Garden of Dreams and Desires - Kristen Painter Page 0,18
crinkled the skin around his eyes. “And I should believe that why? Tell me, Giselle Vincent, how have you changed?”
“As I just mentioned, I’m the high priestess of the coven now. I have greater responsibilities. My father’s legacy to uphold. The coven’s welfare to think of. And as always, the weight of the fae oppression on my shoulders. A weight I imagine your people will soon feel.”
That got his attention. “What have you heard?”
“What have you heard? Because as I understand it, Augustine has taken to the role of Guardian with alarming stringency. He’s pushing for more regulations on the witches and due to certain involvements, wants to bring all of your practitioners under the same guidelines.”
“What does that mean, certain involvements? Are you sure? He threatened, but I had no idea he was going forward with this.” Ogun stood, his hands clenching and unclenching. “He has no right. None.”
Giselle held back a smile. She’d been bluffing to get Ogun to help her. That Augustine had actually threatened such action was a bonus. “I agree. Which is why I’m here. The time has come for us to work together toward a common goal.”
Ogun stared at her. “What goal?”
“I can’t—and won’t—reveal details, but I am working on something that would level the playing field. The fae have had the upper hand too long.”
He sat slowly. “The only reason for you to tell me about this is you must need something from me. That hasn’t worked out very well for me in the past.” He glanced at Ian. “I don’t want to discuss all this in front of your muscle.”
“And I have no reason to trust you alone.”
“If we’re going to work together, we have to start somewhere.”
She glanced at Ian. Ogun didn’t know she’d gotten stronger since the last time they’d had an encounter and she needed the voodoo doctor on her side. At least until she could get rid of him. “Could you give us a few minutes alone?”
Ian frowned. “Only if he swears to do you no harm.”
Ogun waved him off. “I swear it.”
Ian looked at her for approval. She nodded. His frown turned to a hard glare but he left.
She returned her attention to Ogun. “I apologize for what happened in the past. I wasn’t as careful as I should have been with the bokura, especially with you being so generous to offer it to me in the first place.” The words tasted so bitter she could barely form them.
He grunted like it was the least he could have done.
She held back a snort. “I would remind you that I owe you a flesh debt.” Something he probably needed no reminding of. “I am trying to repay that now by bringing you into this plan. If you help me, I won’t forget it when the witches take their rightful place as the ruling body of this city once again.”
His brow furrowed and he shook his head. “You just said you were working on something that would level the playing field. Not raise the witches to power. How does that help my people?”
Damn it, she’d overshared. She scoffed like it was nothing. “We’re the same, you and I. Children of the earth. Guardians of the natural magic. When the witches return to power—their rightful place, I might add—your people will never have to worry about the kinds of rules that mine struggle with now. We’ll sign a treaty to that effect, guaranteeing your freedom for the life of the city. Those who practice voodoo will never have to feel the kind of oppression my people have. That is my word as high priestess. And that is what we will put in writing.”
“A treaty.” He snorted. “You think your word in writing means anything more to me?” Laughing, he shook his head. “I don’t think so. I need more than that.”
“I’m willing to offer you something greater then.” She sighed as if she was resigned to the sacrifice she was about to make. “If it would satisfy your desires, I will grant you an honorary place at all coven meetings.”
His mouth came open slightly in surprise. He quickly closed it and sat back. She could see the wheels turning in his head by the look on his face. He was considering it. Hard. He ground the cigarillo out. “That’s quite an offer.”
“It is. But I’m high priestess now and free to make whatever changes I deem necessary. I’ve learned the hard way you’re a better ally than adversary.” The dusty