by Deanna Chase
Her smile faded and her shoulders hunched. “It isn’t that simple.”
“I know. Meri is his mate. It complicates things. But try anyway.” I wasn’t going to let this go. Would all angels sacrifice a human for one of their own? When it came time to fight, I needed to know who to trust.
She fidgeted, taking her time before she answered. “Field angels are very different from council angels. They live in a reality separate from our world. In a sense, people are interchangeable to them. For those of us living among humans, it’s not so cut and dry. We live and love just like everyone else. I can’t look at you and only see a soul. I see Jade, who is made up of her own unique soul and spirit. You aren’t you without both.”
“So you’re saying if Meri ends up with my soul, her spirit takes over and mine dies. Like you said before, I cease to exist.”
“Yes, but that isn’t what I meant. I’m saying you’re my friend. No matter how rough the journey we’ve had in our rocky relationship, I’m not willing to let you go.”
The conviction in her voice made me stand taller. She mimicked my movement, and I flung my arms around her. She stiffened momentarily and then returned my hug.
“Thank you,” I whispered in her ear. “You have no idea how much that means to me.”
“I think I have an inkling.”
I stepped back and grinned. “Psychic connections do have their uses every once in a while.”
She laughed and shook her head. “I wouldn’t go that far.”
We were still laughing when the front door banged open. Kat stood in the threshold, excitement streaming off her. “He’s been spotted.”
The laughter died on my lips. “Dan?”
“Philip?” Lailah asked at the same time.
“Philip,” she said. “He’s in Cajun Cove.”
Having spent less than a year in Louisiana, and most of that time within a ten-mile radius, the name of the town meant nothing to me. “Where’s that?”
Lailah whipped out her phone and tapped in a number. “South of here, in the middle of the bayou.”
I stepped into the house and snatched my purse. As I turned to leave, Lailah strode back in and took a seat at the table. “What are you doing?” I asked.
She grabbed a piece of paper and a pen. “Making a list of supplies so we’ll be ready in the morning.”
I hitched my purse higher on my shoulder and tightened my grip on the handle. “In the morning? We need to go now.”
“We can’t go in the dark,” Lailah said. “Cajun Cove is an island in the middle of the bayou. We’ll need an airboat, a guide, and supplies. Philip isn’t staying there. Too many people. He’ll be holed up at a camp somewhere and only going to town for food and stuff.”
Slowly, I relaxed my grip on my purse and set it back down. Despite every nerve screaming to hunt down my guardian angel, I took a seat at the table. “What can I do?”
She stopped writing and softened her voice. “Nothing we can’t take care of. Go home, Jade. Get some rest. Spend a quiet evening with Kane. Tomorrow we’ll start early. With any luck, you’ll be able to pinpoint the camp you’ve been seeing through Meri’s eyes.”
I didn’t move. How could I leave them when we finally had a lead? I glanced at Kat.
She stood. “Come on. I’ll drive you.”
After all the days of worrying about Dan, she wasn’t staying to help either? “What are you going to do?”
“Take you home and then call Lucien to study some maps.”
I nodded. “Sounds like a great plan. I’ll help.”
She shook her head, and Lailah chimed in once more. “Remember what I said earlier? What I’d do in your shoes?”
My stomach dropped. Once I found Meri, one of us wasn’t walking away from the encounter. How long could a soul stay separated? Judging by my weakening state, I was the underdog. I crossed the room to stand behind Bea, placed my hands on her shoulders, and bent to whisper in her ear, “Whatever happens, take care of them.” My voice came out low and strained.
She placed her right hand over mine and squeezed. “If anyone can survive this, it’s you.”
Tears burned my eyes, but I blinked them back. I straightened and rejoined Kat. “Let’s go.”
***
We crossed Canal Street, heading into the French Quarter. “Can you drop me at my studio?” I asked.
“You’re going to work tonight? What about Kane? Isn’t he waiting for you?”
“He is, but I need to take care of some things first. I won’t be long.”
She quirked a skeptical eyebrow, but dutifully made the turn to the glass shop. A few minutes later she put the car in park. “Want me to wait?”
“No, thanks. I can walk from here.” I pushed the door open.
Kat reached over and grabbed my arm. “I’m going with you tomorrow.”
“I know.” Nothing I said would stop her. The two people she loved most in the world were in the middle of this mess. Besides, as selfish as it was, I wanted her there.
“Good. Now do whatever you have to do and then get home. You need rest.”
“Yes, Mama Kat.” I smiled and scooted out of the car.
“And Jade?”
I leaned back down and peered at her. “Yeah?”
She tossed me a new package of Junior Mints. “Don’t let that man of yours wear you out.”
Laughing, I slammed the door shut and watched as she sped off. The humor faded as I wondered if she’d ever get a chance to tease me again. I bit my lip and hurried into my sanctuary, popping a handful of minty chocolate. It would be enough to get me through at least a few hours of studio time.
I hit Kane’s number on my phone. After filling him in on the Philip sighting, I let him know I needed a few hours to myself.
“Sure, love,” he said. “But don’t be too late. I’m making dinner.”
“I won’t.” I smiled at the idea of him slaving away in his kitchen. “And, Kane?”
“Yeah?”
“I love you.”
“Love you, too, pretty witch.”
The line went dead, and I sat at my work bench. For years, glass had been my escape from my empath gift. Imagine going through life not only knowing everyone’s emotions, but experiencing them right alongside them. Sure, joy and happiness were a bonus. Who didn’t want that little boost? Unfortunately, just like a sugar high, a few hours later I’d come crashing down. And don’t get me started on those who were suffering their own demons. I had enough of my own to deal with. The world was filled with far too many unhappy and deeply wounded people.
To block everything out, I’d turned to glass. Alone in my studio, the lure of the flame called to me. The perfect thing to calm my nerves.
After two weeks of neglecting the studio, I first checked the pressure on my oxygen tanks and then the gas line. Mollified everything was in working order, I flipped the switch to turn my kiln on and lit my torch.
The tight pinpoint flame flickered to life, strong and steady. I dipped the end of a glass rod into the two-thousand-degree heat and as it melted into a molten ball, the tension drained from my temples, and the last of my headache vanished.
Chapter 22
A few hours later, a dozen steel rods adorned with glass beads poked out of my kiln. I set the digital controller to run and sat back down to pull a bunch of spaghetti-thin glass stringers. It was a ritual I’d gotten in the habit of doing over the years. I loved being ready for my next torching session.
The simple act of preparing for a future settled me. Growing up, my mother always told me the best way to accomplish what you wanted was to look in the direction you wanted to go.
Well, I wanted a future. One with my mother, Aunt Gwen, Kat, and the rest of my friends. And most especially, I wanted one in New Orleans with Kane.
Kane. Tonight could be my last night with him. My heart squeezed. What was I doing? Abruptly, I put the glass rod down and turned off my torch. I’d made a dozen beads. The act of crafting product for
future sales was enough affirmation of a future. Now it was time to do what Lailah said. Cherish my loved ones.
I stopped at the front desk to say goodnight to Dave, the shop manager, and squashed the unwelcome thoughts of possibly never seeing him again. Instead, I waved and said, “See you in a few days.”
“Have a great night,” he called as I left the building.
I turned back to wave and forced a smile. One thing was for sure; I planned on making it a night to remember.
Ten minutes later, I let myself into Kane’s house. Despite the copious amounts of Junior Mints I’d downed during the short walk, my mouth watered at the delicious scent of garlic and heady Cajun spices. I headed straight to the kitchen and paused in the open doorway, admiring his profile while he stirred with one hand and sampled a sauce with another.
“Hey, pioneer man. Whatcha making?”
His lips turned up in a slow smile. “Something guaranteed to inspire you to thank me in a variety of inventive ways.”
“Really?” I sauntered over and peered into the pot, wrinkling my nose. “Spaghetti sauce?”
“Spaghetti sauce?” He turned, mock horror on his face. “Tell me you did not just say that.”
I wrapped my arms around him and gave him a half-shrug. “Oops, guess I was wrong.”
He narrowed his eyes. “If mamaw ever caught you disparaging her etouffee recipe in such a way…”
I grinned. “Etouffee, you say?”
“You know damn well it’s etouffee.” He closed the distance and pressed his lips to mine, cutting off my bubble of laughter.
All the playfulness faded away as he pulled me closer. A small shiver tingled down my spine. I pressed my body against his, wanting to feel every part of him. He trailed kisses along my jawline until he reached the soft spot on my neck just below my ear.
I sighed and melted into him.
“Jade,” he whispered and tightened his grip as if he might never let go.
“I’m right here,” I whispered back.
“And that’s where you’ll stay. Here. With me. Always.” He buried his head in my neck, his big hands splayed across my back.
“Always,” I agreed, running my fingers through his short, dark hair.
We held each other for a long time until footsteps on the hardwood broke us apart. A few seconds later, Mom and Aunt Gwen appeared. Gwen sent me an apologetic smile. “Sorry, but your mother is finally hungry.”
“No need to be sorry, Ms. Calhoun. Have a seat.” Kane gestured to the table. “I made plenty for everyone.”
“Call me Gwen. Family shouldn’t be so formal.”
Kane glanced at me, pleasure clear in his eyes. I moved to Gwen’s side, squeezed her hand, and mouthed ‘thank you.’
She shrugged, but a knowing smile tugged at her lips.
What exactly was she thinking about? I didn’t have time to ask before Kane set a large bowl of rice and the etouffee pot on the table.
He picked up a bottle of wine and announced, “Dinner’s ready.”
I took a seat and sat back, watching while Kane served everyone.
“This smells delicious, Kane,” Mom said.
“Yum,” Gwen murmured after her first bite.
“Thank you.” Kane poured the wine and settled next to me. He glanced over, worry clouding his eyes. He leaned in. “Everything all right?”
With damp eyes, I nodded. In this moment, life was perfect.
He nodded in understanding and placed a soft kiss on my temple. “The first of many nights to come.”
Mom and Gwen raised their glasses and repeated his words in unison.
Love warmed my insides, and I joined them in the toast. Whatever tomorrow had in store for me, tonight I was surrounded by those I loved best. Nothing could take that away from me.
For the next hour, Gwen and Kane monopolized most of the conversation. Gwen spoke of her farm, and Kane of his life in New Orleans as a child. My mother interjected with a few nostalgic moments of my youth. I sat quietly and soaked all their words in.
Finally, after the plates were scraped clean, I rose and started clearing the dishes.
“Excuse me,” Kane said and joined me at the sink. “You’ve been quiet.”
I picked up a plate, smiling. “I was just enjoying the atmosphere.”
He took the dish from me then placed it in the dishwasher. His warm hand slipped into mine, tugging as he guided me back to the table. “The evening isn’t quite finished.” He pulled my chair out. “Take a seat.”
I eyed him. “What are you up to?”
He raised one eyebrow and nodded toward the chair.
“Hmm.” I sat, turning my attention to Mom and Gwen. “Are you in on the secret?”
Mom smiled, and Gwen shook her head innocently.
“Yeah, you’re definitely up to something.” I accused Kane. “Well?”
“Give us just a minute.”
Each of them scattered into the kitchen, gathering various items. Mom returned with four pillar candles, Gwen with two wine glasses and a bottle of Riesling. She placed one glass in front of me and one in Kane’s spot.
“Are you and Mom converting to teetotalers this evening?”
She laughed. “Hardly.”
“We’ve got plans to meet your friend Pyper for a night cap,” Mom said.
I raised an eyebrow. “Night cap?”
“Pyper and Ian are taking them to a jazz club,” Kane called from behind the refrigerator door.
“Tonight?” I stood up and wedged myself between Mom and Gwen, linking arms with both of them. “But we’re supposed to be spending the evening together.”
“We did, shortcake.” Mom cupped my cheek. “We’ll be back soon. Right now, you and Kane need some privacy.”
I stiffened. Was my mother actually leaving so my boyfriend could seduce me?
“Relax, Jade. This is a good thing.” Gwen gently removed herself from my grip and gestured to Mom. “Ready?”
Mom gave me a small hug and instead of turning to leave, retreated back to the table and repositioned the candles to stand in the middle of each place setting. “Jade, honey, would you light them please?”
“Sure.” I reached over and grabbed a box of matches from the counter.
“No.” Mom held up a hand. “I meant magically.”
“Oh. I’ll try.” With how weak I’d been the last few days, I hadn’t worked any spells. My magic was draining. I was conserving as much as I could, but because Mom asked, I couldn’t say no. Especially since she seemed to be behaving so normally.
I turned my focus inward, searching for my spark. To my surprise, it instantly flared to life. A huge grin tugged at my lips as I whispered, “Illuminate.”
Four blue-tinged yellow flames did exactly what I asked. Gwen reached over and dimmed the lighting. The white pillars glowed.
“What’s going on?” I asked again.
“That’s for you and Kane to discuss. Now stand behind your chair.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Gwen, Kane, you too.”
Everyone did as they were told, each of us staring at Mom expectantly. I got the distinct impression I was the only one in the dark about what was to come next.
Mom stood across from me. Her gaze met mine as she held a hand out to both Kane and Gwen. They each clasped her hand, and I reached out to each of them, forming a circle. A lump clogged in my throat as I recognized the blessing. It was the one to strengthen family bonds.
Mom had recited the incantation at every solstice and every important event throughout my childhood. But no one other than Gwen had ever been invited to participate. It had either been just Mom and me or the three of us.
I glanced at Kane. Did he have any idea how much meaning the ritual held? The pride and nervousness radiating from him suggested he did. I squeezed his hand and stared at the candle dancing with life in front of me.
“Four souls, four flames. Tonight we cast a circle of strength. One bound by trust and love.”
One by on
e, each of the flames doubled in size and brightened, burning almost white.
“We stand together as one unit, one family.”
The flames turned electric blue, much brighter than the usual ice blue produced by Mom’s words. A surge of excitement ran through me. Mom’s magic was powerful, but I’d never seen her perform this ritual with such strength. Maybe it was because I’d finally embraced my own magic. I didn’t care about the cause. A strong family bond would only help me in my quest to save my soul.
“Goddess Hera, join us in our blessing. Honor us with your gifts. Two flames, two souls joined and supported by two flames, two souls.”
I jerked my head up, my eyes boring into my mother’s.
She smiled and said, “Two flames, two souls.”
Kane and Gwen repeated her words in unison.
I stood still, my mouth open, unable to form words.
My mother’s smile widened. “Jade, you need to say the words to complete the blessing.”
I swallowed, not daring to look at Kane. If I wasn’t mistaken, Mom had just performed a very specialized blessing. One I’d read about, but never witnessed.
“Jade?” Kane said softly.
I met his concerned gaze. His lips turned up in a small hopeful smile, love pouring out of him as if he held his heart in his hand.
My own heart swelled and my breath hitched. Everything stopped, and I whispered the words they were all waiting for. “Two flames, two souls.”
A short blast of air came out of nowhere, extinguishing the candles. Then everything was still as Kane and I stared at each other.
Gwen dropped my hand, and I vaguely heard her say goodbye as she and my mother slipped out of the house.
When the door clicked closed, Kane grabbed my other hand, turned both over, and kissed each of my palms. “Don’t say anything yet. I have something for you.”
Totally speechless, I nodded and let him guide me back into the chair. It wasn’t until I picked up my water glass that I noticed the shaking. Before I drenched the tablecloth, I set the drink down and clasped my hands together in my lap.
Kane returned bearing a small round cheesecake adorned with chocolate-covered strawberries and what appeared to be homemade whipped cream. He’d combined all my favorite desserts into one mouth-watering piece of perfection. But that wasn’t what caught my eye.
