Sweet Evangeline (Moon Magic Book 2)

by Sable Hunter

“Don’t sell those two short. Nanette can throw up a magical ward that can keep out a grizzly bear.” At Eric’s confused expression, Tyler tried to explain. “The serial killer that Jade killed at Enchanted Rock lived right next door to Wildflower Way. Nanette built a magical barrier or a ward around Arabella’s property. She put a line of red brick dust on the ground, she buried witch bottles every few feet, and then she physically walked the perimeter raising power. I don’t completely understand it, but Lyle Sessions couldn’t put a foot across that line. Evangeline saw him try. She had chased one of her cats into the woods and Sessions went after her. If it hadn’t been for that ward and whatever magic Evangeline did herself—I’ll let her explain that to you—we wouldn’t be sitting in this room with her tonight. Evangeline would be dead.”

  At those words, Eric rose and walked to the hospital bed looking down at the woman who had come to mean the world to him. “So, what do you think we’re up against?”

  “I have no idea. But, be ready for anything—that’s my plan.”

  When Tyler left, Eric returned to his chair by the hospital bed. When he sat down, he was surprised to find Evangeline’s navy blue eyes wide open and looking at him.

  “Explain to me why Elizabeth thinks there is more to this than Clark.”

  “You have nothing to worry about, babe.” Eric assured her.

  “I’m not worried about me. Now, explain,” she urged him.

  “She said she smelled magic on this, something dark and evil. I don’t have a clue what she meant.” At those words, Evangeline tried to sit up. Eric stood and placed a hand on her shoulder.

  “What do you think you’re doing?”

  “I need to sit up.’ He helped her sit on the side of the bed. “I was just tangled in the IV cord, I feel fine.” Actually, she did look better. But Eric wasn’t ready to take any chances with her. “If there is danger, Eric, I need to keep you safe. Perhaps, you should go back to your place until we know what we’re dealing with.”

  Eric couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He chuckled, thinking she had to be kidding. “Aren’t you confused? Trying a little role-reversal? Who is in the hospital bed?”

  “Eric, if we’re talking magic, normal rules don’t apply.”

  “You don’t think I can protect you?” All of a sudden the conversation turned serious. His eyes searched her face, trying desperately to understand.

  Evangeline held her arms out, reaching for him. He went to her. “My love, you are strong, powerful, brave—but if it’s magic, you have no defense.”

  “I’ll die trying.”

  “Eric, I couldn’t live without—”

  He cut off her words by covering her mouth with his own. “Not another word. You are precious to me. Whatever you’re involved in, so am I. That’s just the way it is.”

  The night passed. Eric intended to sit up all night, but one of the nurses took pity on him. She had seen Eric lying in the bed with Evangeline and the sight had tugged at her heartstrings. “No one’s going to come in here but me, why don’t you crawl back up in that bed and hold her. Maybe, you both can get some sleep.” Gratefully, he followed her advice. After he had her stretched out on top of him, every part of her body touching some part of his, he breathed a sigh of relief. Now, he could rest.

  * * * *

  “I can walk, Eric.” Evangeline protested as he carried her in and sat her down on the couch.

  “Humor me. I enjoy taking care of you. What do you feel like eating for lunch?”

  “Let me come and see. I think I have some Grilladas in the freezer. We can warm that up and make a pot of rice. I think you’ll like it.” Evangeline got up and started to the kitchen. She wanted to be in the same room that he was.

  He saw her coming. “Why can’t you be still?” He picked her up and sat her on a kitchen stool. She managed to kiss him three or four times before he turned her loose.

  “Are you feeling better, love?” He was so relieved. Her bruises had not made it to that ghastly black stage; in fact they were fading fast. Magick was pretty good medicine, he had to admit.

  “I feel good. I want to help you.”

  “Just give me good directions. I’m actually pretty handy in the kitchen.” He found the container of fragrant meat and vegetables and emptied it into a boiler to warm up. She told him how much water to put on to boil for rice and then he pulled up a stool and sat beside her.

  “This is Tuesday, I have two finals today and I didn’t get a chance to do my last minute studying.” Evangeline didn’t look happy about her recollection.

  “No, class is over for you. I may have overstepped my bounds, but I called Dr. Frederick and talked to him. He was aware of everything that had happened. You got an A, by the way. He offered me a job, said that if I got tired of fighting fires he could use a model for some of his classes.” Eric smiled at her. “I’m so relieved you are sitting up and feel like eating.

  “Me, too. And I’m sure you could make a fortune posing naked.” Evangeline’s gaze melded with his, remembering how he looked nude. “But, what about my other classes?”

  “The good doctor ran some interference for me with your other professors. They have agreed to let your last test serve as your final. You, my dear, are through with school until the fall semester starts.”

  “Oh, thank you Eric. I was dreading going back today. I know Clark is gone, but I still feel a little apprehensive.” Eric had broken the news to her about Laurence’s death.

  “I have to go back to work tomorrow, but your grandmother and Angelique are coming over tonight. And I believe Philippe will be joining us soon.” At his words, he was confused to see a look of worry pass over her face. “What’s wrong, love?”

  “You have a life, Eric. I’m taking advantage of you. I’m sure you have friends and responsibilities. You can’t possibly want to stay with me all the time. If you need to go home, I’ll understand.”

  “I don’t understand. What do you mean? It’s simple. I will go to work and then I will come home to you. Isn’t that what you want, too?”

  “Yes, that’s all I will ever want. But you…”

  “I can’t imagine ever going back to a life without you.” The next thing she knew, she was off the stool, and cradled on his mountain of a chest. “Please, don’t ever ask me to walk away from you.”

  “That will never happen.” But even as she said the words, a little niggling sense of doom was tugging at her heart.

  * * * *

  Eric was surprised when his cell phone rang. He had been so wrapped up in Evangeline that the outside world seemed far away. Before answering, he noted the Caller ID said the party on the other line was the Chief. This was his day off; he dreaded what he would hear. “Yea, chief?”

  “McAllister. We have a wildfire, out about thirty-five miles west of the city.”

  “Shit. Do you need me in now?”

  “No, I’ve got you on the last rotation. How’s your arm?” Eric had to stop and think a minute, the burn on his arm seemed like it had happened years ago.

  “Perfectly healed.”

  “Couldn’t be. But, I like your attitude. Are you still with your little artist?”

  “I haven’t left her side.”

  “So, it’s like that is it?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Lucky woman. Listen McAllister, I have a bad feeling about this fire. The authorities are looking into the source, but I have a sneaky suspicion this is the work of our arsonist.”

  “Have you been watching Cammack?”

  “Like a hawk.”

  “I’ll call you if it gets any worse. If you don’t hear from me, I’ll try to see you tomorrow before you head out. Watch the news.”

  * * * *

  “I like this black one.” Eric held up a negligee he had pulled out of Evangeline’s dresser drawer. “Do you have a thong?’

  “Eric, I was a virgin until last Sunday night. I don’t have a lot of exciting underwear.”

  “That’s okay
, I actually prefer you without underwear at all.”

  “Will you hand me something to put on? Please?” He laughed, knowing she was just on the other side of the door, finishing up with her before-bed toiletries. How in the world was he going to keep his hands off of her tonight? He tried to keep telling himself she had been hurt, she had been in the hospital, she didn’t need him making sexual demands on her this soon. So, he was trying to keep his distance, keep her laughing. Anything, to try and get his mind from the paradise that lay between her legs. God!

  Then she walked out. In a towel. “I heard every word.”

  “What? That I like you without underwear? It’s the truth.” He turned to her, steeling himself against the softness of her skin, the swell of her breasts, the silky length of her legs.

  “No. Not those words. I heard what you were thinking. You don’t have to worry. You won’t be the one making the sexual demands. I will.” Picking up his hand with her own, she led him to the bed.

  “Evangeline, sweetheart. This is too soon.”

  “The bruises are lighter and we’ll turn out the light. You won’t have to look at them at all.” Sitting down, she pulled him close to her.

  “Darling, your body is beautiful, a few bruises doesn’t matter one whit.”

  “Then take off your clothes. Please?” She had braided her hair again, and it hung seductively over her right shoulder.

  He couldn’t resist her. Undressing quickly, he pulled the covers back and joined her. The towel was gone. She met him halfway. Lying on their sides, facing one another, she kissed him on the bulging muscles of his chest. “Eric, do you realize how gorgeous you are? Have the women in your life properly appreciated you?” These questions were voiced between nibbles and licks. Rising to her knees, she threw the covers back so she could move the appreciation party further south on his body.

  “I don’t know how to answer that question.” Eric’s voice came out ragged. He thought of Jessica and how she would withhold her favors and refused to go down on him.

  “Stupid woman.” Evangeline whispered as she took his cock into her mouth.

  Eric groaned. She was mind-reading again. Okay, let’s see how good she really is. He decided if that was the way she wanted to communicate, that’s what he would do. So, he let his mind do the talking. Suck harder, love. Immediately, the pressure on his shaft increased. “Oh, that feels good, baby.” He sat up and watched her love him. That braid! God, that braid! He grew harder, if that was possible. Massage my balls, sweetheart. She reached down with her left hand and gently played with his sac, loving the source of his life force. “Oh, yeah.” His hips were beginning to buck up and down. Crawl on top of me, love. Let’s do 69. She hesitated for just a moment and then she complied. If he ever lost his voice, with Evangeline around, it wouldn’t matter.

  * * * *

  Evangeline was so excited she thought she would come before he ever touched her. It wasn’t just the sex; it was just being with Eric. Feeling his thoughts in her head was nearly as thrilling as feeling his hands on her body. His hands grasped her hips and spread her legs.

  You are so beautiful, sweetheart. His tongue and lips made themselves at home. She began to squirm and Eric held her still. Soon, it became difficult to continue loving his cock when his tongue was making love to her G-spot.

  “Baby! Enough. Enough,” she begged.

  Just let go, love.Don’t worry about me, lay your sweet head down and just enjoy. She did as he asked. She was unable to do anything else. You taste so good, babe. He pulled her up closer to him, changing his focus to her clit. Come for me,love, come for me. The intimacy of his voice in her head, coupled with his tongue on her sex, pushed her off the edge of the world.

  “Eric!” she screamed as she lay there shivering with delight. She kissed his abdomen, raised her head and realized he was stiff, engorged and distended with desire. Easing off of him, she lay on her back. “Make love to me, Eric.”

  “I took care of you, babe. I can wait.”

  “It wasn’t just an orgasm that I needed. I want you. Inside me. Please. Make love to me, Eric.”

  “If you’ll get on top.”

  “No, I want to feel you. All of you. I want your weight pressing me down into the bed. I feel so safe when you’re buried deep inside of me.”

  “How in God’s name am I supposed to say no to a request like that?” He covered her with his body. She spread her legs and lifted her hips and he pushed himself deep within her. She let out a sigh of complete relief.

  “Exquisite,” she breathed.

  As he pumped into her, he kissed her breasts, sucked her nipples, pulling them deep within his mouth. I adore you, he whispered from his mind to her heart. As they brought one another to complete fulfillment, the darkened room filled with an unearthly glow. Golden bubbles of light, bright stars of passion, rained down on them—Evangeline’s unspoken declaration of love.

  Chapter Seven

  “An arsonist? Why haven’t you told me?” Evangeline was about to cry.

  “Sweetheart, it’s all right. I’ll be careful.” After days of being together, Eric was about to leave her to go out and fight a wildfire. And now she finds out an arsonist is more than likely setting all of these fires. Leaving him standing at the door, she bounded up the stairs. “I’ll be right back.”

  She wasn’t gone but a few seconds and she returned carrying a blue flannel bag on a strip of leather. “Would you wear this for me, please?”

  “What is it? A mojo bag?” Not waiting for an answer, he put it over his head. “Don’t you know by now that I would do anything for you?”

  “It will protect you.” She threw her arms around his neck and held him tight. “I’ll be waiting. You take care of yourself.”

  “I’ll be back as soon as I can, but it may be as long as twelve hours before I get home. So don’t fret, all right?” He took her head between his hands and reverently kissed her lips.

  “I’ll be waiting.”

  * * * *

  Nanette and Angelique arrived about fifteen minutes after Eric left. “Have you heard the piano music again?” These were the first words out of Angelique’s mouth.

  “Not since I came back from the hospital.” But then, she’d been busy—having sex with Eric.

  “Phillipe has a new project.” Nanette proudly announced.

  “Really?” Evangeline was expecting something like AIDS research, calligraphy, whatever. But what Nanette said came as a complete surprise.

  “You may not even remember that we have it, but it’s been sitting in a safety deposit box for almost fifty years.”

  “What?”

  “My great-great more great grandmother Genevieve’s diary.” Evangeline instantly remembered. Genevieve was the mail-order bride that had come from France in the early 1700’s. She had been one of the ‘casket girls’, brought over to marry one of the rich Creole men in New Orleans prior to the birth of the United States. The girls had brought their trousseaus in casket shaped containers furnished them by the French government. Genevieve had brought the ancient ways of moon worship and magic from the Old World to the New and had married it to the mysteries that she had found in the swamps and in the bayous—voodoo, hoodoo, and the ways of the medicine man.

  “He’s going to translate it?” Evangeline asked totally intrigued.

  “Yes, he is. And we can’t wait to find out what is says. That and the sampler are the only things that we have of Genevieve.”

  “It may reveal some heavy family secrets.” Evangeline teased. She would soon eat those words.

  * * * *

  The fire was out of control. As soon as they would get one area contained, another would break out. Five homes had already been lost and twelve more would be gone in a few more hours, if their luck didn’t change. The trees and the underbrush were tinder-dry. Eric watched for John Cammack, but it was hard to do that and still do everything else he needed to do. There were trenches to dig and hoses to pull and trees to cut. He had
only been here seven hours and he was already exhausted. The winds weren’t cooperating, either. Eric fought and fought, getting as close as he dared. His lungs were full of smoke and he had a cough that threatened to put him completely out of commission. All he could think about was getting home to Evangeline.

  Eric’s cough was so bad that he could barely drive. This time he probably should go to the doctor, the intense heated smoke that he had been forced to breathe had undoubtedly damaged his lungs. He swung the Camaro up on I-35 and pressed down hard on the gas. He knew if he could just get home to Evangeline, she would make everything better.

  * * * *

  “Come sit down, Evangeline. Save your strength to take care of him when he gets home.” Nanette urged her granddaughter to rest. “You just got out of the hospital, yourself.”

  “He said he would be home in twelve hours. It’s been twelve hours. I’ve waiting right here.” She was adamant. Evangeline was ready this time. Angelique had made a big pot of chicken soup and Nanette had made two gallons of lemonade. A batch of salve was ready for any burns he might have and she had towels and clean clothes ready in the bathroom. All she needed now was him.

  When she saw the Camaro coming down the street, Evangeline went out to meet him. By the time he opened the door, she could hear the cough. “Come on love, we’ll get you some tea for that cough.” She knew that mullein and colts foot would slow down the cough and she would do the rest.

  “Will you heal me, baby girl?” he asked hoarsely.

  “Yes. Tell me what hurts?”

  “It’s my lungs, the hot air burned them.” He could barely talk.

  Evangeline helped him in and they went straight to the bathroom. “Undress, and I’ll run you a bath.” She turned on the water and added salt. “Wait here while I get everything I need.” He sat on the toilet seat, his head in his hands.

  Evangeline asked Nanette to put some water in the microwave until it was hot. “Could you make Eric a cup of tea with some mullein and colts foot?”