Seeress: Book Three (Runes Series) (18 page)

With every breath. “No. I’ve got a lot on my mind.”

He peered at me. “Liar. I told you, think of me as his substitute. I’m good for hugs, kisses, booty calls, crying, and chucking things at when you’re pissed. And not necessarily in that order.”

I smiled. He was a hoot and a half.

“That’s better.” He dropped his arm around my shoulders, turned his head, and whispered, “He’ll be back. You’re too important to him for him to do something stupid.”

“What do you mean?” I wiggled out of his embrace. “You keep dropping hints without giving me real information. Is he meeting his cousin as himself?”

“Maybe.”

“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

He pressed a hand on his chest. “You wound me.” Then he smirked. “Let’s just say he looks nothing like the present Earl of Worthington or his predecessors, so they’ll never suspect anything.”

So Torin was meeting his relatives. That seal must really be important. We headed toward the foyer. Ever since I saw the guy in my vision, I’d scoured the Internet for everything on the Earl of Worthington. Alexander Sinclair d’Arques looked nothing like Torin, and neither did the previous earls, whose pictures were online. There were a few blue eyes here and there in the family, but nothing like Torin’s sapphire blue. Sandy hair to various shades of brown seemed common among them. No pitch-black wavy and silky hair like Torin’s, which sort of made sense. Torin and James never had children, and their father had been illegitimate.

Andris stopped making goo-goo eyes at some girl and said, “You are stressing again.”

I rolled my eyes. “Since when did you become Mr. Perceptive?”

“You bite your lower lip and a weird line appears between your eyebrows. If you were Mortal, you’d grow facial lines by age thirty.”

I laughed. With Andris, either you take him seriously and get offended or you shrug him off. “What do you do? Watch my every action?”

He shrugged. “You forget I was interested in you once upon a time.”

“Seems like a long time ago.”

“I remember it like it was yesterday. What did Heath want?” Andris asked as we left the building. “If he’s hitting on you, I’ll have to rearrange his face.”

What an idea. Students were everywhere. Some headed to the school buses while others hopped in their cars with friends or on their bikes. Those who lived closer walked away in groups.

Oregon was a green state. We took recycling and keeping the environment clean seriously. When the weather was good, we had more bikers than drivers on the road. Gina and Rita stood under a tree as though waiting for something or someone.

“Hey, did you hear what I just said?” Andris asked.

“Rearranging Heath’s face? I heard. You hate fighting, Andris. Besides, you’d have an unfair advantage. Isn’t that why you don’t play sports?”

“I don’t play sports because I hate sports. Doesn’t mean I can’t teach him a lesson for poaching. If I hit like a girl, I bet I would only break his jaw and nose, and maybe knock out a few teeth.”

I didn’t need the visuals. And why was he such a misogynist? I punched his arm.

“What’s that for?” he griped.

“You’re an idiot.” He smirked as though I’d complimented him, and I knew he was only trying to cheer me up. I missed Torin and was really worried. To take my mind off him, I explained about tonight’s party.

Andris pressed the remote and unlocked the SUV. “Torin already knows about it, but he wasn’t planning on going.”

“Why not?”

“Because the love of his life hates the place.” He shuddered. “This is why I’m never falling in love again. You become a total idiot, co-dependent, and sappy.” He threw our backpacks in the back. “Heath kept texting him. Unfortunately—”

“He left his cell phone at the mansion,” I finished. I shouldn’t have pushed the impossible man to get a cell phone in the first place. The only machines he liked were those he could pull apart, alter, and put together again. “I’m worried about him, Andris.”

Andris’ expression grew serious. “I know. He should be back tonight.”

Something in his voice said he was worried, too. He’d never admit it though. It was like a guy code or something.

“I’m going to look for him if he’s not back tonight,” I said.

“Starting where?”

“London at his, uh, whatever the earl is, uncle’s or cousin’s.”

“I’ll tag along.” He was definitely worried. “To keep an eye on you, of course.”

He was sweet and very transparent. “Thanks.”

 
Across the parking lot, Rita and Gina entered a blue car. They didn’t drive away. Instead, they watched us. Were they seriously considering tailing us?

“Have you talked to Blaine?” I asked.

“I try not to talk to the guy. In fact, I often pretend he doesn’t exist.”

Drama queen. “Didn’t you send him after me during lunch?”

“No.” Andris gunned the engine.

I patted his shoulder. “You’re sweet.”

“I know.” He backed out of the parking spot. Gina pulled out, too. They stayed behind us.

No matter how hard I tried to act indifferent to Torin’s disappearance, I couldn’t stop my thoughts and feelings. What if he was hurt or was in trouble? Once again, I tried to distract myself. “We have witches at school.”

Andris shuddered. “I was hoping Ingrid was wrong. She said someone’s been singing witchy songs.”

“They’re not just at our school. They’ve come from all over the world to meet right here in Kayville. They supposedly answered a Call.”

Andris groaned. “Crap.”

“You know what that means?”

“Oh yeah. When a Call is issued, witches come out in droves. It takes something big for that to happen. The first time I saw it was at the beginning of the witch-hunt. There’s, like, a secret council of Old Religion elders, and each region is represented. They hold meetings and warn their people if something big is going down. Most went underground after the meeting about the witch-hunts and kept their practices hidden. The defiant ones didn’t and were busted, tortured, and burned.”

“There’s no inquisition right now, but they’re here waiting for, I don’t know, orders or something. Who could have summoned them and why?”

“In my lifetime, I’ve heard of only several Calls, and in each case witches’ lives and their practices were threatened. It’s obvious why they’re here.” He pulled up in the parking lot behind the Mirage, parked, and turned to face me. His expression was serious. “You. You are about the most unusual witch to ever walk this earth and someone somewhere told them about you. Either they’re here to see you and pay their respects, or they know you’re in danger and have come to protect you. Either case, we should beat the crap out of the witch who issued the Call.”

My eyes followed the blue car as it pulled into the parking lot by the art center. “We don’t know any witches.”

“No, we don’t. Thank goodness.” He grimaced.

I guessed it was not the time to tell him about the two keeping tabs on us from the neighboring parking lot. He stepped out of the SUV and looked around. “Are you still being stalked?”

He laughed. “Yeah, I am.”

That derisive laugh told me he wasn’t. “So if you’re not, why the cloak and dagger?”

He peered at me. “The perks of being friends with you. Did you really think witches would come to town without us knowing about it? We sensed them and went on full alert. We just didn’t know what we were dealing with. Could have been Grimnirs. Actually, I would rather have Grimnirs than witches.”

I gawked at him. “You knew and didn’t say anything?”

He shrugged. “You didn’t need to know.”

I made a face. “Yeah. Whatever. See you at six.”

“I’ll leave when you are safe behind the desk and under Hawk’s watchful eyes.” He followed me inside. While he chatted with Hawk, I followed Jared who’d come out of the storage room pushing a box on a flatbed pushcart.

“What’s that?” I asked.

“New merchandize. I’ll show you.” He lifted the box from the cart, cut off the tape, and reached inside for a bubble-wrapped item.

“Oh, that’s so pretty,” I said, when he removed a gilded vintage vanity mirror.

“The free-standing ones go to the right, but ones like this one can be unsnapped so it sits on its handle.” He showed me the hinge at the base of the mirror, which transformed it from a hand-held to a standing mirror. “You want to put them behind the glass display case while I get the second box?”

“Sure.” Each mirror was bubble-wrapped, each frame exquisitely crafted. I knelt on the floor and checked the descriptions. Gothic cryptograph inlays. Classic Baroque. Vintage handle princess. I wanted one.

“What are you doing?” Andris asked.

 
“Putting mirrors away. Look at this. Isn’t it beautiful?” I showed him the back. “The handle bends at an angle, so it stands. I want to buy all of them.”

“Yeah. Whatever. You’re supposed to be learning how the business is run, not doing menial work. What’s next? Cleaning the floor?”

I hoped not. “Go away, Andris, before I tell Mr. Hawk.” Andris made a face as if to say “go ahead.” “Please, go. And you don’t have to pick me up. I can use the portal in the office and go directly home.”

“And deprive me the pleasure of your charming company? I don’t think so. I’ll be back at six, and you’d better not be cleaning the floor or Hawk and I will have a long chat.”

I sighed. I didn’t know where he got the idea that I shouldn’t do normal things like an average person. “You know what, wise guy? I can do whatever I want to do and you have no say whatsoever.” He opened his mouth. “Not another word. Bye.” I went back to work.

The back door dinged when he left. Minutes later, it dinged again. Then I felt a presence behind me. “Forgot something, Andris, or are you here to complain about my work?”

“You work here?” a familiar voice said.

Ah, the Irish sisters. “Yes.”

“But you are a powerful…” Rita glanced around and whispered, “Seeress.”

“You should be practicing your powers, not wasting time doing something so…” Gina waved her hand to indicate the store.

“Normal,” I said. “I like normal. What are you doing here?”

“I want to apologize for testing you with the talisman,” Gina said. “Our mother gave it to me to test any witches we met.”

From my vision, some of the witches weren’t sure whether the Call was a trap or not. I studied the circular disk between her thumb and fingers. It had the tree of life on the front and the back had Celtic knots.

“What does it do?” I asked.

“It burns when anyone evil touches it.”

“That’s okay. It doesn’t hurt to be cautious.” I put the last mirror away and gathered up the bubble wrap. Rita bent down to help.

“We texted Mom about you and she’d really like to meet you,” Gina said.

“Sure.” I caught Hawk watching us. “I have to get back to work before my boss fires me. Coming, boss,” I added louder and picked up the box with the bubble wrap.

“Hey,” Rita said and touched my arm. “Do you want to go out for a cup of coffee?”

“Rita,” Gina protested.

Rita shrugged, her cheeks reddening. “It’s okay. She can always say no.”

I could, but I wanted to know why my vision had been so clear when I touched their talisman. “Sure. I know just the place.” I pulled out my cell phone, asked her for her number, and sent her a text. “Now you have my number.”

An hour later, the back door dinged and Cora entered the shop. We’d eaten lunch together and she never mentioned stopping by.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, stepping out from behind the counter.

“Coming to pick you up.” She looked around. “So what do you do around here?”

“Everything. I help with the displays, customers, inventory… Whatever Jared wants.”

“When do you get done?”

“In half an hour. Come on. I want to show you something.” I led the way to the display cases where I’d put the hand-held mirrors. A kid at a candy shop wouldn’t have reacted like she did.

She chose two. “Mom’s birthday is coming up and she’d love this.”

“You and Echo got plans for tonight?”

“Nope. He’s reaping.” She sighed. “I don’t know what to do. No boyfriend. No plans. Worse, I don’t volunteer at the nursing home on Fridays. You and yours have plans?”

I imagined staying at home and stressing over Torin. The idea didn’t appeal to me. I might hate L.A. Connection, but it was the most popular club in town.

“Torin is out of town, so we have two choices. We can hang out at my place, watch one of our favorite series, and pig out on junk food, or dress up and go partying. The cheerleaders are throwing the football team a party tonight. Torin and I were invited, but he’s not here. We are.”

Cora squealed and hugged me. “I knew you’d come up with something. This could be fun. I can’t remember the last time we did something so normal.”

It was just like old times. Pre-Torin. I’d missed the squealing Cora. Just a little. Actually, I was beginning to get pissed, too. There was a reason for portals. What was stopping him from using one?

“Now all we have to do is convince Andris to come with us.”

She wrinkled her nose. “Andris? Why?”

“Torin left him in charge.” When Cora cocked her eyebrows, I glanced around to make sure Jared wasn’t within hearing distance. “Remember, the Seeress attacks?”

“Oh crappola. I’d completely forgotten about that.” A thoughtful expression settled on her face. “Maybe we shouldn’t go out tonight. We could do the marathon and pig out. Oh, and read the responses I’ve gotten on my vlog. I’ve gotten hundreds of hits. Two people gave video responses. I’d be so stroked if it went viral.”

“The party doesn’t start until eight. We have time.”

She studied me. “You really want to go?”

“Keep asking and I’ll develop cold feet. The last few days I’ve done nothing but work, run, and worry. I want to unload.” Plus, I hated to let fear paralyze me even though deep inside I shook with it whenever I thought about the people willing to hurt others to find me. Like Torin had said, we must act like we didn’t know or care. Besides, I’d be conquering another thing tonight—the nasty memories I associated with L. A. Connection.

Six o’clock arrived and Andris was a no show. Instead, the door dinged and a customer walked in from the back. Very few customers used the back door. A woman wearing a hooded poncho walked past and warning bells went off in my head.

Witch!

No, I was being paranoid now. It was still cold and people around here liked hoodies. Besides, it rained a lot in Kayville and rain ponchos were very common. A few minutes later, I was helping a man choose a frame for a custom job when she walked past the counter on her way out and I saw her face.

My stomach dropped. I recognized her right away. What name had the old woman in my vision called her? Stefania. And this wasn’t the first time I’d seen her in the shop. She’d asked to use our bathroom before.

“Excuse me?” I called out, but she kept going. “Could you hold on a minute?” I asked the man I was helping. I didn’t wait for his response, just took off after the woman. The back door didn’t ding, and she wasn’t in the back parking lot. Could witches disappear in thin air?

“What’s going on? Did someone steal something?” Cora asked. Behind her stood Jared, and the customer I’d left inside. Of course, I couldn’t tell them I just saw a woman from my vision and she’d disappeared.

“I thought I saw her pocket something, but I could be wrong.” Back inside, I offered a brochure to the man I’d been serving. “Take this home and see which one is perfect for the background on your photograph. Or bring in the photograph tomorrow and you and I can find the perfect frame for you.”

“Thank you, dear.” He patted my hand, and that was when I noticed the ornate ring on his pinkie. Another witch, or was I becoming paranoid?

“Is it always this exciting?” Cora asked.

“No.” I glanced at my watch again. It was a quarter past six. “Let’s go. I’ll text Andris on our way.” I grabbed my phone and poked my head into the office. “I’m leaving now, Hawk.”

“Is Andris or Torin here?” he asked.

“No. I’m leaving with Cora.” A spasm crossed his face. Could that be concern for me? “I’ll be fine.”

He stood and walked to the door. He glanced at Jared and lowered his voice. “Is she the one who helps souls?”

“Yes.”

He didn’t seem relieved. “Maybe you two should use the portal in my office, and she could pick up her car later.”

“We’ll go directly home from here and use the roads with the runes. If anything seems off, I’ll call. I can create a portal on the car door.” I’d never done it and my runes for non-reflective surfaces were iffy, but I didn’t want everyone in my life worrying about me.

He nodded. “Okay. See you in the morning.”

“Ten, right?”

He nodded. “That sounds good.”

I gave him a tiny wave and high-fived Jared on our way out. Cora was already behind the wheel of her Sentra when I left the building. My eyes automatically went to where I’d last seen Gina and Rita. Their car was gone.

Andris pulled into the parking lot before we pulled out and raced toward the back door. I rolled down my window and yelled, “Over here.”

He stopped, turned, and sauntered to our car. He finger combed his silver hair. “I thought I missed you.” He leaned down and peered at Cora from above his sunglasses. “Hey, blondie.”

“Hi-Yo, Silver,” she shot right back. “You didn’t have to run down here. I got our girl’s back.”

“I’m here now. Run along and play house with your reaper boyfriend.” He opened the car door.

“Just follow us,” I said, sighing.

“We’re going by The Hub to get lattes then home,” Cora said.

Lattes hadn’t been part of our plan. Andris shot me an annoyed look. “That was not in your text.”

“It’s in the one I was just about to send,” I said. “Oh, and tonight we’re going to L.A. Connection for the party.”

He lowered his sunglasses and peered at me over the top rim. “No, you’re not.”

“Come on. You and Blaine can come with us.”

“Let me think about it.” He stepped away from Cora’s car and smirked. “Okay. I thought about it and the answer is still no.” Then he headed to his car.

Cora slapped my arm.

I slapped her right back. “Cut that out. I swear you’re still the same girl I found bawling her eyes out in the bathroom in junior high. Use words.”

“Bite me. Are you going to let him,” she jerked a finger at Andris’ SUV, “talk to you like that?”

“No. You don’t argue with Andris. He expects it, and he’ll have all sorts of reasons why he’s right and you’re wrong and make you feel immature and stupid. I just ignore him and do what I want to do. He always comes around.”

Andris followed us to The Hub As we stepped out of the car, the hairs on the back of my neck rose. We were being watched. As though he felt it, too, Andris looked around.

The parking lot was packed with people walking to and from the building. Inside, no single table or chair was unoccupied. The feeling of being watched persisted. The bookstore slush café was frequented by high schoolers and college students, but a few stay-at-home mothers with their kids browsed, too.

No one appeared to be staring at us. In fact, most of the customers had their noses buried in books or computers. The free wi-fi here was a big draw.

Andris winked at the cashier as he handed her his credit card. “I’ll pay for theirs too, Jessie.”

She blushed. “You remembered my name.”

“And your eyes. They’re unforgettable. Did my sister’s books come in?”

What a flirt. And a pathetic liar. Cora and I looked at each other and rolled our eyes. Andris preferred shopping online, but he was drawn to books and often frequented The Hub. He claimed he didn’t want anyone at school to know he was a geek, yet every time he visited the place, he left with a pile of sci-fi books. Using Ingrid was a nice touch.

“So when is this party?”

“Eight,” I said. I shot Cora an I-told-you-he’d-cave smile.

“When you get home, stay put. We’ll pick you up at eight-ish.”

I saluted him. “Aye, aye, sir.”

He shot me an annoyed look. Cora and I didn’t start laughing until we got to the car.

***

Two hours later, we were dressed and ready to party.

The printed black and white jeggings, flirty white top, black jacket, and knee-high boots were perfect for the evening. Cora chose a white dress with uneven hem and ankle-level, high-heeled boots. The back of her dress had a huge chunk of it missing.

She checked her butt and did a model twirl, the dress frothing around her calves. “What do you think?”

“It’s you.”

She flipped her hair and studied me suspiciously. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“The dress is perfect on you and you know it.” Male voices came from downstairs. “They’re here.” I grabbed my debit card and cell phone and followed her downstairs.

“Oh, I showed Mom my vlog entry,” Cora said. “She loved it. How did she put it? ‘My baby’s grown.’”

“Definitely a giant leap from
Hottie of the Week
,” I teased.

“Shut up. Oh, wow, look at you, guys.” She studied Andris and Blaine from the foot of the stairs and then walked toward them in a slow gait. “I think we are going to be the envy of every girl at the party.”

I studied the guys and grinned. Not bad. The hipster and the trendsetter were in their element tonight. Still, I missed Torin and his earthiness. He didn’t conform or let fashion dictate what he wore, yet these two guys couldn’t touch him in the sexiness scale.

“That’s okay,” Blaine said. “We’re ditching you ladies as soon as we get to the club.”

Cora hugged his arm and pouted. “Come on, Blaine.”

“Last time I danced with you, Echo went ape on me, so no thanks.” Blaine managed to peel her arms off him.

I didn’t blame Blaine for being wary. Echo could be scary possessive where Cora was concerned. She rolled her eyes. “Echo has learned to tame his jealous side. Come on. I want to dance.” She went toward the portal.

I hugged Femi and whispered, “I have my cell. If you need me, text.”

She chuckled. “Go have fun.”

I planned to. Then I was going on a rescue mission. Midnight here would be eight in the morning in London. The Earl of Worthington was going to get a visit from one irate American teenager before he finished his morning tea.

I followed the others through the portal to the mansion and out the door to the SUV. Cora was already in the back seat checking her makeup.

“A few ground rules, Raine,” Andris said before I joined her.

“Seriously, Andris? Stop worrying. Let’s just go, dance, drink, and have fun.”

“You don’t drink,” he snapped.

“I was kidding. Lighten up already.” I hopped in the back seat.

Andris’ eyes narrowed menacingly. “Back to the ground rules. You don’t leave my sight or the club without telling me. If anyone bothers you, you tell me. It’s spring break for colleges, and a lot of local guys are back in town, so no flirting with frat boys. That includes you, Cora. I don’t need Echo acting like a Neanderthal.”

Blaine chuckled from the front passenger seat. Echo nearly snapped his neck one night because Blaine had flirted with Cora. I never actually got the whole story, but Torin’s presence had stopped him.

“It was a misunderstanding,” Cora said, reapplying gloss. She pressed and popped her lips. “And leave my man out of this. These rules only apply to Raine.”

“No alcohol for either of you,” Andris continued, “but if you need anything, I’ll keep a tab running at the bar.”

“How I wish I was twenty-one,” Cora mumbled, snapping shut her compact.

In five minutes, we were outside L.A. Connection. For a brief moment, scenes from my birthday party flashed in my head—ambulances, people lying on the grass, parents calling out their children’s names…

I pushed the past aside and got in the moment as we joined the other students inside the club. Ingrid had reserved a table for us. We left our jackets on our seats, ordered drinks, and hit the dance floor. Blaine and Andris stayed behind surrounded by cheerleaders. I tried not to remember the last time I’d danced in this club and got lost in the music.

Cora and I were taking a breather by the bar sipping mockartinis when I felt the telltale warmth at the back of my neck.