None for you, but as soon as you step inside, Ill reactivate them. Come on. I wont bite, unlike some people.
Tors chuckle was unstoppable. He stepped inside and closed the door, then followed the witch down a hallway papered in cutout purple and gray velvet damask and into the kitchen, which smelled of candle wax and dried herbs.
Two cups of tea sat on a serving tray, which she picked up before leading him into a living room filled with so much fringe, velvet and glitter, Tor closed his eyes against the overwhelming bling as he sat on the couch. And settled deep into the plushest, most comfortable piece of furniture his body had ever known.
Right? Melissande offered in response to his satisfied groan. I like to become one with my furniture. Thats my favorite spot. If you relax, youll be asleep in two sips.
Tor took a sip of the sweet tea. Not Earl Grey, but it was palatable. I never sleep on the job.
The witch sat on an ottoman before him, which was upholstered in bright red velvet. On the job? Does that mean...?
That meant that Tor had just fended off two crazed creatures who had wanted to get to the heart in the witchs mysterious purse. There was something wrong with that. He couldnt ignore that she was in some kind of trouble. Whether dire or merely mediocre, it didnt matter. When bad things came at you, a person needed to defend themselves. And she didnt seem like someone who knew how to protect herself, even if she did possess magic.
He took another sip of the tea, and his eyelids fluttered. This was good stuff. Hed had a long day. And combined with his growing nerves for tomorrows interview, his body was shot. His tight muscles wanted to release and...
Tors teacup clinked as it hit the saucer. He didnt see the witch extend her magical influence to steady the porcelain set in midair, because sleep hit him like a trolls fist to the skull.
Chapter 3
Melissande leaned over Tor, who was slowly coming awake on the couch. He was so cute. Not a high-school-crush-with-long-bangs-and-a-quirky-smile kind of cute (though there was nothing wrong with that), but rather in a grown-up male I-will-save-you-from-all-that-frightens-you manner. His glossy hair was cut short above his ears, growing to tousle-length at the top of his head. She restrained herself from dipping her fingers into those tempting strands. Didnt want to freak him out and send him running when hed only just agreed to help her.
His face shape was somewhere between an oval and a rectangle, and essentially perfect. Even the remaining smudges of blood at his temple did little to mar his handsome angles. His nose was long yet not too wide or flat. A shadow of stubble darkened his jaw, but she suspected he was a morning shaver and liked to keep as tidy as his knotted tie. The zombie debris smudged on his white shirtsleeves must be driving him batty.
Her gaze traveled to his mouth, while she traced her upper lip with her tongue. The mans lips were firm, and sprinkled with a burgeoning mustache on the skin above. That indent between nose and upper lip was something she wanted to press her finger to. It was called a philtrum, if she recalled her explorations in anatomy (for spellcraft, of course). Maybe, if she was really sneaky...
Tor startled and Melissande quickly stood, tucking the offending finger behind her back. Good morning!
She waited for him to fully register wakefulness. He shook his head, stretched out his arms and curled his fingers. Then he patted his chest as if to reassure himself of a heartbeat. His next move was grasping for the large crystal hooked at his beltshe figured it was a kind of talisman.
The man looked around the living room, brightly lit by the duck-fluff sunshine beaming through the patio-door windowsand groaned. What the hell did you put in that tea, witch?
Chamomile and lavender. You had a long and trying day. And you said you were tired, so I knew those specific herbs would help you along.
Help me along? To where? Oblivion? That stuff was hexed. It knocked me out like a prizefighters punch. Its morning? Bloody hell. I have business
Its only eleven.
Eleven? He stood and ran his fingers through his hair. Ive slept half the day.
Ive made breakfast. You have time to eat and get a grasp on the day.
He winced. The man really did have a hard time coming out of a chamomile-tea sleep. Sans spell. She hadnt added anything to the tea leaves. Honest.
Appointments at he checked his watch one.
Good, then youve time. This way!
She skipped into the kitchen, which gleamed from a cleaning with lemon juice and vinegar. It was the coziest place Melissande could imagine to create. The kitchen was a large circle that hugged the front corner of the house. A pepper-pot turret capped the room two stories up, giving it an airy, yet still cozy vibe. Everywhere hung tools of her trade such as dried herbs twisted into powerful protection sigils, a bucket of coal (all-purpose magical uses), abundance and peace spells carved into the wooden windowsills, and charm bags hung with bird feet, anise stars and such. Drying fruits and herbs hung before the windows and from the ceiling. Crystals suspended from thin red string dazzled in all the windows. And the curved, velvet-cushioned settee that hugged the front of the house and looked out on the yard glinted from the tangerine quartz that danced as if it were a fringe along the upper row of curtains.
On the stretch of kitchen counter sat the fruit bowl shed prepared while listening to Tors soft and infrequent snores. She had already eaten, because who can prepare a meal without tasting? And really, shed risen with the sun to collect fading peony petals for a tincture.
Stretching out his arms in a flex that bulged his muscles beneath the fitted shirt, Tor wandered into the kitchen and cast his gaze about. He took in the herbs hanging above and the sun catchers glinting in the windows, and then his eyes landed on the frog immediately to his left, at eye level.
He jumped at the sight of the curious amphibian. What the bloody? A floating frog?
Melissande shooed the frog into the dining area where the table mimicked the curve of the windows and wall. The fat, squat amphibian slowly made its way forward, but not without a protesting croak. He did not care to be ordered about. Thats Bruce, my familiar. And he does not float.
Looks like its floating to me. Tor sat before the counter, checking Bruce with another assessing glance.
Hes a levitating frog, Melissande provided with authority.
I dont think I understand the difference.
Anyone, or any creature, can float. And a floater just, well...floats. But a frog who levitates? That implies hes doing it of his free will. Not many can do that. Am I right?
Tors brow lifted in weird acceptance. He tugged at his tie.
I hope you like smoothie bowls. She pushed the bowl of breakfast toward him and held up a spoon.
Tor took the spoon, but his attention was all over the bowl of pureed kiwi and pear spotted with dragon fruit cut in the shape of stars and sprinkles of cacao and coconut. Its...blue?
The algae powder makes it blue. Lots of good minerals in that. Do you like hemp seeds?
I...dont know. He prodded a small pear sphere that she had cut out and added to the bowl arranged to look like a night sky filled with stars. Its so...decorative. Im not sure I can eat it.
The algae powder makes it blue. Lots of good minerals in that. Do you like hemp seeds?
I...dont know. He prodded a small pear sphere that she had cut out and added to the bowl arranged to look like a night sky filled with stars. Its so...decorative. Im not sure I can eat it.
Of course you can. Dig in. Its super healthy, and the dragon fruit is only in season for a short time. I already ate. I have a tendency to graze more than sit down for official meals. When youre finished we can discuss your payment plan.
My payment plan? He scooped a helping of the smoothie and tasted it. With an approving nod, he ate more.
You did say you were on the job last night. I took that to mean you were going to protect me.
She fluttered her eyelashes, knowing she had abnormally long lashes. The action was one of her well-honed man-catcher moves. Well, she hadnt actually field-tested it as a kinetic magic, but surely it had some power.
Tor sighed, and the spoon clinked the side of the bowl. Really? Using the ole bat-your-lashes move on me?
Did it work? she asked gleefully.
He shook his head and snickered. I am impervious.
Standing on the opposite side of the counter from him, Melissande leaned onto her elbows and gave him another devastating flutter. Thats very sad that a man has to make himself impervious to a harmless little thing like me.
You, I suspect, are far from harmless. He plucked out a star of white dragon fruit speckled with tiny black seeds and downed it. Stabbing the air in her direction with the spoon, he said, Im not buying the tea story. There was something in that brew. And you are a witch.
Wow, you got that on the first guess.
Dont patronize me. I know my paranormals. All ilks, from shapeshifters to alchemists, to the feral and the half-breeds. And I know... He set down the spoon and looked her straight in the eyes.
And Melissandes heart did a giddy dance as his brown irises glinted with such a promise she didnt know how to describe it, only it made her knowjust knowthat he had been the right choice. In more ways than she could fully realize.
Fine. He looked away from her gaze, clutching for the knot in his tie to ease at it self-consciously.
Fine?
He conceded with a headshake that was neither a yes nor a no. At least, he was trying hard not to make it an all-out yes. To judge from the events that have taken place since weve met, it is obvious you need protection fromwhatever that thing you have in your purse is attracting. And I would never refuse to defend anyone in need.
Melissande clasped her hands together.
But I would prefer you simply hand over the heart and let me place it in safekeeping.
Cant do that, because I know you wont give it back.
You are correct. The Agency takes containment and security very seriously. Once we obtain an item, there is no way in hellor Beneathwell let that thing out of hand or sight.
Then thats a big no way on the safekeeping suggestion. And I know you cant take it from me because that would be stealing, and thatll have magical repercussions.
Yeah? Did you steal the heart?
I... She walked her fingers along the counter toward the dish towel and grabbed it, then turned to dust the front of the fridge.
As suspected. Guess that means Im on the clock for the next handful of days, eh?
Melissande tossed the towel to the sink and clapped gleefully. Oh, thank you! You wont regret it. I wont be trouble. I promise.
That promise has already been broken. Twice over. He scooped in more of the smoothie. But this ornamental fruit thingy makes up for some of it. He twisted his wrist to check his watch. I didnt expect to take on a protection job. I do have other plans, and an online appointment I need to make in less than two hours. I have to go home to clean up and prepare.
Then youll come back?
He finished off the smoothie bowl and stood. Youre coming with me. From this moment, I wont let you out of my sight. Not until our contract is complete.
We have a contract?
He held out his hand to shake, and Melissande slapped her palm against his. His wide, strong hand held hers firmly. And if she hadnt been so excited for his acceptance, she would have swooned in utter bliss. Maybe she did a little of it anyway, but she gripped the counter to keep her knees from bending and sinking too far into the silly reaction.
Yes, now we have a gentlemans contract, he said. Grab whatever you need for the day. Well discuss details and logistics later, after Ive finished with the appointment. Do you think you can stay out of my hair while I do that?
Of course. Although, youve some very nice hair. I almost ran my fingers through it while I was watching you sleep.
You were watch Tor put up a palm. Dont want to know. Lets head out.
Ill get my things!
Uh... Tor glanced toward the dining table. The frog stays here.
Of course he does, Melissande said. With a snap of her fingers, the door leading out to the narrow side yard opened a few inches. Hell be going out for his noontime bug hunt, anyway!
This was not how hed intended his day to go.
Tor liked to keep to a schedule, which could be significantly different from day to day. But that he planned in advance for the following days events was key. He was always prepared, even for surprises.
Most surprises, anyway. A cute witch sitting in his van with a strange, glowing heart in her purse? That had been an unexpected one.
He walked into his apartment, followed by the witch, who carried two big bags ofwhatever it was witches felt the need to carry with them. Please, do not let it be rank and slithery spell supplies. He didnt mind the creepy stuff, so long as it was on his terms.
Ive but an hour before the interview, he said with a glance at his watch. This is the kitchen. There are food and drinks in the fridge. Im going to shower and shave. Please, dont touch anything that looks like it shouldnt be touched.
So that means everything? Melissande dropped her bags to either side of her feet.
Tor winced as he heard something hard clunk against the marble floor. Exactly. You did bring the heart along?
Of course.
I assume youve hexed it well to prevent those we dont want sensing it from...sensing it?
Hexes are dark magic. Of which I am learning. Fast. Although protection requires a ward instead of a hex. She bent and dug out a container from the tapestry bag and held it up. It was a clear plastic container, of the sort women used to store food, which they then placed in their pantries.
Thats... Tor winced. Really? Is that a plastic food container?
She nodded enthusiastically. I store all my spell stuff in these. Theyre sturdy, and I have the whole pink set. And its got a stay-fresh seal on the cover.
First it was a floating frogmake that a levitating frogand now flimsy plastic kitchenware to protect a foul and officious artifact that seemed to attract the denizens of evil. And hed yet to learn if that black line that curled out at the corner of each of Melissandes eyes into a swish was intentional or a slip of the wrist.