Mystic Embrace (10 page)

I still worry about how this succubus will affect Alexander. I have to be honest to myself and say that I’d rather have him help than Matt. Alexander and the rest of the Pierce family have proven to be such assets in our fight against evil. And knowing that Alexander can hold his own makes me feel more comfortable taking him on this mission. I also believe that his power of telepathy will assist in narrowing her down. The most difficult part will be knowing exactly who she is and the fact that she can change her appearance at any time. As the clock slowly ticks by, I continue to take notes and doodle. I tend to get a little more distracted these days.

***

Eliza is already at the manor waiting for us and preparing supplies for tonight.

“
Hey Ebony, how was school today?” She asks as usual.

“
Same as always Eliza, my mind has been elsewhere today,” I reply with a hint of attitude.

“
I’m sorry, I’m just trying to keep things as normal as possible. Oh and Alexander thanks for coming to help.”

“
Anytime Eliza, you know that my family is always here to help you, as you have us.”

I grab our backpacks and start packing the supplies Eliza has prepared. We go over the list of victims again just to see if we can find a pattern. From what we can figure most of the victims were last seen at a local pub, and usually alone. Eliza grabs her pendulum in the map of Boston so that we can scry for succubus. The last two victims were both in the Boston area; because it is such a large city we assume she’s still there. The two of us sit at the table and concentrate all of our collective energy towards the pendulum concentrating on the succubus. The pendulum points us to a pub near Harvard, where Luke recently took a job. I can feel Eliza’s energy drain as panic sets in for the man she loves. Pushing away from the table, she quickly runs to the phone.

I give Alexander, a nod and he connects us telepathically to Eliza as she calls Luke.

As Luke answers the phone Eliza asks frantically,
Luke do you work tonight?

Yeah, I have to be there in about two hours. Why, what’s up is everything okay?
His concern is evident.

Okay, we will be there before you start work. The demon that I told you about to watch out for…

Yeah, what about her?

We have tracked her to the pub that you work at. Please promise me you will be careful. Are you wearing your basketball ring?

I always do, except when I’m playing. Do you think your protection spell that you put on it will hold up?
He asks.

After Eliza confessed everything about us to Luke we placed a protection spell on his State Championship ring, just as we did on Matt and Nathanial’s gifts at Christmas. So far the spell has proven to be very helpful.

With a big sigh of relief Eliza says,
There is no reason that it shouldn’t. But please keep an eye out for anything suspicious. We will get there soon as possible, I love you.

I love you too, don’t worry. I’ll be careful.

She comes back into the room and starts grabbing the bags.

Alexander puts his hand on her shoulder, “We’ll take my car Eliza. It’s faster than yours, and I’m a faster driver. Not to mention this has just upped the ante for you and I think you are too emotional to drive,” He insists.

“
Thank you Alexander, now let’s go. I want to make sure we’re there before Luke.”

We finish loading the car and hit the highway as fast as Alexander’s car allows us to. At this rate, we should be there in fifteen minutes, which is barely a fraction of the normal time. It would take.

Chapter
Fourteen

Succubus

“
Why don’t we take the booth in the corner? It gives us a full view of the pub,” Alexander suggests.

“
That’s a great choice. It’s also a little darker so we can use the crystal that we charged to detect the succubus. If and when she enters, the crystal will set off a glow,” I explain.

Eliza takes the tea light out of the candle holder on our table and places the crystal inside the holder. This way it will only appear to be the glow of a candle. We seat ourselves strategically, with Eliza and I next to each other. Alexander sits across from us to make it appear as though he just came over to chat with a couple of girls. Shortly after she comes in Alexander will leave the table to sit at the bar, making it appear that he’s struck out.

Luke walks in, just before seven o’clock, for his shift. With a slight nod, we know that he’s prepared. As we wait we try to set up a plan and all agree that the faster we can get her to attach to Alexander and get them both out of the pub, the better. We don’t want any of the innocent people here to have a good time, get stuck in the middle of our fight. Out of nowhere the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen walks in. She’s tall and fit with long black hair and dark olive skin. She boasts so much confidence that everyone in the pub stops what they’re doing and notices her.

“
That’s the one,” Eliza smacks me and we both notice the crystal glowing.

Alexander looks to us and sees the crystal aglow and with a wink he tells us he’s ready. Once Alexander finishes his drink he stands up to bring attention to himself and says, “Thank you ladies. It was a pleasure to meet you; I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening.” He then turns around and heads towards the bar perching himself on a stool by himself.

With a few whispers and some annoying giggles, Eliza and I act like a couple of tipsy college girls. Alexander ensures that we are connected telepathically, as well as Luke to ensure that we all know, what is going on. While at the bar Alexander pretends to confide in Matt in hopes that the succubus will be listening as she tries to make her mark. Alexander is playing his role perfectly. Even though physically he’s extremely handsome, he is playing the role of the lonely, insecure man. Telling Luke how he’s new to town and has no friends or family is hoping to meet someone that would be willing to show him around. I can’t help but think that he is working the perfect hook.

Eliza and I both keep an eye on the tall dark beauty; she looks around nonchalantly before making her way around the pub. Slowly she begins to move closer to the bar, and as she approaches Alexander she asks, “Is this seat taken?”

“
I was saving it just for you. Hi, my name’s Alexander.” Like gentlemen he is, he stands up and pulls out the bar stool and helps her on.

“
Thank you, it’s nice to meet you Alexander. My name Kyra, would you be so kind as to buy me drink?”

“
The ladies wish is my command. Bartender can you please bring a lady a drink.” He gives Luke a wink. A hint to Luke to add the weakening potion into her drink that he had slipped to him earlier.

It doesn’t take long for Kyra to make her move and try to get Alexander out of the bar, “I’ve had a lovely evening with you Alexander, but I must say it’s time for me to go. Would it be too forward of me to ask if you would be a doll and escort me to my place? It is getting late and I must admit I’m slightly impaired and don’t feel safe walking the streets by myself.”

“
Why of course, what kind of gentleman would I be if I allowed a beautiful lady like yourself walk home alone?” He leans over the bar and shakes Luke’s hand, “It is nice to meet you man and maybe I’ll see you again soon some time.”

Alexander helps Kyra with her coat and they leave the bar together. Walking up the street we stay a few steps behind them giggling and pretending to be a little drunk. After a few blocks when nothing seems to be happening Alexander telepathically suggests that we hang back a bit. Almost instantly, she leads him down a back alley, where she pushes him up against the wall and begins to kiss him. He turns around and slams her against the wall, grabbing her by her throat. Eliza and I come running around corner to assist.

The three of us watch as she takes a true demon form. Dozens of razor-sharp teeth protrude from her mouth, her beautiful long hair disappears as her weathered and rough skin take over. Large pointy ears protrude from her head and her big beautiful brown eyes become sunken in, black and beady. From a beautiful exotic woman no one could take their eyes off of to a hideous beast with a high-pitched squeal, she pushes Alexander down. As fast as he was on his back, he jumps to his feet. As they partake in a physical fight, Eliza, and I begin to chant.

By the power of the moon,

we remove you,

from this time

and we banish you,

from this place

with the power of the moon,

we send you back,

never to leave a trace,

so mote it be,

so mote it be,

so mote it be.

The three of us huddle together and cover our ears as her bloodcurdling squeal echoes through the night air. She combusts and is gone, leaving only Alexander, Eliza and myself in the alley. I feel a sense of relief that no more men will suffer at the hand of this succubus again. I notice a scorch mark lining the old brick and mortar wall. The blackened mark outline where the succubus was standing, I can’t help but smile at thought of all the men we helped tonight. Past victims will at least regain their memories and mental states, unfortunately any of their financials are gone for good.

We go back to the pub so that Luke knows everything is okay.

“
I was starting to wonder what took you guys so long,” Luke confesses.

“
It is no big deal. It just took a little longer for her to take the bait, but it’s all over now,” Eliza confirms.

“
Thanks for your help tonight Luke, I wish we could stay longer, but I’m exhausted. The baby is sucking all of my energy out of me. I think it’s time for us to head back to Wenham,” I admit.

Eliza leans over and asks, “Ebony, are you okay if I stay here with Luke tonight?”

“
Of course I’ll be fine. Alexander will get me home safely, see you tomorrow.”

“
See you guys. Have a goodnight.” Alexander waves, as we leave again.

The car ride back to Wenham is just as fast as the drive out. Getting back to the manor, I make myself a cup of tea, crawl in to bed and call Matt.

He answers on the first ring, “I’m glad you called. I’ve been worried about you all night.”

“
I’m sorry; I never mean to worry you. I’m exhausted, but had to let you know that I’m back and miss you.”

“
I miss you too. It won’t be much longer until were together all the time. Then you’ll be sick of me,” He jokes.

“
I could never get sick of you, especially if you get up for the three in the morning feedings and diaper duty.”

“
You know I will. So I’m thinking we should talk about setting a wedding date and whether or not you would like to make things official before the baby arrives.”

“
We will, why don’t we sit down this weekend, and figure things out,” I suggest.

“
That sounds great plan, to me. Now you need to get some sleep, take care of yourself and our baby. Is Alexander staying the night with you tonight? You know, I don’t like you being alone.”

I giggle, “Yeah, he is and Matilda is already here with him. You have nothing to worry about. I’m in good hands here. Now let’s both get some sleep. We have school tomorrow. I’ll meet you there, okay?”

“
Okay, sweet dreams,” He says with such sincerity.

“
I love you, Matt. Have a good night and make sure you dream of me.”

“
I always do, I love you too.”

***

Picking up one of my wiccan history books I decide to study a little more, we need to learn some more basic witchcraft. We have concentrated so much on learning spells and potions that I think we have just skipped over the simple things. I want to learn more about such things as gemstones and the use of nature and herbs for things other than potions and spells. Grams taught us about some of the tools that we can use such as wands and athames. She also taught us about the various deities. The gods and goddesses are such an important part of Wicca that I think it is time to include them in our lives a little bit more.

Matilda comes in to check on me, “Hey kid, how are you feeling?”

“
Pretty good, I just thought it was time to maybe learn a little bit more about my heritage and what we believe.”

“
So what are you up to?” She sits down next to me.

“
Did you know that every color has a meaning and every day of the week has a color?”

“
I knew there were always reasons why you used certain colors of candles during your spells and rituals,” she admits.

“
Have you ever noticed when looking at someone and seeing a colorful glow around them?”

“
Yeah, now that you mention it, I have. What is it? I was assumed it was my eyes playing tricks on me, or an extension of the souls. Maybe something I haven’t learned yet.”

“
Yeah, I thought it was just my eyes too, but I was just reading in here about auras.”

“
So what exactly is an aura?” Matilda inquires.

“
It is actually really cool. An aura is a visual manifestation of power,” I explain.