Page 38 of Unholy Fate

Father Hudson reached into a folder on the desk and pulled out a piece of paper. He moved slowly, as if he were in pain too. “Before you leave, there’s something I need to ask of you.”

I nodded, waiting.

“There’s a parishioner who needs legal help,” he said, his tone brisk and businesslike, the urgency clear in his clipped words. “I’d like you to take it.”

My heart raced, a frantic bird trapped in my ribs, as my thoughts spiraled. Did he somehow already know? Was he avoiding me? My guilt pressed down on me like a physical load. I’d come prepared to bare my soul, but his whiplash topic change caught me off guard. I blinked.

My hands trembled as I reached for the paper, taking it gingerly as if it were made of glass. “Th-thank you, Father. I’ll look into it right away.”

Father Hudson wouldn’t keep his eyes on me. He’d glance my way then immediately look back at the work on his desk. “Good. I’ll be praying for you.”

“Thank you, Father.” I stood and left his office, clutching the piece of paper to my chest as if it were a lifeline.

The convent gates swung shut behind me, and the late afternoon air, carrying the faint sounds of birdsong, offered a moment’s peace. The soreness and weary muscles continued to throbwith the memory of last night. All my education, my religious convictions, couldn’t still the persistent, nagging questions.

What was happening to me? Why was I pursued by these dreams?

Fueled only by self-loathing and a gnawing dread, the work Father Hudson had assigned at least promised a distraction. I skimmed the document and found the address. It was only a block or so away. I’d go right now and hopefully focus on something I could fix.

CHAPTER TWENTY

LEVI

I leanedagainst the granite countertop in the candle lit kitchen, surveying the ingredients spread before me. Renting this house near the convent had been a stroke of genius, if I did say so myself. It had been all too easy to come up with a reason forSisterEvelyn to visit.

Tonight’s dinner was not just about food. It was strategy, seduction, control. I prepared every dish meticulously, each one chosen for their aphrodisiac properties. Oysters, avocados, pomegranates, strawberries, figs, dark chocolate. Then with a subtle enchantment, I infused the food with a spell to heighten her desire with every bite.

The drinks were no exception. I poured rich red wine into an antique Irish crystal decanter, infusing the liquid with my magic. To her untrained palate, it would taste like sweet grape juice. She would never know the difference.

I hummed to myself as I arranged the plates with artistic precision, a vibrant tapestry of colors and textures designed to be as visually appealing as they were flavorful.

As the lights dimmed, a warm, soft glow from the candles illuminated the condensation glistening on a second enchanted wine bottle, nestled in a silver ice bucket. Of my many sins, chilling red wine might be among the most heinous, at least according to mortal wine snobs.

My anticipation filled the quiet room. This was going to be perfect. Poor demure Evelyn wouldn’t stand a chance against my allure and this sensual feast. By the end of the night, I’d have her begging for more than just a second helping of oysters.

I checked my appearance in the mirror one last time, ensuring I looked polished but not intimidating. The doorbell’s chime cut through the quiet, signaling Evelyn’s arrival.

Ha. I’d figured she would arrive early, eager to help despite her misgivings. I strode to the door and opened it, greeting her with a wide smile.

Time for the little sister to experience more of what I had to offer. This time I had her all to myself, to fuck as I wanted, as long as she could take it. And maybe a little longer, just for my pleasure.

When I opened the door, her amber eyes widened with recognition, but she didn’t bolt. She stood hesitantly, her simple green shirt and long skirt doing nothing to hide the luscious body I knew lay beneath. She fidgeted then clasped her hands nervously in front of her.

I gestured for her to come inside. “Come in. It’s just dinner. I promise, no tricks.”

That much was true. Tonight’s tricks were all waiting for her at the table.

She paused at the threshold but eventually stepped inside, her flats clicking on the wooden floor. I could practically see her fighting between duty and instinct as she took in the lushly romantic setting. Her fingers trembled as she tucked a stray strand of golden hair behind her ear, and I hid my triumph.

She was falling for it already.

“I thought I was supposed to be here for a legal case,” she said, her tone cool, almost cold. At least she didn’t sound like a frightened mouse. She had a backbone in there somewhere. If we could only find it.

“It’s nothing fancy.” I ushered her toward the table. “I just wanted to make sure you felt special.”

She sat down, tracing the embroidered edge of the napkin, then looking around the elegant apartment. “I’m not sure I can stay long.”

I leaned in close as I wove in a persuasive charm. “At least have a bite. You’ve had a rough few days. Let me take care of you tonight.”

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