Lilly: A Stone Society Novella Read online

  Chapter Two

  “Good morning, Lilly,” her favorite tarot reader and good friend called out as he set up his own area.

  “Morning, John.” Lilly loved the older man who happened to be Eliore’s husband. He had taken her under his wing when she first began selling her paintings close to his table. He had been a wealth of knowledge with regards to which days were busiest, how to not let the tourists haggle her out of what her paintings were worth, which other local vendors were the real deal as opposed to those who pretended to be witches, voodoo practitioners, and psychics. He had been the one to encourage Lilly to purchase the building across the street when it became vacant. John and Eliore were family. She was closer to them than her own parents.

  Once John had his table set up, he strolled over to help Lilly hang her paintings. When they finished, he pulled a folded sheet of paper out of his back pocket. “Here’s a list of potions Ellie needs for the shop.”

  “Thanks.” Lilly scanned the list. “Tell her I’ll get them to her tomorrow.” Eliore rarely let supplies run completely out. Lilly made large batches of their most popular potions, and Eliore separated them into the small vials, then labeled them. Whenever they had special requests, it took Lilly a couple days to get them prepared as long as she had the necessary ingredients. Lilly loved concocting potions. It was something Grams taught her at an early age, and Lilly perfected the art by the time she was a teen. The grimoire was full of recipes as well as antidotes. Most were Grams’s recipes, but some were Lilly’s own mixtures.

  The square came to life with music and people, the atmosphere wrapping around Lilly like a friend’s embrace. Lilly had been shy as a young girl, but she came out of her shell the older she got and interacted with the tourists who stopped to look at her artwork. One customer in particular stood out. A woman named Tabitha stopped by every time she visited the city. Tabitha was a no-nonsense redhead who dressed like a biker, gave no fucks, and was as vibrant as the sun. She was one of Lilly’s best customers and had become a friend over the years.

  It was around noon when Lilly’s senses went on high alert. Not again. Lilly grabbed her stomach and looked around. Something or someone was messing with her. There were too many people walking around Jackson Square. Too many auras for her to determine whether or not danger was in the area. If she could single out the threat, she would be able to figure out why her body reacted the way it did. Lilly figured the cause was from someone local since the unease had been happening for a couple weeks. Most tourists only passed through for a few days.

  “Lilly?” John walked over from his table. She wanted to tell him she was fine, but the nausea was getting worse. “Go ahead. I’ll watch your stand,” he offered.

  “Thank you.” Lilly didn’t wait to push her way through the throng of tourists crowding the street between her row of paintings and her gallery across the asphalt. Lilly waved her hand over the lock. When it clicked, she pushed open the door and rushed into the downstairs kitchen. Throwing open the first cabinet to the left of her refrigerator, she grabbed the small vial of fennel seeds. Instead of infusing them in tea, Lilly tossed a few seeds into her mouth and chewed. Being a witch raised by a witch, Lilly was adept in mixing herbs for various ailments, but nothing she concocted seemed to be working on whatever was wreaking havoc on her system. That didn’t bode well for someone whose potions were sought by clients all around the globe.

  Her stomach eased enough for her to return to where she displayed her paintings during the early hours of each day. Lilly spent her nights creating artwork and mixing potions. The latter she sold both online and to a couple of local stores that weren’t run by practitioners. She nodded to John as she approached her stand where a tall man was examining one of her paintings. Lilly had observed this particular man on more than one occasion, first running into him at McFadden’s Pub. Resembling a pirate, he was hard to miss. The first time she saw the handsome stranger, she laughed to herself, thinking he had come from a costume party. Lilly had caught sight of him several times since, and he was always dressed the same way, so she nicknamed him Blackbeard. Most times she read him, his aura was silver indicating he was harmless, yet today it held tinges of red at the edges. Lilly knew by that alone he was a passionate man.

  “Hello, Lass,” he greeted when she reached his side. His voice was deep, and his accent matched his attire. Those two words caused the butterflies in her stomach to flutter like ballerinas dancing to “The Nutcracker.”

  “Hello.” Normally, Lilly chatted openly with her customers, but with this larger-than-life man, she found herself tongue-tied. She couldn’t help but stare at him now that he was close. His long, black hair was silky and begged to be touched. As with the other times she’d seen him, it was held in a ponytail by a strip of leather. His black beard was cropped close, adding to his roguish appearance. His ass – and what an ass it was – was encased in worn leather pants. He wore his white shirt unbuttoned halfway down his broad chest, showing off hard muscle beneath his tanned skin. And what was that smell? Lilly leaned closer, inhaling deeply.

  Oh, shit. It was him! The scent she’d been encountering the past week definitely had been the pirate. Taking a step back, Lilly’s sandal caught on one of the stones of the sidewalk. Her arms windmilled as she tried to regain her balance, and just before she landed on her ass, strong arms banded around her waist. Blackbeard’s eyes were narrowed in concern.

  “Are ya hurt, Lass?”

  Lilly held her breath and shook her head. She wasn’t hurt, but she was far from fine. She had to get away from him. He was the reason she felt off-kilter. Had he put a spell on her? Was he using magick of his own to make her sick? There was no other explanation.

  “Lilly? Is everything okay?” John asked from behind her.

  She pushed out of Blackbeard’s arms and turned her back on the man. “Fine. Uh, actually…” Lilly’s stomach roiled and sweat beaded on her face. “I don’t feel so well. I need to…” She hooked a thumb toward her studio, then took off at a sprint. She trusted John to look after her stall. Lilly locked the door behind her and flipped the sign in the window to closed. Before she headed upstairs, she chanced a look across the street. Both men were staring after her. John’s face was one of worry, but Lilly couldn’t decipher what Blackbeard was feeling. His aura still showed no hint of malice, but something about him was causing her distress. Her stomach spasmed, and Lilly rushed toward the back of the studio to the staircase.

  When she reached the top, pain like she’d never felt before overcame her whole body. Lilly dropped to her knees and crawled a few feet before rolling to her side. What the hell was happening? Silver aura or not, the pirate had done something to her. If he were a powerful witch, he could mask his aura. Yes, that had to be it. The man had placed a spell on her, and she was going to die right there. Tears leaked out of her eyes with regret.

  Regret at never having found love.

  Regret at never having children.

  Regret that her life was ending before she really had a chance to live.

  Dominic stared after Lillian as she rushed across the street. The female was clearly in distress. When he took a step to follow, the human man grabbed Dom’s arm. His beast bristled, but Dom tamped his shifter down.

  “Lilly hasn’t been feeling well. She’ll be fine in a bit. Would you like a reading?” John indicated his tarot table.

  “While I appreciate the offer, I’ll have to pass.” Dom wanted to check on Lillian. It didn’t set well with him that she wasn’t well. If he were being honest, he didn’t feel his best either. Something about being close to the blonde had his stomach twisted as though he ate something that didn’t agree with him. Taking his leave, Dom vowed to return the next day to check on the pretty female.

  As soon as he was back in his car, Dominic’s stomach calmed down. He didn’t want to leave the area, but he wasn’t sure how to approach the young lass. He could use the excuse he was checking to see how she felt. Instead of driving home, Dom
walked back to the square, remaining on the opposite side from Lilly’s building. Several policemen passed by on horseback, eyeing Dom who hadn’t moved in hours. It wasn’t as though he could blend in with the way he was dressed. Most of the cops knew Dominic as a local businessman, but that was in name only. When the tarot reader packed up Lilly’s artwork, Dom wanted to follow the man inside. It was obvious the two were friends, but Dominic wanted to be the one taking care of the blonde’s things. Something about her called to him on a level he didn’t understand.

  When the human left Lilly’s building, his face was set in a deep frown. Dom wanted to know why. When another patrolman started Dom’s way, he turned and strode to his car. Against his beast’s wishes, or hell, even his own, Dom drove back to the Garden District. As soon as he crossed the threshold, Dom made his way to the bar and poured himself a glassful of dark rum. He paced the hardwood of his parlor as he sipped the delicious liquor, wondering what was wrong with Lilly. If she hadn’t been well for days, she should see a physician. One of his Clanmates in New Metairie was a doctor, and he considered calling on the male, but then he decided against it. He didn’t want to intrude into Lilly’s life until they were better acquainted. But what if that which ailed her was serious?

  Dom was never at a loss. Never doubted himself or his beast. But in that moment, he wasn’t sure about anything other than Lillian St. James was important to him. He thought back to all those years ago when the gypsy foretold his mate would be a fair-haired witch. Dom didn’t know enough about Lilly. He didn’t know anything other than she was a skilled artist. Heading to his office, Dom sat down and woke his computer. He searched all the witchcraft shops in the area. When he happened upon the one called Hexes and Ohs, he hit the jackpot. Lilly’s photo wasn’t on the website, but her name was listed as owner. When he read the short bio about the female, he knew in his heart Lilly was his intended. But how could she be? She was human.

  Dom had the ability to sniff out those who were something other than human. His city was a safe haven for all types of shifters, fairies, witches, and voodoo practitioners. It was a secret he kept from his own kind, even his King. If Lilly were a Gargoyle, Dominic would have sensed it. He had never heard of Goyles mating outside their own species, so the prophecy didn’t make sense. Then again, with Lilly being a witch, it was possible she could cast an illusion spell. Or in this case, a disillusion one that masked her true nature. According to the website, Lilly was responsible for the spells and potions sold out of her shop. When Dom checked the reviews section, everyone had nothing but glowing words for both Lilly and the store.

  His phone rang, and he wanted to ignore it, but Dom wouldn’t. Rafael trusted Dom to handle any Clan business in the lower states. Thankfully, it wasn’t anything serious. Sully called to see if Dominic had met with Lilly. He recounted the day’s events, including what he’d discovered on the website. “I’m sure she’s my mate, Brother.”

  “Then congratulations are in order.”

  “Save them until we are truly bonded. I need to figure out how to go about approaching her.”

  “Just turn on your pirate charm,” Sully said.

  “I think it will take more than charm, but I will woo her. Now I have to figure out how.”

  “I have no doubt you’ll be successful. If you need my assistance for anything, I’m just a phone call away.”

  “I appreciate that.” And Dominic did. Sullivan Beauchamp was the best friend Dom ever had. The male was like a brother. The one Dom didn’t have biologically. Being an only child, Dominic had been raised in the South of France by parents who were also only children. With no siblings or cousins, his younger years were lonely ones.

  After saying their goodbyes, Dom returned to his computer. It didn’t take long to find an aerial view of Lilly’s building. He had thought he would be able to get inside through a back door, but even if he could get to the enclosed courtyard, he would still have to climb over the brick wall leading to her door. No matter how badly he wanted to see Lilly, Dom couldn’t take a chance on being spotted. Still, he couldn’t sit there and drink rum all night. He had to be close to her, so he stood and headed to his bedroom where he changed out of his usual attire into something less conspicuous. If he were going to stalk Lilly, he would have to blend in with the tourists. Ditching his leather pants and boots, Dom dug around his closet until he found a faded pair of jeans and some worn Converse sneakers. He added a New Orleans Saints T-shirt, then tucked his long hair underneath a baseball cap which sported a fleur-de-lis, the team’s logo. When the world fell apart some thirty years prior, things like sporting events and concerts were put on hold, but eventually, cities around the globe got their feet under them, and the world settled into their new normal.

  Once again, Dominic drove to the French Quarter. Lilly’s art studio was dark save a light in the upstairs window. He strolled the streets, winding back and forth so he passed by her building every fifteen minutes. Each time, Dominic reached out with his senses. Being Gargoyle, his hearing was exceptional, but the streets were crowded with tourists. It was impossible to block out the voices and laughter. The only thing that kept him from losing his mind was when a shadow passed by the window. Unless she wasn’t alone, Lilly was well enough to walk around.

  And if she wasn’t alone? Dominic didn’t know how he would handle that.

  Chapter Three

  Lilly wasn’t dead, but she almost wished she were. What had that fucker done to her? And why? She didn’t know the pirate, but for some reason, he had cast an evil spell on her and turned her into… She didn’t know what she was. After she retreated to her apartment, the pain went on for hours. Her body burned from the inside with fever, but she had been too weak to move from the fetal position at the top of the stairs. Lilly ripped her clothes off trying to find some relief, but it wasn’t forthcoming. Then, as though a flip had been switched, the fever was gone, the pain receded, and Lilly was left in a damp puddle of sweat. She thanked the goddess the worst of it was over until another type of pain stabbed her mouth and hands. That’s when she’d noticed her hands weren’t normal. She passed out at the sight.

  When Lilly came to, she dragged herself off the floor to stand in front of the bathroom mirror. Lilly screamed at the image staring back until she realized it was her own reflection. The scarf holding back her long hair was gone leaving behind a wild mess of sweat-soaked curls. Blood dripped down her chin as a sharp set of fangs dug into her bottom lip. Her eyes were bloodshot from all the tears, and her throat was raw from crying out for Grams. Lilly wiped at her bloody lip where her new fangs poked her mouth. Thankfully, the claws had retracted, and she was able to grasp a tissue without puncturing her palms. Palms that healed almost instantly. Taking a deep breath, Lilly willed the fangs to retreat. When they did, she counted that a win.

  When she saw that bloody pirate again, Lilly was going to cast her own spell on the vile man. She had never harmed anyone. She was a good witch, always trying to help others. She didn’t charge too much for her paintings. John was always telling Lilly she undersold her artwork, but Lilly didn’t think so. She wasn’t trying to get rich, only making enough to pay the bills. She tipped her servers well. Always had a smile for everyone. Lilly knew she didn’t deserve to be the object of evil, and even thinking of retribution went against everything she stood for. But this? She was seriously considering a little black magick.

  Lilly stared into the mirror and took a deep breath. If she could will her fangs to retreat, could she call them forth? With a thought, the sharp canines elongated, only this time, they didn’t poke her lip. Holding her hands in front of her, Lilly imagined claws, and they replaced her regular nails. She climbed atop the vanity and called on the goddess for strength and patience. Lilly spent hours getting control of both her fangs and claws. When she felt she could manage a shower without impaling herself, she stepped beneath the hot spray and washed away the sweat and grime.

  As she was drying off, the sound of her front door b
eing unlocked met Lilly’s ears. How was that possible? She was too far away.

  “Lilly? Are you up there?” John called out from downstairs. Oh, shit. There was no way she could let him see what she’d been turned into.

  “I’m here, but uh, I don’t feel well. I think I must have the flu. Please don’t come up here.”

  “Do you want me to get Eliore to bring you something? Some soup maybe?”

  “No! No. That’s not necessary. Please have her use the key to the manor and grab whatever potions she needs. And tell her I’m sorry.”

  “Oh, honey. You don’t have to apologize for being sick. I’ve packed up all your paintings, and they’re here in the lobby.”

  Lilly smiled despite how frazzled she felt. “Thank you, John. I’m sure I’ll be back to my old self in a couple days.”

  “Okay. You call if you need anything, you hear?”

  “I hear. I appreciate you and Eliore more than you know.” Lilly’s eyes burned with unshed tears. She was lucky to have such good friends. The thought of them seeing what she’d become hurt her heart. Eliore would no doubt offer to help spell the pirate, and John… Well, he wasn’t a large man, but he would probably punch Blackbeard in the face if he knew what the pirate had done.

  What had the pirate done? Lilly had searched the grimoire for weeks, and the only thing remotely similar had mentioned men shifting into something akin to a werewolf. Holy goddess! Was that what Lilly was? No. She hadn’t shifted into an animal. There was no fur sprouting along her body. Maybe Blackbeard had attempted such a spell, but he wasn’t powerful enough. She would never know the answer until she confronted Blackbeard. But did she want to see him again even if it was to get answers? What if he intended for the spell to kill her? Would he try again when he found out she was still alive?