Elemental's Domain

by Yvette Bostic

  Braden glared at Gordon. Why was he mad at the man who did everything he asked? Hopefully not because he was being nice to me.

  “Did you have any trouble getting through customs?” the elder asked.

  “Not at all,” Gordon replied. He reached in the box, pulling out two leather bi-fold wallets. “Your passports and driver’s licenses. She is currently a naturalized British citizen. I couldn’t get in touch with the US contact in time to have something made. Hopefully it will pass scrutiny.”

  Braden’s expression softened and the tension around him melted away. “Well done. I hate to test it on Mexico’s border, but we won’t have a choice.”

  “I have a passport from Kellen,” I stated. “I can go to his place and pick it up.”

  “And whose name is on it?” Braden asked, pulling more stuff from the box.

  “Mine,” I mumbled.

  “And how will you get there?” he pressed.

  I shot an angry glare at him and he flinched. “I’m trying not to hate you,” I hissed.

  “And I’m trying not to like you,” he growled. “It seems even my most trusted vampire falls for your charms.”

  “Are you kidding? He’s nice to me, something civilized people just do,” I retorted, tearing my gaze from Braden. “Gordon, if Braden told you to kill me, would your heart be broken over it?” I rolled my eyes at the ridiculousness of it. Vampires didn’t feel, most of them anyway.

  He looked at Braden and shrugged.

  “By all means, answer her question,” Braden spat.

  “Of course not,” Gordon replied, glancing at his master nervously. “But it would be a waste of perfectly good blood. Not to mention her power as a mage.”

  I spun back to Braden with my icy glare. “Can we be civilized now?”

  Braden’s confused emotions battered me, cooling my temper. He’d been without them for centuries and was now bombarded by my erratic behavior. I’d be grumpy too if I were him.

  “We need to have a plan before we go to Mexico,” he said, not really answering my question.

  “I agree. I’m sure you overheard my earlier conversation with Dusha. Can we start from there?”

  “Yes. We can talk while we organize the rest of your belongings.” Braden proceeded to open yet another box, this one containing more suitcases. Once again, he separated the small one from the larger one, then pointed at the last box. “This is yours.”

  I almost said something but decided not to. I owed him big time, knowing that everything in that box would be high quality and ‘no blue jeans.’

  “Thank you,” I said, pushing the box with my toes.

  “We’ve already had that discussion,” he said, his lips twitching into a smile. His fluctuating moods were making me dizzy.

  “And I will always say thank you whether you think it’s necessary or not,” I stated, kicking the box again. “It’s my gratitude to give however I like.”

  “Fine, and it’s my money to spend however I like.”

  I smiled. We sounded like children.

  “But I don’t like your plan,” he continued. “On the surface, it sounds reasonable, but you cannot go in there alone.”

  “You can’t come with me,” I said. “How will that look to the vampires who might be wavering in their loyalty?”

  “It will look like I’m on the winning side,” he replied. “I have an idea for your ‘spectacular display.’” He air quoted the last, and I narrowed my eyes at him.

  “What happens if we have to fight?” I asked. “They will see you as a traitor if you attack your own. You already made it clear that Sergey’s people won’t protect me.”

  “But mine will, and I suspect some of them will be there.” He pulled several pairs of shoes from the box in front of him and set them in the smaller suitcase. “The large case is for you. Gordon can help you repack if needed.”

  I visualized the tall dark vampire folding the silk panties in my suitcase and failed to suppress my giggle. “That’s okay. I’m sure he’s already been demoralized enough by choosing my wardrobe.” I winked at him and he smiled. “Which is astounding, by the way. I love this fabric.” I shook a leg at him and he stifled his laugh.

  “Back to business, children,” Braden said, but I could hear the humor in his voice.

  “Sorry, I’m easily distracted,” I muttered.

  Gordon snorted and I stuck my tongue out at him.

  “So, what’s your grand idea that will scare them shitless?” I asked, turning back to Braden.

  “We’ll discuss it in the car,” he replied. “Right now, Gordon and I need to make plans for Vail and possibly Simon.” He glanced at his most trusted ally. “Ernesto and Yutaka will never budge from Jack’s side. Vail is young and impressionable. Find out what he sacrificed to Yutaka to get his claim.”

  “Bryce had several leads on Vail’s dealings,” Gordon said, picking up my box and putting it on the sofa. “I can pick up where he left off.”

  I wheeled the larger suitcase next to the box, piling shoes, belts, and two very pretty purses in the suitcase while they kept talking. Some of the names they mentioned were familiar, but I didn’t want to look like an idiot and ask. So, I took one of the purses back out, deciding to carrying it. The soft tan leather looked great with my new outfit.

  “Any connections with Simon?” Braden asked.

  “Not really, and he’ll be suspicious if I try to approach him,” Gordon replied, bringing me another box.

  He peeled it open, and I tried not to act like an excited little girl. But it was filled with girlie stuff; brushes, a hair dryer and flat iron, all kinds of shiny barrettes and hair bands. I clamped my hand over my mouth as I pulled out a string of silk scarves, each one a different color. Tears clouded my vision. Did he know about the insecurity I tried to hide? He couldn’t, could he? No, he got them to hide my ears.

  I looked up at Gordon, standing next to me. He smiled and tilted his head at Braden. “I just got what was on the list,” he said.

  “Don’t say it,” Braden grumbled. His emotions didn’t match his tone. He was relieved and satisfied with my reaction.

  “Thank you,” I said anyway, unthreading a pearl colored scarf from the others.

  He huffed. “Finish packing. I want to leave in thirty minutes.”

  I stuffed the rest of my things into the suitcase while they made travel arrangements. When I finished, I grabbed my old phone and started transferring my contact list, which only consisted of three numbers: Kellen’s, Logan’s, and Brian’s. I really needed to talk to Kellen and Logan, but I didn’t want to do it in front of Braden. His confused emotional state would only get worse if he had to witness my feelings for my partner and my vampire. I sighed. Kellen wasn’t my partner anymore if I’d interpreted Aviur’s cryptic comment correctly. One more thing I needed to face.

  “I’m going down the lobby to make a phone call,” I said, picking up my new purse and scarf, and heading for the door.

  “Gordon, go with her,” Braden said.

  “I don’t need a babysitter.”

  “He’s not a babysitter. He’s there to ensure your safety.”

  “Whatever. I’m getting ready to face down an army of vampires and you’re worried about me being in the lobby of a hotel?” I stormed out, not waiting for Gordon but knowing he would be forced to join me. At least I didn’t have to worry about his emotions.

  He caught up to me while I waited for the elevator, dragging both of my suitcases. I laughed.

  “Taking my luggage to the car?” I asked.

  “Yep,” he replied. “The boss will be down in five minutes.”

  “Lovely.”

  The elevator door opened and we went in. Gordon pushed the ‘L’ button and I wound my fingers in the strap on my purse. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to carry one. I’d have the strap worn out the first day.

  “Can you tell me what’s up with Braden?” he asked as we watched the little light track across the numbered floors.

&nb
sp; “No. It’ll be up to him to share or not,” I answered.

  “He’s always been fascinated with you,” he said.

  I looked up at him and frowned. “Really?”

  “Yep, don’t tell him I told you, though. It’ll probably end badly for me.”

  “Then why are you telling me?” I asked. “How do you know I won’t betray that confidence?”

  He turned to face me, his expression becoming very serious. “That’s not who you are,” he said. “My parents were both witches. My mother could see someone’s future, and my father was the best alchemist in England.” The elevator announced our arrival on the first floor, and he pushed my luggage through. “I had a vision of you and him together, fighting Jack’s army side-by-side.”

  He left me standing there, my mouth hanging open until the doors started to shut again. I zipped past them and watched him stroll out of the lobby and into the parking lot. He and I needed to chat before we left.

  I shook my head. Kellen first. I tapped on Kellen’s contact page and listened to the phone ring several times. My heart started pounding in my chest when he didn’t answer. He wouldn’t recognize the number and would probably ignore it. His voicemail came on and I waited for the beep.

  “Kellen, it’s me. I really need to talk to you and Logan both. So much has happened in the last few hours and none of it is good. Well, some of it, but most not. Anyway, I, um…” I paused. “Make your elementals tell you what happened and why. I love you.”

  I ended the call with tears in my eyes. Would Logan make me leave a message as well? Could I talk to him if he didn’t? I wasn’t sure. I tapped on his contact number and listened to it ring. My heart sank when it went to voicemail.

  “Logan?” I choked and took a deep breath. “Please know I love you more than life itself. I told Göksu to explain, but...” I took another shuddering breath. “I love you. I’ll try to call again later.”

  I ended the call, feeling worse than when I started. I wasn’t even sure I wanted them to call back, not with Braden around. The elevator beeped behind me, and Braden’s presence surrounded me, along with his concern and annoyance.

  “Where is Gordon?” he asked.

  “Putting my stuff in the car,” I replied, dropping my phone in my purse and heading towards the door. He had to know I was crying, but I wouldn’t let him see my tears.

  Chapter 13

  I didn’t get to talk to Gordon before we parted ways, leaving me with too many unanswered questions. He’d obviously told Braden about his vision, creating his interest in me. How long ago was that and what else had he seen? Just as important, did all vampires carry some part of their human magic? Or did Gordon have those visions before he became a vampire? I didn’t know and wouldn’t get a chance to ask anytime soon. Braden and I were on our way to the airport.

  I rolled my new cell phone over in my hand looking at the blank screen and forcing different questions into my mind. What the hell was I doing sitting here moping over a phone call that might not come like a lovesick little girl? Doing exactly that—moping like a lovesick little girl. Which was absurd. First because I wasn’t a little girl, second because I wasn’t lovesick. Yeah sure, but I shouldn’t be. I’d only known Logan for a couple months. How was being separated from him breaking my heart so badly? Maybe because he was my first real love, or possibly because he was the first person who accepted me. Not Alisandra the Magister, not the little mage who intrigued an elder vampire, and not a weapon to save the supernatural world. He loved me. And look how that turned out.

  “I don’t suppose you’re tired?” Braden asked, interrupting my moping.

  “Not really, why?” I asked.

  “Your emotions are wearing me out,” he replied.

  “Sorry,” I mumbled. “It’ll get better when I sort them.” I looked at my phone again.

  “How long does that normally take?”

  I drew in a long, deep breath and stuffed my phone in my purse, giving him my full attention. “Let’s talk about your plan,” I suggested. “It’ll distract me from my own stupidity.”

  “You are not stupid,” he said glancing at me from the driver’s seat of our legal car.

  “Whatever. Tell me the plan.”

  “There is a spell that will push vines from the earth and entrap anything that touches them,” he said. “The right combination of spells will turn those same vines poisonous.”

  “I know the spells,” I said, but his suggestion intrigued me. Did he retain his fae magic after the elementals stole his soul? “Can you not perform them?”

  “No,” he grunted. “I know they can be done, but the knowledge of how was stolen from me by your elemental.”

  I didn’t miss his resentment. It filled the car, threatening to suffocate me. I wanted to argue they weren’t my elementals, but they sure spent a lot of time and effort on me.

  “You know fae magic cannot be spoken out loud, correct?” he asked when I didn’t respond to his comment.

  “Yes, when I tried to explain something to Kellen, I felt the barrier keeping it locked in my mind.”

  “The fae keep their magic secret for good reason,” he said. “The harsh treatment of non-conformers is necessary to keep everyone safe. I’m surprised the queen indulges your father like she does.” He glanced at me, his eyes narrowing for a moment. “Anyway, I think you should trap as many as possible, especially those on the front line. I suspect they will be mine and Sergey’s. I’d like to keep them alive.”

  “I can do that, but I if I add poison to the vines, it will be all of them,” I said. “I’m not sure how to be selective, especially if I’m distracted by someone trying to kill me.”

  Signs for the airport drew Braden’s attention for several minutes as he navigated to the airport drop off. He put the car in park and turned to me.

  “Most vampires are unaware of the threat you represent,” he said. “The fae never get involved in affairs they consider beneath them. The only knowledge the magical world has of the fae is rumor and legends. If you can catch them off guard and trap the front lines, we’ll only have to fight against Ernesto’s warriors.” He turned off the engine and popped the trunk, nodding at the porter standing outside my door. “We’ll continue our discussion on the plane.”

  I stepped out of the car and looked around. We weren’t at the normal drop off with signs for all the airlines. There were no signs at all, just the porter loading our luggage onto a cart and taking money from Braden. Not wanting to look like a complete idiot, I followed the elder vampire through the automatic glass doors and into a small brick building.

  An airport employee asked for our identification, while our luggage disappeared through another door on the opposite side. Braden gave him my fake documents, and I tugged at the scarf loosely wrapped over my head.

  “Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Black,” the man said, handing back our stuff. “Your plane is ready at the gate. Please step through the scanner and have a nice flight.”

  Braden nodded, stepping through an arched scanner. I tried not to look surprised at my ‘husband.’ It was my own fault for not checking my ID before now. I hadn’t even thought about it. Gordon had given everything to Braden, and asking what my fake name was never crossed my mind. So stupid and naïve, I thought.

  I sighed and followed him, my mind shifting to the minimal security. He must be using a private jet. It was the only explanation for the absence of people and long lines I’d expected. It was amazing what a pile of money did to make things easier.

  Braden waited at the door for me, pushing it open and letting me go through first.

  “That was sneaky,” I whispered, low enough that only he could hear.

  “You expect me to travel with a woman I’m not married to?” he asked, equally quiet as we made our way down a long hallway.

  “People do it all the time,” I grumbled.

  “Yes, but being married eliminates suspicions and stupid questions.”

  His logic made sense, but I wo
uldn’t tell him that. The hall ended at yet another door and we stepped out onto the bright sunlight reflecting off the blacktop. The same porter exited the side door of a sleek jet.

  “Everything is ready, Mr. Black,” he said. “Enjoy your flight.”

  We boarded our private jet, and I slid down into one of the soft leather seats next to a tiny window. The plane was luxurious, not that I expected less from Braden. He loved his luxury. A group of four seats occupied the front of the plane, two pairs facing each other. A bar and two long cushioned benches took up the back of the plane, and a narrow door at the very end discreetly hid the bathroom.

  My new ‘husband’ sat right next to me even though the rest of the seats were empty. I frowned and tried to ignore him.

  Our flight attendant, a pretty blonde wearing a pant suit that hugged her in all the right places, asked us to fasten our seat belts.

  “We’ll be ready to take off in just a few minutes,” she purred, trailing her fingers along Braden’s shoulder as she passed by, heading for her small, curtained cubicle just behind the pilots.

  I rolled my eyes and buckled my seatbelt. I wanted to tell her that she couldn’t possibly handle him, but it was none of my business. She was probably part of the regular crew and had handled him just fine in the past.

  “I almost expected jealousy,” he whispered.

  I cut my eyes at him, trying to come up with something to say that wouldn’t be hateful. No such luck. I remained silent, opting to look out the window at the sprawling airport. The plane’s engines rumbled to life, and a few minutes later, we took our place in line on the runway.

  “Please remain seated and turn off all cellular devices during takeoff,” the pilot’s voice echoed over the speaker above us.

  I reached in my purse and pulled out my phone. My notification showed a missed text from Logan. Did I open it with Braden sitting next to me? I glanced at him and he raised an eyebrow.