After Sunset

by Nicole Renee

  “I hold in my hand a document. In it holds everything your heart could ever desire. But I have a price. You have until the next full moon to bring me the soul of the Daughter of Sunrise.”

  Davien’s eyes widened in shock at that.

  “The Daughter of Sunrise? I thought that was a myth? She’s here in New Orleans?”

  The creature gave a slight nod. “She has been hidden from me for centuries. But I can feel the cloak weakening. Bring her to me, and you will have what you desire most.”

  “You want me to locate this woman in a month? That’s impossible!”

  “You are to be the next leader. Surely this isn’t too taxing for you?”

  Davien looked away, unable to admit his reluctance to take on the task. “And if I don’t?”

  The creature’s smile returned in full force. “A soul for a soul.”

  “...And then Godzilla came out and tried to bite me,” Amara said nonchalantly.

  “That’s too bad,” Winny said, distractedly.

  “Really, Winny? Did you just hear anything I said? Winny!”

  Snapping her head back in the direction of Amara, she gave her friend a sheepish smile.

  “Sorry.”

  Eyebrows raised her colorful friend asked where her mind went.

  “I was just thinking about the inventory that I have to do tonight.”

  Amara didn’t look convinced, but shrugged before standing from her usual seat near the counter at her bookstore.

  “If you say so. I’m going upstairs to make some tea. I brought some new mixes today. I’ll bring them back down.”

  “Alright.”

  Once Amara went up the stairs, Winny felt a grin stretching her face. She quickly dropped it when she saw one of her usual customers staring at her as if she’d grown a second head. She wiped her hand over her face before walking to her office. All she could think about was the time she spent with Mr. Zahir Slade just over two days ago.

  Had it been that long?

  The name she had first spoken with contempt in her voice over a week ago had now changed to something sweeter after their late-night/early morning rendezvous. She’d never felt this way about anyone in her life. Just thinking of him had her grinning like a school-girl with a crush.

  It couldn’t be helped.

  After getting their ice-cream, Zahir and Winny headed back in the direction of her bookstore. For a while, the two were silent as they devoured their sweet treat. While they were eating, Winny continuously shot glances at Zahir. She was trying to figure out the man. He was very charming and personable to the owners of the ice-cream shop they went to. Winny thought she was with a celebrity the way the customers and employees behaved around Zahir. He smiled with ease, ordered for the two of them, and took their dessert outside. As if he could sense her thoughts, he turned to her.

  “Is something troubling you?”

  Shaking her head no, she tossed her ice cream cup into a nearby bin. “No…. Actually, yes. It’s you.”

  “Me?”

  “Yes. You’re not at all what I was expecting.”

  Zahir slowed to a stop before turning to face her fully. “Well, Winny, you know what they say about people who assume,” he stated, raising a brow.

  Winny’s mouth opened in shock before she glared at the man. “You know, I didn’t see the similarities between you and your brother. Now I do,” she said before picking up her slow walk back to her store.

  She heard Zahir walking behind her, and grinned when she heard his deep laughter. They continued in that manner for the next three blocks. Whenever she would glance over her shoulder, she would see him looking directly at her. His hands in his pockets, his relaxed stride spoke of confidence very few men possessed. She could see the power in his movements. The barely controlled… something, in his deliberate demeanor. She saw the way his eyes took everything in. It didn’t frighten her. There was still the unanswered question of what his brother was, and what they were hiding. Still, she found herself wanting to know more. The way he looked at her, however, was another matter entirely.

  Ten minutes later found the two of them in front of her shop. She looked at her watch, eyes widening at the time. It was already past 4 a.m. Pulling out her keys she unlocked the entrance to her bookstore. Once it was open she turned to face him, gasping at how close the man had gotten. She’d barely heard him move, and now they were less than a foot apart.

  “I had a really good time tonight, Zahir. I was expecting to come out alone, and I gained a food partner instead,” she said softly.

  His mouth quirked up in a smile. “I enjoyed being out with you as well, Ms. Frame. You are truly an extraordinary woman,” he said just as quiet.

  Winny leaned back against the brick wall of her store. For several moments the two just stared at one another.

  Zahir moved an inch closer and rested his hand by her head. He leaned down, inhaling her scent. Winny’s eyes closed as she inhaled his own unique musk. It was a mix of wood and him.

  “You have the prettiest skin,” he whispered causing her to blink her eyes open.

  Her heart raced as he reached out and ran the back of his index and middle finger against her cheek. Reaching up, she set her hands on his massive shoulders, marveling at the granite-like muscles under his form-fitting shirt.

  “Ms. Frame? Might I call upon you sometime?” he asked.

  Winny licked her lips before nodding. She had no idea that any man spoke as formally as the one in front of her did, but she found herself enjoying it.

  “I’d like that very much,” she said before offering a smile. Her breath caught when he gave a wide smile of his own, and she was staggered at how it transformed his entire face. Before she could process what was happening, Zahir leaned over and kissed her cheek softly. His lips lingered on her skin, and she had to hold back her sigh at how right it felt.

  “Until later.”

  She hadn’t even realized she closed her eyes again, and when she opened them, he was gone. The only sign she had that he was even there a moment ago was his lingering scent.

  Winny wasn’t ashamed to admit that her dreams for the past couple of days had been about Zahir. Whether he was just staring at her, or he was in various stages of undress, he was in her thoughts. But it had been a while since she heard from him. Granted, this was the twenty-first century, so she could find a way to contact the man. But then she remembered they hadn’t exchanged numbers.

  Maybe that was his intention?

  Whatever the case, she wanted to hear from him.

  9

  “How are you enjoying New Orleans so far?”

  Walker nodded to Zahir as the two walked about the estate’s massive backyard. It was spread out over seven miles and was fashioned as an oasis. There were tall weeping willow trees that surrounded the entire length of the fence, which encased their entire property. No one from the outside could ever see in. There were white and green cobblestone steps that led to two entrances in the maze. Within the center was an elaborately carved waterfall, and at the top was a medium-sized serpent head. There were four benches surrounding the fountain, in case visitors wanted to take a break walking their property.

  Having spent a few days exploring the premises, Walker was amazed at the detail and craftsmanship put into the grounds. And now that Glacier was fully settled, Zahir knew it was time for them to have a discussion.

  “I’ll admit, I didn’t expect a man of your status to choose to live in New Orleans. Visit perhaps, but reside here? It seems more of a pit stop than anything else. However, walking back here, and seeing the entirety of it, I can see the appeal,” Walker commented as his gaze roved on the variations of flowers sprinkled within the shrubbery. It was very exotic looking to the nightwalker.

  Zahir chuckled. “Akachi informed me of your surprise when you first arrived,” he said lightly. Walker, however, saw the steel in his gaze. He wasn’t at all fooled by the man’s easygoing smile. Some of the world’s deadliest creatures gave off
an aura of indifference. Especially serpents.

  “I meant no disrespect, Zahir. But you can see why I would question your choice of dwelling.”

  The two were silent for several moments before Zahir spoke. “There is history here. A history that involves my people. This place speaks of their resilience through tough times. It’s not my only home, as you know, but it is where I spend most of my year. Besides, a lot of the duals live here.”

  “Where do you spend the remainder of your time?”

  “In the first world.”

  The two once again settled into an amicable silence until they rounded another corner, which opened up to a second fountain.

  “Your reasoning is very convincing. I might have to buy some property down here in the future,” he mused.

  Zahir chuckled. “I know you and your kind prefer the cold. I hope the sweltering heat doesn’t drive you away.”

  Walker smirked before taking a seat on a very detailed and intricately carved white bench before sighing. “Wouldn’t that satisfy you,” he joked.

  Zahir sat across from the man on the hard concrete of the fountain’s edge. He let his hand dip into the water, pleased to feel the cool water on his hands.

  Both men were both powerful but needed each other in order to get their own personal goals accomplished.

  “I am under no illusion of your sudden hospitality. You want something,” Walker said, the red tint around this iris starting to show.

  Zahir let his dual side come to the surface as well, by allowing his eyes to change to their original black color. Leaning forward Zahir spoke. “You would be correct. I admit to wanting peace between our families. Your father has passed on and I for one would like to put to bed any previous conflicts between our kind. I also am in need of an ally who would help smooth over any problems I might face in the future.”

  “You’re being very tenebrous. What problem do you need my help with?”

  Zahir glanced about the garden before standing. “Take a walk with me,” he said quietly. Walker frowned, but heeded the suggestion. Suddenly he heard an odd noise. He tucked his hair behind his ear to listen more closely. He glanced at Zahir before nodding once. The men walked further into the maze, only stopping when it was completely silent.

  “Do you know who that was?” Walker asked.

  “Yes. It was my brother.”

  Walker wanted to ask why his brother would be eavesdropping, but Zahir quickly moved on.

  “I have a group of witches trying to overthrow my rule, and take power.”

  Walker crossed his arms over his chest before becoming deathly still. “This isn’t new. Since the beginning of time witches have always been trying to take over. They command the earth, winds, and creatures, yet they cannot command the source of power.”

  “Yes, it is how The Great One decreed it. But they will never be dual so they have to find alternative methods to gain absolute rule,” Zahir commented.

  Walker nodded. “I’m sure you could dismantle a simple coven. You are after all the serpent king. No one would dare challenge you,” he said with amusement in his voice.

  “Do I detect a hint of jealousy in your voice, vampire?”

  Walker hissed, his fangs showing clearly over his lips. “I ask again. What do you need from me?” he snapped.

  Zahir sighed. “My contact tells me that they have been calling on the Dark Lord.”

  Eyes wide, Walker unconsciously took a step back. “That is preposterous. No one calls on Lord Raven unless-”

  “Unless they have a good enough reason to,” Zahir supplied. “It’s been no secret within our world that he doesn’t want me alive. However, the powers that be made sure to keep him under lock and key.”

  “You mean your father.”

  “Yes.” Zahir and Akachi’s father sacrificed his life so he and his brother could rule. They became immortal, and their father killed one of the underworld’s most lethal demons. The creature was a disciple of Raven. Defeating him would mean an instant eternity in Hell for Raven. Zahir’s father killed the creature, and would have become immortal as well; however before it could be sealed, the creature swiped at his father, which resulted in his death.

  Raven had been banished to a place so dark, so unimaginable that most duals would prefer torture than to be exiled for an eternity with the dark prince.

  “There is a clause to Lord Raven’s eternal banishment,” Zahir continued, “should anybody successfully manage to end my life, Raven will be set free. However, if this individual fails, they will be sentenced to an eternity in purgatory.”

  Walker shook his head as if to clear it. “You think Lord Raven has a candidate who is willing to risk that? And how do you know that Raven was even successfully summoned?”

  “Because my source told me the earth opened just a couple of days ago. And I believe this candidate has enough of a bargaining chip to intrigue the demon.”

  “Do you know who this person is?”

  Zahir looked away in frustration. “No. And that is where you come in. Our public announcement and obvious camaraderie will show that our two kinds our uniting, presenting a strong front. I need you to use your own influence to see who else would be willing to join forces under my rule. I know there aren’t many people that are against me, most indifferent; However-”

  “The more leaders who can confirm their loyalty, the better,” Walker finished.

  “Exactly. And that also helps narrow down my search of who wants to-”

  “Kill you? That may be a lot of people, Zahir.” Walker asked grinning evilly.

  Zahir rolled his eyes. “I think I can handle it, ice boy. After all, who can really say that they loved a king?”

  Before Zahir could walk away, Walker stopped him.

  “Zahir. What is your plan if you have to face Raven?”

  Zahir looked over his shoulder. “That’s for me to know and you to find out. Just get your people together. And enjoy your stay in Louisiana,” he said before disappearing into the maze.

  Walker swore under his breath as he glanced around, realizing that he had no idea how to get out of the labyrinth.

  “Serpents,” he muttered under his breath.

  “I want to go into the naturalist shop,” Daisy said, wrapping her arm around Akachi’s. He looked down at the spoiled brat who dared to touch him. Her innocent act was irritating him, especially her forced pout.

  Gently, but firmly, he wrenched his arm from her thin one. “Then let’s go,” he bit out following her into the store. Akachi was annoyed. Again. That was becoming the story of his life. His brother once again had an impromptu meeting with Walker, and he’d missed it. He had followed them into the garden, but he couldn’t hear much. Especially when Zahir continued further into the maze. Like other duals, serpents could always detect the presence of another. He knew by the time he got close enough, Zahir would’ve changed the conversation entirely, but that wouldn’t stop him from trying. He wanted to help his brother in any way he could, yet it seemed as if Zahir was trying to keep him occupied with babysitting duty.

  Still, he could at least let him know something. Pulling away from thoughts of his brother, Akachi took in the eclectic shop. The different colored fabric was strewn everywhere, along with candles, incense, and other random home knick-knacks. It smelled like fresh peppermint and the low lighting gave the place a quiet, intimate feel. Akachi was amazed that he’d never noticed the place before today.

  Suddenly, as if she appeared out of thin air, a woman dressed very much like a gypsy approached him.

  “Hello, Mr. Slade. What brings you to my humble abode?” she asked, voice husky and soft.

  Akachi could smell the woman’s slight dual along with the familiar faint scent of his new friend Winny and smirked. It wasn’t as prevalent with beings who were more human than species, but it was still there.

  “It’s going quite well, seer. I am here with an acquaintance. I can’t believe I’ve never been in this store,” he said conversatio
nally.

  She picked up some fallen bottles of aromatherapy while speaking to Akachi. “I could never see a man of your pedigree coming down on this side of the quarter to buy some incense or healing oils for achy joints,” she joked with amusement in her voice.

  He plucked a bottle of golden oil from her hand. “Touché. And normally I wouldn’t be down here. However, I am entertaining guests and it’s my job to show them what New Orleans has to offer.”

  Nodding she pulled her shawl up over her shoulder before holding out her hand. “Amara Storm,” she said affably.

  “Based on your greeting when I entered, I’m sure you know already, but I’m Akachi,” he said just as easily.

  Amara, however, could see the assessment taking place in his confident green gaze. She noticed the way in which he held his body; coiled as if ready to strike. Oh, it wasn’t as obvious to the naked eye. His feigned easygoing demeanor, was the picture of a man not bothered or concerned of his surroundings. His casual dress pants and white polo shirt, screamed that he was just like everyone else. Amara saw past his façade. The stillness of his shoulders, and the way his gaze quickly moved about the room before focusing once more on her, spoke of someone incredibly attentive. She knew that serpents weren’t the most trusting individuals, and it would take more than an initial meeting for him to completely relax around her.

  “You are correct. Just as I knew you could smell Winny on me the moment I made myself known to you.”

  Akachi glanced around the store, glad to see Daisy squealing at some shirt item with her bodyguard and holding it up to her body for proper fit before focusing fully on Amara.

  Lowering his voice he spoke quickly. “What do you want?” he hissed.

  She shrugged, an easy smile on her lips, but a hard glint in her eye. “I do not want my friend hurt. She has no idea of this world. Or of dual people. You coming into her shop has made her ask questions. Questions that she doesn’t need to know the answers to.”

  Akachi studied her for a moment before grabbing her elbow and quickly moving into the hall towards the back of the store.