Shadows Of A Wolf Moon(45)
He glanced up at Andrew Jackson as he passed the gray statue. Nothing had changed since he’d left New Orleans years ago. It even had the same smells. Although he did prefer the morning smells of Café du Monde to the night smells of Bourbon Street.
A young couple strolled through the park. The mom sipped on a cup of hot coffee clutched between her hands while her husband bent down to lift their little girl on his shoulders. Watching something so simple sent an ache through his heart. He’d assumed he’d end up with a mate and a child or two. He’d assumed he would have a family, like his parents and their parents before them. He’d assumed he’d have a life full family meals, raising kids and making love late into the night with the mate of his heart.
He’d assumed wrong.
The loss hit him in the gut like a steel bat, surprising even himself that he still wanted such a life. He forced his gaze away and shoved down his emotions.
He didn’t know why it mattered so much to him. He had a place with the Arkansas Pack, a place to lay his head at night, and he made damn good money being a Guardian. He had respect and prestige.
Somehow it didn’t seem like enough. He’d always wanted more.
“Lucien, what are you doing here, sweetheart?” The sound of Granny’s voice made him freeze in his tracks. The hair on the back of his neck stood up and he glanced around.
The blood drained from his face. He froze when he spotted Granny and Haley headed straight toward him.
It was too late to run.
“Granny, Haley. What are you two doing here?” He forced himself to take a sip of coffee.
“We’re here getting stuff for Haley’s wedding.” Granny hiked her purse higher on her shoulder and smiled.
“You couldn’t find that stuff in Arkansas?” Barrett should have given him a heads-up if he knew Granny was on her way down here. But then again, the old woman wasn’t the kind to give people an update about her whereabouts or plans.
“Haley is from Louisiana, so we thought we’d get some cute little fleur-de-lis necklaces for the bridesmaids gifts.” Granny cocked her head narrowed her gaze. “What are you doing here? I thought you were on a motorcycle trip?”
“I am. I just stopped here on my way back. I wanted to grab some beignets and coffee before making the next leg of the trip.”
“Want to tag along with us? I’ve got another stop at this candy shop. I’m thinking of trying to expand my business. And I think I can make my own edible underwear versus going through the company.” Granny pursed her lips and shook her head. “After the last fiasco, I can do a better job of making panties, and I guarantee you no one’s toe is going to get bit off.”
Haley snorted and fought a smile.
“That’s… nice. But I am on a schedule and don’t have time.” The last thing he wanted to do was help Granny find a new flavor for her drawers.
“Too bad.” She didn’t hide the disappointment in her tone. “I suppose it’s just us girls. Be careful driving back to Little Rock, Lucien,” she said over her shoulder as they continued on to their destination.
Toe bitten off? He’d have to be sure and ask Jayden what that was about.
Once they were out of sight he glanced around, making sure no one had heard their conversation. Even in a town as busy as New Orleans, there were always eyes and ears everywhere. He walked in the direction of the apothecary, passing the tarot card readers and artists.
“There is a negative presence around you.” The tarot card reader flicked the cards between her fingers while she spoke.
He stopped and turned around, the hair on his arms standing at attention.
The old woman with the dark wrinkled skin looked up and met his gaze.
“Are you talking to me?” His narrowed gaze swept the square, looking for someone tailing him. He saw nothing out of place.
“I know you are looking for trouble. And I know real reason you are here in New Orleans.”
He took a step closer and stopped. The gentle breeze of the hot morning air ruffled her blood-red tablecloth. Unlike the other tarot card readers, she had no sign. Only a red tablecloth and a deck of cards decorated her table. An uneasy feeling stretched across his skin like old leather.
“Don’t be afraid of me. I’m only the messenger,” she said. “I only repeat what I see from the cards.”
“I’m not afraid.” He could handle one little old lady.
“Sit.” She nodded at the chair.
“I don’t have any money,” he lied.
“I don’t want your money. Consider it on the house.”
He glanced around and hesitated.
He didn’t believe in this mumbo jumbo. But something inside him told him to hear the old woman out.