Chapter Six

 

 

“Shh, shadíma. The man is gone.”

He pressed his lips to her hair as she buried her face against his chest. It was going be a while before her body relaxed.

“Willa. Willa, look at me please.”

Reluctantly she raised her head.

“I have called my men. They are on their way to install bars on your windows and a security system. I would prefer that you stay with me at the mansion, but I am certain you would balk at the suggestion. In lieu of that, I will make you as safe as possible here.”

She frowned at him. “The landlord won’t like that. It took months to find this place. I can’t chance being evicted, Etie.”

“If he or she has a problem with the additions, I will take care of it. I will buy the damn house if need be. Nothing is more important than your safety.”

Her brows rose. “Buy the house? Are you nuts? I doubt the owner will just up and sell it to you.”

“You would be surprised how convincing I can be. If I want this house, I will have it. For now, the enhanced security will suffice.”

Willa shook her head and pulled from his arms. “We should wait inside. If we canoodle out here where all the world can see, the neighbors will fog up their windows watching the show.”

Etienne tucked her under his arm. “Hm. Canoodle. I like that idea. Lead the way, my lady. But I must warn you, someone was in your apartment.”

Willa stiffened and then panicked. “Shadow! If that bastard hurt my cat, I’ll rip his balls off.”

She expected her apartment to be trashed. Drawers dumped out, furniture overturned, but she saw none of that. She turned to Etie, perplexed. “Everything looks normal to me. Why do you think he was in here?”

“I can sense the remnants of a male presence that was here only minutes before we arrived. Also, he left a gift on your kitchen counter.”

Willa called for Shadow and only after he squeezed from under her bed frightened but unharmed did she investigate the kitchen. “What on earth?” A single long-stem black rose lay in the center of the granite island.

He tapped the counter next to the bloom without actually making contact. “What do you make of this?”

Willa closed her eyes and held her palm a hairsbreadth from the flower. Very slowly, she moved her palm from the petals to the cut end of the stem. “The energy clinging to the stem where he touched it is very dark. I think it’s a threat of some kind.”

“I do as well. The energy is familiar and yet not.”

“I was afraid of that. So, what do we do with the flower?”

“My men are bringing a couple of witches with them. They will remove the rose and cleanse the surface it has touched. For all we know, it is spelled to curse you.”

“Great. Now I’m really freaked out. Are you sure the added security will keep this guy out?”

“Your patio door will be repaired, and a second decorative security door will be installed outside of it. Then the witches will spell your apartment to protect it against intruders. No one will be able to enter without your permission.”

“That’s a relief. Shadow doesn’t do well with change. If I had to pack up and leave, he would have a nervous breakdown. As long as you can assure my safety, I prefer to stay here.”

“I thought that would be your choice. Thus, the new security measures. Otherwise, I would simply whisk you away to my home.”

“My hero,” she joked in a shaky voice. With an unknown threat hanging over her head, all she wanted to do was curl up in a ball on her sofa.

He took her hand, and she allowed him to pull her from the kitchen. “Come. Sit with me. I will hold you until the men arrive.”

Willa cuddled against him on the couch, absorbing his warmth and strength. To her utter shock, Shadow crawled into Etie’s lap and sprawled his chubby body across his legs. “Unbelievable.”

Etie scratched the fickle feline behind his ears. “What?”

“Shadow hates everyone except me. I’ve never seen him behave like a normal cat.”

“Cats are very intuitive animals. He can sense and smell that I am not a threat to either him or his human.”

“If that was all it was, he would let my friends pet him. That ornery beast hisses at them and hides until they leave.”

Etie grinned and kissed her neck. “Then, perhaps, it is my incredible charm.”

Willa giggled and wriggled as he tickled her with his lips. “Whatever you say, Romeo.”

Before their kisses could turn to something more intimate, a loud knock sounded.

“That will be my people. If you do not mind, I will let them in and tell them what needs to be done.”

“Be my guest.”

Three handsome men and two uniquely dressed women filed into her small space, filling it to capacity. Her adorable apartment had never felt so small.

Etie took her hand and introduced each in turn. “Willa, this is my second, Darius. And these two are my newest family members, Nick, and Derick. Like me, they are vampires.” The men each nodded and said hello.

They smiled and seemed friendly enough, but she inched closer to Etie anyway. “Hello.”

“These lovely ladies are witches. Carolyn and Jacquelyn, this is Willa.” The women were more demonstrative. Before she knew what was happening, they each hugged her.

Carolyn stepped back and smiled at her sweetly as Darius wrapped an arm around her. “I’m so happy to finally meet you, Willa. Karen has told us all about you.”

“Oh! You are that Carolyn. I have so many questions for you.”

Jacquelyn scowled and elbowed Nick when he tried to put his arm around her shoulders. “Back off. I’m still mad at you.” Then she looked back at Willa and smiled. “I’m Carolyn’s cousin. I’ve heard all about you as well. Karen says you have gifts. You should join our little coven. There is safety in numbers, you know.”

“Maybe. I don’t practice witchcraft so I haven’t given it much thought,” Willa hedged.

Etienne stepped in, saving her from a very uncomfortable conversation. “Darius, the intruder was a vampire. A truck will arrive in a few minutes with the supplies I ordered. There should be silver-coated security grates for each door and window. Every possible entry must be secured. I want the work completed before I return at seven.”

Darius examined the patio door and then walked her tiny apartment counting windows. “As long as everything fits properly, we can have the job done in a couple hours.”

“Excellent. Did you bring protective gloves?”

Darius nodded. “I have them in the truck.”

“Good.” Then Etienne addressed the women. “There is a black rose in the kitchen. It may be spelled or cursed. Handle it with extreme caution. Once it is disposed of, I would appreciate it if you would magically cleanse the apartment and place protection spells to prevent intruders.”

Jacquelyn walked to the kitchen and examined the rose without touching it. “This will be easy enough.”

“Perfect. You all know what to do. I have a few things that require my attention, so I must return to the mansion. I am leaving Willa in your care. I am sure I do not have to tell you the gravity of that responsibility.”

Darius clapped Etienne on the back. “Don’t worry. Nothing will happen to your muierimei.”

“Thank you.” Etienne pulled Willa onto the front porch and took her face in his hands. “Be safe, Willa. I will pick you up at seven as planned. If anything frightens you, call me. I will come immediately.”

“I will. But with all these people here, that guy isn’t going to come near me.”

He grinned and winked at her. “That was my plan.”

“Before you go, I have a question.”

“What is it? You can ask me anything.”

“Why did you order everything coated in silver? That seems a bit extravagant for a rental property.”

“The silver will repel a vampire. He cannot touch it without gloves. Any exposed skin that comes into contact with it will be badly burned.”

“Silver, huh? I thought that was only a thing with werewolves.”

“Do not believe the dribble spewing from Hollywood movies. Ninety-five percent of it is wrong.”

“That isn’t hard to believe. I’m going to watch Carolyn and Jacquelyn do their thing. Who knows, I might decide to explore this witch thing.”

“Have fun and be careful. I will be back in a few hours.”

“I will. See you at seven.”

He kissed her until her head swam and then he was gone.

 

 

Etienne stood before his wardrobe barefoot, wearing only a silk robe as he rejected one suit after another. Every one, a designer masterpiece, yet none were right for his date with Willa. A soft knock on his door pulled his concentration from his wardrobe. “Enter.”

Darius opened the way for his beloved Carolyn, giving Etienne an assessing once over. “We have come to offer assistance.”

Etienne’s brows rose. “What gave you the impression that I was in need?”

Darius looked pointedly at the robe. “Obviously, you have this in hand. Perhaps we were mistaken?”

Carolyn covered her mouth with her hand, the muffled snorts coming from behind her palm sounded suspiciously like a stifled laugh.

Etienne scowled at his suits a final time and sighed. “Fine. I admit that I could use a little advice. But what are you doing here? You are supposed to be at Willa’s.”

“Nick was finishing up the patio door when we left. Everything will be secure before you pick her up.”

“Perfect. Thank you for doing that. Now, what do you suggest I wear?”

Carolyn waved her hand at the row upon row of black suits. “If you show up in one of those, Willa will think you’re taking her to a funeral. How about khaki slacks and a polo shirt? Or jeans. What do you have for jeans?”

Etienne felt every drop of blood drain from his face. “I do not own any.”

Darius’s and Carolyn’s mouths fell open as if choreographed. “You have got to be kidding,” she gasped.

Etienne hung his head in defeat. “Not in the least.”

Carolyn looked at Darius’s jeans and then Etienne’s legs and hips. “I think you are close to Darius’s size. Babe, why don’t you go get a couple pairs for him to try?”

“That’s a great idea. I’ll be right back.”

“Bring a couple shirts, too,” she called out as he headed down the hall.

A few minutes later, Etienne closed his door on his best friends and tried on jeans for the first time in his life. Surprisingly, they fit. Even more shocking was the fact that he liked the way they looked and felt. The royal blue polo shirt with black micro stripes, collar, and trim, looked great as well. “All right. You can come back in.”

“Holy hotness,” Carolyn exclaimed. “You look amazing.”

Darius nodded emphatically. “Yeah. Willa is going to be all over you tonight.”

He turned this way and that in front of his full-length mirror. “Do you really think so?”

Darius crossed his arms over his chest, grinning. “Absolutely. And tomorrow, we’ll take you to my favorite shop so you can buy some of your own.”

Etienne smiled brightly at them. “Thank you. Both of you. You saved what I hope will be one of the most important nights of my life.”

“Anytime. Heck, most of the time, Carolyn picks out my clothes for me. My personal style leaves something to be desired. At least, that’s what I’m told.”

Carolyn giggled and shook her head. “Most men need a little help. Knock her dead, Etienne. Have a great night. We’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Yeah. Tomorrow. We have a hot date, too,” Darius said as he pushed Carolyn out the door.

Alone again, Etienne took another long look at himself. It was amazing how clothing could change a person’s appearance. He couldn’t remember the last time he worried over the way he looked.

For over a century, he hadn’t given much thought to the changing styles or trends. He had an excellent tailor. Suits looked good on him and presented minimal challenge when choosing what to wear. Besides, he had only interacted with women when his physical needs demanded he scratch an itch. Which had been few and far between. He would take a lover for an hour or two, then immediately returned to his celibate lifestyle. It had worked well for him.

He liked humans, but due to the way they reacted to his vampire magnetism, he kept them at arm’s length. Willa broke all of his rules regarding humans. Thank goodness she was a witch with gifts. She was just different enough to withstand his allure if she chose. Hopefully, she wouldn’t choose to do so very often.

He couldn’t dally any longer. It was time to collect his muierimei for dinner and a very long, very painful discussion. He paused for a moment to say a short prayer that all would go well.

 

 

Willa ran a finger over the scrolls and swirls of the silver-plated gate securing her patio door. “Oh my goodness. I didn’t expect the bars and gates to be so ornate and beautiful.”

“Etienne never does things by halves,” Nick chuckled as he put away his tools. “He wanted to not only protect you and your home but add to the grandeur of the house you live in.”

She grinned over her shoulder at him. “He certainly accomplished what he set out to do. I’ll be sure to thank him tonight.”

Jacquelyn joined her on the patio. “Now that your home is ready, perhaps I can help you get ready as well. If I heard correctly, Etienne will be here in an hour.”

“Crap! Is it six already? I have to get moving. Come on, you can help me pick out something to wear.”

Willa did her hair and makeup while Jacquelyn dug through her closet. “Are you dressing up or is tonight casual?” Jacquelyn called from the bedroom.

“I think tonight is casual,” she yelled back.

Jacquelyn pulled a pretty forest-green silk blouse from the closet and paired it with jeans and leather flats. When Willa walked in with her hair pulled up and fastened with a green jewel-encrusted clip, she clapped her hands together. “Perfect. This outfit will be absolutely perfect.”

Willa shucked the robe she’d put on and donned the clothes. “How do I look?”

“Beautiful. You are going to knock his socks off.”

She smoothed the blouse and asked in a small voice, “Do you really think so?”

“Without a doubt. I better go. He’s going to be here in a few minutes. Have a great night and let’s get together soon.”

“Thanks, Jacquelyn. For everything. I’ll call you, and we’ll do coffee or something.”

“You’re welcome. Lock up after me. Etienne will have a cow if he gets here and your door isn’t locked.”

“I’m right behind you. I used to have the door unlocked all the time when I was home. But now, I don’t think I’ll ever leave my door unlocked again. Drive safely, and I’ll give you a call.” Willa closed and locked the silver gate that added protection to her front door and waved as her new friend drove away. She had the wooden door half closed when she felt eyes on her. Evil, angry, emotions rushed at her. The feeling so intense, she took a step back. In a panic, she slammed the door shut and threw the lock on it as well.

She was still staring at the door when a knock tore a scream from her throat.

“Willa! Open the door, or I will rip it down.”

“Etie? Is that you?”

“Yes, my love. Please, let me in.”

She cranked on the deadbolt, threw the door wide and was poised to jump into his arms when she stopped short. The silver gate was in the way. Frustrated, she unlocked that as well and rushed into his arms.

“What happened? Why are you shaking?” he asked as he backed her into the apartment and closed the door.

“I felt that man watching me when I was locking up. I thought you were him trying to get in.”

“I walked the perimeter before I knocked. He isn’t out there. Are you sure you felt him?”

“Oh, yeah. He was out there all right. You know what? Give me a minute. I’m getting my Ruger. If that bastard comes near me again, I’m going to blast him to kingdom come.”

When she returned a couple of minutes later carrying a slightly larger purse, he smiled. “I will have Nick drop off a box of silver bullets for your little peashooter.”

“Peashooter! I will have you know, I can do some damage with Matilda.”

He cocked his head and pressed his lips together, obviously suppressing a smile. “Matilda?”

“My gun.”

Then he chuckled. “You named your gun, Matilda?”

Willa slammed her hands onto her hips and narrowed her eyes “Don’t be dissing my gun. Matilda was my grandmother’s name, and she was a badass.”

“In that case, Matilda is perfect.”

She smiled happily. “I’m glad you agree. By the way, though you make a suit look great, you totally rock a pair of jeans.”

“Thank you. You look amazing as always.” He lowered his gaze and bit his lip as he took in her lush, curvy body. He stepped closer and pulled her into his arms. Then he was sampling her full, moist lips. “You smell great as well,” he growled as he buried his face in the hollow of her throat.

“Mmm. I like the way you say hello.”

“I love saying hello to you, Willa. Regrettably, we have to get going. I have reservations at one of my favorite restaurants. They have a private room at our disposal for the evening. We have much to discuss.”

She sighed. “You’re right.” Then she winked at him. “You can say hello to me again after dinner.”

“I will hold you to that. Now, if you would be so kind as to open the security gate, I will wait while you lock up.”

“Why do I— Oh yeah, I forgot that silver will burn you if you touch it without gloves.”

About ten minutes later, Etienne opened the door to the famous B’s restaurant at 417 Royal Street and held it for her. As she preceded him, his gaze traveled down her body. He reined in his visceral reaction and followed her into the darkened reception area.

If all went well, he would have her warm and naked in his arms tonight. When they were alone in the privacy of her bedroom, he would run his hands over every inch of her. Until then, he would be the epitome of a gentleman on a date with his intended.

He forced his attention away from Willa to address the hostess.

Minutes later, Etienne held a chair for her and waited for her to be seated before taking his own.

“I had no idea this restaurant had a private dining room,” Willa said as she placed her napkin on her lap.

“It is a well-kept secret. The owner is fae or faerie as many refer to them. He maintains this room for the supernaturals to use.”

Willa leaned across the table and whispered, “Aren’t faeries tiny little things like in children’s movies?”

“They can be. The fae have the ability to change their form and size,” he whispered back.

Willa sat back, her eyes wide. “No kidding?”

“No kidding. We should order dinner and then we can talk. What do you like? Personally, I enjoy the blackened redfish.”

“I think I’ll have the shrimp creole kimchi.”

Etienne stacked their menus on the edge of the table and smiled. “That is an excellent choice and my second favorite thing on the menu.” He waved the waiter over to take their dinner order and asked that a bottle of their best wine be brought to the table. Taking a sip of water, he swept his gaze over her face.

She wore her hair up so that it cascaded in riotous curls from a decorative clip that glistened with each movement of her head. Several pink and purple strands were left loose to curled over her left shoulder, drawing his gaze to her left breast. He longed to set the rest free and feel the wealth of silk sliding through his fingers and brushing over his naked body.

Every single cell in his body responded to her. No one, not even Amalia, had ever made his body roar to life the way Willa did. Just gazing into her sapphire blue eyes. Just smelling her night flower scent propelled his body into overdrive.

“Do you like what you see?” Willa asked with a teasing tone to her voice.

“I love what I see,” he responded with all seriousness. He smiled when she blushed and glanced away. His Willa was stunning with a flush pinkening her skin. “Though tonight is most definitely a date, it is also about information and answering questions. Perhaps we should start with easy questions and answers. What are you mastering in at college?” he asked as the waitress brought their wine.

“I double majored in architectural preservation and art history. My master’s program is in preservation studies.”

He nodded. “Impressive. I imagine you enjoy hours on end at the museum. What is your favorite piece in the collection?”

“Actually, my true passion is the preservation of the historic houses and buildings of the city.”

“In that case, do you have a favorite building or home?”

“Not really. My favorite seems to change with what I’m studying or working on. Currently, I’m trying to find information on the Lalaurie Mansion about seven blocks from here. Contacting the current owner has proved to be problematic.”

“Not really.”

Willa paused with her wine glass halfway to her lips. “What do you mean?”

He gave her a broad smile and raised his glass to clink with hers. “You are having dinner with the owner.”

“No way! You own the property?”

“Yes. I had it built in eighteen thirty-two.”

“But everything I’ve read says the Lalauries moved into it that year.”

“Yes. It would. I have taken great pains to cultivate horror stories and imposter owners to cover the fact that I have owned it for almost two centuries. The Lalauries are friends of mine and two of the sweetest people you will ever meet.”

“Are you saying they’re still alive?”

“Of course. They are vampires like myself. The last time we spoke, they were living in Buenos Aires.”

Willa shook her head as if trying to wrap her mind around that. “I can understand the repeated sale to new owners, but why the stories?”

“They keep lookie-loos away. Few humans have the courage to cross the threshold of a house with such a sordid history. It ensures our privacy. As you can imagine, vampires require concealment from the human race.”

Willa laughed out loud. “That makes sense. So, would you give me a tour if I asked?”

“Absolutely. As you know, I no longer reside there, though I maintain a suite of rooms for personal use. Some of my family lives there now. Actually, I own the entire block from Royal Street to Decatur Street and Ursulines Avenue to Governor Nicholls Street. I purchase a large property for the local vampires to reside in as a community in each major city in the United States.”

“Holy Moses,” she breathed out. “That’s mind-boggling. Based on your mansion in the bayou, I knew you had money, but you’ve got to be billionaire rich.”

Etienne cocked a brow. “I keep the lights on.”

“You just made another joke.” She laughed at his pained expression. “Don’t worry. I won’t tell.”

Etienne shrugged playfully. “Be my guest. Everyone I know will believe you are telling tales. Before we get down to the nitty-gritty of all things vampire, I would like to ask you one more question. Last night you said you are an empath. How sensitive are you?”

Willa sighed heavily. “Very. The weight of humanity’s emotions crushed me as a child. My friends and I aren’t sure how it works, but somehow when we’re together, I’m shielded. Having them while growing up saved my sanity. I don’t know about your teenage years, but nowadays, teenage angst is one long drama fest. Without my girlfriends, I would have done myself in before I graduated high school.”

He frowned. “Why aren’t you overwhelmed now?”

She waved his concern away. “I met a really cool chick during my freshman year who taught me a few tricks to dampen down the bombardment of emotions. In a nutshell, I can turn my empathy up or down at will now. I don’t view my gift as a curse anymore.”

“Can you read my emotions right now?”

Willa winked at him. “Baby, I can read you without my gift. You’re thinking naughty thoughts, not that I’m complaining.”

Etienne cleared his throat. “I see.”

Willa took a sip of wine and set the glass on the table. “Karen mentioned that vampires have gifts, too. What’s yours?”

“All of them. There is nothing I cannot do. But just because you can do something, does not mean you should.”

“Geez.” Willa sat back hard in her chair. “That’s kind of scary.”

Etienne grinned and waggled his brows. “Only for my enemies. Never you.”

Willa laughed and shook her head. “You’re a nut. The vampire thing aside, you behave very differently from the men I’m used to. There is something very old world about you.”

He chuckled. “Old being the operative word.”

Willa cocked her head and studied his face for a moment. “Do you mind if I ask how old you are?”

“Not at all. I am five hundred and ninety-eight years old. I do not age the same way humans do. Once a born vampire reaches maturity, we stop aging. Forever. A made vampire will remain the age they were the day they complete the required blood exchanges. Only a silver stake through the heart or beheading will end my life. Until then, I will remain as you see me now.”

Willa was flabbergasted. “You’re not joking with me, are you?”

“Not even a little. I would never tell you an untruth. You are my muierimei. It would be dishonorable to do such a thing.”

“Cheese on a cracker! No wonder your manners are so old school.” She considered him for a minute. “Please don’t be insulted, but is growing up so many centuries ago why you speak the way you do? You never use contractions.”

“Perhaps. When I came to the new world, I had to learn to speak English. It is a difficult language, and as such, I picked my way through conversations one word at a time. I guess I never bothered to get into the habit of using contractions.”

“Use one for me. Say don’t.”

“Do… don’t,” he said, catching himself before he broke it into two words.

“Excellent. We’ll work on that. It will help you blend in better.”

He gave her a patient smile, then nodded. “As you wish.”

Suddenly she sat up straight and stared at his mouth. “I want to see your fangs again.”

Etienne sat back and crossed his arms over his chest. “Are you sure? The last time did not… didn’t end well.”

“Last time you took me by surprise. This time I’m ready for it. Come on, pop those chompers for me.”

He blinked at her for a second, then chuckled softly before parting his lips. His canines were as sharp and pointed, no sharper and longer than she imagined.

She started to reach out to touch one and then bit her lip and dropped her hand into her lap.

“Go ahead. Touch them. Though take care. They are,” he sighed and then continued, “they’re sharp.”