Bittersweet Magic (The Order #2)

“Now who sounds bitter?”


“At least I have good reason. But I can take a guess at your question. She wants the same thing she always has—to bring down the barriers between the worlds and rule the Earth.” He shrugged. “And you.”

“Me?”

He tried to sound surprised, but he wasn’t. Yeah, he was betting she wanted him—wanted him dead. She’d never been the forgiving sort, and he had betrayed her. But not until she had betrayed him, taken away his beliefs, his life, his chance of rebirth.

“Well, you don’t think I looked you up out of fond memories, do you?”

“So where is she?”

“Still confined to the Abyss. She’s regaining strength but doesn’t have the power to enter this world. Yet.”

Piers frowned. Why would Jack tell him this? “You’re being very forthcoming. Why is that? I’m presuming Andarta would like me dead—why tell me she’s still weak?”

Jack gave a short mirthless laugh. “She doesn’t seek your death.”

“No?”

“The stupid bitch wants you back.”

Piers stared at him, the words not quite making sense. Andarta wanted him back? Back as in “lovers”? Was it just a plot to get him close enough to finish him off?

“It’s no trick,” Jack said as though reading his mind. “I’m here to offer you a place at her side. Consort to the Queen.” Jack’s tone was bitter. But then, Andarta’s side was a place Jack had always aspired to, but he had never been more than a servant to her.

Piers paced the floor of the warehouse. He admitted it—he was thrown completely off balance. Plus—he still wasn’t sure he believed it.

“She said to tell you to remember that she’s always admired strength and ruthlessness. She knows you love her—”

“Loved maybe…a long time ago.”

Jack shrugged. “Whatever. Anyway, I’m here to tell you she is willing to forgive you—all you have to do is ask.”

Piers went back to his pacing. The truth was he didn’t know what to say. He had a flashback to that long ago time when Andarta had been his whole world. God, he’d loved her. No other woman had ever come close. An image flashed in his mind of the little nun, Sister Rosa. Why? Why think of her at this point? He shook his head.

“Tell Andarta I’ll think about it.”

“What’s there to think about? Don’t tell me you don’t still desire her. Don’t tell me you’re satisfied with your life—protecting these humans.”

That reminded him. “Are you aware the police have a picture of you?”

“What?” Jack sounded shocked.

“You’ve been careless. They’re hunting for you in connection with a missing girl. Two missing girls.”

“Really?” Then he shrugged. “It doesn’t matter—soon the police will be irrelevant. So what’s your answer?”

“I’d like some time to consider.” He thought for a minute. With the Key in her possession, Andarta would have been able to open the portal between the Abyss and here, however weak she was. Maybe she wouldn’t risk appearing until she had regained her strength, but he didn’t think that was it. “Have you given her the Key?” Jack glanced away, and Piers knew the answer was no. “You don’t trust her, do you?”

“Why the hell would I trust her?” Jack snarled.

“But you do love her.”

“Piss off.”

“Okay.” He’d had enough of this meeting anyway. He needed to think things through. He turned and walked toward the entrance, pausing in the doorway. “Just don’t let the police catch you. Get rid of the girl—make sure the police don’t find her, or we will come after you.”

“OOOO—I’m so scared.”

Piers ignored the comment and exited the building. Christian was leaning against the wall, arms folded across his chest. He quirked a brow as he saw Piers. “Well?”

“Well what?”

“Is it all sorted?”

“Hardly.” Piers pulled his phone from his pocket and pressed speed dial. “Carl? He’ll be heading back to wherever he left the girl. Follow him—if she’s dead, make sure he disposes of the body where it won’t be found. If she’s alive, keep her that way and take her back to the Order.”

He slipped the phone into his pocket and frowned. He still couldn’t believe it. Andarta wanted him back. How did he feel about that? The truth was he really didn’t know. His head ached, and he rubbed the spot between his eyes.

“Problems?” Christian asked.

He shook his head. “No. Yes... To be honest, I have no idea.”

Christian grinned. “You sound like you need a drink.”

“Yeah, a drink sounds good. Or two.”

…

Roz fastened her seat belt and stared ahead, trying to get her thoughts settled and on the matter at hand.