She laughed. Edwina does everything and she does it all exceedingly well. After a sip of her drink she put it down to bring her attention back to his face. Where did you grow up?
Eastern Oregon. Just outside Bend. Tom, my foster dad, heck, my dad really, hes a backcountry guide.
Do you miss it? That sort of rural living?
He paused, thinking. No. Its clean and certainly far enough away to keep most kids out of too much trouble. Hed often wondered if that wasnt exactly why Tom had settled them there. It had worked. For a while anyway. But I like the energy in cities. I like the movement and the hum and the ability to get breakfast at three in the morning.
She laughed. Yes, I have to agree I like that too. Though I do enjoy the forest quite a bit. Theres a lot of energy to draw from here. A lot of people around. But in nature I find its often easier to work. Theres less interference.
She knew a lot more about magick than he did. He might have been annoyed by this any other time, but right then, he found himself wanting her to show him her world. Maybe even to teach him about his own.
So tell me about the call.
Casually, she looked around and he caught the movement of her lips and knew shed done something to give them privacy.
Ive been made the liaison with other groups of witches. The look on her face told him that had been a hard-won job. So first I got word of some witches whod gone missing in New Mexico. Wed heard over the last eighteen months or so about some others whod been attacked. Magically attacked. Today I spoke with the hunter of the Rodas Clan. One of the oldest and most respected clans in the country. Headquartered in Rhode Island, she explained at his blank look. They have in their custody some mages whod been working with some anti-paranormal hate groups to stalk and steal magick from witches.
He sat up straighter. Do tell. Why is it theyd come to have these creatures in their hands?
What they know is that two witches had been targeted. One of them had been victimized over most of her life. Slowly siphoned from. The other was attacked more suddenly and recently.
But why? Why would they do it?
Greed? I dont know for sure, but we have heard of these cases where witches have been targeted and then attacked.
For what purpose though? Like feeding junkies and turned witches? What? Tom always taught me that magick with a k was our natural energy but what stuck witches used was magic because inherent magick cant be traded like that.
We dont know yet. Rodas has them and theyre still being questioned. Gage is working with their hunter so theyll keep us apprised. Oh, and youre correct about the differences between a witchs magick and what gets produced when its stolen.
He had no idea theyd take people into custody. Clearly he had a lot to learn about clans.
Its justwell, Im stunned to be honest. She shook her head.
Stunned that people would want to steal the riches you have when they have none? He shrugged. People are ugly, baby. Theyre ugly and selfish and lazy. Lazy enough to steal from someone so they dont have to do the work themselves. But if any of them came within a five-mile radius of her, hed fuck them up.
Well, look, I was raised to appreciate what I have. What I was born with. Of course its stunning and horrible to know people would use pain and death to amp up their power. Power theyre not supposed to have. It offends me deeply. But thats not the real issue here. My biggest concern is the existence of this cooperation between the mages stalking witches and these sick, hateful humans.
So much for not coming out. Clearly were not a secret like you all wish we were.
One of her brows raised and he realized he liked to spar with her. He didnt trust too many other people enough to have deep political discussions with them. Things were different with Meriel. There was an ease to their banter he only had with those close to him.
You think we should come out?
The appetizers arrived so the conversation halted for a few minutes.
I think its impossible to hide much longer. The wolves came out, the cats are out. Vampires arent far behind. If we come out, we control it from the start. Thats why the wolves did it that way and I think, considering the whole picture, theyve been all right. Its not a matter of should, it will happen. So Im in favor of being in control of the how and the when. If you let these petty thugs go unchecked, they will do it themselves. And they win.
The wolves were forced out. Its something people toss out as if they did it on purpose. They didnt. They had the same fears we do. And now theyre exposed.
But they had a plan in place. They took it from nearly the start and made it into what they wanted. He shrugged.
Every time we come out, or humans focus on us, we end up hunted and killed en masse. Theres an active movement to make Weres register with their local governments so they can be tracked. Some counties and even a few states have passed laws restricting what jobs Weres can hold. Can you imagine what it would be like for us if humans found out that witches were real?
He waved it away. They do already. Pagans and Wiccans are out. People have the idea in their heads. Were halfway there as it is.
And look at what happens to some of them! People get fired, lose business, friends and neighbors turn on them. And if this mage thing turns out to be a bigger, more organized threat? Which I think it is. What then?
Gonna be an issue one way or another, isnt it? The way I see it, part of the problem is that youre still closeted. Makes it easier to isolate and get away with what theyre doing. Because how can you go to the cops if its a magickal theft? The truth is they cant drown us now. Were too powerful and wed never allow it. Isnt that why you all organized into clans to start with? United and powerful.
She smirked, but it was amused more than annoyed. When we came west, it was one of our aims. And we are strong, yes. But we can be killed just like anyone else. My ability to protect my people shouldnt be weakened by the choices I make.
Except you have the power to blow the doors off this place with a flick of your fingers. Hed been making an overstatement, but when she shrugged, he realized she could in fact do that.
I dont think it would be so negative. Im not convinced of that at all. And frankly, I just think it doesnt matter. At this point you and I both know its only a matter of time. There are already humans who know we exist.
She leaned forward. Yes! Yes, I do and apparently theyre hunting us down and aiding freaks to kidnap, torture and kill us. No, thank you.
You know its going to fall to you. Youre next to run the family business. He didnt envy that task, even as he admired her for taking it on so dutifully. Its there whether you like it or not. Thats all Im saying.
Its all I think about, she mumbled before spearing a prawn and offering it up his way.
He leaned forward and took the proffered food, warm inside that shed offered, at the intimacy of that moment between them. Im here if you want to talk. I mean, Ive not been in training to be the next leader or what have you, but Im a good listener. Andhe paused to take a drink and then to move back so the main course could be deliveredI like to hear you talk about it all. Your world.
Her worried look faded with a smile. Thank you for that. She paused as she ate. Emotions chased over her features as he watched. As he tipped into something far deeper than a crush or a like.
Finally her gaze locked with his again. Im trying to process it. Figure out all the angles. I need to understand how each variant will affect an outcome. And then I have to understand how to overcome any challenge to my clan on any front.
He waited, drinking in the sight of her there across from him. You have doubts in your ability? Because, Im not really seeing that. I looked you up today. I admit it. Youre an incredibly successful woman. Youre not the type who fails and youre certainly not the type who quits.
She closed her eyes for a few long moments. He wanted to soothe her, but he sensed she didnt need that and hoped he was right.
No, its not that. I dont doubt my ability to protect them. This clan has deep roots here. Our base is secure. She hesitated and he wondered what it was she wanted to add but felt conflicted over. Suffice it to say, I can handle any sort of challenge. Just gets a little overwhelming at times. And while were good here, others arent. There are places where witches dont even have an informal coven. Theyre pretty much alone, which makes them a target. Iits more than about my clan, this is about all of us. Our whole race is at risk. We cant let that happen.
He believed her claim of being able to handle whatever was thrown at her. Made him all hard at the gleam in her eye. Yes, she was a woman who could handle it. Powerful and ruthlessly competent. But she was so much more.
Hed always imagined clan witches like Meriel to be coldhearted, ball-busting bitches who cared more about money and power than anything else. And hed been so wrong.
This was more for her than her own skin and her own base. The only person hed ever met with her kind of integrity was Tom.
Im crushing on you. So. Hard. She made him goofy, sent him reeling. It wasnt always comfortable, but he liked it just the same.
Her confusion melted into amusement and then she blushed, clearly pleased with his words. She twisted her bracelet, a little habit of hers as she thought something over. Such a delicate wrist for a woman who was so tall.
She was a mess of contradictions, which only made her more appealing. He found that juxtaposition irresistible. And he knew part of it was the bond-mate pull. But far, far more than that, he wanted Meriel Owen because she was the total package. If theyd been humans, or werewolves or whatever, theyd be hot for each other.
Chapter 9
ENOUGH about me for a while. She waved a fork his way. I want to know more about you. What did you do before you came here to Seattle? From what Nell and I could divine, you just sort of popped into existence.
He allowed the topic to be dropped. Shed shared a lot and hed be satisfied with that. For now.
He grinned. I have my skills. He paused, wondering how he could make it sound less, um, criminal than it was. It was important to him, probably for the first time with anyone, that she not see him as a loser.
Im looking forward to seeing just what those skills are.
I keep attempting to show you but you keep telling me I have to wait.
She laughed. Just make it really awesome when I finally give you the green light, then. How did you end up running a nightclub?
I ended up in New York City with a friend. Wed spent some less-than-law-abiding years together and hed pulled his act together and started a business. I joined him and he gave me a job. I was good at it. He shrugged.
Good at what? I dont doubt you doing a good job, but what is it that you were doing?
I started with cleanup. He snorted. Took trash out during busy shifts. Kept the bars wiped down. Over time I learned how to do the books. How to get people paid. How to hire and fire staff. Marketing. Evan had let him learn every part of the job until one day Dominic had realized he knew enough to do it on his own. Which knowing Evan had been the plan from day one.
So you came out here to steal from my font and set up your den of iniquity.
Not much sexier than a sense of humor in a woman.
Im all on the up and up now, arent I? But yes, it was time for me to leave the East Coast and come back here. I stayed with Tom for a while as I searched for a good location and then eventually found the space. Simon and I had known each other awhile. He had some money and wanted to buy in. As it happened I needed both a partner and some more capital.
Did you always know? That you weredifferent from the other kids in school?
Tom started my training relatively early. Some of his earliest memories were of being taught how to erect shields around his magick. So I knew. But obviously there are gaps in my knowledge. Which he tried not to let bug him and managed. Not entirely, but enough. You obviously did. Growing up in a clan and all. What was that like?
It was just how I grew up. I didnt know how unusual it was until I went to college. Im going to say it was the same as not growing up in a clan but youre going to disbelieve that. She grinned. My parents had dinner parties and friends. Those friends had kids my age. We went on vacations together, when my mother actually let go for enough time to leave, that is. Some people are foodies. Some people like the beach. My family had one major thing in common with their friends, just like other groups of people have. It was just about magick instead of NASCAR.
Did you go to public school?
She shook her head. No. From kindergarten through high school graduation I attended a private school the clan runs.
Ah, now I get the college comment. The first time you were confronted by non-magickal people?
She shook her head again. No. While I didnt go to school with anyone other than witches, we still had neighbors and went to the grocery store and that sort of thing. For the first time at college I had to hide what I was far more than I didnt. But it was a good lesson.
I havent yet been in a situation where I dont have to hide what I am more than not. Even at the club Im having to hide everyone from the outside world.
Which is why you support coming out so strongly? Youre not in a clan; why havent you just told people if youre bothered so much?
I dont think you know me well enough to say that.
I didnt say anything. I asked. Big difference. If you dont want to say so, thats fine too.
Im sorry for snapping. I support coming out because I think its time. I believe it will come out and soon. And Id rather be in control from day one than have to clean up in the aftermath of someone elses behavior.
She let him process without pushing herself into the conversation. He liked that too.
But I understand why, until now, things have been kept a secret. I get it. Which is why I respect the rules, even if I havent been in a clan. And I agree with the reasoning. I just dont believe we have the luxury of secrecy in the age of instant information.
They continued to eat as he peppered her with questions about clan and magickal stuff. She seemed to possess an encyclopedic knowledge, which was really, really hot. Smart women really turned him on, hed discovered, especially since Meriel Owen had swayed into his bar only the night before.
Feels like Ive known you for years. She spoke as if shed been inside his head.
I was just thinking that.
Do you like gelato? she asked as he paid the bill.
Yes? I think. Its ice cream, right?
She snorted. No. Its better. Come on. Theres a place near your club. Ill treat you to some. She held her hand out and he stood, bringing her with him.
Yeah? Are you offering me sweets? Do I need to protect my honor? he murmured, bringing her close as they left.
She laughed. Ill protect it for you. You can totally trust me with it.
It was his turn to laugh. What an unexpected pleasure she was.
HE walked her out and she took in a deep breath once theyd reached the street. Just being able to unload her worries had made her feel a lot better. Good enough to truly enjoy this time with him.
She liked this man. A great deal. He challenged her without being patronizing. Expected her to defend her ideas. She snuck a sideways look up at his face as he waited for the car to be brought around. In charge. Big. Masculine and protective. It was beyond ridiculously hot. He stepped closer, putting an arm around her shoulders and his warmth enveloped her. She must have sighed because he looked down at her, kissed her forehead and even managed a deft pass off of a tip when the car arrived.
Gelato first and then the club? We dont have to stay long. I just like to be there and keep an eye on things. He spoke as he weaved through Friday-night traffic on 2nd leading toward Heart of Darkness.
Sounds fine. I dont have any plans other than this so Im happy with whatever. She just wanted to be with him, though she didnt say it out loud.
She pointed the gelateria she meant. Its close enough to Heart of Darkness and parking here is nuts. Why dont you park at the club and we can walk?
He snorted. Im not going to make you walk. Youre in heels and its cold and raining.
All right then. She sat straighter and focused. Give it one more pass.
Why?
Jeez, you argue over the dumbest things. Im going to see if I cant make a parking space happen, thats why.
He made a left at a cross street and then a right to circle back. You can do that?
I can do lots of things, Dominic. Pleased, she tried not to laugh.
Teach me.
All right. But not while youre driving. She closed her eyes and used her othersight instead. Ebb and flow. Energy swirled and broke in waves against the buildings. She found the places where the energy was disturbed and honed in. In the should we leave now void Meriel found, she sent a whispered yes. And when they reached the gelateria again, a spot was just opening up where a car was pulling away.
Damn, he muttered, making a very smooth parallel job into the vacated spot. Dont touch the door. He got out and circled the car. He moved like a predator. Like a Were. She wondered if it had come from hanging out with Simon Leviathan or if it was just part of his makeup.
I can open a door. Im not an idiot. He helped her out and closed the door.
Can and should are different things. When youre alone or with other people you can open your own door. When youre with me, youll let me take care of you because I like it and because why shouldnt you let me?
He was so incredibly arrogant. In any other man shed have been inspired to slap his face and huff off.
But Dominic wasnt like any other man. On him, it totally worked.
Dont be so bossy. Still it wouldnt do to let him get cocky or take it for granted that hed be getting his way all the time.
He laughed as he opened the door to the boutique gelateria shed discovered just a few months prior. Tom says its written into my genetic code. But youre a big girl, you know how to tell me to back off if thats what needs telling.
Utterly unconcerned with that possibility though, he walked them through the crowd to the counter. What should I get?
My favorite is pistachio. But its all really good.
Meriel, its good to see you!
She laughed and looked up to Dominic. My secrets out. I come here so often they know me by sight.
He leaned down and brushed a kiss against her temple. One look at you and whos going to forget?
He was so good at that.
Blushing, Meriel ordered some pistachio with some chocolate malt for herself and decided on chocolate flake and vanilla malt for Dominic. He reached for his wallet and she sent him a raised brow as she opened her bag. My treat, remember?
He got the cutest furrow between his eyes when he was thwarted. But he shrugged. Thank you. Will you share yours with me? Justa lick or two?
The woman behind the counter choked a little as she handed the change back. Meriel laughed. Yes, hes really like this all the time. Its why I keep him around.
Dominic laughed at that, hugging her closer to his side. As if you could get rid of me.
They sat in his car and shared the gelato. It pleased her that hed liked it so much. It was such a sweet, normal moment. Still, in the air between them their chemistry sizzled and she couldnt help but imagine him naked. Ha, as if she wanted to stop that.
I cant believe Ive never had this before and its only a few blocks from my club. He leaned in and licked her spoon, making her all dizzy and dry mouthed.
He turned enough to meet her gaze and the smirk on his lips told her he knew just exactly what he was doing to her and her hormones.
She had to swallow hard, but she did find her words enough to say, Youre very naughty.
He sat back in his seat and turned the car back on and took them to his club. Im trying to show you just how much, but you keep making me work for it.
She snorted. Please. Whens the last time you had to work to get a woman into bed?
Ignoring the line of cars, he drove straight to the front, got out after giving her a look daring her to open her door on her own. He opened it and helped her out, tossing the keys to the valet. But youre not some woman, he murmured as he escorted her through a side entrance. The same one theyd gone out the night before.
She paused in front of his office door.
What? He put himself in between her and the door. Good gracious, when he did stuff like that it made her all trembly and swoony.
The warding here is off. Can I fix it?
He opened the door and ushered her in. Only if I can watch and youll go slow enough so I can learn.
Dominic never failed to surprise her. Bold. Arrogant. Totally alpha-male material. But he wasnt afraid to ask questions or to learn new things.
So she walked him through the wards, showing him how to amp up the energy with some mini-feedback spells within it. These little steps mean you wont have to use nearly as much from the font. The spell perpetuates its own strength this way.
Cant believe I never thought of that.
Warmed by his praise, she moved through the rest of the ward, pointing out thin spots and minute errors in execution, which left the overall spell weaker and easier to pull apart.
Despite that, she had to give him credit, the work was very, very good, and she told him so.
Thank you.
Can IShe wanted to show him how to use his othersight; it was clear he didnt really access it very well, but she didnt want to embarrass him either.
He stood very close, taking her cheeks in his hands and tipping her face up to see it better. You can. Anything. Just say it.
She swallowed, hard. Can I give you some tips on how to open yourself up more fully to your othersight?
He paused and it made her nervous.
Its just that you do it, but youre not using it to its full potential. Its a very powerful tool.
This will make my spellwork stronger?
Yes. Part of the way magick works when you spellcast is you use energy to form intent. If you use your othersight better, you can manipulate and direct the energy flow more efficiently. Then your spellwork is stronger. Plus, its a good tool in general.
You use it all the time?
Yes. Most witches do. I can show you how to blend it better with your regular consciousness so its not distracting.
Show me. Tell me.
So she took his hands. My mothers bond-mate was my first real magickal teacher, but its really my father who taught me how to use my othersight effectively. He relates to his magick like its math. And since I hate math it took him a while to get to me. But Im thickheaded.
Dominic grinned and ducked in to give her a quick kiss.
Essentially, your othersight is like radar. You open yourself to it, yes, but really its about using your magick to relate to all you see around you. If you use it while you do your spellwork, youll be better able to see the thin spots, where things are weak or the knot with another part of the spell needs to be tighter.
But clearly you can work magick without it. I rarely use it.
Sure you can. But an enterprising witch with a better handle on her othersight than the originator of the spell can spot all the weak points in a spell and unravel them.
Oh. Good point.
Your othersight is there, always. You dont have to make it, or manage it. You just need to make opening yourself up to it part of how you work your magick until its second nature.
She walked him through it, pleased at his quick progress, delighted by his reaction to learning something new. The more he practiced, the better hed be until it was second nature.
When they finished, he pulled her into his arms, slowly, as if they were dancing. The kiss warmed up slowly. A brush of his lips and then another quick one.
Thank you for that. I can see exactly what you mean.
Dizzy with him, she managed a goofy smile, swallowing hard as she looked at that face of his. His eyes were her favorite feature. Thick, dark lashes framed the color, a very pale green, like spring. They were beautiful eyes. His nose was strong, not quite straight. She brushed her thumb from brow to tip.
Broken. Three times.
She smiled and shook her head. Im not surprised. It suits you. Being totally perfect might offend the gods.
The sweet confused pleasure on his face made her weak in the knees.
And then his mouth was on hers again, his taste back where it belonged. Rough hands hauled her close as she opened to his tongue, groaning as he nipped her bottom lip.
The music from outside thumped against the walls, the bass line throbbing deep in her belly.
His hands were on her hips and sliding upward to cup her breasts.
Hers were on his belt, yanking at it when someone banged on the door and he broke the kiss with a snarl.
Well pick up where we left off later. Im sorry. He touched his forehead to hers before easing away, but keeping her hand in his.
Simon came in and looked between the two of them. Evening, Meriel. You look beautiful. Dom, we need to move some cash to the safe. Were at capacity. Bars been full all night long.
Of course. He turned to Meriel. I need to sign some paperwork. Would you like a drink while I do this? Ill set you up at my table; no, not the one with all the women in it from last night.
Am I that obvious?
He kissed her again, hard. Bloodthirsty.
It was rather exciting to know a man like that thought her bloodthirsty.
Lets get you settled and then Ill make very quick work out of this business to get back to you.
True to his word, he escorted her to a table in a far corner. It was tucked back into an alcove of sorts, but offered great views of the entire club. She liked to watch him change from her date into a business owner. He lost all that roguish charm and hardened his features while keeping them polite.
Now lookie here.
She turned in her seat to take Gage in as he slid into the booth beside her a few minutes later.
What on earth is Meriel Owen doing right here in a box that looks a little like something the owner would use? His smirk made her laugh.
Im here on a date with Dominic. This is his table. He had to go sign something or whatever.
Is this why you sounded so sad this morning?
This is such a long story I honestly dont have the energy to recount it all to you now.
Nells back tomorrow. If I can see how different your magick looks, you think shes going to miss it?
If I tell you, its as my friend, not as a member of council staff.
I would never betray your confidences, Meriel.
Hes my bond-mate. She blurted it, knowing if she didnt, shed never get it out. But he grew up outclan. Hes not ready yet and he doesnt have to be. He needs time and Im giving it to him.
Gage nodded, blowing out a breath. All right. Can I help at all?