After Sunset

by Nicole Renee

  Eyes narrowing, Winter crossed her arms over her chest. “Oh. I see what this visit is. You came here to throw your weight around. To see if the poor little book store owner could be bought.” Winter saw the surprise that came over his face and it irritated her.

  Who did this guy think he was? Coming into her shop and trying to buy her silence? Granted, she did see the Akachi’s creepy eyes, but she wasn’t going to readily admit it. She wasn’t stupid. Winny knew there was more going on than what was being told, but until she figured it out herself, she would be silent.

  “I don’t know much about you or how you conduct business Mr. Slade, but I am not for sale. I didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. I was just offering help to a man who seemed to need it. It’s called being kind. You’re probably unfamiliar with that term judging by your elitist attitude.”

  Zahir seemed to be at a loss for words.

  She smirked internally. Good, you pompous jerk.

  “Ms. Frame. I am-”

  “Done with this conversation,” she finished for him. “I am glad your brother is alright. Please let him know that. Now, I would like you to leave my store, Mr. Slade.”

  His eyes widened in disbelief at her dismissal. “Excuse me?” he scoffed.

  “You heard me, Mr. Slade. I would like you to leave.”

  He seemed to be truly perplexed. His eyes darted between the door and Winny, who only raised a brow at his confusion. She was trying to keep her cool, but was unable to keep the anger from her voice.

  “I will not ask again. Please leave.”

  Zahir’s eyes narrowed in annoyance. Just as he opened his mouth to put the sassy woman in check, a man came from the back room. He wiped his brow before glancing between Winny and the Zahir.

  “Um, Winny? You need to sign off for some new packages.”

  Recognizing the voice, Winny kept eye contact with Zahir while answering her stocker. “Thanks, James. I’m heading back now.”

  Nodding, he took one more glance between the two as if to make sure everything was alright before turning to leave.

  Winny waited until James left before speaking. “Well, it seems that I’ll be leaving first. I hope to see you’ve disappeared by the time I get back.” Not waiting for an answer, she turned on her heel and headed to the back storeroom. Since everyone wanted to leave her so abruptly, it was time she did the same to this arrogant jerk.

  Hmmph.

  Zahir didn’t get a lot of time to walk down the quarter. He was always busy with work and making sure the dual community wasn’t always at each other’s throats. But being able to enjoy a night walk was a rarity. Especially this time of evening.

  Perhaps it was the serpent side of his DNA that basked in the joy that only came from a night walk down the semi-crowded streets of New Orleans. The sweet scents of desserts, and fresh meat cooking. The sounds of loud music and sweaty bodies as they prepared themselves to dance the night away. His sharp hearing picked up the elevated heartbeats as they pushed their human bodies to the limit, as he passed an overflowing nightclub. It all enticed him, and it was what made him love New Orleans all the more.

  The muggy air always calmed him and gave him a chance to collect his thoughts. Mainly concerning his brother and the direction he was leading their kind to. It was tough being the leader of the dual world, but he knew it had always been the plan.

  It was destined to be this way.

  Other than his brother, it was best the world thought of him as cruel and ruthless. Humanity had no place in his world. Not as a leader. The more blood-shed, the more knees bowed before him. For over a thousand years that was always the case. That was why the woman from the bookstore irked him. He was used to everyone falling in line.

  That insufferable woman. His thoughts were jumbled, his body jittery. All because of a lady who dismissed him with a scathing glance.

  Winter Frame

  The name brought equal parts annoyance and pleasure. At first glance, Zahir had been stunned. She was absolutely beautiful. Her chocolate colored skin, full lips, and expressive amber eyes were all so very captivating. And her hair. What stunned him the most was her hair.

  A queen from the first world, he thought.

  It was rare to see women embracing their natural beauty. Sure, over the last several years it had gained popularity, but for the longest time it was hidden, or covered like a bad omen, something to be ashamed of. But not with this woman.

  Coarse, and coal-black, it hung to her waist, and it reminded him of the royal women from a time in the past.

  It was effortless beauty when you stayed true to yourself.

  When she stepped from around the corner, he had to make sure to hold back his hiss of pleasure at the thought of her form. Very appetizing indeed, he thought appreciatively.

  The woman’s body was a complete knockout. Wide hips, narrow waist. Full breasts, and thick shapely legs which seemed to go on for miles. Her answering smile and accelerated heartbeat let him know that she was interested in him. He thought paying for her silence would be easy.

  He should’ve known.

  The moment the words left his mouth, her entire demeanor had changed. It wasn’t many times that he regretted what he said, but today was that day. Her eyes had flashed with anger when he made his offer. Her heart rate increased, and he could smell the alarm coming off of her. He had a grudging respect for anyone who could keep calm when faced with unpleasant, adverse situations. It made her that much more intriguing. And infuriating.

  Her dismissal had left him in a state of shock. No one ever left his presence without his permission.

  What a frustrating, stubborn woman. Who is she to tell me to leave?

  It didn’t matter. She would see reason after a couple of days. He would return to her shop sometime during the week once she came to her senses. Feeling better at the thought of her having to apologize for her behavior filled him with intense satisfaction.

  Yes, she will see reason.

  The voices became louder the closer he got to his destination.

  The bar.

  Javier Stone was a part-time mediator and full-time owner of The Stone Bar. It’d been here for the last fifty years, and it was known for a safe haven for all. Especially for their kind.

  Zahir had been itching to come and visit with the man. He needed to speak about the current situation, and he knew Javier always had his ear to the ground. Besides, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was going to need as much help as he could get. Trouble was definitely brewing in the Bayou.

  “Aye! You better chill over there man! You’ve got one more chance or I’m kicking you out of my bar! Lo digo en serio!” a deep, heavily accented voice shouted from the back.

  Smirking at the sound of shattering glass, Zahir pulled a stool up to the end of the bar waiting until he got the man’s attention. Once the commotion calmed a bit, the brown-skinned Afro-Cuban man noticed Zahir and he grinned.

  “Zahir! Que paso, man?” Knowing what his friend liked, he grabbed a small bottle of water from the mini fridge behind the counter and slid it to Zahir.

  After twisting the cap, he took a sip before responding. “Nothing much. Just in the neighborhood. Thought I’d swing by. It’s been a while, huh?”

  Javier combed his fingers through his coal black hair before leaning forward on the bar.

  “You could say that.”

  Someone waved him down for another shot of bourbon. Nodding his head in acknowledgement, he fixed the drink quickly; his efficient movements spoke of experience. After fixing the drink, he slid it across the scuffed bar and watched as it reached the man who’d requested it. The scraggly, leather faced customer saluted two fingers of thanks and walked away.

  Not missing a beat, Javier returned to his original position, leaning on the bar in front of Zahir. “I heard your brother got into a bit of a scuffle a couple of days ago. Everything alright?”

  Nodding, Zahir tossed his empty water bottle into the trash can. “Yeah, we’re dea
ling with it. I need to talk with you.”

  “No problem, just give me a minute.” Javier walked from around the bar, his attention focused on a tall, stunningly attractive woman. She was wiping down a recently vacated table.

  “Hey, cover the front for me. I’ve got to handle something,” he requested.

  “Leaving me with all the work again,” she responded lightly, placing her hand on her hip. “No worries, I’ve got it under control.”

  Zahir watched the exchange. He stood once he saw Javier heading to his office and Zahir followed the man to the back of the building. As they made their way through the scattered crowd of people, Zahir noted the whispers and saw several bows of acknowledgment directed to him.

  Accustomed to such reverence, he appeared unfazed. When they reached Javier’s office, Zahir shook his head, unable to ignore the messy, unorganized files strewn all over the place. As he took a seat, he hissed his displeasure when he saw an empty bag of pretzels in his chair.

  “I can hire a cleaning service for you,” he commented in amusement and slight disdain.

  “Up yours,” Javier growled before tossing over a file.

  Sitting up, Zahir took it from him. “What’s this?”

  Tilting his head to it, Javier waited until he opened it. “It’s about the Glacier family. You wanted to make sure they were legit? The story checks out. They want a change of place, and are looking to build a life elsewhere.”

  After several more minutes, Zahir closed the file. There was nothing listed inside that he didn’t already know.

  “You don’t trust them?” Javier asked.

  “I don’t trust a lot of people. In fact, you’re still on the chopping block,” Zahir joked. Javier rolled his eyes before smirking. “You act as if I didn’t know that. Besides, how

  long does it take a serpent to trust? A thousand years? A blood oath? Maybe both?”

  At Zahir’s snarl, Javier laughed

  “Was it the tone of my voice, snake man, that you didn’t like? Or that I’m speaking facts?” He quipped grinning when Zahir looked annoyed.

  “You said their story checks out. Was there anything else that struck you as odd?”

  Javier shook his head. “No. I mean, it wouldn’t be wise for them to try and piss you off. It’s a smart move to be on your side. You are after all the only family that could ever overthrow them. Being the last royal line of the Midnight tribe. I just find it strange that they would try this now.”

  “Why not now? The head of their family recently died, and I’m sure Walker wants to move their family into the new age,” Zahir countered.

  “Be that as it may, I still find it strange for them to want to come to New Orleans. Especially with this being your domain. Unless you planned for this, then it wouldn’t be.”

  Zahir said nothing, just waited until Javier spoke again, which wasn’t long.

  “Do you honestly think it’s wise for them to be here?”

  Standing, Zahir began to pace around the cluttered office. He decided to give Javier a partial truth.

  “His sister wants out. She wants to be around other duals. We agreed for a temporary truce and it gives them an opportunity to live a more laissez-faire existence. At least for the time being. This makes it look as if we’ve both come to the conclusion that we are a unified front. It’ll also make it appear as if anyone who supports him is in favor of us working together.”

  Javier understood what he was saying, but he just didn’t trust the vampire. “Laissez-faire? Why can’t you just say that they want to live like ordinary folks? It makes me nervous when you start using kingly terminology. The next thing you’ll be saying is something along the lines of, ‘pick up my plate you peasant,’” Javier stated.

  “Are you suggesting that I change my vernacular to make you comfortable? I think not,” Zahir said drolly.

  Javier grunted.

  “But it’s more than that,” Zahir said, continuing the conversation, “I need to have their alliance with my brother and I to be publicly acknowledged. It’ll also make it easier for what I really need to do. A smokescreen if you will.”

  “What is really going on, Z? You can be straight with me. You have my loyalty,” he said solemnly.

  Zahir’s gaze swept over his longtime friend before his eyes shifted to their original vanta-black color. He looked around the room allowing his dual side to become soothed with the knowledge that there was no immediate danger.

  “I know the covens believe they’ve found something. Something they believe gives them power. I have been hearing from a source of mine that they’ve been working with an evil that’s been locked away for a long time. One of their own was even sacrificed for this deal.”

  Eyes wide, Javier leaned closer. “What was this deal?”

  “I have yet to find out. But I’m certain that it has something to do with me.”

  “You don’t think it’s-”

  “I will not assume anything until I have all the information I will need.”

  Javier ran a hand through his hair before letting out some air. He had an idea of what Zahir faced and he was concerned. He knew that if it wasn’t handled quickly, it would become everyone’s problem.

  “You know who’s loyal to you and your brother, Zahir. Should the time come they will let you know.”

  “But I have to prepare.”

  “You know there is such a thing as being too prepared,” he added, always playing the devil’s advocate.

  At Zahir’s growl, Javier held his hands up. “Hey, I’m just saying. What do you need from me?”

  Pausing, hands on his hips, Zahir answered the man. “Right now? Just keep an ear out. Let me know what’s going on. I don’t want to be caught off guard.”

  “What of the Glacier family? Shouldn’t they be watched?”

  Smirking, Zahir crossed his arms over his chest. “Who do you take me for? I’ve had them watched for over a year. I had a feeling the son wanted out. His father was a terrible man. The man couldn’t have died soon enough.”

  At Zahir’s statement, the Spaniard chuckled. “I’ll let you know if I come across something new,” he said, waving his hand around.

  “Thank you.” Just as Zahir turned to leave, he paused. “Javier, would you happen to know anything about the woman who owns that bookstore a couple of blocks away? Bayou Books.”

  “Not really. She keeps to herself. Very kind. She came here about a month ago. I was curious because her place is always filled with duals. But I checked her out, and she was human. Beautiful woman, though,” he commented lightly. His eyes narrowed at Zahir’s contemplative look.

  “Yeah,” he said distractedly.

  Javier’s face suddenly lit with understanding. “Ah. So you want to know about her,” he teased. In an uncharacteristic move, Zahir rolled his eyes, which caused the shapeshifter to bark out a laugh.

  “Oh, this is just too good. You have a war brewing along with a romance in the works? My man, how do you ever have time to do it all?”

  Zahir narrowed his eyes in irritation. “Please be quiet, Javier.”

  Javier tried to hold back his laughter. “I did tell you she’s human, right?”

  Hissing, Zahir bared his teeth before opening and slamming the door shut, causing Javier to lose his battle with keeping his laughter at bay. Zahir was annoyed to still hear Javier’s cackle long after he left the bar.

  5

  “Home sweet home,” Winny said aloud as she walked into her comfy apartment. Locking the front door, she dropped her bag, and shoes by the door before walking over to her couch. Plopping down onto the plush material, she sighed in pleasure. Her feet were achy, and she was glad to be off of them for the remainder of the day.

  After dealing with that insufferable man, also known as Akachi’s brother, she was able to get most of her inventory done. She only had a little bit more to do before she was completely finished. Sales were up in her store, which also meant an increased workload for her. But it was her life, and s
he loved it.

  Besides, being able to own the bookstore allowed her the freedom to write her own novel. She was hoping it could be done by the end of the year. Other than her store, and her book, she had nothing really going on in her life.

  And she didn’t mind that one bit.

  Sure, she got lonely sometimes, but just the mere thought of having to enter the dating world, took away any feelings of loneliness.

  Yeah, I’d rather have a strep throat for a year than deal with the idiots outside my apartment,” she snarked to herself. She just dealt with an example of one today.

  Zahir Slade.

  The man was fine, she could at least admit that to herself. He was everything she would’ve imagined the perfect man to look like. But then he opened his mouth and ruined the image by asking how much it would cost to pay for her silence.

  I bet you that’s how he deals with all his women and problems.

  Winny wasn’t stupid. She knew that Akachi’s eyes were not the typical eyes of a human. But what could she do or say? She had a feeling her silence was what was keeping her alive. And Amara, her usual ally, who could allegedly tell the future, was missing. That being said, she was forced to come to her own conclusions.

  “Maybe I’ve been living in the bayou for too long,” she muttered aloud.

  Hopefully, that would be the last she would see of Mr. Zahir Slade. But even as she said it, she knew she was desiring the opposite. He was only trying to look out for his brother. She could understand that. Maybe his methods weren’t all that great but his heart was in the right place.

  Look at me. Trying to justify that arrogant man’s words.

  He tried to pay you off, Winny!

  At least he was good looking.

  And he has you arguing with yourself.

  “Ugh. Let me go and make something to eat,” she said aloud annoyed with her thoughts.

  Twenty minutes later Winny was fully settled in front of her television with a simple but filling apple pecan salad when her phone rang. Seeing Amara’s name flit across the screen, she sighed before swiping to answer.