Page 124 of Blood that Burns
CHAPTER THIRTY
MAGGIE
It was almost too easy.
Marina had my bag packed and practically shoved me out the manor’s doors.
I’m not even surprised. I’m sure she was thrilled to get rid of me in favor of some alone time with Julian. They’ll have the manor all to themselves, as Katina is still dealing with Ratilda’s remains.
I shudder to think what my sister and Julian are probably already getting up to.
“It’s entirely too disturbing how graphic your dirty little mind is.”
I look over at Law like he has three heads.
“I agree. It’s awful.”
He chuckles. “I blocked out those thoughts a long time ago, sunshine. We’ll continue to work on that while we’re gone.”
“Thank God.”
We’re just pulling into New Orleans proper. It’s the week of Mardi Gras, and the party is in full swing, with hordes of people meandering down the sidewalks and through the streets. The majority of them are already well on their way to intoxication.
Law has reserved a room at a hotel right in the center of the French Quarter. He said he prefers the Garden District, but since this is my first time in the city, he thought I might enjoy the experience of being right in the middle of the fray.
He wasn’t wrong. My eyes are wide as I take it all in. The city is alive, swarming with people, a melting pot of cultures.
Lights shine all around us, highlighting the merriment while showcasing the beautiful Creole architecture, a mix of French, Spanish, and Caribbean influence that somehow gives New Orleans an old-world feel. It’s incredible.
“I like seeing the city through your eyes. It’s long lost its appeal with me.”
“How could you get tired of this?” I ask, eyes dancing from one building to the next. “I’m obsessed and I’ve only seen a small part.”
He chuckles. “One of these days we’ll come back for fun. I’ll take you on a tour of all my most frequented haunts.”
“I could do without haunts.”
Law rolls his eyes. “The city is full of treasures that no local guide will be able to find. No actual haunting involved... unless, of course, you want that. New Orleans is ripe with ghosts.”
My eyebrows lift. “I think I’ve had enough of otherworldly beings for now, thank you.”
He shrugs. “Suit yourself. We’ll stick to the other fascinating things to explore in New Orleans. A lifetime of exploring these streets has uncovered some hidden gems.”
I smile. “I cannot wait for the tour.”
He sighs. “That’s assuming this trip doesn’t ruin the city for you.”
My back hits the seat as a puff of air expels from my mouth. The task ahead is beginning to weigh on me. Can we trust Reese? Or is she going to lead us right into trouble?
“I need to drop our bags quickly. Reese wants us to meet in front of La Luxure Levine.”
“What’s that?” I ask, continuing to stare out the windshield as a group of girls celebrating a bachelorette party, as evidenced by the sash that saysBride, pass by the car. Their merriment is contagious, and for a moment I forget why we’re here.
“It’s the club that Vzar co-owns.”
Vzar said the club was closed down due to the issues that were occurring in the city with hunters. I wonder if we’ll see him.
“Unlikely. We’re just meeting Reese,” Law answers my unspoken question.