The Seer's Lover (The Seven Archangels Series) Read Free Page B

Big Greens.” She shook Calise’s hand with the one not occupied with the massive green iguana.
    The skin seared Calise’s flesh like ice. She pulled away.
    “Who might you be, darling?” Anna asked.
    Calise wanted to run but forced herself to take deep breaths to quiet the pain on her hand and in her lungs. “I’m Calise Rowe. Your husband and my brother are old friends.”
    Calise could not stop staring at Anna. Something was very wrong with this beautiful woman. The same old unexplainable feelings washed over her that had so many times before. Something icy, cold and dark like a cloudy, moonless night. Calise felt despair. Anna contaminated the air with wisps of guilt and self-doubt that seeped from her and cloaked Calise who felt like a rose plucked from the bush only to forget its own beauty and simply give up, wither, and die. Mr. Torres’ words echoed in her head… demon.
    She opened her mouth to speak when Ron reappeared with a mojito. She tried to shake off the feeling of panic. She couldn’t, only just managing to hide her fear behind a strained smile.
    “Oh, yes,” Anna purred. “I remember your brother Dean…fondly. How long will you be staying with us?” Her thick, sultry accent blanketed the air.
    “A week,” she answered, mesmerized. Anna captivated and disconcerted her at the same time.
    “Where is your new husband?” Anna raised an eyebrow.
    “I’m not married.”
    “Pity.” Anna turned her attention back to the iguana, stroking the lizard. The lizard blinked, but the attention evoked no other reaction from the pet.
    Ron sat beside Calise. “I see you’ve met my wife. So, I’ll have breakfast brought to your room in the morning, and if you decide to go horseback riding, let me know.”
    Anna flicked her head in the direction of the stables.
    Calise gasped. Waves of ice passed over her. She faked a smile. “I will.”
    Anna whispered, “Someday I’ll let Lucas take me for a ride …” and shot a wink meant just for Calise.
    Calise immediately thought of rushing to find Lucas and warn him to stay far away from Anna. Instead, she took a deep breath, uncrossed her legs, and willed herself to relax.
    “I thought you hated the horses, babe,” Ron completely missed her point.
    Anna’s sly gaze wandered over Calise.
    “Anyway, you’re in the last bungalow on the path,” Ron said, stifling a yawn. “Anna, I’m sorry to leave you, but I remembered I have a volunteer fire department meeting yet tonight.” He stood and turned to Calise. “Your surf lesson is the day after tomorrow. If you need anything else, just ask.” With that, he took his wife’s hand, and they strolled up to the main house. Anna glanced over her shoulder, giving Calise a cold smile. For a split second Anna’s eyes turned… red ?
    Calise blinked. Her mind had surely played a trick.
    She made her way back to the outdoor kitchen, rinsed and dried her glass and placed it back on the shelf. Small solar ground lights lit the walking path. She passed two other bungalows. From one, low moans of pleasure wafted into the evening air. Alone in the dark and not knowing her exact next step, Calise promised herself to find answers. Any truth would be an improvement from remaining in the dark lost to her anxiety and doubt.
    She collapsed in the bed without even looking around the room. Thoughts of Anna swirled in her head. “I’m not crazy. Everyone else’s eyes are just closed.” Anna made her feel unworthy and dirty, the same as Ray from the pharmacy. Is everyone in on a cruel joke except me and what in the hell does it all mean? If I find Carmen, will she even help me? Mr. Torres’s words floated through her exhausted mind again and again—
    Los demonios. Mal Pais.

Chapter 2
    Carmen’s Restaurant
    Mal Pais, Costa Rica
    “Looks like a nasty storm is blowing in.” Carlos, the day cook, slapped Lucas on the back and untied his apron. “Have a good night, man.” Carlos mopped his brow with the apron and chugged