After Sunset

by Nicole Renee

  “Do you think you’ve done that?” she asked, searching his eyes.

  “I would like to think so. I’ve made some mistakes, and choices that I’m not proud of. But, for the most part, I do think they would be somewhat pleased with how I turned out. Or at least content.”

  “I like that,” she said. Winny turned and headed into the kitchen, with him once again on her heels. She took out ingredients to make a sandwich as he sat on the stool resting his arms on the island counter. He watched her moving about the kitchen humming and grabbing certain ingredients from the shelf and he never thought he would be so enraptured with observing someone making a sandwich.

  What is wrong with you, man? Get it together!

  But he couldn’t help it. He liked the way her pants hugged her body, and how her t-shirt teased at the body hidden beneath. He’d never seen hair as wild as hers and he liked it. It made him want to strip her out of all her clothes and-

  “You said you lost your parents. I don’t mean to pry-”

  “But you want to know what happened?” he supplied, not unkindly.

  Winny nodded before abandoning the food and coming to sit beside the man.

  Zahir’s eyes seemed unfocused as he spoke. “It feels so long ago, but at the same time as if it happened yesterday. My mother was a beautiful woman. Such a gentle soul. She was everyone’s friend, and my father would often say that if she was kidnapped, she would make friends with her abductors. She was a very persuasive woman,” he said laughing at the thought.

  Winny was intrigued to see the difference in the man she’d first met versus the one now, relaxed sitting in her kitchen.

  “My mother also loved animals. She had adopted five dogs by the time I was eight years old. But, my father drew the line at more than two so she gave them away to other families.”

  “She sounds like a wonderful woman,” Winny said quietly.

  “She was. She taught all of us to love. She used to say that she needed to prepare the three men in her life for the time when she wasn’t there. The day before my thirteenth birthday she was killed. Someone broke into our home back in Egypt and killed her. My father caught the man and killed him… but not in time. She had just left Akachi’s room to tuck him in after a nightmare he had. The man was already in the house.”

  Winny gasped in shock. She could tell that it pained him even now to talk about it. Reaching out her hand, she covered his before squeezing it. “Oh, Zahir.”

  The man could still see it in his mind. His happy lively mother settling his little brother. How she had said good night to him for the final time in her life before she stepped out of the hall and into danger.

  “My father was overcome with grief and for a long time, and Akachi blamed himself.”

  “What about you?” She asked.

  He studied her wondering, what she meant.

  “I mean what about you? How did you deal with it?”

  He squeezed her hand, contemplating whether or not to answer her question. “By being strong. My brother needed me, especially when my father died not too long after.” What he didn’t say was that his father was killed. By the same dark lord who was after him now.

  “I think Akachi was in shock for most of his teenage years. But I vowed to my father and mother that I would make sure he was safe. That I would protect him.”

  She saw that there was more to the story than what he said, but Winny knew when not to press. Besides, after talking about her own parents and their sudden death, she felt drained. She did marvel at the man. When faced with adversity, he had chosen to fight and not succumb to anguish.

  He became a protector.

  Winny could see it in him. The need to shelter, and keep the ones he valued safe. It was an honorable trait.

  He blinked before focusing his gaze once more on her. “I don’t know why I told you that,” he admitted. He looked a tad bit uncomfortable with delving into personal, and private topics.

  She offered him a smile. “If it’s any consolation, I’m glad you told me.”

  After studying her face for a bit longer, he leaned closer. “I’m glad you know.”

  Winny couldn’t remember ever having so much fun just talking. After the much heavier topics, Winny went back to finishing her sandwich, while Zahir sipped her fresh cold lemonade, observing her. She was surprised to find that he had a bit of humor underneath his calm exterior and that he didn’t take himself too seriously.

  They moved from the kitchen back to her living room, before making a final migration to her bay window. She would sit in it on most days, especially during winter, or rainy nights, but she found herself enjoying sitting with Zahir. Thankfully her bay window seat was large enough for them to face one another.

  It was dark, and she liked that save for his smile, it was hard to see him. That obsidian skin was only enhanced in the darkness. It gave him an air of mystery that excited her.

  Winny turned her head to the clock which sat on her coffee table. “It’s 4 a.m. I don’t know what it is with you, but this is the second time we’ve spent almost an entire night up talking. We should pick a more reasonable hour to converse with one another, don’t you think?” she said as her lips tilted in a teasing smile.

  He crossed his arms over his chest. “I don’t know why you’re telling me this. You’re the crazy lady who opened the door, agreeing to talk to me all night,” he said casually.

  Winny’s eyes widened before she grabbed the pillow that was resting against her back and whacked him with it.

  He held his hands up in defense, protecting himself, but she could already see the wide smile that graced his face and the way his eyes danced. She couldn’t even be properly mad at the man when he looked as he did.

  Pathetic.

  “Hey! I’m not crazier than the man who called me to let him in.”

  The two stared at one another for a moment before breaking into quiet laughter. Once they calmed down a bit, Zahir slid a bit closer before setting his hand on her knee. Her breath caught at the heat of his hand she could feel through her thin pants.

  “You look beautiful under the natural light of the moon,” he said huskily.

  Winny found her heart racing as she locked eyes with his molten green gaze. “I’ve never seen eyes that green. Almost like moss green, but slightly darker,” she said absently, placing her hand atop of the one resting on her knee.

  He moved even closer before tilting his head slightly. Winny’s comment about his eyes seemed to have went over his head. Instead, she watched as his eyes studied her intently. For a second, she thought she saw his eyes flash the same fathomless black his brothers did almost a week ago in her store.

  Had it been that long? Since her life had changed?

  It felt like eons before he spoke again, but when he did, she found herself speechless.

  “What is it about you that makes me unable to think of another?” he confessed into the quiet room.

  If possible, Winny’s heart kicked up several more beats at his confession. It did funny things to her insides, the way he looked at her. She could feel his breath on her skin, and when she lowered her eyes to his full lips, she felt a pull that she couldn’t seem to break away from. Scooting closer she placed her free hand on his shoulder. She reveled in the sudden tenseness of his muscles caused by her hand. It let her know that he wasn’t as cool as he appeared.

  Before she could even blink, Zahir had slid over enough so his hand was wrapped around her waist and her legs were resting over his. Winny shivered when he traced her shoulder and neck with his nose. He placed gentle kisses on her neck, and cheek, her nose, and over her eyelids. When he kissed her chin, she blinked her eyes open, zeroing in on his delectable mouth which was less than an inch away from her own.

  “I would very much like to kiss you,” he grumbled, his voice taking on a deeper cadence. It was rhythmic and she felt as if she were going under a trance.

  “I would like that,” she said softly. Winny felt his arm tighten aro
und her body before he covered her lips with his own. She groaned at the taste of him. A hint of her lemonade mixed with mint, and something else. Something she couldn’t name but knew it was pure Zahir. She found herself wrapping her arms around his neck, and tilting her head a bit. It was all the encouragement he needed.

  Groaning, he maneuvered her so that she was straddling his lap. He ran his hands up her back and settled them on her backside. Winny moved impossibly closer to the man, sighing at the feel of his hard chest against her soft one. She broke the kiss to come up for air, gasping as his mouth went back to sucking on her pulse point and over her covered chest. He slid his hands under her shirt, palming the warm silky skin of her back. Winny swiveled her hips into his groin, causing the man to grip her flesh tighter before trailing his mouth back to her swollen soft lips.

  She ran her fingers teasingly over the back of his neck, and Zahir practically purred at the sensation of her fingers on his skin. Suddenly he stood with Winny in his arms as if she weighed nothing at all and moved over to the couch, gently laying her down. He pulled away from kissing her and the two stared into each other’s eyes. They seemed to be in sync with their breathing and when Zahir ran his hands over her cheek, she closed her eyes from his electric touch. Winny wrapped her legs around his waist, and he searched her eyes asking a question.

  He was pleased with the answer he saw reflected back in her warm gaze. Lowering his mouth back to hers, he kissed her deeper, more passionate than before. It was as if he was trying to possess her, to claim her. Winny moaned and squeezed her legs tighter around his waist, breathless when she felt his hardness against her thigh.

  Woah, was all she could think of. It shouldn’t have been surprising, however. Everything on the man was above average. His warm, hard hands slid under her shirt and began to pull down her pants. He froze, however, when his phone began to ring loudly, instantly bringing the two back to reality.

  Zahir groaned before pulling his mouth away and resting his head on her chest. “Whoever is calling me will die tonight,” he said roughly. It was quiet, and for a moment, Zahir thought Winny was upset. But the way he felt her body shake, told him otherwise. Pulling away he watched as she tried, but failed to stifle her giggles. She covered her mouth with her hand and shook her head but it didn’t work.

  “Something funny?” he asked raising a brow.

  She took a quick inhale before exhaling shakily. “No. Not at all.”

  He sighed before pulling out his phone and gently untangling himself from the tempting woman spread before him like his favorite dessert.

  She’ll soon be if I have my way.

  He saw that it was a call from Akachi, and he quickly texted him back that he would be home soon.

  “It’s my brother. He’s probably worried. It’s not usual for me to leave at all times of the night,” he said before locking his phone and standing.

  Winny licked her lips and stood before pushing her hair away from her face. “I understand.” She walked him to the door and sighed when he leaned against it and pulled her into his arms.

  “I had a lovely time tonight, Winny.”

  At Zahir’s heated look, she found her cheeks warming. She ran her hands up and down his arms as she answered honestly. “I had a good time as well. I’ll see you soon?”

  He nodded before taking a step back. “You will.”

  He saw the sun rising from the hallway, and Zahir was enthralled by the way the sun seemed to fully encompass her. He didn’t know what it was, but there was something unique about Winter Frame. Something momentous about her.

  “Good morning, Ms. Frame.”

  “Good morning Mr. Slade,” Winny said, grinning from ear to ear.

  He tucked a strand of her curly hair behind her ear before leaning over and kissing her cheek once more. “Dream of me,” he said before taking a step back.

  Once she opened the door, he glanced at her once more before turning and swiftly walking down the hall. He never looked back, even as she ran over to her window to watch him walk down the quiet, sun-filled street.

  11

  “What did you call us here for?” the older woman questioned as she sat around the large circular table.

  Six other witches, coven leaders, began to fuss at being kept waiting.

  Davien had to hold back his sigh as he cleared his throat and stood. “I’m sorry to have made you all wait. I had other business with-”

  “Save it, Davien. The only reason we even agreed to meet was because of your supposed meeting with the dark lord. I don’t see him here, so I assume it was another ruse to get us all here?”

  Davien’s eyes narrowed on the slight woman sitting on the opposite end of the table. To the average person, she would be considered beautiful. Extremely tall, with coal-black hair that fell to her waist in waves. Her peach-colored skin and dark eyes were equal parts mysterious and sexy. Until she was angered. Medusa herself would quiver in fear at the wrath she could unleash.

  Tove Black was a masterful wielder of magic. She was seasoned in her skill and had been studying for over three-hundred years. Witches typically aged as humans, but Tove was a different beast entirely. It was always a dream of hers to become eternally young, to never age. For that desire to be granted, she had killed her parents, and sister in exchange for four-hundred years. Her end was quickly approaching so she was looking for a new soul to extend her eternal life. Davien knew this and used it to his advantage.

  He took his seat before raising a brow at the woman. “I thought you of all people would be all ears to hear what I have to say. Unless you want to-”

  “Stop,” she said quietly. All fight temporarily gone from her eyes.

  He gave a slight nod before turning to the rest of the small assembled group. “I’ve called you here today to let you all know that our dark lord has heard us. He paid me a visit just a couple of days ago and is willing to help us retain control over all the duals. Should I successfully carry out his request, I will have enough strength to defeat Zahir and Akachi Slade, making me king.”

  The witches glanced between each other, unsure of what to say.

  It wasn’t until Rinchen, another elder coven leader stood. “I was under the impression that we would stage a surprise attack and gain control of the duals. That our victory would result in equal leadership. What’s the difference between you and Zahir? At least we don’t see him as much. We’re just trading in one dictator for another!”

  “That would not be the case. Surely you all have had just as much frustration with the Slade brothers? You’ve all told me countless times that you wish for change. That you want to see more witches have a say so, and not the ones born with second nature. I’m the one who has taken the initiative to make that happen.”

  “You act as if you will not gain something from this. Even if we followed along with your plan, who’s to say that you won’t turn on us? Try to have us all killed? Right now our meeting like this is risky enough. If Zahir finds out, he’ll make an example out of all of us!” Rinchen shouted.

  While everyone loudly spoke over each other, Tove sat back, watching the commotion with her legs crossed and a smirk gracing her face.

  Davien was irritated that the witches all of a sudden wanted to have a conscience. “Silence!” he roared. It was very rare that Davien allowed his own dual to come to the surface, but when it did, it was effective.

  Rinchen along with several others took their seats as Davien stood once more.

  His claws were dug into the wood and his eyes flashed yellow as he glanced about the room. “You want to see the power I now wield? Do you want to doubt me? Then let me show you what our lord Raven has bestowed upon me.”

  Suddenly all the lights went out in the room. They all sat in dark for a moment before Tove spoke up, amusement in her voice. “Very impressive, Davien. Tell me, are you going to pull a bunny from a hat as well? Or are you going to find a way to saw yourself in half?” she joked.

  Suddenly the lights flickere
d on, and everyone at the table screamed in shock. Each person was surrounded by a demon. Creatures that no mind could ever imagine. The otherworldly creatures were different colors, ranging from green to purple, and they were all shapes and sizes. The only similarities that linked them together, was the letter R curved on the back of their necks.

  Rinchen couldn’t stop shaking at the extremely thin and grotesque looking dark green and red-colored demon standing over him. His grin showed rows of teeth, and his pointy tail flicking back and forth. He opened his mouth, his voice high-pitched and cracked.

  “Master. What would you have me do with this one?” the demon said, soulless eyes blinking at a terrified Rinchen.

  Davien chuckled before sitting back in his chair. “Kill him. He’s been too much of a nuisance anyway.”

  Rinchen screamed for mercy, but Davien ignored him as the misshapen demon picked him up as if the squirming man weighed nothing.

  Before he could disappear into the wall where they originally came from the creature turned to Davien. “Thank you, master,” the demon said gleefully.

  Once the two melded into the wall, Davien addressed the rest of his new congregation. “Scour the streets. Bring terror.”

  They jumped for joy at his command before vanishing into thin air. Once it was only the coven leaders again, Davien smirked. They all fell to their knees and bowed to him. All except Tove who was seething at the turn of events.

  “Tell all of your people that I am to be king soon. Give them options on who they will serve. And if you do not, you will meet the same fate as Rinchen. Leave.”

  When the leaders left, Davien walked over to the window. He saw the sun high in the sky and checked the time.

  Noon.

  Almost immediately Davien could feel the power flowing through his veins. That was how he knew Lord Raven had kept his promise. In addition to granting him the chance to become king, he also gave him strength. He was now stronger than he’d ever been before. Should he bring the woman to Raven, he would only increase in power. Then, and only then, would he finally be able to defeat Zahir.