After Sunset

by Nicole Renee

  Ugh, whatever.

  After work tonight she vowed to get to the bottom of the situation. She didn’t know where the man lived, but she would figure it out tonight. Afterward, she would call Amara and demand some answers from her suspiciously absent friend.

  “Looking down, Ms. Winny. Everything alright?”

  Pasting on a smile she wasn’t feeling, she placed her hand on the college boy’s shoulder. “I’m fine Vincent. Just tired. I’m going to go out front and fix my flowers. You okay to handle everything inside?”

  “Of course. Besides, I think Brooke is coming in today. I may have to help her with more of her biology homework.”

  “Do you even study biology?”

  “No, but what’s that got to do with anything?” he said before winking at her.

  Winny shook her head. “Just watch the store, Vincent.” Grabbing her watering-pot she took a step out into the warm air smiling and waving at familiar faces. She was humming to herself, rearranging her daisies when a woman spoke to her.

  “Hello.”

  Winny glanced to the left and smiled at the woman with long flowing black hair. “Hi. Can I help you with anything?”

  The attractive woman studied her intently before speaking quietly. “Um, no not really. I’m sorry, you just look familiar. You know how that can be, right?”

  “I do,” Winny said easily. “I’m Winter. But everyone calls me Winny,” she offered.

  The woman forced a smile before tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “My name is Tove.”

  “Tove. Such an interesting name.”

  “It’s definitely unique,” The woman said. She took another step forward and spoke enticingly. “Might I come into your shop?” she asked.

  Winny was about to invite her in when all of a sudden she heard a voice clear as day in her head.

  No. Do not let the evil inside, Winny. Once it comes in, it’ll never be able to leave.

  Winny had to hold back her own gasp. It sounded very much like an older woman, but it was warm and comforting. Winny had never been given such a stern, sure warning in her life.

  Winny, step inside. Do not invite evil inside. She cannot enter unless you give her permission to.

  Winny pasted on a smile before setting down her water pot. She took three steps inside the shop before turning to the woman.

  “I’m so sorry but I am insanely busy at the moment. Something just came across my mind. I get that way sometimes. I’ll see you around, yeah?” she said quickly, the last part ending in an almost squeal.

  The woman narrowed her eyes and took a step toward the door. She gasped when she felt herself take an involuntary step back. Winny saw her hand slightly shake before she concealed it in her dress pocket.

  “Yes, of course. I myself have a lot of errands to run. I hope to see you around as well, Winny,” she said, glancing at the bookstore once more. She smiled tightly before turning and quickly crossing the street.

  It wasn’t until Winny could no longer see her that she took a deep relaxing breath.

  Who was that, and what was going on in her head?

  13

  Due to the influx of demonic activity that had suddenly been frequenting his establishment, Javier had been unable to meet with Zahir. He knew his friend was hosting the Glacier family and he didn’t want to intrude, but there was something evil brewing, and they needed to have a plan. Feeling anxious, Javier called Zahir, insisting they meet. Zahir had informed him that Walker and Daisy were going to be out looking at different properties in the area later that evening, giving them the perfect chance to talk.

  Glancing at the time on the dashboard of his car, Javier saw he was a bit early, which was fine by him. Jumping out of his car, he quickly entered the mansion. Having been inside before, he found his way to Zahir’s office with ease. He knocked once before opening the door.

  “Javier. I’ve been waiting for you,” Zahir said, watching the visibly anxious man enter. Javier nodded as he strode over to the wet bar, filling a glass to the brim with bourbon before throwing it back.

  “It must be serious. You’re downing century-old bourbon like it’s fruit punch,” he said wryly.

  Javier wiped his mouth. “You knew it was serious when I called.”

  “I did. But you didn’t say much over the phone.”

  “I don’t trust phones. You know that. You know how people can get. Just add duals and you’ve got a whole entire set of problems you don’t need,” he added.

  Zahir set down his papers. “Tell me.”

  “Z. There is pure chaos going on down in the quarter. Several other bars have been hysterical, talking about some demon-like creatures they’ve seen outside of their establishments. I thought it was some prank until my men said they helped Talon fight off some demented looking creature. I was talking to Dash and Alexei when we all heard a noise outside of my own bar. I bolted it shut behind them and made sure the humans were safely out of the bar before I explained the situation to the duals. They left soon after and it wasn’t until Alexei and Dash came back into the bar dragging something I’ve never seen in my life. From the look of that creature… I know a portal has been opened.”

  Zahir suddenly stilled, on high alert. His eyes followed Javier as he continued.

  “It was a medium-sized creature. When I asked around, apparently there was a legion of demons sent to cause havoc. A woman not too far from Pirates Alley said that two of them kept shouting about finally being free to kill. She passed out after she explained the situation.” Javier took out his phone before tossing it to Zahir.

  He easily caught the device before his eyes quickly roved over the pictures of the dead creatures. “How many have been killed so far?”

  “I would say three. I think there are a couple more, but all our people are being vigilant and staying in groups until we figure out where it’s coming from.”

  “What about the French quarter?” Zahir asked.

  Javier shook his head. “Only one was spotted. The rest were over on Decatur and Dumaine Street… You know that-”

  “Yeah, I know. All of that is my territory.” Zahir stood and walked over to his window.

  He took in the view of his backyard. “Raven has started a war. And he’s using Davien.”

  Javier swore under his breath. “Davien? The ostracized were-panther? What have you done to him to inspire this much retaliation?”

  It was a moment before Zahir spoke. He had asked himself the same question, and only recently had he come to a realization just this morning.

  “He blames me for his mother’s death. She was a drug user, who would do anything for a hit. Remember that kidnapping twenty years ago?”

  Zahir watched as Javier’s mind came to the same conclusion. “That was his mother?”

  Zahir nodded. “She was upset that the man she supposedly loved wasn’t strong enough to leave his own pack to be with her.”

  “But that’s not the way of a were-panthers. They are typically solitary creatures unless they come from a family.”

  “I know this and so do you. But she was clueless as to why he would stay with his pack, choosing them over her.”

  The two were silent for a bit longer before Javier urged him to continue.

  “Rose, Davien’s mother, turned to drugs. Apparently it was the only substance that could make her happy. She loved a man who wouldn’t neglect his pack for her, so she found something temporary to stave off her pain. I was told she was always seen with her dealer. Some speculated a romantic involvement, but that wasn’t my concern. It became my problem when she, along with her dealer, schemed to kidnap a dual child.”

  “I can’t imagine how the parents must’ve felt.”

  Zahir still felt that pang of sympathy for the family even now. “Davien’s mother threatened them for money. She explained that she would give the child back in exchange for money. She also demanded their silence, meaning they couldn’t report the incident to me. The family agreed and showed up with the m
oney.”

  “I take it she lied about returning the child?”

  “Yes,” Zahir answered quietly. “Once she found out the dual taken was a vampire, she girded herself with weapons that would kill their kind.”

  “Heated stakes,” Javier said aloud.

  Zahir gave a slight nod. It was the fastest way to kill a vampire, it only took seconds for it to destroy their bodies.

  “She killed the mother, father and child before taking the suitcase, and speeding into the car with her dealer. I found out much later that she hated her life the moment Davien’s father did not fully accept her. That was how her hatred for duals manifested. She had no qualms about exterminating a family.”

  “She got the money she needed for her addiction while at the same time getting revenge on duals,” Javier stated.

  “You are correct once again,” Zahir said, chuckling mirthlessly.

  “She broke our laws by—”

  “Killing a dual family,” Javier whispered.

  “Exactly,” Zahir added quietly before continuing. “Nicholas Hunter, Rose’s husband, found a case full of cash and drugs one night and asked how Rose got it. She confessed and as soon as she left, he called me, telling me her exact location. Nicholas knew what she did was unforgiveable, and that he was forced to report it. I explained to him that his human was already sentenced to death the moment she killed the family. He begged for a second chance, for her sake, but I knew that was not possible. She was sentenced to an instant death, by my hand.”

  “As the law states,” Javier added.

  “When I found the place where Rose was hiding along with her supposed boyfriend, I killed them both. I have no care for humans one way or another. But she killed one of our own. That could never go unpunished. I came back to tell Nicholas and we never spoke after that night…Before I left him, I could see the hate and grief in his eyes. It was no surprise that he killed himself years later. I’m sure Nicholas never told Davien the truth of what really happened. At the time he was still fairly young,” Zahir finished.

  By the time he was finished explaining the story, Javier had already taken a seat. He leaned forward and met Zahir’s gaze with a solemn one.

  “He wants revenge. Hurting your brother was only the beginning.”

  “Davien wants more than that. He wants me dead. The only problem is, even he doesn’t know how deep he’s in now.”

  “I suppose a sit-down conversation won’t help matters any?” Javier asked wryly.

  “No, but I’m sure an opportunity will present itself soon.”

  The loud banging on her front door annoyed her. Amara was a quiet woman. Even her neighbors knew this and made sure to let her know if they were going to be unusually loud, or having parties. So to have someone banging on her door at night was definitely out of the ordinary. Tying the robe around her waist she pushed her hair from her face before looking into the peephole.

  She rolled her eyes when she saw who was banging on the door. “This idiot,” she murmured aloud.

  “I can hear you,” he quipped, amusement in his voice.

  “I don’t care!” she snapped back. Amara sighed debating on letting the man in her home when she looked over at her puppy, a cute little Havanese, who had a look of confusion on his face.

  “I know, Button. We don’t typically have guests. As soon as I kick him out we can go back to business as usual,” she finished. The peppy little puppy yipped, as if he understood exactly what she had said.

  Amara unbolted her door and swung it open, narrowing her eyes at the man standing before her.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked haughtily.

  He winked at her before holding up a bag of what looked to be take-out. “You’re a hard woman to track down. May I come inside?”

  She stared at him for several moments, trying to ignore how he made her pulse jump. He really is too handsome for his own good.

  “Why should I invite you inside?” she said instead.

  He leaned against her door jamb, drinking in her short dark blue silk robe, bare feet, and wild curly hair.

  “Because we now share a common goal.”

  “And that is?”

  “You let me come in, and I’ll tell you.”

  She glared at him before taking a step back. “Fine. But only because I’m hungry, and haven’t been able to get to the grocery store.”

  He slid by her, pausing and leaning over her willowy frame. “You look delicious by the way,” he said walking past her.

  Amara tried but failed to not let her heart race just from his simple statement.

  Akachi paused at the entrance to the living room, looking down at the tiny puppy barking up at him. “A friend of yours?” he said eyebrow raised.

  Amara followed his line of sight, watching as Button bit into his shoes. It proved to be a difficult feat for the puppy, seeing as how the man was wearing military grade boots with form-fitting jeans and a black henley to match.

  “This is Button. And he is usually well-behaved. Can’t say that I blame him.” Ignoring his pointed look, she bent over and picked up the fluffy ball of fur before kissing his head and setting him down. Immediately Button yipped before running down the long hallway, past the front door, and to her bedroom.

  Amara focused her attention on Akachi and snatched the bag from his hand before setting it on the table. “Have a seat. I’ll go get some glasses and something to drink.”

  “Thank you,” he said as she left the room. While she was occupied, Akachi let his gaze wander around her apartment. The warm earth tones, the different pieces of art covering every square inch of the walls, along with the colorful rug that was thrown under the couch and spilling out to the coffee table. He found himself enjoying the mismatched, but comfortable looking couches and chairs. The only thing that wasn’t in the living room was a television. In its place was a setting for candles, and rows of books which were lined on her floor, which nearly reached the ceiling. It said a lot about the woman. She came back in holding two full glasses of iced-tea. She placed one in his hand which he took gratefully.

  “Thanks. It’s warm outside.”

  She settled into her side of the couch before crossing her legs and taking a sip of the cool, refreshing drink. “It is. I’ve had a busy couple of days so I decided to turn in early. Get away from the heat.” Amongst other things.

  “I know what you were saying. About why Zahir shouldn’t know,” Akachi said, immediately continuing their last conversation. “That it could influence him. I agree on some level, but what about him being prepared? Wouldn’t him knowing about Winny work in his favor?”

  “Jumping right into it, are we?” she replied lightly. “Look. I understand he’s your brother, but I don’t want to take the risk. It’s been several hundred years since there has been a coupling such as this. A Daughter of Sunrise can balance the scales. She is responsible for keeping the evil at bay. Should she be killed, especially if she’s the last of her kind... let’s just say, the outcome wouldn’t be sunshine and roses.”

  Akachi watched as she took out the food from the bags, continuing to speak. “I’ve been down over in the quarter. I’ve been told by some friends that demonic beings have been released into our realm. The portal is open,” she finished before chancing a glance at him.

  Akachi looked absolutely livid. He understood his brother being slow to speak with any other problems that may have been arising, but keeping quiet about a portal being opened? His very life could be in danger.

  “Raven wants my brother,” he stated flatly.

  Amara nodded. “I figured that. I just wasn’t able to connect the dots as to why,” she said quietly.

  “It’s simple really. My father defeated Abaddon’s right-hand man and had his son banished to purgatory. He’s been livid. He’s been forced to abide by the rules already set in place. The portal being open can only mean one thing.”

  “Raven has found a way to defeat your brother. Or he thinks he can,” she a
dded.

  He nodded. “But there was a clause. I remember my father speaking about it before his death. Abaddon could never dwell on this plain. Neither could his son. Unless my brother is killed by Raven or the person who killed him had the blood of the dark lord running through their veins.”

  Amara’s eyes widened on that. It sounded like a complete stretch, but the more she thought about it the more it made sense. “He’s using someone.”

  “Exactly.”

  The two were silent for a while before Amara spoke again. “Do you think your brother has an idea who it is?”

  “I’m not sure. But I know for certain it probably has to do with Davien.” At her confused look, he shrugged it off. “It’s a long story and maybe one day I’ll get into it, but I can say that he was responsible for attacking me just a couple of weeks ago. It was how I met Winny.”

  Amara ran over the dates in her head before standing and grabbing a book in the corner of the living room. It was thick and mixed with colors of purple, white, and black.

  “What is that?” he asked.

  She only glanced at him before raising a brow. “Maybe one day I’ll get into it.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Yeah,” Amara repeated finding herself agreeing to a future meeting time with the man. His easy smile made her roll her eyes before she focused back on the book in her hand.

  “You said that it was almost two weeks ago since you went into Winny’s shop, yeah?”

  “Yes.”

  She ran through the book going over important dates until she saw the calendar marked with a moon and a star.

  “Akachi. In three weeks, Winny will come into her full powers, whether she knows it or not.”

  “How is that possible? She hasn’t before?” he said, suddenly worried for both his brother and Winny.

  “Before she hadn’t met her destined mate. That is the only thing that can wake up a dormant ability within the dual especially if she is a Daughter of Sunrise. It was another protection mechanism put into play by the first of her kind. Should she come into her full power it would be very difficult for your brother to be defeated. And Lord Raven knows this.”