eyes from the sun and squinted into the distance. Light reflected off of a curtain of ink black hair on top of a lean form, next to that stood a dark, hulking physique. Kat and Trent. My pulse quickened. If the Council learned about Alec my chances of keeping him safe would become obsolete. They would order me to kill on sight. Sophia I could convince not to say anything, but odds of Big Mike keeping his mouth shut were slim to none. I slid my feet out of my heels and in a blur of speed—made insanely awkward thanks to my movement restricting skirt—I sprinted the remaining distance and left my cohorts in my wake.
Kat’s readied barb welcomed me. Trent held up a hand to stop her advance. Beside them stood a ginger-haired boy of no more than sixteen. The freckles that decorated his nose and cheeks gave him the appearance of the boy next door—until he smiled and revealed a mouthful of razor sharp fangs. Once again Alec impressed and horrified me with his handiwork.
“Don’t believe I saw your names on the guest list.” I glanced over my shoulder. I still had a few moments until Big Mike and Sophia caught up.
“Guess our invite got lost in the mail,” Kat snipped.
Trent raised both hands in a gesture of truce. “We’re not here to start any trouble. Alec sent us to deliver a gift to the bride and groom. That’s all.”
My fingernails dug into my palms as I clenched my hands into fists. “On behalf of the bride and groom, we want nothing Alec has to offer. Now it’s time for you to go.”
Kat stabbed her barb deep into the ground and drew a line that cut through the grass and soil. “You think some stupid incantation can keep them all safe forever, Condu-slut?”
“Kat!” Trent barked, which garnered a twisted smile from the garish former beauty.
“Better hope none of your friends or family leave the grounds for anything.” Her violet-lined eyes bore into me as she hissed, “All bets are off if they step foot over the line.”
I held up one finger and smirked. “First of all, Condu-slut? Really? Have you seen you? Studded dog collars don’t scream chaste virgin. Just sayin’. Second, I dare you to make a move on one of mine. I’ll break that barb off and shove it up your … ”
“Celeste!” Big Mike jogged up, trailed by a panicked Sophia.
Gabe in mid-morph galloped up from behind them, tearing his shirt off as he ran. Despite him still being on two legs, fur covered every inch of his body. His mouth and nose widened and stretched to form a muzzle. Pointed ears elongated and emerged from within his thick copp
er mane.
“We can’t find Kendall,” he growled. His fierce topaz gaze shifted to Trent and his lip curled to exhibit enough fang to be an open threat. “Where’s my sister?”
Dread caused my pulse to pound in my ears with a rhythmic thud.
Trent’s chest puffed up as his spikes shot out. “I have no idea, boy. But you best step down.”
Beside him Freckles gave his own winning smile.
“Little sister out here all alone?” Malicious intent oozed from Kat’s smile. “Guess it’s a race to see who can get to her first.”
In three puffs of black smoke they disappeared … and the race was on.
I hammered my fist against the door without pause until Rowan flung open the door to his room. I’d seen the golden-haired pirate many times, many ways. But never clad only in a pair of black slacks that hung low on his hips with every inch of his toned and tan torso on display. Still wet from the shower, his hair clung to his forehead. I momentarily forgot why I was there and let my gaze sweep across the gorgeous tattoo that covered his shoulder and part of his chest. It was a pirate ship—of course—with shading and detail so realistic it appeared ready to sail right off his skin. I cocked my head and read the name, Marie Ann, etched into the side of the inked vessel.
“Can I help you with something, Mo Chroi? Or did you just come here to ogle me like your favorite dessert?” His moist and inviting lips pulled back in an easy grin, the desire that darkened his eyes couldn’t be misconstrued.
My cheeks burned bright red and I purposely stared at the doorframe instead of the half-naked pirate. “There’s no ogling,” I scoffed. “I just hadn’t seen your tattoo before. Not like I’d be looking for any other reason. Besides I only came here to … uh … ”
Bad time to draw a blank. I knew it was important, too. Crap.
Sacrifice (The Gryphon Series Book 3) Page 15
