Page 28 of The Seer

Odessa’s beady eyes narrowed further. “Fintan?”

“Yes, you remember your nephew, no? The only other survivor of your siblings’ children? No? Doesn’t ring a bell?”

“I know who Fintan is, ya disrespectful shite! And don’t be layin’ the deaths of other Sullivans at my feckin’ door!”

Narissa grinned. “Careful, Auntie O. Your Irish is showing. We both know how much you hate that.”

Odessa had cultivated a British accent in her youth, hoping to appear more refined. She’d always hated that her siblings refused to do the same. But she’d outlived them all—Doreen, Megan, Finelia, and Peter. A few of whom she’d murdered. As far as Narissa knew, the only Sullivans left were Fintan, Brenna, and her, if one didn’t count their odious aunt. And she didn’t trust that Odessa wouldn’t kill them if given half a chance.

Her aunt stepped forward as if to descend the stairs.

“Stay put,” Narissa ordered. “You’re not getting access to the ley lines. I’m in charge here.”

Ley lines—the invisible pathways between ancient and mystical sites—held great power. Two of which crossed directly below Odessa’s home. The Sullivan estate in Ireland boasted seven intersecting lines, which gave Fintan his early warning system should someone step on the grounds.

“I need my medication,” Odessa said in a shaky voice.

“Nice try. I happen to know you carry it on you, and you’re not due for another thirty minutes or more. Right, Mama?” Narissa turned her head to acknowledge her mother’s spirit standing beside Odessa.

Doreen beamed at her. “You’ve the right of it, Nari, my love.”

“Just say what you intend to say and get out of my home!” Odessa shouted.

The force behind her voice was as strong as a sonic boom, and had Narissa not been a Siren, her eardrums would’ve shattered.

“Tsk, tsk. Control that temper, Auntie O. I’m not here tosayanything. I’m here to learn what you know about the bloody stone necklace.” Her misuse of the name was intentional. If indeed Odessa knew what it was, she would show her superiority over another’s ignorance. But if she didn’t know, then there was nothing further to be gained from lingering about, and Narissa could get back to her family.

“Bloodstone’s,” her aunt corrected. “The first Siren, and a mighty Incubus.”

Narissa’s stomach dropped.

Odessa was involved.

* * *

Fintan urgedTaryn to her feet and rose to stand beside her. Her confusion was normal in the face of his reaction to Odessa. She’d not been privy to his visions, and he doubted she understood what his aunt was capable of.

“I need to go after her,” he said, dreading the fact already. Nothing good ever came with setting foot in that cursed house of his aunt’s. Many never made it out alive.

“Not alone, you don’t,” she said, stubborn chin in the air.

“I’ll not argue with you, Taryn-Taryn. Stay here with the others. If I’m not back in thirty minutes, call the Aether and send him to Odessa’s.”

Fear lit her glorious eyes, and she shook her head. “I don’t like it. You’re too weak.”

“I’ve a way to supercharge, so don’t be worryin’ about me, yeah?” But he fucking loved she still did.

Taryn shot Brenna a frustrated look. “A little help here, please.”

“I agree with Taryn, Fin. Can you please take someone with you?”

“Other than another Sullivan, no one is strong enough to fight a Succubus.” He shook his head. “It has to be me, all the same.”

Creed stood. “I’ll go.”

“No offense, man, but you’re as useless as tits on a bull in a fight with her. Ya don’t understand what she’s capable of.”

“I’m stealthy, and she won’t expect me.”

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