by Tena Stetler
“I’m sorry. I don’t understand. Isn’t the overlord’s mate a witch? Those covenants aren’t enforced anymore, are they?”
“Not in the Western Hemisphere that Bruce controls and many other locations are beginning to see the light.” Tristian leaned back in the chair and rubbed his forehead. “The only way creatures evolve is through new blood.”
She met his glaze. “What does this have to do with me? I’m of pure demon blood.” She paused her eyes rounding. “This isn’t over my seeing Gavin, is it?”
Tristian pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index finger and muttered an oath under his breath. “No. It’s not.” He drew in a breath and let it out slowly. “You’re not of pure demon blood. Your family is mixed with those of the ancient Fae Warriors. The majority of your mother’s family was Fae with a couple demons mixed in. Your father was demon royalty. The mixing of those Fae and Demon blood lines created an extraordinarily powerful magic. Only one child of their union was born with their combined talents.
“But I have—had—a brother and sister.” She wiped her hands on her jeans again.
“May I continue?” Exasperation seeped into Tristian’s voice.
“Of course.”
“This individual would one day be able to wield and control such magic. Unfortunately, word spread of the possibilities, and your parents were murdered before the extent of this child’s power was determined.”
She rolled her eyes but said nothing.
“Baltizar wanted control of the powerful magic and the one who wielded it as his mate. To his thinking his blood mixed with that of the child, when grown, would create an invincible magic being. His calculations were off. The child wouldn’t come into its powers until fully matured.”
“So the joke was on him. The blood line ended when he killed my parents and siblings.” Her gaze fell to her lap where her fingers picked at the edge of her aqua sweater.
“No, he got part of the equation correct. You were the child with their combined talents. Baltizar didn’t wait long enough for you to come into your powers. Thought he’d made a mistake. While you were extremely talented, it wasn’t what he expected. By the time he realized his error, you’d requested protection from Bruce.”
“Wait—” She paused dragging her bottom lip through her teeth. Her mind was whirling with questions, possibilities, and trepidations.
Tristian held up at hand. “Let me finish. When an old acquaintance brought the matter to Andre’s attention, he contacted Bruce and vouched for you. The overlord accepted your terms. Those of us in Bruce’s inner circle thought he was crazy to trust one of Baltizar’s minions. My boss didn’t see fit to share this little gem of information regarding your heritage with us until recently. Now it’s my job to bring you up to speed.” The irritation in Tristian’s voice belayed his frustration.
She nodded. “Is that why Bruce bound part of my powers when he gave me my freedom?”
“Yep. It was fortunate you wanted to stay in a land where myth and magic are real and most people don’t bat an eye at the unexplained.” He shoved up from the chair and paced the room for several minutes finally settling in the chair next to her. He rubbed the back of his neck.
With wide eyes, she watched him silently waiting for him to continue.
A cell phone buzzed in his pocket. Pulling it out, he checked the screen, then put the phone to his ear. “Boss. I’m talking with her now.” He paused and listened for a couple beats. “No, I haven’t gotten that far. Only to her family history. Sure.” He reached out and handed the phone to her. “Bruce wants to talk to you.”
With trembling fingers, she took the phone. “Hello.” She willed her hands to still and the tremor in her voice to even out. Get a grip. I keep this up, and I’ll have to turn in my demon warrior card.
“Synn, I’m sorry. This must be quite a shock. I wish I’d been able to be more forth coming when this all went down, but I had to make sure you were made of the stuff my father thought you were.”
“It’s been…unexpected, yes.”
“There’s more. Tristian is there to unbind your powers, to test, and hone your talents. The whispers we are hearing are while Baltizar remains in the seventh level of Hell, he’s using what magic he has left, his minions, and their power in the mortal world to destroy those responsible for his fall from grace so to speak.” Bruce snorted a laugh. “It’s been my experience that displaced demons use the dream world as a contact point. So I’m warning you, the first level of defense needs to be honing your ability to shield yourself and mind while you are asleep, as well as, during your waking hours.”
She blew out a breath. “He’s already made contact. In fact he’s infiltrated my dreams—nightmares—which are somehow broadcast into Gavin’s mind or subconscious. Oh, hell Gavin shares those nightmares while he’s still at his home and I’m in my cottage. How is Baltizar doing that?”
Tristian, his mouth set in a thin line, leaned back in the chair, and shook his head. The muscle in his jaw worked overtime.
“He’s not involving Gavin. You are…” He paused long enough for the statement to sink in. “…by seeking help from the one person you have access to and trust completely.”
“So what I am seeing—will it happen or…” Synn asked.
After a pause, Bruce answered, “We’re not sure.”
“I think we better bring Gavin in on this meeting.” She peered at Tristian.
He nodded in agreement. Getting to his feet he walked to the door. “I’m going to go get Gavin and myself a drink. Do you want one?”
She nodded, still holding the phone to her ear.
“Whiskey or stout?” He turned the knob. The door squeaked open.
“Whiskey. The good stuff.”
Tristian smiled. “You got it. I’ll be back.” He closed the door quietly.
She returned her attention to the phone and Bruce. “Now what?”
“This is where it gets complicated. Your powers and talents have matured without training. We aren’t sure how they will manifest themselves. Tristian can train you to shield your mind.”
“I’ve talked with Erin and Tiarnan,” she blurted. “Well, more Erin than Tiarnan. Erin said if I needed their help, I had only to meet them at the cliffs at dawn.”
Silence reigned for several beats. Unable to cope with the uncomfortable silence, she hurried on. “Erin also said that Gale who owns Pixie Magic, a store here in town, could be of help to me. Also Erin claims my limp is not permanent. Kinda a manifestation of the dark magic I stole from Baltizar.” Shit…why can’t I stop babbling?
“Hmmmm. Sounds like you have learned a thing or two on your own. Good job. Take Erin’s suggestion and visit Gale. Let Tristian know how that works out. Better yet, take him with you, or least keep him in the loop should you or she need help. Gale is a witch then?”
“I believe so. Since she is a descendant of Erin, wouldn’t that make her from a very powerful linage?”
“One would think. I’ve got to get back to the council meeting. Let me talk to Tristian.”
“He went to get drinks and bring Gavin into our conversation. It’s real busy at the pub tonight.”
“Tell him I’ll call later tonight. Be safe and don’t take chances. Visit with Gale, soon.”
“We stopped by Gale’s today. But the sign on the door said she was closed. We’ll go see her tomorrow.”
“Good plan.” He disconnected the call.
The door handle twisted. She stood. Tristian pushed through the door with a tray of steaming bowls. Gavin followed carrying a tray with a bottle of whiskey and three glasses.
She handed the phone to Tristian. “He had to go back to the council meeting. Said he’d call you tonight.”
Gavin poured three fingers of whiskey in the glass and handed it to her. “You might want to eat something before you down that whiskey.” He poured the same amount in the other two glasses and set them on the desk.
She inhaled deeply. “That stew
smells great.” She took a bowl and spoon from the tray and slipped a spoonful of stew into her mouth. “Mmmmm.” Taking a piece of brown bread from the tray, she took a bite, dabbed it in the stew, and took another bite. After swallowing, she filled the others in on her conversation with Bruce.
Tristian groaned at the mention of the visit to Pixie Magic, took a swig of the whiskey, then reached across the desk for a bowl of stew and piece of bread. He sauntered behind the desk and sat in the chair. Gavin plopped into the chair next to her, listening intently. When she finished, Tristian took another drink of his whiskey and filled in the holes that she left. He held his glass out for a refill.
Gavin eyed the glass but said nothing, pouring another three fingers of whiskey into Tristian’s glass. “Thought you didn’t drink on the job. Preferred a clear head?”
Tristian gave him an eat shit and die look, took another sip of the whiskey. “Things change. Still have a clear head and you shouldn’t question my abilities.”
“Of course.”
“Synn shouldn’t stay by herself until she gets a handle on shielding her mind and subconscious while asleep. I’ll be working with her on that.” He shifted his gaze to Synn. “Also, Bruce has authorized me to restore your powers to full strength. Not that we expect a battle in the near future, but we have to be ready for anything.”
Her eyes rounded. “Now? You’re going to return my powers here?”
A devilish smirk played at the corner of his mouth. “Not exactly. First order of business, you need to pay a visit to Gale. See what she can do about your injuries. More than likely the repair by magic will release the dark magic unwittingly transferred to you by Baltizar. You’ll have to learn to control his power as well. We’ll do this in phases.”
“I see.” She squirmed in her seat.
“No, you don’t, but you will,” Tristian snapped. “Sorry…sleep deprivation makes me—difficult.”
“You knew about this situation for a while?” Gavin raised an eyebrow, his tone accusing.
“No, the rumblings from our informants got louder in recent days. Then we confirmed that Baltizar was up to something, but no specifics which is why I’m here.”
“Hannah is aware?” Gavin asked.
He swirled the amber liquid in his glass and watched as the light glinted off the drink. “Not exactly. I couldn’t jet off to Ireland without offering to take her with me. Luckily her work load was light enough she could accompany me. She may have to work a couple days a week, but she brought everything she’ll need. Her computer is set up at your parents’. They’re excited to have her here to help with the wedding. The rest is on a need to know basis, and right now, she doesn’t need to know. However, that could change at any moment. I’ll read her in if necessary.”
“Are you planning to stay a while?” she asked picking at the edge of the upholstered chair.
“Afraid so. No telling how long Baltizar will take before acting on his plan. He can’t leave the seventh level of Hell, but I imagine he’s got demons in the mortal world willing to do his bidding.” His gaze pinned her. “You are in no shape to take him on by yourself, even with a gryphon’s help.”
“I understand.” She squirmed under his gaze. “I don’t want to put anyone in danger.”
“Good girl.” Tristian smiled. “Given the new circumstances, I’d prefer you pay Gale a visit before I restore your powers. Deal with one situation at a time. How do you feel about that?” He finished the whiskey and pushed his glass away.
“Sounds like a plan. I have a full shift tomorrow, so won’t be able to visit Gale until Thursday at the earliest. I could be at her place most of the day. So I’d rather do it on my day off. Does that work with your time frame?” She fingered her amulet as she spoke.
Tristian leaned over to get a better look at her necklace. “Do you have more to tell me?”
Gavin glanced at her. “You didn’t tell him about what happened at the Standing Stones and Witch’s Stone at the castle?”
“We hadn’t gotten to that yet,” she snapped.
“Someone want to start talking?” Tristian leaned forward both hands flat on the desk.
She brought him up to date with what happened at Blarney Castle. What she’d experienced and how she’d used a spell and her necklace to protect herself.
“Nice job.” He nodded approvingly. “It’s a good start, but…”
Chapter Fourteen
Business as Usual, Until Heat Sizzles
“But what?”
“What you experienced at the castle with a few benevolent spirits is nothing compared to…”
“Oh, I’ve already gone up against Baltizar. He doesn’t scare me,” she said with more bravado than she felt.
“He should.” Tristian smirked glancing at her leg. “We all know how your last meeting ended.” Pausing he nodded toward her. “Sorry, that was uncalled for. We don’t want him to get to you under any circumstances. Especially after you embrace the power he inadvertently transferred to you and I’ve restored your own power.”
“Are you going to Gale’s with me?”
“Nope. Unless you encounter problems. You can handle it. But I want a report as soon as you leave her shop.”
“I’m not one of your employee’s to be ordered around like—”
Tristian cut her off. “If you want to stay alive, you’ll listen, and do exactly as I say. I’ve no intention of putting myself or anyone else in unnecessary danger because you have a death wish.”
“I don’t.”
“Good. I don’t have to tell you there’s a lot more at stake here than the last time you battled with him. Surprise is what we want on our side. By the time we engage him, he’ll have no idea what hit him.”
“He can’t get out. Can he?” She steeled her expression, but inside she was a ball of nerves.
“Not under his own power—at this time. Things change, we want to be prepared. We have a plan. What hours do you work?”
“Usually two in the afternoon until close. Unless someone calls off and I have to cover.”
“All right. We’ll meet at eleven during the week and work on your mind cloaking until it’s second nature. Eventually, you’ll be privy to—well never mind. We’ll start Friday. If something changes, I’ll let you know. I want you to afford me the same courtesy. If he continues to invade your dreams, I want to know immediately. His means of entry has been cut off for now. But he’s smart and devious. We’ll not make the mistake of underestimating him. He’ll find another way. By that time, I hope to have you solid in your ability to keep your mind impenetrable whether you’re awake, asleep, or unconscious.”
The last part of his statement bothered her, but she didn’t want to know what Tristian expected. Maybe she should, but for now she had all she could handle. “My amulet will strengthen my abilities.”
“But if it gets ripped off—I don’t want you compromised. It’s best if you rely on the magic you wield to keep the shields up and protect yourself.”
A soft knock sounded on the door. Hannah stuck her head in. “Ma and I are headed home. Da will be here a bit longer to lock up and count the till. Ma wanted to know when you planned to leave. If it’ll be a while, we can take Storm home with us.”
“Nope, we’re finished here for now.” He paused eyebrow raised. “Who’s Storm?”
“My pup.”
“Okay. Have a good night.” He shoved up from the chair, walked to Hannah, and wrapped an arm around her waist. “Let’s go. I’ll escort you and Mary home.”
Hannah smiled up at him clearly besot with her husband. She wondered if such happiness would ever come her way.
Tristian opened the door. They slipped out leaving the door ajar.
“Ready to go?”
“More than. Tim doesn’t need your help?”
“Nope.” He waited for her to clear the door, then closed, locked it, and pocketed the key.
“I bet poor Storm is tired of being cooped up all day.”
“She can run in the back yard at my place. The fence is puppy proof. New surroundings will keep her busy while we move your stuff in.”
She’d nearly forgotten she wouldn’t be going to her cottage. Why did she feel like her independence was slipping backward instead of moving forward? Giving herself a little shake, she followed Gavin down the hall into the main pub. It’s not forever, only for the time being.
After bidding goodnight to everyone, Gavin helped her into the truck. Dare she hope Gale could restore the strength in her leg? She smiled for a moment. Walking with a limp made her whole body hurt, making her job difficult by the end of the night.
The ride home was quiet except for Storm’s continual commentary in various whines and whimpers begging to be let out of the crate. She couldn’t blame the little girl. It’d been a long day for everyone.
“We’re here,” Gavin sang out. “If you want to take Storm around back, the gate is on the left side. I’ll stow your gear in the house and join you two out back.” He took the pup out of the crate, held her while she clipped on the leash, then set the antsy ball of fur on the ground.
“Fair enough.” She picked her way across the front lawn, opened the gate, and let Storm loose. She raced around the yard, barking, yipping, and sniffing, coming back to check in every couple of minutes. The length of time between returns became longer as the pup became familiar with Gavin’s yard. She pulled a squeaky toy out of her bag and tossed it. Storm barked with delight and promptly pounced on the toy. The pup began squeaking it, oblivious to anything else.
How nice to have no cares in the world and have someone to take care of you. But not long ago you were homeless, not knowing where your next meal would come from. I changed all that. She called Storm over and was shocked when the pup actually bounded toward her. Picking her up, she hugged the warm, wiggling furball to her. “I’ll always take care of you.” She rubbed her cheek on the soft tawny fur and put the pup on the ground. Legs already going before her paws hit the ground, she thundered off to attack her toy again. Squeaking echoed all over the yard as Storm raced around.