Soul Seekers03 - Mystic (12 page)

“That is not what I saw.”

I look at her in confusion.

“Your story is malleable. It is up for you to decide.”

“But if all of my ancestors before me failed, how will I be any different?”

“It’s all in the perspective,
nieta
. You can look at your predecessors as failures, or you can view them as multiple generations of Seekers who were able to keep the Richters from waging complete and total destruction.”

I take a moment to consider her words. They make sense, but they don’t really comfort. “Still, in the end, the Richters always got the best of them. Why will it be any different for me?”

“Because your light will lead the way.”

“And theirs didn’t?”

“That’s not for you to worry about. Aside from the skills that I shared with you, all you need to know is that darkness can never overcome darkness—only light can do that. Use your light,
nieta
. Learn to trust it. It’s the most reliable tool that you have.”

A grin sneaks onto my face. “So, I can leave the athame behind?” I ask, desperate for a little light in a mood that’s turned gloomy.

“No, take the athame.” Paloma grins, playing along. “It never hurts to have a good backup.”

When I gaze down at the blade, a barrage of concerns resurfaces again. “You sure it’s okay?” I ask, remembering how it failed me the last time.

“When you question its abilities, you question your own abilities,” Paloma says as though reading my mind. “Never allow yourself to fall into that trap.”

I rise to my feet and hug her tightly to me. Choking back a sob as I say, “I’m so proud of you. I only hope that someday I can live up to the example you set.”

“You already have,” she says, but while she means well, I know it’s not true. Or at least not yet, anyway.

“I should go.” I swallow hard and pull away. Watching as Paloma heads for the chest of drawers where she retrieves my old green army jacket.

“I’m afraid my fingers aren’t quite as nimble as they once were, but I know this is a favorite of yours, so I did my best to repair it.”

I run a finger over the fresh lines of stitching mending the holes Cade Richter put there. Much like Axel mended the hole Cade ripped in my heart. If only everything could be stitched up so easily.

I avert my gaze until the threat of tears passes as she helps me into my jacket. Her slim fingers straightening the collar, she says, “I would join you, but—”

I meet her gaze and grin. “Now why would you want to do that? The music’s too loud, the drinks are overpriced, and the food is bland.”

The joke lasting only a moment before her expression grows grim. “Be careful,
nieta
.”

“Always,” I say, heading for the door, hoping she believes it.

“Be smart as well. And never forget that to become powerful is to allow a great power to work through you. No one walks alone.”

I meet her gaze and nod, then I make my way toward Lita’s waiting car.

sixteen

Daire

“For a weeknight, it’s a lot busier than I would’ve expected,” I say, approaching the Rabbit Hole entrance alongside my friends. “Still, busy is good. The bigger the crowd, the harder it will be for Cade to spot me. If he’s here, that is.”

Lita readjusts the strap of her purse and fluffs her hair so that it spills over her shoulders in long, shimmering waves. “It’s been packed like this every night.”

“People in this town have short memories. The sky rains fire, chaos ensues, people disappear, and they still come back for more.” Xotichl weaves her cane so carelessly before her, I can’t help but wonder if some of the Lowerworld magick managed to stick, but I dismiss it just as quickly. Surely she’d tell us if it did.

“Either that or their perception’s been altered.” Lita frowns. “Take it from someone who’s been there.” She stands before the bouncer, refusing his demand to check her ID. She places her hands on either side of his podium and leans perilously close to his face. “You’ve known me my whole life,” she says. “This is nothing more than a ridiculous charade, not to mention a huge waste of time. And don’t even think about marking me with your stupid, freaking stamp. Last thing I need is a red ink coyote emblazoned on my hand.” She draws away, shooting him a defiant glare as she folds her arms across her chest.

“What’s with the attitude, Lita? You got a problem with Coyote?” He cocks his head to the side and studies her through narrowed eyes. His tone purposely sinister, meant to intimidate, he makes a show of flexing his oversized muscles, as he says, “Maybe it has something to do with the company you keep?” His gaze purposely switches to me. “Maybe you should go back to your old crowd?”

“And maybe you should hear me when I say that I’m through with Coyote. Forever.” She turns on her heel and makes for the club’s entrance.

“Famous last words.” He laughs. “Coyote is a hard habit to quit. Just ask Marliz.” His gaze slews toward me, ensuring I heard. “She’s back to waiting tables. I’m sure you’ll see her inside.”

I keep my face neutral, refusing him the satisfaction of knowing he shocked me. Last I heard, Marliz was settled in L.A. after leaving her creepy, abusive fiancé, Cade’s cousin Gabe. Jennika got her a job, helped her find a place to live. I wonder if Jennika’s even aware that she left.

His sinister laugh chases us all the way into the club where it’s soon replaced with blaring music coming from the band on stage.

“Well that was…” Lita flattens her lips and narrows her eyes, searching for just the right word.

“Weird. Strange. Bizarre. Ominous. Take your pick.” Xotichl sighs.

“And can you believe Marliz is back? Do you think they altered her perception all the way from L.A.?”

“Doubtful,” Xotichl says. “I don’t think it works long distance. Besides.” She turns to me. “Paloma and the elders have been working some kind of new protection spell in order to block it.”

“Well, I hate to break it to you,” Lita says. “But it’s not working. I mean, look at this place—more than half of Enchantment is here!”

My gaze cuts through the crowd, desperately seeking the one person I’m most interested in seeing. “The magick only works for as long as people want to be protected,” I say. “When you live in a town like this, it’s easier not to see the truth.” I turn to my friends.

“Well, that’s depressing.” Lita frowns.

“And speaking of depressing…” Xotichl nods to the far side of the room where Lita’s former BFFs, Crickett and Jacy, are hanging on Phyre’s every word.

“You can see that?” Lita asks, beating me to it.

“I can
sense
it,” Xotichl says. But her lips tug at the side, leaving me to think, yet again, that she’s purposely hiding something.

“Whatever.” Lita shrugs in dismissal. “It’s about time they found someone new to emulate. You have no idea what a relief it is to hang with people who
don’t
try to copy your every move. Not to mention how they were always stealing my style. At least you guys never do that.”

“Yes, at least we have that in our favor.” Xotichl laughs.

“Okay, so what’s the plan?” Lita eyeballs my overstuffed bag. “And just how long are you planning on being away? Your purse looks like it’s ready to burst.”

“As long as it takes,” I say, addressing Xotichl when I ask, “Is Cade here? Can you sense his energy?”

She lifts her chin, slowly scanning the room. “I can feel his presence. He’s definitely in the building, but not in this room. The energy’s dim.”

“So he’s already out clubbing?” Lita scowls. “Figures. So much for mourning the loss of his twin.” She rolls her eyes and shakes her head in disgust.

“Listen.” I keep my voice low and lean close. “I was originally planning to hang for a bit before making my way to the vortex. But since I’m pretty sure the bouncer’s already alerted Cade that I’m here, there’s no point in pretending. I’m just gonna go for it, and hope for the best.”

“And what about us? What should we do?” Lita looks at me, hoping for a juicy assignment.

“Just be your usual charming self. Socialize, eavesdrop, observe. And if Cade approaches you, do
not
antagonize him.” I shoot her a serious look. “We’ll deal with him later, I promise. Same goes for Phyre, if you run into her, play nice. After what you told me about her father, I can’t help but think that the more we can learn about her, the better.”

“Keep your friends close but your enemies closer?” Lita cocks a meticulously groomed brow.

“Something like that. But seriously, just keep your cool. I can’t be worried about you starting trouble when I need to focus on locating Dace.”

“Fine.” She frowns. “I solemnly swear that, for the time being anyway, I will refrain from going medieval on Cade. But just so you know, when the time comes, I plan to be right by your side, taking him down.”

I start to turn away when Xotichl calls after me.

“Just … be careful,” she says.

I nod.

“Also, if you don’t return soon, we’re going after you. So no long reunions when you find him, okay?”

I flash a tight grin and make for the hall. Unwilling to tell them the truth—that Dace has changed so much there’s no saying what I might find, or if I’ll be able to help him.

But I have to try.

If it’s the last thing I do, I have to at least try.

seventeen

Daire

Despite the original plan being to charge straight for the vortex without any pretense, by the time I reach the bathroom I change my mind. Thinking a little caution never hurt anyone, I steal a moment to lean against the wall and fumble aimlessly through my bag, all the while scanning for Richters. Any Richter. They’re all working against me.

As soon as I’ve ensured the all-clear, I make for the long hall that leads to the vortex. Covering only a handful of feet, when a familiar voice calls out from behind me.

“Daire. Daire Santos.”

I respond with a lowered chin and a quickened pace.

“Don’t pretend you didn’t hear me when we both know you did. I will chase you down if that’s what it takes.”

For a brief moment I consider letting her make good on her word. But since there’s no point in making this any worse than it already is, I stop in my tracks.

“When’d you get back?” Her spiked heels snag the carpet as she approaches.

“When’d
you
get back?” I turn just in time to find her heavily made-up eyes hooded with suspicion and fixed hard on mine.

“You never learn, do you?” She tucks a lock of bleached-blond hair behind her ear and fiddles with her large silver hoop earring with a hand that seems to sag under the weight of the massive rock that she wears. A large, square-cut, brilliant blue tourmaline on a platinum band, flanked by slightly smaller blue tourmalines, that, if I had to guess, came straight from Cade’s mine.

“Seems we have that in common.” I motion toward her new engagement ring, nearly triple in size to the one she wore before. Caught by the way she lifts her hand high and flutters her fingers. Eyes widening in admiration, and … something more … something I can’t quite determine.

Her gaze dreamy, she says, “For the record, I appreciate everything your mom did for me. She really helped me. Went above and beyond.”

“Jennika’s a good person. She’s always willing to help those in need.”

Marliz returns her hand to her side as her irises clear once again. “Still, don’t get the wrong idea. I’ve no plans to return the favor.”

“Jennika’s set. She’s not really in need of your help,” I say. Convinced by the edge in her tone, and the strange look on her face, that this is no random conversation. Marliz has an agenda. All Richters—and, in her case, soon-to-be-Richters—do.

“She may not need my help, but you do.” Marliz continues to study me. Looking as though the sight of me pains her. “Go home, Daire. Go back to where you came from.” She drops her gaze to her feet, digging the toe of her boot into the dirty gray carpet.

“You’ve been saying that to me since the first night we met,” I reply, noticing how her voice went from vengeful to wistful in a handful of seconds. Her moods changing so quickly it’s hard to keep track.

“Maybe it’s time you listened. It’s the best advice I can give you.” She centers the pointed toe of her boot on a wadded-up gum wrapper and kicks it out of her way.

“And why should I listen to you, when you can’t even manage to stay away?”

“I have my reasons.” She glances down at the rock on her finger, eyes wide and luminous.

“Let me guess—you’re back with Gabe?”

She continues to gaze at the ring, nodding ever so slightly.

“So, you’re willing to trade your happiness for a handful of shiny minerals?”

Her gaze hardens into something dark, feral. Dropping whatever hint of pretense remained. “You’ve got ten seconds to return to your friends and take your party elsewhere,” she says.

I square my shoulders and tighten my grip on my bag, poised for pretty much anything. “I think we both know that’s not going to happen.”

She looks me over for a long moment, then snakes her fingers into the front pocket of her denim miniskirt, retrieves her cell phone, and says, “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Don’t be. From what I can see, you have far more problems than me.” I start to turn, troubled by the encounter, but not for the reasons she thinks.

“I’m not kidding, Daire! I’ll tell them what you’re up to!”

“You have no idea what I’m up to,” I mumble, eager to put some distance between us.

“You leave me with no choice!” she shouts.

“There’s always a choice!” I glance over my shoulder long enough to see her tapping on her cell phone, bringing it to her ear, then I break into a run. Racing down a hall that, while not technically booby-trapped, may as well be.

Leandro’s office lies just before me, with the door ajar and a phone ringing.

I rush past the opening, barely reaching the door’s other side when a familiar voice barks, “What is it—I’m busy.” Followed by, “What? The Seeker? You sure? Cade swore she was dead!”