Mum was very forgetful and when Dad asked for the final time whether we had everything, Mum got irritated. ‘For God’s sake, just drive,’ she snarled.
‘Just checking, Mary,’ Dad said, and he started the engine. The drive to Kent wasn’t long. I was looking forward to my grandfather’s magical dinner, a delicious turkey with jacket potatoes, stuffing, and his special sauce with a dash of magic. My mouth was already watering.
For at least a day, I didn’t have to worry about Ella, work—or Nathaniel La Caz. The memories of our date together were still daunting. I hoped that he at least would want to see me again. After all, we’d gone through a lot together.
It was cold when we left London, and it started snowing when we reached Kent. My mother was singing Christmas tunes. Dad was calm, lost in his elf thoughts. My grandparents lived in a large five-bedroom mansion with a few acres of land. They used to have horses, but after my grandmother retired, she didn’t want to keep them.
‘I was worried about all of you. In the news, there was something about snow showers,’ cried Grandma, standing in the doorway when we got out of the car. It was snowing heavily now, so for a change, the weatherman was right. My grandmother was tall, slim, and still in excellent shape. She was nearly seventy, but she still participated in the Elves Association. She had white-blond hair and blue eyes like every elf. Her nose reminded me of my father’s and her long chin of mine. She was dressed in a Coco Chanel blue suit.
‘We are here, Mum. You shouldn’t have worried,’ my father said, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
‘Barbra.’ Mum nodded, hugging her awkwardly and passing into the house. ‘It’s so terrible what happened to Claudia. I hope they’re going to find her soon.’
‘Tell me about it, Mary. She is so gentle,’ Grandma said before she hugged me and whispered, ‘There you are, my favourite half-elf granddaughter. I hope you have been practising your spells because I want to see what else you learned, so no one can take you away. Oh my, you smell of another creature. Who have you been hanging out with?’
Shit! Can she smell Nathaniel? It’s been days since I’ve seen him.
‘As usual, Grandma, I work with every creature on this earth,’ I replied, trying to get away from her. But she was staring directly into my eyes, trying to read me. Spells wouldn’t help if someone wanted to snatch me away. Claudia was a great example.
‘No, that’s not it. I smell a powerful man, but I can’t distinguish the breed,’ she muttered.
‘Barbra, leave Julia alone. You are such a nuisance,’ said my grandfather Fred from the corridor.
My grandmother’s nostrils flared and her mouth tightened. She let me in, and I slipped into the warm house, wondering whether Nathaniel had left any mark on my body.
It was just one kiss. She wouldn’t recognise a Dhampir through a scent, would she?
My grandparents’ house was old, dating back to 1860. They lived in a small village near Canterbury, where everyone knew each other and everyone was supernatural. When I was little, I was always afraid of this house, the squeaky staircase, and the voices in the dark rooms. I was convinced the house was haunted and even now in my mid-twenties, I was uncomfortable staying here more than one night.
‘There is my Julia.’ Grandpa Fred embraced me in a breathless hug. He smelled of whisky and cinnamon.
‘How are you, Grandpa?’ I asked him, staring at his bright, wrinkled face. He was also a full elf, but now bald. Five years older than my grandmother, he suffered from arthritis in his knee.
‘Good, marvelous. I was waiting for you to play chess with me,’ he said and leaned in, whispering, ‘No magic allowed.’
My parents were already sitting on the wide sofa near a blazing fire. A large painting on the wall showed my grandparents’ wedding day, held in the back of the house. I spotted a large live Christmas tree in the right corner and glossy presents. The magic objects my grandmother collected throughout her life were placed on the windowsill; I could have sworn I saw an old figure moving slightly. Antique furniture that cost a fortune filled the room.
‘Of course, Grandpa, after dinner,’ I said. Magic filled this house, and I knew that my mother could feel it, because her eyes were twinkling at the corners and she was looking around as if she saw insects, but she would never admit to us what she felt. Dad got up and started pouring some champagne for everyone.
‘Barbra, how is your housing association meeting going?’ asked Mum, trying to make conversation. Grandma frowned but smiled, trying to think about her answer. My mother was convinced my grandmother was still active in the neighbourhood house association.
The truth was that Grandma and Mum never had anything in common, but they were always polite to each other. As far as I knew, Grandma insisted on me going to a certain school. She used to meddle in my upbringing and my mum didn’t like it.
Grandma wanted to use magic all the time, but she couldn’t do that in front of a human. My grandmother was the head of the family. She was the one who taught me how to control my energy and magic, sometimes with miserable effects.
They chatted for a while, the conversation awkward, then while my parents were nodding, listening to Grandma, my Grandpa said, ‘Let’s open some presents, Julia. Otherwise I will fall asleep.’
‘I thought you would never ask.’ I giggled as I sat on the floor, checking the packages. Dad had purchased all our presents a few weeks ago; I never liked to buy anything at the last minute. This year, I gave Grandpa a new wallet and of course, as usual, warm socks.
‘So how is your work, child? I can’t see how that giant is making that business profitable in this economic climate.’
‘The business is great, but the last couple of weeks were manic. I’m glad I could have some time off,’ I explained, ripping off the wrapping paper of a new urban fantasy series.
‘This is the one in which the vampire falls in love with the human girl. Very unrealistic, I must tell you,’ Grandpa said. He knew that I like reading and he often tried to make a point that humans had no idea what they were talking about in fantasy books. I laughed, and before we knew it, Grandma and my parents joined us.
Half an hour later, I ended up with a new watch, five new books, a makeup set, and something that looked like a pen.
‘What is this?’ I asked Grandpa while Mum was busy showing Grandma how to use a new mixer that she bought her. From Grandma’s expression, she didn’t look pleased.
‘It’s made from a unicorn antler. It’s supposed to protect the person it’s given to. It was your grandmother’s idea; she had some dark visions,’ Grandpa explained. I nodded without saying any more and slipped the magical object into my pocket, hoping to examine it later on.
After one o’clock everyone was pretty hungry. We weren’t a standard elf family because my father married a human, so everything had to be done a traditional way, without magic. Grandma didn’t have much patience for cooking; she found it disgraceful so Grandpa took charge in the kitchen.
Soon I was enjoying a delicious turkey and everyone began to relax. I always liked spending Christmas with my grandparents. Although conversations about magic were prohibited, we always found something that would entertain us.
Chapter twenty-six
How would Grandma know about Magic Shot? La Caz Corporation only just began the production.
‘Mum, do you need help with moving some stuff from the attic?’ asked Dad, polishing off his second serving of turkey. I was stuffed and pushed my plate away. I wasn’t sure whether I would have any space for Christmas pudding. Mum was chatting away with Grandpa Fred about her new recipe she found online.
‘Mr. Nibble will come over after Christmas, so not to worry,’ said Grandma and she waved her hand, I think to get some more gravy, but my father stopped her just in time.
‘I don’t get it why you need to get this old antiques dealer involved. We will be here until Sunday so we can take care of it,’ Dad insisted.
‘Don’t be silly; you have to rest
. You have been working too much—’
Oh no, not the suspension spell!
Before Dad could do anything, Grandma was already muttering the spell, and as I expected, my mother stopped talking and became immobile within seconds.
‘Mum, I told you that you can’t do this to her. She is part of the family and this spell might have side effects,’ Dad said, furious.
Grandma cut him off. ‘I couldn’t wait any longer to ask you about these odd kidnappings and Claudia, for heaven’s sake. We have been worried sick. And this spell is safe. She won’t even remember anything.’
Grandma charmed Mum every time she wanted to talk about something important when Mum couldn’t be included in the conversation. Only Grandma was able to produce that kind of spell, and she was the most stubborn elf I ever knew, so if she wanted to talk about the kidnappings in London, then nothing would stop her, not even Dad.
‘Mum, you know that I can’t talk about this right now. The investigation is still pending. We are doing everything we can,’ Dad said, irritated and pursing his lips.
‘I’m the head of the Elves Association, young man, so don’t try to teach me about protocol. I’ve got elves and fairies ringing me from all over London, asking what the hell is going on and my own grandchild has vanished. What if Claudia is already dead?’
‘We still haven’t found anyone, but we suspect a few paranormals. As I said yesterday afternoon you need to leave this to me.’ Dad finished his wine looking angry, as I suspected he already had this conversation with her yesterday.
‘Then go to the Vampires Association and demand an answer! Nothing like this has ever happened in the past. Personally, I think that it has something to do with that Magic Shot, the vampire blood that allows them to keep away from humans. Maybe whoever is behind the production is draining Claudia.’
I felt as if I needed more air.
How would Grandma know about Magic Shot? La Caz Corporation only just began the production.
I was waiting with anticipation for Dad to say more, but he was hesitating.
‘I haven’t got any evidence yet, Mum. I need to handle this carefully. Claudia’s life and the lives of those fairies and elves that vanished are the most important at the moment, so I can’t just act like vampires are to blame. I already investigated this lead and as far as I know the production is clear.’
‘Vampires are always craving our blood and you can’t ignore them. We don’t even know how the Magic Shot is being produced and from—’
‘Mum, I know exactly how this shot is produced, and you need to remember that I’m the police. I won’t have this conversation during dinner, so can you please release my wife from this charm?’ Dad demanded in a serious tone. ‘Otherwise we are leaving.’
Grandma wanted to say more, but she knew my father wouldn’t hesitate to leave, so she clapped her palms and my mother flinched.
‘Can someone pass me some water? I think I feel dizzy,’ said Mum, looking confused.
‘Here, darling,’ said Grandpa, giving his wife a stern look. The suspension charm wasn’t dangerous, but Dad didn’t like it when his mother used magic on his wife. His jaw was tensed, but for Grandma this conversation wasn’t finished.
I suddenly lost my appetite. She couldn’t be serious. Magic Shot produced by Nathaniel couldn’t be made of elf and fairy blood. I didn’t believe that he would be capable of doing something like that. When Mum went to the kitchen to help Grandpa with the pudding, I thought about Magic Shot and Nathaniel. The one that had been found near where Claudia vanished contained fairy blood, but Nathaniel mentioned that his van has been highjacked, so anyone could have produced that.
Was I that stupid? Was he really interested in me or was he just using me, so he wouldn’t be a suspect?
La Caz hadn’t contacted me since our dinner, and in the evening, I used Grandpa’s old-school computer to check my emails. But he didn’t write to me. I sat back, frustrated, in my grandparents’ library, wondering whether I had made a mistake. From the beginning, it was obvious he wanted my blood. He wasn’t interested in a relationship.
In the evening, we all gathered to go out for a walk. This was one of our other traditions that we commenced before the Christmas film. Sometimes my father’s sister Dorothy would join us, but she was grieving over Claudia and she wasn’t willing to travel in case there would be any news.
I went to bed around midnight; I was exhausted and overindulged with food. When my head touched the pillow, I didn’t want to think about London or about Nathaniel La Caz. He was my past. Maybe he sparked wild emotions in my belly, but I was afraid to disappoint my family and dishonour the caste of elves.
I always had trouble sleeping the first night at my grandparents’. I had my own bedroom, which I decorated myself when I was fifteen. I had a wardrobe filled with clothes and with magic. A few hours later, I fell asleep, thinking about the odd noises above me. It was probably magic and the energy that the house kept hidden from the human who was staying here: my mother.
***
Next day, I didn’t wake up until late. I had two whole days of comfort, but Grandma would probably insist on teaching me new spells. I didn’t mind. When I went downstairs, Grandpa was cleaning using magic. When I asked him about my parents, he waved his hand too quickly and everything turned upside down and went straight to the floor.
‘No distractions, young lady. I was always terrible with these prep spells,’ Grandpa said. ‘Come on, fix it. Let’s see if you remember.’
I put my hands together and concentrated on my energy. I was never good at cleaning; that’s why I always did my housework the traditional way, as my grandmother called it, a ‘boring and inefficient task.’
I felt my skin glimmer and my fingers started shimmering; I whispered the spell in my mind. Then I heard a noise and I opened my eyes. I didn’t clean anything; I burned the pot instead.
‘Never mind, sugar, I never liked this pot anyway.’ Grandpa Fred chuckled, and with a quick movement, the floor was clean and the pot was in the bin.
‘I don’t think I’ll ever learn this. Besides, I’m used to cooking without magic,’ I said, mortified. ‘Where are Mum and Dad, by the way?’
‘Went with your grandmother to visit her Cousin Rosie’s grave. They should be back for lunch.’
Aunt Rosie was my grandmother’s sister. She was also a full-blooded elf but had died at an early age when she killed herself in the attic. Even during this festive period, my grandmother had to visit her grave.
‘I think I’ll take a walk to the village. I want to get those biscuits that are charmed and change into marshmallows after you put them into your mouth,’ I said.
‘Just make sure you don’t give them to your mum, because then we would have to use the memory charm and your father won’t be happy about that.’
‘Not to worry, Grandpa.’ I giggled and kissed him on the cheek.
Chapter twenty-seven
No one can convince me that this is a coincidence.
It was still snowing when I left the house. I passed the gate and the long field, stepping into the wide country road. Memories from my childhood were flashing through my mind. My attention span wasn’t great and every time my grandmother had tried to teach me control I’d burned or broke her antique furniture.
The village was surrounded by fields that were now covered with snow. I had to walk for at least a mile before I got to the street with small family-run boutiques. Everyone who lived there was supernatural. This community was always close to magic since generations of paranormal families had lived here for centuries. My grandmother was well known in the village because of her status in the Elves Association.
The cold brisk wind was howling from the west as I moved between the houses. On Boxing Day, the couple who ran the sweet shop always made something special. Last year, it was a toffee that made my tongue shine; this year I was hoping to get the biscuits I was telling Grandpa about.
My blond hair was floating in the
wind and I shoved my hands into my pockets. I reached the more inhabited part of the village. All the houses were detached, with beautiful Christmas lights. I spotted a few children who were running around, excited about the snow. Most of the creatures who lived here worked in London, but some of them were in agriculture.
I reached a few pubs and a sweet shop called Little Gem. My shoes were soaking wet and I was cold. I saw a few cars parked outside the pub. I was hoping that the couple who ran the sweet shop would have some of that special hot chocolate, so I could get warm.
‘Julia.’
I heard my name and turned around to see Nathaniel, who looked even more glorious in this grey weather. I dropped my jaw, staring at him in utter disbelief.
No one can convince me that this is a coincidence.
I didn’t know what to do or how to behave, as the wind blew and the aroma of sweet apples, mint leaves, and lemons hit me. Our brief kiss flashed through my mind. His pupils expanded and with the speed of a vampire, I was in his arms, drinking him in. My body failed me again because it stopped responding; my heart lurched in my chest. When he kissed me, I forgot where I was and what was happening to me. His lips pressed hard against mine as his warm hand slipped under my coat, searching for my bare skin. I let out a groan of pleasure when his tongue probed inside my mouth. His hand brushed against my breast.
Someone on the street called out, ‘Get a room,’ so I quickly pulled away from him. I glanced at two teenagers who were rushing away, laughing. Nathaniel’s eyes were darker than a second ago. I was surprised that he was controlling himself so well around me. I’d just fallen into his arms like everything else didn’t matter.
‘What are you doing here? Don’t expect me to believe a story about you being in the neighbourhood.’ My voice gave away how breathless he made me feel.
Paranormal Personnel Saga Box Set - Books 1-3 Page 13