CHAPTER SEVEN #2
Next, we worked in some silk flowers, an antique watering can and a few gardening hand tools.
A couple of new glossy hardback coffee table-style gardening books were placed on the pillars, and then we filled in with books on herbalism, herb gardening, and at Kathleen’s suggestion, a classic volume on companion planting.
Popping out front to give the window a final check, I nodded in approval.
The display looked fabulous. Letting myself back inside, we spent the next hour—in between customers—working on one of the other display tables in the center of the sales floor.
We replaced the books that had been out back to their proper shelves.
Then I wiped the wooden table down with lemon oil and beeswax and finally built another book display, stacking it full of gardening, plant, and herbal themed books.
Kathleen kept me entertained as usual. She was so cheerful and funny that it almost took my mind off everything else. And so, the rest of my day ran smoothly. Summons from a local Vampire House not withstanding.
I’ll admit, I kept my eyes peeled for any other Supe customers, or for whoever Charles might have had watching me, but I didn’t spot anything unusual. During my late afternoon break, while Kathleen manned the floor, I sat at my desk and finally opened the scarlet envelope.
The wording was formal, and although polite, it left no doubt that my presence was mandatory.
Rubbing the spot between my eyebrows where a headache threatened, I wondered what sort of dress code was expected when being summoned by Vampires.
Then, catching the absurdity of my thoughts, I stifled a giggle.
“For goddess sake, Lorna,” I said to myself. “Fashion is the least of your worries.”
Slipping the summons in my purse, I finished up my sandwich and rose to my feet.
Nash had been correct the other day when he’d pointed out that the magickal world had bled over into the mundane one.
There was a stolen Fae grimoire and two members of the magickal community were implicated in its theft, as well as being suspects in their roommate’s murder.
And now the Vampires were miffed, because the Fae had come into their territory without warning or invitation.
Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and made sure my expression was pleasant before I stepped back on the sales floor.
I didn’t want Kathleen to notice that I was acting differently.
In fact, I’d move heaven and earth to keep her happily ignorant of the fact that Lycans, Vampires and Fae were living in the world— let alone in Birmingham.
***
By ten minutes before nine I was dressed and ready for the car to pick me up.
I had chosen a simple sleeveless dress that fell to my knees.
The black fabric had crescent moons, white flowers and olive green and golden foliage scattered across it.
Since rain had moved back in and it was a tad chilly, I had added a burnt orange cardigan sweater over the dress and left it open.
Chances were the temperatures inside the penthouse would be on the cooler side
After a lot of debate, I added a pair of plain black flats.
There was no way I was going to be up to wearing heels after being on my feet all day.
Stopping before the mirror in my entryway, I checked my hair and makeup.
I’d left my hair down that night and had bumped up my work cosmetics to darker, more dramatic shades.
For the final touch, I slicked on some burgundy lipstick, centered my silver pentagram pendant over the bodice of my dress, and nodded in approval at my reflection.
The car that arrived was a luxury type of sedan. As soon as it glided up to the curb, I was out my front door, locking it and walking across the lawn to the car. A uniformed driver popped out and went around to the passenger side to open the door for me.
“Magistra, good evening.”
“Good evening,” I replied and slipped into the backseat.
He gently shut the door behind me, and we were on our way uptown.
I wasn’t frightened to attend this meeting—I could hold my own against other Supes.
My level of magickal ability created a level playing field.
However, I was curious. Ekaterina Olarescu was the matriarch of her House.
I’d never met her mate—before then I’d never been invited, well… summoned, to her home.
With a sigh I rested my head against the leather car seat and worked on staying serene. At least my life wasn’t boring.
Once again, I found myself in the private parking garage and escorted to a bank of elevators. A different one this time for the Western Penthouse. Taking advantage of a few moments of being alone and unseen, I centered myself and when the doors opened, I stepped out calmly.
The Vampire who’d delivered the summons at the bookstore was waiting for me. She smiled. “Welcome to the House Olarescu.”
“Hello again.” I nodded.
“Follow me please,” she said.
“I didn’t catch your name when you were at my bookstore,” I said as I fell into step with her.
“It’s Nadia,” she answered as she ushered me through a foyer that opened into a grand space with soaring vaulted ceilings and black marble flooring that was delicately veined in gold and white.
The windows that displayed nighttime Birmingham rose two floors high.
A curving staircase led up to a second floor that appeared to be a personal library of sorts, and there were shelves of old books strikingly lit.
Fanciful metal railing went around the balcony of the library floor that overlooked the living space below.
Two curving sofas faced each other on the main level. They were dark, modern, and I’d bet upholstered in velvet. In contrast, the side tables and other cabinets appeared to be heavily carved antiques. Creamy white pillar candles were lit everywhere, adding even more ambiance to the space.
My escort, Nadia, was suddenly gone, leaving me alone in the room. Figuring this was some sort of test, I deliberately walked over to the windows and took in the view. I didn’t have to wait more than a few minutes.
I felt Ekaterina Olarescu’s presence before she spoke.
“Magistra,” she said.
The husky feminine voice had come from above, and so I calmly glanced over my shoulder and up towards the second-floor library. “Ekaterina,” I said, spotting her at the interior balcony railing. “Thank you for inviting me to your home. It’s stunning.”
Ekaterina Olarescu was poetically beautiful. Tall and willowy, she appeared every inch a Vampire. Dark brown hair fell to her hips and her complexion was pale with eyes that were expressive and huge.
I stayed where I was and waited for her to either come to me or invite me to take a seat. Truthfully, I was in her home for the first time, and I didn’t know what sort of protocol her House followed. So, it was smarter to wait, take my cues from her, and see how the evening played out.
She began down the stairs to the main level, and her expression was set and serious.
Ekaterina wore a long, dark lace dress. Probably custom made and couture, it flowed around her body too well to be anything less.
She descended the stairs in a way that put me in mind of a panther or a tiger...
deliberately, smoothly, and with power barely restrained.
This was an apex predator, and yes, it was unnerving watching a gorgeous Vampire stalk closer.
But I kept my eyes on her, lifted my chin, and held my ground anyway.
Seeing my chin go up, she smiled, and it changed everything about her appearance. In the blink of an eye, she went from predatory to joyful. Ekaterina rushed forward, so quickly that she blurred. She was laughing as her outstretched hands clasped mine.
“Lorna,” she said, pressing her cheek to mine in a greeting. “It’s good to see you.”
“You’re more beautiful than ever,” I said as she eased back from the embrace. “That’s so unkind of you.”
“Lies.” She waved the compliment away. “Tell me a few more,” she added a heartbeat later.
“That dress is stunning,” I said, looking her up and down. “It’s designer, right?”
“Of course, darling. It’s bespoke.” Her eyebrows went up. “Your dress is charming as well. Very witchy.”
“Thanks,” I said. “I ordered it online.”