Chapter 13
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
EVEREST
I used to love New Orleans. It used to be my escape. Since the late 1800s, I’d been running away to this little city on the water to bury my pain in jazz music and delicious food. Standing on the sidewalk beneath the balcony and staring into the shadows of Jackson Square brought me back to so many memories. The night was particularly dark, and thanks to the evening rain, the streets were mostly empty with only the reflection of the city’s lights for company. It was late spring, so the full force of the south’s humidity hadn’t set in, yet there was enough in the air to make my clothes feel a little thick and damp. The temperature didn’t affect me in the same way it did others as I wasn’t from this realm, but on nights like this, that merely saved me from a layer or two of sweat. Personally, I loved humidity. The thickness in the air sometimes made it seem like there was something else hovering around me aside from my mother—and Sweyn.
A few years ago, I’d messed up by staying away from Sweyn for too long and she’d hunted me down . . . here.
Since then, Sweyn had taken it upon herself to ruin my favorite city.
Sure, the city itself was just as perfect as it always had been. Nothing about New Orleans’ human culture had changed because of Sweyn, except for the vampire population she’d hidden here. And their numbers were only growing. I had no idea how The Coven had not caught on to Sweyn’s schemes, except for that they’d been children. Hell, they were mostly all still children. But it also was because New Orleans had its own energy, one so strong that you had to go looking for the fang gang in order to find them. You had to know where they lurked.
Pierce had been our most recent New Orleans resident turned vampire.
I glanced to my left to where the black-haired male stood looking sickeningly pale and fidgeting with his nails and the hem of his white sweater. Those red and green eyes were wide as he looked around at the city that used to be his.
“You okay, Pierce?” I asked softly.
He swallowed roughly. “Yes, sir.”
“Honestly?”
“No, sir,” he whispered. He closed his eyes and cringed. “I . . . don’t like being here.”
“Why not, Pierce?” I knew the answer, or at least suspected it, but I needed to hear him say it.
He shuddered, then looked to the ground, his face falling. “I don’t like being reminded of the life that was stolen from me,” he said softly.
I reached out and squeezed his shoulder lightly. “It was wrong what happened to you.”
Those red and green eyes shot up to me with the most incredulous expression. “Really? You think so?”
“Without a sliver of a doubt. No one deserves what she did to you.” I nodded and dropped my hand. “We may not be able to ever fully make it right, to give you back what she took, but if you give me time and patience . . . I will try to help you make a future as bright as possible. Okay?”
I held his stare, willing him to understand my true intention.
“I am with you, Lord Everest. And them .” He gestured to my right to where Braison, Malik, and Libby were walking up to us. “Particularly Lord Braison, sir.”
I smirked. My message was definitely received. I nodded. “Do you have family?”
His eyes darkened. “I am afraid to speak on that.”
“I see. Then do not.” I nodded again and slid my hands into my pockets. “Give it some time.”
Sam rushed out from behind a building, her red and gold eyes wild and full of emotion. I must’ve been making a face because when her gaze met mine, she cringed and then raced to my side. She slid to a stop beside me, tucking that blonde hair behind her ears. “Sorry, I had to run an errand?—”
“ Why do you smell like a dragon, Sam? ” I whispered.
Her face paled. She bit her bottom lip and glanced around, barely stopping on Pierce before launching into the story of her trip back to the Coven’s safe house for shifter halflings. Her emotions were all over the place.
“I told you they were fine, Sam.”
“I know. And please don’t misinterpret my need to see it as distrust in you.” She wrapped her arms around her waist. “It’s been haunting me.”
That I understood more than she could ever know, so I simply nodded. “A clear mind is important for us right now, so I hope you got that.”
She nodded.
I arched one eyebrow at her. “I would take that warning seriously, by the way.”
“I will. Do you know his name?”
“Yaluk, I believe.” I glanced her up and down. “Go inside, Sam. There are showers and a closet of clean clothes. You smell like dragon and your clothes are covered in Florida. Do not let Sweyn catch you like this.”
She blanched. “Thank you.”
Without another word, she spun on her toes and raced through the steel door that led into Sweyn’s local lair. It wasn’t below ground as New Orlean’s was already barely above water, but it provided safety from the sun all the same.
Beside me, Braison let out a strangled gasp. When I turned, I found him staring with tears in his eyes. He gripped his chest and smashed his mouth into a straight line. Malik scowled but looked confused. Libby stepped around Malik and did a double take. Her eyes widened. Her mouth made the shape of an O. She reached out and wrapped her arm around Braison’s and held him tight.
I peeked over my shoulder and wasn’t at all surprised by what I saw—or who I saw. Walking toward us was a beautiful, tall brunette with deep and soulful brown eyes. She wore a raincoat, but I knew if that sleeve was rolled up there’d be a set of Roman numerals on her tan skin marked in gray. Not black, because she’d given her Mark up.
Paulina Putnam.
I’d known they were a couple from their first trip to Avolire in October. I’d made note of all the couples in The Coven. For them, love was their greatest strength and weakness.
“What’s she doing out here?” Braison’s voice cracked. He balled his hands into fists so hard his knuckles popped. “It’s too late. Or too early. It’s not safe?—”
“It’s never safe in New Orleans, Braison?—”
“She’s not from here though?—”
“She knows how to survive here, my friend.” Libby squeezed his arm. “She used to speak with the dead, remember? This city is full of spirits, she used to travel here monthly. I’m not surprised she found her way back.”
“Why? Why is she here?”
“Braison, she’s connected to this city even if she doesn’t remember that.” Libby’s voice was firm and full of warmth, and some emotion. I’d forgotten how long Libby had been part of The Coven with them. She rested her head on his shoulder. “Don’t worry. The spirits will protect her.”
“How do you know that?” Braison whispered.
“Because I can feel them all around her.” She sighed. “They’re protective of her, as they should be. They’ll guide her away from danger.”
“Clearly not.” Braison’s voice cracked again. His face flushed. “Sweyn is down the street?—”
“And yet Paulina just came from that direction unscathed.” Libby pointed to Braison’s former girlfriend. “And she’s walking away from her now.”
“I’ll follow her and keep her safe.”
“No.” I grabbed the back of Braison’s shirt as he started to walk away. “Do you trust me, Braison?”
He looked up at me with broken eyes. “Yes.”
“Then do not move any closer to her.” I gestured to her. “I can feel the dead around her now, walking beside her as friends. I would not be surprised if she sees them.”
He flinched. “But she lost her Mark.”
“Ah, New Orleans does not follow the rules of the dead quite the way they’re supposed to. The humans have many encounters with spirits. Ask the taxi drivers about their ghost policies.” I smirked. “Am I wrong, Pierce?”
He cursed and shuddered. “I’ve seen so many damned ghosts here, man. So. Many. They look like real people until they vanish in front of you.”
“See?” I smiled and released my grip on his shirt. “I would wager money that Paulina does not think she is alone right now. Let that comfort you, for even Sweyn is terrified of the dead.”
Braison’s eyes brimmed with tears. He nodded. “So it’s true then? She has no memory? What did Tegan do to her exactly?”
I frowned. “I’m not sure. But she’s not hurting, and that’s important.”
Braison was silent a moment as we all watched Paulina get farther and farther away from us yet still visible in the distance. “ Is it wrong of me to want her to miss me ?” he finally whispered.
God, do I know that pain. But I had to keep my head in the game and not down that dark path. I cleared my throat, waiting until Braison’s gaze met mine. Then I said softly, “Tegan did something to her memories. That alone should indicate just how unbearable the pain of missing you was for her.”
His face crumpled like a piece of balled-up paper. He scrubbed his face and whined.
“We just have to follow through with the plan, Braison.” Libby shook him gently. “Okay? We follow the plan and eliminate the immediate threats . . . then we go get your girl.”
He groaned.
“Look, I don’t know Tegan like you do. I didn’t get enough time with her, but clearly she’s even more badass than she was in August.” Libby chuckled a little. “If she took Paulina’s memories because she couldn’t handle the knowledge of losing you, then there’s no way that Tegan didn’t leave the opening to give those memories back.”
Braison’s eyes widened. “You think?”
Libby rolled her eyes. “You’re the one who’s spent the last six months with her and Tenn and that pink soulmate glyph. You tell me if she’s soft on love.”
“You’re right.” He nodded. “Tegan would’ve left that window open, just in case.”
“You guys have a plan?”
We all jumped and turned to look at Pierce who just frowned at us. I cursed. I’d forgotten he was standing there. I knew Pierce wasn’t on Mother’s side, or Sweyn’s or Azazel’s for that matter. I knew he longed for his old life and humanity. I knew he was a good person down to his soul. So, I knew he wasn’t a threat.
Braison, Libby, and Malik all looked to me expectantly.
I sighed. “Are you good at keeping secrets, Pierce?”
His face fell. He swallowed roughly, then shook his head. “Don’t tell me. I am but I don’t trust her. I don’t want to be the reason . . . the reason . . .”
“I know,” I said softly.
“Just let me know if and when I can be part of it, okay?” He subtly tapped on the inside of his left forearm. “Whatever is needed, got it?”
Braison and Libby smiled and nodded. Malik looked confused, like a puppy who accidentally got loose from his backyard and couldn’t get home.
Then Pierce looked to me. “Everest?”
I nodded my head. “In the meantime, try to stay out of their beds as much as possible, for your own sake.”
“Azazel left. Thankfully.” He gave me a lopsided grin that almost made me chuckle.
Almost.
But it was the sudden shift in energy in the air that stripped the humor from my bones. It was a feeling I’d never unfeel. I’d never forget the way the realm reacted to more of Mother’s poison seeping throughout it. Ahead of us, in the middle of the square, a group of people emerged from the thick fog. There had to be two dozen of them, all young college-aged kids with bright smiles and glassy drunken eyes. They slurred their words and stumbled across the pavement, following one of the sentinels blindly.
One of the guys pumped his fist in the air. “Woohoo! Free drinks, dude!”
“With hot chicks!” another guy shouted, then slapped the ass of the girl walking next to him. “Hey, baby.”
Several guys high-fived.
A girl held a cellphone against her ear. “Mom, you’ll never believe it. We’re going to a speakeasy! A real NOLA style speakeasy in Jackson Square. I can’t wait. I’ll send pics! Bye!”
Pierce actually took a step forward, but I yanked him back with a shake of my head. His face fell, then turned green. A few members of Sweyn’s court bounced out the doors and hurried up to the group with wide smiles that almost revealed their fangs. Sometimes I didn’t understand how the humans didn’t see this excitement as a red flag, but I knew the power of Sweyn’s glamours. These poor people had no idea what was coming for them.
I did. We did. I’d warned my crew before we left Avolire of what was to come so they could control their reactions. Sweyn came to New Orleans to grow her army. She was here to turn humans into vampires. It didn’t even matter if the human was beautiful already. The magic of the Unseelie blood would make them beautiful. It was part of their evolution and survival. Beauty was lethal. I tried not to look at their faces. I’d been haunted for far too long by the faces of those I couldn’t protect. They weren’t leaving this party alive without fangs.
Sweyn would turn them . . . or she would kill them.
Lately, I wished death for them. It would be less torturous.
Malik cursed. His whole big body was shaking. “I can’t watch this.”
“I know,” I said softly. “But you do not have to watch the act. You just have to do as she asked and guard the door.”
Pierce stared at the door they’d all walked through with a haunted expression I knew too well. “This is so wrong.”
“I wish I could still, ya know . . .” Libby shook her arms out in front of her and little red lightning bolts flickered around her hands, “. . . make them leave.”
Braison gagged and covered his mouth, turning away from everyone.
Saber stepped out of the fog and walked right up to us with a grim expression. Her eyes met mine for a moment before she turned to the others. “Fix your faces, boys, she’s coming.”
No sooner did she say it, I felt it. That ice-cold sharpness to the air that only occurred when Sweyn was approaching. And she was purring with excitement, which sent a chill down my spine. Half a moment later, Braison and Libby stood up straight and frowned. They turned to face the direction I was. Ah, impressively fast senses, Covenlings. Saber nodded in approval.
Malik scowled and glanced around, then looked to Pierce. “What’s wrong?”
Pierce sighed. “I don’t feel what they do, but I’ve learned how to recognize that look in people. She’s coming.”
I smirked and rocked back on my heels as the she in question emerged from the fog lingering inside the gardens of the square. She bounced on her bare toes ,and I tried to ignore the blood on her feet. Ignorance was bliss, truly. She let out a little giggle. “Did my future friends find their way?”
I nodded. “Yes, they were escorted inside.”
“Perfect.” She stopped and clapped her hands. “Come, friends. It’s time to party.”
A group of another dozen people emerged from the fog, but as they moved closer, my heart sank. They weren’t human. They were vampires, and they were thirsty.
Sweyn shrugged and licked her lips. “I got a little impatient on the way here.”
“I see that.”
“Come, little ticklings. Forever is inside.” She gestured to the doors. “That’s all for the night. Come in and let us settle into our new pets before the sun rises.”
Pierce bowed his head. “Yes, my Queen.”
Sweyn let him take her arm to lead her inside, but then she paused to glance over her shoulder at me. “Everest?”
“I shall be in momentarily, once I confirm you were not followed.” Then to egg her on, I winked playfully. “Save a few for us.”
“Not if you don’t hurry.” She grinned so wide I saw the full length of her fangs. Her red eyes blazed with lust and thirst.
Saber let out a deep breath as soon as she was inside. “Get in there soon. I am struggling to keep my face with every hour that passes.”
“I’m coming. Go on.” I reached out and touched her arm, stopping her from leaving just yet. “Check on Sam, please.”
She nodded, then hurried inside. “C’mon, Malik and Libby. Let’s pretend we’re only interested in each other so we don’t have to . . . help.”
Malik shuddered and went with her. Libby paused to look at me and then pointedly at Braison before she rushed inside.
I turned to Braison and found him staring at the ground like he hoped it would swallow him whole. “We do not have a choice this night?—”
“ No one will know this happened, ” Braison whispered. “ There are too many vampires in this city and The Coven was unaware of them entirely. Now she’s turning more. That was like three dozen, Everest . . . in one night. They need to know. We have to get word to them.”
I took a deep breath, then nodded. He wasn’t wrong at all. But conversing with The Coven was not something I had the luxury of doing. He could though. I cleared my throat. “You have fifteen minutes to get downstairs and away from the sun. And then sleep might allow you some answers.”