by Nicole Renee
“Well if I live and breathe. Is this the same guy that was bleeding on my floors days ago? You still owe me by the way. Do you know how hard it is to get blood out of this rug?”
The handsome man, also known as Akachi, chuckled before stepping fully into Winny’s shop. The appreciative gazes from nearly all of the women in her shop, didn’t escape Winny’s attention. Who wouldn’t find a tall, broad shouldered chocolate skinned man attractive?
Winny noticed that the brothers shared similar facial features, however, the resemblance ended there. Zahir wore a close cut hairstyle, whereas Akachi wore dreadlocks which hung down his back, ending just beyond his waist. He had a mischievous crooked smile that assured Winny he would never be starving for female attention.
“I will pay for that Winny,” he said earnestly, green eyes shining in her direction. Winny waved him off.
“It was a joke. How are you really Akachi?” Smirking, he pulled up a stool, watching as she categorized the books on the computer’s database.
“It’s going. Currently, I’m doing some work for my brother.”
At that, Winny rolled her eyes before setting a stack of books by her feet. While bent over, she grabbed another stack and set them on the counter.
“Ah, the mighty Zahir. We’ve met,” she said, unable to keep the annoyance from her voice.
Akachi, however, found it interesting. His smile widened in delight. It had been a long time since he met someone who wasn’t enamored by his brother. At one point in their existence, Akachi used to swear on the great one that his brother had the gift or power of persuasion.
“Well, although I wasn’t here when you met him, I’d like to issue an apology.”
Winny laughed before looking at the man. “You don’t even know what he did?”
“I don’t have to. Whatever it is, my brother did it,” he said tongue in cheek.
Winny giggled. “I’m sure you know this already, but your brother is a bit arrogant. I’m almost positive however, that our conversation put him back in his place.”
Now that shocked Akachi. His brother never allowed anyone, especially a human, to talk anyway other than respectful to him. No matter how beautiful.
“Still, I apologize. To be fair, he’s been pretty stressed.”
“So have I, but you don’t see me running around town trying to buy people off,” she snapped.
Akachi loved antagonizing his brother, and Winny was practically making his dreams come true. He was also sure the human in front of him had a tiny crush on his brother, despite her blatant irritation. But he appreciated the fact that she didn’t seem driven by it. He would question his brother later to see what his response was to the fiery woman.
Suddenly another person came into the shop. Akachi immediately noticed he was a shapeshifter as well. A werewolf to be exact. Akachi nodded his head at him, and the man’s eyes widened before giving an acknowledgment.
“Um, hey Ms. Winny.”
Turning from Akachi, Winny beamed at the teenage boy. “Rashad, how are you? How’s your mother? I haven’t seen her in a while.”
The young man smiled. “She’s much better. Ever since she got over her, um, bite. Spider I mean,” he said looking around nervously, “she’s been much better. She wanted me to come in and grab her books?”
Winny nodded. “Actually I was going to grab them but since you’re here you can do it yourself. They’re at the end of aisle three.”
“Yes ma’am,” he said before casting a nervous glance at Akachi and jogging away. Akachi could barely hold in his laugh. Poor pup. I could smell the pheromones pumping off the boy in waves. He’s got it bad for Ms. Winny.
Winny leaned in toward Akachi and lowered her voice. “Those men that came in looking for you? I tried telling the police about it but because they weren’t seen on any cameras they’re still on the loose. I promised myself I would tell you in case I saw you again.”
Akachi held back his sigh. This was not something he or his brother needed to deal with at this moment. Akachi knew Zahir would be irritated if they squared off again.
“Thank you for letting me know,” Akachi said instead.
Winny saw something cross his face but didn’t want to question him on it. Instead, she offered him a smile. “No problem. You’re also welcome to come to my shop anytime. Just to sit and relax.”
Akachi could feel the serenity that resonated in the quaint bookstore and it took everything in him for his snake to not come to the surface and hiss in pleasure. He stood, wanting to further explore her store when his hearing picked up on Daisy’s high pitch voice across. She was leaving the boutique across the street.
Sighing, he gently took Winny’s hand. “My lady. It was a pleasure to see you once more. And thank you again, for helping me,” he said before kissing her hand. He winked at her then turned, leaving her shop.
When he left, Winny heard several women sigh, and it caused her to roll her eyes.
“Men.”
“You know, the whole purpose of showing Daisy around the city was to stay with her,” Zahir said in amusement.
Akachi rolled his eyes before tossing his book in the direction of the desk in their massive library. “I’ll have you know I walked Miss Daisy every square inch of our beloved city. She kept going on about how attractive she found you, and what clothes should she buy next. The woman is a complete airhead, and I don’t know how her brother puts up with her,” Akachi muttered.
Zahir was grateful that their library and offices were soundproofed. Otherwise, he would have a mess on his hands the next morning. Zahir slowly walked over to the fireplace, allowing his snake side to appear and his shoulders to relax. He stared into the flames before speaking.
“Akachi. You have to stay with her. The supernatural community must see a united front. They cannot see us and the Glacier family at a discord.” Akachi let his bare feet drop to the floor before standing.
“Why is it so important, Zahir? I know you, and you’re keeping something from me.”
“I already told you. They want to forge an alliance. It looks good that everyone sees the power we now wield. I-”
“That’s not it. Just tell me already.”
Zahir hissed at him before standing in front of his brother. What most did not know about the Slade brothers was that they possessed god-like speed. And by the time they struck, it was mostly too late. It was also why they had to keep their tempers in check as well as their heart rates. If not, all pandemonium would break loose.
“You will not rush me, brother.”
Hissing back, Akachi shoved him away. “You will tell me what the problem is.”
The two were locked in an intense staring contest until Akachi dropped his shoulders and looked away.
“You’ve got a lot of nerve, Zahir. You want me to be a guide to the Glaciers, who by the way I do not trust, and show a united front. However, you’re keeping me in the dark about something that could be potentially dangerous.”
“You assume I trust them? I do not,” Zahir said before turning back to the fire.
When he remained silent, the younger man sighed. “Well, I guess that’s it. Mighty Zahir has spoken and no one should question his final word.”
Zahir grunted but said nothing else.
Vexed and ready to retreat to his own quarters for the evening, Akachi suddenly smiled broadly. “You never asked where I disappeared to while Paris Hilton was shopping.”
Rolling his black eyes he turned to his brother. “I assumed you went to drink your sorrows away over at Javier’s bar,” Zahir joked.
Akachi smirked before settling into the couch with his legs spread and his arms crossed over his chest before answering. “No. I had a delightful conversation with Ms. Winter Frame. I wanted to thank her for saving my life.”
At the mention of her name, Zahir’s eyes narrowed slightly. Besides that trivial tell, he managed to keep a somewhat indifferent expression. What he couldn’t hide, however, was the way his heart sped
up.
Interesting, Akachi thought in amusement.
“I’m sure the woman had nothing but terrible things to say,” Zahir grumbled.
Akachi grinned wide. “Not about me, no. She wanted to tell me about the guys who were looking for me. They’re still on the prowl by the way,” he said.
Zahir waved his hand dismissively. “I know that. I’ll get Javier to look into it.” He paused before turning back to the fire. This time he leaned against the stone that surrounded it.
“Did she say anything about me?” he asked.
Bingo, Akachi thought in triumph. “Why yes, she did. She said that she met you, and how you were a little high-handed. Arrogant. I apologized on your behalf, of course.”
Zahir whirled from the fire and glared at his brother. “I was high-handed? The woman was too brash. Demanding that I leave her store. Accusing me of buying her off.”
“Did you?”
“I was trying to do damage control!” Zahir had his hands on his hips, practically seething in place. Akachi knew his brother wouldn’t do anything. After all, he was the serpent king. He had be in control at all times. It was quite annoying, really.
“Was there anything else she decided to complain about?” he bit out.
Akachi sighed before standing. “I’m afraid that’s it. I had to go back babysitting blondie upstairs.” He stood, satisfied his brother was rattled. “I better leave you to your silent brooding. But before I do, did you know that her shop is filled with supernaturals of all types? It’s like going into a UN headquarters for our kind.”
Zahir blew out a breath before nodding. “I noticed while I was in the shop. Did any fights take place?”
“No, everyone was cordial. A pup came in asking for books though.”
Zahir inwardly sighed at that. They didn’t have the best relationship with the wolves. Packs preferred to be amongst their own. Coexisting peacefully with other supernatural beings was a rarity.
Zahir studied his brother. “You think she has any idea that the majority of her clientele isn’t human?”
Akachi shrugged. “If she does, she has a great poker face.” He turned and headed for the door. Before he left he spoke quietly. “I think you should apologize to Winny. From what I gathered, she seems like a lovely woman.”
Zahir was surprised at the solemn tone. By the time he chose to comment on it, his brother had already left the room, retiring to bed for the night.
7
When Winny wasn’t in her bookstore conversing with the locals and learning about the rich culture of New Orleans, she was at her favorite restaurant. It was a late night, and she knew she should be home, but she felt restless. Insomnia wasn’t exactly high on the list of desired attributes, but if one had to be plague by the unshakeable restlessness, New Orleans was the perfect place. The streets and people came to life even more once the sun set. It was nothing to grab something to eat for breakfast and dinner between one, and three a.m. Sunrise was for dessert before the day started again, settling into lazy southern springs and summers. To her, New Orleans earned its name of being the Big Easy.
Winny had been working all day, well into the evening, and instead of heading home, which was fifteen minutes away, she opted to have a late dinner, and head back to the bookshop to rest. She used the apartment above the shop as a second home.
Walking around a group of women, Winny smiled when she saw the red blinking lights of the restaurant. As soon as the doors opened she had to hold back her moan of pleasure as the smell of rich desserts and decadent dinners wafted toward her. She was happy to be surrounded by nightowls, especially when she was yearning for a full-fledged dinner at one a.m.
T’s Joint was a mix of the old and new. Photographs lined the wall of notable people as well as local residents and their business accomplishments. Based on the pictures taken in the past, the restaurant hadn’t changed much at all, which Winny greatly appreciated.
“Sometimes things need to be left as they are,” the owner, Travis Stevenson told her the first night she visited the place. He was sixty years old, and knew everything there was to know about his little niche of New Orleans, more specifically the French Quarter. His salt- and pepper hair, easy-going smile, and long lean build could’ve put him in any top fashion magazine. However, food was where his heart lay.
“My momma and daddy always loved cooking. Food was what bound them together. They passed their love of creating down to me. It was fate that I ended up owning and running this place,” Travis mused one evening when the two sat down on the front patio of his always crowded restaurant.
As Winny entered the establishment, she was surprised to see that the place wasn’t completely swamped. Typically on Thursdays, it took quite some time to be seated. For her to be able to easily just stroll in was suspicious.
She smiled at the seating hostess. “Maya, how’s it going?”
“Winny, hey! And It’s going,” the striking beauty answered.
Her micro twists were piled on top of her head, showcasing her elaborately curated ears. One might assume that the jewelry littered across her face and ears would detract from her natural beauty, yet it only enhanced it.
Nearly everyone had grown accustomed to all of the strategically placed jewelry, especially her father. The piercings drove Travis crazy, but he also knew that she was an adult and had to make her own decisions.
“The woman my father hired did a terrible job of scheduling. She moved everyone’s reservations to Friday. It’s why I had to let her go earlier today,” she said with joy in her voice.
Winny could just imagine the terror of facing Maya. Especially when she was in the right.
“I’m sure it tore you up inside,” Winny joked before walking into the cozy, dimly lit restaurant, to her favorite booth. It was a perfect view of the entire layout, and it also allowed her to see who was entering the place.
Sliding into the plush black leather, Winny thanked Maya who set the menu on the table.
“Want me to get started with your usual lemonade?”
“Yes, please.”
Maya winked at her. “Of course.”
Once the woman left, Winny sighed before looking out into the street. While it wasn’t busy in T’s Joint, the outside streets were lined with tourists. She smiled at the trumpet player and the woman pulling her man into a dance. Seeing the two clearly in love with one another pulled at her heart. She was used to being alone, but she didn’t realize how lonely she had suddenly become. She had friends, but there was something, or rather someone missing. The problem was that she hadn’t found anyone who was worth dedicating her time to.
Maybe I’m not meant to meet the one.
Before the thought could fully sink in, she discarded it. She knew it was untrue. She hadn’t had the most conventional upbringing, and her dating life was non-existent, but that was no reason to be sentenced to a life with no one to share it with. Right?
God, I’m depressing myself.
If Winny was honest with herself, the truth was that being alone didn’t bother her. In fact, she hadn’t given much thought to men, or a romantic entanglement. Until Zahir had entered the picture. Why did he have to come into her shop?
“Ugh,” she said aloud.
“That bad, huh?” Maya joked before hovering with her drink.
“You have no idea,” she muttered.
“I’ll have to take your word for it. Here,” Maya said cheerily, setting the fruity raspberry lemonade in front of her.
She forced a smile before thanking her.
“No problem, cher. Did you pick out what to order?”
“I’ll have the same jambalaya with the seasoned french bread.”
Maya nodded, writing down everything before studying Winny. She frowned.
“Are you alright? Seems like you have something heavy on your mind,” she said softly. Winny tucked her thick hair behind her ear.
“No, I’m fine. Really!” she said when Maya looked unconvinced.
&
nbsp; After several more beats, Maya shrugged. “If you say so. Well, if you need anything just holler.”
“Will do.”
Winter Frame in the flesh.
Zahir watched as the beautiful woman walked into T’s Joint. He was beyond surprised to see her, especially at this hour. His supreme hearing could pick up a conversation from several feet away, and he heard the easy banter between the two women. It amazed him that Winter seemed to have no clue that almost everyone she knew wasn’t human.
He continued to watch her as the hostess walked away and she turned her attention to the window. Since he was ensconced in the back of the restaurant, almost no one would see him. With him being a were-serpent, he was deathly still unless speaking to another person, which also helped in him being invisible.
Winter’s eyes were focused on the couple in the street. He saw the quiet sigh she gave at the sight. She said not a word, yet her eyes said it all.
Loneliness.
He would never admit it aloud, especially to his brother, but he often felt it as well. It was what brought him here at this late hour.
After his brother had retired to his room for the night, he found that he couldn’t sleep. He made sure his guests were comfortable, and when he stepped outside he made sure his security was briefed. If anything happened in his absence, he was to be notified about it immediately.
With that, he set off walking into the busy city. He liked that his home sat on the edge of town. It was like having the best of both worlds. Especially for when he wanted his serpent to come out. Quickly he allowed his second nature to come forward reveling in the feel of his new set of eyes, and the quick way he moved through the woods. Hearing the sounds of nature near the bayou at night always calmed his animal side.
He inhaled the fresh smells of Crape Myrtle trees and cosmos flowers. Were-serpents enjoyed the greenery and colors that blossomed in the warm, humid New Orleans air, and Zahir was no different. Walking through the open, and quiet land made him remember that it’d been almost three weeks since he’d eaten.
