The next morning Erik walked over to Monique’s. He found an expensive red car parked in front of her house. Cassandra bounced down the stairs. “Her dad’s home. He looks…different.” Her face scrunched.
“What do you mean, different?”
She shrugged.
Erik marched up the stairs and knocked on the door.
Vivian answered the door. Her hair was a mess, her eyes red, and her face puffy. “Come in. She’ll be right down.” She managed a smile before heading into the dining room.
He stepped inside and shut the door. In the dining room he found a woman with colorful streaked hair and a blond man in a suit. He recognized the mages as Elizandra Delacroix and Robert McCallister from his father’s stories.
Draecyn Montgomery was the magister, and Robert was his lieutenant. Wherever Robert went, Elizandra went with him. Though, according to his father, Elizandra was the most powerful of the two. She didn’t look happy, though she was clearly worried about Armand.
Armand wore a haunted expression. His face was gaunt. He’d lost weight. He had to wonder what had happened to him while locked away.
Armand stood and walked over. “Erik, it’s good to see you.” His voice had a hollow quality that hadn’t been there before. “I understand you kept my angel sane.”
“Did my best, sir.”
“No, sir. Armand. You know that. You’re practically family.”
Vivian rolled her eyes.
Robert looked up and smiled. “You’re Karl’s boy, aren’t you?”
“Yes, sir.”
He crossed the room. Amusement danced through Elizandra’s eyes as she watched the scene.
Robert took his hand with a smile. “Pleasure to meet you. Draecyn has told me much about you.” He leaned down to whisper, “Please ask your father to keep an eye on Mr. DeSandre. I want him to heal faster, but he’s refusing to let a highly skilled healer help him.”
Erik nodded.
Robert stood straight. “Unfortunately, before Draecyn stepped in, Armand wasn’t treated as he should have been.”
“Is he all right now?” Erik asked, wondering what the hell had happened.
“He will be. We’ll be keeping an eye on the place to ensure no one hassles the DeSandres.”
Monique hurried down the stairs. She looked lost and had obviously been crying.
Erik’s heart twisted into knots. “Good morning, Monique.”
“Morning,” she answered, then nodded at Robert. Ignoring her mother, she ducked past her and hugged her father.
Armand’s face lit up as he wrapped his arms around her back. “Missed you, angel.”
Monique leaned back and tucked a handkerchief into his jacket pocket. “Missed you too, Daddy. See you this afternoon.”
“Can hardly wait,” he answered.
Monique joined Erik at the door and pulled him outside.
Erik nodded to his house. “Can we make a quick stop? I need to tell my father something.”
Her head tipped as she studied him. “Sure.”
He ran inside to relay the message.
* * * *
Monique stood on the porch, watching her house. She could see her parents still talking to the other two mages. Neither of them acted as if there was anything wrong with enchanters. In fact, they seemed offended that Armand was returned to his family less than healthy.
She’d cried when she saw her father. At first she thought he was a ghost. He hadn’t shaved, his clothes were filthy, and he looked so…hollow.
He hugged her, and she knew it was him. His magic always wrapped around her like a blanket, comforting her. She wanted to wipe away the whole ordeal as he cried against her shoulder.
“What happened?” she whispered.
“Never mind that, angel. I pray you’ll never learn.”
Her mother came in some time later to tell her it was time to get ready for school. Her father left the room and she went to work on enchanting a handkerchief to revitalize him. She infused the spell with her love and gave it to him before dragging Erik out the door.
Erik hurried down the porch steps and turned toward school. He sucked in a breath and looked over. “My father has us covered. We aren’t going to school. You need a chance to get your mind off everything, and school won’t help.”
Her mouth popped open and she whispered, “I can’t skip school!”
“Sure you can. And it’s not skipping if it’s excused.”
“How is it excused?” she demanded in hushed tones.
“Dad has us covered. Trust him. You’re shaken up, and rightfully so.”
“I’d rather be home with my dad, taking care of him. Mom won’t hear of it.”
He pulled her down a trail and into the woods. “What do you want to do? Dad’s picking us up at the other side of the path. We’ll go wherever you want. So what’s our destination?”
“Can’t. Mom’s convinced I have to go to school. She said no to me staying home.”
Erik shook his head, a laugh on his lips. “You aren’t staying home, and you aren’t going to school. What’s your next choice?”
His easy nature calmed her nerves. She decided on her favorite place to go. “Pike Place Market.”
“Design ideas?”
She shrugged. “Maybe. Mom wants me to do something other than design. She thinks I’ll wind up like my father.” She rolled her eyes. “Told her you would always protect me.”
“I will,” he promised softly as they stepped onto the street.
Erik’s father sat in his Impala on the side of the road. Erik opened the back door and motioned her to scoot inside.
Monique did, and he took the seat beside her.
Karl turned toward Monique. “Where are we going?”
“Pike Place,” she answered.
“Sounds good. I’ll pick you up early enough you will be home the same time you would be from school.”
Warmth infused her. “Thank you.”
He nodded. “And when I get back, I’m going over to see if I can help Armand.”
“Don’t mind my mother,” Monique pleaded. “She’s beyond stressed, and she may snap at you for being what you are.”
He shrugged. “Happens. Don’t worry. I get it. She has every right to be hurt, and I want to do everything I can to ensure what happened to Armand never happens again.”
“Wish Mom was as cool as you guys.”
“Don’t be too hard on her. Too many mages are known to act as if witches and other casters are less than them. Not me. Not the people who helped clear your father. And one day, the Silver Council will change.”
“I hope you’re right.”
* * * *
Hatred boiled in Vivian’s veins as she watched the mages finally leave her home. And sure, Robert and Elizandra managed to clear her husband, but they didn’t stop someone in the Council from torturing her husband for answers.
And maybe Elizandra was right, and her outbursts at the Headquarters prolonged the trial, but it should have been as simple as releasing her husband as soon as they proved he couldn’t have cast the spells that killed the mages.
She locked the door and turned back to Armand. He was so strong. Amazingly, the mages hadn’t broken her husband. Not even the dark mage who drained some of Armand’s magic. He wouldn’t admit it, but she’d seen what happened to people who were killed when mages siphoned power until nothing was left.
As long as Armand stayed away from the dark mages, he would gain his magic back. What she couldn’t understand was that if the Council was against dark mages for cannibalizing other casters, why had one been allowed anywhere near Armand? Unless the Dark Templar was involved.
“Darling, stop glaring at them. They’re not the ones who did this to me.”
“I know that,” she snapped. “But they didn’t stop it from happening.”
“They stopped worse from happening. The moment they learned I had been taken, they took me from the cells in some dilapidated facility and put me in the midst of the Headquarters where they could keep an eye on me.”
“Who questioned you?”
He shook his head. “It doesn’t matter, dear. I’m free and safe, and we can go back to enjoying life.”
“Will you stop serving mages?” she sneered.
He sighed. “It’s not so simple, Vivian. I can’t admit defeat. I refuse to let them push me down. I will continue to do as I’ve always done.”
Why was he keeping secrets? She couldn’t fathom what would make him take their side. She was tempted to call Kjell, but she was warned never to mention her name to anyone. Not even her family.
The bell rang and Vivian turned to the door, throwing it open.
Tyra stood there with a thermos. She smiled. “I brought something to help Armand. Karl told me about the injustice he faced before the enforcers found him and took him away from the lower mages.”
“Mages in general are the problem,” Vivian hissed.
“I know it seems that way, but that’s not the case. Many came to your husband’s aid, as well as yours. I know you were both wronged, but most of them are trying to make it right. Give them the chance.”
“Hard when my husband comes to me a broken man.”
“Not broken,” Armand stated. “A little depleted, but I’ll bounce back as good as new. Now let our friend in. I need to thank Tyra for taking care of my angel while we couldn’t.”
Sighing, Vivian stepped back. “Of course. Please excuse my poor manners. It’s been a trying time.”
“I understand. Would you like some company?”
“Of course we would,” Armand answered.
Vivian closed her eyes and drew a slow breath. “Sure.”
* * * *
Pike Place was a source of anxiety for Erik. However, he couldn’t tell Monique. She needed to take her mind off everything for a little while.
Tonight, she’d be back in the house with her crazy mother and scarred father. How long before Armand would bounce back? How much further would Vivian fall into a pit of despair? He had no clue, but he was worried for Monique.
His dad understood. It was why he offered him an escape. He hoped this trip went better than the last one.
Monique settled back in the seat and leaned her head against his shoulder. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“You’re welcome.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “What do you want to see first?”
“Just want to wander. Maybe get something to eat.”
His father reached over the seat with a few bills. “Enjoy your day.”
“Mr. Mortale, you really don’t need to do that.”
“Karl, and I do. Go be kids and stop worrying about everything.”
She let out a sigh, and Erik glanced over to see the slight smile on her lips.
No matter what happened, it would be worth whatever ghosts he encountered if she gave him one real smile.
The drive was made in silence, both Erik and Monique locked in their heads. He focused on some of the tricks his mother taught him to use when he was surrounded by people and their dead.
Crowded places were always worse. The voices would magnify. Sometimes one would cling to him, following around until he listened, and other times until he helped them contact someone.
His mind was completely clear by the time his father pulled up outside Pike Place Market. “I’ll be back in five hours. You two have fun.”
Erik climbed out and helped Monique to her feet. “Lead the way,” he murmured.
Smiling, she took his hand and pulled him toward the entrance. In moments, she wove him through the people as he pulled in one breath after another, trying to ignore the orchestra of voices.
The first hour went by without incident. Then he noticed one particular shadow following him. As they came around a corner, a woman took shape before him. Her dress was torn and scratches decorated her exposed flesh. Tears and blood streaked down her face.
Erik’s teeth ground together as she started to walk backward, keeping him before her.
“You see me. You hear me. I know you do. An angel, here to avenge the dead.”
Her clothes came from another generation. She may have been a whore, and he already knew what that was, thanks to other ghosts. Though he couldn’t fathom how he could help a woman dead for several decades.
Monique turned, pulling him with her. He followed, hurrying to catch up as he passed through the woman’s body.
“Wait. Listen. You can help. Please help,” she begged. “He’ll kill again,” she screamed when he didn’t stop. “He kills nearly every night.”
Erik couldn’t take another step. Monique halted with him, her face pinched as she looked up at him. He turned back to face the woman.
She rushed over. “He’s downstairs. All the way down, the basement.” A sob tore free. “He pays us, leads us down, and proceeds to do horrible things no man should ever do.”
He knew all too well what she was describing without detail. This woman seemed to understand his age. Erik took a slow breath. “Description? Times? Anything useful I can pass on?”
“You have the spark. You could end him. He’s a vampire. He’ll burn.”
Erik’s eyes widened. He led Monique to a quiet alcove between shops. “I won’t bring her into danger. Give me information. I’ll make sure it’s dealt with.”
She nodded, spewing off details. “Tall, thin, strong. Dark eyes that glow red when you fight. He...he takes what he wants while drinking you dry. He takes us after midnight. Please. He kills nearly every night. Butchers us. Sells the meat to the Virginia Inn.”
Erik gagged.
Monique rubbed his back. “Ghost?”
He nodded, unable to form words. Last thing he wanted to do was eat anything with meat in it.
“He hunts us all over this part of town. He will strike again.”
“He’ll be stopped,” Erik promised.
She nodded and faded, but she didn’t go far, managing to follow him. Probably to make sure he told someone. Not that he could right that moment. His father could put something in motion. However, during daylight, they weren’t likely to find a mysterious vampire.
“What did she say?” Monique whispered against his ear.
He shook his head. “Later.” Not in a crowd, and if he could avoid it, he wouldn’t tell Monique any of it.
“It’s my turn to help you take your mind off whatever you saw.” She tugged him back into the stream of people to get lost. The woman followed behind him.
How long had this vampire preyed on the people of Seattle? Her dress looked like the flapper dresses his mother kept in the closet.
The voices pressed in. His concentration broke. He pulled Monique to a bench and sat. “Need a minute,” he got out.
Monique scooted closer, wrapping her arm around his waist. “Happy to sit here with you. I wasn’t thinking when I said this place. Forgot how crazy they get.”
He shrugged. “Not your fault. I could have said no.”
“You never say no to me.”
Because I love you. He let out a breath. “You needed this. It’s a small price to pay to see your face light up at all the delights you find here.”
Her face lit up, just like he’d been hoping. She leaned closer, her eyes closing. He pressed his lips to hers. A tingle traveled from his lips, down his spine to his toes.
He shifted, trying not to draw attention to the bulge in his pants. Erik caressed her face as her lips parted and her tongue sought his.
The ghost huffed. “You said you’d help!”
He sat back and shot a glare at the ghost. “Tonight, he’ll be found.”
Once again, she faded some.
“Sorry,” Monique whispered.
“For what? That…” He closed his eyes, smiling. “Been waiting to kiss you.”
“If my mother hadn’t shown up last night, you would have then.”
He shrugged. “Didn’t want to rush you.”
Blushing, she glanced away. “You’re sweet.”
“Is that good?”
“Yeah. Does this mean we’re going steady?”
He nodded. “As long as you want to.”
Her fingers threaded through his. “Forever?”
“If you’ll have me.”
“Forever.” She leaned in and took another kiss before hopping up and pulling him back into the crowd.
* * * *
Erik kept Monique’s mind off home. He ignored the spirits as much as he could. None seemed to bother him as much as the one that prompted him to take her to the bench. Then when it came for lunch, he insisted on clam chowder down at Ivar’s on the waterfront.
By the time Erik’s dad pulled up, she realized what she’d been feeling.
Love.
Definitely love.
No surprise there, but it didn’t click until they sat on that bench. He chose to do what she wanted, without question, and without considering how hard it would be for him. As always, he chose her.
Erik never complained. He smiled and only stopped to talk to a ghost when they wouldn’t leave him alone. And now she had a thousand questions about what was said, but he dodged them at every turn.
“Don’t forget what you saw in the market,” she whispered before he had a chance to open the door.”
“I haven’t.”
“Whatever it was, you need to tell him. I’ll be fine.”
Nodding, he opened the door.
Monique climbed in, and he followed. His dad watched Monique in the mirror. “Did you enjoy yourself?”
She nodded. “Thank you for bringing us out here. I needed an escape. Wish I had thought about the consequences for Erik.”
Erik shrugged. “Don’t worry about that. Not like they ever leave me alone anyway.”
“Doesn’t bother me. But I hate seeing you stressed.” She nodded at his dad, hoping he took the hint.
“Like my mom says, I have to put myself there so I can learn to cope when I’m surrounded.”
“What about the ghost earlier?” she prompted.
Sighing, Erik turned to his father. “Dad, a ghost told me something someone needs to take care of.” He looked at Monique and sucked in a breath. “A vampire is killing women in the market. Late at night. He’s picking them up all over the surrounding area but takes them to the basement at Pike Place. He violates them, butchers their bodies, and sells the meat to the Virginia Inn.”
Karl nodded, a smile pulling at his lips. “How about you come with us tonight? We’ll take care of the problem. I have a feeling Robert would like to see how you handle yourself.”
“Why? The Council already decided I wasn’t mage enough to let me into their academy.”
Monique’s face twisted. “I wish more mages could see you for what you are.”
“That’s the problem, they do. Which is why they kicked me out.”
“There’s a new program in the works. It’s not established yet, but they want non-mage casters to have a role in the Enforcer program. Elizandra Delacroix is convinced you’re the perfect candidate.”
Erik’s brow wrinkled. “Um, okay. Sure. I’ll do what I can.”
Her first thought was to tell him not to do it. That he shouldn’t trust the Council. But she held her tongue.
A tiny part of her spoke up, If they can accept someone with Erik’s gifts, they could accept anyone.
Her voice was small. “You should go.” He looked at her, and she managed a smile she didn’t feel. “Go.”
“I will.” He stared into her eyes, taking her hand.
“Besides, maybe the woman will find some peace if she sees you help stop him.”
“Hopefully.”