“Hold your horses, Danny. Change of plans; that was Genevieve. Another hybrid’s down and she needs our help before dark magic spreads to the rest of her coven,” I said.

  “Another one?” Liz asked. “I thought they were moving near St. Charles today.”

  “It happened while she was evacuating them. It’s bad. We have to hurry and meet her at the tunnel entrance. Let’s get going.” I took off running before anyone had time to argue.

  When we reached the tunnel entrance, I was shocked to see that Genevieve had not only staked him, but basically had him hogtied and placed in a force field to keep him from leaving the tunnel.

  His name was Hector. I’d only met him in passing and he’d always seemed like a laid back kind of guy, but not tonight, though. He was raging against the ropes, even with a stake in his heart. I was taken aback by the sight of him; his normal gelled, blonde hair was sticking out all around his head as if he’d been trying to pull it out. His fangs were bared and eyes black as coal, the telltale sign of dark magic.

  “How long has he been like this?” Liz asked.

  “About half an hour,” Genevieve said, looking good and pissed off. “We were clearing out the last of our things when I noticed Hector acting strangely. First, he started mumbling about the darkness and needing blood, then sacrificing a witch. I had the others leave as soon I realized something was off. Most of what he said was incoherent ramblings. Then he just stopped talking altogether and tried to attack me. I had no other choice but to stake him and, as you can see, it did nothing; he’s still alive. The dark magic must be the only thing keeping him alive.”

  “I can see that. It’s as if he’s being controlled by someone. This shit is getting out of control and we need to find out who’s trying to take over your coven. I’m sorry, Genevieve,” I said, wondering who had it out for the coven and why.

  “Genevieve, I’m going to step inside the force field and put him out of his misery. Is there anything you’d like to say to him before I begin?” Liz asked.

  “No, I’ve prayed over him several times and tried to bring him back,” Genevieve replied with tears brimming her eyes. “I used every spell I know to fight against dark magic, but nothing would bring him back to me. Do what you must.”

  Danny and I took a step back as Liz entered the force field. All at once, Hector sprang forward, fangs bared, and latched onto Liz’s shoulder. She yelped out in agony and almost fell to the ground. After she caught herself, she jerked his head up and beat him back against the tunnel wall, kicking him in the chest.

  “Liz!” I screamed and ran toward her, firing my magic to hold Hector down. That was it. I was pissed! Hybrid or not, no one takes a bite out of my sister and gets away with it.

  “Screw sending his ass up for redemption! I’ll burn him alive,” I seethed.

  “No, Abby,” Liz said calmly, although I could clearly see she was struggling with pain. “I’ve got this and you don’t mean that. I’m fine. Just hold him down for a minute while I get my sword. He’s not himself and you know it. His soul has to be sent up for redemption.”

  I was so pissed, I didn’t care if he went to Heaven or Hell. He’d attacked my sister and I wanted a piece of him before he was turned to ash, but no. In the next moment, Liz decapitated Hector and his body turned to ash and the force field came down. She said the prayer of redemption, raising her sword as his ashes drifted up into a Heavenly light. Danny stood there in awe with his mouth hanging open.

  “Danny, close your mouth unless you wanna choke on leftover Hector,” I said annoyed.

  Genevieve walked over to Liz and assessed her wound. Thankfully, it wasn’t as bad as it looked; Hector hadn’t sunk his fangs in too deep. It was superficial at best, but I was still raving mad.

  “Liz, are you alright?” Danny asked.

  “I’m fine. Everyone stop babying me. I’ve been through worse, but a drink would be nice. Bourbon Street anyone?” Liz asked with a grin.

  For someone who was just about to be a vampire’s dinner, she was awfully chipper. How could she not be mad as hell? I was still seething, but I smiled through gritted teeth and agreed to go.

  “Pub crawl it is then, Sis. Genevieve, is there anything else you need us to take care of before we go?” I asked.

  “No, girls. Go have fun and, Danny, it was nice seeing you again, even under these horrific circumstances. Thanks again for all of your help. I’ll clean up down here. Go enjoy your youth and stay away from Dauphine Street if you can help it.”

  As we were leaving the tunnel, I looked down and saw Liz’s blood splattered against my blue tank— another shirt ruined. Okay, if I wasn’t mad before, I sure as hell was then. For a superficial wound, it sprayed pretty far.

  Dammit!

  If another vamp, hybrid or otherwise, touched my little sister, the only redemption the son of a bitch would get would be by my fire. I wasn’t messing around anymore. No one, and I meant no one hurt my sister. I didn’t care if she was a badass witch.

  Danny wrapped his arm around my shoulder as we walked toward the car and asked if I was okay. I could see in his eyes he knew the answer to that question before he asked. Apparently, I was projecting my anger and stomping across the pavement sort of gave me away.

  “No, but I will be after I have a drink. I know Liz can take care of herself, but I’m still pissed Hector got the jump on her. He was freakin’ hogtied and staked, for goodness sake,” I answered, shaking my head.

  “She’s a big girl, Abby. You have to let her fight her own battles and handle things her way, not the ‘Abby way,’” he said smiling with those gorgeous dimples, then kissed me on the cheek.

  I turned and glared at him. Of course he was right, but who wanted to hear the voice of reason when they were pissed off? Not me. I’d rather punch someone in the throat.

  “Shut up and keep walking and if you keep quiet I’ll even ride with you to Bourbon street,” I said, grinning sarcastically.

  He made a zipping motion across his lips and smiled, but not before he planted a chaste kiss across mine. That man knew how to cool a girl down. All that scrumptious maleness was making my insides quiver.

  Wait, he did that on purpose to quell my rage. Good man, good man.

  “Do you two ever stop? PDA in the middle of the street? Get a room,” Liz teased, interrupting our banter.

  “Oh hush. Wasn’t it you who told me I needed to give Danny another chance?” I asked, then cringed realizing I’d said that out loud with him standing right next me.

  “Yep. Sure did and I’m patting myself on the back for my magnificent matchmaking abilities,” she said laughing.

  “Um, I’m right here.” Danny chimed in.

  I pushed his arm playfully and told him to start his truck while I talked to Liz. We’d finally made it back to the parking lot at May Bailey’s and there were a few people hanging out, smoking and laughing. They looked drunk, but I wasn’t about to judge them. At least they were having a good time. I only hoped trouble stayed away from Dauphine Street for the rest of the night.

  “Hey, Sis, I’m riding with Danny to Bourbon. Do you have a place in mind or will it be our usual hangout?” I asked.

  “The Cats Meow,” she replied with a mischievous gleam in her eyes, knowing the karaoke and view of Bourbon Street would drown out the craptabulous night we’d had so far. Not to mention, it was our favorite bar in town.

  “All right, follow Danny and we’ll try to find somewhere close to park. Tourists seem to be out in droves tonight,” I said, looking around.

  Sure enough, tourists were everywhere, crowding the streets and the closest place we found to park was on St. Peter’s Street. Looked like we’d be hoofing it the rest of the way, and with the current humidity, I didn’t want to think about what my hair would be like by the time we arrived. Not to mention, the continuous trail of sweat rolling down my back. If I didn’t need to wind down a bit, I could have certainly used another shower right about then. I wasn’t even going to think about the blood on my shirt.

  There was a line outside the door and Danny strolled right up to the bouncer, who proceeded to greet him with a man hug and let us all in without question. I could hear the shouts and grumblings of displeasure of those still waiting in line, but that wasn’t my problem. I smiled and followed Danny, holding his hand so as to not get lost in the sea of rowdy partygoers. Liz grabbed my elbow as we advanced toward the bar.

  Some Goth chic who couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket, was singing, “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Joan Jett, one of my favorite songs, and she was shredding it. I cringed. The poor girl was all over the place, jumping up and down on the stage like she was some kind of rock star. Maybe it was just me, because the crowd was going wild. I deduced I wasn’t drunk yet—my ears were bleeding.

  I ordered my usual Crown and Coke, while Liz had cran and vodka and Danny ordered his nasty whiskey straight up. Looked like it was gonna be a cab ride home tonight. I took a good, long swig and it burned all the way down, but the good kind of burn, just what I needed.

  I glanced over at Liz who was gingerly sipping her vodka concoction, looking around with wide eyes. I nudged her and asked if she was going to be okay.

  “Oh yeah, I’m fine…but you’ll never guess who just strolled in. Harriette Braud. Need I say more?” Liz asked.

  I felt steam rolling out of my ears, as the last two encounters I’d had with Harriette were just a few months after Danielle had died and again after I broke up with Danny. I had been avoiding her snooping ass ever since. That woman had no couth, no class and played upon others’ emotions to get a rise out of them. I wondered where her sidekick twin was. Was she out prowling alone?

  Danny inched closer to me, pulling me into his arms. He knew our history and I assumed he thought he was protecting me from Harriette, not that I needed protecting.

  “It’s fine, Liz. Let’s just enjoy our drinks and act as if she’s not here. I honestly don’t care anymore.”

  “Hey, bartender. Three shots of rock lobster, please—make that six, if you don’t mind,” I said without even asking them if they wanted shots. They were drinking them even if I had to pour them down their throats. I was cruel like that.

  “Six shots of rock lobster, coming right up,” the bartender replied.

  Liz and Danny both looked at me like I was crazy. “What? We’re here to let off some steam and have a few drinks. It’s time for a couple of shots. Get over it,” I said with a mad gleam in my eyes, grinning wickedly.

  When the shots arrived, I sat one in front of each of us. “On the count of three… one, two, three…go!” I gulped mine down in one go and slammed my shot glass down just as Harriette walked up to bar.

  “Danny. I see you’re back to slumming it with this thing again,” she said, pointing at me as she eyed me up and down.

  “What are you, jealous, Harriette? Daddy’s money can buy you anything you want, except a man. Hmm… What a lonely life you must live, attempting to take others down to make yourself feel better. Why don’t you take your skinny little ass over to the stage and try out some karaoke,” I said with as much sweet sarcasm as I could muster.

  Thoughts of how she treated me after Danielle died began playing on a loop in my head. She’d created rumors within coven that I’d cheated on Danny the night of Danielle’s funeral during a drunken stupor. Of course, no one believed her or her evil twin, but I couldn’t stand the sight of them after that.

  “Who the hell do you think you are, talking to me like that? I can have you expelled from the coven or worse,” Harriette huffed, her face turning a bright shade of red.

  “That’s quite enough, Harriette. You can’t do a damn thing and you have no power over us. Your Daddy does. We’re at a bar, not a coven meeting. Eat shit and choke on it,” Liz said and I laughed out loud, nearly choking myself.

  Liz was in rare form and I liked it. She was harnessing her inner Abby. Maybe I had rubbed off on her in a bad way, but it was funny as hell to see her in action.

  “Better yet, call your sister to keep you company. You can both eat shit as far as I’m concerned,” Liz added, crossing her arms with a serious look on her face. “We’ve had enough drama for one day. Run along now. What we do and who Danny spends his time with is none of your damn business.”

  Danny didn’t have to say a word. He sat there, holding me, attempting to hide his chuckling, but with me in his lap, jiggling away while he hid his face in my hair, it was so obvious. He’d never witnessed Liz tell anyone off in such a manner. It was quite comical, considering who she was talking to. Harriette needed to be knocked down a notch or three. She’d been on her high horse for way too long.

  “Screw you, bitches. I don’t have to take this,” she said as she whipped her hand up, using her magic, effectively spilling our remaining shots across the bar top and stalking away in huff.

  “Well, that went well. Thanks, Sis. You jumped in before I could say another word. I was dying inside wanting to laugh in her face when you told her to call her sister so they could both eat shit,” I said laughing.

  “Whatever, she deserved it and I can’t stand her face,” Liz said. “The way she talked about you as if you weren’t even here ran all over me and I lost it. Now… more shots, but none of that sweet crap. I want the real stuff. If we’re going to drink, it’s tequila shots this time.” Her eyes began to glow a yellowish hue. Uh oh.

  And so the tequila kept coming. I lost count after the fifth round, forgetting how much I hated the stuff. It was like liquid acid burning my throat. It took me back to the days of partying with Danielle and the many times she had to hold my hair back while I puked.

  Tequila was poison and should’ve been outlawed, but after the night Liz had, she could have whatever she wanted. I was going along for the ride, hangover and puking be damned. That’s what Danny was for, right?

  Apparently, I thought I was going to become a karaoke star and took over the mic for several songs, slurring my words as I happily sang my favorite eighties tunes. Danny had to practically drag me off the stage when I kept screaming, “One more song. The audience loves me!” No, in my drunken haze what I had assumed were adoring fans, were actually angry patrons who had been waiting patiently for their turn at karaoke. I was about to get mobbed.

  “Okay, Abby. You’re done for the night,” Danny said, trying not to laugh at my ridiculous behavior.

  “Where’s Liz? Wait… Who’s she talking to at the bar? Do we know him? Let’s go check him out,” I half yelled over the loud crowd in the bar and shook Danny off.

  “Hey, who’s this?” I asked, pointing to Mr. Tall, Dark and Sexy, who looked to be getting a little too close to my sister.

  “Abby, this is Mark,” Liz replied, looking at me somewhat irritated. “He was just about to buy me a drink and we were only talking.”

  It was kind of hard to focus at that point. I was definitely drunk, okay plastered as I saw two Mark’s standing before me. Danny was at my back, pretty much holding me up. I couldn’t fake sober if I tried.

  “Nice to meet you, Mark,” I slurred, holding out my hand to shake his.

  When he shook my hand I felt a surge of electricity that nearly knocked me off my drunken feet. Maybe it was static or maybe he was a witch. I was definitely off my game. Two Mark’s smiled back at me and about that time I felt a horrible rumbling in my stomach.

  “Uh, Sis. I think I need some water,” I said.

  Chapter 10

  The next thing I remembered was waking up in my bed in only a white T-shirt and pink lace panties with tiny bows on the side; they were practically see-through! The sun was streaming through my window across my face and I felt like I wanted to die. My head was pounding as if tiny construction workers were jackhammering concrete in my skull and my mouth tasted like vomit.

  Clearly, tequila was the devil and I was its mistress for the night… Never again. Suddenly, a long muscular arm wrapped around me. Shocked, I nearly fell out of my bed.

  “Danny, wake up! What the hell are you doing in my bed and how the hell did we get home? Does Mom know you’re here?” I asked, panicking.

  “Hmm. Go back to sleep, Abby. Yes, your mom knows and we took a cab home. You were too drunk to walk and I had to carry you. It’s fine,” he said in a sleepy voice.

  I moved the covers to see Danny bare-chested and dear Lord, those abs… I slapped him across that glorious chest and asked him where his clothes were.

  “On the floor. No, we didn’t have sex, if that’s what you’re wondering. Abby, it’s six a.m. For the love of God, go back to sleep,” he said with one eye cracked open and a slight grin.

  “You’re half naked in my bed and you want me to go back to sleep? Did Liz come home with us? Is she okay?” I asked, my voice rising.

  “Yes, she’s home and in bed sleeping like we should be at this hour. We left shortly after you puked on that Mark guy’s shoes. Liz was a little pissed, but we all laughed about it on the way home. At least she got his number,” he said, sitting up in the bed chuckling.

  I didn’t find that funny in the least. I had freakin’ puked in public on some guy’s shoes, at my favorite watering hole no less. Humiliation, that’s what I felt and I knew Liz would have a field day with it. Awesome.

  I sat back in the bed and leaned against Danny’s shoulder, relaxing a little, burying my shame. There was no point in dwelling on it; what was done was done. I’d deal with it later. I barely remembered that guy anyway. It’s not like Liz would call him or I would ever see him again. Liz never called guys. She let them pursue her—period.

  “Feeling better now? Woah…you should really brush your teeth,” Danny said, nudging me and laughing. “Sorry, I don’t mind morning breath, but tequila mixed with puke is a bit much.”

  “Really now? I should kiss you with my nasty dragon breath. You know, you’re never supposed to talk about that stuff, but thanks for the reminder. I can totally taste it—more like a cat took a crap in my mouth. I’ll take care of it,” I said, and slowly climbed out of the bed to get rid of my yuck mouth.

 

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