Lion's Claw: Spirit Sorceress: Book 2

by D. L. Harrison

  I headed toward the back, and stuck my head in the door. It was Cheryl.

  She said in a snarky tone, “About time you got back here…” and trailed off as her eyes widened.

  I laughed, “Apparently I’m going to get a lot of shock value out of this.”

  Cheryl nodded dumbly, “You… really?”

  I nodded and winked, “Obviously, amazingly and repeatedly.”

  She was speechless, so I said, “Is that a problem?”

  Her eyes went wide, “No, I just… I don’t know what to say. I should get going.”

  “Alright, I’ll see you later then.”

  I wondered as I felt her soul leave, and I could definitely reach for a mile now, if I’d lost a friend, or if she just needed time to get over the shock of it.

  I shrugged, the ones that turn on me weren’t my friends I guess. I wasn’t going to worry about it anymore, or change my mind. So it didn’t matter.

  Jared and I seemed even closer now though, I don’t mean relationship wise, although that too. That bond that connected us, which I used to find him and no doubt share his dreams, was stronger. I was almost positive I could read him now, even if he was out of my range. Though I was still putting that off, I wanted him to give me permission before I did it, and I hadn’t even asked yet.

  Point being, I was pretty sure the connection we had was the mate bond, that allowed a spirit sorcerer’s or sorceress’s mate to share in our longevity. Barring violence, we’d be together for close to two thousand years. Although dying of old age seemed to be a rarity with my kind. Of course, with me being a vampire I wasn’t sure exactly how long, it could be even longer than that.

  Regardless, it looked like my soul had chosen, just as his wolf had chosen me, it was the human component which would make things interesting.

  It was a good start, a base to work with. But I also knew it didn’t guarantee anything, it would take work and effort to build it. I promised myself I’d never take him for granted, or let him give me crap. Only time would tell.

  I resisted the urge to watch him work, and no doubt get in everyone’s way, and stayed in the back office. With nothing else to do I put together a report on the confrontation with Patrick Needleman, and sent it in to Lisa. Then I decided to read more of my book until the end of the work day…

  It was about five-thirty when Jared knocked on the open door, and took a seat across from me.

  He asked, “Are you free tomorrow night?”

  I nodded and couldn’t help the light smile as I replied, “Tomorrow is good. What do you have in mind?”

  He looked at me in the eyes when he answered, “I don’t want to wait until then, but I need to take care of my pack and wounded tonight, and let everyone know I’ve been seduced by an evil vampire temptress, so tomorrow. As for what, it’s a surprise, just dress comfortably, something like you’re wearing now is fine. I can pick you up around seven?”

  I smiled coyly, “Temptress?”

  He laughed, “So no objections to evil vampire?”

  I blushed, “Seven sounds good.”

  He nodded, “Good, we’re wrapping up now for the day.”

  He walked around the desk, and his kiss made my toes curl as I thought about earlier. Then he left the room. I sighed and missed him already, this would take some getting used to…

  Chapter 15

  I’d been right about the shower. There was no way anyone was going to miss Jared’s scent on me. I threw on some black yoga pants, and a light tee. It was comfortable, and I had no intention of going out tonight, except for dinner on the second floor. I ran into Lisa on the way down, who smiled at me.

  “Looks like you left something out of the report, tell me everything,” she demanded enthusiastically.

  I laughed, “Later. I’m starving.”

  She muttered playfully, “I bet you are,” as we flew down six flights of stairs, and out onto the second floor.

  I had to admit, I was a little nervous. Not ashamed at all, just worried if anyone would take it really badly. I think I worried too much about a lot of things actually. But vampire noses would ensure the gossip, and I had no illusions they all would be as happy for me as Lisa was.

  We gathered some food and sat at the usual table. Cheryl winked at me and looked apologetic. I supposed I could cut her some slack, I had surprised her earlier.

  The biggest surprise, or maybe it wasn’t considering he wasn’t shy on his opinion of werewolves, was Eustice. He practically sneered with disgust at me when we sat down, it wasn’t even contrived, he was obviously trying not to react at all, and failing badly at it. He cleared his throat, and started to eat quickly.

  It didn’t change my mind any, but it hurt more than I thought it would, I’d thought he’d make a joke or two at my expense, but now I wondered if he’d even be my friend anymore. Perhaps he never really was, he was the boss after all, for the clubs.

  Daniel nodded at both of us in his shy awkward way. He didn’t look disgusted at all, but rather disappointed. I’d forgotten he had a thing for me. Still, it was a better reaction than the one Eustice gave me.

  Jerry smirked, but kept his thoughts to himself, and merely winked at me in hello. I could tell he was amused by it for some reason.

  Kelly looked… intrigued. There was no other word for it.

  She asked curiously, “So, how was it? I always wondered how exciting that would be, wondering if they’d go for the throat during… you know? Sounds even better than angry sex.”

  I was at a loss at how to respond to that, Kelly was the shy quiet one, who knew?

  I blushed, as Cheryl perhaps a bit too helpfully said, “She doesn’t have that vampire and werewolf thing. They can play all day without feeling threatened.”

  Eustice choked in disgust, and moved to another table to sit with Ethel.

  Tammy and Matt were just… Tammy and Matt. Neither of them seemed to care at all either way. They were kind of right, since no one had said anything about their relationship. I got that it was a new and odd thing though, but it really wasn’t anyone’s business.

  I decided my love life had been the central topic long enough.

  “So what’s going on, Ceara left town?”

  Lisa nodded, “Yes. Some idiot in L.A., the head of the city there is a vampire named Zackary Domingo. He’s a real piece of work. She’ll be gone about a week, she needs to sort things out, and figure out who’s powerful enough and trustworthy enough to leave in charge. Anyway, the important thing is we’re having a party in the theatre room tonight.”

  I almost laughed, she seemed like a teen excited her parents were out of town so she could throw a party. While I was almost sure it wasn’t really that, I decided to tease her a bit. Inari knows she’s teased me enough this past week.

  I asked deadpan, “But, what if mom finds out?”

  She smiled lightly and shrugged, “Ceara already knows. It was actually her idea.”

  I frowned, sure there was more to that, Lisa was trying too hard to sell it. Still, it wasn’t a horrible idea, it would be a nice distraction, and I wouldn’t have to drive home after. I’d just have to make it up six flights of stairs. Even if I failed, which I wouldn’t since I planned on never drinking that much again, there was always the elevator.

  “When does it start?”

  “Eight,” she replied.

  “Sounds fun, everyone else going?”

  Tammy shook her head, “I have to work remember, just don’t forget you’re working all weekend.”

  I nodded, “Fair enough.”

  They all chimed in then. Besides Matt who’d be watching over Tammy as security for Pulse, everyone else I was friends with would be there…

  I’d never done more than stuck my head in the theatre or game rooms. The theatre room had dark gray, almost black, carpeting. It also had three rows of black leather theatre type seats in front of a large white screen, which accounted for a little less than half of the cavernous room.

  I laughed, b
ecause someone had put the Bride of Dracula movie on the LED projector, filling up the whole screen. The one from nineteen sixty. The sound was barely audible above the din of conversation and the music that was playing, but for a vampire it wasn’t hard to make out with a small shift of focus.

  Behind the rows of theatre seats were some small tables that would fit five or six people, and a large cleared floor to mingle. I wasn’t positive, but the bar that was set up in the back corner looked temporary, I imagined it had been set up just for tonight.

  The door from the hallway entered the theatre room from the side, with the screen on the right. To the left was a large set of double doors that were opened. I hadn’t even known they were there, but they led from the theatre into the game room, where there were a couple of pool tables, foosball, darts, and a ping pong table. There was even a console system in the corner, though I didn’t know what kind it was.

  I grabbed a drink and went and found Lisa, she was chatting with Kelly and Cheryl about schedules and work days.

  I faux scowled, “No work talk,” and shook my finger at her.

  Cheryl raised an eyebrow, “I’m sorry about before, I was totally thrown. So, was it a one-time thing?”

  Kelly and Lisa looked curious too, so I resigned myself to answering a few questions. Maybe I should have kept my mouth shut about work talk.

  “No, I’m seeing him tomorrow night.”

  Kelly smiled a little wickedly, “Let’s get some shots, and then you can tell us all about the stamina of virile young male werewolves.”

  I sighed, and followed them over to the bar. It was going to be a long night, but probably fun as well…

  Chapter 16

  I woke up at six the next morning. I did have fun last night, and didn’t drink too much. I had a feeling last night was the vampire coven version of a corporate type party, like a team building thing. Just a part of bringing the coven back together after the purge of a few weeks ago. I didn’t mention my theory to anyone else, but it explained why Lisa had been so over the top about it.

  Plus, it didn’t really matter, I’d had a good time.

  I’d been debating about the information I’d gotten yesterday after destroying that dark magic ring that bound a soul. I wondered if Melody felt similarly conflicted when she told me the story of my uncle. I decided though, that I’d pass on the information. Plus, I was curious to meet the woman.

  Today I decided to wear something different. I had a casual skirt on, black flowing material with white flower designs on it, which ended just a couple of inches above my knees. I also had on a yellow blouse with a body conforming white tank top under it. I also had my knife sheaths strapped to my thighs, since I was wearing white sandals, with three inch heels.

  Sunglasses and sword were a given.

  I jumped in my car, and headed south, it was only about ten minutes away. It was early, but I knew she’d be up already from when I read her. I felt a little weird about this, but it was the right thing to do. I knocked on her door.

  Carly answered a few moments later. She looked like she’d been working out, and had a red sports bra on, and black stretchy shorts. She looked at me quizzically for a moment.

  “You have to be Jared’s new woman,” she snapped her fingers and then said, “Miku right? Why are you here?”

  “Can I come in?” I asked tentatively, I knew from reading her she could be very stubborn if I rubbed her the wrong way, so I wanted to make a good first impression. I wasn’t really jealous at all either, not anymore at least, now that he was mine. What Carly and Jared shared was more of a close friendship with occasional benefits than anything serious, and I was sure that wouldn’t happen anymore. Believe it or not, I was hoping we’d end up as friends, because I knew I’d probably be seeing a lot of her around the pack, she was an ally of theirs.

  I added, “I have some… news to tell you. Something I learned yesterday that you should know.”

  She nodded dubiously and stepped back as she motioned me inside. She closed the door, and then led me into the living room.

  “What is it you have to tell me,” she asked a little warily.

  I wasn’t even sure how to say it, so I said, “Has Jared told you I’m a spirit sorceress, in addition to a vampire?”

  She nodded, but didn’t say anything.

  I sighed, “The soul that was bound to the ring, when I broke the dark witch’s and rogue spirit sorcerer’s magic, was your father’s.”

  She tensed, and I paused for a minute. I knew from her memories that she believed her father had run out on her and her human mother when she’d been just twelve. The truth was different than that.

  I went on, “I thought you needed to know the truth, I’m sorry, you don’t really know me yet but I didn’t think I should wait. He wanted you to know, that he didn’t leave you, not of his free will anyway. He got involved with the wrong witch, a witch that led a dark coven. Basically, she wanted the power to shift forms, so she conspired to steal his, and succeeded. The witch is dead now, she died not long after that, and the ring had passed to a few different people before Needleman got his hands on it.”

  She frowned and ran a hand through her hair, “I don’t know what to do with this. What good does it do me now?”

  I could have told her she could let go of her anger over it, and her fear of letting men get too close, but then she’d probably kick my ass, or try too, so I just shrugged instead. I wasn’t a psychologist, but I figured it might help her, once she processed it all. I knew finding out the truth about my mother helped me, even if it did make me feel guilty for all the anger I’d held toward her at the same time.

  “I don’t know, outside of changing your perception of the past, there isn’t much else it can do.”

  She nodded slowly, “Do you want a drink?”

  I shook my head, “No thanks, I need to get back, and make it to Legends by eight to let the pack in. I’m sure I’ll see you around.”

  She got up and showed me out, she looked lost in thought, and I hoped I made the right decision by coming here. I didn’t often pass on messages to those left behind, actually never, this had been the first time. It wasn’t my job, the spirits were my job if I could be said to have one related to my power over spirit. I wasn’t responsible for the living. But I felt like I owed Carly for some reason. Maybe because I’d read her, and it had all been twisted up in personal feelings since we had a connection through Jared.

  Either way it was done, I got in the car and headed back to the coven to get breakfast, it was almost seven.

  I had pancakes for breakfast, with Lisa and a few of the others. Eustice was at Ethel’s table again, which clued me in that he hadn’t just been in shock like Cheryl had at Legends. I ignored him right back and did my best to enjoy breakfast and then headed to my third day of babysitting legends. I wondered if I’d get through an entire day this time without being pulled away.

  Jared made me blush furiously when I let them all in. He kissed me in front of everyone else, to wolf whistles and cheers, and Bob teased me about something but to be honest I was too focused on being in Jared’s arms to hear it. It was embarrassing, but it also put a big smile on my face as I went to the back office, and brought up that book on my iPhone. Werewolves were not shy about affection in public.

  I started to think I might just make it through the day as ten in the morning came and went, but at about ten fifteen Cheryl waltzed through the door, and she wasn’t smiling.

  “What happened?” I asked with a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach.

  Cheryl said in a matter of fact voice, “One of the office staff, Stacey. She didn’t show up for work at nine, and then didn’t answer her phone. Lisa and I went up to her room on the fourth floor to check on her, and she was dead. She… was a husk, all dried up. Lisa wants you to come look, see if Stacey’s spirit is hanging around.”

  Cheryl was usually bold and irrepressible. Her matter of fact tone let me know she was probably shaken, and freaked out
about it. I imagined the death must have looked really bad.

  I replied a little doubtfully, “I’ll go look, but spirits staying behind aren’t that common in real life, not even in violent deaths. I’ll be back when I can.”

  She waved that away, and took my seat as I stood and left…

  When I got back to the coven building, Lisa was behind the counter with Joseph and Paul, and she waved me over.

  “There’s nothing. Nothing at all on the camera’s or doors. I’m not sure when it happened, but her thumb scanner shows her going into her condo a little after one last night when the party started to break up.”

  I nodded, “Show me?”

  She swallowed, and got up, and we went up to Stacey’s condo on the fourth floor. It didn’t look like anything was touched, but I also couldn’t feel Stacey’s soul. If she hadn’t moved on, then she was somewhere else.

  Her body was on the bed, and I felt a little sick at what I saw. She was a dry husk, as if all the water had been sucked out of her body. I didn’t feel her soul, but I did sense magic. Water magic, or at least the remnants of it. I walked over to her window, and looked out. It led to an alley maybe twenty feet wide, with a three story building next to us. Where I stood wasn’t all that far from the roof of the neighboring building.

  I sighed, “It was most likely a water sorcerer. Probably standing on the roof of the next building if the cameras didn’t pick up anything in the alley. They wouldn’t have had a problem reaching through the building and into her bed from that distance. Question is, why did a water sorcerer kill Stacey?”

  She shrugged, “No idea. Can you find the sorcerer?”

  I nodded, “Easily, if he’s still in town.”

  I walked out into Stacey’s living room, and laid down on the couch while I hoped he wouldn’t be as elusive as Needleman had been.

  “Be right back,” I said softly.