Balance of Forces

by Ali Vali

  “This may sound strange, but it’s the most important thing you have to remember. If anyone you don’t know comes to your house asking to be let in, especially at night, refuse and lock the door. This is critical, Piper. I can’t explain it right now, but you have to refuse even if they say they know me and I’m in trouble. If you do anything for me, do this. Promise me you won’t forget what I’m saying.”

  “Why?”

  Kendal’s laugh was mixed with what sounded like exhaustion. “For the love of the gods, you’re like a little pit bull at times. Don’t ask why, just promise me.”

  “Okay, I promise.”

  “Thank you,” Kendal said as she opened her door for her.

  “This isn’t the way I thought our day would end, so promise me something in return. You owe it to me for letting you get your way with so little information.”

  “If I can I will.”

  She felt completely out of her element, but she didn’t want to leave without getting Kendal to reconsider what she was asking. “When you resolve this problem, call me. I just found you and I don’t want to lose my friend so easily.”

  “I promise,” Kendal said without hesitation, and she also didn’t hesitate when Piper put her hands on her chest, then moved them behind her head.

  “Hill told me your word is important to you, so I’m holding you to it.” She stood on her toes and pressed her lips to Kendal’s. What had started as a good-bye gesture took Piper by storm. Kendal’s lips were soft but firm, and Kendal drew her in to the point that she never wanted to let go. Finally, she’d come home.

  Kendal backed away first, severing the contact. “Go on, Piper, and stay safe.”

  “Are you sure?” she asked, making Kendal nod. “Then remember your promise.” Kendal nodded again and closed the car door once Piper was settled in the driver’s seat, then walked into the house without looking back.

  “And I’m going to hold you to it whether you want to or not,” Piper said, starting the engine. On the drive home she felt almost heartbroken, which didn’t make sense to her. You didn’t fall in love so easily in such a short time. “You’d think I’m twelve with a crush,” she said, and laughed.

  Only she’d finally found someone who woke her up emotionally, and Kendal Richoux had most certainly done that in extreme.

  “Are you busy tonight?” she asked when Hill answered her phone on the first ring. “Good, grab your spy gear and pick me up in an hour.”

  She threw her phone into her purse and looked in her rearview mirror. The house wasn’t visible, but damned if she was letting Kendal off that easy.

  Chapter Twenty-one

  “Do you want to talk about it?” Charlie asked.

  Kendal sat with a whiskey in her hand staring at the painting of Angelina, and the longer she looked, the less Angelina resembled Piper. If Piper had been in her life back then, she would’ve stabbed Henri through the heart for dropping by unexpectedly and postponing their conversation of their future together. Especially if she’d thought she might hear a proposal soon.

  “Do you know why Henri picked your family first out of the hundreds he had to choose from that night?” she asked, keeping her eyes on the painting and remembering the feel of those small pearl beads sewn into the fabric. “It’s not like your cabin was the first or the last, yet he went right for it and killed them.”

  “I don’t know,” Charlie said, sitting across from her. “I just remember him laughing as he dropped my youngest to the floor with his throat torn out.”

  “Before the sickness took her, Ora was a powerful witch who people feared as much as they sought her.” Kendal stopped and took a sip. “People always laugh, thinking that the dark arts are fake, but they’re wrong. They’re not all parlor tricks and charlatans.”

  “The general public doesn’t believe in vampires either, but they exist.”

  “Imagine the ability to combine that craft with the abilities she gained when her body turned,” she said, accepting a refill from Charlie. “Then think about how long she’s practiced that craft.”

  “What does that have to do with my family?”

  “That night, by picking your family and sparing you, Henri showed me that his proclaimed queen gave him more than just the gift of her blood.”

  “I’d think you’d remember Angelina and Tomas the most.”

  “We lit twenty-three pyres to Henri’s savagery, and I remember them all,” she said, sounding flat. “Ora can steal thought, a talent she’s improved with time. Had Henri killed only Angelina and Tomas, I wouldn’t have been suspicious, but the annihilation of your family wasn’t to get at you, but at me.”

  He looked at her and opened and closed his mouth a few times. “I’m sorry, I don’t understand.”

  “Henri stole my thoughts, and from them he plucked you and Lola. I loved both of you, but you had the most to lose. And if you blamed me, I’d lose you as quickly as if he’d drained you.”

  “Why didn’t you ever tell me?”

  “I’ve lived long, and in all that time I’ve trusted only two people completely,” she said, looking him in the eye. “Morgaine and you, that’s it, so forgive me, but I didn’t want to take the chance of losing you.”

  “You worried a long time for nothing,” Charlie said. “The men who brought me here stole everything from me, and I didn’t feel a part of anything until you bought me. From that day my place has been with you, and like you said to me then, in the eyes of the law you owned me, but here I was a free man that Celia and you loved.” They stood together and he embraced her. “I’m Lionel St. Louis and Charlie Richoux, but they’re only names that change with time. What doesn’t change is what we are together, Asra, and that’s family.”

  “Thank you, so trust me when I say the last thing I want to talk about is Piper. I’m tired of losing to these monsters.”

  “Not this time, sister.”

  “Are you ready to go in? I want to get there early and talk to Lenore again. I have one more question before sunset.” She strapped on all her weapons and touched her lips once before walking out the door. She could still feel Piper’s lingering kiss, but now was the time to forget.

  “It won’t kill us to take a night off, if you need to.”

  “I’m an immortal, Charlie. I may get lonely, but I never get tired.”

  “I don’t know about you, but sometimes I get emotionally tired. Nothing wrong with giving in to that.”

  “What I feel doesn’t matter, since it won’t change what I need to do or who I need to stay away from.”

  They took the SUV into the city so she could look out the window of the passenger side and brood until they arrived. When they were close to Oz, she pointed to the curb and asked Charlie to stop. Hill didn’t have a chance to hide before Kendal stepped into the middle of the street in front of her car.

  “I want you to drive to Piper’s and spend the night with her.” She leaned into the open driver’s side window, and Hill moved back until she was against her door.

  “We don’t have that type of relationship. Trust me, I’m the last person she’s interested in,” Hill answered, gulping.

  “I’m not asking you to sleep with her. I just want you to keep an eye on her. Whatever she’s paying you, tell her you have a new boss who’s paying you four times your fee and you couldn’t refuse.” She started back to the truck, then turned around. “Don’t let me find you out here again tonight, Hill, I mean it. If things don’t work out the way I have planned, I don’t want her alone and unprotected. I’m counting on you to be there for her.”

  “I don’t know what’s going on, but I won’t let you down. I’ll make sure she understands that.”

  “I also know Piper, so don’t think about taking her out if she asks. You do, and no matter what she threatens, I’ll make you sorry.”

  Kendal was satisfied when she saw the car turn the corner and head back in the direction of Piper’s condo. She wanted this to end so she could try to find some pleasure in t
his lifetime without the threat of Abez and his demon queen hanging over her head.

  *

  “Which of them is stronger?”

  “Which of who?” Lenore asked, looking up from her books. Kim was close by, reshelving some of the volumes they’d used that morning.

  “Which is stronger, Wadham or Jonas?” Kendal put her hands on the table and bent a little so they were more at eye level. “I need to know before the sun sets tonight, and you can tell me.”

  Lenore was no warrior, but it wasn’t easy to intimidate her, and she stared back without fear. “Wadham’s the stronger and older. Why?”

  “I’m back in New Orleans after all this time, so maybe it’s time to revive some of those old traditions. I’m planning to kill his little buddy and call Wadham out, but only if he brings his friends Ora and Abez.”

  “Asra, be careful what you ask for, or you might just get it. I may not be as well versed in the arts of war as you are, but it’d be wiser to handle them one at a time. Together they’ll be almost invincible.”

  “No one lives forever, Lenore, and no one’s invincible.” She moved even closer, making Lenore waver and sit back, unable to stand the intensity of her stare.

  “You’re proof that one can live forever.”

  “We cannot know what forever is, but I do know what fighting is, and that’s what I intend to do. With Charlie at my side, I’ll end this or die trying.”

  Lenore nodded. “Take care, Warrior, and go with just one more piece of advice.”

  “Watch out for the sharp teeth?”

  “Your sense of humor has always set you apart, Asra, but I speak of more serious things.” Lenore stood and put her hand on Kendal’s head. “Wipe her from your mind or he will use her against you. Abez is your brother, so your mind is more open to him than most. Ora and Abez aren’t the only gifted ones.”

  Kendal didn’t need to ask who Lenore was referring to. If Lenore could sense Piper in her mind, what would happen when she faced Abez? “If something happens to me and they bury me where no one will ever find me, will you talk with her? Tell her how sorry I am I couldn’t keep my promises.”

  “Go with a clear head and heart, Warrior. I’ll be happy to talk with your woman.”

  “She’s not—”

  “Go, the sun is starting to set.” Lenore pointed to the darkening skies visible through her skylights.

  *

  Two flips got them over the graveyard wall, and without hesitation Kendal moved to the mausoleum Jonas had entered the night before. Together they moved the heavy stone lid that kept the light out during the day and looked down at the sleeping vampire. The little light left in the sky blistered his skin slightly, but Kendal didn’t intend to let him suffer long. She sank her sword into his chest, truly turning this place into his grave.

  They waited close to the iron gate of Wadham’s lair, wanting him to see them this time. Minutes after it got dark, the stone slid open inside. “Draw your weapon, Charlie, because I can’t guarantee he’ll take me up on my offer.”

  When Wadham stepped out, he held his distinctive sword at the ready. “Ah, I should have realized last night who the scent belonged to, Warrior. Here to face me, are you?”

  “In good time, Wadham, but I want you to bring all the troops when you do. I want Abez and your queen to come and try to bury me.”

  Wadham laughed hard enough for her to see his fangs. “I’ve no need of help to do that, Asra. I won’t be like all those fledglings you’ve faced through the ages. In me you’ll find your most worthy opponent, and you can praise my skill as I destroy you.”

  “Bragging and twenty bucks will get you a hooker down on Desire, but I just need an answer.”

  “Kendal, let’s try not to agitate the big vampire,” Charlie said through clenched teeth.

  “I choose to face you now and gift my queen with the victory.”

  Kendal shrugged and pointed to a low gravesite. “Charlie, have a seat. This shouldn’t take long.” She drew her katana and faced Wadham, who was already circling her. “Windbag, are you here to fight or do the tango?”

  Angry, he lunged with his sword out in front of him. Wadham then put his hand up and turned his head, frantically trying to find her. She kicked him from behind, knocking his face into the grass as she came down on his sword hand with the flat of her axe. With her foot on his head, he moved his hand around trying to locate his weapon.

  “Swordsmanship 101, butthead, never enter a fight with your anger showing.” Kendal kept her boot on his head and pressed the tip of the katana between his shoulder blades. “You end up either dead or really hurting.” The blade slid in, but she stayed clear of his heart. For now she needed him alive.

  “I’ll never tell you where they are, so you may as well destroy me like you have my brothers.” Wadham had lost all his bravado and sounded like he was in pain, the blood bubbling from his wound as if it were champagne spilling from the neck of a bottle.

  She twisted the blade viciously, thinking of this man’s victims through the years. Their spirits demanded some retribution. “I don’t need you to tell me where they are. I already know, and they’re now without protection. You’ve failed, Wadham, and Ora will haunt your afterlife for eternity for that mistake.”

  With what felt to her like the last of his strength he turned, threw her off, and rolled to his knees. He saw his sword not far from him and made a desperate dive for it. Before Charlie could move from his seat, Wadham stuck it into Kendal’s leg and ran to the wall. On the other side he ran as fast as he could, clutching his chest with both hands.

  “Charlie, wait.” She stopped him from following.

  “But we can finish him off.”

  “I wanted him to get away. He’s running off to the evil bitch who made him—to warn her.”

  “Should I follow him, since you so kindly took a hit in the leg for the cause?”

  “Would you, please, and stay out of sight. Let me tie this up so I don’t leave a trail, and I’ll join you.” She ripped off a piece of her shirt and bound the cut on her leg. The plan hadn’t gone exactly like she wanted, but now maybe they’d discover where Henri and Ora were staying and if they had any other security.

  Running was a bit uncomfortable, but she easily cleared the wall and followed the blood drops Wadham had left. He would have to feed for months to heal the wound she’d inflicted. Though the immortals enjoyed the power to heal quickly, their dark brethren didn’t. Any cuts and punctures that wood caused would fester for months and drive their hunger to an almost painful state. Wadham wouldn’t live long enough to worry about it.

  *

  Piper gasped as she saw Kendal limp down the street. “See, I told you we were right in coming out here. Look at her, she’s hurt,” she said from the passenger seat of Hill’s car.

  “I’m telling you, she can take care of herself, and when she sees us, she’s going to kick my ass.”

  “She won’t see us unless she gets into something dangerous and we have to help her,” she said, hitting Hill so she’d start the car.

  “Oh, yes, she will. She’s got a sixth sense that kicks in when we’re around. Besides, she’s jogging down the street at a fairly good clip. She doesn’t look all that hurt to me,” Hill said, looking through her binoculars. “Would this be a good time to mention again what a bad idea this is?”

  “If you want to, you can go back to your office, but I’m not leaving her out here alone with some lunatic who wants to kill her. How horrible to know your brother wants to hurt you. I don’t have any siblings, and now I’m glad.”

  “Did she tell you why he wants to kill her?” Hill started the car as soon as Kendal crossed the boulevard and entered the French Quarter. “She seems nice enough.”

  “She didn’t come out and say it, but he sounds crazy. Of course, being related to Kendal Richoux could make anyone crazy. Just look at her. She’s great-looking, has a body that makes you sweat just thinking about it, and she’s outrageously successful. T
hose three things alone would fuel a sibling rivalry for eternity.” She was bouncing in her seat, trying not to lose sight of Kendal.

  “Have you seen her body recently in a different light than the rest of us mere mortals?” Hill asked, pulling behind another car for cover.

  “By accident.” She picked at the seam of her jeans. “We’re going to lose her if you don’t get going.”

  “We’re fine, and don’t try to change the subject. When did this happen?” They started down the street again when Kendal continued her jog.

  “I went over there thinking she’d been hurt. Remember, I told you about it?”

  “How does that translate to seeing her in something a little more revealing than a suit? And I sure as hell don’t remember that being part of your story.”

  “It wasn’t sexual, Ms. Dirty Mind. I was just checking to see she wasn’t hurt. She found it quite amusing, actually.”

  “Spill it, Piper.”

  “I ripped open her robe and she was naked underneath it. Satisfied?”

  “Extremely. I would’ve paid good money to see that.” Hill pulled over again when Kendal went up the walk of an old house in the middle of the block. “Her athletic abilities are amazing,” Hill said as they watched Kendal scale the wall to enter from a second-story open window. “Who do you think lives here?”

  “Might be the crazy brother. I just hope she doesn’t go out the back.” As soon as she said it, Kendal walked out the front door.

  They left the Quarter and crossed Canal Street, headed toward the Uptown area. Kendal never stopped or even slowed down the entire way to Louisiana Avenue, where she got down on her knees to look at something. When she stood, she held a small knife in her hand, and Piper stared at it, momentarily wondering what it was for. The answer made her gasp when Kendal turned suddenly and threw it.

  Their covert operation was over for the night when the front tire went flat. Another flick of Kendal’s wrist and the back tire blew, and since they were both on Hill’s side she figured maybe Hill was right about what would happen to her when Kendal caught up with her. For now, though, she could just watch as Kendal started to run again, disappearing into the Garden District.