by J. N. Colon
Etie’s jaw flexed. “We don’t got time for this. We need to do a locator spell. Marisol’s missing.”
The bokor’s amber eyes widened. “What do you mean missing?”
“She’s gone from the coven house.” My throat tightened. “My dad said they can’t find her, not even with magic.”
Bastien’s face hardened, and he reached out, squeezing my shoulder. “We’ll find her, Angel.”
I bit back the tears. The Benoit brothers had a lot more confidence than I did.
“We should get Mama CeCe.” Bastien spun back into the room. He grabbed a shirt off the floor. “The more, the better.”
Etie grimaced. He didn’t look too happy to involve the voodoo priestess. “Fine.”
“She’s probably downstairs.” Bastien tied his hair back into a ponytail. “The club is closed, but she stays there pretty late on Friday nights.”
“I’ll get her.” Etie pivoted around, but I grabbed his hand.
“I’ll go with you.” Something inside of me didn’t want to separate from my alimèt. My body was still humming from earlier. We should be in bed holding each other. I could hardly focus.
As if he sensed my need, he gave a quick nod and pulled me along.
We raced downstairs, my heart galloping a hundred miles a minute. If the baron hurt my sister, I wouldn’t stop Etie from stabbing that creep in the eye. The consequences be damned.
I’d already told Baron Samedi I’d give myself up on Fete Gede. Why would he steal Marisol? Did he not believe me?
Cold sank through my gut. Did he know we planned on trying to weaken him?
A familiar voice shattered the panicked thoughts clawing through my mind.
“I’m trying to get in this damn abandoned warehouse that is obviously not as abandoned and crappy as it looks from the outside.”
“I’m sorry, I can’t let you in. Le Revenant is closed.” Vaus’s deep, commanding tenor echoed like thunder.
“I’m not here to party, muscles. And if you don’t move, I’ll make you.”
My pulse spiked. It can’t be. I ran to the balcony overlooking the club. “Marisol!”
My sister elbowed the loogaroo out of the way and sashayed inside, tossing her dark curls over her shoulder. “I didn’t know I’d have to go through a mountain to see you.” She jerked her thumb toward the scowling voodoo caster.
I blinked, sure I was hallucinating. “What are you doing here?”
She popped her hands on her hips. “I’m here to stop you from making a big mistake.”
“You used a teleportation spell to get here?” Rafe sat backward in a chair a few feet from the table, his eyes lingering over my sister with way too much appreciation. “In most covens, those are off-limits to anyone who isn’t the head or an elder.”
Marisol shrugged. “I can be pretty persuasive when I want.”
“Something we have in common, cher.” Bastien wiggled his eyebrows.
“Ugh, could you two guys stop flirting with my sister for five minutes?” I rubbed my temples, trying to loosen the tension in my head. Rafe, Etie, Bastien, Marisol, and I congregated in the bar area at the sleek onyx and gold tables. Mama CeCe had gone to bed since she wasn’t needed. Then my sister’s appetite had begun demanding food. Vaus whipped her up some French toast, sausage, and bacon. And he did it with a smile.
Strange.
Etie made a humming sound. “I know your father didn’t help you, and it would take a lot more than a pretty face to convince an elder.”
Marisol licked syrup off her lips, and her eyes shimmered electric violet. “I may have used my special powers.”
My brows lifted. Marisol had discovered her talent. I could only imagine what it was.
“You’re an entrancer, aren’t you?” Rafe stole a piece of crispy bacon from her massive plate.
Bastien’s laughter echoed through the club. “I should have known. You could practically convince anyone to do anything even when your powers were bound.”
“Does someone want to tell me what the hell an entrancer is?” I had a pretty good idea though.
Etie’s hands rested on my shoulders as he stood behind me. “Marisol can compel others.”
She dipped another piece of French toast in syrup. “Guilty as charged.”
Oh my Hecate. My sister could control people. “This is a disaster.” Was that why Vaus was so eager to make her breakfast?
She crammed the French toast in her mouth, talking around the food. “Relax Fl—Angel.”
I was going to reach over this table and yank her hair if she called me Flaca. “Relax? You can make people do your evil bidding.” She must have used her witchy power to make Lucas tell her where we were.
“It’s not that simple.” She swallowed the bite and took a sip of orange juice. “And I do have some morals. I wouldn’t use my power to make anyone do anything—unless I had to.”
I highly doubted that.
“Like now?” Etie’s fingers tensed on my shoulders. “You snuck away from the coven to get to Angeline. What big mistake are you trying to stop her from making?”
Marisol’s gaze averted to the glass of orange juice as her finger cut through the condensation. “Fete Gede is getting closer. I just wanted to make sure my little sister doesn’t do something stupid like give herself up to Baron Samedi.” Her dark eyes lifted, burning holes into me.
I remained stock still. “That’s not going to happen.”
“You’re damn right it’s not.” Etie’s low growl sent prickles along my skin.
“Good.” A knowing smile split Marisol’s lips. “Now, if you boys don’t mind, I need to speak to my sister alone.”
Etie stiffened behind me, and I could practically feel his suspicious expression. “Why?”
Marisol’s brow arched. “Girl talk, Mr. Benoit.” She wiggled a finger between the two of us. “I’m sensing some serious vibes here. Something happened and as Angel’s big sister, I know she needs to talk about it.
My cheeks instantly flamed. Did I have a flashing neon sign announcing I was no longer a virgin over my head? “T-There’s nothing—”
Marisol cut me off with a wave of her hand. “It’s okay, Angel. You can talk to me.”
Images of last night sped through my mind. I shifted in my seat. Oh my voodoo dolls. My sister had lost her mind. I didn’t need to talk to her about that ever.
Bastien and Rafe traded perplexed glances. Thankfully, they weren’t as intuitive as Marisol.
Etie leaned down and kissed the top of my head. “I’ll make you something to eat.” He jerked his chin toward the other two guys. “Come on, let’s give them some time.”
I watched Etie saunter through a swinging door that led to the kitchen, his muscles bunching and twisting hypnotically beneath his t-shirt. Rafe and Bastien followed him, looking pretty darn good from behind too.
I shook myself and turned my attention back to Marisol as a devilish grin spread across her face.
“You and Etie had sex!”
My eyes widened. “Oh my gawd. Shut up,” I hissed. Did she have to announce it to the entire world? “I’m not talking about it with you.”
“Aww. My little Flaca is all grown up.” She reached over and tried to pinch my cheek, but I swatted her hand away.
“Cut it out, Mar.” I crossed my arms against my chest. “What are you really doing here?”
The humor in her expression melted away. “I called Baron Samedi to take me before Fete Gede so you didn’t have the chance to give yourself over.”
“What!” I leaned forward, pinning her with a glare. “Are you out of your mind?”
“It doesn’t matter. He wouldn’t take me up on my offer.” She ran her finger around the rim of her glass. “He told me you already agreed to give yourself up.”
Oh crap.
What a freaking idiot. Why would the baron admit that?
“You totally broke your promise,” she said. “You swore to me at Bernie’s you wouldn’t do exactly w
hat you’re doing.”
“I didn’t mean it.” My voice was a high-pitched squeak. I swallowed hard. “I’m serious, Mar. I only said that to get him to tell me why he wanted me.”
One dark brow arched. “And?”
“He wants to destroy the gate between this world and the spirit world so every day will be a Festival of the Dead—Fete Gede.” A long breath blew from my mouth. “He’ll be worshipped the most by all voodoo casters, making him the true king of all voodoo.” My fingernail ran over a chip in the table, my stomach clenching. “And he needs my conduit powers to do it.”
Chapter 23
A witch on a broom hung suspended from Le Revenant’s cavernous ceiling, gnarled gray hair streaming behind her. A dancing skeleton and a mummy were her flying companions. Should I feel offended by the ugly green hag with a mole on the end of her nose?
Nah. I kind of liked her toothy grin. Besides, what was Halloween without a cackling witch flying on a broom?
October 31st was in two days. Two. The haunting day was approaching fast, the eve of Fete Gede. The baron would be coming for a decision. Too bad I was choosing door number three.
Marisol had remained with us at Le Revenant. My dad wasn’t pleased and even threatened to drag her back to Covina de Validus himself. He still needed to work on those control issues.
He eased up on the tyrant act once I filled him in on our plan to weaken Baron Samedi. Henri had gone searching for an iron blade forged in a crossroads and salted with virgin tears during a solar eclipse.
What was it with virgin crap and magic?
A mix of Halloween and Fete Gede decorations crawled over the sleek interior of Le Revenant. Lots of purple, skulls, snakes, vevès, and depictions of loa spotted the massive area. One of a man in a top hat, an ostentatious suit, and a white-painted face loomed in the back. No doubt it was supposed to be Baron Samedi. The lighter woman next to him was Maman Brigitte.
Your usual festive goblins, jack-o-lanterns, witches, and ghosts joined the fun.
Marisol was downstairs helping Rafe set up the bar area. Did she even realize she was doing actual work—and not even getting paid?
A tingle rippled through my toujou moments before warm, calloused fingertips brushed over the base of my neck. I shivered.
“Angeline,” Etie whispered, his breath hot against my ear. “I missed you this morning.”
I bit my lip to stop the moan from tumbling out. “I had to practice with Rafe, remember?”
His other hand slid over my hip, squeezing. “You could have been late.”
My lids drifted closed, and I leaned back. “I would have been more than late.” I would have been a no-show.
Etie’s deep, rumbling chuckle spread goosebumps along my skin. Ever since I gave myself to him, we couldn’t keep our hands off each other. I guess it wasn’t much different than before. Maybe more intense.
I spun around as his arm encircled my waist. “Besides, you were sound asleep.”
A wicked smile curled his lips. “I would have woken up for you.” He closed the already minute distance between us, trapping me between him and the railing. “I’m always willing to stop what I’m doing to take care of my alimèt’s needs.”
Holy hotness incarnate. Sometimes, I just can’t with this guy.
I pulled him to me, our mouths sealing together. Heat zipped between us, and electricity crackled. I could never get enough of him no matter how hard I tried.
“Do you guys ever come up for air?”
Etie pulled back, his brows dipping. His brother had appeared, sporting a shit-eating grin. “Go away. We’re busy.”
Bastien puckered his lips, making dramatic kissing sounds. “You’re always busy playing doctor with Angel.” He pushed his brother aside and sidled up to me. “Are you the patient, cher? Or is it the other way around? Do you like to examine Etie from head to toe and personally deliver his medicine?” His brows wiggled.
My cheeks flamed, and I shook my head. “We can’t take you anywhere.”
Etie playfully smacked Bastien on the back of his head before coming to my other side. “Don’t talk dirty to my girlfriend.” He winked. “That’s my job.”
I buried my face in my hands. Oh my gawd.
A loud knock resonated on the thick steel door, making me jump. Vaus strode forward, cracking it open with a grinding metallic screech.
What now? The last person to demand entrance into the club before it was open was Marisol.
“We’re not—Oh, it’s you.” Vaus opened the door wider and waved someone in.
Lucas stalked inside, his expression unusually hard. His head lifted, finding me on the balcony.
I ignored the growl rumbling through Etie’s chest. “Lucas? What are you doing here? Is everything okay?” Horrific images of my parents and Abuela hurt flashed through my mind.
“Everything’s fine.” The hard set of his lips told me otherwise. “I’m looking for your sister.”
“Why?” Oh no. A sinking feeling hit my gut. Had she used her entrancer power on him, and he finally realized it?
“I’m over here.” Marisol dropped the chair in her hands and clumsily shoved it under a table. “I told you not to come.”
Lucas’s head whipped around, his nostrils flaring. “Fete Gede is in a few days. Did you really expect me to stay away?”
My sister nervously shifted on her feet. “I don’t need a knight in shining armor to protect me.”
“You think that’s what this is?” He motioned between them. “You think I’m only here to protect you from that damn voodoo loa?”
She gave a noncommittal shrug. “Why else would you be here?”
Lucas cursed. “You can be so damn thick-headed, Mar.” He dragged his fingers through his already tousled golden-brown hair. “I’ve told you a dozen times how I feel. Stop pushing me away.”
Uh—did I miss something?
Etie and I traded glances. What the hell was going on? It looked as if… but that was crazy. Marisol and Lucas weren’t together.
“I’m sorry, Luc.” Marisol’s usual man-eating smile was nowhere in sight. “I know how you feel, but after Jesse…” She fiddled with the ends of her hair, having a hard time meeting his eyes. “I wasn’t looking for anything like this.”
“I’m not him,” he growled, marching toward my sister. The hard lines in his expression softened. “You’ll never have to worry about the reasons I want to be with you. It’s just you.”
My jaw fell all the way to the first floor. WTF? Were they together? I thought Lucas would be good for my sister. As a diffuser, he’d calm her crazy ass down, but I never believed anything romantic would happen.
“I missed you.” Marisol’s whisper carried through the room.
Lucas reached forward, running his fingers down her cheek. “I missed you too.”
I blinked as the space between them grew even smaller. They were definitely more than friends. Lucas and Marisol never seemed interested in each other before they went to Covina de Validus. Of course then, Marisol had been with Jesse and Lucas had his sights set on me. At the coven house, they’d been spending tons of time together without either of those obstacles.
Bastien cursed. “It looks like Marisol is off the market again.”
Etie wore a satisfied smirk. “That’s not a problem for me.” His fingers brushed down my arm. “You, cher?”
“No, it’s just…” I paused, trying to think of the right word. The guy who’d been promised to me was now looking at my sister like she was his everything. “Unexpected.”
Etie twisted me, his gaze searching over my face as if trying to find some hidden message. “Does it bother you?”
I could not only see and hear the worry in his voice, I could feel it. “Etie,” I tsked. “You know you’re the only one for me.”
Bastien groaned. “Please, don’t start making out again. I’m getting jealous.”
The double doors creaked open, and Henri slid in. His serious expression sent my stomac
h falling. He made eye contact with Etie and patted the black canvas bag hanging from his shoulder.
“What’s going on?” Lucas asked, finally prying his attention away from Marisol.
“Voodoo business about the baron. Marisol can fill you in.” Etie slipped his hand in mine, his body taut as a bowstring. “Come on, cher.” He pulled me toward the corridor, Bastien solemnly following in our wake. Henri had gotten what we needed to weaken Baron Samedi.
Etie led us into Mama CeCe’s office. The priestess was already there as if she knew Henri was back.
She closed the door with the flick of her hand and crossed her arms against her chest. “I see you’ve decided not to listen to me.” Her onyx eyes settled on Henri.
He ignored her and placed the bag on a table, drawing out a long, thin dagger sheathed in leather. “This is it. A friend brought it from Haiti.” His finger traced the hidden blade. “It’s been salted with virgin tears during a solar eclipse.”
“And the ash?” Etie’s hand still clutched mine as if afraid to release me.
Henri pulled out a jar filled with a dry, gray mixture. “Mouri inosan.” He placed it in Etie’s free hand. “You should do it. You’re the strongest.”
Etie gave a quick nod.
“Where did you get that?” I shifted uneasily, my gaze lingering over the contents. My stomach rolled. Tiny bits of bone that hadn’t burned all the way pressed against the glass.
He shook his head. “You don’t want to know.”
Acid oozed up my throat. The obvious answer was he dug up the grave of someone and burned their bones.
A voice inside my head screamed warnings at me. This was wrong. So effing wrong. But I was careening down a mountain, and nothing I did would stop this momentum. Etie was determined to weaken the baron. He was convinced it was the only way to save me.
“This is wrong,” Mama CeCe said, echoing my thoughts. She leaned off her desk and marched toward Etie. “You, of all people, should know how evil this whole thing is, Étienne. You got your information from a baka. Nothing good could be gained from that.”
