After Sunset

by Nicole Renee

  “There you are. I was sure you left Daisy and I, to fend for ourselves,” Walker joked as he joined him on his backyard patio.

  Zahir closed up several documents he had open and gave his full attention to the vampire. “Javier called, let me know you paid him a visit,” Zahir started.

  Of course he did, Walker thought.

  The man chuckled before thanking the servant that appeared out of nowhere with a glass filled with a delicious dark red substance.

  Zahir barely held back his disgust at the dark liquid in the glass. Walker only raised a brow.

  “Don’t give me that look, serpent. I’m not the only dual at this table who partakes of this life-giving substance.”

  Zahir’s gaze hardened. “You know that is only if a serpent has gone rabid. When has that last happened?”

  “About fifty years ago in fact. And it was very enlightening,” Walker said cryptically.

  Zahir hissed before rolling his eyes, annoyed that Walker spoke the truth. It was a sight to behold when dual serpents reached that stage. Blood wasn’t the only thing they craved.

  “Do you enjoy irritating people?”

  “Most definitely,” he said brightly before sipping some of his drink before sighing.

  “As much as I would love to sit here and torment you, I have some news I think you’ll want to hear.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “My advisor who is currently in Italy tells me of several vampire covens who’ve had their family members taken for ransom. He tells me that they keep speaking of you.”

  “Any idea what the message is?”

  “Yeah. He told me to relay this message to you, that there will be no rest until Lord Raven Dragon has returned to his rightful place.”

  “He has a rightful place as he puts it. It’s where he currently resides.”

  Walker smirked at that.

  “Well, maybe he wants to relocate.”

  “That would be impossible.” Zahir paused before continuing. “I was able to figure out who Raven’s link is, and I will be speaking with the person soon.”

  “You think they will adhere to what you say?”

  “I’m hoping they do not. Then I can go with plan two.”

  “And that will be?”

  Zahir said nothing only gestured to his glass. “I can have my staff get you another,” he said instead of answering.

  Walker understood. “Zahir, listen. Part of our partnership was quid pro quo. I give a little, you give a little. I cannot agree to unification with our two species if I am not aware of all the facets. I have to defend my duals as well. I spoke with Javier about wanting to work together. I will be buying property here as well, and after my visits to New York and San Francisco with the other covens, I will make a decision on where I will live. For the interim, however, I would like for us to not be enemies.”

  “You said that you will be making a decision on where you live. I take it your sister does not share the same feelings?”

  “You could say that. She’s not really into living with her older brother. Can’t say that I blame her,” he added.

  “How soon do you plan to leave?”

  “Within the next several weeks. I have enjoyed staying here, but I must attend to business elsewhere.”

  Zahir leaned back in his seat and studied the man. He knew Walker was telling the truth, but trust always came at a price. On the other hand, the man was correct. He couldn’t just blindly follow him, even if what he was doing was best for everyone. So, Zahir took his words into consideration for future discussions. For now, however, he would keep everything on a need to know basis.

  “The man responsible for this believes I did him a disservice by killing his mother.”

  Walker whistled before copying Zahir, and leaning back in his chair. “Well, I have to ask. Did you?”

  “Yes.”

  When Zahir failed to elaborate, Walker tossed his blonde hair over his shoulder. “Gee Zahir, don’t bowl me over with all the detail,” he said drolly.

  Zahir’s lips tilted a bit at the corner before he shrugged. “His mother murdered a family, nearly exposing our kind. I did not kill her for sport. I am the enforcer within my people. It was necessary.”

  “Hmm. A necessary evil. So what is your plan for dealing with him?”

  Before he could answer, his phone went off. Zahir looked down at the device and saw a text with no name.

  I received your gift. You didn’t have to gift wrap it. I’ll meet you at Talon’s

  Zahir made sure his face remained expressionless as he pocketed the phone and stood. He raised his eyes to Walker. He strode by the vampire’s chair, patting him on the shoulder.

  “That is still to be determined.”

  16

  “Are you crazy? Agreeing to meet him at Talon’s bar? Why not mine?” Javier shouted over the phone.

  Zahir was currently sitting in the back of the dimly lit bar and had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. “Javier, that is precisely why he would have me meet here. Talon is just a bar owner. She doesn’t choose sides and is only interested in the money. He knew I’d have suggested your bar. Besides, it’s fine. Let him think he’s in control for now.”

  “I hear you, hermano, but my bar is a better meeting place. It’s even placed in the middle of town. And I am neutral.”

  “Yeah to common situations. But you’re biased simply because of your relationship with me and my brother.”

  Javier grunted but knew Zahir spoke the truth. “I know Clayton was ready to slit his own wrists,” he murmured, amusement in his voice.

  Zahir laughed because that was true. “You could say that. He has a man stationed at the exit and one in the car who drove me over. Everything will be fine. I have to go.”

  “Alright. Later.”

  Once he hung up, Zahir settled into his chair grateful of the wall behind his seat. It allowed him to tip the chair back and really focus on the patrons and anything else that might look amiss.

  To the average human, it would look like a biker bar. Leather and smoke seemed to be the theme of the place. Rock music was blasting from every speaker mounted in the cramped space, and there was a large flat-screen television hanging over the bar, broadcasting a baseball game. The crowd was a menacing-looking bunch. The type of outcasts that shouted trouble.

  Zahir knew the moment he stepped into the bar he would look out of place. His black Prada slacks and square-toed loafers with the form-fitting white short-sleeved polo, which only highlighted his muscles, made Zahir look as if he belonged in a posh lounge or even an editorial cover. But he knew no one would utter a word in his direction.

  Not to the serpent king.

  When he first entered, it was silent, and more than several pairs of eyes were on him. But he ignored it. He was accustomed to the stares. Upon entering, Zahir scanned the room, immediately gravitating to the last table in the back of the place towards the exit. He wanted to see the moment Davien entered the establishment. As soon as he was seated, Talon, the owner of the bar, brought him over a tall glass of ice water.

  She set the glass down on the table before cocking a hip at him. “I see you’re here to start some trouble, king,” she said seductively. Talon’s crocodile eyes flashed briefly for a minute before she set her hand on her ample hip.

  Zahir chuckled low and deep, which caused her to shiver. His eyes never strayed the door as he answered her. “You’ve got me all wrong Talon. I’m only here to keep the peace.”

  She barked out a husky laugh before gesturing behind her.

  “The boys out here think some rough-housing is about to start. I can hear them trying to hide the bets they’re making. Who will throw the first punch? How long will it last?”

  Zahir kept his smile in place before he glanced at her and focused back on the door. “I told you, Talon. We are here to talk. That is all. It shouldn’t bother you anyway. You only care about the money,” he said off-handedly.

  When she didn’t leave
he was surprised to see the usually tough woman bite her lip.

  “Unless that’s changed?” he hedged gently.

  She cleared her throat before squaring her shoulders. “I’ll be by to see you soon.”

  Zahir was clearly surprised, but quickly hid it. He didn’t want to scare the woman away. Whatever it was she needed to say must be important. “Alright. I have Walker at my residence at the moment.”

  She growled her displeasure, but he continued as if she hadn’t spoken.

  “He will be leaving in a couple of weeks.”

  She gave a quick nod. “I’ll be by at the end of the month,” she said before clearing her throat. “I’ll leave you to it,” she said awkwardly. She gave a slight wave before bolting back over to the bar.

  Zahir watched her before shaking his head. I’ll deal with that later.

  He look down quickly, noticing he had a text on his phone from his brother. Something about them needing to talk. Just as he was going to respond, he paused when a shadow suddenly fell over his chair. He glanced up slowly, schooling his face into an emotionless canvas.

  “Davien Hunter.”

  The man stared at Zahir for several long moments before taking the seat across from him. Zahir heard the place go completely silent before several voices picked up moments later. Zahir took in the man’s haggard appearance. He looked as if he hadn’t slept in months. His eyes had a red ring around them, and Zahir could see slight veins protruding from his normally golden-colored skin. His hair was pushed back, showing off an angular face and blue eyes. Zahir could also see his pulse slightly tic under his skin, and he heard his heart, surprised to find it beating slower than normal.

  That must be a perk of dealing with the devil. Or at least the devil’s son.

  “You wanted to meet, so here I am,” Davien said before crossing his arms over his chest.

  Zahir crossed his legs together at the ankles and locked eyes with him. He offered a wide and very false smile. “I did not originally request to meet with you, Davien. You are the one who orchestrated it. I am only trying to figure out what the problem is,” Zahir said, allowing himself to portray the image of a man unfazed. Zahir saw Davien’s jaw tick and was perversely satisfied to see how bothered the man was.

  I wonder if this is how Walker must feel all the time, Zahir mused.

  “You killed Juan and Asher,” he hissed out.

  “Yes. They were building a shrine that I did not approve of, in a part of town that is too close to the humans.”

  “It wasn’t because they roughed your brother up?”

  At that, Zahir’s hiss came out so fast it caused Davien to jump in alarm. “That was only the nail that sealed the coffin. Tell me, did you ever hear of the men responsible for ordering that hit on my brother? Because, if my memory serves me correct, and it typically does, the price for harming the king or his brother is instant death. I’m still looking for the culprit. Or culprits I’m sorry,” Zahir drawled out.

  Davien growled before letting his claws dig into the wooden table.

  Zahir sighed if he was bored. “Is this the part where you show yours and I show mine, and the biggest one wins?” he questioned.

  “You killed my mother.”

  “She was a drug addict who killed an innocent family before almost exposing our kind to the humans,” he shot back. Zahir saw the confusion on his face and continued. “Yeah, I bet your dear old dad didn’t tell you that.”

  “You lie!” he said, outrage clear in his voice.

  “Believe what you want,” Zahir stated, “but I know what happened. I even came back and explained it to your father at the time, who was out of his mind with worry. Your mother cheated on your father with her drug dealer. They kidnapped an innocent child and held them for money. The day of the exchange, your mother shot the child, along with the parents. Rose told your father this and he called me.” he finished.

  Davien looked as if he’d been slapped. Zahir could see his hands slightly shake as a million questions ran through his eyes. Zahir also saw the moment Davien chose to not believe the truth that he had revealed.

  “You would probably say anything to keep your dictatorship. To rule over us poor lower duals. But I refuse to be one of them. I will have your place.”

  Quickly, before Davien could react, Zahir grabbed at his wrists, locking them into the table. His eyes turned black and a wet, cold substance began to seep from his palms and onto the top of Davien’s hands keeping him locked in place. The man’s eyes were wide as he tried to break free. His attempts were futile.

  “You dare to call me a liar? I, the serpent king? I don’t think you remember who you’re talking to, dog, but you will soon find out. You will not speak to me as if I am some common man. I am not. I am your superior.” Zahir removed his hands and watched as Davien tried, but failed to pry his hands free from the table.

  He spoke harshly. “I will win.”

  “Because you made a deal with the devil? In this day and age, who hasn’t? What makes you so special? Show me someone who’s come out on top for that deal? You all end up in the same place.”

  Davien ignored him. “I know why I’ll win. Because when the dark lord wants something, he gets it. And I will make sure he gets it.”

  Done with playing nice, Zahir leaned forward. “This meeting was called for your benefit. It also serves as your final warning. Stop what you’re doing now. If you hurt anyone else, I will kill you with my bare hands and make an example of you. You better pray to your dark lord that we never meet face to face. Because I will kill you.”

  “Next time you see me, Zahir, you’ll be looking at me from your back.”

  At that, Zahir grinned wickedly. “I long for the day to skin you from head to toe. Just give me one more reason to, Davien. That venom should wear off in about another ten minutes. While it does I want you to sit there and be a good boy. Think of all the bad things you’ve done.”

  Standing, Zahir quickly left the bar nodding once to a frightened-looking Talon before shoving the exit door open. He gestured to one of his men who followed him. Once he opened the back door, he barked at Clayton to head to Bayou Books. While the man pulled away from the curb he called Akachi, who answered on the first ring.

  “Z, what’s-”

  “Davien wants something that I have. Says Raven wants it, actually. Until I figure out what it is, I’m putting two guards on you. I’ll explain to Winny tonight some of it and the guards I will assign her. He called me out at Talon’s bar,” he said in a rush.

  Akachi swore under his breath before pinching the bridge of his nose. He walked away from Amara who was helping a customer in her hop.

  “Zahir, maybe you should-”

  “Should what?” he snapped.

  Amara caught Akachi’s eyes over the phone and she shook her head. It was as if she knew what he was about to say.

  He inwardly let out a frustrated growl. “Nothing. Why didn’t you kill him then and there? Talon only has duals in her bar.”

  “Because he knows something that I don’t. And if I kill him, I won’t find out what that is. Knowing Davien it probably has to do with harming people. I have to be smart, Akachi.”

  “I know,” Akachi said before breathing deeply. “So. What are you going to do?”

  “I’ll figure it out, but I’m going to need your help.”

  “Of course.”

  “Find out whatever you can about Davien. Since no one hardly sees you, they would never connect the dots to you knowing anything about this. Tell me what you find.”

  “Will do.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Oh, and Zahir… Does Winny know about who we are?”

  “No. But it’s time she find out. I have to go.”

  Once he hung up, Akachi walked back over to Amara who had finished helping another customer.

  “It’s getting dangerous, Amara. She needs to know.”

  “And she will. A confession will free the soul, and undo what was done.”
>
  Akachi squinted at her. “What on earth are you talking about?”

  Amara only winked at him.

  “You will see.”

  17

  Zahir felt a lot of emotions.

  Often, people would say that dual serpents didn’t feel much. Except for anger, their kind was known to be cold, calculating beings. And that was true in some aspects. But they felt quite a lot. Like now, Zahir was nervous to step out of his car and walk into Winny’s shop. He saw the light on upstairs in her place, and it made him smile to know that she was waiting for him. He had told her he would stop by the bookstore to see her. He just figured she would have gone home by now.

  “Sir?”

  Pulling himself from his thoughts, he focused his attention on Clayton. “Will you be needing assistance inside?”

  “No, Clayton, thank you. I will go in alone. You can wait out here for me.”

  “Very good sir.”

  Opening the door, Zahir took a deep breath, let it out after several seconds before stepping into the quiet shop. There were a few stragglers left, a group of girls reading in one corner, and what looked to be a study session in another. Zahir really took in Winny’s place and saw the safe haven she had created. He was amazed to see all types of duals but what was the most noticeable change, was that everyone seemed to get along. Humans were scattered about, but not as many as their kind. As long as he’d been in charge, Zahir had managed to keep the different species from killing one another. They may not have liked it, but they were forced to cohabitate. But this, was an entirely new matter altogether.

  She unknowingly brought peace, he thought in astonishment. He nodded to some familiar faces, one of them being the young werewolf he’d met a couple of months ago, concerning a land dispute with a local family, the Jenkins. When he gave a wave, he saw the boy’s eyes flash yellow in surprise before he wiped his hands on his jeans and moved in his direction.