Soul Catcher (18 page)

Chapter Twenty-Five

This must be what it felt like to be hit by truck. Truck or bullet, it didn’t really matter. They both hurt like a motherfucker. She sat next to Etienne wearing Jacque’s shirt, which covered more than her dress. Her chest hurt and her head throbbed as the bright lights of Bourbon Street entered the car.

Etienne’s driver parked in front of her house and Etienne ushered them inside, using as much of his long lanky body to shield them as possible. Nat snapped out of her comatose state halfway to the house. Jasmine went numb, not saying or doing much of anything. She aimlessly followed Etienne’s orders.

Marie and Faith rushed into the living room when Angel and the others entered the house. Horror distorted their faces as they stared at the group.

“What the hell happened tonight?” Marie inquired.

“Long story,
Grand-mère
. We have to get our things and get outta here. I’ll explain later.” Angel ran to the kitchen and grabbed two bottles of Vamp Juice. She tossed one to Nat when she returned back in the room.

“What the hell is this?” Nat scrunched her nose as she cracked open the bottle and took a whiff.

“You don’t want to know. Drink it. It’ll make you feel better. I know you used a lot of energy saving me. And yeah, you’ll be explaining how you did it later.”

“Okay, ladies. I need you to gather all
essential
items as quickly as possible. We need to get out of here.” Etienne began packing the items in the dining room, all the potions, ritual items, and spell books. Marie and Faith went to pack Marie’s bags. Angel grabbed Nat and flew up the stairs.

She threw open the closet doors, debating what to take.

“Nat grab the biggest suitcase you can find and make sure to get every designer shoe you can manage to carry. If nothing else, everything over five-hundred dollars must come with.” Angel snatched her Louis Vuitton off the floor and shoved clothes into it. “I’ll take care of clothes.” Four suitcases later, she and Nat struggled down the stairs. Angel said a sad goodbye to those items she left behind.

Etienne shook his head in frustration. “Ladies, I said ‘
essential
.’”

Angel clutched her bags to her. “I don’t know how you roll, but all this is ‘essential,’ unless you plan to replace five years of collecting designer shoes.”

“Okay, the driver will put everything in the car. Come on, we have to leave.”

Everyone shuffled into the limo. Exhaustion tackled Angel like a linebacker. She rested her head on Marie’s shoulder as Faith patted her leg.

“What happened?” Marie questioned again.

“I’m not sure of everything. We were at the club dancing. Then someone started shooting. Jacque and I got hit. I woke up in the back of this limo.”

“Who would be shooting at you?”

Angel yawned and stretched her arms behind her head onto the back of the seat. “Jacque and Laurent went back into the club to find out more information. Hopefully, they’ll have something when they meet us at Etienne’s.”

“Let’s hope they are safe and will return soon.” Marie forced a grin.

“The rougarous were there helping, too. I hope they’re fine. I have no more bargaining chips up my sleeve. Jacque better be fine!”

“Now, Nat, please explain what the hell you did to me. I’m not complaining, just
what the fuck?
” Angel kicked her friend’s feet, drawing a smile from her.

“Her family is all witches. One of the most powerful in this country rumor has it,” Faith answered.

“Faith, you’ve known all this time?” Nat’s voice was a bit nasally.

“Yeah, the spiritual community is a small one. We try to watch out for any strong powers. They can become problems in the future.”

Nat’s excitement was evident by the glow in her hazel eyes. “Then what’re you guys? Are y’all witches, too?”

“No, not witches. This is our grandmother, Marie Laveau.” Nothing more needed to be said.

Nat looked from Angel to Marie and back to Faith. “Oh. Oooh!”

“What’s your power child?” Marie interjected, allowing Angel to curl into her side.

“Healing is my innate power. I have some gift of sight, too. Do you guys have powers?”

“Some do. Angel and Marie both call upon the elements for their strength,” Faith replied. She had kept so much from Angel. Hopefully, this was the end to all the surprises.

“I’ll be damned. All this time and neither of us knew.” Nat shook her head in disbelief.

Angel chuckled at Nat. “I’ve learned a lot of things in the last few months.”

“You’re all fucking freaks!” Jasmine screamed, reaching for the car door. Etienne grabbed her around the waist to stop her. It was a lot to swallow in one night, and Jazzy’s staunch Catholic background worsened the situation.

Angel fidgeted in her seat, playing with her hair. This night of fun with her friends had gone so wrong, like too many other things in Angel’s life. Vanity forced her to think she couldn’t survive without physical beauty. Her selfishness brought destruction and wrecked havoc to everyone’s life. Angel reminded herself to seriously evaluate her priorities when she got everything straightened out.

The beautiful homes of St. Charles Avenue remained as beacons of a bygone era. Angel slid to the edge of her seat as they neared Etienne’s home. As they pulled into the driveway, she noticed Laurent’s car. When the limo stopped by the front stairway, she jumped out, not waiting for the driver to open the door.

She sped up the stairs and burst through the front door.

“Jacque!” Her voice trembled as she called out for him. “Jacque!”

“Good God, woman. Where’s the fire?” His silky tone soothed her as soon as she heard him coming up from the basement, which was a rare find in a home in New Orleans.

She slammed into Jacque, grasping his face, as she kissed him hard. His strong arms held her tight, lifting her from the ground. Seeing his face, she exhaled. She was wound so tight she could snap, knowing he was safe gave her relief. She stretched on her tiptoes and sealed her lips on his. He answered her urgency as her tongue explored the salty sweetness of his mouth.

Laurent pushed against Jacque to clear the basement doorway. “Hey! Cut it out! I keep telling y’all. I’m gonna turn the hose on you.”

Angel tore her lips from Jacque’s, but remained close to him. The warmth of his body comforted her. She took his hand and started toward the parlor. The others entered the house and headed in the same direction. Etienne carried Jasmine fireman-style into the room.

Angel brushed a curl out of Jazzy’s face. “What did you do to her?”

Etienne laid Jazzy on the settee on the far side of the room. “I just convinced her she was tired and needed to sleep.” He placed a pillow under her head and smiled down on her with sympathy. Etienne’s gentle handling proved to Angel he wouldn’t hurt Jazzy.

“Okay and you’re just now thinking of hypnotizing her? You couldn’t zap her when she started calling us freaks?”

“She kept fighting me when I tried to get her out of the car. I didn’t know how you’d feel about me messing with your friend’s mind. I finally got desperate. Couldn’t think of any other option.”

“Jazzy has always been a handful. Hopefully, she’ll calm down.”

“I could erase everything she saw tonight if you want.”

“Let’s wait and see. We have other things to worry about right now.”

Everyone found a seat. Marie, Faith, and Nat occupied the sofa flanking the fireplace. Laurent and Jacque opted for the armchairs. Angel settled herself on Jacque’s lap. A tingle traveled up her spine as he stroked her back. Etienne rang a bell and a tall dark-haired man came out and took drink orders.

The doorbell rang and a small blonde girl announced the Boudreaux brothers. Etienne greeted his guests, offering a seat. He ordered the small girl to have more chairs brought from the other room. Damon grimaced as he passed Angel and Jacque. Jacque pulled her closer and kissed her shoulder, marking his territory.

Damon took the seat across from them. “I’m glad to see you’re well, Ms. Angel.”

“Thanks, Damon. I’m glad y’all made it back fine.”

His smile gleamed and his eyes sparkled as he gazed at her. “Yes, it’s been an exciting night. And I’m sure there’s more to come.”

“Thanks for your help. We put the Fae downstairs. She had some interesting things to say after some convincing,” Jacque interrupted.

Damon’s eyes never left Angel’s face. “Really, who was she trying to kill?”

“Angel.” Laurent’s answer was simple and to the point.

“The bitch you were dancing with? Why would she want to kill me? I never met her before,” Angel said.

“Apparently, Luc put an open contract payable to the first person who brings you in.” Jacque tightened his grip on her as she began to tremble.

“A contract on me? You mean there’s going to be random crazies out there trying to kill me?” She struggled to remain calm.

“What’s the bounty?” the youngest brother asked.

Jacque’s continuous petting subsided her shaking. “It’s open. Luc offered to wheel and deal on all open contracts if Angel’s brought in. Those with the worst deals with Luc will most likely be the ones who’ll come after us first.”

“What’re we going to do?” Her voice sounded small and tired in her head.

“We continue the plan we started. And fight anyone we encounter in the meantime,” Damon answered.

“Exactly,” Jacque agreed then looked to his friend. “Until we find another place, do you mind if we stay here, E?”

“Not at all. It’ll be a bit crowded since I have a few more guests than usual due to the meeting. We can make it work.” Etienne rang the bell again. “Ladies, I have two rooms upstairs for you. They each have two double beds so you’ll have to share. Jacque, there’s a small room on the third floor you can have. It’s not fancy. I’ll make sure the help makes it suitable.”

Angel rushed across the room, squeezing her arms around him. “Thank you for all your kindness, Etienne.”

Faith’s voice was soft, nudging. “Angel?”

“What?” she asked, settling back on Jacque’s lap.

“What about Mom? Do you think she might be in danger? Should we get her, too?”

Angel tried to keep her mother at arm’s length. Elise brought out the worst in Angel, pointing out all her flaws, which was the last distraction she needed. “Aww, hell! I forgot all about her. I hate to do it. I guess someone has to go get her.”

“It’s going to be difficult to explain everything to her. I’ve never told her anything I found out about our family. I’m not sure how she’ll take it.” Faith frowned, wringing her hands in her lap. Mother caused everyone worry.

Angel laid her head on Jacque’s shoulder, exhausted. “As long as something is in it for her, she’ll be fine. I apologize in advance to everyone for my mother. If you thought Jazzy was a handful, you haven’t seen anything yet.”

“I’ll go get your mother if you like,” Damon volunteered. “If you think she’ll come with me.”

She smiled at his kindness. By the tick in Jacque’s jaw, she figured he wasn’t as appreciative. “Thanks, Damon. She’s my responsibility. I won’t put her off on anyone.”

“We’ll go get her, babe. We need a bigger car than any of us brought.” Jacque tapped her butt for her to stand.

“You can borrow my S500,” Etienne offered. “Only if Angel drives.”

“What the hell? Have you been talking to Laurent?” Jacque raised a brow.

Etienne tossed Angel a set of keys. “No, I remember the last time you came Topside. It’s been a while, and I don’t want my car ruined.”

The laughter ringing through the room masked the tension of the danger they all faced. Angel left to retrieve the one person she desperately tried to leave behind.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Angel parked in front of the brightly colored house she knew so well. The dim light of the television glowed through the window. She imagined her mother sitting on the floor with her popcorn, watching
Pretty Woman
for the millionth time. Saturday night was always chick flicks, wine, and snacks. To be such a beautiful lady, her mother rarely had any dates. If she did manage to solicit a date, it was only the one, never a second. It would take a special kind of man to deal with her mother.

Jacque came around and opened Angel’s door. A hot and muggy breeze stifled the air. She checked her hair in the car window and smoothed her dress before turning to the house. She flinched when she saw the scar running down her face. Her mother was going to have a field day when she saw Angel was flawed again. Jacque hung his arm around her shoulders for support. She appreciated the gesture as she sucked in a deep breath and prepared for battle. As they strolled up the brick path to the front door, Angel snuggled closer to Jacque, absorbing his strength.

“Mother.” Angel stuck her head in the living room.

Elise jumped when Angel called out. “What the hell are you doing here?” Elise’s long limbs lengthened as she stood, transfixing a provocative grin on her face when she caught sight of Jacque.

“We came to get you. You have to come with us,” Angel huffed, putting herself between Jacque and her mother’s line of sight.

“What the hell happened to you? Why is your face messed up again?” Elise turned on the overhead light to get a better view.

Angel held up a hand to shield her eyes from the light. “It’s a long story. Please grab some stuff. We need to go.”

“I’m not going anywhere until you tell me what’s going on. And why your hideous face is back again. How’re you gonna go back to work if you look like a monster?”

Angel placed a hand on her hip, digging in her heels. “Mom, get your shit and come on. We have to leave, and I don’t have time for your nonsense right now.” Her mother never made anything easy. Angel wished she could just leave her and forget the past.

“Watch how you talk to me! I’m your mother. You
will
respect me.”

“Again. I don’t have time for this. We’re in danger and have to go. And when you start acting like my mother, I’ll treat you like my mother. Until then, get your shit and come on! Or else I’ll leave your ass here, and you can fend for yourself.”

“What kind of danger?” Elise questioned.

The pressure of Jacque’s grip got stronger. She glanced up at him, seeing the concern in his face. Before Angel could answer, Jacque stepped between the women. “Ms. Dias or can I call you Elise?”

She batted her lashes and gave him her fake come-hither smile. “Oh, Elise is fine.”

“Elise, there’s a lot of danger. I’ll be happy to explain everything once we’re in a safe place. Please pack your things. I’ll feel better by ensuring you’re secure somewhere else.” The silky reassurance in his voice could entice steel to bend.

“Oh, of course. Let me go upstairs and grab a few items and I’ll be right down.” Elise looked down her nose at Angel and left the room. Angel dreaded being back in her mother’s grasp, allowing her access to her life, especially this life.

Twenty minutes and a large suitcase later, Elise reappeared. Jacque relieved her of the bag, garnering a bright smile. Angel swore her mother brushed her breast against Jacque’s arm when he took the suitcase from her. His expression gave no clue if she did. Classic Elise. She’d been hitting on Angel’s boyfriends since she was in high school. Always just toeing the line of inappropriate, but never crossing over. None of them had been as hot as Jacque nor were they old enough for consent. Angel would have to keep a close eye on her mother.

“Nice car.” Elise ran her hand along the shiny black finish. “Is it yours? I didn’t catch your name, sugar.”

The idea of being trapped with Elise was insufferable. Angel wanted to make it short and sweet. “Jacque. His name is Jacque. And no, it’s not his car. We borrowed this from a friend.” She wished her grandmother was still alive to serve as a buffer. When they were all in the car, Angel hit the gas.

“Jac, what do you do?” Elise probed.

Jacque took a moment to think about the answer. “I guess you can say I’m a military consultant right now.”

“Ooohh. Sounds exciting. Are you from New Orleans?”

“No. Farther south.” This drew a giggle out of Angel.

“Farther south? Like Houma or Morgan City?”

“Something like that.” This time it was Jacque who was amused.

“How did you meet my daughter?”

“We have a mutual friend.”

“Mom, stop being nosey,” Angel snapped.

Elise traced the lines of Jacque’s seat, grazing the tips of her fingers across his shoulders. “I’m just making small talk. Getting to know our fine friend here. Jac, are you seeing anyone?” Jacque shifted in the seat to escape her slender fingers.

Angel caught the movement and ground her teeth. “Mother, I’m warning you!”

Jacque gave her the most innocent smile laced with an undercurrent of mischief. “I’m sorry, Elise. Yes. I
am
seeing someone. I’m dating your daughter.”

“Why?” The shock in Elise’s face was evident.

“What do you mean ‘why?’ She’s a beautiful person, and I care about her.”

“Look at her,” she announced, pointing to Angel’s face.

Angel gripped the steering wheel until her hands turned white.

Jacque rotated in his seat and met her mother’s stare. “Yes, I see her. Apparently much better than you do.” He turned back around and played with the radio.

Angel had a new alliance to buffer her mother’s attacks. Only one other person ever shut her mother up, her Gran. She reached over and caressed Jacque’s hand, thankful for his support. When she went to pull her hand away, he grabbed it, keeping it in his hand. She understood at that moment Jacque loved her.

***

Jacque held Angel’s hand in his, providing her the security she needed to face the horrid woman, she called her mother. He understood the reasons behind Angel’s insecurities once he met Elise. Breaking through the walls built by her mother would be a difficult task. He had to make Angel understand her own self-worth. The silence was a welcomed retreat from the stinging words Elise dished out ignorantly.

The heat rose with the emotions trapped within the car, pulsing in the back of his head. Angel’s pain twisted his heart, while Elise’s disregard invoked both sadness and anger. He couldn’t imagine the self-loathing it took to despise your own child. Elise deserved her seat in hell for the way she treated Angel.

Angel reached Etienne’s house record time. She drove as if she were in the Indy 500. “Get out,” she barked to her mother.

“Nice place. Is it yours, Jacque?” Elise lingered close enough to him she stumbled when he stopped.

Jacque grabbed the bags and started up the stairs. “No. It’s a friend’s.”

The small blond opened the door before they even rang the bell. Elise absorbed her surroundings with a look of contentment. Jacque placed the suitcase at the foot of the stairs and caught up with Angel as she entered the parlor. He slung his arm around her shoulder, cuddling her close to him, ensuring both Elise and Damon got a good view.

Elise’s surprised expression brought Jacque amusement.

“You’re back safely and with another beauty on your arm. Jacque, you’re a lucky bastard.” Etienne graced Elise with a small bow, and she rewarded him with a magnificent smile. He garnered his attention to Marie, who sat primly on the settee in the corner. “I must say you have a fantastic bloodline.”

A confused Elise recovered quickly. “Why, you’re too kind. I have to assume this is your home?”

“Yes, I’m Etienne.” E brushed his lips on the back of her hand.

“Faith, I didn’t expect to see you here. I should’ve known you’d be taking care of your sister.”

“I can’t say I’ve missed your humor, Mom. I hope you didn’t give Angel any trouble.” Faith sipped her drink and glared at her mother over the rim of the glass.

“Why would I give her trouble? She has a talent for finding her own trouble. Have you seen her face lately?” Elise jerked a thumb toward Angel, rolling her eyes.

Faith snorted. “I see you’re still vying for the Mother of the Year award.” The ever diplomatic Etienne jumped in the middle. “Elise, can I offer you a drink?”

“Yes, I’ll take a Crown Royal on the rocks. Someone needs to tell me what the hell is going on.”

“I’ll make introductions while you wait for your drink. These guys are the Boudreaux brothers. You know Nat and Jazzy. And this is Marie Laveau, your great-great-grandmother.” Faith watched Elise’s expression, as did everyone else.

“Y’all shitting me, right?”

“
Non chère
It’s the truth. I’m your great-great-grandmother.” Marie’s smile turned to a grimace.

“They’re all crazy, Ms. Elise. The girls think they’re witches and voodoo queens and dead people. Who knows what the guys think. They’re a bunch of freaks.” Jazzy perched on the settee. Etienne’s spell must have worn off. Angel sat next to her friend to calm her down.

All the emotions in the room roared inside Jacque, making his stomach turn. This was the problem with humans, always flaunting their emotions, especially the women. Emotional overload had a sickening feeling.

The butler brought Elise’s drink, and she downed it in one swallow.

“Elise. The important thing is there are people trying to kill Angel. They’ll do anything to get to her. You ladies aren’t safe by yourselves. You need to stay where we can protect you,” Jacque explained, as he sank into the seat next to Angel.

“You always seem to find trouble, don’t you, girl?” Elise’s honey-colored hair bounced as she shook her head. Take away the hardness around her mouth and the void in her eyes, she would be a stunningly beautiful woman. The poison of hate stole her youth, aging her prematurely.

“It’s not her fault.” Jacque cut his eyes at Elise, wanting her to shut up. Unable or unwilling to read his queues, she continued yapping.

“Who she piss off now?”

“The Devil.”

Elise was the only one who found it humorous. “I’ma need another drink,” she said when she realized no one else thought it was a joke.

“I think we all need to call it a night and reconvene in the morning.” Jacque helped Angel to her feet. “Jazzy, are we gonna to have to put you out again, or are you gonna cooperate?”

“We’ll take care of her.” Marie took the girl by the hand, patting it lightly. “She’ll be fine.”

“Mom, you’re with us.” Faith nodded toward the stairs.

“Where’s Angel going?” Elise questioned.

“With her man, I assume. She’s the only one here with one. No need for her to suffer because of the rest of us.” Marie winked at Angel. “Good night,
chère
.”

The quiet was welcoming. He and Angel left the rest of the group on the second floor, continuing to their room on the third. Looking around the room, Jacque realized it must be one of the servant’s quarters. He wondered which servant was inconvenienced in order to get the room. He had to remember to make it up to them. The compact size of the room created an air of cozy comfort. The double-bed seemed tiny compared to the king-size one he slept in at home. He lay across it watching Angel rummage through her bags. The bed shrunk as his body filled the space, making it seem even smaller than it actually was.

Tonight revealed many things about her he wished he could take away. Her mother’s behavior explained a lot about Angel’s insecurities. She was Elise’s creation, and somehow he had to find a way to undo the damage.

Angel’s smile caused his heart to race. She clutched her gown as she teetered on the edge of the bed. “Thank you,” she said, her warm hand running across his arm.

“What’re you thanking me for?” He leaned on his elbow and brushed a wayward curl from her face. The gratefulness and love inside her glowed in her aura, fulfilling his heart.

“For helping me with my mom. I know she’s a handful.”

He leaned back and grinned, thinking about his own mother. “Oh, she’s nothing. Trying having a goddess for a mom.”

“She doesn’t really mean a lot of the stuff she says. She’s had a hard time with my father leaving and all. My Gran said she was never the same after.”

Her happiness cocooned around him, surrounding Jacque with warmth. “Babe. No matter what someone does to you, you should never treat your child as she treats you. You deserve better. I hope you know she’s wrong.”

“I know. It’s just hard sometimes to block her out.”

“Think of me as your shield.” He lightly kissed the curve of her shoulder. Her heat pulsed through him awakening his desire.

She leaned back into him, allowing Jacque to gather her close. He tucked her protectively into the contours of his chest, pressing his face into her hair. She shivered in his arms as he trailed light kisses down her neck, and his hand fondled her breast. Her body went lax, releasing the weight of the night’s events and surrendering to his will. With his face in her hands, she captured his bottom lip with her teeth and then freed it with a light flick of her tongue. Her mouth covered his with hungry passion, searching for fulfillment.

Jacque answered with his own demanding need. He stopped to catch his breath and gazed into the chocolate brown pools smiling up at him. He trailed quick kisses down her scar; she stiffened and she tried to turn away. His steely grasp detained her from moving. Showing her he loved every part of her was important.

“You’re beautiful,” he whispered.

The fast beating of Angel’s heart thumped loudly. She laid against his chest. Jacque drew her closer, kissing her forehead. Fire followed Angel’s touch as her hand trailed down his arm. His resolve weakened as her lips grazed the base of his neck.

He rose, lifting Angel from the bed, and carried her to the small bathroom. He turned on the water and began to remove her clothes. He drank in the glory of Angel’s body as she stepped into the steaming shower. The perfection of Angel’s breasts and taut roundness of her ass caused him to harden.