The Emperor (The Tarot Club 2)

“What is -”

I walked away from Marie’s question, unable to think around the incessant buzzing as I flung the front door open. There, at the end of the pathway, on the other side of the pedestrian gate, stood one of Dimitri’s drivers holding the waitress from my night on the rooftop of the Gardens in a stronghold. It did absolutely nothing to halt her from shouting wildly as she attempted to kick and flail. Two men on the opposite pavement seemed to step forward, making everyone within the vicinity know that they were available to step in should the need arise. But that did nothing to stop the lingering gazes and halted steps as people took in the spectacle. I could only hope that passersby would chalk it up to NOLA madness.

Marie strung a slew of French words, each one running into the next, before she finally settled on english.

“What is happening?” In her rising anxiety, her French accent was far heavier than what I was used to when it came to her.

“Corinne didn’t tell you?” Brenna offered in a tone that sounded anything but helpful.

I pushed away from them, allowing my feet to meet the soft earth of the garden pathway that led towards the chaos ensuing on my sidewalk.

Marie’s response was a half grunt that I heard clearly, indicating that the two of them were trailing after me.

“She cursed a Voodoo Priestess.”

“Merde.” Marie’s voice was hushed as we approached the gate.

“You are not welcome here.” I projected my voice towards her as I nodded my head in thanks towards the man who held her in a bind.

There wasn’t a doubt in my mind that one of the surrounding members of the Bratva would have called Dimitri - meaning that he would be here any moment.

“What did you do to her?” Her voice was hysterical, and in this lighting - and under these circumstances, she did not resemble Lauren in all her unflappable glory in the least.

I held her gaze, allowing my power to surge forth.

“What did you do to my sister?”

And there it was - her connection to Lauren.

Brenna and Marie remained silent behind me, and for that I was grateful.

“Exactly what she deserved.” My voice was cold - unyielding. I would not give an inch to these women.

“Take it back!” Even as she begged, she was wild - crazed in her need to protect her sister. I could respect that, it didn’t mean I was going to bow to her whims.

I stepped closer to her, allowing my body to press against the cool metal bars of the gate.

“Take it back!” Her voice cracked as she flung the words in my direction. The man who held her winced slightly as her boot connected with his shin, but he did not relax his grip, acknowledging her wildness for the threat that it was.

“She threatened us and tried to eliminate my fiancé. As far as I’m concerned, Lauren is receiving exactly what she deserves.”

Her braids swung against her face as she shook her head wildly, refusing the words I pressed upon her.

“You would kill one of our own for him - for the Bratva?” Her voice cracked as she spoke, telling me all I needed to know - Lauren was about to slip beyond the veil of this world.

“I would kill a lot more if it meant keeping him safe.” I heard Marie gasp behind me as I offered up another sliver of truth. “He is my Emperor, so I suggest you learn some grace and bow, because if any of you attempt something like that again, it won’t simply be Lauren’s life that is forfeit.”

“We do not acknowledge you or your Club.” She sneered the last word, and I allowed her to see my rage rise to the surface. I let out a little bit of the cruelty I always held so close. Such cruelty had been an art form that Monarchs of seasons past perfected, and I was no different. I was done pretending to be anything other than what I was.

“Take it back. Undo this foulness.” Her eyes were pleading, even as she never once halted her thrashing attempts.

“It doesn’t work that way - you of all people know that.”

“Call the traitor. If anyone knows how to undo what you’ve done, it will be her.”

Brenna muttered something unintelligible behind me, but I blocked out all distractions, refusing to allow my focus to veer off onto anything other than the Witch that stood before me.

“What makes you think Zoey will want to release her? That I want that? After what you have done? You and your people threatened me and mine repeatedly. Did you really think that there was ever any other outcome?”