Constant Cravings Tracey H. Kitts Luna Randal is a palm reader who needs help finding the creature who ate her best friend. She doesn’t believe in fairies, but fae shaman Liam Corrigan, with his lavender eyes and long white hair, is unlike anyone she’s ever met. When he sprinkles a potion in her coffee that “lifts the veil”, her eyes are opened to a whole new magical world— touchy-feely nymphs, sexy werewolves, adorable leather-clad elves and a hot-as-hell horned demigod. A world where the touch of a fae lover is as addictive as any drug, where they make love anywhere and everywhere and still their craving for each other never ceases.
Ellora’s Cave Publishing
www.ellorascave.com
Constant Cravings ISBN 9781419938955 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Constant Cravings Copyright © 2012 Tracey H. Kitts Edited by Raelene Gorlinsky Cover design by Dar Albert Photography: Olly, Katalinks, Fotomak/Shutterstock.com; Remy Muser/netfalls Electronic book publication April 2012 The terms Romantica® and Quickies® are registered trademarks of Ellora’s Cave Publishing. With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously. The publisher and author(s) acknowledge the trademark status and trademark ownership of all trademarks, service marks and word marks mentioned in this book. The publisher does not have any control over, and does not assume any responsibility for, author or third-party Web sites or their content.
CONSTANT CRAVINGS Tracey H. Kitts
Constant Cravings
Chapter One How could I be hurting this much and have no one notice? I suppose that’s because their best friend wasn’t eaten tonight and mine was. The rain was coming down so hard I thought the sky must be grieving. That was my first thought probably because of what I’d seen. There was an odd crowd in the café where I’d taken shelter. Then again, there is an odd crowd in this café most every night. “The Spot” is in the midst of six different nightclubs, one of the few places to sober up or get a bite to eat. Just the thought of food turned my stomach. A waitress walked by with a cheeseburger and I almost gagged. I would have been sick, but I’d already thrown up twice. Everyone seemed so indifferent. I checked my watch for about the fifteenth time. He should be here soon. “Here you go, sweetie.” I jumped as the waitress set the coffee in front of me and she gave me a strange look. “Sorry. Thank you.” “Is there anything else I can get you?” Her blue eyes seemed so sincere that I almost started to cry again. How strange that someone who didn’t even know me appeared genuinely concerned. Or maybe I was desperate for someone to talk to. Emotion made my throat feel tight and I shook my head in reply. I was trying to hold it together. At least as much as possible under the circumstances. The first thing I’d done when I came in out of the storm was go to the bathroom. Actually, that was my whole reason for coming here. I needed shelter and a place to be sick. My appearance was a little frightening—smeared mascara, short, dark hair plastered to the sides of my face and neck. Not to mention my clothes were wet and had mud smeared in a few places. I looked like hell. While I was trying to correct some of the damage I noticed a plain white business card on a shelf underneath the mirror. There was a name written in a swirling purple font. Liam Corrigan, Fae Shaman. Underneath was the number I couldn’t seem to resist dialing. With my mind lost in thought and my eyes focused on the coffee, I didn’t immediately see him. But I felt him. My heart jumped and suddenly I couldn’t catch my breath. I pushed the coffee away and put a hand over my fluttering heart. He was gorgeous and so obviously different from everyone else in the room. For one thing, he was really tall and thin, though his broad shoulders gave the impression 5
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of strength. White hair hung to the middle of his back and cascaded around his face and shoulders in perfectly straight layers. His pale skin didn’t make him look weak or sickly like it might on anyone else. It looked perfect, like alabaster, and had a healthy glow despite the poor lighting. The rain must have stopped while I was staring into my coffee, because he didn’t look wet and he wasn’t carrying an umbrella. He didn’t waste time scanning the crowd, but turned and headed straight for me. I was still having trouble breathing when he stopped beside me. A heady mixture of musk and cologne greeted me when his long, black coat moved slightly. I couldn’t help but notice the purple lining. “You must be Luna.” It wasn’t a question, but a statement of fact. Pretty impressive considering I hadn’t given him a physical description. Then again, I did kind of stand out. I was the only obviously distraught woman in the crowd. After what I’d just been through, I lacked the ability to filter my reaction. “Yes, and apparently my last name is Tic.” What the fuck was I thinking, calling someone who claims to be a “Fae Shaman”? “Mind if I sit down?” His voice was rich and mellow. Despite my misgivings, he was already putting me at ease. “Look, I’m not sure why I called you.” “You told me,” he said, smiling. “You found my card in the bathroom.” I laughed softly and when I looked up, finally met his gaze. Oh my God. His eyes were lavender! He had to be wearing contacts. No one has lavender eyes. “I don’t even believe in fairies, much less fae shamen. I’ve had a terrible night and I was…” I paused and decided to tell him the truth. After he came down here in the storm, it was the least I could do. “I was desperate for someone to reach out to. I needed very much to believe that someone could help me. So I turned to the first option I found. I’m sorry for wasting your time. Love your contacts though.” I was trying to make light of the situation with my last comment, but my eyes still filled with tears. When he reached over and took my hand, I started to sob openly. This man who knew nothing about me and whom I’d just insulted sat beside me and wrapped me in his arms. This embrace was something he willingly gave, not the kind people give out of obligation when someone is upset. He held me as if he meant it and I accepted his comfort, stifling my cries against his chest. Finally he said, “I think now is not the time to discuss belief or disbelief. We’ll get to that later. Why don’t you tell me what happened before you ended up here?” It was then I thought about how much noise I must have made and looked around at the other tables. It was as if we were invisible. The only one who’d noticed me at all was the waitress and now she was nowhere to be seen. Even though Liam was a stranger, I felt at ease when he was close to me. And I really needed to be held. I settled
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back in his arms with a sense of finality. Here was the part where he was about to tell me I was crazy and leave. “We made plans tonight to go to this new club, Rave.” “I’ve heard of it.” “Anyway, Rachel, that’s my friend.” I had to pause and stop the tears. Just the mention of her name made my throat close up. “She wanted to go there and it sounded like fun. Everything was fine until this man approached us. He offered us a shot of Pretty in Pink. It’s this new designer drug that—” “I’ve heard of it too,” he interrupted. “Diluted vampire blood mixed with pixie dust, supposed to be better than X.” I was confused by his mention of pixie dust. What the hell was that? I thought Pretty in Pink was vampire blood mixed with ecstasy. “Yeah. Anyway, I don’t do drugs, but Rachel wanted some. It was strange. I mean, I’d never known her to do drugs either. She bought some and then wanted to leave the club. She said she needed some fresh air. You know the place between Rave and that other club? It’s got lanterns hanging everywhere.” The name was eluding me. “They have outdoor concerts there.” “The Courtyard.” “That’s the place. We went there and found a bench to ourselves. She took the little pink vial and gulped it all at once. I was afraid. I watched to see what her reaction would be. The rain was light at first and I was about to suggest we leave. Then she started to laugh and dance around. She seemed okay. So I sat and kept an eye on her. That’s when it happened.” “What?” he prompted. I gave him another good look. Did he really want to hear this? Was he going to leave or call the loony bin and tell them to take me away? “Something came out of the bushes and ate her.” I waited patiently for his shock or outrage at me for wasting his time on something so ridiculous. But there was none of that. To my surprise he replied calmly, “No wonder you’re so shaken.” I pulled back from him and touched the cup to find my coffee still warm. “You mean you actually believe me?” He put his hand underneath my chin and turned my face up toward his, studying me closely. “You’re telling the truth. What ate your friend?” I shook my head and took a sip of coffee, letting the warm, rich flavor soothe me. “I don’t know. If I had to guess…it looked like a werewolf. I saw lots of hair, but it was dark where we were, not many lights.”
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Liam leaned forward and rested his chin against his hand. “Hmm. The full moon isn’t for another week. But it’s possible.” “Even if it was a werewolf, I shouldn’t have called you. Like I said, I don’t believe in fairies. Besides, what could a fairy do against a werewolf?” His laughter was just as warm and rich as the coffee. “Your vote of confidence is overwhelming. How is it that you believe in werewolves and vampires, but not in fairies?” I shrugged. “Everyone knows vampires and werewolves are real. It’s been proven. Both conditions are caused by blood-borne diseases.” “Ah,” he said, flicking a piece of white hair over his shoulder, “a fan of logic. Tell me, Luna, what do you do for a living?” Shit. I was hoping he wouldn’t ask that. I can’t tell you how many times a day someone rolls their eyes at me when they hear what I do. “I’m a palm reader.” He didn’t laugh, but raised an eyebrow at my answer. “How is that different?” “Because what I see and feel when I read for someone is real.” “How did you get into that line of work?” “My grandmother did it. Her gift was passed down to me.” “Well, my mother was a fairy and my father was a Native American Shaman. So, Fae Shaman just felt right.” I burst out laughing. “You’ve got to be joking. No one with Native American genetics has skin as pale as yours.” “The fae genes are dominant.” “I should call the police and report what happened. Maybe they can get some werewolf hunters on it.” “Let me show you something first.” Liam reached inside his coat and pulled out a small bottle of what looked like multicolored glitter. “Nothing happens by coincidence. There’s no such thing as an accident. My card was left for you to find for a reason, just as what happened to your friend happened for a reason.” He sprinkled some of the glitter into my coffee and stirred it with his finger. I watched as he licked a drop from his fingertip before gesturing toward the cup. “Have a sip.” “You can’t be serious. I have no idea what you just put in my coffee. Besides that, you put your finger in it.” He sighed. “Just drink it. I promise it won’t kill you or make you high. It isn’t a drug.” “Then what is it?” “Drink.”
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I don’t know why I did it. A strange man just put something in my coffee. Under normal circumstances I’d have told him to go to hell and left. But, I reasoned, he did it right in front of me. You’d think if someone wanted to poison you, they wouldn’t want you to know about it. I guess you could say I felt compelled to drink it. So I picked up the coffee and took a sip. When I put the cup down, I felt fine. However, the instant I looked up the whole world changed. The two young women in the far corner of the café had wings. Glittery, shimmering wings. A man coming out of the bathroom had blue skin and horns! “What the fuck is going on? What did you give me, a hallucinogen?” “Our two worlds are separated by only a thin veil.” “That doesn’t answer my question,” I said, gawking at a man with green wings. Liam shrugged. “I simply lifted the veil.” He put an arm around my shoulders to steady me. “Everything you see here is real. It was always here. These people always looked the way they do now. You just couldn’t see it.” “I need a minute,” I said, pushing against his thigh. Liam moved so I could get out of the booth. I went straight for the bathroom, barely controlling my urge to scream when a purple, sparkling woman brushed past me. As soon as I entered I saw two nymphs making out in the corner. Just because I didn’t believe in fairies didn’t mean I was ignorant on the subject. Though they didn’t fit the classical description of a nymph, that was the term that came to mind when I looked at them. One ran her hand up the other’s skirt before turning to me. “You gonna watch, or do you want to join us?” I shook my head, unable to speak at first. Finally I managed, “No thank you.” It wasn’t the fact that they were both female that bothered me. Right then, I would have given anything to walk in on two normal women making out. It was the fact that they were so obviously not normal that bothered me. The one who spoke to me had blue hair and skin that shimmered with flecks of the same shade of blue. She was beautiful, but strange. The blue-haired one smiled sympathetically. “First time through the veil, huh? Who took you?” “Liam Corrigan.” She smiled and gave a low whistle. “Oberon’s gonna be pissed.” I cleared my throat, trying to work up the nerve to question her. The second woman, who looked almost normal except for her glowing skin, moved to the mirror and started reapplying her lipstick. “Please don’t be offended, but you are both nymphs, right?” “That’s right,” the blue-haired one answered. “I’m a water nymph and she’s a wind nymph.” 9
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She gave me a good look-over, as if she was really paying attention for the first time. “What happened to you?” I shrugged. “I had to outrun a monster at The Courtyard tonight. I think it was a werewolf.” “Damn. That sucks. Especially if you’re on a date.” “Oh I’m not—” “Here, let me fix you up,” she said, completely ignoring my protest. She turned on the water and ran her hands underneath the stream. I watched in awe as water droplets danced over her fingertips and flinched when she brought them close to my face. “It’s okay,” she said, laughing. “Let me help you.” She ran her hands and the dancing water droplets over my face and through my hair. It tingled a little and when I looked in the mirror my jaw dropped. My makeup was perfect. My skin looked great and my hair hadn’t looked this shiny since the last time I put a treatment on it. I ran a hand through my newly styled locks and smiled. Underneath these lights you could see the dark red undertones and after the nymph touched it, my hair sort of glowed. I could feel her adjusting my outfit here and there, smoothing over my black slacks and green top. By the time I looked down she had removed all the ground-in dirt and splatters of mud. “Holy shit. You can do all that with just water?” She winked. “It’s magic.” I thanked the nymph again and when I exited the bathroom, noticed that even my shoes were shiny again. I felt more confident as I walked back into the main room and tried to act normal as I took a seat across from Liam. Instantly, I regretted not being beside him instead. If it was possible, he looked even better than before. He smiled approvingly. “I see you met a nymph in the bathroom. Your hair is beautiful.” “Thanks. It’s not natural.” What the hell? Apparently this “lifting the veil” crap had also altered my ability to concentrate. No one volunteers that their hair color isn’t natural. That did, however, remind me of something I’d said to Liam. I looked back up at him and met his gaze. “Those aren’t contacts, are they?” “No.” I leaned forward, resting my head against my hands, blocking out all the weirdness around me. “Why did you do this?”
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The instant his hand touched the top of my head I felt better. He stroked my hair and I sighed. “Because you needed to know. After whatever it was you saw tonight, you needed to know what else is out there.” He paused. “And I wanted you to believe in me.” His laughter was soft and a little bit sad. “That’s strange. It’s never mattered to me before if someone thought I wore contacts.” I glanced around again at all of the strange-looking people. They were still recognizable as the crowd from before, only changed. “Will it go away?” “I’m afraid not. Lifting the veil is permanent. At least it is when a Shaman does it. Are you angry with me?” “No. I just don’t know how much more I can take tonight. So, if nothing happens by accident, then what should I do? Will you help me?” “Of course.” “Should I contact the police about Rachel?” He seemed to consider my question for a minute before answering, “I wouldn’t just yet. I can’t explain except that I’ve got a strange feeling.” I laughed. “You’ve got a strange feeling. Is it anything like having your whole world change in one night?” He smiled at my sarcasm. “You’ll get used to it.” “How would you suggest I do that?” “Come with me.”
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Chapter Two On our drive across downtown Atlanta, I couldn’t help noticing the streets had changed. To be more precise, there were streets I’d never seen before. Even a few new buildings where there had been vacant lots. The rain had stopped and it felt as if the temperature had dropped five degrees. “What is all this?” I asked, gesturing to the city outside. “Has everything changed?” “No, it was always here.” “Yeah, I know. I just couldn’t see it.” And I’d had such high hopes when he drove a normal black sports car. He smelled amazing and the inside of his car carried the same scent. I wondered if it was his cologne or if fairies just smelled that good all the time. Well, half-fairies. He’d said his father was human. “You know, I don’t normally get into a car with someone I just met.” He reached over and patted my thigh. The gesture wasn’t sexual or strange, just comforting. “I know. I can tell that about you. But I’m not a rapist or a psychopath and hopefully, you can tell that about me.” I laughed. “I can.” I reached down and took his hand, gaining both warmth and strength from his touch. “Where are we going?” “To a club.” “I can’t believe I’m going with you to a club after what happened to Rachel. It still doesn’t seem real.” “I’m not taking you to this club to have a good time, though I hope you will.” I was confused. “Then why are you taking me?” We were at a stoplight and when he looked at me to reply, I noticed that his eyes glowed in the darkness of the car. I was both frightened and slightly aroused. “Because I want you to be comfortable with me. The best way to do that is to take you to a place full of others like myself. If I’m going to help you, you need to trust me.” “Why is that so important to you?” Liam turned his attention back to the road. “I’m not sure. I can tell more after I’ve seen what happened.” “How could you possibly see what happened?” “Fae Shaman, remember?”
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When we pulled into the parking lot of Pixie Styx, my first reaction was that I’d been there before and there was nothing special about it. Then I remembered the veil had been lifted and wondered what I might see. Liam opened my door and as he reached for me I realized I didn’t remember him getting out. “Is everything all right?” he asked. “No.” He helped me to my feet. Even with heels, I only reached the middle of his chest. He had to be at least six-foot-four. “It will be,” he said softly. The kindness in his words tugged at my heart and I found my eyes misting over with tears again. “I can’t,” I whispered. “I know you’re trying to help, but I can’t be here without Rachel. She loved this place.” The night was cold and when Liam wrapped me in his arms, I ran my hands underneath his coat. My jacket had been lost somewhere in The Courtyard. His long fingers in my hair were a blissful respite from the turmoil inside. “Let me ease your heartache.” His deep voice so close to my ear made me wet with anticipation. Not even my grief could completely erase how much he turned me on. I wished so much that we’d met under different circumstances. So that I could enjoy this more, without guilt. “How could you do that?” He pulled back enough to look down at me and I watched as his eyes darkened with desire. They became almost black, though still glowing somehow like misplaced stars in the night. Whatever I felt, he was feeling some of it too. “With a kiss.” The wind chilled me, but I trembled for entirely different reasons. “A kiss?” I asked breathlessly. His smile was kind and by the time it reached his eyes I knew I was done for. “There is magic in fairy kisses. It was said long ago that if you kissed a fairy, your souls would touch. With that touch, I can take away your grief, drink it down as if it were my own.” A tear slid down my face, freezing cold against my skin. “Why would you do that? You just met me.” “Because from the moment I looked at you, I wanted to kiss you.” He leaned closer until his breath was a warm tease against my lips. “Let me ease your pain.” How could I refuse such an offer? If I’d kept my eyes open, I might have seen the spark I was certain passed between us. A deep and sinuous warmth spread throughout my body, starting where his lips touched mine. 13
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At first all of my pain and loss was so raw that I nearly pulled away. His touch brought these feelings more and more to the surface. Then, just as he’d described, it began to fade. It was as if he were truly drinking my sorrow. He opened his mouth, urging my lips apart to deepen the kiss, and I let him. He ran his hand up through the back of my hair, cradling my body against his as I fell against him, weakened by his magic. Have you ever cried until you have no more tears? Until you’ve finally “gotten it all out”? That’s what it felt like when he pulled back from me. I still missed Rachel. Her memory and that of her death were still there. But my head was clear now and I could focus on the task at hand—finding out what happened to her. “Better?” he asked. “Thank you.” “What you saw isn’t very clear. I can’t be sure it’s a werewolf.” “Huh?” “When I took away some of your sorrow, I couldn’t help but receive some of your memories. At least, the ones that were causing you pain.” “Great, so you didn’t get the time I walked in on my grandma watching a porno.” His laughter was something I might never tire of hearing. And it would appear I’d found someone who appreciated my sarcasm. Humor is the way I often deal with stress. “You really saw my memories just now?” “I saw everything that happened tonight.” I shook my head for the umpteenth time that night, as if that would make my thoughts any clearer. “I’m a palm reader and this is far-fetched even for me. It’s pretty hard to swallow.” I was still pressed against him, held tightly in his arms. For the first time all night I felt truly safe. “We can talk about it later if you want. When you’re feeling better.” “I’d rather talk about it now and get it over with. Besides, what you did helped, it really did.” I wanted to say more and probably would have pulled him back for another kiss if not for the interruption. A man covered with glitter, so much so that some of it fell off as he passed, yelled, “Get a room!” He laughed as he trotted toward the entrance. Liam rolled his eyes. “Wannabes.” “That’s what I thought this place was full of,” I said. “Why would you bring me here if you want me to be comfortable with fairies?”
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Liam smiled and offered me his arm. “Everything will be explained inside. Besides wanting you to be comfortable with fairies, there is someone here who might be able to help us.” When we turned toward the club I stopped suddenly and almost made Liam trip. Loud, rhythmically hypnotic techno music pumped into the parking lot. That wasn’t unusual. The strange part was I could actually see the notes floating through the air. Little bits of blue and green, drifting out into the night like fireflies. I reached to touch some of the notes and they swirled around my hand, passing through my fingers before flying away on the breeze. “There is magic in the music,” Liam explained. Normally there was a cover charge, but the bouncers seemed to know him. They were both big, but looked only average compared to Liam’s tall frame. They stepped aside with a nod and removed the velvet rope blocking the entrance before motioning us inside. Pixie Styx was a complete sensory overload. Magical notes danced in the air while humans dressed as fairies mingled unknowingly with the real thing. The music thumped so loudly I could feel it in my teeth and bodies brushed against us on our way across the floor. The air smelled sweeter as if it overflowed with perfume mixed with the smell of fresh flowers. It wasn’t entirely unpleasant, there was just too much of it. Small, golden bottles were being passed among the crowd. I noticed that only the real fairies took these, not the humans dressed up with fake wings. It must have been some kind of fairy drug. Dark corners I hadn’t noticed on my previous visits to the club were now visible. In these corners could be seen any number of sex acts. Two men, one with wings, one without, groped each other on a red loveseat, while a man with purple skin went down on a nymph in a chair behind them. When I glanced up at Liam I was surprised to see him blushing. “I’m sorry. Sometimes things get out of hand when half the crowd can’t see the enchanted corners.” “I didn’t know they let the unseelie in here,” someone called from a table near the back. Unseelie? From what little I knew about fairies, I was pretty sure that was a bad thing. He wasn’t talking about Liam, was he? We turned in the direction of the voice and were greeted by a smile from a thin, blond man who was nearly as tall as Liam. He was so beautiful that I felt instantly insecure in his presence. “Luna, this is Nym.” As I shook his hand I asked, “Are you a fairy too?” “Gods forbid,” he laughed. “I’m an elf, darling. Learn to tell the difference.” He pulled back a lock of long blond hair, showing me the tip of his pointy ear. “I’ve got those too,” Liam said.
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Holy shit, he did. His white hair had covered it up before, but as he pulled it back his pointed ears were plain to see. “Yes,” said Nym, “but mine are pointier and I don’t have unnaturally colored eyes.” I noticed he also had a tan. The lighting wasn’t the greatest, but when the strobes flickered in our direction I noticed Nym was wearing a gold suit. Did everyone in this place have horrible fashion sense? Was it required to get through the door? Don’t get me wrong, he looked great in it. It was just so gaudy. “You get to call my eyes unnatural when you stop dressing as if you escaped from a bad musical.” I wasn’t sure if it was okay to laugh or not, but Liam’s comeback was hilarious. The men looked at each other for a moment before laughing and embracing like old friends. We joined Nym at his table and while I sipped a martini, Liam explained the situation to him. “I was on my way to meet Nym here tonight when you called,” he said to me. “After what happened to you, I thought he might be able to help.” “Can he fight werewolves?” I asked. Nym waved off the comment with a laugh. “What did they put in your drink? I might be able to help because people tell me things.” “Because he sleeps with half the magical community,” Liam said dryly. I almost choked on my martini. “And you were on your way to meet him?” The elf laughed again. “Not for those purposes, my dear. Liam here is a bit uptight when it comes to accepting elf favors. He came to me for information.” He leaned forward conspiratorially. “You see, rumor has it that someone wants to steal his magic.” “That’s enough,” Liam interrupted. To counter the harshness of his tone he smiled. “Besides, you know it has nothing to do with you being an elf. I just don’t like men.” I wasn’t used to having sexual matters discussed quite this frankly and could feel my cheeks burning. I was grateful for the dim lighting, which I’m sure hid a dark-red blush. Seeing the sexual displays in the dark corners of the room had not affected me as strongly as having Liam and sex mentioned in the same conversation. “I go both ways,” Nym volunteered, “and I can’t even get him interested in a threeway.” I fanned with a napkin to cool my burning face. Apparently Nym had been trying to get my shaman into his bed for quite some time. My shaman. Where did that come from? “Are you all right?” Liam asked. “No. I’ve got so many questions I’m going to need to make a list and I feel a little dizzy.”
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“I’ll get back with you,” he said to Nym. At the elf’s wicked grin he added, “About the information, not the three-way.” “Fine. I’ll see if I hear anything about a rogue werewolf.” The elf rose to bid us farewell. His hug was unexpected. He patted my back and said, “I’m sorry about your friend.” Humans were never this kind to someone they’d just met. Maybe I should hang around more elves. Before we left I went to the bathroom. While I washed my hands I noticed writing all over the walls. Most prominent was a note in pink letters, “For a good time call”. I laughed, wondering if the number listed was Nym’s. “What’s so funny?” I turned to the woman beside me. She was decked out in her finest fairyimpersonating outfit and was more than half-drunk. “Just that writing.” She looked where I pointed and her brow crinkled as she made a face. “Honey, there’s nothing there. I think you had too much to drink.” “Really? You don’t see that? Those huge pink letters?” “Pink, huh?” She squinted at the wall. “All I see is a little chipped paint.” Liam offered to drive me home. Since Rachel and I had taken a cab to Rave because we both wanted to drink, I accepted the offer. On the way to my apartment I asked him about the writing. “Just more magic that regular people can’t see.” “How is it that I saw these people before, but couldn’t see what they really looked like?” “It’s called a glamour spell. They made you see what they wanted. It’s how we’ve been able to co-exist for years without anyone knowing the difference. Lifting the veil nullified their ability to hide.” “But you didn’t change,” I said softly. “You look just the same as before.” “I have no desire to hide,” he said. The darkness and close space inside the car made the moment seem more intimate. His voice drifted to my ears like a warm summer breeze. “If people think I’m a weirdo who wears purple contacts, that’s fine by me. I’d rather have them see the truth and not understand, than to spend my life in hiding.” I was too stunned by all that had happened to say anything else during the drive. Instead we rode in silence with me vowing to make a list of all my questions just as soon as I could think straight. Once we arrived, Liam walked me to my door. I watched as he removed a small vial from inside his coat and offered it to me. “The last time you took a bottle out of your coat, I started seeing shit that wasn’t there before. Do I want to know what this is?”
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“It will help you sleep, keep you from having nightmares.” “You always carry around things like that?” He smiled. “No. After I spoke to you, I had a feeling you would need it. Even though you didn’t give any details, there was something in your voice.” “Oh.” Grief washed over me, making me feel even worse for having forgotten my pain for a few moments, thanks to his magic. “I’m sorry I couldn’t take away all your grief with the kiss. I’ll be back with something for the pain, but it will take me a few days to make.” “I’m not—” I was about to say I wasn’t injured when I realized he meant something for my emotional pain. “That would be helpful, thank you.” “I’ll meditate on your memories, see if I can tell for sure what attacked your friend.” He put his hand on my shoulder and I almost invited him in. Not for sex, but just because I didn’t want to be alone. “Everything will be all right somehow,” he said. “I’ll help you.” He touched my face lightly and I knew it was more than loneliness that made me want him to stay. There was something about him that called out to me, made me want to keep him close. “Lock the door before I go,” he said. “So I know you’re safe.” I smiled. “No one’s ever asked me to do that besides my dad.” He took a step closer and I fought the urge to pull him inside, pushed back the desire to lose myself in his warm voice and soft touch. “I don’t instantly like a lot of people,” he explained, “fairy or otherwise. Until we know more about what’s going on, I’d feel better knowing that you’re locked safely inside your apartment.” Closing the door was difficult, but I managed. I watched through the peephole and when I turned the deadbolt saw him smile before walking away. After Liam had gone, I started crying again. Even though he had taken some of my grief on himself, seeing your best friend killed is a pretty terrible thing. I hugged my arms around my waist and curled into a ball beside the door. After several minutes, I got up and decided that a bath would help. While I soaked in the hot water, watching the steam rise, I tried my best to relive tonight’s events without freaking out. What did I actually see? I pictured Rachel as she’d looked moments before it happened, remembering the smile she wore as she danced. She was twirling around like a child, looking up at the stars, when I’d first noticed something was wrong. One second I heard a noise, the next I saw a blur of dark hair moving toward my friend. Glowing red eyes. Claws. Teeth hovering above her face. I screamed. That’s when it noticed me. The monster was hidden by shadows. The lighting was too poor to make out any more details other than it was big. Really big. I did the only thing I could—I turned and ran. 18
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It reached for me as I turned, ripping my jacket loose. I knew the beast to be fast because of how quickly it leapt for Rachel. Now that I thought about it, it hadn’t tried very hard to catch me. When it grabbed my jacket I’d slipped in the mud, clawing my way through a puddle to regain my footing. After that, I hadn’t stopped until I reached the café. I must have run two blocks. I opened my eyes and realized I’d been clutching the rim of the tub so hard my knuckles had turned white. Rachel had been on the ground, and when I looked again, she was gone. Had I just assumed she’d been eaten or did I see it happen? “Fuck this.” I towel-dried my hair and bundled up in my thickest bathrobe. It was the first of November and the weather was unseasonably cold. As I passed the thermostat on the way to the kitchen, I bumped up the temperature. I had an electric fireplace, but it only worked half the time and tonight I didn’t want to take a chance on setting the place on fire. What I needed was sleep. I stared at the bottle Liam had given me for several minutes, wondering how much to take, before I noticed the tiny writing. At first I thought it was just a scratch on the bottle’s bright blue surface. I held it closer and could tell it was writing, but still couldn’t read the small print. I rummaged through the kitchen junk drawer until I found a magnifying glass. For prevention of nightmares. Take one drop. “Well, that answers that question.” For the second time that night I took something a stranger had given me. Only this time, I hadn’t questioned my decision as much.
***** It was noon the next day before I woke up. My sleep had been good and thankfully free from nightmares. I couldn’t say as much for my waking thoughts. I decided it would be best to call my clients and cancel any readings for the next few days. I hated to turn away money, but I felt like shit. It’s not that I’m greedy. I needed to pay the rent. Palm reading didn’t pay enough to live a life of luxury, but it was still decent money. Technically, I didn’t have a “real job”. A friend of mine did taxes and had advised me against officially opening a business. He said that instead I should do readings in my home and accept “donations”. That way I avoided business taxes and actually made enough money to live. So if you want to get technical, my services are free. I’ve always been grateful for the regular clients of mine who give large donations. Because of one of these I was able to take a few days to work through the loss of my friend.
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I made coffee on autopilot. I was like a zombie going through the motions of what I used to do. The night before seemed surreal. In the light of day I wondered if I’d only imagined a monster. Then I remembered Liam. I closed my eyes and saw his white hair spilling across my face, felt my nails biting into his shoulders as I gripped him tight. With a gasp I snapped out of whatever trance I’d been in. Normally, something like that didn’t happen to me unless I was reading for someone. Even then, it wasn’t a first-person perspective. Most of the time if I saw anything it was like watching a movie or a play acted out in front of me. But this was real. “Was that a vision of the future?” I wondered aloud. One thing was certain, I had not imagined him. My imagination wasn’t that good. As I enjoyed my third cup of coffee, I began to make notes on things I had questions about from the night before. At the top of the list was, “What does ‘unseelie’ mean?” This was immediately followed by “Who the fuck is Oberon and why does he sound familiar?” A few minutes alone with a search engine and I had only created more questions. There were so many sites with information about fairies. Sometimes the internet can be too much of a good thing. I needed answers, and there were plenty here. Mostly to questions I hadn’t asked yet. Several sites did agree on one thing, “unseelie” was definitely bad. The group known as unseelie was considered the “Dark Court”, consisting of solitary fairies who were supposedly more inclined to be wicked because they didn’t fit in with the rest. “Shit. They make them sound like serial killers.” Upon closer investigation, I found that such unsavory characters as hobgoblins belonged to the unseelie court. What had Liam done to be put in this category? Or was Nym just being an ass? I thought this over in the shower. It was there, with my bathroom filled with steam, that I was distracted not by thoughts of grief but by fantasies of Liam. I imagined him there with water saturating his long hair, making it cling to his neck and shoulders. I could see every inch of him, just as real as I could look down and see my own body. Was my mind trying to protect me from what I’d seen? Was I having these visions to avoid reliving the horror that I could only remember in flashes? “These are not the thoughts of someone who just lost a friend,” I said to myself. Imagine my surprise when Liam answered, “How would you know? Have you ever lost a friend before?” “No. But apparently I’ve lost my fucking mind.” His smile looked so real. He looked so real. I reached out to test that theory just as Liam seemed to realize he was naked. 20
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“Naughty you,” he teased. I ran a hand through my wet hair to get it out of my face. Truly, I expected him to vanish in the time it took me to do this. “I’m not naughty, because this isn’t happening. I’m standing here like a nut, talking to myself. I’m hurting and this must be a manifestation of my pain.” He propped against the wall and as he crossed his arms, rivulets of water cascaded down his body. “See, nobody looks that good naked, so this can’t be real. You are a fantasy, right down to your…” My words trailed off as I paused to take in the full view. “That can’t be real.” He didn’t laugh at me, but there was barely contained amusement in his smile. “If you’re done trying to convince yourself, I’d be glad to tell you what’s really happening.” I took a step forward, frightened by the depth of my obvious psychosis. In the process I knocked down a bottle of shampoo. It stopped before reaching Liam’s foot. I’d been expecting it to roll right through him. “Fine. Let’s hear it.” “You summoned me here.” “Summoned you?” “It’s a side effect of the kiss we shared.” I remembered what he’d said, about if you kissed a fairy your souls would touch. “It’s for this reason that Oberon discourages mixing with humans. If they have a bit of psychic ability, they can summon you, just like this.” He indicated his body before winking at me. “The naked fantasy is a nice touch.” A light switched on in my memory. “Oberon? As in, king of the fairies, Oberon?” He looked impressed. “You know your folklore.” “I know my Shakespeare,” I corrected. He sighed. “I know where you’re going with this. Just because he was in a work of fiction doesn’t make him any less real.” “If he is your king, then you’ve gone against his wishes.” He shrugged. “It’s not the first time. He’ll understand.” “You have a good relationship then?” “He’s my uncle. Well, sort of. I’ll explain it to you later. Over dinner, maybe. In the meantime, try not to summon me.” Before I could tell Liam I hadn’t intentionally summoned him, he added, “I’ll see you in two days.”
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It wasn’t until after he’d vanished that I understood he’d really been there, we’d had an entire conversation, butt-naked in my shower. Oh well, no use worrying about it now. As I dried off, I decided to spend the rest of the day doing more research. I wiped some of the steam from the mirror and ran a comb through my hair. My dark eyes were a little red from all the crying, but considering everything, I didn’t look too bad. Appearances were always important to my mother and I frowned when I realized that some of her habits had rubbed off on me. From the way she looked to the people she was seen with, my mother couldn’t stop worrying about what everyone would think of her. It didn’t matter how I looked, my best friend died yesterday. Since appearances are so important to her, my mother and I have never been close. She didn’t disown me or anything like that. She just thinks I’m crazy. The gift, as my granny called it, skipped her. It is for this reason she’s always kept her distance once I moved out. God forbid everyone think her daughter was a loon, just like her poor old crazy mother had been. Granny took her gift in stride. No one thought she was crazy. She was revered. My mother just had no idea because she was too afraid to find out. She’d moved out at seventeen to avoid living under the same roof as a “tea-reading loony”. Granny never read tea leaves. Shows what Mom knew. I’d just slipped into my favorite jeans and a big blue sweater when someone rang the doorbell. Since I’d cancelled my appointments and Liam had said two days, I was careful to check the peephole first. My waitress from the café was standing there, twirling a lock of hair around one finger. She looked both harmless and sort of charming. What the hell? I opened the door. “Hello,” she said brightly. “I know we don’t know each other, but Liam sent me.” She was carrying a small basket and looked too pretty to be real. Literally. Her blonde hair glowed and her blue eyes sparkled. I don’t mean that as a figure of speech. They really sparkled. You may read about shit like that in romance novels, but in real life, no one has eyes like that. Unless you count Liam, who isn’t completely human. “I’m a siren,” she said, as if sensing my curiosity. “I don’t really lure fishermen to their deaths, but I do like to swim.” Her uncertain smile and kind attempt to lighten the mood made me instantly like her. “Please, come in.” “Thank you.” She put the basket on the kitchen table and looked around with a smile. The more she spoke the faster the words came. “Nice place. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve never been to a fortune teller’s home before, but yours isn’t weird or creepy or anything. I’m glad you let me in. I figured you might have been suspicious of me last night. I mean, no one has natural blonde hair, not like mine. Without a glamour, it all glows.”
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I didn’t bother explaining that she wasn’t in the room when Liam lifted the veil. I had no idea she “glowed” until she showed up at my apartment. When she paused to take a breath I said, “I just figured you colored it.” My comment came out a little flat. More like bad comedy than rudeness. We both laughed. “My name’s Aurora,” she said, “and I ramble when I’m nervous.” “No reason to be nervous. I promise I don’t bite. Can I offer you some coffee?” “That’d be great.” When I went back into the kitchen I remembered when I’d made the coffee and called over my shoulder, “It isn’t very fresh. I could make you some more?” “That’s fine as it is,” she said. “I like it strong and bitter.” She roamed around the living room and I poured her a cup of coffee while she continued to ramble about one thing or another before asking, “Can you read my mind, because I swear I only thought Liam was sexy that one time?” I burst out laughing. “I really can’t,” I assured her. “How is it that a siren knows nothing about palm reading? I thought magical creatures knew about all things, well, magical.” She shrugged, then accepted the cup from me and took a sip. “I dunno. How is it you didn’t believe in fairies until last night?” “Fair enough. It works like this. A reading requires physical contact as well as an invitation. Someone has to invite me into their mind. Normally, I take their hands and we sit quietly until I get a feeling or an image that relates to whatever it is they want to know about. I don’t instantly read their thoughts or see the future, though sometimes I can do those things.” “Do you always see something to help them?” “Not always. You’re not a fairy, so how come whatever he gave me made you visible for what you are? Sirens aren’t fairies, right?” I was pretty sure of the answer, but I’d been wrong before. “No, but all magical beings are hidden behind the veil. If they want, that is.” “Vampires and werewolves came out awhile ago and no one needed anything special to see them.” She smiled. “That’s because they aren’t magical.” Well, I certainly had lot to learn. “So, what’s in the basket?” “Oh crap. You can’t get me started talking, you really can’t. I’ll talk your head off. Not literally.” She added the last at my look of alarm. “I only knew one person who could actually do that and she was a sea hag. That’s so not the same thing as me.”
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Chapter Three The basket contained a book on fairies, a sympathy card and another bottle of the nightmare prevention potion. I guess he thought I’d have a lot of nightmares. Underneath the book was a small note that said, “I’ll see you soon. Remind Aurora.” I read it aloud and asked, “Remind you about what?” “Oh yeah,” she said, putting down the coffee cup. “He asked me to tell you that your abilities will be stronger now. He said that after what you shared, which is totally none of my business, your gift will go from mild to full-blown psychic. He has no idea what you may experience and sends his apologies.” She paused and chewed on her lip as if she was trying to remember something else. “Oh, and it’s temporary. If you don’t do, um, anything else physical with him, it will eventually wear off.” Well, that explained the visions. Was I seeing the future? My heart leapt at the possibility. Still, it was all a bit much to take in. “Holy shit.” I pulled out a chair and sat down before I fell down. “Anything else I should know?” “Not that I can think of.” It took Aurora a minute to catch my sarcasm. She laughed softly and sat across from me, taking my hand much the same way Liam had. “It’ll be okay. Read the book, take the potion, it’ll help.” I hesitated before asking, “Did he tell you why I need the potion?” “Yeah,” she said softly. “I’m sorry.” True to her word, Aurora couldn’t stop talking again. “Liam and I have been friends for a while, ever since he got rid of that stalker for me. I tell him if I see anything weird while I’m at work, stuff like that. You know, because the café is right in the middle of everything.” A feeling of dread crept over me at the thought of asking her to elaborate. But I had a feeling I should ask more. Maybe it was part of my newly enhanced abilities. “Did you see anything strange last night? Besides me?” “Come to think of it, yeah. This woman came in all covered in slime.” I made a face. “Slime? Are you sure?” “Positive. You don’t forget someone covered in slime.” She paused and finished her coffee. “I know we barely know each other, but could I offer you some advice?” “Sure.” I was actually eager to hear what kind of advice a siren would give. “Don’t worry too much about what happened. I know that sounds awful, but everything has a purpose. Like you and Liam.” She shrugged. “Well, that has purpose
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written all over it. You should have seen his face when he gave me that basket this morning.” I couldn’t help but return her smile. Her good mood was contagious. “What do you mean? I’ve just met him.” Aurora looked at me more solemnly. “There is magic in the way he speaks your name. I don’t know how to say it any better than that, but there’s something special there. Don’t get so caught up in everything else that you let it slip away.” Her words were touching. “Thanks. That means a lot. Sounds as if you speak from experience.” Her radiant smile returned. “You mean on letting things slip away? Yeah, I’m the queen. Somehow, it’s easier to see what’s there when I’m looking at other people. But when it comes to my own love life? Phhfffttt.” She made a gesture like a magician performing a trick. “As soon as a man shows interest in me, poof, he’s gone.” “Are you telling them you’re a siren?” She looked to be thinking that over. “Damn it. You think I scared them off?” “It’s possible.” After my enlightening visit with Aurora, I took the book Liam had given me and settled down on the couch. Even though I had adjusted the thermostat to what should have been a pleasant temperature, I was freezing. Before I started to read, I decided to turn on the electric fireplace. Thank goodness, it worked. It had been rewired last year and I hadn’t trusted it since. I snuggled up underneath my favorite blanket and opened the book. In the front was a note from Liam. This book was published twenty years ago and no one took it seriously. They considered it fiction. It was written by a witch whose fae lover took her through the veil. I glanced at the cover once more and paid closer attention to the title: Fairies and Such. As I began to read I was excited to find the book covered all sorts of topics besides the fae. It wasn’t a comprehensive dictionary, but more of a list of magical beings I might possibly encounter. One chapter was dedicated to nymphs. They aren’t technically fairies though a lot of people (including myself) confused them with sprites. There was a note stuck to one of the pages in this section too. The two you met last night are named Breeze (wind nymph) and Splash (water nymph). I know this because they asked Aurora who my “hot” date was. They also said that if you ever decide men aren’t your thing, the offer to join them still stands. He attached another note underneath this to say, Not bad for someone who’d been rained on and chased through the mud. Nymphs don’t proposition just anybody. I’d take it as a compliment.
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From there I moved on to a section about spells and incantations that could only be performed effectively by the fae. Other practitioners of magic could work the spells, however, the effects wouldn’t last. One such spell was the one Liam must have used to make the potion that lifted the veil. Of course, the complete spell wasn’t given. I assumed that’s because the author/witch didn’t know the rest. Or maybe she was threatened to keep the secret of the hidden magical world? Glamours performed by the fae were also permanent unless (like in my case) a fairy shaman helped you to see past the spells or nullified their effect. I was so fascinated by this information that I didn’t hear someone knocking on my door until they started to yell. “Come on, I know you’re in there.” I left the book on the coffee table and looked through the peephole to find Nym, still wearing that gold suit. Curiosity made me open the door. “How do you know where I live?” “Aurora told me,” the elf said. He tossed his long hair over one shoulder. “Hello again to you too. Aren’t you going to invite me in or do I have to stand here until your neighbor propositions me again?” At that I laughed and motioned for him to come inside. He followed me through the short hallway into the living room, where he sighed with relief. “Great, you’ve got a fire. It’s butt-fucking cold outside.” While Nym moved toward the fireplace I propped against the wall, laughing. “What? You’ve never heard that expression before?” “I’m afraid not,” I said, regaining my composure. “It’s when you’re so cold you have to butt-fuck to keep warm.” I was still snickering when I moved back to the couch. Nym sat beside me and glanced at the book. “From Liam, I take it?” “Yes.” Nym looked concerned. “How are you today, did you rest? Surely he sent you a potion?” “He did, and it helped.” I sighed. “It feels good to laugh, even though I feel a little guilty.” “For laughing? Don’t be ridiculous. I know what it feels like to lose a friend. There are two very good ways to move beyond survivor’s guilt.” I was expecting to hear some tidbit from a grief counseling handbook. Instead Nym blurted out, “Laughter is great, but what really worked for me was to go out and screw like mad, which brings me to the reason for my visit.” My heart thumped painfully. “Nym, I don’t think that’s such a good idea.” He raised a brow and I was struck once more by his stunning good looks. 26
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“I could make you scream,” he said. “However, that’s not the reason for my visit.” I couldn’t decide if I was relieved or disappointed. “Then what brings you my way?” He sat back and crossed his legs, stretching his arms across the back of the sofa. “I have some information and Liam was indisposed.” Indisposed? That could mean anything and the way Nym said it made me think of something naughty. I was surprised by the pang of jealousy I felt at the thought of Liam being indisposed doing naughty things with another woman. “Doing what?” “Working a spell for you or so Aurora said. She was guarding his house from the front porch to make sure no one interrupts him. He’s making a potion.” Oh yeah, that was right. I felt stupid for my bizarre jealousy. After all, we’d just met last night and he told me about the spell. Of course he would be indisposed. “He said he needed two days, that he would bring something to relieve my pain.” Nym’s smile looked wistful as he leaned closer. “Do you know what is required for that spell?” I really didn’t. People often assumed I was a witch, but palm reading isn’t witchcraft. It might be magical on some level, but didn’t require spell work. “No.” “It requires a sacrifice of pain.” “What do you mean?” “Liam needs two days to conjure up every painful memory he can. Everything that’s ever hurt him, that’s what he will put into the spell.” I felt terrible. “You mean he’s suffering right now just to help me?” “Yes.” “We should stop him,” I said, rising to my feet. “I don’t want him to hurt for my sake.” “Don’t worry,” Nym said, taking my hand. “He wants to do it, otherwise he wouldn’t have volunteered.” I let him pull me back onto the couch. The thought of Liam reliving painful memories broke my heart. But I took the elf’s advice and let it be. After all, he had known Liam longer than I had and he seemed unconcerned. “Now,” he said, “would you like to hear what I’ve learned?” “About my situation? You mean you’ve had time to learn something new since last night?” He laughed softly as he waved off my comment. “You underestimate me.” Now I was intrigued. “So, let’s have it then.” His smile was wicked. “How about a cup of elvish tea and I’ll dish?”
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it.”
“You’ve got tea bags in that tight get-up?” He pulled two small bags from his upper coat pocket. “Never leave home without
The tea was good, but the conversation was better. “Right after we left she came in Pixie Styx?” I asked. “You probably walked past her on your way out.” “What was her name?” He took another sip before answering. “Tina. She’s a dancer, has the most amazing long legs, and an ass—” “Nym, I don’t need to know about her ass.” “Well, if you insist on skipping the good parts, it’s your loss. Tina, aside from being a dancer, is a werewolf.” “What was she doing in a fae hot spot?” “Looking for fairies, of course. They say that once you have a fae lover, you’ll never want any other.” “Ooo, that’s sexy.” He winked. “Yes, but those who say such things have never had an elf.” I laughed. “We went back to her place and after hours and hours of pumping her for information, I found out something useful.” I could feel my cheeks burning at the images his words conjured. “Wow. You can make anything sound dirty.” “Yes, it’s a gift.” Nym paused to take another sip of tea. “The Wolf King, Marco Barak, is in town. He owns a club not far from Pixie Styx. If you stop by unannounced, he might see you.” “Why would he do that?” “Because he’s a nice guy or so I’ve been told. If you try to make an appointment, it might take months. Unannounced is your best bet. He will be able to tell you if any of his wolves have gone rogue. Since you’re looking for a large, hairy monster, I thought it might help if you could rule out werewolves.” I jumped up and hugged him. If not for Nym, who knows how long it might have taken me or Liam to find this out? I didn’t even know any werewolves. “Thank you so much, Nym.” He smiled. “It was no trouble. I enjoy a bit of undercover work now and then.” “I’ll bet.”
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Before he left Nym took another look at the basket Liam had sent. “You should keep this by your door. There are spells woven in with the reeds. It will keep anything harmful out.” I was impressed. “I’ll do that. I didn’t realize even the basket was magical.” Nym turned to leave and I reached for him. “Wait. There is one more thing I’d like to know, if you’ll indulge me?” He turned to me, hands on hips. He didn’t look irritated, I got the impression it was his normal pose. “Your hair could use some more red highlights,” he said, not giving me a chance to ask my question. As he reached for my hair, Nym touched my face. With that touch I fell to my knees. The room was dark and all I could hear was the sound of his breath. Then I saw him on the bed with a woman. Their limbs were entwined, sweat glistening on their skin. Nym’s long hair clung to his back in wet strands. She raked her nails down his back, but they didn’t break the skin. Upon closer inspection I could see the tips of her fingers were covered with some type of decorative metal pieces. Somehow I knew this was to prevent infecting Nym with lycanthropy. This vision was not like the one I’d had of Liam. It was third person and I moved freely about the room as if my consciousness was floating. She wrapped her long legs around him and I watched his ass flex as he pumped in and out of her. I heard her screams, listened to the wet slapping noises as he thrust in and out of her soaking pussy. I could feel myself growing wetter as I watched, aching with desire. From the foot of the bed I could see it all. I watched his cock thrust into her pussy, saw the juices running down her thighs as she screamed. In this vision I could not touch my own body, but I thought about it. It was as if I no longer required hands. Only thought was enough to get me there. I thought how good it would feel to be fucked like that and I came. The next thing I knew I was on my kitchen floor with Nym leaning over me. His blond hair tickled across my face as he bent closer. “Are you all right?” He helped me sit up and I put a hand to my chest, trying in vain to soothe my racing heart. I couldn’t seem to catch my breath. “What just happened?” he asked. “I saw you with Tina,” I panted. Before I could stop myself I said, “And it made me come.” His smile of satisfaction was enough to make me vividly recall the sight of his naked ass. 29
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“I’m glad I could be of service,” he purred. As he helped me to my feet he added, “Care to tell me how you got inside my head so easily?” “I’m not sure.” I propped against the counter and told him the information Aurora had passed along from Liam about my abilities being enhanced by his kiss. “Interesting,” Nym said. “Did you have any mental shields in place?” “No. I’ve never needed strong shields before because my gift has always required touch to work. Plus, people had to invite me into their minds. I could never just force my way in. Besides that, I touched your hand earlier and nothing happened. I don’t understand how this time was different.” He shrugged. “I must have let down my guard without realizing it. Maybe that’s all the invitation you need anymore.” He leaned closer. “Was it that good?” I pushed him back with a laugh. “It was incredible. I’ve never experienced anything like that before.” He studied me for a moment. “But you’ve got your sights set on someone more pale with violet eyes, right?” I smiled. “Can you read minds too?” “No, but I’m very good at reading people. What was the question you wanted to ask?” “Now that I think of it, I’ve got a couple of questions.” “Start with the one that sounds like the most fun.” “Liam and I haven’t discussed money yet. I don’t want to bring up the subject and insult him. What kind of fees does he normally charge for his services?” Nym’s wicked laughter echoed in my small kitchen. “What makes you think he works for money? I’m sure the two of you will come to a suitable arrangement. Next question.” “You said last night that someone wanted to steal his magic. Why would anyone do that? Is it even possible?” “That is the rumor. I haven’t heard any more about it though. There are any number of reasons someone might want to be as powerful as Liam. Of course, it would take someone just as strong to steal his magic in the first place. Who knows? Maybe they want to take over the world. Now I’ve got a question for you.” “What? Don’t ask me to describe how good your ass looked or anything.” He laughed. “No, this is much more boring. How come you didn’t know your friend was going to die before it happened? I’ve never understood psychic ability very well.” “For one thing, before I kissed Liam I was not full-blown psychic. I suppose that’s why I don’t know how to control things now. I have no idea how it works. I never read for Rachel. She never asked me to tell her future and showed no interest in palm
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reading sessions I did for others. Besides, even if I had grabbed her hand and tried to initiate contact, at that time I would have needed her invitation. There’s no way I could have known.” “I’m sorry,” he said, “I didn’t meant to upset you by asking.” I shook my head. “You didn’t. I think I’m going to find that book I’ve got on psychic ability and see if I can keep from reliving anyone else’s memories.” He laughed. “You know you liked it.” After Nym left I went to my bookshelf in the back bedroom. This was the space I used to do readings. It was decorated like most people expected a palm reader’s place to be decorated. There was a bead curtain hanging from the door and I even had a crystal ball on one of the shelves. Of course, it was just for decoration. Dozens of candles were placed around the room in no particular order. When I needed to focus this is where I came. The candles and their soft glow always soothed me. After searching for a few minutes among my new age and metaphysical books I found what I was looking for. Most of these books were given to me by people who didn’t know I didn’t practice witchcraft. Not that I had anything against it. My greatgrandmother was a witch. The other books here, the really old ones, I inherited from her. Sadly, I had never done more than scan a few pages in any of them. My gift came to me naturally and I never saw the need to practice any religion. I believed in something more than myself, I’d just never taken the time to search for it. I saw these books in a different light after my recent experiences. A book on how to select a familiar didn’t seem so far-fetched anymore. Neither did a book on how to summon the love of your life. “Really?” I said, taking a closer look at the book. I flipped through the pages. “It’s nothing but spells to summon your true love.” I laughed softly. “Why did I never read this before?” My laughter subsided when I remembered that Rachel had given it to me for Valentine’s Day almost five years ago. My grandmother never openly practiced the craft, though her mother had. The one thing she said about it that stuck in my mind was, “Never dabble. If you choose to practice, then study first. Dabbling will only lead to trouble.” With this in mind, I put the spell book down and picked up the book on getting in touch with your own psychic abilities. Late that night, after reading the entire book on psychic ability (it wasn’t very long), I decided to meditate and attempt to strengthen my shields. I didn’t want to accidentally slip into someone’s mind just because of a handshake. Even though Liam said the effects of his kiss were temporary, I didn’t plan on that being the last time I kissed him. So I figured I should learn to control these enhanced abilities of mine as soon as possible. Every time I tried to picture a stronghold—to represent the shields in my mind—I instead saw Nym and Tina. More distracting still, when I didn’t see them, I saw myself with Liam. 31
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“Fuck it,” I said, rising from my place in front of the fire. I had already taken a drop of the nightmare prevention potion an hour before. I didn’t have to worry about nightmares because I couldn’t sleep. I also couldn’t meditate. Maybe it was the nearly half-pot of coffee I drank earlier, or perhaps I was just nervous about all that was going on. A bottle of my favorite wine was in the fridge and under the circumstances I saw no reason not to indulge. I rationalized this out loud as I took a glass down from the cabinet. “My friend is dead, the whole world has changed, and apparently I’m too horny to meditate. All my appointments are cancelled. Why not?” It had been awhile since I’d had very much to drink. I had nothing against alcohol, I just tried not to take in too many calories this way. I’m not one of those women obsessed with being thin. My breasts are naturally large, D cup to be exact. If I gain weight they grow, and if they grow any more I might tip over. Okay, so that’s an exaggeration, but larger breasts would give me back problems that I do not want. This also runs in my family and though many women would consider it a blessing, every time I go shopping, I consider it a curse. So for that reason, I do my best to stay fit. It had been several months since I’d indulged so much. By the time I drank half the bottle I was very drunk. I was also no longer concerned about the cold. I’d stripped down to my underwear and my favorite silk robe. Both were black with aqua-blue trim. All thoughts of my grandmother’s warnings were now long gone as I went into the back room and picked up the book of love spells. How great would it be to take the guesswork out of finding your true love? Or so I thought. While I flipped through the pages I started talking to myself. “Since I met him, all I can think about is Liam. That’s not like me. A man has never affected me this way before. What if he isn’t even meant to be with me?” I paused as flashes of another sexual fantasy flickered through my mind. It was like watching stills from a porno. “If that’s the case, maybe I could at least sleep with him?” I laughed at how ridiculous I sounded. I poured myself another ice-cold glass of red wine and started gathering ingredients from the kitchen. My computer was still on where I’d used it for more research on the fae earlier. Now I pulled up the media player and selected my favorite R&B playlist. I swayed to the slow, grinding rhythm as I lit the candles around the back room. Without realizing what I was doing, I was casting a circle with both my intent and the way the candles ringed the room. I placed the ingredients on the small table in the center, starting with a large pink candle. According to the book, pink represented romantic love. It seemed like a more appropriate choice for summoning a true love than lusty red. I sprinkled cinnamon around the dish where the candle stood, before rubbing the candle down with cinnamon oil. I kept the first type of cinnamon around for baking and the second because it smelled good. As I anointed the candle, stroking its length, I 32
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pictured Liam’s long, full cock. I remembered him standing in my shower and my pussy started to ache with desire. I was so tense. I needed to be fucked good and hard, just like Nym had done to Tina. Images of him pumping in and out of her filled my mind as I continued to stroke the candle. Unknowingly, I was charging the spell with all my sexual energy. I put the candle back on the plate and lit some sandalwood incense. I also kept this around because I liked the rich, earthy fragrance. These were all the magical ingredients I could find in my kitchen. I would have to do the rest with my words. The book also stated that the most powerful spells are the ones people write themselves. Making up my own spell seemed like a good idea at the time, especially since my vision was starting to blur and I couldn’t read the spells in the book. I lit the pink candle and thought for a moment about what I would say. I finished my glass of wine and lifted my arms to the ceiling as if petitioning the sky for help. “Goddess of love and God of desire, I summon you now by the light of this fire.” Emotion suddenly choked me as I realized just how much I wanted to be loved. I was alone, perhaps more than I’d ever been. When I continued the spell, it was more than desire that inspired me—it was a need to belong, to know I had a place. “I want nothing that is not meant to be and ask for love that is only given free. I ask that you do this by your divine power. Send to me my true love no matter the hour.” I paused to remember the words to close the spell. “So mote it be.”
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Chapter Four In a rush the candles went out. All except the pink one sitting in the middle of the table. I’m surprised this didn’t sober me up, but it didn’t. I moved back to the living room and fell asleep as I stared into the fireplace. I woke suddenly, unsure how much time had passed. The sweet smell of cinnamon mixed with the rich undertone of sandalwood drifted toward me. At first I thought I was dreaming. Liam was standing over me wearing nothing but a long, purple robe. The fabric looked like velvet and the way it hung open in front revealed much of his gorgeous body. “The potion is ready,” he said. His deep voice was smoother than I remembered and it flowed over me as he spoke. “It hasn’t been two days yet, has it?” I blinked several times to be sure he was real. “How did you get in here?” He smiled and when the fire reflected off his violet eyes my heart fluttered. I knew then, perhaps because of our connection, that his eyes changed shades according to his mood. As he looked down at me, reclining there with my robe completely open, they turned as dark as the rich shade of his robe. “This spell came together faster than I’d expected, but only by a few hours. Thanks to the connection we share, I don’t need a key.” He moved closer and sat beside me. “Did you summon me on purpose this time or was it an accident?” “Well, I—” “It doesn’t matter,” he said, placing his finger over my lips. “I was coming for you anyway.” I was still a little tipsy, but sober enough to remember every detail of the spell I performed. I chose not to mention this to Liam. Besides, he might already know. “Why were you coming for me?” I asked, wondering if I should take his appearance as an answer to my spell. “The potion can only be taken during the witching hour.” “Midnight?” He smiled as he reached for me, helping me to a sitting position. “It’s past midnight, sweetheart. The witching hour lasts from midnight to three in the morning.” I sighed, enjoying the sound of his voice. I liked it when he called me sweetheart. “So, it’s sort of like happy hour?” “Sort of. It’s one o’clock. The sooner you take the potion, the better you’ll feel.” 34
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All of a sudden I felt sad at the thought of losing the pain, of being rid of that ache in my chest. After all, it was all I had left of Rachel. Perhaps Liam could sense my sadness or maybe he just read my expression. Whatever the reason, he reached for me and I let him wrap me inside the robe against his chest. For the moment it didn’t matter that he was naked beneath the soft fabric. What mattered was that he was next to me and the feel of his skin gave me more strength and reassurance than I ever thought possible. “You’ll never lose her memory,” he said. He stroked my hair as he whispered softly in a language I didn’t understand. “You must ease the pain in order to see this through. Grief and horror cloud your vision quite literally. I have no idea what to expect as we explore this further, only that something is not right. It would take years for your pain to fade naturally. My potion will not harm your memories of Rachel, only make it not hurt when you think of her.” He hugged me tighter and began to whisper to me again. I snuggled my face underneath his chin and sighed. “Are your words magic?” I asked. “The robe is too,” he said. “Does it help?” I took another deep breath, savoring the fresh smell of his skin mingled with cologne. “It helps.” After another few minutes, Liam rose to his feet. “You should come with me,” he said, stretching his hand toward me. “It’s freezing outside. Can I at least get my coat?” The soft, sexy rumble of his laughter made me want to pull him close again. “Kiss me again and you won’t need a coat, or a key to my house.” How could I refuse an offer like that? He reached into an inner pocket and pulled out what looked like a sugar cube. “What is that, LSD?” He burst out laughing. “Not even close. Summoning is different for humans. You can bring me here no problem. But for me to bring you somewhere, I need an extra bit of magic.” “You’re half-human, does that affect you being summoned?” “I’m not sure yet. You’re the only one who has ever summoned me.” I smiled. “You mean you’ve never kissed a human with psychic ability before?” He winked. “Not the way I kissed you.” His answer took me by surprise and when I paused he added, “I promise I’m not a drug addict and this cube is mostly sugar.” “Mostly?”
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He reached down and turned off the electric fireplace before offering me his hand again. “We might be gone awhile.” I took his hand and as he pulled me against him, Liam placed the cube on his tongue. Anticipation made me shiver as his lips hovered above mine. “Hold on,” he whispered. The gentle warmth of his lips burned through me, spreading from the point of contact all the way to my toes. He held me tighter and opened his mouth, deepening the kiss. His tongue plunged inside my mouth and the instant I touched the cube the room started to spin. Wind rushed over me, whipping Liam’s hair across my face. I kept my eyes closed, enjoying the gentle press of his lips and the feel of his skin beneath the robe. The world fell away and when Liam pulled back from me, we were at his place. We were standing beside his fireplace. It was a massive collection of stones, most larger than my head. The hearth had a rounded half-moon shape and stuck out into the room, allowing more space for the big logs burning there. I turned to scan the rest of the room and was greeted by the earthy smell of incense and fresh flowers. The wooden floors were highly polished and had a reddish tint. White paper lanterns were strung across the ceiling in rows like you might see at an outdoor café. This soft light added warmth to the loft-style apartment. Plants were placed at seemingly random locations. A vine of lavender morning glories grew on a shelf, hanging down over one window like it was part of the curtain. “Wow.” “Glad you like it.” Liam’s robe trailed the floor behind him as he moved farther into the apartment. When he neared a dungeon-style door at the back of the room I asked, “Where are you going?” He glanced back at me and smiled. “To the bedroom. That’s where I left the potion.” He turned back, took two steps and paused again. This time he turned completely around and his robe fell open once more, giving me a much-appreciated view of his muscular thighs and his nice big cock. “Do you have a particular aversion to following me into my bedroom?” he teased. “Well, I didn’t until I saw that door.” He laughed. “It adds a certain something to the room, don’t you think?” “Where did you find it, Dungeons ‘R’ Us?” “I wish there was such a thing,” he said, moving back toward the door. “This beauty here came with the place. It’s made of iron and plated with silver. Keeps out other fairies and werewolves.” I assumed he left out vampires because some of them could resist the effects of silver or so I had heard.
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“What about vampires?” “I grow garlic in my bathroom.” I burst out laughing and he said, “I’m only kidding. A wizard lived here before me, because I’m sure you were wondering who would have a door like this installed.” “Actually, I was just about to ask. What about you? I read that iron hurts fairies. How do you open it without feeling pain?” He shrugged. “It’s a side effect of my humanity. I’m completely immune to the effects of iron. Plus, silver is good at holding in magical energy. That makes my bedroom the perfect place to work spells.” As he opened the door I moved closer behind him. “Is it true that a fairy can only be killed with an iron weapon?” “In most cases, yes.” I wanted to ask more. I wanted to know if the man I found myself so drawn to was immortal like his legendary ancestors. But just then he finished opening the door and I was distracted by the sight of his bedroom. The bed was enormous and sat in the far left corner of the room. A canopy of sheer curtains hung to the floor, covering the bed except for the side facing us where they were parted. The color of the curtains was difficult to describe. It wasn’t exactly black, but more like the darkest plum I’d ever seen. A lush comforter was pulled back enough to show sheets of the same shade, covered with a pattern of silver moons and stars. I’d never seen anything more decadent and inviting. Instead of lanterns, there was a string of lights in the shape of dragonflies across the top of the dresser. There was another fireplace against the right wall. In front of this was a velvet sofa that matched the bed. Along the back wall was a large bookshelf stuffed to overflowing with numerous volumes. And directly in the center of the room was a magic circle of what looked like salt. Inside the circle was the shape of the pentagram and at each point of the star was a different color candle. Within the circle there was a scattering of dried herbs and a cauldron sitting atop a small burner. The mixture inside was silver and it bubbled loudly. “We should hurry,” Liam said. He walked past me and I followed him into the bathroom. My entire apartment could have fit in his bedroom, so as you could imagine I was in awe of his bathroom. My tub doubles as my shower, but Liam had both. In the middle of the floor was a large tub. When I looked at it more closely I saw the tiles that made up the basin were actually quartz stones of every color imaginable. Liam began to fill the tub as he explained, “In order for you to get the maximum effect of the potion, you’ll need to do a ritual cleansing first.” “What does that consist of exactly?”
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He was crouched beside the tub and when I asked this he looked up, causing white hair to fall across his face. His eyes flashed bright for an instant before he said, “You can’t get a better ritual cleansing than having a shaman bathe you.” My heart fluttered and already I felt the stirrings of desire low in my stomach. To say Liam gave me butterflies is such an understatement, but as close as I can come to describing the sensation. “Well, good thing I didn’t get dressed, huh?” He smiled. “I don’t mean to rush you, but we’ve only got about an hour and a half.” “How long will this take?” “That depends on how much negative energy I’ll have to wash off you.” He poured something in the bathwater and when he set aside the bottle I read aloud, “Potions, lotions, and other wicked notions.” Beneath that was, “Wash away your sins, ritual bath wash.” “I order it from some witches in South Carolina. Good stuff.” “It smells great.” I took a deep breath and let my robe fall to the floor. “Since we’ve already had an entire conversation butt-naked in my shower, guess there’s no point in hesitating.” He laughed. “You have a beautiful body.” “Thank you,” I said. I unclasped my bra and dropped it beside the robe. He picked up a bowl beside the tub and began scattering dried herbs over the water. Liam watched me as he used his hand to stir the ingredients. “I’m sure you already know that fairies have quite a lifespan.” That was putting it mildly and even though he was hinting at a subject of great interest to me, I felt like now was not the time to get into it. “Yes, I’ve heard.” “I can’t tell you how many naked women I’ve seen. Not to imply that I slept with them all.” He added the last quickly. “My point is, this is an important part of the ritual, one I’ve performed many times, and all I can seem to do is look at you.” I had received compliments before, but never one that moved me quite like his. There was a longing in his voice that touched my heart. Maybe he was sent to me as an answer to my spell. Then again, Liam said he was already coming for me. Perhaps my spell hadn’t worked at all. Regardless of the reason for him being in my life, his words were touching. I felt my eyes mist over with tears. “That’s probably the nicest thing anyone’s ever said about my body.” As I slid out of my panties he replied, “Your body is not the only reason I stare.” Liam stood and let his robe fall to the floor. I took a moment to admire his form. He stood there, naked and looking more proud than any warrior. He was magnificent, like a work of art. His pale skin only enhanced the graceful curves of his muscles, particularly his long legs.
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He stepped down into the tub and reached for me. I took his hands to steady myself as I joined him. We stood there for a moment before he brushed back my hair and, to my surprise, placed a soft kiss against my face. “There is something in your eyes that calls to me,” he said. I smiled weakly. “They’re just plain old brown, nothing magical.” “They are soulful,” he said, moving closer. “Everything you feel is in your eyes. There is much more to you than what most people see.” His words conveyed his emotions, so much so that I could feel his sadness when he spoke. “I’m lonely,” I confessed. “Rachel was the closest relationship in my life. We were like sisters. I’m an only child. My father passed away and my mother and I don’t speak.” “She doesn’t understand your ability?” “To say the least. I don’t make many friends because I don’t trust people easily.” “I believe Nym and Aurora are quite taken with you.” I smiled. “I haven’t had a date in three months. Shit. Why can’t I stop myself from telling you all this?” “Because you’re standing in cleansing bath wash.” “And it makes me spill my guts?” He laughed. “It helps to get things off your chest. It is for this reason most practitioners who use a cleansing wash choose to bathe alone.” I moved closer and ran my hand over his chest. “Are you here because you wanted to know my secrets?” I teased. “I’m here to help you.” He paused and I noticed a smile tugging at the corners of his full mouth. “And to hear your secrets.” “Why can I feel such sadness in your voice?” I asked. “Because I’m lonely too.” We looked at each other for a moment. I suppose both of us were afraid to open our mouths in case we spilled some other deeply personal information. Finally, Liam took a deep breath and sat down in the tub. The water reached his chest. “Everything that’s on your mind, all those distracting and perhaps painful thoughts are tainting your aura,” he said. I sat down across from him and propped my arms on the rim of the tub. “Tainting my aura?” “They are clogging up your emotional energy flow. That is what this bath will cleanse from you. You’ll still think of these things, but you won’t dwell on them.”
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it?”
“You mean it won’t help me get more dates, it’ll just help me not be so sad about
He laughed. “I don’t think you need to worry about that.” “What should I worry about?” His smile was smooth and sexy. “Nothing at all. That’s why you’ve got me.” I wasn’t sure how to respond to that, but I liked the sound of it. “Come here,” he said softly, “and turn around.” I did as he asked and when Liam put his long legs on either side of me I thought I might have a heart attack. “Relax,” he said. “Ravishing you is not part of the cleansing process.” When I sighed he added, “I’m saving that for later.” I couldn’t help it, I actually giggled. I hadn’t laughed like that since high school. “I’m sorry,” I said, still laughing softly. “You make me nervous, like I’m thirteen all over again.” Liam put his hand on my shoulder and, using the empty bowl, he started to pour the water over my back. “It’s all right. You may experience a range of emotions as the layers of your aura come clean.” “Should I keep talking?” “If you want to.” I rambled on for several minutes about everything that was on my mind. I told him about my great-grandmother being a witch and how I suspected my granny was, but didn’t have proof. I shared my feelings of isolation from my mother and from most people in general. I told him how after all that had happened, I was considering practicing witchcraft in order to strengthen my abilities. It surprised me that I was able to hold back about the true love spell. “That’s probably not a bad idea.” “Really?” “The craft often gives psychics some good grounding abilities. There are spells that should help to strengthen your shields.” “Good. It’d be nice not to accidentally watch people having sex.” He dropped the bowl. “Um, what?” Liam cleared his throat. “How did that happen?” “Nym stopped by today. Wait, that was yesterday now. Anyway, he came by my apartment to share some information.” “Already? He works fast, but this is a record even for him.” “It sounded like things just fell into place.”
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Liam resumed pouring the water over my back and I told him what Nym passed along about the wolf king. “He’s right about him being a nice guy. I didn’t realize Marco was in town.” “You know each other?” “We’ve met before. Come here,” he said, pulling me back against him. “I need to wash your hair too.” I leaned back against his chest, enjoying the way his body felt next to mine. His cock was pressed against my lower back, but he wasn’t aroused. Still, I could hear his heart beating fast as I turned to put my face against his chest. Liam bent forward, propping his cheek on my forehead. When he wrapped his arms around me, I couldn’t believe how natural it felt. “When did you see Nym’s thoughts?” he asked. “When he went to leave. He mentioned something about my hair and when he touched my face I saw everything he’d done the night before.” The memories came flooding back to me in graphic detail and I tried to keep my body from reacting so strongly. “Maybe it’s because I’ve been lonely, but it’s been driving me crazy ever since. I mean I saw everything.” For whatever reason, Liam chose not to comment on this. Instead he picked up the bowl again and using one hand to keep the water from my eyes, started to wash my hair. This was incredibly relaxing. Having the warm water running over my scalp while his hand was pressed against my forehead nearly put me to sleep. Being next to him was definitely a thrill. However, there was something in his touch that soothed me as well. “I feel so safe with you,” I sighed. “You are.” “Good, because I can’t believe I met you a few days ago and we’re already naked.” His laugher rumbled beneath my ear. “I feel better now,” I said. “Confession is good for the soul.” “Well, I’ve certainly confessed enough.” “I think you’re ready for the potion.” I pulled back to look at him. “Really?” I knew I had to take it, but I didn’t want the relaxing bath to end. Not to mention I was really enjoying being pressed against him. “Unless there’s something else you want to confess?” he teased. Oh, like using a true love spell to see if you would show up? “Nope. Nothing else.” We got out of the tub and after drying off Liam said, “You don’t have to get dressed if you don’t want to.” My expression must have told him how surprised I was.
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“After you take the potion, you will sleep for several hours. I thought you might be more comfortable naked.” “And where will I sleep?” Something told me I wouldn’t have time to get back to my place. He shrugged. “In my bed, of course.” “Of course.” He laughed at my sarcasm. “I don’t have to sleep with you.” “I wouldn’t mind.” Why was it I couldn’t stop myself from telling him the truth so bluntly? Was it something to do with his magic? “Great, because I have to be honest, I could use the rest.” I ran a hand through my short hair, feeling it slap against the back of my neck as I moved close to him. “I do believe there was a promise of ravishment?” His smile was wicked. “I haven’t forgotten.” I followed Liam into the bedroom, admiring the way the muscles of his long legs flexed with every step. He approached the magic circle and made a gesture as if opening a door. “You can enter the circle now,” he said. I stood beside him while Liam knelt down and stirred the potion. With a wooden ladle, he poured the silver mixture into a goblet. When he was finished he rose and handed me the cup. “You must drink it all,” he said. The potion had no smell and no taste. When I handed the empty goblet back to Liam I felt fine. However, by the time he closed the circle and I stepped out, I felt like I might faint. “Oh my goodness.” He moved to steady me. “I told you so.” Liam wrapped his arm more tightly around me. I took one step and my knees gave out. “Good thing the bed is close by,” he said. He swept me into his arms and even in my weakened state my heart fluttered. “Don’t worry,” he said, “I’ll save the ravishment for after you’re rested.” Even though I couldn’t look up at him, I could hear the smile in his voice. He laid me back against the cool sheets and I sighed. “This feels great. Are they satin?” I asked about the sheets. “Yes.”
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He slid in beside me and pulled the comforter up to cover my breasts. I felt completely at ease as I used the last of my strength to roll toward him. Liam put his arm around me and I snuggled against his side. “I think this goes above and beyond the call of duty,” I said. “You mean you can tell I don’t welcome all my clients into my bed?” He laughed. “Besides, who says everything is about work? I like you and I want to help.” “Are you always so straightforward?” “There are two kinds of beings who don’t beat around the bush, fairies and werewolves.” “What about vampires?” “They’ve got all the time in the world, so they like to play games. At least the ones I’ve met did. Even though fairies are immortal, they’d much rather get on with being happy than toying with people. Still, I pity anyone involved in fairy politics, but that’s off topic.” I’d heard stories all my life about fairies playing tricks on unsuspecting individuals. I got the impression that Liam wasn’t talking about having fun, but making a reference to relationships. I was about to say how wonderful that sounded, but before I could open my mouth, I fell asleep.
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Chapter Five I awoke to the feel of cool satin against my face and the smell of Liam’s cologne. I was lying face down with my limbs spread. I hadn’t slept so well in a long time. I rolled over as Liam crawled back in bed beside me. I thought he looked even better when he’d just woken up. His long, white hair was tousled, giving him a wild look that his unusual eyes only strengthened. “I was considering making you breakfast, but I didn’t know how much longer you might sleep.” I smiled. “That’s sweet of you. What time is it?” “Noon. How do you feel?” I thought about it for a minute or two. I could still remember everything that happened to Rachel, and our entire relationship. There was no pain, no heartbreaking sadness. “Good,” I answered. “And surprisingly clear.” “In that case,” he said, moving closer, “I do believe there was some mention of ravishment.” A thrill ran through me as Liam pressed against me, rolling me to my back. He cradled my head in his hands as he kissed me deeply. His kiss sent shivers down my spine, making me wonder what his body was capable of if his kiss affected me so strongly. He slid his leg between my thighs, brushing against my bare pussy. My clit throbbed with just that simple touch. When he ran a hand between my legs, I gasped. I was already wet enough that he had no trouble slipping one finger inside me. I moaned as he dipped his finger in and out of my pussy. All the while, he stroked my clit with the heel of his hand. I arched upward, grinding against him. “I want you so bad.” As I spoke I reached down and took his cock in my hand. “We’ll get to that,” he promised. The soft press of his lips combined with the way he was stroking my clit was about to make me come. It had been awhile since I’d been with anyone and I wasn’t sure how much longer I could hold back. Then Liam whispered, “Come for me.” His deep, sexy voice still rough from sleep and so close to my ear might have made me come all by itself. I cried out as my muscles pulled tight around his finger. He slipped a second finger in and I came even harder. I imagined how his cock would
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stretch me as he thrust his fingers in and out of my soaking pussy and it intensified my release. “Please, Liam,” I said, still stroking his shaft with one hand. “I can’t wait any more.” He reached for the nightstand and took a condom out of the drawer. I watched him roll it on and was excited further by the sight. I pulled him down for a kiss as he positioned his hips between my thighs. He used the tip of his cock to stroke my clit a few more times before sliding down between my lips and entering me slowly. “Oh, you’re so big.” “Am I hurting you?” “No,” I said, taking him by the hips to pull him closer. “I can take it.” He smiled and his eyes sparkled with what I’d say was a mixture of desire and mischief. “You think you can take that?” he said, teasing me with a few more inches. No one had ever talked to me like this during sex before and it turned me on something fierce. “Try me.” He moved slowly and I felt my pussy stretching to the limit. I screamed as I tried to move, tried to grind against him, but he held me in place. “Easy,” he said, his voice husky. “I’m getting to the rest of it.” To my surprise I growled, “Stop teasing me and fuck me.” His eyes were almost black as he looked down at me, watching my expression as he thrust deep inside me. God, he was huge! I’d probably be sore later, but right now I wanted it hard. “Liam, I want you to choke me.” I surprised myself with the extent of my need. Just because I hadn’t had sex in a while didn’t mean I was inexperienced or didn’t know what I liked. Until Liam, I’d never been with a man who didn’t hesitate at such a request. He leaned over me, his face close to mine as he wrapped his hands around my neck. He applied just the right amount of pressure as he moved in and out, each thrust making a slapping sound against my wet pussy. I reached between our bodies, wrapping my hand around his shaft. I wanted to feel him as he moved in and out of me. I closed my eyes and wondered what it would look like, to see him splitting me in two, stretching me open with each thrust. The thought of this sent me over the edge. “I’m coming,” I whispered. Liam applied just a bit more pressure, closing his hands tighter around my neck. His body shook with the effort it took to not hurt me and that excited me even more. I 45
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came, stroking my pussy where it wrapped around his cock, feeling my muscles clench tight. The shortage of air intensified the rush throughout my body. He released me and I gasped, “Don’t stop.” “I wasn’t planning to.” He smiled as he brushed the hair back from my face. There was such tenderness in his expression as he said, “Now it’s my turn.” Liam kissed me with something beyond hunger or need. There was loneliness in his touch and I felt this as if it were my own emotion. I believe this was because of the connection we shared since our first kiss. The bond was growing stronger every time we touched. The longing in his kiss was almost more than I could take. I opened to him, letting his tongue plunge inside my mouth. I lost myself in his kiss, in his mouth and in the hard flesh pressing me into the bed. What I wanted was fast and hard, but Liam needed something more. His skin felt warmer, as if power of some kind was coursing through him. His lips burned wherever they touched me and when he bent down to reach my nipple I almost came again. He drew the taut flesh into his mouth, sucking it, flicking the peak with his tongue. His assault on my soft flesh was relentless and I loved it. He ran his tongue between my breasts, up my throat and finally to my ear. How did he know my ears were so sensitive? Was he reading my mind? He licked my ear from top to bottom and I shivered. But when he pulled my earlobe into his mouth I screamed. My pussy throbbed as he moved slowly inside me. I was so wet I was certain my juices were beginning to soak through the mattress. “How did you know?” Whatever else I was going to say was lost on a moan as his teeth grazed my ear. I writhed beneath him, grinding my pussy against him and wishing he would move faster. He nipped my earlobe again and I screamed so loudly it startled me. I reached up to run my fingers through his hair as I braced my feet against the bed for leverage. I began to move upward, thrusting myself against his hard cock. His tongue plunged between my lips, causing a tremor of pleasure to run through my body. When he reached between us to stroke my clit I almost came off the bed, I shook so hard. He stroked in fast circles even though he still slid slowly in and out of my pussy. Liam moaned as he tossed his hair back. Wet strands of white hair clung to his face and throat as he looked down at me. He was using his thumb to stroke my clit now and the pressure changed, becoming more intense and bringing me closer and closer to orgasm. “Your pussy is so tight,” he said, groaning as he moved slowly in and out again. He rubbed my clit faster as he spoke. “The way it feels around me…” His words trailed off. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt a pussy so tight.”
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No one had ever spoken to me like this before! Telling me the way I felt inside was such a turn-on. Liam watched me while he spoke, only now he was so lost to the moment that he began speaking in another language. It was sexy as hell. He rubbed my clit fast and hard. That was enough. My back arched off the bed as I came. The vibration of his yell echoed through my body as he held me tight. When I arched from the bed his hands moved to my ass, lifting me and holding my pussy against him so that he could thrust deeper inside me while he came. My muscles contracted so hard, I don’t know how he held onto me. I felt the pleasure ripple through my abs, rolling my body like a wave as I ground myself even harder onto his cock. When he finally released me I collapsed to the bed, covered in sweat and trembling. He moved to slip the condom off. When he turned back to me the emotion in his eyes was more than I’d expected. He reached for me and I let him wrap me in his arms. Liam pulled me on top of him, flat against his chest. Then he kissed me. He didn’t just kiss my lips. He kissed my face, my eyelids, my throat. As he pressed his lips to my forehead the raw emotion was overpowering. “Did I hurt you?” I was surprised to see tears in his eyes. “No, I’m fine.” I hesitated. “Are you?” “I’ve never felt anything like that. The release was so intense. The tears are involuntary.” He laughed. “What must you think of me? Not only am I a fairy, but I cry after sex.” “I think it’s kind of sweet. It beats the hell out of rolling over and falling asleep.” Whatever I was still holding back, I knew I’d surrendered the moment I looked into his eyes. Even if he lived forever and I didn’t, I would spend what time with him I could, because I was falling in love with Liam Corrigan. He kissed me deeply once more, moaning into my mouth as he held me. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so intimate with anyone in my life,” I confessed. I rested my head against his chest and lay there for several heartbeats, gasping for breath and shedding more than involuntary tears. “I’m so relieved,” I whispered. “I know we’ve still got a ways to go before we know what happened with Rachel, but I’m just so relieved.” He stroked my back as I added, “And the sex was amazing.” Now I was crying in earnest and yet laughing at the same time. Liam started to laugh too. “So you understand where I’m coming from?” I sighed and settled back against him as our laughter subsided. “Where do we go from here?” I asked. “To the shower.”
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I pinched him. “Ow!” “You know what I mean.” “To Marco’s club. It’s called Red. Rumor has it that’s his nickname for his girlfriend and a reference to Red Riding Hood.” He snickered. “I’ve always thought that was clever. But seriously, we’re going to the shower first.”
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Chapter Six As we walked past the tub, Liam pulled the plug to let it drain. “This is beautiful,” I said, gesturing toward the tub. “Did it come with the house too?” “Yes. It’s what I call a wizard tub, because I’ve only known wizards to use them. To my knowledge there are only a handful of these in the world and each one is unique.” “How does it work?” He crouched beside the tub. “See all these quartz stones? Each has a different magical property. For example, everyone knows that rose quartz is used in love spells.” “They do?” I laughed at the look he gave me. “I’m kidding. Even I’ve heard that before.” “Well, if I was going to take a bath before performing any kind of love magic, I would do this.” He pressed one of the pink stones and it started to glow. “Actually, I’d press several different stones for a better effect. What I just did would activate the rose quartz only.” He pressed the stone again and it stopped glowing. “Why didn’t you press any when we got in before?” He stood up and stretched his back, making his muscles ripple and my mouth water. “That bath was for cleansing your aura. If you don’t select a particular type of stone, they all work automatically. I thought we might as well cover everything.” I knelt to admire the tub again. “How did you ever get a wizard to give up a place like this? Did he die or something?” He laughed. “No. He lived most of the time in Europe. He kept this place just in case he ever decided to visit the States. But he moved to the U.S. permanently a few years ago and managed to find another one of these in Florida.” “How do you know that?” His smile was devilish. “Because he tried to buy this place back and I wouldn’t sell.” “Is there anything special about your shower?” He looked thoughtful. “It’s got one of those nozzles that can massage your scalp. You know the ones with little pulses of water?” I laughed. “That’s not what I meant.” His shower was large and custom built out of river rock. Other than its aesthetic appeal, there was nothing special about it. While Liam adjusted the water, I tried to 49
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remember some of the questions I wanted to ask him. And tried not to be nervous about meeting the wolf king. “That language you spoke before, what was it?” He stepped underneath the water and it was like time stood still. Maybe there was something in his fairy blood that made him so captivating to watch. There must be an explanation, because no one looked that good standing in the shower. I watched in fascination as his long white hair became saturated, clinging to his body. The water moved over his every curve like a pair of hands. His eyes looked darker when he turned to me, especially against the contrast of his pale skin. Water ran down his hair, beading in his long eyelashes. Considering the color of his hair and skin, I was surprised by how dark his lashes were. There was no hair anywhere on his body except his head, nothing to hinder the water’s trail over his collarbone, down his abs and past his sculpted thighs. I wanted to follow that trail with my tongue. I wanted to lick him, just to know what he tasted like. “It’s Faerie.” “What?” I was no longer paying attention to what he said. In fact, I’d forgotten asking a question. “The language of the Fair Folk. That’s what I was speaking before. It sounds a lot like Elvish. It’s sort of like Spanish and Italian. They sound alike on certain words, but are two different languages.” He looked at me and waved his hand in front of my face. “Are you all right?” “Is there something magical about your water, or you when you stand under it?” He looked like he’d just remembered something important. “Shit. I forgot about that.” He closed his eyes for a few seconds, his brows knit in concentration. “Is that better?” He still looked too good to be true, but I was no longer entranced by the sight of him. “Yes, that’s better. What just happened?” “My mother is a weather fairy. Her elements are water and lightning. They are my elements too. Whenever I’m near them, they enhance my…” “Sex appeal?” “Among other things.” “I bet you’re fun to find out in a storm.” “Oh you laugh now, but I’ve gotten tackled before. It isn’t something I can completely turn off.” “It didn’t affect me like this when you were in the tub.” “The bath wash toned it down, plus you spent most of the time looking away from me. I did that on purpose.”
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“When you appeared in my shower before you were sexy, but not like this.” His smile told me how much he appreciated being called sexy. I made a mental note to tell him again sometime soon. “That’s because I knew you were summoning me and I blocked most of the effect, like I’ve just done.” I took a step toward him and ran my hand over his chest. “I can look at you easier now. Not that you haven’t always been easy on the eyes.” He smiled as he ran his hands up my arms. “You’re cold.” Liam pulled me underneath the water with him and held me close. I was still surprised at how natural it felt to be near him. It also surprised me how easily I’d begun to accept this new world his potion had revealed. When he mentioned weather fairies I found myself thinking back to the book he’d given me. Instead of saying that fairies weren’t real, I was trying to recall a picture of a weather fairy for a comparison to Liam’s appearance. “You don’t look like the sketches in that book of a weather fairy. Aren’t they supposed to look like water nymphs or have green hair or something?” “My grandmother is a winter fairy. I inherited my complexion from her.” Well I guess that explained why fairies were all different colors, like the ones I’d seen at The Spot café. He ran his fingers through my hair and tilted my face up toward him. “Your hair is really beautiful.” “Thanks. Like I said, it isn’t my natural color.” To be honest, I wasn’t sure what my natural color was anymore. When I was in high school it was brown. I’d been coloring my hair since I was eighteen and realized suddenly that it had been eight years since I’d seen my natural hair. I’d colored it black for years because I thought it brought out my dark eyes and went well with my fair complexion. Now it was such a dark shade of red, I think the technical description would be black cherry. “Would you like it to be?” “You can do that?” “No, but Nym can. Maybe you should let him help you get ready for tonight? It sounds like he’s dying to color your hair anyway.” I laughed. “The last time he touched my hair I started having visions of him naked with that she-wolf.” He leaned forward and kissed me softly. “Your shields should be stronger after last night.” He smiled again. “And after being with me this afternoon.” After a leisurely shower, I put back on my bra, panties and matching robe while Liam prepared breakfast. We called it breakfast, even though it was now the middle of the afternoon. The smell of fresh coffee greeted me as I walked into the kitchen to find him slicing fruit. He was wearing the long velvet robe once more, only this time he wore black silk pants underneath. 51
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I took a deep breath, savoring the rich aroma that filled the room. “What kind of coffee is that?” “Vanilla bean with cinnamon.” I took another deep breath and sighed. “It smells amazing.” Speaking of amazing, I couldn’t take my eyes off Liam. I was anxious, not knowing what was in store for us. However, I couldn’t have asked for a more gorgeous distraction. The rustle of silk against velvet as he moved enticed me, conjuring many wicked thoughts. “I love flavor,” he said. “There’s so much pleasure to be had in simple things like the warmth of coffee with a swirl of cream.” He spoke of flavor like a lover. “All magical beings have a preference for one particular taste or another. I love sweets.” I remembered the way Aurora liked her coffee bitter. She probably enjoyed things like black rope licorice and vinegar. Yuck. “This looks good.” I took a strawberry slice from the bowl he was filling with fruit. “Should I be worried about tonight? Because I am. I can barely think straight. We’re going into a club full of werewolves. Isn’t that dangerous?” “Of course not. You’ve got me.” He winked. “And we’re once again back to the question of what good is a fairy against werewolves.” He handed me a coffee cup. “Let’s hope you don’t have to find out.” Liam took a sip from his own cup and licked his lips as if savoring the flavor. I watched him do this again and my heart fluttered. Since when was drinking coffee so damn sexy? While I finished my coffee he called Nym to pick me up. “He should be here soon. He was already downtown and is ‘loving’ the idea of helping you get ready for tonight.” As he spoke Liam added an entire scoop of sugar to his cup. “Great. There’s no telling what I’ll end up looking like.” We waited for about an hour and while Liam drank coffee, I picked the strawberries out of the bowl of fruit. He put his cup in the sink, walked around behind me and bent down to kiss my cheek. “They’re here.” “They?” “He brought Aurora. They’re at the door.” “How do you know? I thought you said you weren’t psychic.” “I’m not. I can smell Nym’s cologne a mile away.”
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He had barely stopped talking before the doorbell rang. As soon as he let Nym in the elf started complaining, “This place is always so hard to find.” “That’s why he brought me,” Aurora said. “And why I knew he would bring her,” Liam said, putting his arm around me. “Elves sometimes have trouble seeing through a barrier erected by a fairy,” Nym explained. I looked up at Liam and watched his grin widen. “Nym is almost magically blind,” he teased. This time Nym was wearing skin-tight jeans and a bright blue dress shirt underneath a long white coat. “I can take one look and see what you’ve been doing,” he drawled. Aurora looked embarrassed. “Yeah, so can I. So maybe I should go.” Nym slapped her arm playfully. “Don’t be ridiculous. We were invited.” “You were invited,” she corrected. “You are always welcome here,” Liam said. At the same time the elf replied, “Does it look like they want to have sex with me?” He shrugged out of his coat. “Anyway, I could find the place yesterday and today I couldn’t, so I got Aurora to help me.” “What kind of barrier do you have exactly?” I asked. “It blocks my house from sight. This two-story building used to be rented out as apartment space before it belonged to the wizard. He kept a barrier around it for so long that if I didn’t use one, people would notice. I keep the lower level for storage and live up here.” “He built on a really nice porch too,” Aurora added. “However, most people see a rundown old building when they look here and some see nothing at all,” Liam said. “You mean they see an empty lot?” “No. They just overlook it,” Nym supplied. “Like I kept doing.” “But you should have no trouble finding me again,” Liam said to me. “Not after what I’ve done.” Aurora apparently took his comment to have some sexually perverse meaning and began to choke on her chewing gum. Nym laughed as he patted her on the back. “And that is why I love taking you with me. You’re so easily ruffled. He’s obviously talking about lifting the veil, not lifting her—” “Enough, Nym,” I interrupted. Even though my tone was scolding I couldn’t stop myself from smiling. “You don’t have to be such an ass.”
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“Thanks,” the siren said, regaining her composure. “Since you can’t possibly get lost on your way back to Luna’s place, I’m going to work.” She checked her watch. “I may be late as it is.” Her blonde hair sparkled as she tossed it over one shoulder, flashed me a winning smile and left. Nym shrugged. “Guess she’d rather take a cab than get back in the car with me.” “Can you blame her?” Liam asked. “You tease that woman mercilessly.” “Because she’s a siren for fuck’s sake and she has no idea how to be seductive. It’s ridiculous. She won’t even let me give her lessons.” I laughed. “I think all Aurora needs to do is stop telling her dates she’s a siren.” Nym’s eyes widened. “She does that?” Liam put his hands on his hips as he turned to me. “Well, that’d scare the hell out of me. Especially if I didn’t know her well.” Nym waved off the shaman’s comment. “I’ll simply have to work with her. Let her get lonely enough and she’s bound to give in.” “You’re awful,” I teased. “And you’re going to freeze to death.” He handed me his long coat and directed his next comment toward Liam. “What were you thinking taking a woman out in her underwear in this weather? It’s butt-fucking cold outside.” We both laughed at the expression. The look Liam gave me let me know he was well accustomed to the elf’s vulgarity. “I wasn’t thinking about tomorrow at the time. Besides, all I was wearing was this robe.” At this the elf nearly choked while helping me into his coat. Liam pretended not to notice but I could see the barely contained amusement in his smile. “I’ve got some shoes you can borrow,” Liam said. “But they’ll be huge on you.” “Why don’t you just magic her back?” Nym asked. Liam walked toward the closet in the hall and we followed. “Because it isn’t good to do such things too often. There are side effects.” “Such as?” I asked. “Weakness, dizziness, loss of concentration, erectile dysfunction.” “Good grief.” “Sounds like shit I get in my email,” Nym said. “Don’t worry, you won’t really get erectile dysfunction even if you had a penis,” Liam said, handing me a pair of boots. “You have to do it several times to experience even mild side effects. Make that several times in a row. You should be fine.”
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Chapter Seven I walked slowly down to the car to keep Liam’s big boots from falling off. Nym put his arm around me both for my warmth and his own. November was not normally this cold in Atlanta. According to the temperature gauge on Liam’s porch, it was twentytwo degrees. Not record-breaking, but cold as hell to be outside in a robe and underwear, even with Nym’s borrowed coat. “To think, this is the hottest part of the day,” Nym said through chattering teeth. The minute I saw his car, I smiled. It was an older model white Cadillac with glitter in the paint. I think the technical term is pearlescent. The seats were leopard print and the steering wheel had a fuzzy purple cover. “Looks like a pimp decorated it,” I said, laughing. Nym took the keys from his pocket and clicked a button to unlock the doors. Guess he’d had that feature installed, because older model Cadillacs didn’t have auto-lock doors. I should know, I owned one in high school. “Your pimpmobile awaits,” he said, opening my door. As soon as we got inside, Nym cranked up the heat. We both sat there for a few minutes with our hands in front of the vents, shivering. To my surprise, he handed me a blanket. By the way, it matched the seats. “You always keep a blanket handy?” He smiled. “Never know when you might need one. Besides, I don’t do well with cold.” The inside of his coat was lined with fur and I pulled it tight against my throat. As we pulled out onto the road I did a double take. Nym laughed. “Still haven’t gotten used to seeing everything, huh?” “Yeah,” I said. I tried not to gawk at the blue man jogging down the street. “How is it that you see everything? I thought Liam said you were magically blind.” He smirked before correcting me. “Almost magically blind. I only have trouble seeing things that are hidden by spells. The strange thing is I have no trouble at all detecting the presence of magic.” I turned on the seat toward him. “What do you mean? I’m so confused by all this crap it’s giving me a headache.” “Example,” he said, pointing toward a woman on the sidewalk. “Those tits are not real and they’re not silicone. They are magically enhanced. I can feel that, but I can’t see past the magic. She has great tits as far as I’m concerned.”
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I looked at the woman in question. She was pretty, but very flat-chested. Not that there was anything wrong with that. Hell, I wished my breasts were smaller. However, according to Nym she’d been “enhanced”. I suppose I could see past the magic. That was a little bit awesome and creepy at the same time. “My great-grandmother was a witch. Did she see all this?” As I spoke I gestured toward a couple of pink-haired nymphs waiting for a bus. If I had to guess I’d say they were something to do with springtime. How did I know they were nymphs and not normal young women with pink hair? Body glitter doesn’t sparkle from the inside out. “I doubt it. There are people who use magic and people who are magic. Witches are usually the former.” While we were at a stoplight he took another look at me. I guess my confusion was pretty obvious. “I could feel Liam’s house was nearby,” he went on. “But I couldn’t see past the magical barrier. Most people overlook it entirely, which is why he gets such low property taxes in a relatively nice neighborhood. I’m sure people wonder who owns the old building or why they don’t tear it down. But before they can mention it to anyone, they forget they ever saw it.” I took a few minutes to digest this information. Since meeting Liam and his friends, I’d never felt so stupid. Normally I catch onto things pretty quickly. However, in my defense, this was a lot to absorb. “It’s like I’ve been missing the real world my whole life,” I said after several blocks. “You’ll get used to it. I don’t think I mentioned, I can see all of this because the veil doesn’t count for me.” “Huh?” “To magical beings there is no veil.” “Oh.” That was probably the most easily understood thing he’d said. Nym reached over and patted my knee. “It will become clearer. Like you said, you’ve been missing the real world. How old are you?” Generally, I’d consider it rude for someone to ask a woman’s age, but under the circumstances I didn’t think it mattered. I guess that’s just a holdover from being raised in the South. “Twenty-six.” “No wonder it’s such a culture shock. If you’d been seeing this stuff since you were a kid, it’d be second nature by now.” We were two blocks from my apartment, at another stoplight, when it started to rain. We don’t get a lot of snow in Atlanta, but freezing rain is not unusual. I expected at any minute to see the rain turn to snow flurries, but it didn’t happen. I looked to the stretch of grass next to the sidewalk and saw hoofprints, walking their way across the narrow space. “What the fuck?” 56
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“What is it?” Nym asked. We were already moving forward by now and all I could do was press my face against the window and stare. “Hoofprints. They just appeared on the grass back there!” “What the fuck?” he said, echoing my response. “It’s like an invisible horse was walking across the grass.” Nym was obviously struggling to keep his attention focused on the road. “Do you want me to turn around?” he asked. “And do what? No. Let’s just get to my house.” When we arrived at my apartment, we were still trying to figure out what I’d seen. Nym pulled a leopard print umbrella from underneath the seat and came around to my side of the car. I jumped out, putting my arm around his waist. We dashed across to the back entrance and made our way into the foyer. I hoped none of my neighbors saw me because I had to run very awkwardly to keep Liam’s boots from falling off. Basically, this meant I didn’t bend my ankles. I must have looked like Frankenstein’s monster trying to dance. “Are you sure they were hoofprints?” “As sure as you were about that woman’s tits. My uncle raises horses. I know hoofprints when I see them.” He shook his head. “Sorry. I have no explanation for that one.” For the time being, we let the subject drop and headed toward the stairs. Once we were inside my apartment, we focused on things that could be explained, like why I needed to look sexy for tonight. We moved to the couch in front of the fireplace and huddled underneath one of my blankets. “As soon as we’re warm again, we should get started,” Nym said. The house still smelled like sandalwood incense mixed with cinnamon. I’d closed the door to the back room, since I didn’t have time to clean up. When I’d last looked, the candle had finished burning and was melted in a pink pool over the fireproof plate. The last thing I needed was for Nym to know I’d been dabbling in love spells. “Are you listening?” he said. “Yeah.” “They open at dusk and I suggest you leave early to allow for traffic and possible time you might have to wait to see the king. We should start working on your outfit first. If you don’t fit in, that’ll draw even more attention.” “What do you suggest?” “Do you have any leather pants?”
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I didn’t have leather pants, so we had to settle for vinyl. By the time Nym was finished with me I barely recognized myself. I stood at the full-length mirror in my bedroom, staring. With some bottles he’d taken out of his trunk, he turned my hair jet black. Then he added some very red highlights in thick streaks. These streaks sparkled underneath the light. He used a flatiron to enhance my layered style and my long bangs only added to the “punk” effect. “What do you think?” he asked. “This won’t wash out or wear off?” I asked, running a hand through my chin-length hair. “Nope. It’s permanent until we change it. But I was talking about the outfit.” My outfit. I didn’t know where to start. I’d given Nym complete access to my clothes, underwear and all. Black vinyl pants hugged my hips and thighs like a second skin. For a top I was wearing a red bra covered by a black fishnet sweater. The only part I liked was the stiletto boots. “I look like a hooker.” Nym crossed his arms over his chest. “You look like you’re going to a werewolf club.” “You can’t be serious. I’m not going out in public like this. I love the hair, but this?” I gestured to my outfit. “Nym, I’m self-conscious. You put this together from my lingerie and old Halloween costumes.” “You just went out in public in your underwear and a robe.” He had a point. I turned my back on him and focused on my reflection again. “That was different. What I had on was covered by your coat. Besides, no one noticed us. This will attract attention.” He moved closer behind me and put his hand on my shoulder. “Look, I’ve been to club Red before. You’d be surprised how well you’ll fit in.” I glanced over my shoulder, giving him a skeptical look. “Even with the glittery black eye shadow?” “Right down to your pointy-toed boots. I promise.” We were trying to decide which coat I should wear when Liam arrived. I had my mind on other things and had forgotten he no longer needed a key. Apparently he could “magic” himself fairly often without side effects. Still, neither of us saw him. When he knocked on the frame of my open bedroom door I jumped and Nym screamed. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean to scare you.” I took one look at him and my mouth opened, but no words came out. He was wearing black leather pants that cupped his package better than a set of hands. The leather accentuated the curves of his muscular legs. His boots were knee-high and worn 58
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over the pants. Silver buckles down the front of the boots reflected the light as he stepped farther into the room. His shirt looked like satin and had ruffles down the front. In place of buttons the shirt had laces that were not tied, leaving it to hang open to the waist. The deep purple fabric set off his eyes and matched the lining of his long coat. “You’re forgiven,” I said, taking in his appearance. “Speak for yourself,” Nym said. The elf put a hand over his heart. “Bastard nearly made me jump out of my skin.” I moved toward Liam and ran my hand inside his shirt. “Well, I could never be mad at a man who looks this good in leather.” Liam pulled me close and smiled as he ran a hand through my hair. “I love it.” “What about the outfit?” Nym asked. He looked down and directed his response to me. “You are incredibly sexy.” From that point on, I didn’t second-guess my appearance. Sure, I wasn’t used to it, but I was with Liam and if he liked the way I looked, that was good enough for me. It wasn’t as if I had to wear vinyl every night. “We should get going,” Liam said. He helped me into my coat, a long, black number with a fur-lined collar to help keep me warm. He had one hand on the door when I turned him back to face me. Strands of white hair fell over his shoulder, framing his handsome face. “I’m nervous,” I said, putting my arms around him. Damn, he smelled good. I didn’t want to smudge the makeup Nym had done such a good job applying. So I put my face as close to Liam’s chest as I could without touching. I hovered above his skin, breathing him in. Liam smelled of vanilla soap mixed with expensive cologne and traces of incense. Underneath everything else was the scent of leather. “I find your smell almost as arousing as the sight of you in those pants,” I said. My eyes were still closed and I continued to take slow, deep breaths. As I spoke I reached down to cup his package, giving him a gentle squeeze. “Don’t be afraid,” he said softly. The deep vibration of his voice made me wet and as he bent to kiss me my lips parted involuntarily. I hungered for him. One taste had been like an introduction to a new drug. Maybe what Nym said about never wanting another lover after being with a fairy had some truth to it? I’d been with men who turned me on in the past. But not like this. What I felt for Liam was beyond desire. It was a craving. “Looks like someone’s jonesing for a taste of fairy,” Nym said. We both turned toward him. Apparently he could read my thoughts by taking in my expression. I’d never been very good at hiding what was on my mind and right now I was surprised. “Liam, you dog,” he teased. “Didn’t tell her you were addictive, did you?” 59
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“Neither did you,” I pointed out. “I hinted at it.” “Hinting is not the same as telling.” I looked back to Liam then and realized I had yet to release my grip on his crotch. “How addictive are we talking?” “Like cocaine,” Nym said. Liam looked back at the elf. “Shut up.” His words were spoken softly, but gave no room for further discussion. I released him and before I could move he pulled me back, holding me close. “Now that we’ve had sex, every time you’re near me, you will crave my touch. You will hunger for me.” He stroked my face and that simple touch made me shiver. “I didn’t tell you because I wanted you so much. I didn’t want to scare you away.” I leaned into his touch, closing my eyes again. “I’m not scared. And I have hungered for you since we first met.” His smile was wicked, and though he took obvious pleasure in my response, the look in his eyes was kind. “I will never take advantage of your desire,” he said softly. It was just after dark when we arrived at the club. This place was unusual, to say the least. I was relieved when I didn’t see music notes dancing in the air. In fact, I couldn’t see anything strange at all. I could feel it. Liam opened my car door and as soon as I stepped out I was hit by a blast of cold air and pure sexual desire. I gasped. “What was that?” Liam smiled as he offered me his hand. “Werewolves close to the full moon. Their pheromones are saturating the air.” “Saturating?” He looked toward the club. “This is a big place. There are probably more than a hundred of them inside.” Holy shit. Combine my cravings for Liam with the pheromones of a hundred werewolves and I was going to have one hell of a time making it through the night. “It’s all right to be turned on,” he said. “You are safe with me.” I took the hand he offered and let him lead me toward the entrance. Three letters splashed above the door in blood-colored brushstrokes said “Red”. The man at the door looked us both up and down. “We don’t get many fairies here.” He flashed me a wolfish grin as he added, “To what do we owe the pleasure?” “My date and I have business with the wolf king.” “Really?” The bouncer crossed his arms and studied us again. “Fine. I’ll let him know you’re here.” Apparently there was no cover charge for those who had business with the king.
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“That was easier than I’d expected,” Liam whispered to me as we moved through the door. “Your date, huh?” I didn’t mind the title, I just wasn’t expecting it. He put his hand against my back as he replied, “Just marking my territory. That’s important with werewolves.” The inside of the place was dark, with occasional flashes of strobe lights illuminating a path through the crowd of sweaty, gyrating bodies. The music pumped, creating graphic sexual images with every beat. I could feel the rhythm in my chest like a heartbeat. Like really good sex, the pounding music rattled my teeth. The whole room pulsated with an energy I couldn’t describe. It excited me. A tall man approached us. His long, blond hair was pulled back in a tight braid and he was dressed from head to toe in white vinyl. He looked like he’d stepped off the pages of a dirty magazine. Oh yeah, we fit in perfectly. “My name is Luther,” he said, leaning toward us in order to be heard above the music. “I hear you have business with Marco. I’m his second. Would you like to run your situation by me and I can repeat it to him?” I looked him over once more. Luther was unbelievably sexy and though his blue eyes called to me to answer his request with “yes”, what I said was, “I’m sorry, but I’d rather tell it to him myself if that’s all right.” Luther glanced at Liam, who shrugged and said, “You heard the lady.” The werewolf smiled. He didn’t seem offended and I was glad, not just because I didn’t want to piss off a werewolf, but because I liked Luther. Something about him was very friendly. Maybe it was the way his smile reached his eyes. “Suit yourself. I’ll let him know you’re here.” I tried not to stare as he turned and walked away, but his ass looked amazing in those tight vinyl pants.
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Chapter Eight Liam and I were not the only non-furry guests who passed through Red that night. I was relieved to see the club wasn’t exclusively for werewolves. I suppose I felt less likely to be eaten. The werewolves were easy to pick out, even in the crowd. They had a different energy. They simply felt different than humans. To my surprise the longer we were there, the more comfortable I felt. We’d long since removed our coats and after an hour I felt right at home. “The drinks must be good,” Liam said, pointing to some men on the dance floor. I watched the group stagger around for a few minutes and laughed. In the time we were there, a variety of music was played and a variety of people were on the dance floor. I’m not sure what it is about alcohol that makes people think they can dance, but it’s sure as hell entertaining to watch. The only thing funnier than the group of men was a woman who kept “backing up” her ass on everyone. Trust me, it was not in the sexy way so many songs request. This was more of a butt-thrust backward. I was glad she couldn’t hear me laughing at her above the music. “It’s only a matter of time before she knocks someone over,” Liam said. I laughed harder before regaining my composure. I had to turn away from the “butt woman” or I could not have a serious conversation. “Oh my. That is so embarrassing,” I heard a woman behind me comment as she walked past. I snickered again before clearing my throat and turning back to a more relevant topic. “Is it their pheromones that put me at ease so much, because I’m not nervous anymore?” “It is. How else could a werewolf ever find a mate if they were terrified of the beast inside him?” He smiled as a scantily clad she-wolf danced past us. “Or her,” he added. I knew what Liam meant, but his words turned me on even more. They made me want to rip off his clothes and see what he was hiding beneath. Across the room I caught sight of another stunning blond werewolf, only this one’s eyes were pale, icy blue, much lighter than Luther’s. I could tell this from a distance because they glowed in the dark. On his lap sat an equally alluring redhead who was running her fingers through his hair. Something about the way he looked at me made me wonder if he could read my thoughts. The air was charged with so much sexual energy I felt as if I might explode if I didn’t at least move. “Get us a couple of shots,” I said to Liam. He raised a brow. “Where are you going?” 62
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“To dance. I can’t sit here anymore.” My behavior was surprising, considering how afraid I’d been to come here. Now that I was here and the fear was subsiding, my anxiety was turning to excitement. And my excitement was turning to arousal. Liam moved toward the bar and I made my way through the crowd. I could feel his eyes on me as I moved and turned to see him propped against one of the tall leather barstools. He crooked a finger toward me, beckoning me with his suggestive smile as much as his gesture. When I was close enough he pulled me against him. “You didn’t specify, so I ordered spiced rum.” We downed our shots and this time Liam took the lead, pulling me out onto the dance floor. There was sex in the way he looked at me and the way he licked his lips. I loved how he stood out in the crowd. It wasn’t just the fact that he was taller than most everyone, his white hair and pale skin made him appear to glow beneath the strobes and black lights. Through the flashes of light and dark his lavender eyes smoldered, blazing to life each time I looked at him. My heart pumped to the beat of the music as he held me close. He moved against me, slow, grinding and perfectly in time. He reached for my leg, pulling it up his thigh. Thanks to my heels I had the necessary leverage to dance with someone so tall. I don’t know how much time passed because as I watched him, smelled his skin, felt his breath against my neck, I became entranced. I ached with need as the sea of bodies pressed in tight around us. It would seem that they too were becoming entranced by Liam’s magic. I wasn’t aware that anything was wrong until someone put a hand on my shoulder. I was pulled roughly by a man whose muscular arms were as big around as my waist. “Do not put your hands on her,” Liam said, stepping in front of me. The other man growled and smiled, flashing his fangs. “Easy there, fairy. I just wanted a dance.” The wolf licked his lips. “Besides, everyone can smell how turned on she is. I think she might want more than a dance.” My fear had returned full force, however, Liam sounded calm and confident as he replied, “You do not put your hands on her.” The werewolf took another step toward us and Liam thrust his hand forward. Purple lightning shot from his fingertips, knocking the werewolf through the crowd and into the back wall. The music came to a screeching halt and I heard someone say, “He’s out cold.” Things were definitely changing and our welcome was running out. I hugged against Liam from behind, not caring if I looked afraid, because I was. Fuck trying to be tough, these were werewolves and I was unarmed.
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I could feel someone else close to me. The smell of soap mingled with aftershave drifted toward me. It was at once new and familiar, like the smell of burning leaves in the fall with a splash of leather. I turned to see Marco Barak. I knew it was him without being introduced because clearly he was in charge. The other wolves stepped aside as he extended his hand in greeting. “Marco Barak, pleased to meet you.” “I’m Luna Randal and this is Liam Corrigan,” I said. His hand was as warm as his deep brown eyes and his grip was firm. “Yes,” he said. “Your companion and I have met before.” He was wearing black leather pants that were nearly as tight as Liam’s and I couldn’t help but notice how well he filled them out. His matching shirt looked like silk and hung completely open, showing off his nice tan and washboard abs. His dark hair was shaggy and the beginnings of stubble could be seen on his chiseled jaw. Pheromones or not, he made my pussy ache with just one look. However, just because the werewolves could sense my arousal didn’t mean I had to act on it. Surprisingly, I was not embarrassed by my body’s reaction. There was something very primal and raw about the way I couldn’t help being turned on in Marco’s presence. I suppose that was what I found so appealing about Liam as well. Okay, it was one of the things I found so appealing about Liam. “Would you care to talk upstairs, in my office?” Marco asked. His voice was even deeper and rougher than Liam’s. He had the kind of voice that was normally acquired from chain smoking and meant to sing the blues. But Marco didn’t strike me as a chain smoker or a blues singer. Still, I loved his voice. He walked past us and since he was a few inches shorter than Liam, paused to look up at the shaman. “Try not to electrocute any more of my wolves along the way.” We followed him to a staircase near the back of the room. When we were halfway up the music started to play again. “I’m sorry about that,” Marco said, directing his comment to me. “It’s only a few days until the full moon and you are gorgeous.” “Like putting chocolate in front of someone on a diet,” Luther explained as he passed us. He kept walking back toward the main floor, followed by Marco’s and Liam’s laughter. “Still, he will be punished,” Marco said, talking to me again. “I expect my wolves to have better control.” “Don’t,” I said. I hoped my boldness didn’t overstep any bounds. He paused, looking surprised. “Are you sure?” Having the wolf king take my opinion seriously helped to calm my nerves quite a bit. 64
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“He’s already been electrocuted. Besides, I’m not hurt.” He nodded. “As you wish.” He led us through a red door and into a long corridor with many different rooms off to the side. We went straight down and took a right. All the way at the end of the hall there was another red door that led to Marco’s office. Not only was I surprised at how well the size of the building was concealed from the outside, but I was impressed with his office as well. A large mahogany desk stood near the back of the room. Behind the desk and along one wall were rows upon rows of books. To my left was a tan leather sofa with dark suede pillows nearly covering it. Against the opposite wall was a matching chair and ottoman with a deep crimson blanket flung across it that reflected in the highly polished wood of the floor. The chair was pulled alongside a black marble fireplace that crackled invitingly, adding to the atmosphere of the room. “Nice,” I said, as my heels made clicking sounds across the shiny floor. “I’m glad you like it. Would either of you like a drink?” We both shook our heads as Marco picked up a glass from his desk and saluted us. “Pineapple juice and rum. It’s my favorite.” Ever since I’d vacationed in Jamaica years ago, it was mine too. If it wasn’t for Rachel I’d never have been able to afford that trip. Remembering this brought me back to the reason for my visit and took my mind off how much I liked pineapple juice and rum. Marco took a sip of his drink and motioned for us to sit. I chose the straight-backed red chair in front of his desk and Liam decided to remain standing. The chair was tall and Victorian in style, with ornately clawed golden feet. Yes, the sofa looked much more inviting, but I didn’t want to get too comfortable. Especially if Marco was insulted by what I was about to say. I was afraid he might take my questions as an accusation. Marco propped against the desk in front of me, and I watched in fascination as the muscles along his torso rippled beneath the skin. “I’m sorry about the wait. What can I do for you?” The apology was directed to me and the question was directed to Liam. The shaman gestured toward me as he spoke, “Something has happened to Luna’s friend. It might be best if you hear it straight from her.” I cleared my throat and realized I was so nervous I could barely swallow. “It’s all right,” Marco said softly. “I won’t bite.” I noticed he said he wouldn’t, not that he didn’t. “Please don’t take what I have to say the wrong way,” I began. “I believe my friend may have been hurt by a werewolf and someone said you were the man to ask.” He smiled. “You’d think, huh?” He grew serious again. “How was your friend hurt?” 65
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Shit. I really didn’t know how to say this to him. “She was eaten. Right in front of me.” Marco nearly choked on his drink. “By a werewolf? If that’s so I swear you’ll have his hide as a Christmas present.” Wow. I was really starting to like him. “I’m not sure. I guess I was too afraid to pay close attention.” I took a steadying breath and decided to be as honest with him as I knew how. “I’ve never seen a werewolf transform before, so I apologize if my assumptions sound ignorant. All I can remember clearly is that it was big, had lots of dark fur and glowing red eyes. I remember hearing her scream, saw her knocked to the ground. She was looking up at it. There were teeth right in front of her face, jaws opening. And then I turned. I had no choice but to run.” Marco looked upset by my story. “Were you hurt? Did it chase you?” “It chased me and ripped off my jacket. But after that it was like it gave up. I ran two blocks before I stopped.” “I’m so sorry,” he said. “Did you go back and look around? I’m guessing by you coming here that you didn’t file a police report.” “I went back to look,” Liam said. We both turned to him. “You did?” I asked. “I didn’t want to tell you about it until after you’d taken the potion. I thought talking more about what happened would only make your pain worse. I would have mentioned it earlier but I got distracted.” I blushed with the memory of what had distracted him. “What did you find?” Marco asked. “Claw marks on the ground and Luna’s jacket. But not one trace of blood.” “Hmm.” The werewolf ran a hand through his hair as he seemed to consider what Liam had said. “We didn’t file a police report,” I said. “We didn’t want the werewolf hunters turned loose unnecessarily. Especially if this proves not to be a werewolf.” Marco’s smile showed how genuinely pleased he was. “That’s kind of you. Most people don’t think past their own situation. You say the eyes were red?” “They glowed in the dark.”
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Chapter Nine Marco watched me for a moment, like he was considering his next move. Finally, he knelt in front of me and took my hands. His leather pants creaked with the movement and my heart fluttered. There was something so erotic about the sound of creaking leather. “I’m psychic,” I said. “You might not want to do that.” “I have nothing to hide,” he said softly. “That’s why I want you to touch me. I want you to know I’m telling you the truth.” “Did you know I was psychic?” “You’re not the first empath I’ve met. I could sense it.” He licked his lips and leaned closer. Marco looked down at the floor and when he looked back to me his eyes had turned amber. I gasped. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “This is the normal color of a werewolf’s eyes. The only exception I’ve ever encountered is a close friend of mine. His eyes are always blue, even when he takes on the beast.” I thought about the man with ice blue eyes I’d seen downstairs and somehow I knew that was who Marco was talking about. “If the creature you saw had red eyes, it was either demonically possessed or it wasn’t a werewolf. To my knowledge there are no rogue wolves in my territory at this time. But I will continue to look until you let me know this situation has been resolved.” He withdrew from me and moved back to prop against the desk. Without the warmth of his body so close to me, I felt the cold return. When he looked at me again his eyes were normal. There was another question I wanted to ask, but hesitated. After a brief pause I decided I didn’t care if I sounded stupid. After all, these were the first werewolves I’d ever met. “Are you the king of all werewolves?” I asked. He laughed softly. “No. I’m the head alpha in the tri-state area. My pack is the largest in the country. Plus, I represent werewolves in their movement for equal rights.” “He’s become the ‘face’ of werewolves everywhere,” Liam said. “They should be so lucky.” Marco smiled at my comment. “I’m sorry to say I haven’t paid closer attention to the news.” I meant it. I’d read a few headlines, but somehow missed Marco’s handsome face.
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“Don’t worry about it. Most people don’t unless it directly affects them,” Marco said. Of course werewolves and vampires going public had affected everyone in one way or another. But I knew what he meant. Other than reading tabloid headlines or seeing the occasional broadcast on the news, it had not directly impacted my life until a few nights ago. “Thank you for your help, Marco,” I said, reaching to shake his hand again. “This has been an unexpected pleasure.” He smiled again. “How so?” I shrugged, unsure of how to word my feelings. “You’re so nice.” He laughed as Liam said, “Tell that to the former king.” When I gave him a questioning look Marco explained, “I keep the pelt of my predecessor in my apartment.” He paused. “It makes a lovely throw.” I had no doubt Marco was telling the truth. Now the question was, if I didn’t see a werewolf, what the hell did I see? We got our coats and as we walked out of the club it started to rain again. This reminded me of the hoofprints I’d seen earlier. When I turned to Liam that was what I meant to talk about. There he stood, gorgeous beyond words and being soaked through by the rain, one of his elements. He had no time to block the effect and I could no longer hold back. Between the werewolf pheromones and my hunger for Liam I was at the end of my ability to resist. “I need you now,” I panted, grabbing him by the wrist. I pulled him into an alley beside the club and pushed him back against the brick wall. “I could block the effect,” he offered. I ignored him and started unbuckling his belt. “Cold doesn’t affect me the same way, but you’ll freeze,” he said. I pressed myself against him, pulling him down for a kiss. “Not if you keep me this hot.” It was true. Liam opened his shirt and the instant I touched his bare skin I no longer felt the cold. I’d never been an exhibitionist and had no plans to start. However, I didn’t care if anyone saw us or not. The alley was clean and narrow. Most of the cars parked in front of Red covered the entrance fairly well. The odds of us being seen were slim anyway. The fire escape was lowered near where we stood and Liam tossed his coat over one rung of the ladder. When he looked down at me I knew I was seeing him as he truly was. He didn’t use a glamour to hide the obvious difference in his appearance. But he did block the full effect of his beauty when he stood in the rain. Until now. For the first time I felt the extent of his power as I ran my hands over his body in reverence. 68
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I pulled off my coat and sweater, tossing them over the ladder as I turned back to him. His eyes flashed bright and I realized then it was his elemental powers that caused them to do so. It was as if the lightning he used before was barely contained beneath the surface. I pushed him playfully and he hit the wall again. Rain cascaded down his body, completely saturating his shirt, making it cling to him. “How are you going to get out of those pants?” he teased. I took a step back, smiling at his challenge. “Watch me.” I unzipped my pants and pulled the wet vinyl down to my hips. Next, I turned so that Liam could see and bent over, reaching for the backs of my knees, giving him a good view of my ass. Simultaneously I slid down the zippers at the backs of my legs. “Clever,” he said. I turned back to him. “This way I don’t have to take off my boots.” I peeled the wet vinyl from my legs and Liam let out a growl worthy of a werewolf. “You like?” I ran a finger underneath the string of my red lace thong. Besides my bra and stiletto boots, that’s all I was wearing. “I love it.” “I let Nym pick it out.” He gave me a slow, side-of-the-mouth grin. “He’s so bad.” As I moved back to where Liam stood, I put my boot flat against the wall beside him. It was a deliberately provocative move and I felt powerful as I watched his reaction. He licked his lips, bringing my attention back to that full, perfect pout of his. When I reached my hand inside his pants his sharp intake of breath was almost as exciting as the swell of his cock. “You’re so big,” I moaned. I felt his smile as he pressed a kiss against my face. “You say that like you haven’t seen it before.” My laugh was throaty and full of desire as I continued to stroke him. “I don’t know that I’ll ever get used to it.” I finished unzipping his pants and pulled them down to mid-thigh. “I don’t have any protection,” he said. “Is there anything contagious about you besides your sex appeal?” “No.” I knelt in front of him as I continued to stroke the length of his shaft. “Then when you’re about to come, I want you to pull out.” My words seemed to make his eyes burn brighter and when I took him in my mouth I thought sparks might fly from his gaze. He held onto the wall, his cries barely audible above the rain as I sucked him.
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I enjoyed watching him and reveled in the way his eyes rolled back when I licked the rain from his shaft. My lips stretched tight around him as I moved. Liam ran his fingers through my wet hair and guided his cock in and out of my mouth. “Please,” he begged. “I can’t take any more.” I liked hearing him beg for me, but I liked the feel of his thick cock even more. I used the ladder for leverage, putting one leg on the second rung as I wrapped my other leg around Liam’s waist. He pulled me to him and as I wrapped both legs around him, he turned so that my back was against the wall. He pulled the thin panties aside and when he thrust into me I screamed. He paused and I could read the question in his eyes. “I’m fine. Don’t stop.” He moved slowly in and out. The rain splashed our bodies and thunder rumbled as he pumped my soaking pussy. Just the feel of his thick cock spreading me open was enough to almost make me come. I ached with the need for release. It seemed I’d needed him so long and now that I had him I was incapable of taking my time. When Liam reached between us, he barely touched my clit and I came. I cried out as he thrust into me again and my muscles clamped tight around him. “It’s too much,” he said, his voice strained. “I’ve got to pull out.” He withdrew from me and I clung to him as he held his cock between our bodies, turning slightly to the side, and came amid the downpour of rain. His cries of release were lost in another clap of thunder. He lowered me to the ground and we stood there for a few seconds, gasping for breath. “I’d be so flattered if you told me that performance was for my benefit.” I jumped at the sound of Nym’s voice. We both turned to see him standing at the entrance to the alley just a few feet away. Liam stepped in front of me and passed me his coat. “How sweet,” Nym teased. “It doesn’t bother you that your dick is hanging out, but you try to protect her modesty.” He laughed and gave his leopard print umbrella a twirl. “No need really. I’ve already seen the show. Nice dick though.” Liam sighed as he pulled up his pants. “You know, I don’t even care why you’re here at this point. Let’s just get Luna out of this freezing rain before she catches pneumonia.” The rain didn’t feel freezing yet, but I knew it soon would. I guessed the delay was somehow connected to Liam’s magic. The situation was too comical for me to be offended at Nym’s remarks. Not that I would’ve been otherwise. It takes a lot to offend me. “I do actually have something important to share,” Nym said. “I looked for you in the club and when Luther said you’d already left I figured you couldn’t have gone far without your car.” “So you looked down the first dark alley?” I said, laughing. 70
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Nym shrugged. “It’s where I’d take a hot fae with all these werewolf pheromones in the air. The orgasm would be amazing.” Nym wasn’t wrong in his assumption. I pulled Liam’s coat tightly around me and stepped forward to put my arm around Nym’s waist. As soon as I touched the elf’s warm body I realized how cold I really was. My teeth began to chatter as Liam said, “Your place is closest, Luna. Is it all right if we all go there?” I nodded. At this point the very thought of my fireplace (and how far I was from it) made me shiver again. “I’ll take her in my car,” Nym said. “I’ve got a blanket.” Liam gathered the rest of my clothes in his arms and motioned for us to hurry. “It’s the remnant of winter fairy in his blood that keeps the cold from whomever he’s touching,” Nym explained as he held the door for me. He hurried around and got behind the wheel. “Since you’re not touching him anymore, let me turn up the heat.” “Nym,” I said, my teeth chattering harder. “I can’t tell you how glad I am to see you and the pimpmobile.” And its great heating system. He laughed and passed me the leopard print blanket I’d teased him about earlier. “Like I said, you never know when you’ll need a blanket.” I snuggled underneath the soft fabric and thanked him again. “You’re not going to elaborate on what happened in the alley, are you?” he asked. I gave him a teasing smile. “Maybe later. I think you got the basic idea. How long were you standing there?” “Long enough.” Nym took a few side roads that before the veil was lifted, I couldn’t see. We reached my apartment in record time. Once we were in the building, I handed Nym my keys. My hands were shaking too badly to open the door. Just as Liam walked up behind us one of my neighbors stuck her head out. She took one look at us and her eyes widened. Liam laughed as she closed the door and we heard the lock turn. Once we were inside my apartment Nym propped his umbrella beside the door. “Go get out of those clothes and I’ll make some tea,” he said. “Elvish tea is good for everything,” Liam said sarcastically. “It damn well prevents catching cold,” Nym countered. “Now go get dry. What I have to tell you can wait a few more minutes.” As he spoke, Nym made a shooing motion with his hands and pushed us toward the hallway. “I’m going,” I said. Liam followed me into the bedroom and closed the door behind us. I slid out of my wet bra and panties while he kicked off his boots beside the door. “I’m sorry,” he said. 71
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“Don’t worry about it. I needed to clean the floor anyway,” I said, and moved toward the bathroom. When he didn’t respond I turned back to him. The look in his eyes said he was referring to more than the mud on the carpet. “What is it?” I asked. “I may be wrong, but I think tonight’s performance was out of character for you. That’s my fault. I’ve had these abilities my whole life and I should have blocked the effects sooner.” I put my wet clothes in a pile and my shaking grew worse. “What I’m trying to say is I would never want to make you do anything you would find embarrassing or—” While he was talking I closed the distance between us and put a finger to his lips. The warmth of his skin was in stark contrast to my frozen digit and I trembled when I touched him. “I appreciate your concern, but you shouldn’t worry. It’s true I wouldn’t normally jump you in an alley without powerful magic to persuade me. But that’s only because on my own I lack the courage, not the desire.” Liam wrapped me in his arms and rubbed my back, easing some of my shivers. “Let’s get you in a hot shower.” I stepped underneath the water and listened as Liam stripped on the other side of the curtain. “It’s about twenty-five degrees outside, how come I don’t have hypothermia?” Steam rose from his skin as Liam joined me underneath the water and pulled me close. “My magic blocked most of the cold.” He kissed my forehead and for a moment his arms tightened around me. I sighed and snuggled my face against his chest. “The rain had a much stronger impact than standing in the shower.” “I noticed.” Sarcasm laced my reply, but it was playful. His laughter rumbled beneath my ear. “My grandmother said there was nothing like Mother Nature putting her two cents in.” Even though I wasn’t looking at his face I could sense the humor of the moment had passed. When he spoke again his deep voice was softer and I could feel his sadness. “She went out in a snowstorm years ago, and didn’t think anyone would see her. Being a winter fairy, she craved the cold. Since she believed herself to be alone, Grandmother didn’t block the effects of her power. A man caught a glimpse through his window and ran out in search of her, in his nightshirt.” “Oh my God.”
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“He died. I’ve always been afraid of something like that happening to me. I’d never forgive myself if you were harmed.” I pulled back to look at him but left my hands against his chest. His eyes filled with tears as he watched me and even though I could sense his pain my heart soared. In that moment I felt like I could fly. Liam cared for me. “I know,” I said softly.
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Chapter Ten “Marco said he could sense my ability, that I wasn’t the first empath he’d met. Is that from being with you?” “Yes. You said before that if you were going to read for someone you had to touch them, right?” I nodded. “Well, I’m sure you know this, but most empaths work by touch. They can feel the emotions of others this way, even pick up some imagery associated with those feelings.” “Well, I picked up a lot more than that from Nym.” Liam laughed. “I think you were already empathic, just not as strongly as you are now. There are all kinds of psychic abilities; some people have more than one. I believe this applies to you also, only now your empathic talents have become predominant.” This worried me a little. “What about my palm reading business? Do you think I’ll still be able to do that? Before, I got glimpses of people’s lives and bits of emotions along with it. Sometimes I saw their future or could guess their future from the pieces I saw of their past. Does that make sense?” He nodded. “I think if anything you’ll be even better.” “I’m glad you have a good understanding of all this.” His expression softened again and his eyes sparkled with a new emotion, one I couldn’t quite place. “Don’t think about it and you’ll understand more. Empathy is instinctive, like breathing. The only invitation you need now is a touch.” With these words he put my hand on his chest. “Feel my heart,” he whispered. He didn’t ask me to feel his pulse, but to feel his heart. That was something different entirely. Emotion flowed over me, gentle as the warm shower, but devastating just the same. My heart fluttered to match the pace of his as I was swept away. He was afraid and unashamed to let it show. Afraid that whatever got Rachel was after me as well. Frightened of an almost immortal lifespan alone, and terrified that he was falling in love with me. I pulled back with a gasp, unsure what to say. When Liam spoke his voice was soft and filled with emotion. “Once all of this is over, I can take away your craving for me…if that’s what you want.”
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I understood then. Liam was afraid I only wanted him because of his addictive qualities. That wasn’t the case. However, before I could say otherwise Nym knocked on the door. “The tea is ready. Unless you’d prefer me to join you in the shower?” Liam smiled. “At least he’s consistent.” He turned off the shower and got out first, handing me a towel. I was still shivering but not nearly as much as before. “Since you turned off the water I’ll take that as a ‘no’ on a three-way,” Nym called. I pulled on my robe just as Liam opened the door wearing nothing but a towel. “Take it as a ‘yes’ on tea.” I slipped on my favorite fuzzy orange bedroom shoes (which clashed horribly with my green bathrobe) and walked to the closet. My apartment isn’t big, but it has great closet space. Honestly, I don’t mind sleeping on a double bed instead of a queen if it means I can have a bigger closet. “I’ve got another robe in here,” I said to Liam. “Don’t bother on my account,” Nym said. As I walked past the elf I brushed against him. That slight touch was enough for me to use my newly strengthened talent. It would appear I didn’t even have to touch skin. I only needed to be near someone and focus on them. It was curiosity that made me reach out with my mind. I found that what Liam said was exactly correct. Empathy was instinctive. It helped that Nym wasn’t hard to read either. When he spoke, his tone was light and I could sense the playfulness in his voice. He wasn’t trying to block me in any way so I took advantage and literally “felt him out”. Nym would never pursue Liam at this point because he liked me. As far as he was concerned it was plain to see how I felt. He considered Liam a lost cause romantically, as well as a good friend. I could feel similar warm, fuzzy emotions when Nym looked at me and this made me smile. “Are you reading my mind?” the elf asked. “Because I can think of something dirtier if you want.” He winked and I knew he didn’t mind me knowing his true feelings. Liam moved closer. “I don’t want to know,” he teased. “I’d appreciate a robe. Even I get a little chill now and then.” I went to the back of the closet and took out a plush black robe. “It’s too big for me, but perfect for snuggling up in cold weather,” I said, passing the robe to Liam. Beads of water still glistened against his skin. He moved slightly and one of the droplets on his chest started to run. I followed the drop downward over his abs and gasped when he let his towel fall to the floor. “Wow,” Nym said.
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“Since you’ve already seen the show,” Liam said as he pulled on the robe. He tied the sash and ran a hand through his long white hair. I wondered if my desire was as obvious as his beauty. I’d never seen a smile so welcoming or eyes so kind as when he looked down at me and brushed the hair back from my face. For a moment I was lost. I reached out, barely touching his skin where the robe hung open, and trailed my fingertips over his abs. I wanted to feel every curve, every line and nuance of his physique, to read his body like Braille. With everything in me I focused on one thought, “I don’t mind a little craving.” Liam’s smile let me know he’d understood. It wasn’t exactly telepathy, but I knew he could feel my words. He ran his fingers through my hair again and I sighed. “I should comb it before it dries this way,” I said. He traced my cheekbone with the back of his hand before pulling away with a sexy growl. I shivered, but it had nothing to do with the cold. “Are you sure you aren’t part werewolf?” “Positive. You just bring out the animal in me.” “Oh please,” Nym said, rolling his eyes. “It wasn’t that sexy.” I raised an eyebrow, giving Nym a skeptical look. The elf put his hands on his hips and returned my look. “All right, it was hot. But his werewolf impersonation has nothing to do with why I went looking for you tonight.” I laughed. “Why don’t you tell us what you were doing at Red?” Liam asked. We followed Nym into the kitchen and he handed me a cup of elvish tea. “I carry only two bags at a time and I made you a double dose.” He turned to Liam. “I found some breakfast tea in the cabinet for us.” He passed Liam a cup as he said to me, “I hope you don’t mind?” “No. Help yourself.” Actually, I was impressed with how well he knew his way around the kitchen. I sat at the table and Liam scooped three teaspoons of sugar into his tea while Nym began to explain. “I went to The Spot after I left here earlier.” “To harass Aurora,” Liam added. “Of course. I didn’t have anything else going on tonight. Anyway, I was having some coffee and a slice of pie when she mentioned that crazy witch who tried to get me to eat her cookies. Do you remember that?” Liam nearly choked on his tea and put the cup down. He laughed for a minute before replying, “Yeah, I remember it.” They looked at me.
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“Oh you haven’t heard that story,” Nym said. “This witch was completely obsessed with him,” Liam interrupted. “So she baked me some magical cookies.” “Her plan would have worked if I wasn’t there,” Liam said. Nym nodded his agreement. “How did this obsession start?” I asked. “I slept with her,” Nym admitted. “We hooked up at a club one night. The sex was pretty good, but she was creepy.” “Creepy how?” He took a sip of tea. “She started talking about our future and actually used the word relationship before the sheets had cooled down.” “Yikes,” I said, laughing. “That is a little weird.” “It’s a lot weird,” the elf said. “Anyway, she knew where I lived and kept dropping by with presents. This went on for a few weeks. I was polite, accepted the gifts and thanked her, but made no move to progress what she called our relationship.” “You probably shouldn’t have accepted the gifts,” Liam said. The elf turned to him, hands on hips. “What else was I supposed to do? I didn’t want to be rude. Anyway, she stopped by one afternoon with a basket of cookies. I wasn’t there, but found them at my door. As you know, I’m not that good at detecting magic sometimes. Liam stopped by just in time to keep me from eating them.” “They would have made him fall madly in love with her,” the shaman explained. “But what has this got to do with anything?” The elf looked impatient. “I’m getting to that. It’s all relevant, Luna just didn’t know the backstory. Here’s the point, I hadn’t thought about this stuff in a while until Aurora mentioned it. That made me think back to the last time she and I had talked about the witch and her cookies and that made me think about the hoofprints you saw earlier today.” “You saw hoofprints?” Liam asked. Nym waved off his comment. “Stop interrupting. Anyway, the last time we talked about the witch, Aurora joked that I should ask Oberon to send the Wild Hunt after her.” He looked like this was a great revelation of some sort, but I just wasn’t getting it. “Before you explain whatever it is I’m obviously missing, what happened to the witch?” I asked. “She gave up.” Liam slapped his hand down on the counter. “Of course! Do you really think Cernunnos is in town?” He turned to me then. “Are you certain you saw hoofprints?” “Whoa. Slow down. I have no idea what’s going on. What the fuck is the Wild Hunt?” 77
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Liam propped against the bar, looking better than anyone with wet hair and wearing a bathrobe had a right to. “It surprises me the stories aren’t in more books, but it’s not a very popular myth. The most widely known version is that seeing the Wild Hunt means some sort of catastrophe like war or plague is on the way. People also used to believe that anyone who saw the Hunt would die or be kidnapped and transported to the land of the dead.” He paused and I sipped my tea, wondering how to proceed. “All right. But what exactly is the Hunt?” “Hunters.” I gave the shaman a sarcastic look. “Seriously. There are all kinds of hunters and that’s what the Hunt consists of. Elves, goblins, werewolves, you name it.” “Who is this Cernunnos you mentioned and what has he got to do with the hoofprints I saw?” I told Liam exactly what I’d seen and he paused again. “Cernunnos is known by many names, among them the Horned God. The hoofprints you saw were most likely his.” “You mean his horse’s?” “No, I mean his.” I finished my tea and took a second to wonder how my life got so complicated so fast. For the moment I decided not to ask if Cernunnos had hooves. I needed a better understanding of what we were potentially dealing with first. “You said those were myths about the Hunt. So what’s its real purpose?” “Cernunnos is the grim reaper of the magical world. He is also the leader of The Wild Hunt. When someone in the magical community is sentenced to death he is the one who carries out the task.” “Or in some cases if someone of magical descent has led an evil life he’ll hunt them down just for fun when it’s their time to go,” Nym added. “The fae are immortal unless they are stabbed through the heart or decapitated with an iron weapon,” Liam said. “Cernunnos carries an iron sword. He alone has authorization from King Oberon to slay one of our kind.” This new information made my chill return, but it piqued my curiosity as well. “What makes you think he’s here?” “The weather. I should have thought of it before. Wherever the Hunt travels the cold follows them. After all, Cernunnos is the bringer of death. The last time he visited Atlanta was in 1917. It got down to fifteen degrees.” “Wasn’t that record broken a year or two ago?” Nym asked. “Just for an hour or so. He didn’t stay as long on that visit.” Liam sat down across from me as he explained further, “Cernunnos is the one exception to lifting the veil.” “What do you mean?” 78
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“He is only visible when he wants to be.” Finally something made sense. “He has to be able to hide in order to assassinate fairies.” “Exactly,” the men answered together. I stood up and put my cup in the sink. “Let me make sure I’ve got a grasp on all of this. You believe that the grim reaper of magical beings is in town for some unknown reason and you plan to just go have a chat with him?” “Why not? He isn’t after me,” Liam said. “How do you know?” I asked. “Because I’m not hard to find.” “What help could he be to us?” “Remember all those random hunters I mentioned? Well, if one of them is loose in the city, he’ll know about it. There is still a possibility we might be looking for a werewolf or something similar. Marco wouldn’t know about wolves that belong to the Hunt. Many of them are centuries old, pledging their lives and their souls to the service of Cernunnos. Who knows how they might have changed in all that time?” “So you’re saying it’s still possible that I saw a werewolf with glowing red eyes?” “Maybe.”
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Chapter Eleven I listened while they shared stories they’d heard about the Wild Hunt. I was beginning to wonder if talking to this Cernunnos was worth the trouble. I still hadn’t worked up the nerve to ask what he looked like. “Why are you being so helpful?” Liam asked Nym. “Not that you haven’t helped me out in the past, but this goes above and beyond on gathering information.” The elf shrugged. “Curiosity. The whole thing is just so fucking bizarre. I mean, something out of nowhere ate her friend and now it looks like the Wild Hunt is in town.” He shivered as a smile spread across his face. “Isn’t it exciting?” He looked at me and added quickly, “Not that getting eaten by a strange monster is exciting. I’m really sorry about that.” “Me too,” I said. It was nice to be able to offer him a smile. Thanks to Liam’s potion I was no longer grieving; I just wanted to know what the hell happened to Rachel and why. “Besides, it isn’t like my schedule fills up that quickly,” Nym said. “Don’t you work?” I asked. “Nym is independently wealthy,” Liam answered. The term “independently wealthy” brought to mind my favorite superhero and his multitalented butler. I moved to stand beside Nym’s chair and pinched the tip of one pointy ear. “Just a rich little elf looking for a good time?” I teased. He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me onto his lap so fast all I could do was squeal. “You know where I can find one?” he asked. “Probably not with Cernunnos,” Liam said, laughing. “But I suppose that all depends on your idea of a good time.” “What’s your idea of a good time?” Nym asked me. “Having two sexy men clean my house.” I was only joking, but as I watched them a few minutes later cleaning my house I had to admit I liked what I saw. “Is there somewhere I can spread these out?” Liam asked. He was holding a handful of wet clothes, including his leather pants. “I’ll put them in the back room,” I offered. And clean up the remnants of that love spell before anyone finds it. I wasn’t touching him when I thought this and Liam gave no indication of realizing what I was doing.
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I took the clothes into the back room and cleaned the table, putting the dried herbs and melted candle in the trash. When Nym walked in I jumped and tried not to look guilty of anything. “How about some Chinese?” he asked. An hour later while I finished my steamed rice and veggies, my house was cleaner than it had been in months. I had a very small “laundry room” in what was barely more than a closet in my kitchen. Liam used the steam vacuum I kept wedged in the corner to shampoo my carpet while Nym did my laundry. Normally I kept the place spotless, especially if I expected clients to come by for a reading. Lately though, I’d been distracted and for me it had gotten messy. “I can’t say thank you enough,” I told them once we were all back in the kitchen. “You’re welcome,” Liam said. He kissed my forehead and then went back to eating sweet and sour chicken. “I knew you were kidding, but I did track mud all down the hall and into the bedroom.” I laughed. “Are fairies the last polite men left in the world or what?” Nym cleared his throat. “And elves,” I added. “Energy flows more freely in an organized space,” Liam said. “So by cleaning your house, we’re actually making you feel better.” Come to think of it, I did feel better. I cleared away the empty takeout cartons and poured myself a glass of water. “What are we going to do about Cernunnos? I mean, if he doesn’t want to be seen, how are we supposed to talk to him?” “Easy,” Liam said, wiping his perfect lips. “We summon him.” “What he means is you summon him,” the elf corrected. “Me? What am I supposed to do?” “Cernunnos is drawn to certain types of offerings,” Liam said. “Like naked women,” Nym butted in. “But I wouldn’t worry about that now,” the shaman finished. “Now you need to get a good night’s sleep.” “What the fuck? I’m supposed to summon this guy naked in this weather and you expect me to be able to get a good night’s sleep?” Liam put his arm around me. “It’s nothing to worry about, really. As for the good night’s sleep, I would be more than glad to help with that.” “I think that’s my cue to say good night,” Nym said. “Unless you want me to—” “Good night, Nym,” I said, cutting him off. “Well, that answers my question.”
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He left, seeming unfazed by my reply, and kissed us both on the cheek before departing. I turned back to Liam and despite my exhaustion found my desire rekindled by just the sight of him. “What did you have in mind?” I asked. His smile was wicked. “A potion. One of the ones in that basket there.” He pointed to the basket he’d sent. “But I’m open to suggestions.” Even without shoes he towered over me as I moved closer. “I’m not sure what’s going on or if I’m in any danger. Are we safe here?” He reached for me and I opened the front of his robe. “You are safe wherever I am. No harm will come to you in my presence.” After the way he handled those werewolves I no longer doubted Liam could protect me. My fair skin seemed lightly tanned next to his as I ran my hand over his chest. I could feel his desire but any other emotions were out of reach. Liam had his shields in place once more. “You could have easily blocked me from your feelings before, but you didn’t. Why?” “I saw no reason to hide; I wanted you to know.” Wanting me to know his feelings was one thing. By his silence it appeared that being ready to talk about them was another. I didn’t mind. I wasn’t ready to talk about what I felt for Liam either. To tell the truth, I was frightened too. I’d never started to fall for someone so fast or been afraid of hitting the ground so hard. “What I told you before was true—I don’t mind a little craving. I enjoy the way needing you feels, the hunger that lies just beneath the surface when I look at you. I hope that doesn’t sound desperate.” It did sound kind of desperate to me, but Liam seemed to understand. “Not at all. I know what you mean,” he said. “Ever since we met I seem to need you too.” I pulled back enough to look up at him and was surprised to find his eyes full of both compassion and desire. “It’s a little unnerving,” he said, a slow smile curling his lips. “I haven’t needed anyone for a very long time.” “So why now? Why me?” He moved closer, his lips hovering above mine as he replied, “I have no idea.” Liam kissed me and with the soft touch of his lips any remaining fear was forgotten. Rachel’s death and the possibility of summoning Cernunnos were barely more than a cobweb in the back of my mind as I ran my hands up and down Liam’s arms. I could feel the power flowing through him, not just the raw power of his body but his magic.
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Liam pulled me against him, lifting me so that I could wrap my legs around his waist. In a moment our kiss became a tangle of lips and teeth and tongue. I always felt a little lightheaded when he kissed me, and glanced at the floor to make sure his feet were still on the ground. He walked over to the sofa and tossed me gently onto the cushions. “Wait,” I panted as he ran one hand up my thigh. “I want to see you by the firelight, all of you.” I’d seen him by the firelight before, but never completely naked. I watched as he moved gracefully toward the electric fireplace and turned up the flame. He flexed his right hand and a small purple spark floated above his palm. “If we did this at my place, I could light the fire myself,” he said. “But here I think I might short-circuit something.” He smiled and with a flick of his wrist the spark was gone. “Does it frighten you?” I suppose my lack of response could be taken that way. “No. I like it. As a matter of fact, I think a man who has the power to electrocute me is kind of sexy.” He raised a brow and his eyes ignited with purple flame. “The fact that I could or that I choose not to?” My heart fluttered. “Both.” His hair began to rise from his shoulders, almost like it was full of static electricity. Liam moved back to me slowly and I was both frightened and aroused by the sight of him. There is much to be said for the aphrodisiac effects of danger and power. I was never afraid that Liam would hurt me, but I had no doubt that he could. Something about that turned me on. His hair billowed about his shoulders as if it were blowing in the wind and his eyes sparked with electricity when he smiled. “I want to press you back against that couch and bury myself inside you,” he said. The deep rumble of his voice and the bluntness of his words made me instantly wet. I’d never had a lover who would talk to me the way Liam did. Something inside me rose to the challenge of his words, even as I rose to my feet. He reached for me and I took a step forward as I replied, “Who said you could be on top?” His laughter was a sexy, wicked sound that seemed to wrap itself around me. I hungered for the feel of his body against mine and I was growing impatient. I reached out and pulled the sash on his robe. As it fell open I resisted the urge to look down and instead focused on his eyes. They had darkened to a deep, hypnotic plum and reminded me of the color of his bedsheets. I pressed both my palms against his chest as he continued to look down at me, hungry and waiting. His skin practically burned into my hands and I knew it must be
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due to his magic, because it was cold in my apartment. I also noticed that his heart was racing. It fluttered beneath my palm like a wild thing captured. I ran my hands up and over his shoulders, causing his robe to fall to the floor. His hair still crackled with electricity as I touched it tentatively with my fingertips. My touch seemed to soothe him, to tame the storm I saw in his eyes. Liam took a deep breath and everything changed. His hair became like silk in my hands and as the firelight played across his features I could no longer resist my desire to see the rest of him. Even though I’d seen him naked before, the sight of his bare flesh in the firelight was breathtaking. He was beautiful in a way that words could not describe, though every time I saw him I tried. Every curve was where it should be, every chiseled feature was exquisite in its placement. I also noticed that though his cock was as impressive as ever, he was not yet aroused. “You first this time,” he purred, answering my unspoken question. I slid out of my robe and tossed it onto the chair by the fire. The shock of cold air against my skin reminded me I wasn’t wearing anything underneath. Still, the fire was warm and so was the look in Liam’s eyes. Having no fear of freezing, I kicked off my slippers as well. He took a step forward but did not touch me. He gestured toward himself and for an instant his power was once more evident, so much so that he glowed. “This is one of the reasons we do not often mingle with humans and why Oberon so strongly disapproves.” “And why is that?” He ran his hand down my throat to my collarbone and I trembled. “Because when I truly unleash my power you will be bound to me in a way only a potent spell could ever break.” I looked up and felt myself falling into his eyes. “What about death?” “Death cannot stop this,” he said. “It can only delay it for a while.” My throat went dry and I found it difficult to swallow before I finally gave voice to my biggest fear. “But I’m mortal. Someday I will die.” “You don’t have to,” he said softly. He trailed one hand across my breast and images came to mind, erotic thoughts like paintings in my head. My, Liam was creative. “The bond I offer you is a sacred thing and you do not have to answer tonight, nor should you under the influence of my magic. Once everything is settled I will give you two weeks without me to decide.” “You mean you plan to remove the craving?” “It’s the only way to be sure. I don’t want to frighten you away with talk of forever. But I do want to continue whatever it is we’ve started here. I’ll only do that if you want me. Just me. Not the magic in my touch, but the man behind it.” 84
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“I understand.” I really did. What he said made perfect sense. I was thrilled to hear we were in agreement. I wanted to continue whatever it was we’d started too. One moment I was waiting for him to respond and the next I was in his arms. Liam trailed kisses down my throat before burying his face against my breasts. His lips wrapped around one nipple, pulling it gently between his teeth. I cried out and he asked, “Is that pain or pleasure?” “Both, don’t stop.” Even as my mouth went dry, I felt my pussy becoming wetter with his every touch. He sucked harder, drawing more of my flesh into his mouth. I ran my fingers through his hair as I pressed him against me. I’d never wanted anyone so much. No touch had ever brought me so much pleasure. I was so wet I could feel the juices running down my thighs. He moved slowly down my body, kissing each curve as he moved lower. When he finally knelt at my feet, Liam looked up at me. His eyes were still dark and something within their depths made me weak. He continued to look at me as he ran one hand up my thigh and one long finger inside me. I moaned and threw back my head as his mouth claimed me. He pulled my flesh into his mouth, just as he had done with my breast, sucking until the point of pain, but not quite beyond the realm of pleasure. His tongue found my clit and I growled, “Fuck yes.” With Liam there was no such thing as inhibition, no way to hold anything back, even if I’d had the desire. I wanted this so badly. I needed to be possessed by him completely. I craved his hot mouth on every inch of my skin, to feel his touch not just on my body but within my soul. Liam lifted me from the floor with a hand on each side of my butt and lowered me onto the couch. His tongue never left my clit and now his rhythm grew faster. I ached to have him enter my body and I wouldn’t be satisfied until I felt him splitting me in two. He lifted his head from between my legs and his body trembled. “Liam,” I panted. “There are condoms in the drawer beside my bed.” I hated myself for the reality check, but part of me was just too damn practical to forget. He smiled. “I’ll be right back.” One good thing about a small apartment, he didn’t have far to go. As he came back toward me I said, “Let me do it.” Liam knelt in front of me again and lowered his head to my breast as I stroked his cock, rolling the condom down. “Damn.” Every time I touched him I was impressed. He sucked harder on my nipple and I arched upward, pulling him closer. If he didn’t hurry up I was going to come and I wanted him inside me when that happened. Liam spread my legs wider, pressing himself against me. I could feel his cock growing harder as he spread my labia. He began to slip inside me and I moaned, but he 85
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wouldn’t penetrate me fully. He moved to kiss my throat, licking across my pulse while he teased me. He moved slowly, only allowing about two inches to slip inside my soaking pussy. Then, just when I thought I couldn’t take any more, he thrust into me deeply and I screamed. He grew still for a moment as he buried himself deep inside me. Then, slowly, he began to move. My back arched as I ground my hips against him, rising to meet his every thrust. It felt so good I cried as I dug my nails into the smooth skin of his back. “Make me come,” I commanded. With these words Liam pulled out almost completely. Next, he bent forward to kiss me and this time I did see a spark. The instant his lips touched mine he began to press back inside me and release like I had never known flooded my body. I felt my muscles spasm around him, gripping him, pulling his cock deeper inside me with a ferocity I had not expected. He lifted his head and smiled, his sultry lips swollen from so many kisses. I pulled him to me regardless, plunging my tongue inside his mouth, mimicking what his body was doing to mine. I lifted my hips higher, wrapping my legs around him. “Say my name,” I whispered hoarsely against his lips. “I want you to say my name when you come.” He pulled my head back, wrapping my hair around his hand as he whispered, “Luna,” against my lips. Several minutes later after we’d both caught our breath, Liam spread some blankets in front of the fire. He sat on the floor and rested back against the couch. I sat beside him and smiled when he began to rub my back. “How did you know I needed that?” I asked. He laughed softly. “That was an awful lot of back arching you did.” “All your fault,” I teased. We stared into the flames for a few minutes and everything we’d talked about earlier came back to me. “When we talked to Marco, you said you went back to The Courtyard. When did you go?” “After I took you home that first night. I was hoping to find a fresh trail to follow.” “No blood at all you said?” “None. I’m sorry. The only thing that was obvious was where you’d been chased. I have your coat if you ever want it back. It’s been cleaned.” “Thanks.” I pulled a blanket over myself and tucked my knees up underneath my chin, hugging my legs. “I don’t know what to make of it. If she’d been eaten, shouldn’t there be blood? Could the rain have washed it all away?”
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“To the untrained eye, yes. But I used a potion, magic dust that should have brought anything to light if it was there. I found lots of bodily fluids in the area, but blood was not among them.” “Yuck.” Liam continued to rub my back. Between his gentle touch and the warmth of the fire, I was getting really sleepy. “About the ritual tomorrow,” he said. “You don’t have to summon Cernunnos if you don’t want to.” “Do you think we should? Do you really believe he can help?” “If I didn’t think it was a good idea, I would never suggest it. Cernunnos has helped me in the past, and he’s never been wrong. Of course, that doesn’t mean his answers are always easy to understand or his solutions easy to follow.” I turned to him and ran my fingers through the hair that trailed over his shoulder. “Why can’t you summon him then, if you know each other?” “Because I’m not the one with the question. Even though I would also like the answer, that doesn’t count. No matter how many times I ask, it is still your question.” Why did everything have to be so difficult? I just wanted to know what happened to my best friend! “Shit. What do I have to do?” He patted my shoulder. “I’ll explain everything tomorrow. Don’t worry. The only thing you absolutely have to do is consent to the ritual. I can’t give my consent because you aren’t mine to order. The one who asks the question must pay the price for the answer, so you have to be willing.” “There’s a price?” He shrugged. “Nothing is free.” I know he said not to worry, but the more we talked about it, the more I did just that. “What does he want?” “It won’t be anything you can’t afford.” The wind was cool and the morning was crisp and bright. Liam and I were on our way out of the city. We got up early and stopped at his place for supplies on our way. I hadn’t slept well with so much on my mind. I’m not ashamed to admit I was terrified at the thought of having to get naked and summon this Cernunnos person. From what I’d found online in a quick search he was what some believed to be a demigod, one of the few who remained. How do you even address someone like that? Do you refer to a deity as sir? And why the fuck did I have to be naked? Needless to say, when Liam woke me and said we needed to get started, I was ready. I don’t like to dread things and I especially don’t like to be afraid. I believe the
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biggest part of fear is ignorance, so I’d attempted to educate myself on Cernunnos before going to bed the night before. I was wrong. Now I felt worse. “Where are we going exactly?” I asked, trying to clear my head a little. “To my aunt’s farm. It’s past the suburbs.” He laughed. “Actually, it’s a pumpkin farm in the middle of nowhere.” “What kind of fairy is she?” “She’s not a fairy. She’s my aunt on my father’s side.” “Oh.” I got the impression that Liam was older than he looked and was surprised to hear his father’s sister was still alive. “Is she very old?” Liam smiled. “She’s thirty-five. I never did tell you my age, did I?” “No.” “And you’ve been too polite to ask. How sweet. I’m one hundred and sixty years old. Tara is actually a distant cousin, but I refer to her as my aunt.” I did a double-take. He looked about thirty and I already knew he had a longerthan-natural lifespan, but one hundred and sixty?! “Wow. I feel stupid. I assumed you were talking about your father’s sister.” He reached over and patted my leg. “Don’t feel stupid. Normal people do not live this long. Each new generation of my father’s family sort of inherits me.” I took a moment and thought about how that would make me feel. I imagined it would be very strange to have generations of people die while I remained. “That must be awkward for you.” I paused, wondering how to word my next question. “Were your parents ever really together, as a couple I mean?” “Yes,” he said softly. “When I was born my mother left her kind and lived with my father until his death.” I could hear the sadness in his voice when he mentioned his father. I wanted to offer him some comfort, but wasn’t sure what to do. “One hundred and sixty years ago, the world was a different place. I can’t imagine what kind of life your father must have led. What tribe was he from?” “Apache. His name was Nantan Lupan. It means Gray Wolf. He was what my mother referred to as an old soul. Even when he was a young man he had a presence about him that suggested wisdom. He was a good man and a great shaman.” His smile was bittersweet and for a moment I wished I could have known his father. “Do you feel as if you belong with one side of the family more than the other?” “Yes. Believe it or not, I prefer my father’s family.” That surprised me. “Really?” Liam seemed to be considering his reply carefully. I looked away, not wanting him to feel pressured to explain. After a minute Liam tapped my arm, bringing my attention back to him. “Have you ever read anything about English royalty during the Victorian era?” 88
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“Sure.” “Fairy court is not much different. Endless drama and bullshit by the pound.” I burst out laughing. Then his words started to sink in. “Are you fae royalty? I know you mentioned Oberon being ‘sort of’ an uncle to you, but did you mean literally?” For a minute Liam watched the road and didn’t respond. “Well, it is a long drive. I suppose it’s about time I explained everything. You want something to eat first? Because I think that place right there is our last chance.” Liam got me a breakfast burrito and juice, and himself some coffee with lots of sugar. He pulled back onto the road and took a few sips of coffee before saying, “Go ahead and assume that everything Shakespeare said is true. It’s not far off. That should give you some idea of how ridiculous things can get.” He paused again as if unsure how to proceed. Then he blurted out, “My mother was Oberon’s favorite mistress. The fae have always had trouble conceiving. When Oberon learned she was pregnant he was thrilled. Not so much when he found out about my father.” Oh my God. He wasn’t kidding about the drama. “What happened then?” “Well, he was furious of course. He considered sending Cernunnos to hunt him down. However, the power of love and/or a beautiful woman should never be underestimated. Oberon loved my mother enough that when she asked he agreed not to harm my father. But by the time he found out I wasn’t his, the king had already announced he was to have a child. He was humiliated. In order to convince people that I was not his son, and to discourage those who might try to use me to overthrow him, he declared me unseelie. That basically means I can never be seen at court unless invited, I can never gain the throne and I don’t get recorded in ‘good little fairy’ history. Believe me when I say none of this hurts my feelings.” He took another sip of coffee. “Having said that, Oberon has always been kind to me. He’s never treated me as an outcast and wouldn’t allow anyone to ridicule my mother for her involvement with a human.” I didn’t understand how a fairy king’s mistress was supposed to act or what was expected of her, so I asked, “Was your mother supposed to be his exclusively?” “See, that’s the thing, there is no law saying that a mistress of the king must be his alone. He didn’t own her, she had free will. Oberon told me once that when he saw my face whatever anger he had faded. There are many who were never convinced that I’m not his son. I told you he was my uncle because I wasn’t sure what to say when the subject came up.” I watched him while he spoke and sensed a subtle change I couldn’t name. He was blocking me, hard. This was more than hesitation, he was deliberately leaving something out. I knew I had bitten off more than I could chew. That much was obvious to me a few days ago. However, that didn’t mean I planned to give up.
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“Look,” I said softly, “I know I’m in over my head, but I’m not stupid. Actually, I have a high I.Q.” I smiled, trying to lighten the mood. “My point is, if you’re going to tell me your story, then tell me all of it. I know I ask a lot of questions, but can you blame me? Until a few days ago all this kind of stuff was just fairy tales to me. I think I’ve handled it well, considering. Believe me, if it wasn’t for what I’ve seen with my own eyes, I wouldn’t be so accepting.” I paused before deciding to tell him all that I felt. After all, I was asking for his complete honesty. “I know we’ve only known each other for a few days, but I care for you. I want to know about you, and I want to know what’s going on. Or at least as much as you know about it. I’m not some crazy woman with a head full of fluff. I can take it. That doesn’t mean I want to take on a werewolf barehanded, but you give me some silver bullets and I’ll give it my best shot.” I took a deep breath. “I know I’m rambling. What I’m getting at is you can trust me. Whatever it is you’re holding back, I can handle it.” We were a good way into the countryside by now and Liam pulled the car onto the side of the road. His smirk was playful as he said, “I never meant to imply your head was full of fluff.” “You didn’t. I just want to know…” My words trailed off. I wasn’t sure what else to say. “You’re right. I have been holding some things back. Under the circumstances I suppose that’s not fair. You have handled everything well, and I do trust you. Your eyes hide nothing.” He turned to face me and when he reached to touch my face I tilted my head against his palm. He felt warm and safe. Something certain in a world of doubts. “What I’m about to tell you no one else knows besides Oberon and my mother, not even Nym. Oberon isn’t my adopted uncle and my banishment to the unseelie isn’t permanent. It is reversed upon his death, or his decision to abdicate his throne.” My heart fluttered and I suddenly felt shaky. “Are you saying what I think you are?” “If either of those things should occur, I will be granted Oberon’s power as well as immortality. And no matter what he’s declared publicly, his throne as well.” No wonder he’d kept this secret. “Why would he do that?” He sighed. “Because Oberon has no heirs…and he’s my godfather.” “Holy shit. This is more twisted than a soap opera.” He smiled. “That it is. I told you, drama and bullshit. I’m sure you understand why I’ve kept this secret. It’s also the reason I’ve never had a serious relationship.” What did he just say? For a minute all I could do was blink at him. “Never? In one hundred and sixty years?” I looked once more at his handsome face, long white hair and utterly hypnotic eyes. “I find that hard to believe.”
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“That’s kind of you, but think about it. Oberon doesn’t want our kind involved with humans, and how could I trust another fairy? You never know what they might be plotting.” “Are they all so petty?” “Not all. However, immortality leads many to boredom and all they have left are their stupid political games. I didn’t want to be caught up in that mess.” “So if I’m going to trust a fairy, the younger the better.” He laughed. “That’s a safe bet.” “Still, you could have just held that one part back from whomever you were with. There’s no reason to isolate yourself entirely.” To his credit, Liam looked me in the eye when he spoke of his past. “I’ve been with many women, but I’ve never been in love. There is a part of myself I’ve always held back. I felt as if I couldn’t trust someone who didn’t really know me, and allowing them so close was too risky.” “So why risk it now by telling me?” Liam leaned forward and kissed me softly. “Because I trust you.” “You’ve gone against Oberon’s wishes though. Not only am I human, but I’m psychic.” He rested his forehead against mine. “I can’t think of anyone I’d rather break the king’s laws with.” “It’s a law?” He shrugged. “Fairy laws are more like strong suggestions for royalty.” “Do you consider yourself royalty?” “Whether I do or not, it looks as if I’m stuck with being the king’s secret godchild.” I pulled back from him and shook my head, laughing. “This is all too much.” He pulled back onto the road. “Hey, you asked for the whole truth.”
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Chapter Twelve While he drove, Liam continued to fill me in on all the reasons his relationship to Oberon could put him in danger. “You remember that first night when I introduced you to Nym?” “Sure. You said you were already on your way to meet him when I called.” “Remember that rumor we discussed, about someone wanting to steal my magic?” I nodded. “The reason that is so dangerous has more to do with the entire fae kingdom than with preserving my life. If someone steals my soul and my magic they also steal my link to the king. That means they magically inherit my place as his successor in the event of his death.” I gasped. “But would they be strong enough to kill a fairy king?” “With my power, it’s possible. That all depends on who is doing the stealing.” From there it didn’t take long to reach the farm and I spent the rest of the ride contemplating what he’d said and trying not to be nervous. We turned onto a small private drive and my breath caught as I took in the scenery. Even though the weather was colder than normal, everything wasn’t dead. I decided then to get out of the city more. Shades of crimson, gold, and green decorated the woods surrounding the farm. I smiled as I looked at what had to be hundreds of bright orange pumpkins. Before I could comment on the scenery Liam tapped my arm. “Isn’t it beautiful?” “It’s amazing. I didn’t know there was a place like this close by. They’re gorgeous,” I said as we passed two trailers rounded over with pumpkins. “The white ones are behind the house,” he said. The trail leading to the house went right through the middle of the field and I continued to smile like a child as I looked at all the pumpkins. “I love this place already,” I said. “Something about the color orange makes me smile.” “Me too. This farm has always had that effect on me. It’s been in the family for more than a hundred years. It’s a place that has seen a lot of happiness. I suppose you could say it literally accumulates good cheer.” “Are you serious?” “You can’t stop smiling, can you?”
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He had a point. I turned and looked out the window again. “How could that be possible?” “Because one of the few remaining temples to the old gods is here, on the back side of the property. The farm is located in what is known as a place of power. No one who lives here ever gets sick or dies from anything but old age. Very old age.” I gave him a questioning look and he supplied, “My father lived to be one hundred and two. This place was my mother’s gift to him.” “Wow. Are pumpkins good luck?” He smiled. “They are if you like pumpkins.” We parked behind the house and Liam and I both stepped out of the car. I breathed in the fresh morning air as he walked to the trunk to get the supplies. “Tara is inside, you’ll meet her later. She’s agreed to have lunch waiting when we’re finished.” “Lunch?” I looked at the clock on my cell phone. “It’s only seven o’ clock.” “Time passes differently in the fairy realm. To be in the presence of Cernunnos is to be in the fairy realm.” I gave him a look and he said, “Trust me. You’ll feel like you’ve been gone a few minutes, but it’s actually been a few hours.” “All right. Are you going to fill me in on the details of this ritual now or what?” “I’ll explain on the way,” he said. “On the way where?” I thought we’d already arrived at our destination. He pointed toward the tree line. “In the woods.” Liam opened the trunk and took out a black bag he’d filled with supplies earlier. While he did this I’d retrieved a large decorative box from his closet, as he’d instructed. This box looked like an antique, like something you might expect to contain a fine silk gown. It was white with intricate gold designs and it glimmered in the early morning sun. “Do I get to see what’s in the box now?” I asked. Liam tucked the box underneath one arm. “It’s my invisibility cloak, and I’ll be wearing it for the summoning.” People might think I’m a dork for this, but the thought of an invisibility cloak was so cool to me. “Is there a particular reason you need to be invisible?” I asked as I followed Liam across the field behind the house. “Cernunnos is more likely to appear for a solitary summoner. Try to say that fast.” He laughed. “Of course, I’ll eventually take it off. It’s just a courtesy for his preferences.” “Which are?” “Naked, human women, alone in the woods.” “Great.” 93
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It was no longer cold enough for frost, but dew still shimmered on the grass that crunched beneath our feet. White pumpkins glittered on the small hill behind Tara’s house. “I know the weather report predicted more than one hard freeze in the past few weeks. How come the pumpkins are still growing? The vines still look healthy.” “It’s part of the magic of this place. It’s also how my aunt Tara has such good luck growing prize-winning pumpkins.” I laughed. “Would you like me to carry some of that?” “Nope. I deliberately wanted your hands free.” I was expecting him to make a naughty suggestion when Liam added, “Could you go over there and pick out a nice white pumpkin?” I paused. “I suppose so, but why?” I laughed softly. “Are we going to sacrifice it?” For some reason the thought of sacrificing a pumpkin was really funny to me. I guess it could’ve been the lack of sleep. “Close enough,” Liam said. “It’s going to be part of our offering to Cernunnos.” “And what’s the other part?” “Some nice wine. And you.” I was too shocked to do anything but stare openmouthed. After a second I closed my mouth and started walking toward the pumpkins. “It’s not as bad as it sounds,” Liam called after me. “I’ll meet you just inside the trees.” When I didn’t turn back or respond he said, “Trust me. Oh, and take the knife out of my pocket.” I walked back, still in shock. “It’s in my right pocket,” he said, nodding downward. “Cernunnos will not hurt you.” I didn’t respond. I just took the knife and started back toward the pumpkins. If I was nervous before, I was scared out of my mind now. Was I seriously supposed to offer myself to a demigod? However, I did trust Liam and he didn’t appear concerned. I glanced toward the house and saw no signs of his aunt being awake yet. The house was a comfortable-looking two-story with pale blue siding that matched what must be the guest house, visible a bit farther across the field to the left. Neatly trimmed hedges separated the house and its surrounding yard from the larger fields out front. The smaller pumpkin patch out back began where the yard ended. When I finally came to the patch of white pumpkins I saw a small sign beside them that read Lumina. I guessed that was the name of the variety. I’d only seen white pumpkins in pictures before and took a moment to admire them. I wanted the offering to be nice. But I also had to take into consideration how much I could carry through the woods. Who knew how far we’d be walking. Some of these looked as if they might weigh fifty pounds. I picked a perfectly shaped little pumpkin that was probably closer to fifteen pounds. I used Liam’s knife to cut the vine and put the blade in my coat pocket before taking the pumpkin and following Liam into the woods. 94
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His white hair stood out against the shadows of the trees as I approached, making him easy to find in the semi-darkness. “Don’t look so frightened,” he said softly. “If I thought this was a bad idea or that you would be harmed in any way, I would never bring you here.” I smiled and regretted my hands being full. Each time I looked at Liam, I wanted to touch him. “I believe you. Let’s get this over with.” We walked for another few minutes and my arms were getting tired when he said, “We’re here.” Liam’s broad shoulders were blocking my view. When I stepped beside him and looked around, the enchantment of the place was obvious. There was magic not only in the way things looked, but the way they felt. An old stone carving was most prominent in the small clearing, placed right in the middle like a totem. The image was faded and vines grew over it, making it difficult to see clearly. The only thing I could make out for sure was horns. Great. That was comforting. “You can place the pumpkin on the altar there,” Liam said, nodding toward the statue. “Be careful of the circle.” Mushrooms ringed the statue as if a magic circle was permanently in place. “Should I do something first, before entering?” I asked. “Not yet. Just put the pumpkin down and come here.” Right in front of the statue was a stone altar where I placed the pumpkin. When I turned back to Liam he was searching his pockets and mumbling to himself. “Is something wrong?” “I know I brought it.” He checked another pocket. “Ah, here it is.” He passed me a tiny purple vial. “Drink this.” I laughed. “Again? What does this one do?” He offered me an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry. I realize I’m asking a lot of you.” “And making me take a lot of different potions and magical substances.” “If you don’t drink this one, you won’t be able to stand out here naked for several hours, which is what we need.” I inspected the bottle again, holding it up to the light. “So this will keep me from freezing?” Liam had begun to remove white candles and quartz crystals from his black bag. “I don’t mean to rush you, but if you don’t drink it soon, the potion won’t have enough time to work.” “Got it. We can’t exactly proceed with the ritual until I get naked.” “Right.” Before I could put the potion to my lips, Liam pulled me close and gave me a quick kiss. “This won’t hurt a bit,” he said, giving me a playful wink.
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I downed the potion in one gulp. “Yum. Tastes like fruit punch.” I rubbed my hands together to fight both the cold and my nervousness. “What can I do to help?” Liam looked down at the supplies as he considered my question. “I’m not sure there’s anything that you need to do until we get started. The wine,” he said, pointing toward the bag, “is part of the ritual and shouldn’t be taken into the circle until everything is in place. I have to set up the crystals and the candles. I know you don’t want to hear it, but all you need to do is get naked, have a drink and say a few words.” I put my hands on my hips and gave him what I hoped was a sarcastic look worthy of Nym. “Honestly,” Liam said. “Just be patient.” I found a log not far from where Liam had placed the fancy box and his black bag, sat down and watched. He ringed the circle of mushrooms with white candles. Between the candles he placed quartz stones, speaking words I didn’t understand over each. When he was finished with this he anointed each candle with oil, also speaking over them in what I assumed was Faerie. After this he returned to me and put the oil back in the bag. “Open the box please.” I did as he asked. I wasn’t sure what to expect to see inside the box, but I was definitely surprised. He’d said it was his invisibility cloak, so it had occurred to me that I might not see anything at all. “Wow. This is beautiful.” Liam offered me a smile before turning his back. “Help me put it on?” The cloak was made of feathers of all different shapes, sizes and colors. I recognized some raven feathers, peacock, turkey and possibly dove. Others must have been dyed because there were colors like purple and lime green mixed in as well. While lime green might be possible for parrots, to my knowledge purple wasn’t. Not this shade. It may not sound possible, but all these different feathers fit together in one of the most beautiful tapestries of color I’d ever seen. It was a work of art and it was well over eight feet long. I stood on the log so I could hold out the long sleeves well enough for Liam to reach them. I understood then why he needed help. Despite the cloak’s beauty, it was awkward and heavy. A few minutes later he stood there looking magnificent in the strange cloak, and still completely visible. “Um, why can I still see you? I thought you said this was an invisibility cloak?” He smiled. “It is and just as soon as I pull up the hood, I’ll disappear. Don’t worry,” he said, bending down to take a plastic bag of dried rose petals from the supplies. “I’ll still be right here with you.” I started to fan myself and slipped out of my coat. “It’s getting warm out here. How long do I have to wait before that potion starts to work?” “I think it’s already working.” 96
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Chapter Thirteen “This is excellent timing,” Liam said. “Take your clothes off and I’ll finish the candles.” That suited me fine. “I’m burning up,” I said, pulling my sweater off. “How long will this last?” “About four hours, give or take twenty minutes.” A most unpleasant warming sensation continued to work its way through my body. Liam was still standing beside me, but I ignored him as I undressed. I was desperate to cool off. “I don’t ever want to do this again,” I said. “I hate this feeling.” He looked concerned. “I’m really sorry. Most people don’t have an adverse reaction to the warming potion.” I threw my shoes beside the log and pulled off my socks. I sighed when my bare feet finally touched the cold grass. “It’s not painful,” I said. “I just don’t like feeling the urge to roll naked in snow. I hate the heat.” “That’s something I can relate to. The good news is, it won’t feel as if you’re burning up for four hours once Cernunnos shows up.” I finished stripping while Liam took hold of the hood on his cloak. The hood was ringed with hot pink feathers that to my thinking would obstruct his view. I only had a moment to notice this before he pulled the hood completely up and in an instant he vanished. A piece of paper floated toward me. “Take this,” Liam said. “You need to get the wine and step into the circle while I finish lighting the candles. Once the candles are lit, the circle will be complete. Then, while you read this, I’ll spread the dried rose petals around the outside of the circle. Once you’ve spoken the words, take a sip of wine and offer the rest to Cernunnos.” Talking to an invisible man was strange, but no more so than everything else lately. It looked as if I was alone, but I could still feel Liam’s comforting presence. “All right.” I picked up the wine and moved toward the circle. As I entered I tapped the bottle to get Liam’s attention, wherever he was. “How am I supposed to open it?” “The cork should come out easily enough,” Liam said. “I loosened it with a spell.” The candles burned to life one by one and I could feel the magic closing in around me. It was as if something was growing physically closer with every second. I took a deep breath. Once I got all my clothes off, the warming spell ceased to burn. Now I was just comfortably nude in the freezing cold.
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I sat the bottle at my feet and opened the note Liam had given me. I glanced at the words. “Liam, it’s not night.” “That doesn’t matter,” he said as the last candle was lit. “Just say the words.” I cleared my throat and directed my words toward the statue in front of me. “By the flame that burneth bright O Horned One, we call thy name into the night. We invoke thee, Cernunnos.” “Now the wine,” Liam whispered. I pulled the cork and since we hadn’t brought any glasses, I took a big gulp from the bottle. “How do I offer it to him?” I asked. “Get creative.” I’m not sure where the idea came from. I held the wine up high, tilted back my head and poured the crimson liquid down the front of my body. “Holy shit,” Liam whispered. Hey, he said to get creative. If Cernunnos liked naked women and wine, then I was betting I’d just found something else he liked. The wine didn’t have time to dry on my skin before I heard footsteps behind the statue. Heavy footsteps. What emerged from behind the massive stone was neither a horse nor a man, but a combination of both that I’d only seen in mythology books. “You’re a centaur,” I said breathlessly. He smiled and my pulse raced. Whatever else he might be, Cernunnos was gorgeous. His body was that of a powerful warhorse. Only where the horse’s neck should have been, a man’s perfectly sculpted waist began. His human half was as finely muscled as the rest of him. His skin was lightly tanned, with a patch of dark chest hair that I wanted to curl my fingers through. This hair trailed down his abs where it connected to the equally dark fur of the rest of his body. Long, dark hair hung in waves, framing a strongly featured yet devastatingly handsome face. He looked down at me and that’s when I noticed the horns. They were smaller than a ram’s, but with the same shape. Since they were also black, his hair hid them until he turned a certain way. “It isn’t night,” he said, laughing softly. “Come closer.” His voice was a deep rumble that made my entire body feel more alive. He took one step closer and reached for me. “Did you give your consent to this summoning, or did the shaman trick you?” Before I could answer he turned to the right and said, “You can come out now, Liam. I know you’re here.” Liam removed his hood and the centaur turned his attention back to me. “I didn’t know what to expect, but I’m the one who needs your help. The ritual was his but I am the one who summoned you here.” Cernunnos smiled his approval. “By the way you just looked at him, I can tell there is something between you.” 98
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Wow. I didn’t realize my glance toward Liam was so telling. “Have you explained to her, Liam, that anything done with a demigod is not considered cheating?” His tone was playful and I wondered if he was only teasing me. Still, my pulse quickened painfully at his words. What the hell had I gotten myself into? “No, but it’s true,” Liam directed the last part of his answer toward me. “Whatever you do here is of your own free will and won’t be held against you.” Cernunnos looked down at me and though the smile faded from his lips, it remained in his gray eyes. “I don’t think that’s the answer she needs to hear.” “You’re right,” I said. “If whatever it is you’ve got in mind isn’t cheating, then what is it?” “A gift.” Oh my God. I literally trembled at his words. “Before we go further, could you please give me some straight answers about what is going on here? Please.” “Of course. I will answer any question except the one you summoned me for.” He took a deep breath. “What’s going on here is a mutual agreement. I will help you for a price. Once you’ve paid that price I will answer your question to the best of my ability. If at any time you decide the price is too great, I will answer according to what you have paid.” “You mean if I don’t go through with it I’ll only get half an answer.” “Exactly. However, I think you’ll find that if you let go of your human reasoning and morality, you’ll enjoy the price just as much as the answer.” Damn that was sexy. I tried to keep the tremor from my voice as I asked, “How do we get this started?” Cernunnos smiled and reached for me again, only this time I took his hand. The instant I touched him I felt better, stronger and somehow weaker at the same time. My legs shook a little but I felt charged with energy. Power flowed through him like a current and radiated out from him in waves. It wasn’t threatening, but very impressive. “Explain to me what you need to know,” he said. As he spoke Cernunnos lightly caressed the backs of my knuckles, helping to calm me further. “A few nights ago my friend was attacked by a creature that I’ve not been able to identify. I believe she was eaten. I saw the beginning of the attack, but looked away before the end. It was dark. The only things I know for sure are that the creature was big, hairy, had long claws and glowing red eyes. My first thought was a werewolf; however, the Wolf King, Marco Barak, thinks that’s unlikely. Mostly because of the glowing red eyes. I want to know what happened to my friend.” “And you need my help in identifying this creature,” he finished. “Yes. I’m sorry I don’t have a simple question. I summed it up as best I could.” “That’s all right,” he said, shaking his long hair in a very horse-like gesture. “I don’t have a simple answer. But I do believe I can help.” 99
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“What’s the price?” I asked. His eyes sparkled with wicked promises. “I’m not so different from a mortal man when it comes down to it.” “I find that very hard to believe. Now be honest, what do you want?” “A good, stiff drink and a long, hard ride.” My heart did another painful thump at his words. “You mean you want some wine?” I asked, my voice sounding faint. Cernunnos pulled me closer and I had to tilt my head almost completely back to watch him. Did I forget to mention he was around seven feet tall? Oh yeah, the guy was huge. “I thirst for more than the wine, but it’s a nice start.” Cernunnos put his hands underneath my arms and lifted me as if I weighed nothing. He pulled me tightly against his human half and I gasped at the contact. Skin against skin never fails to excite me. Strangely, I didn’t see him as a creature and definitely not as a beast. There was something in his eyes that couldn’t be mistaken for anything but a man. And yet he was something more. When he held me I knew through his touch—and my gift—that this was his favorite form, and Cernunnos had many. Despite how the situation might sound, I wasn’t threatened by him. Even though I had gone into this unaware of what would be required, his touch was most welcome. I couldn’t imagine anyone turning away from him. I held the bottle tightly in one hand as I wrapped my arms around his neck. The feel of his soft chest hair against my breasts made my nipples hard and my pussy ache. I arched against him as he ran his hand down my back to cup my ass. The demigod brushed his face against mine as he whispered, “You’re going to enjoy this.” I looked over the centaur’s shoulder to give Liam one more questioning glance. “Consider it an early Winter Solstice present,” the shaman said. Cernunnos laughed as he lifted me so that my breasts were directly in front of his face. “Use my body to brace yourself if you need to,” he said, his voice deepened with desire. “Don’t be afraid, I won’t drop you. Now, pour the wine.” I watched him lower his handsome face toward my breasts, felt his breath against my skin and shivered with delight. I brought the bottle up to my chest and let a tentative little splash trickle down my right breast. Cernunnos flicked his tongue over the mound of my breast, licking the wine from my skin before taking my nipple into his mouth with a moan. Had I really just made a demigod moan? That was exciting enough, but then he flicked his tongue across my hard nipple as he said, “More.” I tilted my head back and poured the wine down my throat. Instantly, I felt his mouth on my collarbone, his lips sucking gently as his tongue lightly grazed my skin. I touched my fingertip to the rim of the bottle and ran some of the wine across my lips.
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Cernunnos’ smile was full of promise as he pulled me closer to meet his kiss. He flicked his tongue across my lips then pulled them gently into his mouth. He kissed me deeply before going back to sucking my lower lip. When he moaned again I opened my mouth, letting him slip his tongue inside. My clit throbbed and I felt myself becoming wetter. I devoured him with my kiss, surprising myself and probably Cernunnos as well. When he pulled back from me his eyes promised the passion I craved. “Put your legs around me,” he said. I did as he asked and my bare sex rubbed against his waist. My arms were around his neck for support and I still held the bottle in one hand. Cernunnos kept one arm around me as he reached between our bodies to rub my soaking pussy. I had never done anything like this before and knowing that Liam was watching, that he approved, turned me on like I can’t describe. I looked up into the demigod’s eyes that now noticeably sparkled with magic. “Finger me,” I whispered, arching into his hand. I was on the verge of begging him to change form and fuck me when, through his touch, I understood that he took pleasure in denying me this. “Why let me read your thoughts if you’re going to hold back the good parts?” My voice was husky and strained with desire. He smiled down at me and stroked my clit in a slow torturous move. “I love to be wanted,” he said. “It is my desire to give you pleasure in a way that pleases me. A good hard fuck is easy enough.” I gasped as he stroked my clit again. “But I want to hear you beg before I make you come.” “And then?” “I want to eat your pussy, to drink your juices just like wine while you scream for me.” Holy shit. Did all men with magic in their blood know exactly what to say to turn me on? My next move surprised me further. I arched against his hand again, rubbing my juices over the fingers he deliberately kept from moving closer. “That’s what you say now,” I said, “but you can’t resist fucking me.” What had come over me? I had no idea, but I embraced it. I loved the boldness I felt when he looked at me and knew through what emotions he allowed me to read that my taunting was getting him off. He dipped one finger inside me and I gasped. “More,” I begged. He smiled, but that didn’t stop him from plunging his finger into my pussy again. “I’m the one who names the price, remember?” “Then why are you still fingering me?” His laughter was a rough, masculine sound. Cernunnos moved his hands to my waist and lifted me so that I had to put my knees on his shoulders for balance. “Pour the wine,” he commanded.
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I poured the wine down my abs. Cernunnos waited until it trickled over my pussy and buried his face between my thighs, sucking the wine from my skin and pulling my clit into his mouth. “Yes,” I growled. I dropped the bottle and grabbed his head by the horns. I heard Liam gasp. Maybe what I’d done was forbidden, but by Cernunnos’ growl, I didn’t think he objected. It wasn’t that kind of a growl. I used my leverage on his shoulders and my grip on his horns to thrust my pussy harder into his face. He opened his mouth wide and tongued my clit. The orgasm began as a hard ache deep inside me that spread down my thighs before my pussy contracted and I cried out with release. Cernunnos held me to him, drinking me down just like he’d said he would as I ran my fingers through his soft hair. The feel of his powerful body holding me tight and shaking with desire seemed to intensify my orgasm. He lowered me until my body was flat against his chest and with my juices still on his tongue, he kissed me. “You still want me to fuck you?” he asked, his voice trembling. “Yes.” Cernunnos laid me down across the stone altar and I pushed the pumpkin aside. In the time it took me to look back at him he was changed. His body was now completely human with a lust-worthy display of muscles and a long, thick cock. The only parts that remained otherworldly in their appearance were his sparkling gray eyes and his black horns. “Shaman,” he called, turning toward Liam. “Come into the circle.” Liam did as he asked and when he moved closer, I could feel the emotions pouring out from him. Liam was very, very turned-on. Not just from watching us, but from looking at Cernunnos. He moved closer to Liam and when they were face-to-face I realized that even in this form, Cernunnos was still close to seven feet tall. At first I thought he was going to kiss Liam, but the demigod stopped just short of contact. “I want you to watch closely. I want you to see the instant I penetrate her flesh…and remember.” Liam visibly trembled at his words. “Maybe next time, you’ll be the one to summon me.” Cernunnos turned back to me then and pulled me toward the end of the altar so that my ass hung off. He leaned over me and smiled as his long hair spilled across my face. “No one’s ever grabbed me by the horns before,” he said softly. I was afraid he would scold me but instead he said, “I liked it. Do it again.” He spread my legs with his thighs and as he leaned farther over me, I wrapped my legs around his waist at the same time he thrust into me, deep and hard. He paused with his cock buried inside me and his arms propped beside my face. 102
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“Tell me what you need,” he said. I grabbed his horns as I answered, “Fuck me hard.” He growled again as he slammed into me and my mind was filled with images of Nym with the she-wolf. Obviously Cernunnos had some mind-reading abilities as well. His lusty grin gave him away. “Accidentally read your friend’s mind, I see. And is this what you wanted when you watched him fuck her?” He slammed into me again and I said, “Yes.” “You wanted to be fucked like that?” “Yes.” “Tell me.” I pulled his face closer to mine, still holding tight to his horns. “I watched him fuck her and I liked it. I came. I imagined what it would feel like and I came.” He watched me, staring into my eyes as he fucked me so hard I could barely breathe. It’s what I asked for, what I craved, and he gave it to me like no one ever had. He pumped in and out of me until our bodies were slick with sweat, even in the midst of the cold. When I pulled him down for a kiss, I came the instant his tongue plunged inside my mouth. Cernunnos moved slowly now, letting me feel every inch of his long shaft as he thrust into me again. I released his horns and wrapped my arms around him. A feeling of complete rapture swept over me as he whispered, “I’m coming.” Magic broke over us as Cernunnos cried out with release. I could hear startled birds flying away as the trees around us shook. Cernunnos rose slowly and, to my delight, seemed unsteady on his feet. He reached for me and helped me sit up. Liam’s face was flushed with arousal and even though he hadn’t participated, I could tell he was pleased. “I need a minute,” Cernunnos said, still breathing hard. He was covered in a fine sheen of sweat that highlighted his every curve. The demigod turned slightly and I found myself staring at his ass as if it was my job. He walked to the edge of the circle before turning back to me with a smile, “I’ll be back.” He disappeared into the woods.
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Chapter Fourteen Liam and I were silent for a moment while I took a few steadying breaths. What happened with Cernunnos was beyond a doubt the sexiest and most intense experience of my life. Despite his reassurance earlier, I awaited Liam’s response somewhat anxiously. “Wow. You really got to him,” Liam said. “In all the time I’ve known him, I’ve never heard of Cernunnos losing control.” I was relieved to see he wasn’t angry. No matter what he said before, I only had experiences with human men to compare to. Maybe others were more fortunate than I’d been, but I’d never had a man who would go along with something like this. “Do you really think he lost it?” Liam smiled as he replied, “You took it. You took him. I don’t believe anyone’s ever treated him that way in the whole of his existence.” I was touched and impressed to hear this. Truly, I didn’t know I had it in me. Then another thought crossed my mind. I remembered the way he’d spoken to Liam when he asked him to enter the circle. “You said he’d helped you before. When you summoned him in the past, you paid the price, didn’t you?” The flush on Liam’s cheeks appeared to be more from arousal than from embarrassment. “Nym can never hear about this.” I laughed. It didn’t bother me at all to hear he’d been with Cernunnos. Actually, I thought it was kind of sexy. Images of Liam with Cernunnos flashed through my mind. Their bodies were entwined, their lips locked in a kiss. My heart fluttered and I knew that Cernunnos had sent me his memory. I looked around, but the demigod had still not returned. “I thought you weren’t attracted to men,” I said to Liam. He sighed. “I’m not, only to Cernunnos.” “That was a long time ago,” Cernunnos said, stepping into the circle once again in his centaur form. “Besides, what happens with a demigod stays with the demigod. Isn’t that right, Liam?” “Well, I never heard any rumors,” he said, laughing softly. Cernunnos looked down at me and asked, “So do you feel up to that ride?” I was about to say no, but realized I felt invigorated after sex with him instead of exhausted. However, I was also covered in sweat and my inner thighs were slick. “Is there someplace I could wash up first?” I asked.
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“There’s a stream through the woods there,” Cernunnos said. “Unless you need to go to the house. I’ll wait.” I could not imagine how Liam’s aunt would react if I went up to the door naked, in this weather especially, and covered in sweat. What would I say, “Hi, nice to meet you. Could I use your bathroom to wash up?” I tried not to laugh at the thought. Even though he could read my mind, I didn’t want to take a chance that Cernunnos would misinterpret my humor. I offered him a smile. “The stream is fine. I’m just a little sweaty.” And my pussy was soaking wet, but I saw no reason to point that out. I took a small hand towel from Liam’s bag. “I’m borrowing this,” I said. “You boys be nice.” Cernunnos knew my comment was a subtle reference to the memory he’d sent me and smiled. Ordinarily, a cool stream in the middle of winter did not sound like a place I’d like to go skinny dipping. However, Liam’s warming spell was still working and my blood was thoroughly heated from my encounter with Cernunnos. I walked in until the water reached my waist, then used the towel to wash my face and chest. I couldn’t get over how great I felt! Every part of me was so alive, it was as if I tingled with energy. As I walked back into the clearing I heard Cernunnos say, “If that’s all right with you.” He turned to me and smiled. “I was just telling Liam that I would very much like to see you some time. You know, when I’m not tracking down someone with a death sentence.” His request shocked the hell out of me. Even more surprising, Liam looked agreeable. “Socially?” I asked. “Or privately.” He paused and glanced to Liam who nodded his consent. “Think it over. But first, I owe you some answers and you promised me a ride.” “You want me to go naked?” I asked. “Of course.” “Can I at least put on a bra? Seriously, breasts this big weren’t meant for riding centaurs naked.” “I can see where that would be a problem,” he said, barely containing his grin. Once I’d put on my bra I turned back to him wearing nothing else except for the smile I couldn’t help. Cernunnos reached for me and swung me up onto his back. “Wow. I thought that would be harder to do,” I said. “I’m stronger than I look,” he joked. We took off at a light canter through the woods and once we were out of earshot of Liam he asked, “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
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“No,” I said. I moved so that my body was pressed flat against the back of his human half and wrapped my arms around him. “I liked it.” “Good,” he said, patting my arm. “I’ve never lost control like that before.” Even though he’d just confirmed Liam’s suspicions about losing control, I thought it best not to comment on the fact. Still, I was very flattered to know I’d had such a powerful effect. “I can’t believe I’m not sore,” I confessed. “To tell the truth, I could go again.” “Don’t tempt me. We’ve got business and I’ve got someone to track down.” His voice was softer when he said, “About before, you have no need to worry. You can’t get pregnant unless I wish it.” Oh my goodness. How could something like that slip my mind? I was always so careful. Still, these were special circumstances and apparently no harm was done. After a moment’s hesitation, I decided not to beat myself up. It wasn’t as if I had unprotected sex with a demigod every day. What were the odds of even having such an opportunity? “Thank you,” I said. He turned in the direction of the city as he said, “No one can see us unless I wish that too.” His laughter rumbled through my chest where I was pressed against him. “And I don’t. I wouldn’t mind being seen with a gorgeous, naked woman on my back, but I could see where this might be awkward for you.” I laughed then too. “Why is it I can’t help but like you?” “I’m charming. As far as the business with your friend, I’m afraid I don’t have an easy answer.” I sobered at the thought of getting back to the original reason for coming here. He continued, “The creature you described doesn’t sound like a werewolf to me. It sounds like a barghest.” “Pretend I don’t know everything and explain to me what that is.” “It’s what happens when goblins survive a werewolf attack.” I gasped. “You mean it’s half wolf, half goblin? That’s scarier than a werewolf.” “And meaner,” Cernunnos added. “It’s more than your description of the creature that makes me think your friend was eaten by a barghest. You see, I’m missing two.” My heart was beating way too fast and I felt lightheaded. “I’m sorry, but this is all confusing and really fucking scary to me.” Cernunnos paused and reached back to touch my thigh. His touch wasn’t sexual, but comforting. The magic in his hands was completely different than Liam’s and yet it had the same soothing effect. As we continued to move forward, he kept his hand on my thigh, and I was grateful for the contact. “How is it that death and cold follow you, but I feel peace when you touch me?” My voice was softer as I said, “I thought you only brought death.”
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“It’s often been implied that we die a little death when we experience a great orgasm.” His deep voice made me shiver with excitement. My breasts were pressed against his back and I loved the subtle vibration I felt every time he spoke. “I think Shakespeare said something along those lines,” I said. “Please, go on about what you were saying before. I didn’t mean to interrupt.” He patted my thigh again. “Yes, the missing barghests. The Hunt is made up of all sorts of hunters. One of the most valuable to me is my trackers. I prefer barghests to werewolves because they lack humanity. That sounds harsh, I realize, but there is always a chance that a werewolf might have a change of heart once it locates its prey.” I swallowed hard. “Are you telling me these things are senseless beasts intent on nothing but murder and two of them are loose?” “Not exactly. They can think and reason just like anyone else. Unlike a human who is infected with lycanthropy, a goblin becomes another creature entirely, not a combination of two.” I thought a werewolf was another creature entirely, but I listened quietly while he explained. “The barghest never shifts form, but remains a beast for the rest of its life. It’s for this reason that the creature is more likely to think as a beast than as a goblin. A barghest is capable of both good and evil, but they have a much different definition of evil.” He took a deep breath before he continued. “The goblin king promised me four barghests, only two arrived. That was shortly before I came to Atlanta. I can tell you what my suspicions are, but because of my agreement with Oberon, I can’t tell you the reasons behind them. I believe the one I’ve been sent to kill has the barghests. That’s bad enough, but it gets worse. Atlanta is a perfect place for someone with fae blood to hide. Not long ago, in a location not far from where we are now, there was a place designated for executions.” “Why in Georgia?” “It is a place where the veil has always been thin, the fae are drawn here. The land where the executions were performed absorbed too much fairy blood. Evil fairy blood. The soil there still contains much of their power.” “You mean the power of the ones executed?” “That’s right.” “That’s horrible.” “It gets worse.” “You said that already.” “I believe that my target is after that power. I also believe they are after Liam.” My sharp intake of breath conveyed my feelings perfectly.
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“I’ve been trying to watch over him as much as I’m trying to locate my target.” “You mean you’ve lost their trail?” He gestured toward the suburbs and the city beyond. “In all this shit. Yes, I have.” “That must be the rumor Nym mentioned, about someone wanting to steal Liam’s magic.” “Unfortunately, I believe it’s more than a rumor. I also think the one behind all this might be using my barghests to track him down.” “So did my friend just get in the way?” He shook his head and his long hair tickled across my face. “I can’t be sure, but that’s possible. Track down these missing creatures, Liam knows how.” “Can’t you track them down?” “As much as it grieves me to admit it, I lack the proper magic. Liam will have to do it.” “And what then?” “Then you ask them what happened. I’m afraid that’s the only way to know why your friend was killed. I’m sorry I don’t have a better answer.” I sat there numbly for a moment, not knowing how to proceed. “You’re wrong,” I said after a few minutes. “About what?” “I enjoyed the price more than the answer. Now I’ve got to track down some monsters.” Cernunnos laughed softly. “Can you show me the place where your friend was killed?” “Sure, but that’s all the way into the city.” “You underestimate me,” he teased. “Just think of the place.” The scenery rushed past, like looking through the window of a fast moving train. In no time at all, we were standing in The Courtyard. Not many people were there. Those who were didn’t notice us at all. It took me a moment to realize we were invisible. “It feels weird to be here naked,” I said. “Point out the exact place.” I did as he asked. “There, in front of that bench.” Cernunnos patted my leg. “Hop down for a second.” He knelt down on one of his front legs to help me reach the ground without busting my ass. He moved closer to the spot I’d indicated. Next, he knelt down with both his front legs on the ground and lowered his upper body as much as possible. With his face near the grass, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. After a minute or so he rose and shook out his long hair. “A witch has been here recently,” he said, “and a barghest.”
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“That’s not me, is it? The witch? My grandmother was a witch, and I’m psychic, but I don’t practice the craft.” Except that one spell I probably botched. “It’s not you,” he said, reaching for me. As I swung onto his back again Cernunnos said, “This witch has fae blood.” “If you can track like this, why do you even need barghests?” “Because I can’t be everywhere at once.” “Can I ask you something else?” “Sure. Any time I don’t feel like answering, I’ll let you know.” I smiled at the sarcastic yet charming tone of his voice. “Have you always been the fairy grim reaper?” He laughed. “The reaper, yes, but not the executioner.” “Explain that to the mortal woman thrown into this mess, please.” He laughed again at my sarcasm. No wonder we got along. “Not so long ago, the executions were someone else’s job. I have always hunted those who were sentenced to death by our king, and when they would not surrender, I killed them. Many magical beings have died by my hand, not just fairies. However, for those who were captured, or surrendered to their fate without a fight, there was another who carried out that task.” “Who?” I wrapped my arms tighter around him as he crossed the street. The drivers didn’t appear to see us, but dodged the space we occupied anyway. “We do not speak his name.” “What happened to him?” “I killed him, as ordered by our king.” Damn. I didn’t know what to say about that. “If the fae sentenced to death are no longer executed outside the city, then where are they killed?” “Wherever they stand when I track them down.” In the blink of an eye we were back in the woods near the pumpkin farm. “I can’t reveal the name of my quarry, but I can tell you I believe they were sleeping with the goblin king.” I made a face. “That doesn’t sound pleasant. Anyway, why do you think so?” For someone who didn’t intend to elaborate on his suspicions, Cernunnos was doing a pretty good job. “That’s the only way anyone could have known about the barghests I’d been promised. The king doesn’t talk to his friends about things like that, but is known for a loose tongue in bed.” I laughed as Cernunnos said, “That was a poor choice of words.”
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“Let me guess, the goblin king won’t betray his lover.” Cernunnos shrugged. “He won’t even say if he was sleeping with a man or a woman.” “But you know, don’t you?” “Yes, I do.” “Can’t tell me, can you?” “No, I can’t.” I sighed. “Cernunnos, they’re after Liam. Can’t you even give me a hint?” “My agreement with the king forbids it. I’m so sorry. However, the barghests are not bound by any such agreement.” “Shit. We’ve got to find them.” “Soon.”
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Chapter Fifteen Cernunnos moved farther into the woods before I asked, “Do you believe the goblin king is involved? I mean, other than screwing some lunatic who’s out to kill my shaman?” “Hmm. Your shaman, huh? From the way he looks at you, I’d say you’re right. No, I don’t think the goblin king is involved. I think he’s under a spell.” “Why do you think so?” As I asked this I wondered whatever happened to good old-fashioned conspiracy theories. Now it seemed everything involved some sort of magic. “Because it was a note from him that alerted Oberon to the danger. That’s when Oberon sent me.” At that moment the pieces started to fall into place. “This person you’ve been sent to kill wants the power from the old execution place and they want to steal Liam’s magic?” From my understanding, and the little bit Liam told me earlier, I figured that meant they’d steal his soul also. If they could. As best I could reason, absorbing Liam’s magic would make them extremely powerful. Maybe even strong enough to take over the entire magical world. Why else would anyone go to such lengths? Cernunnos remained quiet while I worked it all out. “Oh my God. This is about a plot to kill Oberon. That’s why he sent you.” “You’re right, but you didn’t hear it from me.” What he didn’t know was that if Liam’s magic was stolen, whoever did so would be heir to the throne of Faerie. This wasn’t just about killing the fairy king, it was about replacing him. “The spell performed on Gunthar—” “Who’s Gunthar?” I interrupted. “The goblin king. Anyway, the spell must have been performed shortly after he sent his servant with the note addressed to Oberon. The reason I believe this is because now he has no memory of the message at all.” Holy shit, this was a lot of information to take in. I suppose I was expecting a simple answer, no matter how much Liam had warned me that might not happen. When you speak to someone considered to be a deity, you tend to expect results. However, I got the impression that my question wasn’t the easiest thing for Cernunnos to answer. It appeared that Rachel had stumbled into the middle of some serious shit, completely by accident. Considering how much she’d had to drink that night, she literally stumbled into the middle of whatever was going on in The Courtyard. That’s
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what I thought at least. The only way to be sure was to do as Cernunnos said and track down the barghests. “What was your friend’s name? I don’t believe you told me.” How could something like that have slipped my mind? “Rachel Carpenter.” He shook his head. “I’ve never heard of her. I can read some of your worried thoughts and I apologize. The only way I know of to find out why she was killed is to ask the barghests. I probably should have asked this before, but did she have any enemies?” I snorted with laughter. His question was perfectly reasonable under normal circumstances, but these were anything but. Rachel liked to have fun and party, but I couldn’t see her getting into a mess like this on purpose. She’d probably pissed off more than one guy’s girlfriend over the years. What were the odds of one of those scorned women turning out to be a witch? I dismissed the thought. Even after all that had happened lately, the prospect seemed far-fetched to me. “Not these kinds of enemies,” I answered. I snuggled against Cernunnos’s back, wrapping my arms more tightly around him. “I think Liam’s potion is wearing off. I’m starting to get cold.” “It’s just as well,” he said softly, “because I’ve said too much.” We were almost back at the clearing now and I was beginning to dread saying goodbye to him. “You mean you’re not always so forthcoming with information?” “I really liked it when you grabbed my horns.” I laughed. “Be careful. Comments like that will go right to my head.” “I’ve done all but give you the name of my target. That’s not like me at all.” “You didn’t tell me the gender either.” “Ah, so I managed to withhold two things,” he drawled. “And after I said what I did about Gunthar’s loose tongue.” “You don’t have sex with everyone who summons you, do you?” “What kind of deity do you think I am?” When we entered the clearing, Liam was waiting. Cernunnos knelt and Liam helped me down. The centaur rose and looked down at me with a smile. “Shaman, lend me your knife. I know you carry one.” “It’s still in my coat pocket,” I told him. Liam retrieved the knife and passed it to Cernunnos. I watched as he cut a lock of his gorgeous dark hair. He closed the knife and handed it back to Liam before turning his attention to me. “You don’t need a ritual to summon me now,” he said to me. “Have this lock of hair in your possession and all you have to do is call my name.” I took the hair from him and tucked it into the coat Liam held. 112
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“Thank you, Cernunnos.” He walked toward the altar and picked up the white pumpkin, tucking it underneath his arm. “You’re welcome, Luna.” He disappeared into the woods as I turned to Liam. “I never told him my name.” Liam shrugged. “All that’s happened and that surprises you? Liam had already collected his crystals and what was left of the candles while Cernunnos and I were gone. All that was left to do was for me to get dressed, which I did quickly because I was getting really cold. “You’ll have to tell me what he said after lunch,” Liam said. “Tara will be pissed if we’re late.” He helped me into my coat and I shivered. “You wouldn’t believe some of the things I just found out.” He picked up the black bag and I put my hand on his arm. “Liam,” I said softly, “whomever Cernunnos has been sent to kill, they’re after you.” He picked up the box that contained his cloak and offered me a smile. “I’m not that easy to kill.” “But what if—” “Everything is going to be all right. Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.” He seemed unfazed by everything, from the impending danger to the fact that I’d just had sex with Cernunnos. Was it all right to talk about him with the lock of hair in my possession? I wasn’t sure, so I asked Liam. “I think you have to call his name with the intention of summoning him,” he said. “Why didn’t you do that before, instead of use a ritual?” He paused and looked back at me with a smile. “Because he never gave me the option.” “Oh.” We were almost back at Tara’s house when I asked, “Did you know what would happen with Cernunnos? Is that why you didn’t want to explain the ritual?” “I honestly didn’t. He doesn’t have sex with everyone who summons him, you know.” I laughed and Liam stopped again to look at me. “That’s what he said,” I explained. “Let’s put this stuff back in the trunk.” As he moved toward the car, I found myself unable to do anything but stare. His white hair captured the sunlight, making him appear to glow. The contrast of his pale skin against his dark clothes was dramatic as usual. His long, black coat billowed in the wind when he turned back to me again and I got a glimpse of his stunning lavender 113
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eyes. Liam was so incredibly sexy that if I paused to really appreciate his good looks, I couldn’t easily pull myself away. Even though I enjoyed my experience with Cernunnos, I was concerned about what Liam might be thinking. His shields were keeping me from reading his thoughts or emotions, and his body language gave nothing away. “I don’t want to lose you,” I blurted out. He put the bag and box down and opened his arms wide in invitation. “Do I look as if I’m going anywhere?” It was all I could do to keep from running to him. Instead I walked closer and as soon as I was within reach, Liam pulled me to him. I ran my hands inside his coat and put my arms around his waist. His tight embrace, the feel of his body close to me and the smell of his cologne were all part of what I associated with being near Liam. Each sensation brought to mind the next, all rolled into the experience of him. Being near him was like going on vacation to some exotic place. After traveling to Jamaica, for example, I associate certain things with the word “Jamaica”. Just hearing it brings to mind the smell of salt water, spices in local dishes, and pineapple juice mixed with rum. I couldn’t even think about Liam without bringing to mind the smell of his cologne mingled with the fresh scent of his skin. The warmth of his body close to me, the way his hair felt between my fingers. All these things and more were re-lived with just the mention of his name. Finally I answered his question. “No. You don’t look as if you’re going anywhere.” “Are you going to leave me for Cernunnos and abandon the mortal world?” “No.” He kissed my forehead and relief flooded me, along with a few of Liam’s emotions. “I want to be with you,” he said softly. “As Cernunnos said, let go of your human reasoning.” I thought that over for a minute. Maybe the only reason I was overthinking this so much was because of my humanity. From the time we’re born, especially in the South, human beings are bombarded with morality. Not to suggest that what I did with Cernunnos was immoral, but it wasn’t exactly something the local church groups would approve of. Not that I cared. “You’re overthinking things,” Liam said, patting my back. “It’s what people do.” I watched him walk toward the house, his long coat flowing like a cape behind him. When he realized I wasn’t following, he turned back to me and his smile nearly stopped my heart. “Come on, and put your shields back up before I read everything you’re overthinking.” Liam walked up the front steps while I took a minute to admire the front door. It was mahogany and had a peephole covered with ornate little bars. “It’s unlocked,” he said. 114
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As soon as we entered a female voice that I assumed was Tara’s called, “I’m in the kitchen.” “Follow me,” Liam said. I liked the house. From the warmth of the pine wood floors to the sunflower pillows in the living room, Tara’s home was inviting. When we entered the kitchen that looked as if it belonged in a Southern cooking magazine, a petite woman with long, dark hair greeted us. “You must be Luna,” she said, beaming. Her warm embrace took me by surprise. Since I met Liam almost everyone he’d introduced me to had given me a genuine, heartfelt hug. Personally, I liked to be hugged. It made me feel as if I mattered, as if my presence was truly welcome. I hadn’t felt that way in longer than I cared to remember. “I’m Tara.” “Nice to meet you.” She doesn’t seem like the type to bitch about us being late. I knew Liam could hear the thought because I projected it as strongly as I could in his direction. He raised an eyebrow. Maybe not to you. Tara carried on the conversation, unaware of our shared thoughts. “I can’t tell you how good it is to see Liam with a woman.” She laughed. “Not that he parades around with men. Anyway, I tell him all the time, he needs to date more.” Considering what I’d just learned about Liam and Cernunnos, I laughed harder at her comment than I normally would have. Liam noticed and gave me another sarcastic eyebrow raise (which was sexy as hell), but Tara didn’t appear to catch on. “Tall, pale and a little bit creepy are the things people are looking for these days,” she went on. I laughed even harder. “I don’t think he’s creepy,” I said playfully. “Oh that means you haven’t seen him get angry yet. Just wait, it’ll happen.” “Well, I saw him electrocute a werewolf.” Liam’s eyes widened, but he didn’t say anything. “Really?” Tara put her hands on her slender hips and eyed him appraisingly. “Assaulting werewolves over her, are you?” “None you know,” he countered, “and he was doing the assaulting. I ‘nipped it in the bud’, as you like to say.” A wide, satisfied-looking grin spread across Tara’s face, brightening her already friendly expression. “As I said, I tell him all the time he needs to date more.” “Yes, she does,” Liam drawled.
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Chapter Sixteen Tara’s smile widened, though I didn’t know how. That woman could grin like nothing I’d ever seen. I don’t think she was oblivious to Liam’s sarcasm. I think she chose to ignore it. “So, how did your visit with the Horned God go?” My expression no doubt conveyed my shock. I didn’t realize she knew why we were here. I assumed Liam had told her something, but telling her the truth hadn’t occurred to me. “Fine,” I answered, unsure of how else to reply. “Tara has never tried to summon him herself,” Liam supplied, “and she usually calls him the Horned Asshole.” I couldn’t help but laugh. Tara threw the towel she’d been drying her hands with over one shoulder and turned to Liam. She looked pissed. “That’s only because he trampled my prize-winning pumpkin when I was a child.” Liam moved closer to me and put his arm around my waist. “You assumed it was him,” he said. Tara took the towel off her shoulder and wiped her hands even though they weren’t dirty. I think it was a nervous habit. Or maybe it gave her something to do with her hands besides slap people. Just the mention of her pumpkin being trampled and I could see the fiery streak Liam seemed to dread. Couldn’t say I blamed him. “An invisible horse chasing you ran over my pumpkin. I saw the tracks! That asshole.” “I thought you said he hadn’t been in the area since 1917 or something,” I said to Liam. He looked grateful for the slight change in subject. “No, that’s the last time The Wild Hunt was here for any length of time. Cernunnos was here briefly thirty years ago.” “When you summoned him last?” “That’s right.” “Do I even want to know why he was chasing you?” He shrugged. “It was all in fun.” “Except to my pumpkin,” Tara said. “But forget that. We’ve got roasted chicken sandwiches and vegetable soup and it’s getting cold.” Just like that, the fire I’d seen in her eyes was gone and she was the sweet, gentle hostess once more. 116
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Liam slipped out of his coat and helped his aunt set the table. I must admit, I felt right at home. The kitchen was warm, so I took off my coat too while Liam poured us both some soup. A few minutes later I was wolfing down a sandwich when I looked up to find Tara and Liam watching me. “So how is it?” Tara asked. Liam was visibly fighting to contain his laughter. “Good,” I said around a mouthful of chicken. “Luna worked up an appetite.” I almost choked before I could reach my glass of sweet tea. According to the clock on Tara’s microwave it was eleven fifty-five when we walked in. That meant we finished with Cernunnos around eleven thirty or so, because I dressed quickly and it didn’t take that long to get through the woods. Of course, that’s just my rough estimate. It felt as if we’d been gone thirty minutes. I couldn’t help wondering how long Cernunnos and I were on that stone altar. I took another big gulp of tea. “I knew time passed differently in his presence. However, I didn’t take into account how ravenous I would be since I didn’t eat much breakfast,” I said. I’d been way too nervous to eat when Liam and I got breakfast that morning and only managed a few bites. Liam winked. “A long ride can make anyone hungry.” I covered my mouth to prevent spraying soup as I laughed. “You’re awful,” I said, reaching for the tea again and a napkin. “Yeah, but you’re getting attached to me,” he teased. “You two have good chemistry,” Tara observed. “It’s nice to see someone in our family has a normal relationship.” She burst out laughing before quickly regaining her composure. “Not that I’d know normal if it bit me in the ass. My ex-husband is a werewolf.” We finished eating and said our goodbyes after thanking Tara for a wonderful lunch. “I do hope this won’t be the last time I see you,” Tara said to me as she stood in the doorway. To Liam she said, “I like her.” As we turned for the car I told Liam, “I like her too.” We were well out of earshot when he told me, “Tara is a good woman, but she gives me hell sometimes.” He leaned forward to open my door and I took the opportunity to place a kiss against his throat. That soft expanse of skin was too inviting to ignore. Liam smiled down at me.
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“I think that’s what family is supposed to do,” I said. I waited until we were at the end of the driveway before bringing up everything Cernunnos shared with me. I wanted to enjoy the beauty of what Tara said was the Thanksgiving crop without interruption. With the bright orange of the pumpkins still in our rear view, I asked, “Are you ready to hear everything?” “Let me have it.” Looking at him in those tight black pants with his coat hanging open and long white hair trailing over his shoulders…boy did I ever wish I could let him have it. But he was talking about what Cernunnos said and that was more important. “I think it’s looking more and more as if Rachel and I were in the wrong place at the really wrong time.” I proceeded to tell him the entire conversation, even the part about Cernunnos liking it when I grabbed his horns. “Liked it? For Cernunnos to give up this much information, I’d say he loved it.” “I think Rachel and I stumbled into The Courtyard while a witch and a barghest were doing who-knows-what.” Liam was silent for a minute, his attention focused on the road. “It’s possible.” He paused again. “I really wish I kept up with who Gunthar was screwing. I believe if we can track them down we can stop this.” “What exactly does ‘this’ include?” “Everything. We have to stop them from stealing my magic and using it to kill Oberon.” “By ‘them’ you mean whomever Gunthar was screwing.” “Exactly. What Cernunnos said made a lot of sense to me and it brings up even more questions.” “Such as?” “Who would be sleeping with Gunthar in the first place, let alone be interested in stealing barghests? By the way, they are one of the few creatures who would be able to track me. When I said I wasn’t hard to find before, I meant for those I want to find me. I don’t hide behind the veil or use a glamour on my appearance. However, I do use spells to cover my tracks.” “What do you mean?” “A shaman gives off a certain type of magical energy different from others with supernatural powers, or those who can merely wield magic but aren’t magical themselves. It’s a kind of scent, like pheromones. You can’t see it and most aren’t even aware of its presence, but it’s there.” “And barghests can detect this scent even through the spells?”
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“They’re one of the few creatures who would have a good shot. There’s still a chance that they won’t find me, but they might get close. Whoever is out there looking for me is into some serious shit to even know something like that.” “You’re assuming an awful lot, don’t you think? Couldn’t all of this, the barghests and Cernunnos detecting the presence of a witch, be a coincidence? Couldn’t what happened to Rachel be a terrible accident?” “If you believe that the rumor Nym heard is also not true. Sure.” Shit. I really didn’t want to believe this was happening. But it appeared I didn’t have a choice. First, Nym mentioned the rumor about someone wanting to steal Liam’s magic. According to Liam the only reason someone would want to do that would be to have enough power to kill someone like Oberon. Then Cernunnos threw in the information about the missing barghests and the goblin king’s lover being suspected of taking them. Now Liam tells me that barghests are one of the few creatures capable of tracking him down. “Damn it.” “I see you’ve decided to agree with me,” he said. “Has this been about getting to you all along?” Liam shook his head. “I honestly don’t know. It could be. I already said I don’t believe things happen by chance. From all we’ve just learned, I believe that Gunthar was sleeping with a witch, probably the one Cernunnos detected in The Courtyard. I also believe that witch left my card for you to find in the bathroom at The Spot café.” “Isn’t that a bit of a stretch?” “Not if she planned to kill Rachel, scare the shit out of you and make you run. The Spot is the first logical place to take shelter from a creature or a storm if you’re running away from The Courtyard.” I paused to think over all he’d said and some things still made no sense. “But what could I possibly have to do with anything? You said you believe someone planned to make me run to The Spot. All right, why?” Liam shook his head. “Maybe they wanted you to meet me. I can’t explain how, but I’m certain my card was there for a reason. I’m also certain you were driven to The Spot that night. Surely you can understand when I say I’ve got a feeling?” “I guess what I’m trying to understand is why you have that feeling. What leads you in this direction? Because I’m just not getting it. Not all of it, anyway.” “I could detect magic that night when we first met. The Spot was full of magical beings, but this was different. Something evil was outside. I know it as surely as I’m sitting here. Whatever that evil was, it may be responsible for Rachel’s death.” “Who the fuck would want to kill Rachel over something like this?” I asked. I leaned forward and the seatbelt pinched across my chest. I needed to curl up. I felt sick.
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“I know you told Cernunnos that Rachel didn’t have any enemies, but are you sure?” Liam asked. His voice was soft and he sounded concerned as he reached over to run a hand through my hair. We were at a stoplight and I looked up to find the kindness in his eyes too much to take. I looked away and fought the emotion tightening my throat. “I said she didn’t have these kinds of enemies. I didn’t say she didn’t have any enemies. But whoever they might be, I don’t know. I knew Rachel for five years and considered her family. In that time, to my knowledge, she never hung out with any witches or even mentioned any creatures like barghests.” “She did frequent Pixie Styx,” he pointed out. “Yeah, she did.” As we entered the city once more I was left with more questions and now doubts too. I was starting to wonder if I really knew Rachel at all. This began with me trying to find out what killed her and why. Now things had progressed to a plot to kill Oberon, King of the Fairies, which included killing my new boyfriend. That thought gave me pause. I had only known Liam a short time and already I felt closer to him than I had thought possible. As I looked him over once more there was no doubt I considered him mine. Great. I find a man I can love and someone is trying to kill him. “What are we supposed to do now?” He sighed. “We’ll go to my place, gather our supplies, perform a spell or two and start hunting barghests.” Once we were back at Liam’s house he asked me to call Nym. “We’re going to need to know exactly where he heard that rumor, plus I need his energy for a spell.” “Really?” “Normally my own energy would be enough, but I’m pretty drained.” He smiled at me and for a moment I felt as if everything was going to be all right. “You should be too.” “Very funny.” Liam tossed me his cell phone. “He’s number two on speed dial.” As I pressed the button I asked, “Who’s number one?” “You are.” I was so surprised by Liam’s reply that when Nym answered the phone all I did was sputter. “Is this an obscene phone call?” Nym asked. “No, um, it’s Luna.” “Well, shit. You could always say something dirty to make it up to me.” I decided to play along, at least for the moment. Just because bad things were happening didn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy a minute or two. I dropped my voice to an 120
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appropriately husky level and whispered into the phone, “Get your ass over to Liam’s, you dirty elf-slut you.” Nym laughed. “Not bad. I’ll be there in an hour.” It was sweet the way he didn’t even ask what we wanted him for, because he knew by now it wasn’t sex. He also knew we’d summoned Cernunnos that morning and was probably eager to hear the details. I walked into the bedroom to find Liam poring over his bookshelf. I put his cell phone on the small table he was piling with books. In the time it had taken me to make the phone call, he’d stripped down to nothing but his tight black pants. “He’ll be here in an hour. By the way, why did you tell Nym that his idea of a good time probably didn’t involve Cernunnos? I’d say that was exactly his idea of a good time.” “I don’t remember saying that,” he said, pulling out another thick book. “Sure you did. The last time we were all at my house, discussing the ritual to summon Cernunnos.” He paused and ran a hand through his hair. “Oh yeah. I did.” He laughed softly. “When I say I’m not attracted to men, it’s true. Cernunnos is a demigod. He doesn’t count.” I was beginning to find Liam’s reasoning very entertaining. “Don’t worry. I won’t tell Nym.” I expected a funny comeback, but instead he sighed. “I’m sorry, Liam. I was just trying to lighten the mood. I feel lost.” “Come here,” he said, catching me by the wrist. The instant Liam pulled me to his chest I felt better. The warmth of his skin against my face, the gentle rhythm of his heart beneath my hand, this was my haven. There was no safer place in all the world. “If you are ever lost, I will find you,” he whispered against my hair. “That’s not what I meant,” I said. I tried to fight the emotion tightening my throat and the tears that stung my eyes. That battle was lost when he pressed a kiss against the top of my head. My sigh turned into a sob as he held me tighter. What would I do if something happened to him? He’d only been in my life for a few days and already I couldn’t imagine being without him. “It’s what I mean,” he said. “There is nothing on Earth that can come between us. There is no one strong enough to take you from me.” I pulled back and wiped my eyes as I looked up at him. “Really?” “Only you can ever get rid of me.” The smile that tugged the corners of his lips also tugged my heart. “There’s something I want to give you,” he said. “Until you mentioned what Cernunnos said about pregnancy, I’d forgotten I owned it.”
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Liam walked to the far corner of the room and brought back a jewelry box. He placed the box on the table and started to rummage through the contents. “Okay,” I said, “now I’m intrigued. What does pregnancy have to do with jewelry?” He looked up at me and smiled. “Everything.” I was about to ask another question when he presented me with a ring. It was silver with intricate vines carved into its surface. The amethyst stones set into the design matched his eyes. As he slid it onto my finger I gasped. “What—?” “The best form of birth control the world has ever known,” he joked. “Well, actually, the world knows nothing about it.” I held up my hand to admire the ring further. “This is beautiful. Are you telling me this ring is a form of birth control?” “It was made by an elven sorceress and blessed by one of the old gods.” I couldn’t stop myself from asking, “Which old god?” “Pan.” I didn’t know how to react to his answer. Learning that Pan actually existed was more than I could fathom at the moment. Cernunnos was all the deity I could accept for one day. I decided to stick to the subject at hand. “How does it work?” “It prevents the wearer from becoming pregnant, simple as that. Beats the hell out of the Pill.” I laughed. “No kidding. I’ve never been able to take the Pill. It disagrees with my body, gives me migraines.” I continued to admire the ring and caught Liam watching me out of the corner of my eye. “Thank you.” “I’m glad you like it.” I was thinking that perhaps I could give Nym my supply of condoms. Then thoughts of the elf made me remember he would be there shortly. “Do we have time for a shower before Nym gets here?” I asked, changing the subject. “I always feel better after a hot shower.” “Are you sure you’re not just trying to get me in the water again?” “I promise.” But it had crossed my mind. Liam pulled back, but didn’t let go of my hand. “Let’s hurry.”
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Chapter Seventeen My clothes littered the floor like a trail of breadcrumbs leading to the bathroom. Thanks to Liam I was relieved of my grief. That didn’t mean I wasn’t upset. The stress of the past few days came crashing down as I watched him slide out of those tight black pants. What if this was the last time I got to look at him? Confusion and worry are a toxic combination and if you don’t find a way to cope, they can suck the life right out of you. I knew that Liam could see my concern as I looked at him. I also knew that I was looking at the best method of coping I’d ever seen. Liam stepped into the shower and started the water. I was still on the other side of the divider when he said, “Give me a second to block the effects.” “Don’t,” I said, moving around the corner so that I could see him. I kept my eyes on his feet, not wanting to lose my train of thought just yet. “I want to see you as you truly are. I want to feel the full effect of your power when you stand in the water.” “Are you certain? The last time I didn’t block my power you had sex with me against a wall in an alley.” I laughed softly. “What’s the danger here? We’re already in your shower.” “I don’t want you to lose yourself completely.” “I do,” I said as I looked up at him. My breath caught as the water began to saturate his hair and poured down the front of his gorgeous body. Liam reached for me and his smile was like a sunrise to one who had previously lived in darkness. He stood directly underneath the water, letting it pour over every curve and hollow, caress every sinuous line like a lover’s hand. “This is what I need,” I said, reaching for him. Liam held me close and I closed my eyes, pressing my face into the curve of his neck as he bent over me. “There’s nowhere else I want to be,” I whispered. With his hand underneath my chin, Liam tilted my face upward. With the gentle touch of his lips I felt his magic course through me. I moaned and he deepened the kiss. Liam moved his hands to my waist and lifted me against the wall, holding me in place with his body. I wrapped my legs around his waist and before I could wonder how good it was going to feel, he was inside me. No need to worry about condoms anymore. I wanted to thank him again for the ring, because I loved the feel of his bare cock inside me. He thrust in, deep and slow, holding me against the wall. 123
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Liam took my face in his hands, his lips hovered against mine, whispering something softly in Faerie and then in English. “I want to watch your face while I make love to you. Show me what you feel in your eyes.” Our lips barely touched and still I could feel the power flowing between us. It was as he’d first described when he told me about fairy kisses. Our souls touched. There was no more need for words. Liam kissed my face as he moved slowly in and out of my aching pussy. It felt as if I was burning from the inside out. A combination of my passion and his magic fueled the fire as I clung to him. Liam moved faster and I was surprised to hear myself crying. My tears were a mixture of relief to be near him and fear that this might be the last time. What would the world be like without this body, without this face? I ran my hands through his hair and pulled him back enough to look into his eyes. “I will kill anything that comes near you,” I said, still crying. “Whatever is out there, it can’t have you.” Liam kissed me hard, pressing me tighter against the shower wall as he reached down and grabbed my ass. He moved faster now and I could feel the first tremor of orgasm beginning deep inside me. “Come on me,” he whispered. That was all it took. His sexy words sent me over the edge. I came, hard. I clung to him while my muscles contracted, and felt him shudder with release. Liam lowered me so that my feet touched the tile, but he continued to support most of my weight. I wrapped my arms around his waist, still overcome with emotion. “You’re not blocking me from your magic, are you?” I asked. “Not at all.” He rubbed my wet hair, slicking it back so he could kiss my forehead. “Then why am I not in a trance like I was before?” “For one thing, you haven’t been looking directly at me the whole time. Plus, the rain has a much stronger effect.” “That’s right. You said your grandmother called it ‘Mother Nature putting her two cents in’. Damn. I really wanted to forget everything.” He laughed softly. “I knew you were trying to get me in the shower for a reason.” “I really did want a hot shower. I wasn’t trying to use you.” He pulled back and turned his face toward the water. “I don’t mind being used,” he said playfully. “Really, that wasn’t my intention. But when I mentioned the shower my next thought was getting you underneath the water.” “Ah-ha.” Liam turned back to me and reached for the shampoo. “Let me wash your hair and try not to worry.”
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“That’s easier said than done. You’re still gorgeous and I can hardly keep from jumping you again, but I was hoping to—” “Leave the world behind?” “Yes.” “I understand.” He put his hands on my shoulders and turned me around. While he started washing my hair, Liam continued to talk. “It means a lot to me to see how much you care, but I’m not lying when I say it’s hard to kill a fairy shaman. Don’t let the word fairy fool you. Besides, it’s not as if we’ve got a duel at dawn or anything. There are still a lot of questions left to be answered and two nasty barghests to track down. Maybe what you need is not to forget, but to focus all your attention on the task at hand. Sometimes it’s impossible for me to not worry. If that’s your problem, you could always help me with spellwork, ingredients and whatever else I might need.” His suggestion sounded more than reasonable and I was relieved to have somewhere to focus my nervous energy. “You mean making myself useful might help?” I said sarcastically. His long fingers paused and I sighed, wanting him to get back to massaging my scalp. “You are always useful. You know what I meant.” “Well, as long as we’re focusing on the tasks at hand, I’ve got a question for you. If Cernunnos is a demigod, why does he answer to Oberon? Shouldn’t a demigod trump a king?” Liam tilted my head back and started to rinse my hair. Damn. I could get used to this. “He doesn’t exactly answer to Oberon so much as they have an arrangement. I’ve never known the particular details.” Maybe one day I’d work up the nerve to ask this question to Cernunnos. “Whatever started their arrangement,” Liam continued, “happened long before I was born. I don’t remember ever hearing anyone speak of it. But you’re right. In my reasoning at least, a demigod trumps a king.” I laughed softly as I wondered what Cernunnos might have done to get himself in such a situation. Yes, I naturally assumed it was his fault. “Maybe he slept with someone he shouldn’t have and Oberon didn’t go along with that whole ‘screwing a demigod doesn’t count’ business.” The shaman’s laughter echoed in the shower. “You’re probably not far off. Underneath all his bravado, the Horned God has a very strong sense of justice. I could see him volunteering his services to make up for some sort of error in judgment.” “Or he and Oberon might be lovers,” I suggested. I glanced at Liam who looked as if this thought had never occurred to him. “Could be,” he said thoughtfully. “If that’s the case, at least Oberon and I aren’t blood relations.”
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“That’s sick,” I said, laughing. “As I said, it’s something I’m glad of. I have never shared a lover with a relative and have no intention of starting. Even with a demigod.” His words had a light tone, but I could tell this was something Liam felt strongly about. Not that I blamed him. The thought grossed me out too. Liam put some body wash in his hands and started lathering me up. I was really enjoying this. As he caressed my back I ran through a few more possible connections in my mind, trying desperately to put all the pieces together. “Hmm. The former executioner that Cernunnos mentioned, do you think any of this has anything to do with him?” “His name was Ja-rel.” “I thought you weren’t allowed to speak his name.” “Cernunnos isn’t allowed to speak his name. I’m already unseelie, so what the hell do I care?” He stopped lathering me up and I turned to face him. “Now that you mention it, I’m not sure. I heard that Ja-rel had a family, but I never knew them. It’s been twenty-five years since his execution and since I last said his name or even heard it.” “What was he executed for?” “Trying to overthrow the king.” I rolled my eyes. “Don’t the fae think of anything besides power?” He laughed. “Do humans?” “Fair point.” We finished our shower and moved back into the bedroom. I was wearing a purple robe I’d borrowed from Liam and towel drying my hair when I looked at the clock. “It’s been an hour and twenty minutes. Do you think Nym is lost again?” “Shit. I didn’t realize it’d been that long.” He was already wearing a long, black robe and started slipping into a pair of matching pants. “I’d better go put a sign out front.” He took a piece of poster board from the closet in the hallway and I followed him into the kitchen. “You’re seriously going to make a sign?” “What? It’ll work. Besides, this saves me the trouble of standing out in the cold and flagging him down.” “Why doesn’t he just bring Aurora?” “She must be working tonight or he’d have thought of that by now.” I watched, laughing as he wrote with a marker, “Hot elf wanted, seek position inside.” He added at the bottom, “And bring the sign with you.”
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“I don’t want anyone else to see it,” he explained. I didn’t point out that I’m sure someone else would read the sign before Nym brought it inside. The thought was too entertaining. Liam then spoke a few words over the sign and sprinkled it with some kind of glitter. “I’ll be right back,” he said. I assumed he was going to tape the sign to the mailbox, because he didn’t have a stake. While Liam was gone, I decided to take a quick look at the books he’d left on the table in his bedroom. One of them was a bestiary. I scanned the index quickly and had just turned to the page labeled “barghest” when Liam walked back in. The image I saw provoked all sorts of emotions in me, not the least of which was revulsion. “Holy shit. You’ve got to be kidding me.” I turned the picture toward him. “We’re going looking for this? On purpose?” Liam moved toward me with a grace I admired, especially after all we’d been through lately. His motions, like his sex appeal, seemed effortless. “I’m afraid so. Keep in mind, this is only one person’s perception of what a barghest looks like. Think about it. How many different ways have you seen a werewolf portrayed in pictures? That’s not even counting movies.” I looked at the frightening image again. At a glance, I could understand how this creature might be mistaken for a werewolf. Upon closer inspection, there was something different about its face. The jaw was larger and more angular than that of a werewolf. The ears were longer and came to extreme points. Plus, it didn’t have fur on its face or ears and the skin in this area appeared slightly green. The claws were longer than pictures I’d seen of a werewolf and so were its arms. However, the rest of the body had a wolfman look to it. To the untrained observer like myself, it looked like a werewolf. A really fucking ugly one. Underneath the picture was a caption and I read it aloud, “The barghest is a most valuable tracker because it can swallow its prey whole, vomiting the victim back up without causing harm.” I made a face and tried not to feel nauseated. “That’s disgusting.” Liam was listening to me, but busy sorting supplies on the floor. “Yes, but probably why they’ve been sent after me. If they have been sent after me.” “So they could bring you back to some psycho unharmed?” Before he could answer someone knocked at the door. “Probably Nym,” we said together. I followed Liam to the door where we found the elf waiting, holding Liam’s sign. “Here you go, smartass,” he said, handing him the poster.
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Nym was wearing black leather pants and a tight blue dress shirt, complete with a matching ankle-length coat. He looked as ravishing as ever and I wondered why exactly Liam had never slept with him. Maybe he was only attracted to Cernunnos. After all, I’m not attracted to other women. I supposed it was entirely possible that Liam didn’t find Nym attractive the way I did. Still, looking at the elf, I found it hard to believe. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t personally interested. I was merely enjoying the view. Nym smiled at me as if he understood the look I was giving him. It was obvious he liked to be admired. “How did the summoning go this morning? I’m assuming you called me because you have new information and need my help with something.” “You’re right,” Liam said. “Come in, make some tea. We’ll be here awhile.”
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Chapter Eighteen “I came prepared this time,” Nym said. He tossed his coat over the back of one kitchen chair and pulled three tea bags from his pocket. He started filling the kettle and glanced back over his shoulder. “Is anybody going to tell me what happened today or do I have to guess?” Liam had already gone back to his stack of books in the bedroom. Nym gave me his sarcastic hands-on-hips pose and I flashed him the barghest drawing. “We need help finding two of these. You up to it?” “I’d rather put out a forest fire with my ass.” Liam’s laughter echoed down the hall. “That won’t be necessary,” he called. “Bring the tea in here and I’ll explain everything.” Nym winked at me. “I finally get an invitation to his bedroom and it’s all business.” A few minutes later Nym carried two cups into the bedroom and handed one to Liam. We found the shaman sitting on the floor with several books opened around him. I put my cup on the table and joined him on the floor. “You’re not going to drink it?” Nym asked. “I’m waiting for it to cool,” I told him. Liam took a sip of tea, but didn’t appear to really notice the hot liquid. His attention was on the book in his other hand. “You promised to explain,” Nym said, snapping his fingers to get Liam’s attention. “I’m getting there,” Liam said, still distracted. “Oh. I’ve got something else for you,” he said to me. He put down the book and pulled a silver locket from inside his robe. “It’s for Cernunnos’s hair.” I inspected the locket briefly. It was just as beautiful as the ring. “Wow. I’m not used to getting this much jewelry in one day.” He shrugged. “You can’t put a lock of Cernunnos’s hair in just any old locket.” Nym waved his hand and nearly spilled his tea. “Whoa. What the fuck? You got a lock of Cernunnos’ hair?” He turned to me. “You fucked him, didn’t you?" Before I could reply—and I really didn’t know what to say—Nym asked, “Isn’t Cernunnos a centaur? How the hell is that even possible?!” “He has more than one form, you know,” I said. “Did you seriously think I would screw a horse?” “Ah, so you did—“
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“I’m not confirming, I’m just saying,” I interrupted. “If you’re just saying, then how do you know he has another form?” The elf gave me a self-assured look as if he’d won something. “So, how big was his cock?” “The details are unimportant,” Liam cut in. “What you need to know is what he said and how and why I need your help.” Nym looked sullen. “She totally fucked him and I don’t even get to hear the details.” Liam sighed. “Just listen.” While he relayed the morning’s events to Nym (minus the fantastic sex) I drank my tea. When Liam reached the part about the goblin king, Nym paled. “I never thought I’d say this, but we really need to find out who Gunthar was screwing,” Liam said. Nym sat down his cup with trembling hands. “It was me,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. Liam’s eyes widened. “Excuse me?” “I’ve been sleeping with Gunthar, but I swear it’s not me you’re looking for.” Nym moved so that he knelt beside Liam, putting his hand on the shaman’s shoulder. “I should have told you before. That’s where I heard the rumor about someone wanting to steal your magic. Gunthar told me. Liam, you’ve got to believe me, I would never hurt you or anyone else. Especially not some poor girl in The Courtyard just trying to have a good time.” He turned to me then. “You do believe me, don’t you? Gunthar must have been sleeping with someone else. We weren’t exclusive or anything. For him to just hint at the magic thing like he did, his other lover must be powerful, someone he was afraid to betray.” “Why do you think so?” Liam asked. “Because he normally doesn’t hint. If Gunthar’s got something to say, he says it.” Nym put a hand over his heart. “Holy shit.” “What is it?” Liam asked. “The night I met you at Pixie Styx, the night I told you the rumor, I’d just left Gunthar.” “You’d just slept with him and then went home with the she-wolf that same night?” I asked. “That’s impressive.” Considering the performance I’d witnessed through his memories, impressive was an understatement. Not that I had any room to judge him after the day I’d had. “We’ve become friends,” Nym said, rolling his eyes. “We don’t always jump into bed. Gunthar and I didn’t have sex that night, but he told me he’d heard someone was after Liam. He didn’t have time to elaborate; he was writing a letter that he passed to
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his servant just as someone knocked at the door. I assumed it was some official business and left the back way.” “That probably saved your life. It sounds as if you barely missed whoever we’re looking for,” Liam said. “So you do believe me?” “Of course,” we answered together. The elf threw his arms around Liam. “You’re my oldest friend,” he said softly. He pulled back then, looking afraid again. “You don’t think Cernunnos will come after me by mistake?” “No,” I answered. “He’s got the advantage of knowing the name and gender of whoever is out to get Liam.” “With my power, they could kill Oberon,” Liam explained. He left out the fact that whoever absorbed his magical power would also inherit the throne of Faerie. He finished explaining a few more details and when Nym was caught up to speed he said, “The main reason I called you is because I need your energy. All jokes aside, I’m really tired and I don’t think Luna has much energy to contribute either.” A vision flashed through my mind of my hands pulling Cernunnos to me by the horns. “You’re after my magical elf essence?” Nym said, back to his usual flirtatious self. “I can’t think of any stronger. But first we need to prepare ingredients for a spell and then I hope you’ll help us track the barghests. I promise things will not be as dangerous as you think.” “What do I need to do for the spell exactly?” Nym asked. “You’ll need to give your energy to me freely. Basically I need your consent and a quick kiss.” Nym’s smile widened. “You’re going to kiss me?” “For the spell,” Liam clarified. “I don’t care what it’s for,” Nym teased. “Luna, what do you think about this?” I decided to give my honest opinion. Besides, it was only for the spell. “I think it’d be hot to watch you guys kiss.” Liam looked shocked, but Nym looked proud. “I really like her,” he told Liam. The shaman smiled as he made a list and passed it to me. “These are some of the things I’ll need. They should all be in storage downstairs. Can you two get them for me, please?” Nym took the list from me and gave it a glance. “And what will you be doing?” “Taking a ritual bath to cleanse my aura.” Nym raised an eyebrow. “We don’t get to watch?” 131
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I looped my arm through his and pulled Nym toward the door. “Come on, don’t push your luck.” “Thank you,” Liam called after us. “It’s the door at the end of the hall.” When we reached the door Nym asked, “Is he really that tired or did he need an excuse to kiss me?” I laughed. “I don’t know how much this morning’s ritual took out of him, but I’m certainly tired.” Before Nym had a chance to read between the lines, I changed the subject. “You’ve really been fucking the goblin king?” “Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. He’s not some grubby little troll, you know.” I was surprised. “I honestly don’t know what a goblin is like.” “All goblins are not created equal. Gunthar is sexy as fuck.” I laughed at the way he used the word “fuck” to mean almost anything. “Really?” As we reached the foot of the stairs, Nym gave me a knowing look. “He rocked my world. I shit you not. If you weren’t already otherwise enamored, I’d suggest you give him a try.” His willingness to share was a bit shocking, but not when I considered the source. “That’s sweet of you, but I’ll stick to my shaman.” And perhaps the occasional demigod. I was developing a habit of using that term, “my shaman”. “You don’t know what you’re missing,” he said, moving past me and into the room. The space before me looked like something you’d expect to see in a movie about wizards. There was a kitchen down here also and it was filled with jars and numerous other containers, all of different shapes, sizes and colors. A sign on the fridge read, “Keep potions refrigerated”. The jars that were full had labels while others remained empty and unmarked. There were baskets full of dried herbs. Bundles of fresh herbs hung from the ceiling in neat little bunches. Liam had an entire apartment filled with more magical supplies than I’d ever imagined. Nym picked up a large, empty basket. “We’ll probably need this,” he said. I took the list and read the ingredients aloud as we searched. “What does he need a lantern for?” “And why does he have half a dozen?” Nym said. “Look in here.” Along a shelf in the back room were six lanterns. Each was unique in design and color. “Pick one,” Nym said. I looked them over and finally selected a bronze lantern with lavender cracked glass. “Pretty,” Nym said.
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The next ingredient on the list was ground unicorn horn. I was surprised to find it in a neatly labeled jar. Since I didn’t know how much he needed, I put the whole jar in the basket. I was glad Nym knew what most of these things looked like, because I had no clue. “What does pixie dust look like? I thought that was a drug?” “It is, but it has other uses. Ah, over there.” Nym picked up a small glittery vial. “This is enough to get sky high. I hope it’s enough for his spell.” A rope of dried sage, dried anise and caraway seeds completed our list. Once we were back upstairs Nym took the basket into the kitchen. I went to the bathroom to see if Liam was ready. The smell of incense greeted me as I paused in the open doorway. Liam’s back was turned to me and his long, white hair trailed over the rim of the tub and onto the floor. The room was lit with candles and soft, sultry music drifted from a CD player on the counter. “You can come in,” he said. He hadn’t turned to look at me. “I didn’t mean to disturb you,” I said. Liam turned then and flashed me that devastating smile of his. “You didn’t. I can feel it when you walk into a room.” Wow. That was sexy. I moved closer and sat down beside the tub. I gave myself another minute to take in how great he looked, propped against the back of the tub. His arms were spread wide, resting along the rim. The candlelight reflected off the moisture on his chest, making each sexy curve seem amplified. “We have everything you need,” I said softly. “Thank you. I appreciate your help.” I continued to watch him and sighed as I remembered the feel of his skin. To keep my mind on the subject at hand, I asked a question I’d been wondering about since that morning. “What did Cernunnos mean when he told me he lacked the magic to find the barghests? I didn’t realize a demigod lacked anything.” “Don’t tell him that. It’ll go right to his head.” Liam sat up and handed me an empty bowl. “Can you move behind me and pour the water over my head?” “Sure.” He tilted back his head and while I poured the water over his hair, Liam explained. “Cernunnos hunts by sight, sound, smell and instinct. He is made of magic and has many powers, some I’m sure I don’t know about. But no matter how hard he tries, he can’t work a spell.” “That’s interesting.” “I should hurry before Nym walks in and I start confessing about my attraction to Cernunnos.” “I’d forgotten a cleansing bath had that effect.”
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Liam laughed softly as he rose. “I haven’t.” I watched hungrily as the water ran down his body. There’s a first time for everything and this was the first time I’d ever envied drops of water. They got to roam over all the places that only my eyes had time to touch. When my gaze met his again, Liam was smiling. “We’ll get to that again later,” he said suggestively. “Sorry.” I shook my head as I reached for a towel and passed it to Liam. “Don’t be. It’s always nice to know a beautiful woman enjoys looking at me.” He stepped out of the tub and wrapped the towel around his waist. “Put the hair in the locket, if you haven’t already. Having a piece of Cernunnos’ hair could only add power to the spell.” “Are you really so tired from this morning that you need Nym’s energy?” “I’m sure he’d like to think I’m using this as an excuse to kiss him. Even though the ritual was very simple, summoning a demigod is quite draining.” He let the towel fall to the floor, giving me a nice view of his ass. “There are some robes in the back of my closet that you and Nym should wear for the spell.” He looked back at me again as he said, “And nothing else, except for the locket.” With a wink he added, “Tell Nym he can keep on his jewelry too.” I left the bathroom and found Nym waiting. He was resting at the foot of Liam’s bed, looking completely at home and sexier than I wanted to admit. When I repeated Liam’s instructions he smiled. “I knew he wanted to get me naked.” As I moved toward the closet Nym brushed against me. Maybe it was because he looked so sexy that I reached out to him with my mind. Everyone is entitled to an occasional lapse in confidence. Especially if you find yourself in the presence of a smoking hot elf who has a thing for your boyfriend. I knew through this contact that he was simply enjoying the game. He liked nothing more than a great tease and had no intention of coming on to Liam or me unless he was invited. I also knew that he wouldn’t mind such an invitation. However, the warmth and closeness I felt when he was near was still that of a dear friend. I must have paused too long, or maybe Nym could feel when I was reading his thoughts and emotions. “Nothing has changed,” he said softly. “I’m not after your shaman.” “I didn’t meant to suggest—” “You didn’t,” he said. “But I could read that look on your face. If Liam wanted to sleep with me it would have happened a long time ago.” He leaned closer and pulled me near so that the front of our bodies touched. The gesture was incredibly sexy. His lips touched my ear as he whispered, “I know you’re in love with him.” I pulled back, certain my surprise showed. Nym smiled. “You don’t have to say anything. I just wanted you to know that nothing has changed. Understand that I’ve been waiting a long time to get naked with
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Liam.” He laughed softly. “Under any circumstances. A kiss is the best I could hope for.” I hugged him. I couldn’t help myself. “Don’t take this the wrong way, Nym, but I’m starting to love you too.” He winked as I pulled back from him. “I know. You can’t help yourself. For what it’s worth, I’m starting to love you too. Now let’s find those robes and get naked.” Liam’s closet was big and well organized. The robes he’d mentioned were in a section at the back, all by themselves. “These must be the ones he uses for different spells and rituals,” Nym said, running a hand over one of the robes. “I’m not sure of the significance of the symbols on some of them. Should we just pick one, did he say?” “He wasn’t specific.” One hanger in the middle of the robes was empty. I assumed Liam had already selected a robe and had it in the bathroom with him. While I was in there I didn’t pay much attention to anything besides him, so that was possible. There were a few in various shades of purple, some in black and one in white. “I’m going with this one,” Nym said, pulling the white robe off the hanger. “Not that I want to look virginal or anything. It suits my coloring.” “Yeah, it does.” I decided to go with a plain black robe. There were no symbols on either of the robes we selected. They were both made to hang open in front with no sash of any kind. They also had about a three-foot train. We stood there for a moment, both of us waiting to see who would get naked first. “You’ve already seen me in the alley with Liam,” I reasoned. “What difference does a thong and bra really make?” Nym laughed as I pulled my shirt over my head and started to unzip my jeans. “You did relive my naughty encounter with Tina the she-wolf.” He started unbuttoning his shirt. Before long I was down to my bra and panties. I decided not to hesitate. No reason to get nervous or shy now. We watched each other the whole time, neither of us wanting to be the first to comment. Damn, he had a nice body. Sure, I’d seen him naked through his memories, but memories didn’t compare to flesh and blood. As I slid the cool satin robe over my shoulders Nym said, “I can understand why Liam can’t keep his hands off you.” I smiled. “I can’t understand why he’s never had his hands on you,” I teased. “Elf-meat isn’t for everyone,” he said. I laughed so hard I cried.
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Chapter Nineteen “Elf-meat?” We walked out of the closet, still laughing at Nym’s comment. Liam was standing at the table in front of his bookshelf. He’d moved the books to the floor and was using a mortar and pestle to crush some of the ingredients we’d gathered. His hair was still wet. He was wearing a long, black robe with silver symbols embroidered along the hem, and nothing else. “I’ll be ready in a few minutes,” he said. “Luna, your locket is on the bed.” Nym and I regained our composure and he slipped the locket over my head. It hung right between my breasts. As strange as it may sound, I didn’t need to be told that Liam had put Cernunnos’ hair inside. I could feel it. Nym and I sat on the bed and waited for Liam’s instructions. I could see how tired he was now and though I wanted to help, there was really nothing I could do. After a few minutes he said, “It’s ready. You two, sit here.” He indicated a spot in the middle of the floor and we moved to obey. “Right in the middle,” he said. “I’m going to cast the circle around you.” Liam placed the lantern in front of us and opened its little door. Beside the lantern he placed the bowl of herbs he’d just finished mixing. Next he began to put white candles around us until we were sitting in the middle of a perfect circle. Liam stepped inside the circle and lit the candles one by one. Nym and I remained silent as he spoke in Faerie. Liam took the dried anise in his hand and tossed the small white flowers around the circle. As he spoke I could feel the power rising around us, building to the point that the hairs on my arms raised. When he turned at last to Nym the shaman’s eyes flashed with purple lightning as he indicated that the elf should stand. Nym rose and before I could prepare myself, Liam put his hand against the back of Nym’s head and kissed him. The kiss was brief, but deep. I saw a spark pass between them and knew what Nym was feeling because I’d felt it too. There was nothing like a fae shaman’s kiss. As Liam pulled back from him a bright, glittery substance trailed from his mouth. It looked as if he was literally drinking some of Nym’s energy. Nym trembled as he sat back down and I put my arm around him. Liam took the bowl of ingredients in his hands, took a deep breath and exhaled over them. His breath looked like golden smoke filled with glitter. I’d never seen anything like this and sat watching in awe. Liam knelt in front of us and poured the bowl’s contents into the lantern. When he closed the small door, the lantern glowed as if a very bright candle were inside. 136
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Liam stood up and waved his arms in an opening sort of gesture. As he did this, power rushed over me and then vanished. “It’s finished,” he said softly. He had barely spoken the words before he started to lean forward. Instantly, I was at his side, putting his arm around me. I hadn’t known I could move so fast. “What do we do now?” I asked. “Now we rest until dark. That lantern will show us the barghest’s footprints. Since we suspect they are tracking me, we’ll start close to the house. But they won’t come out until nightfall and I’m exhausted.” “Let me help you,” I said, guiding him toward the bed. “I’ll clean all this up,” Nym said. “Shit. That reminds me. There’s a potion for you sitting on the kitchen counter,” Liam said to Nym. “For me? Why do I need a potion?” “To stop you from craving me after that kiss.” “Oh yeah. That would help.” As the elf turned for the kitchen Liam said, “Thank you, Nym.” I expected some saucy reply but instead he said very seriously, “You know you can count on me. Now get some rest, both of you. You look like hammered shit.” Liam was still laughing at his reply when we heard Nym say, “Blah. What did you put in that potion, vinegar?” “You don’t want to know.” “If I’m going to stick around until dark, I’m putting my clothes back on,” Nym said. “Unless—” “Get dressed, Nym,” Liam said. As he sat down on the bed the shaman smiled at me. “If he didn’t at least try, I’d be offended.” Liam slipped out of his robe and slid between the sheets, naked. “Come here,” he said. I let the borrowed robe fall to the floor and climbed into bed beside him. He put his arm around me and I snuggled against his chest. Even though our lives were in danger, I felt safe. Here I was in bed with a man I had only known for a few days, naked while a sexy elf was in the next room. I’d never felt more at home. “What if we oversleep?” “I’ll wake up on time.” “How can you be sure? You didn’t set an alarm.” “Because I told myself when to wake up. You’d be surprised what your subconscious mind can do. It’ll wake you up on time without the annoying alarm.” “If you say so. What about Nym? I feel guilty leaving him to do everything.”
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About that time Nym walked back into the room. “You both look exhausted. Besides, I’ve cleaned up after spells before. Get some rest. If Liam’s internal clock fails, I’ll wake you up.” The sound of ice rattling in a glass woke me. Liam was sitting on the edge of the bed, fully clothed and holding a drink. The smell of lime greeted me as I took a deep breath. “I thought you might like one of these before we start monster hunting, as you called it.” I sat up, then realized I was still naked and pulled the cover up over my breasts. Liam noticed and gave me a questioning look. “In case Nym comes back in.” Not that it mattered, he’d already seen me naked. I figured covering up was a reflex. I wasn’t used to being quite so comfortable in nothing but my skin. Liam passed me the drink. “I wouldn’t worry. He’s snoring on the couch.” “What is it?” I said, indicating the drink. “Bourbon and ginger ale with a splash of lime.” I took a sip. “It’s good. I didn’t know you could mix drinks.” “I can make potions. Is it really surprising that I can mix a drink or two?” “I suppose not.” I took another sip and admired how good he looked, dressed all in black once more. “I take it the drink is to help steady my nerves. This is going to be scarier than you’re letting on, isn’t it?” “It might be. Barghests are big, ugly creatures, and the last time you saw one it ate your friend. There’s no telling how you might react. I’d spare you the shock if I could, but I need you there to give a positive ID on this thing.” I took a bigger sip this time. “I understand. I want to come. I want answers and Cernunnos said to question the barghests.” I put the drink on the bedside table and slid out of bed. “I can handle it,” I said, sounding more confident than I felt. “Besides, I’ve got you with me.” Liam smiled and rose from the bed. “Thanks for the confidence.” “Hey, anyone who can electrocute werewolves with his fingertips makes me feel safe.” He laughed. “Here are your clothes. I took them out of the closet.” “I forgot I left them there,” I said, pulling on my jeans. “Honestly, I slept so hard I forgot where I was.” The lantern was still glowing on the table near the bookshelf. It looked brighter now than it had before. As if he read my thoughts, Liam said, “It’s because the lighting has changed. It’s dark outside, only a few minutes past dusk.” “Perfect barghest hunting weather, eh?” 138
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We turned to find Nym propped against the doorway. Liam rubbed his palms together excitedly. “Since we’re all awake and dressed, let’s get started.” A few minutes later we were standing outside his house. Liam was in front, carrying the lantern. Nym and I were holding onto each other, partly because of the cold but mostly because we were afraid. We didn’t really need Nym to do anything, but he was kind enough to come along for my sake. Besides, it never hurt to have another pair of eyes when it came to something like this. “Are you sure we don’t need to carry a weapon?” I asked for the third time. “It’s all right, sweetheart,” Liam said softly. “I’m the weapon, remember?” He rounded the corner of the building with Nym and me right on his heels. “If these barghests are in fact hunting me, then they’re probably close by now. Goodness knows they’ve had enough time. However, they most likely can’t get through my spells to see that this is my house.” “Most likely?” He carried on as if Nym hadn’t asked a question. “They’ve probably been circling the place.” “Great,” I said. “This lantern will illuminate their footprints, so right now all we need to focus on is finding—ah-ha!” “You found something?” Nym said. “A footprint.” Liam gave us what I’m sure was meant to be a comforting smile. “I told you this wouldn’t be too difficult.” He crouched down and examined the track. As the lantern’s light moved over it the print it began to glow and shimmer. “That’s the largest animal track I’ve ever seen,” I commented. My voice was surprisingly steady. “Are you sure it belongs to a barghest?” “Yes. I’ve seen their tracks before. This one is fresh too.” “Now what?” Nym asked. “Now we use this,” Liam said. He pulled a large dagger from inside his coat and put the lantern down so that he could hold the dagger in both hands. He spoke a few magic words over the blade. “If the one who made this track is a barghest, he won’t be able to move until I release this dagger.” Then he raised the dagger high and stabbed it into the track. A blood-chilling howl echoed through the air and Nym and I grabbed each other. “What the fuck was that? A barghest?” Nym said. Liam raised the lantern again and the glow cast strange shadows over his features. “What do you think? We’re not exactly hunting fairy godmothers.” “Those are real?” I asked this at the same time Nym said, “Oh I wish.” 139
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Liam laughed softly. “Relax. It can’t move, not with that dagger in its footprint.” He pointed the lantern around the corner. “I think the sound came from across the street.” “You call that a sound?” Nym scoffed. “That was a fucking howl and it sounded angry.” “It sounded as if my spell worked,” Liam drawled. We followed Liam across the street to an empty lot. The moon was bright, but I still couldn’t see the creature until we almost ran into it. The drawing I’d seen in Liam’s bestiary was pretty accurate. Still, it didn’t prepare me. The monster turned its head toward me and I fell back onto the ground, screaming. “Motherfucker,” the creature growled. Its voice was deep and rough, as if someone had made him gargle with rocks. “Someone give this bitch a tranquilizer.” Even though I was still shaking from the sight of him, the monster’s words pissed me off enough to get me on my feet again. “Well, fuck you too,” I spat. “The last time I saw something like you, it ate my friend. I think I’m entitled to a good scream.” Then I realized I was actually talking to it! “You can speak?” When Cernunnos said to ask the barghest, his words truly hadn’t sunk in. His laughter was as terrifying as his glowing red eyes. “You don’t catch on fast, do you?” He looked at Liam, who was standing the closest, and growled. “A fucking magic lantern. Who even knows how to make those anymore?” Liam wagged the lantern in front of the creature’s face. “I do.” Despite the fact that he was taunting the barghest, I noticed he stayed well out of reach. “What’s your name?” The creature, whose body for the most part resembled a wolfman, was kneeling. I noticed one foot appeared truly rooted to the ground. I guessed that was the foot that made the track Liam stabbed. His long, greenish ears twitched. “Moonrunner.” Liam smiled. “Well, Moonrunner, we are going to have a conversation.” “There’s nothing to talk about,” the creature said. “I was sent to find you and now I have.” He glanced down at his foot. “Apparently, not fast enough though.” “Were you one of the barghests promised to Cernunnos for the Hunt?” The monster looked stunned. “I was.” “What happened?” Liam asked. “On our way to meet Cernunnos we were approached by a stranger.” Honestly, I was shocked to learn they weren’t shipped in crates. “Could you be more specific?” Liam pushed. Moonrunner shook his head. “I can’t. I never saw a face. The one who stopped us was wearing a cloak with the hood pulled up. Plus they had a mask with something in it to disguise their voice.”
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“Great,” I said. As if to tease me he said, “You speak?” “Fuck you.” I said the insult as forcefully as possible and took a step forward. “One of you monsters ate my friend!” He raised his claws in an open-palm gesture. “Let’s hold off on who gets fucked until we settle on the details. I didn’t eat anyone.” “Do you know the name Rachel Carpenter?” I asked. “Never heard of her.” “Let’s get back to the stranger you were talking about,” Liam said. “What did they look like? What kind of mask? Were they tall?” “The cloak was black, the mask was silver, and yes they were tall.” “Anyone can wear heels under a cloak like that,” Nym cut in. Moonrunner shrugged. “The elf is right. I really can’t tell you anything.” “What did the stranger want?” Liam asked. “Our assistance.” “Whose assistance?” “Devil-fang and I. The stranger asked for our help.” He looked to me as he said, “And this person did say they needed someone to ‘eat a woman’. I don’t know if that means literally, or if someone was getting their freak on.” “Eww.” He licked his lips suggestively. “Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it.” “Get to the point,” Liam said. “The point is, that task was given to Devil-fang, and I haven’t seen him since. I was asked to find you.” The shaman moved closer. “For what purpose?” “To deliver a message.” “A message? You mean you weren’t sent to kill me?” “Do you want the message or not?” “Let’s have it.” “You’ll find what you’re looking for at The Block. Go there when the moon is full. I hope you know what that means, because I sure as shit don’t.” Liam appeared very somber as he heard the message. “I know what it means,” he said softly. “You’re not very old, are you?” “I’m twenty-four,” Moonrunner answered. “That explains it. The significance of that message is a little before your time. Was that your only task, to give me the message?” “Yes.”
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“Then you’ll be released as soon as I get back to the footprint across the road.” “Wait a minute,” I said, getting as close as I dared. “You said that this stranger wanted a woman to be eaten. Did they say why?” He shook his big, shaggy head. “Not to me. For what it’s worth, I turned down that job.” “Go to Cernunnos,” Liam said. “Tell him you’re sorry for the delay and forget all this.” “You’re going to just let him go?” Nym asked, sounding incredulous. “He knows what happened to Rachel!” “Not really,” I said. “He only knows what was supposed to happen to her. You weren’t actually there, were you?” “No, I wasn’t.” I shrugged. “I don’t think we can learn anything else from him. I still have no fucking idea what this has to do with my friend or why she was killed.” “Maybe she pissed off whoever was under that cloak,” Moonrunner suggested.
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Chapter Twenty Liam sent Nym and me back into the house while he went to remove the dagger from Moonrunner’s footprint. Nym paced the floor while I sat on the bed. “This is some crazy shit,” he said for the fifth time. “Do you know where he was talking about?” I asked. “You mean The Block? Sure. That’s where the ones Oberon sentenced to death used to be executed.” “Holy shit.” That was the place of power Cernunnos had mentioned. “Why is it called The Block?” Nym looked as if he might be sick. “Because they were beheaded. You know, at a chopping block.” “We’re almost certainly dealing with a witch,” Liam said. The instant he walked back into the room I ran to him. I hugged him tightly and he patted my back. “Were you afraid Moonrunner would eat me once I released him?” “The thought had occurred to me.” “He still can’t see past the spell on this place. He had no idea where I was.” “Oh.” He hugged me tighter and gave me a quick kiss. “I have something to tell you, but I don’t want you to get your hopes up.” My heart fluttered. I really couldn’t take any more excitement. My nerves had reached their limit, or so I thought. “What is it?” “I know you looked at the picture, but did you read about the barghest?” “Sure. What are you getting at?” He slipped out of his coat and tossed it onto the bed. “Do you remember what the book said about a barghest being able to swallow someone whole and then throw them back up later?” I nodded. “There is a possibility that Rachel is still alive.” I gasped and Liam held up a hand to stop me from saying anything. “Please don’t get your hopes up, because I’m not sure. This is only a theory. When you were in The Courtyard with him, Cernunnos detected that a witch and a barghest had been there recently. I think the witch is the one in charge, the one who was under 143
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the cloak. I also think she needed a sacrifice. Obviously, whoever was under the cloak means to steal my magic. For a ritual like that, a sacrifice is required.” “And you believe Rachel is this sacrifice? What makes you think she hasn’t been killed already?” Liam shook his head. “I don’t know that she hasn’t. But if you recall, there was no blood at the scene of the attack. Still, it’s only a theory.” “His theories are usually right,” Nym said. “This just keeps getting worse.” Liam sighed heavily. “Let Nym take you home. Get some rest if you can. I’ll send a sleeping potion if you like. The moon will be full tomorrow night. Before I meet anyone anywhere, I’ve got to do some more research.” “On what?” Nym asked. “Protection spells for one. I need to know how to defend myself against someone trying to steal my soul. In case you didn’t know, that’s what stealing my magic entails. My magical essence goes along with my soul.” His tone was harsh and he looked regretful. “I’m sorry,” Liam said. “It’s just that I’m tired and for the first time in a while, unsure of exactly how to proceed. Please, Luna, let Nym take you home. At least I’ll know you’re safe there.” He looked sad as he added, “I’m not sure how safe it is for you to be with me right now. Sure, the barghest couldn’t find me, but for all I know he went to tell the witch my general location. She might be able to see through the spell.” “I understand,” I said softly. “Let me know as soon as you decide what to do.” He hugged me tightly again. “I promise.” Nym and I hardly spoke on the drive home. We were both worried and unsure of what to do about it. We were almost at my apartment when he said, “It’s not like Liam to snap at me.” I looked toward him and he waved off my concern. “I’m not upset, I’m worried. I’ve never seen him snap at anyone besides his aunt. They argue like siblings. I’ve never seen him lose his cool, it’s unnerving.” “It’s not as if he jumped down your throat or anything,” I said softly. “His tone was just a little harsh.” “Yeah, but you don’t understand. Liam is always…steady. That’s the best way I can think to describe him. It takes a lot to ruffle his feathers.” Come to think of it, he even seemed cool when he electrocuted the werewolf who grabbed me at club Red. “Everything will be all right,” Nym said. He took a deep breath and reached over to pat my leg. “Are you trying to convince me or yourself?” “Both.” 144
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Once we were back at my place, Nym checked the house to be sure no one was there. He also checked to be sure I still had Liam’s basket sitting by the door. “Remember, as long as this is here, no one that means you harm can enter. If you find some creepy-ass bitch lingering out here, call Liam.” It felt good to laugh. “I’ll be fine. He sent a sleeping potion, remember? I plan on catching up on my rest, just in case. You never know what might happen tomorrow and I can’t take sitting up worrying.” Nym hesitated by the door before turning back to me. “Can I stay?” His question caught me by surprise, but the look in his eyes told me he didn’t want sex. “I’m scared,” he admitted. “I don’t know what’s going to happen and the most competent shaman I know doesn’t either. That’s upsetting to say the least.” Nym moved closer and put his hand on my shoulder. “I love him. Not like you do, but I love him just the same. I don’t know what would happen if I didn’t have him in my life.” “You and me both.” I hugged him close. “You know you’re welcome to stay, Nym.” “Will you share that potion?” The sleeping potion had a stronger effect on Nym than me. I left him in the bed the next morning while I went to make coffee. He’d slept with me at my request because I needed to be close to someone. A week ago, I certainly wouldn’t have seen myself snuggled up to a sexy elf, both of us wearing nothing but underwear. I was grateful for the friendship Nym had so readily offered and for a boyfriend who would understand why he was in my bed. The coffee was almost ready when I heard a bump at the door. It wasn’t exactly a knock, but sounded more as if someone had tapped the door by accident. I looked through the peephole, no one was there. I was still in my underwear, but since the hallway was empty I opened the door. There sat a basket of cookies, neatly arranged and wrapped in decorative plastic. I picked them up and put them on the counter before someone saw me half naked. My first thought was that Aurora probably dropped them off on her way to work. I figured she was running late and didn’t have time for a chat. They were the prettiest, most inviting batch of cookies I’d ever seen. I reached for the bow to untie the plastic and found a small card. “After all this stress, you deserve something sweet.” The note was typed, not handwritten. It was also not signed. Looking back, it was stupid of me to eat one, but I assumed they were from Liam. I was wrong.
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Chapter Twenty-One I had almost finished the cookie when I hit the floor. The pain in my stomach was unbearable. It sliced right through my waist to my back. Nausea washed over me. I pressed my face to the kitchen tile for relief from the sudden fever coursing through my veins. I meant to call for help, but all I could manage was a pitiful little moan. I lay there whimpering for what felt like forever before Nym came rushing in. “Luna, what happened?” He knelt beside me and took me in his arms. What was left of the cookie fell from my hand. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” he said. “I’ll call Liam right now.” He laid me on the bed. I could hear him talking frantically, but my mind couldn’t focus on anything but the pain. It felt as if someone was twisting my insides. “Please help,” I kept saying. “Please help.” Nym held me close and through my haze of misery I realized he was crying. “Liam said he was already on his way. He could feel it when something happened to you. Hang on, Luna. He’ll be here soon.” At the time, I didn’t remember that Liam could reach my house in an instant. It also never occurred to me that he was taking time to gather ingredients for a spell. “There was a card,” I said, curling up in response to the pain. “Thought they were from him.” I don’t know how much time passed before Liam was there, but I felt him enter the room. When he leaned over me, my eyes could barely focus. “I’m here,” he said softly. “Am I dying?” “Not for long.” I could hear them talking, but could only make out parts of the conversation. Plates were clinking in the background and Nym sounded very upset. “You think it’s just a coincidence?” Nym asked. “Anyone could have sent those cookies,” Liam said. “I’ve heard of other witches doing things like this before.” “You’re right. I mean, she hasn’t tried to contact me in more than a year. What are the odds?” I could feel Liam as he leaned over me again. “Luna, do you have an extra shower curtain?”
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It took me a minute to focus on what he was saying. “Yeah, in the cabinet in the bathroom.” My eyes were closed against the pain, but I could hear them rustling around with the shower curtain. “We’re going to move you to the floor,” Liam said. “I promise, you’ll feel better soon.” I don’t know which of them moved me, but it hurt like hell. At this point I could do nothing but clutch my stomach and cry. It was true no one meaning me harm could come inside my apartment. That didn’t stop them from leaving gift baskets at my door. Son of a bitch. “It hurts so much,” I mumbled. Liam kissed my forehead. “I know, sweetheart. I’m about to fix that.” I was able to open my eyes, but the room still looked blurry. The next thing I knew, I was in Liam’s arms and he was whispering to me softly. “I’ve got a remedy only three minutes from being ready. You can’t die now.” He raised his voice to ask Nym, “How’s that paste coming? She needs it now!” “It’s almost ready. It’s turning colors just as you said.” “Luna, do you know why I agreed to help you so easily?” He laughed softly. “You’re going to think this is crazy. I told you already, I’ve been lonely and I’ve been that way for a long time. A very long time. The night we met, I had just performed a spell.” He ran his hand over my face and I gasped. “You can’t pass out now, this is the best part. The spell was supposed to summon my true love. Do you know what happened next? You called.” My eyes flew open again and I focused on his face. Liam was crying. I wanted to tell him that I’d performed a similar spell and that I loved him. But I was quickly becoming paralyzed. “I do love you, Luna, and you are not going to die here.” He took my hand and with everything in me I tried to send him my thoughts. He laughed again and continued to cry. “You too, huh?” He must have understood me about the spell. “Love you.” Those two words were all I could manage before I passed out. Something cold was moving over the front of my body. When I opened my eyes Nym was the first thing I saw. His long, blond hair trailed over my face and his eyes lit up as he looked at me. “She’s awake,” he said, sounding excited. “Good. Don’t move, Luna.” My head was slightly elevated, I guessed on a pillow. I didn’t move, but glanced down at my body. Liam had a big paintbrush and was basting my body in a dark, venomous-green paste. Oh, and my bra and panties were gone.
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“What the fuck?” I managed. “It’s working, she’s already using profanity again,” Liam joked. “I’m removing the toxins from your body. This particular shade of green is a representation of the poison, thus the nasty color. I’m almost finished painting this side of your body. Once this dries, you’ll need to roll over so I can paint the other side.” Even though I could understand him now just fine, I couldn’t articulate anything very well. “Sorry. Should have known better.” “It’s not your fault. Those cookies had an enchantment on them. You couldn’t resist, especially if you weren’t expecting anything bad.” “What about you two?” “I have a permanent fear of cookies,” Nym said. “So it didn’t work on me.” “And I can see past the spell,” Liam explained. “Don’t worry, they’ve been destroyed.” I didn’t ask what destroying an evil batch of cookies entailed. At the moment, I didn’t care. The horrible pain was starting to subside and I was so grateful for relief. I closed my eyes because the room was still spinning. “Worse than food poisoning,” I mumbled. “Had that before. Sucked.” “Hold her hair back,” Liam said. I could feel Nym’s fingers in my hair while Liam started to paint my face. “Keep your eyes closed,” he said. “We’re almost done.” It felt as if he’d just finished when he said, “Nym, help her roll over.” Actually, Nym did all the work because I was too weak to move. As I lay there with my face against what smelled like plastic, I realized I was on the floor, on the shower curtain. The cold brush against my back made me gasp. “When I’m finished with this, we have to give the paste time to absorb the poison. Once that’s finished, I’ll put you in the shower and wash it off.” When he spoke again his voice was softer and a little sad. “There’s something else. This paste will also wash away your craving for me. Strong cleansing magic has a way of doing things like that. You may feel differently about me once this is over.” “Are you kidding me?” Yea! I could speak now and not sound like a drunken moron. “Are you really afraid that I won’t want you anymore?” “It could happen,” he said. “On what planet? I want to be with you, I thought that was clear by now.” “It is. It’s also clear that you’re under the influence of my magic.” I sighed. “I understand your need to be certain, but I’m telling you I’m certain. If I didn’t want to be with you, I’d fight the damn magic. I’m not some bitch in heat unable to deny my lust.” I could hear Nym snickering from the doorway. 148
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“I have to agree,” the elf said. “I’ve only read that bitch in heat kind of stuff in erotic novels. Luna does seem to be in control of her feelings.” Liam’s laughter made me smile, but I still couldn’t move. “Just the same, I’ll feel better if you can look me in the eye and say you still want me, without the influence of my magic.” “Fine.” “He likes to be difficult,” Nym added. After another few minutes Liam said, “All done. I’m going to turn on the shower. Try to relax and let the paste do its work.” As I listened to the sound of the shower running, I drifted off again. The next thing I knew I was in Liam’s arms. The feel of his bare skin against me was a comfort I gladly accepted. “We’re getting in the shower now,” he said. I couldn’t stand on my own, so Liam propped me up beside him with his arm around my waist. “I know this is a little awkward and I apologize, but I’ve got to get you underneath the water. A bath wouldn’t work for this, because the poison has to wash away. If you got in the tub, you’d just be lying in it.” “That’s gross.” “Very.” He rested my back against the wall and used his body to hold me in place. Next, he adjusted the shower nozzle so it poured over us. “Knew I should have bought one of those nozzles with the hose,” I said. Liam laughed. When I looked at him now, I understood what was happening. He was still the sexiest man I’d ever seen. However, he was standing directly underneath the water, one of his elements, and I had no desire to jump him. Naturally, I assumed my lack of desire was due to the deadly poison still in my system. But what if Liam was right? What if the way I felt changed and there was nothing I could do to stop it? “Liam, I feel really weak. What if I faint?” “That’s what I’m here for,” Nym said, pulling back the curtain. I laughed. “In the shower with two sexy men and I can’t even enjoy it.” That’s the last thing I said before I passed out. Again. I woke in my bed and was thrilled when I opened my eyes and the room didn’t spin. “I’m getting really fucking sick of passing out.” “Don’t move,” Nym said. “Liam told me that as soon as you wake up I’m supposed to give you some tea. He said it will help recover your strength.” 149
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I ran a hand through my hair. It was nearly dry. “How long was I out?” I could hear him rummaging around in the kitchen. “Most of the day. It’s almost dark.” I lifted the covers and saw I was wearing one of my favorite sleep shirts. “Where’s Liam?” “He went to get some more supplies.” Nym was fully dressed and I found myself a little disappointed. He put another pillow behind my head and handed me a cup of hot tea. “How are you feeling?” “Better.” I took a sip of tea and let its warmth comfort me. “This is good.” “It’s a special batch Liam made before he left. It smelled bitter, so I put in extra sugar. I made myself some regular breakfast tea.” We sat there for a few minutes with Nym perched on the side of the bed, and drank our tea. “Did Liam say what exactly he needed or what the supplies were for?” The elf shook his head, sending blond tresses waving. “No, but he did take a small lock of your hair. I hope you don’t mind.” I immediately reached for my head and he laughed. “I said a small lock, it isn’t noticeable.” “Oh. What in the world would he need that for?” “You’re asking me? I’m the other person who didn’t know any better than to eat magical cookies.” “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to look at cookies the same way.” “I know what you mean.” I thought he was referring to the magical cookies that were sent to him, and maybe he was. But then Nym said something that changed everything. “I still have nightmares about dragons.” “Dragons? Did I miss something?” He waved off the comment while taking the last sip of his tea. “I don’t think I told you. The witch, the one who gave me those cookies, she had a dragon tattoo on her face.” A chill ran through me and suddenly the room felt too small. I couldn’t breathe. “What did you say?” “Don’t get me wrong, it was sexy. It was a small tribal design, started right about here with the tail.” He pointed to the outer corner of his left eyebrow. “And the head ended right along here.” He pointed to the edge of his cheekbone. “The whole thing was black except for the eye.” “It was green to match hers,” I finished. 150
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Nym’s eyes widened. “How did you know that? Are you reading my mind?” I was still fighting my urge to have a panic attack as I replied, “No. Are you sure you don’t remember her name?” He shook his head. “I’m sorry. I know it makes me look like a jerk, but it was a onenight thing, plus she was crazy. I forgot on purpose.” I threw back the covers and went for my dresser with strength I didn’t know I possessed. “Wait a minute. Liam gave strict instructions. You couldn’t get out of bed and I couldn’t get into bed.” I ignored him, opened the top drawer and took out the photo I’d hidden because before Liam’s spell it was too painful to look at. “Is this the woman?” I asked, turning the photo toward Nym. He looked pale and his hand trembled as he reached for the picture. “How do you know her?” he asked. “That’s Rachel.” The pieces were coming together faster than I could explain to Nym. He followed me as I moved to the closet and started getting dressed. My hands were shaking and I had a hell of a time fastening my jeans. I looked out the bedroom window toward where Nym had left his car and cursed under my breath. Even though night had fallen, his car was white and had been parked underneath a street light. It would be easy to see, if it was there. “Do you know where the barghest was talking about, the location he mentioned to Liam?” Nym was still staring at the photo with a mixture of shock and horror on his face. I snapped my fingers in front of him. “Nym, focus.” “Yeah, I know where it is. Why?” “Because Liam didn’t go to get supplies. He went to try to end this.” “How do you know?” “He took your car. He doesn’t need a vehicle to travel from my place to his. Now get your shoes on, we have to find him.” “Why?” I stabbed a finger at Rachel’s picture. “Because she isn’t dead. And she sure as shit wasn’t taken to be used as a sacrifice.” “How do you know that for sure?” “I’m psychic, remember? Call it a hunch. All of this can’t be a coincidence. What are the odds of your crazy witch turning out to be my missing friend? Oh, and I got sent a batch of poisoned cookies.” “You’ve got a point.” 151
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“Damn right I do.” Nym looked as if he might throw up. “I swear she didn’t go by the name Rachel when we met or I would have remembered when you said it. It started with a T.” He ran into the other room and started pulling on his shoes while I looked for a coat. I put the locket on without really thinking about it. I felt as if I was suiting up for battle. What surprised me most wasn’t the fact that Rachel was the crazy witch Nym had hooked up with. I was most shocked by my reaction. I wasn’t just hurt. I was pissed. “That fucking bitch,” I snarled. “All this time she wasn’t even dead and she put me through this! She made me suffer and then tried to kill me?!” I snatched up my car keys. “I wish I owned a gun.” The moment we stepped outside my hopes for reaching Liam were crushed, at least for the moment. “Shit. My car is blocked.” Considering that Liam had taken Nym’s car, I thought we were thoroughly screwed. “I really wish I’d mentioned her tattoo before,” he said, sounding numb. “It’s all right. It never occurred to me to grill you about the witch you had a onenight stand with either. Shit. I didn’t even know she was a witch!” It hurt to realize how much I didn’t know about Rachel. Especially considering how close I thought we were. I wanted to cry, but just then another piece of the puzzle fell into place. “I have to find Cernunnos.” No sooner had I mentioned his name than he stepped out of the shadows beside me. “You called?” The sound of his deep, rumbling voice was still thrilling, even under the circumstances. Nym looked as if he was in shock. “I’d forgotten about the locket,” I said. I approached the centaur and reached out to stroke his back. “What if I told you I knew the location of your quarry?” I moved as I spoke so that I could see his reaction. He raised a brow and I couldn’t help but smile at his handsome face. “I’d wonder how you knew.” “Because my friend Rachel is the witch you’re looking for. I don’t know what name you’ve been given, but that’s the one I know her by. I need your help. Liam has gone to find her.” Cernunnos’ eyes widened and he reached for me, swinging me up onto his back. He understood that the longer we waited, the closer she might be to stealing Liam’s magic and soul. He was wearing a sword strapped across his back this time. I adjusted the weapon so the sheath didn’t pinch my leg.
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“Come on,” he said. “We don’t have any time to waste.” He took a step toward Nym. “You too, elf.” Nym swung up onto his back. “This is how rumors get started.” “Now, where is she?” “The Block.” “My magic will only take us halfway there,” Cernunnos said, he didn’t explain why. “Get ready for a fast ride. Hold on.” I slid closer to his human half and wrapped my arms around him as tightly as I could. Nym did the same to me and we held on for dear life as Cernunnos started off. The day before, when we were in the woods near Tara’s house, he told me that the old execution place wasn’t far. That meant the location we were racing toward was well out of the city. “Explain to me how you know all this on the way,” he called. “I can still hear you.” I wondered how that was possible since everything was rushing past us in a blur and the wind was roaring in my ears. Come to think of it, I could hear him clearly too. I told him everything the barghest said the night before and about how I’d been poisoned. I also told him how Nym and I had just put everything together moments before. He slowed and I noticed that we weren’t far from Tara’s farm. We’d traveled across half of Atlanta and beyond the suburbs in less than ten minutes. (My mouth was dry from talking so fast.) For whatever reason we’d traveled slower than before, but it was still awfully fast. “She must have used Devil-fang to swallow her whole,” Cernunnos said. “To make it look as if she’d been eaten so you wouldn’t search for her.” That would explain why Liam hadn’t found any blood. “That’s disgusting,” Nym said. “This means she was also fucking Gunthar.” “I can confirm that,” Cernunnos replied. “But I still don’t understand. Why the hell would Rachel want to steal Liam’s magic?” “Let me put it to you this way,” Cernunnos said. “The letter Oberon received from Gunthar was brief and to the point. It said, ‘Ja-rel’s daughter seeks revenge.’”
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Chapter Twenty-Two “Ja-rel’s daughter? You mean Rachel is the daughter of the former executioner? The one who was killed for trying to overthrow Oberon?” “The same,” Cernunnos agreed. “Her real name is Ti-anna and now that she’s out of the city, she’ll be easy to track.” “That’s the name she used with me,” Nym said. We rode in silence for a moment. I was too stunned to say anything. Who was this woman I’d called my friend? “How could I not know this? I’m a fortune teller, for crying out loud!” “Don’t be too hard on yourself. Someone as powerful as Ti-anna could block even the most gifted psychic from her mind. Even if you had tried to read her, you wouldn’t have been able. If that’s not comforting, remember that even I lost her in this city full of magic.” I had to admit, that part was a little bit comforting. When we reached a thick patch of woods Cernunnos stopped. “She’s close. I can feel her magic. I should hang back and see how things are playing out before I go in.” I slid down from his back and stumbled a little before he steadied me. “Fuck that. Why would you hold back?” “Because Ti-anna knows she’s wanted. If she sees me before I get close, she might have the chance to escape.” “I thought you could make yourself invisible?” “I can.” He sighed. “Anywhere but here. Something about all the dark magic prevents it.” “That must be frustrating,” Nym said as he hopped to the ground. “You have no idea.” I turned to leave and Cernunnos put his hand on my shoulder. “I won’t be far behind you,” he said softly. “You’re not in any danger, not with me and Liam here.” “Thank you.” I gave his hand a quick squeeze before moving through the woods in the direction he’d indicated. We’d only gone a few paces when Nym said, “You definitely fucked him.” “Shut up, now’s not the time.” He was about to say something back when I put my hand over his mouth. “Do you hear that?”
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Nym shook his head. “I hear yelling.” We crept closer, careful to remain hidden in the trees and shadows. Finally, we came to a large clearing. There was a ring of what looked like three magic circles, glowing with purple fire. In the middle of these massive circles was a bloodstained stone block. I assumed that was “the” block. Directly in front of this was Rachel. She was wearing a black cloak and her long, dark hair was flapping in the wind, her green eyes alight with malicious fire. She was screaming in Faerie and hurling green fireballs at Liam. He dodged these with something in his hand, a piece of metal I couldn’t see clearly from this distance. Whatever it was, it sent the fireballs toward a barghest that was also in the circle. I guessed he was Devil-fang. Before I could take in more of the situation Cernunnos put his hand on my shoulder. “Shh,” he said. “I thought you were hanging back.” “I’m hidden here. You see those circles?” “Of course.” “We cannot enter until this fight is finished.” “Are you saying that Liam is trapped in those circles with her until someone dies?” Nym asked. “Or royally gets their ass kicked,” Cernunnos said. “Either way, we cannot enter until her magic diminishes.” I felt helpless. “What can we do?” “Watch.” I turned back to the fight and for a moment it was as if everything stood still. Rachel paused, looking out of breath. The shock of seeing her again, alive, was more than I had bargained for. I was seeing her—the real her—for the first time and it was scary. “Why are you putting up such a fight?” she said. “All I need you to do is die, shaman. With your power I can avenge my father and finish what he started.” Liam took a step toward her and the barghest leapt at him. The creature had barely gotten off the ground before Liam twitched his hand in the monster’s direction. Devilfang fell to the ground as purple lightning hit him, causing him to spasm for several heartbeats. “Try it again and I’ll fry you alive,” Liam said. He turned his attention back to Rachel then. “I can understand that you’ve suffered, and for that I’m sorry. But that doesn’t give you the right to ruin the lives of others and it sure as hell doesn’t give you a claim to my soul.” Her wicked laughter carried on the cold night air. “How are you going to stop me? I’ve got the power of this place pouring into me as we speak. Soon I’ll be more powerful than you and there’s nothing you can do about it.” 155
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Liam moved past the barghest, closer to Rachel. “Perhaps, but you still need a sacrifice to finish your spell. If I don’t kill him,” he said, indicating the barghest, “and if he can’t manage to kill me, you’re fucked.” She roared in frustration and leapt at him. Somewhere from within her cloak she produced a knife. Liam fought back using only his bare hands, but managed to thwart her every attempt at drawing blood. I watched, paralyzed, while she kicked, dodged and slashed at the man I loved. How had it come to this? After a moment she leapt past him, just missing what would have been a punch to her face. Without warning, Rachel held the blade high and stabbed Devil-fang where he lay on the ground. The barghest let loose an agonizing roar as his blood spilled onto the grass. She looked triumphant. “You left out one other possibility,” she said. “I could always kill him myself. For this sacrifice, magical blood is all that’s required. He’ll do.” She studied Liam for a moment, taking a step back. “What does it take to get you worried? Don’t you realize I’m about to steal your soul? Within minutes I will have the power to rip your heart from your chest.” “I don’t need that long to take care of you,” he said. He opened his hand and waved the piece of metal he’d been holding as if to taunt her. “I think you know what this is.” Rachel shrugged. “It looks like a compact. You planning to powder your nose before you die?” “Well, you’re right about one part,” he said. Liam opened the compact, took a deep breath and blew the contents into her face. Rachel choked and gagged, grabbing at her throat. “That’s not possible!” she screamed. “True love?! You’ve only known her for days. Fucking days!” She lunged at him again and Liam lit her up with electricity. Rachel fell backward from the blow and crashed into the Block. She lay there in a heap, still breathing, but badly wounded. The magic circles disappeared. “Wait for my signal,” I said to Cernunnos. “I’ve got some things I want to say first.” He nodded his agreement and I ran to Liam. He hugged me to his side, but didn’t take his eyes off Rachel. “What are you doing here?” He glanced to Nym, who was right behind me. “I told you to keep her safe.” “Obviously she’s feeling better. Besides, we figured out what was going on and had to warn you.” “You mean Ja-rel’s daughter trying to kill me? How do you know that?” “Because she’s Rachel,” I said, pointing to the fallen witch. His jaw dropped. “You’re kidding.” Liam had figured out that she was Ja-rel’s daughter, but didn’t have a clue about the Rachel part until I said something.
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“I only got a glimpse of her face through your memories, and it wasn’t the side with the tattoo.” I turned to her then, but didn’t get too close. “What I still don’t understand is how you could do this.” She moved to a sitting position and spat blood onto the ground. “In light of our former friendship, let me spell it out for you. After Devil-fang threw me up, I went straight for The Spot. You see, he outran you easily enough and I got there first. I knew you liked the place and I put a spell over the door to draw you in. I also left Liam’s card in the bathroom.” As she spoke I remembered Aurora mentioning a woman covered in slime. That must have been Rachel. “I couldn’t get past his spells to find his location. I needed a few days’ worth of distraction, something to draw him out. A damsel in distress seemed like a good idea at the time. I didn’t think you’d object to any involvement with Liam, however brief.” She shrugged. “Besides, he looks like a great lay.” “Fuck you.” “No, fuck you! You weren’t supposed to get hurt, but then you slept with my elf.” “I’m not your damn elf,” Nym spoke up. “What part of fuck off don’t you understand, you crazy bitch?!” She carried on as if he hadn’t spoken. “When he went into your apartment and didn’t leave…I sent a little care package.” I growled. “Did you think watching you die wouldn’t hurt me? I loved you, Rachel. You were like a sister to me. Fuck not getting hurt!” To my surprise she actually teared up. “I didn’t want to,” she said. “You don’t understand.” “No, I really don’t. And for the record, I didn’t have sex with Nym. He’s my friend. You know, those people you love like family and don’t fuck?” “Don’t even talk to me about family!” she screamed. “Oberon took that from me! He killed my father. His magic was keeping my mother alive. They’d been together for a long time, longer than her human lifespan would have allowed. She withered away within a year of his execution.” “I’m sorry.” I really was. “But we didn’t cause your suffering.” “Fucking true love,” she said and snorted with laughter. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” I took a step closer. “You keep saying that. How do you know it’s true love?” “Because that’s the only thing that can stop soul-sucking magic like mine. Did he take a lock of your hair?” “Yes.”
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“Then that’s what he used to make the dust.” She wiped her tears and rose slowly to her feet before falling down again. “I didn’t see that coming.” “You probably won’t see this coming either. Since I’ve already mourned your loss, it shouldn’t be too bad. Consider this my care package to you.” Right on cue Cernunnos came charging up the hill from the trees. His sword was drawn and Rachel started screaming. “You brought him?! You fucking bitch! You brought him?!” I turned my back just before he cut off her head and kept my eyes closed long after I heard it hit the ground. Liam pulled me to him and despite my best intentions, I cried. Cernunnos disposed of Rachel’s body, I’m not sure how. He said he’d take care of it and we left him to it. We followed Liam back through the woods to Nym’s car. “I’ll drive,” the elf said. “You’ve both been through enough.” The trip to Liam’s house was a blur. It was true that I’d already grieved for Rachel. I wasn’t sure why, but the night’s events had left me strangely numb. It was late when we arrived at Liam’s and Nym gave us both a big hug before saying, “I’ll see you both tomorrow. I think I’m going home to have a drink. Alone.” “I understand,” I said, patting his arm. “At least you don’t have to worry about being stalked anymore.” He shivered. “Apparently she never stopped following me, I just didn’t know it. That’s more disturbing than I can put into words.” Once we were alone Liam began to strip. “I need a bath,” he said. “I need to cleanse myself of the evil I felt there, of the taint of her magic. Please, join me.” While the tub filled, we finished undressing and as I looked at him, I knew we had to talk. Even without the craving, I wanted him. I needed him. My heart didn’t beat the same when he was near. Sure, the pace was faster, but that’s not what I mean. Whenever Liam was around, every single beat belong to him. Every pitter-patter took me closer to something so wonderful I didn’t have a word for it. “I love you,” I said. The suddenness of my words made him turn to me. “Even without the craving. Your magic only strengthened what I already felt. Let me at least take one good thing away from all this, something I can hold onto.” His smile melted my heart. “You can hold on to any part of me you like. Without you, I wouldn’t be here.” “What do you mean?” Liam stepped down into the tub while it finished filling and reached for me. “With the awful magic that Rachel was absorbing, nothing else could have saved me.” “Explain to me that whole true-love dust business.” 158
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“I used your hair to make that dust. When you said you loved me and through your touch, let me know about the spell, the answer came to me. The protection of true love was the only thing that could save my soul.” I snuggled against him as I contemplated his words. “Really? I’ve got to tell you, that sounds like something out of a fairy tale.” He laughed softly. “Didn’t you know? True love always wins. It’s practically in the fae shaman rule book.”
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Chapter Twenty-Three A week later, I’d moved in with Liam and for the moment, my fortune telling business was on hold. With Liam’s help, I planned to learn more about my witchy ancestry and get in touch with my own inner magic. Who knows what I might be capable of one day? The instant Rachel died, her spell over Gunthar, the Goblin King, was lifted. The last I heard he and Nym were continuing their relationship, minus any witches. Aurora still refused to let Nym give her any dating advice. Instead, she’d signed up for a dating service and promised to stop telling men she is a siren. Liam contacted Marco and thanked him again for his help. Without giving away all the details, he let the wolf king know we’d found our man and he wasn’t a werewolf. Cernunnos left the city and the temperature returned to a normal but cool forty-five degrees. He’s promised to return near the end of December and I look forward to seeing him for a social visit that doesn’t involve a manhunt. Or in this case, I suppose it was a womanhunt. Either way, it will be good to see him. As for our relationship, Liam and I are doing great. As soon as he kissed me again, the craving for him returned. I, however, never saw that as a bad thing. With his magic, Liam has bound me to him, lengthening my life a little more each day. Basically, as long as he lives, so do I. The strangest thing is, this binding magic didn’t require a spell. Simply being loved by him is enough. As long as he loves me, I will continue to live well beyond my human capabilities. When he explained this to me, I couldn’t help but think about what Rachel said about her parents. The thought of ending up that way was frightening. But what do the good guys have to fear? I mean, it’s not as if we were trying to kill Oberon. I’ve often wondered why Rachel became my friend in the first place. Maybe she was waiting for the right time to set her plan into motion. Or maybe for a little while, she tried to have a normal life. I’d probably never know the truth. Then again, I have a very long time ahead of me to contemplate the question. According to the fairy king, when Liam draws near the end of his very long life, Oberon will grant him immortality. This includes youth and extends to his life-mate. “I’m not sure how to deal with that,” I said to Liam. “When people say they want to be together forever, most don’t actually have the possibility. That’s a little daunting.” The shaman was reclined on the bed with a book and looked up from his reading. “Isn’t Happily Ever After grand?” he teased. I stretched out beside him. “It’s pretty damn good so far. Don’t get me wrong. I love you, but the thought of forever is a lot to take in.” 160
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He smiled. “You’ve got a long time to get used to it. But I wouldn’t worry about it now.” “Why not?” “Because tomorrow you meet Oberon.”
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About the Author This multi-published author has been writing stories for her own entertainment since she was a child. Tracey has always been drawn to the macabre, with a fondness for anything with fangs. She writes what she enjoys reading in the hopes that others will enjoy her stories as well. Her main goal as a writer is to put emotions into words. She wants people to feel something when they read her work.
Tracey welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email addresses on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.
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