Wild Fire (Wardens Series Book 3)

by Heather D Glidewell

  So, what do I look like now? Ok, I have short blonde hair with honey and spice highlights, my eyes have been transformed to a permanent blue (for now that is), I have red-tipped fingernails and red toenails, absolutely no hair on my body excluding of course on my head and my eyebrows. I didn’t recognize myself when I looked in the mirror today. The only features to me that seem familiar are the shape of my face and the fullness of my lips. Even my eyes give no clue as to who I am. There is absolutely no way that Miranda is going to know that it is me walking into that camp in a few days.

  Demon Princess Diary Day 3

  Today has been by far the most painful of all. No more pulling and prodding, aside from the morning’s painful threading experience. They say it doesn’t hurt! They’ve lost their minds! Of course, it still felt better than when they pulled all the other hair from my body.

  No, today was a wardrobe party. Mona had several of her ‘friends’ strut around our living room in the clothing I was expected to wear. Everything was so incredibly high classed I wasn’t quite sure how I was going to be able to pass it off in the desert. However, Mona has a plan, and I need to listen to her to make sure that the plan works. Once she had me dressed in one of the sleeveless pin-striped numbers, she had a make-up artist begin on the facial transformation. She had to show me step-by-step how to do my make-up without looking like I was either dead or overly done up. I wasn’t to look like myself, but I was also not supposed to look like a streetwalker.

  I was treated to a seaweed salad for lunch. You know, it tastes better than you would think. I am getting used to the items Mona is making me eat; I think I have even forgotten what bacon tastes like. She worked with me on manners, not that I didn’t have any, she just wanted to make sure when I ate, I ate like a royal. By the end of our meal, she had shown me how to decline the dessert that was offered for a cocktail. Ok, I’m not a drinker, so I’m going to have to do this in moderation.

  She says that I am about two days away from having to leave for New Mexico, and she feels I am prepared for whatever Miranda has to throw at me. I have to remember that I can’t be me. We spent the rest of the afternoon walking in heels. I mean stilettos! She even expected me to learn how to run in them. I’m starting to see that, far from being crazy, this woman knows what to do to make things work. She isn’t going to let her hard work be a failure.

  “The last three days have been extremely productive!” Mona laughed as I walked into the living room, wearing a high-end silk shirt, black slacks, and black heels. I had mastered my hair, not that there was much there to master, but it looked nice. I also had done as the make-up lady had instructed and used the brushes to transform my face. I looked far older than I was, which was what Mona wanted.

  “If you want to call it productive,” I muttered, taking a seat, making sure to cross my ankles.

  “I have everything planned for this evening. I know you don’t want to go, but it’s required to make sure that you can pass as Prudence.” She handed me a bracelet, two rings, a pair of diamond earrings, and a toe ring. I looked at her like she was crazy and started putting everything on. No sooner had the objects hit my skin, I felt powers I had never imagined searing through my body.

  “What is all of this?” I asked as my heart started to beat faster.

  “Your powers,” she laughed. “One ring is electricity, the other ring is teleportation, the bracelet has a hint of potions knowledge, the earrings are to keep your appearance intact, and the toe ring has a taste of just about every one of Max’s ultimate powers. All of this will help you to remember who you are. Of course, this means that, for now, you need to practice what was given to you.”

  “This all seems like a lot,” I said, brushing my sweating palms on my pants.

  “Yes, now don’t do that, Dawn, you will get your pants all dirty.” She pulled my hands away from my legs and looked at me, her eyes intense. “You can do this.”

  “I feel so different,” I said softly, reaching up and touching the short blonde locks.

  “You should. You are no longer a little girl. You are a woman.” She hugged me lightly and let me go, leaving her hands on my shoulders. “I love you, dear.”

  “I love you too, Mona.” I raised an eyebrow at her and gave her a twisted smile.

  “Oh! Before I forget,” she reached up and grabbed the amulet around my neck, saying a few words. I watched it shimmer and turn into a diamond to match the earrings. “It will still protect you, just remember never to take it off.”

  “I promise.” I held the jewel between my fingers and sighed.

  “You look ravishing, darling.” She laughed, making sure to emphasize the high breeding in her tone.

  “As do you.” I laughed like I was from a high-class family. Which in a way, I was supposed to be?

  “Well, then. I suggest you pick out the most beautiful yet seductive piece of clothing in your wardrobe right now. You have a date with a very important person, and I want you to look your best. I want you to be Prudence,” Mona laughed, pushing me toward the waiting stairs.

  “Will you tell me who it is?” I asked quickly as I stood on the bottom step.

  “That, my dear, defeats the purpose of a blind date.” She shooed me away, and I climbed the steps, wondering who she chose to undergo this test.

  I spent hours looking through my wardrobe to find the appropriate mix of sophistication and seduction. I had to think, be, and feel like Prudence. Finally, I settled on a strapless number. It was a black dress with a shorter skirt than I would typically choose to wear. I looked in the mirror at my face, my hair, my body, and finally the dress. There was no trace of Dawn, only Prudence. My eyes were incredibly blue, my hair blonde with highlights that came to my chin. I looked amazing! What if Wesley preferred me this way?

  I emerged from my room at six dressed to the nines, including all my jewelry. I had managed, in a short time, to learn to walk with grace in heels. I was not afraid that I was going to fall face first down the stairs or manage to twist my delicate ankle. Mona applauded as I gave her a theatrical spin.

  “Bravo!” She called out. I felt the blood rush to my cheeks, and she laughed. “Look at you. You look so grown-up.”

  “Mona, I am grown up,” I said with a straight face.

  “So, you are,” she muttered, softly taking my hands. “Are you ready for this?”

  She handed me a designer handbag and a set of keys.

  “What are these for?” I asked, holding the keys in my hand firmly.

  “Your car,” she replied with a twisted grin. “You cannot teleport all your belongings to New Mexico, so I had a car purchased for you through one of my ‘clients,’” She made air quotes and giggled.

  “You didn’t have to,” I whispered, flipping the key in my hand.

  “I know I didn’t have to; I wanted to. Besides, that heap you called a car is still sitting in the driveway of the house in Midvale.” She looked at me from head to toe again and smiled in approval. “Now, you cannot all of a sudden scream you are Dawn when you see him. You have to remember he doesn’t know it is you. This is a test to see how well you do under pressure.”

  “Of course.” I smiled at her.

  “I got you a reservation at one of the most expensive restaurants in Dallas. It is also one of the hardest to get a reservation for at the last minute.” She groaned. “However, because of your father’s generous tipping, they have agreed to have a table waiting for you.” She pushed me toward the door. “Now let’s have a look at your new car.” She giggled like a schoolgirl.

  We walked out the front door, and I nearly fell over. A brand-new Bentley was sitting in the crescent-shaped drive. It was white, and man, it was a beautiful piece of art. I felt my heart quicken and my head swam. The uncontrollable urge to dive into the car was burning through me. I kept poised though and turned to look at her.

  “Thank you,” I said quietly, trying to conceal my excitement.

  “It was nothing,” she laughed, brushing it off as
usual. If you have the money, spend it. “Oh, and here.” She handed me a new phone. “Of course, it’s a different number, and it’s registered to Prudence Warren so nobody can track you to it.” I could tell this was a proud moment for her.

  “Again, thank you,” I said, hugging her. When I pulled away, she looked at her watch and became profoundly serious.

  “I told him you would be there in twenty minutes. I suppose fashionably late is better than not showing up at all.” She laughed and opened the driver’s side door of my new car for me. As I got in, I looked at her warmly.

  “You would have made a wonderful mother,” I said as she shut the door behind me. I turned the key in the ignition, and the car came to life. She already had the navigation ready to take me down Commerce in Dallas. I waved once and took off out of the driveway, not sure what I should be expecting.

  Chapter 25

  Are You Kidding Me?

  I made it to the restaurant in record time. Paying the valet to park my beautiful car, I tucked my handbag under my arm as I had seen Mona do, and sashayed into the restaurant; making sure that my hips swayed with each step. I approached the host, he looked at me, his eyes widening as he smiled lustily.

  “Prudence Warren,” I announced, my voice warm. It may have said ‘come hither,’ but the look in my eyes said, ‘I would eat you alive.’

  “Ah, yes. Please come with me – your companion just arrived.” He led me through the tables and laughing guests to the back corner. My ‘date’ had his menu up so I could not see his face. I took my seat and thanked the man. Giving him a healthy tip that made him smile even wider.

  “When Mona said you were going to be late, she didn’t mention it would be twenty minutes.” The voice was familiar, and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up on end.

  “Please forgive me. I entered the wrong address in my GPS,” I lied. The man behind the menu chuckled.

  “She said you would say something like that.” He put the menu down, and I smiled sheepishly at the man before me. Why had the woman made a reservation at a high-end restaurant if I was going to be dining with a vampire? Edmund’s eyes penetrated mine, and I gave him a cold stare.

  “Well, you would think she would choose a place that has food fit for a man of your taste,” I said without smiling. Think cold, Dawn. Be one with the coldness.

  “You would think that. However, she wanted this meeting to be as public as possible, she is making sure to avoid any unpleasantries.” He folded his hands in front of his chest and looked at me darkly.

  “I think quite the opposite. More people, more possibilities.” I crossed my ankles and stared at him.

  Edmund began to study my face. His eyebrows furrowed and the corners of his mouth curved. For a moment I thought he had figured it out.

  “I feel like I know you,” he said. “It isn’t possible; is it?”

  “Well that depends, when was the last time you were in Maine?” I waved over the waiter and ordered an Apple Martini (Mona said they were to die for). The man didn’t even ask for my ID, which made me feel even better about my appearance.

  “Probably two hundred years ago,” he laughed softly. “That could be it, you know. I am not one to forget a face like yours.”

  “Like mine?” Was Edmund flirting with me?

  “You have a face that could launch a thousand missiles.” He seemed displeased with his Helen of Troy reference, but it made me feel good inside to know the transformation was working. Not to mention that all my little trinkets were doing as they were told.

  “You are quite charming, sir,” I said, thanking the waiter as he placed my cocktail in front of me.

  “You are quite beautiful.”

  Yes, he was hitting on me. Would this change if he knew it was me under this hair and make-up?

  “Now, flattery.” I raised my glass to him. “Can I get you something to drink?”

  I had a test I wanted to try, and I prayed with all my power that what I was about to do would work.

  “If you can turn water into blood that would be amazing,” he laughed.

  I smiled at him wickedly, and he raised an eyebrow.

  “You can’t do that, can you?”

  I reached over and grabbed the water glass to my right. Holding it in my hands, I closed my eyes. I felt them burn for a moment and, when the burning stopped, the water had been transformed into a thick red liquid — only one way to find out if it worked. I pushed the glass toward him.

  “It is always best to attempt the impossible.” I raised my glass, and we toasted one another. I took a sip and sat the glass on the table, watching him with intense eyes, wondering if I had achieved the one thing that I was going for.

  “Amazing – and it’s even still warm,” he laughed. His right hand inched closer to mine.

  What was I supposed to do?

  “I figured you would prefer it that way. Something about cold blood even makes my stomach turn,” I joked, and he threw his head back laughing.

  “Mona said you were quite the woman.” He looked toward the crowd. “So, might I inquire as to what you are?”

  “I am a mixture of many things,” I laughed. Mona had not told me what I was supposed to be.

  “Born or made?” he asked softly, his eyes glancing at my chest.

  “Born,” I said, shifting so that he had to look back up into my eyes.

  “Oh, you are naturally hybrid then.” He looked impressed. “Your mother must have been one hell of a woman.”

  “Why do you say that?” I asked, taking another sip of my cocktail, and crossing my legs.

  “Your skin is as pale as milk, your eyes as clear as crystal. You hold so many wonders in them. It is as if you have seen the centuries come and go and yet your beauty and youth remain.” He was a regular Casanova. Maybe if I didn’t already know Edmund, I would have been easily wooed by his words.

  ****

  The rest of the night seemed to go by rather quickly. All we did was talk, most of it pretending that I had no clue who Edmund was. He talked about everything under the moon, excluding anything that had to do with the camp in Missouri. I was grateful for that; it proved to me that he was, in fact, loyal to the Wardens. Even when I had mentioned the formation of the four, he instantly said the Wardens were nothing but a myth.

  I left the restaurant about three hours after arriving. I had only drunk the one cocktail and switched to water by the end of the conversation, so I was able to drive my Bentley back to the manor. When I pulled into the driveway, I took off my shoes and carried them into the house. Mona was standing by the door, waiting for me to enter. She had a massive grin on her face.

  “I received a phone call.” She looked at me. Her eyes were glistening.

  “Oh?” I asked, raising my eyebrows.

  “He wishes to see you again. Said you were absolutely charming.” She clapped her hands together. “This is going to work.”

  “Now what?” I smiled at the thought but let it drop to a frown when I realized I wasn’t sure what the next step was.

  “I told him you had a job that was time-sensitive, and I would see what I could do when you got back.” She looked like she wanted to dance.

  “He’s going to hate it when he finds out it was me,” I groaned. “I always liked Edmund.”

  “He will get over it, once he knows the reason behind it.” Mona brushed it off as nothing. “However, this means you are good to go. If Edmund cannot penetrate your mind, then Miranda most definitely will not.”

  “What about Sheridan?” I asked. My body trembled at the thought of her name.

  “She won’t be there. Sheridan has her own army; Miranda’s group is nothing more than the Special Forces. It’s not Miranda’s team murdering those innocent shard Carriers; it is, in fact, the Queen’s Army. Yes, Miranda’s brigade is part of the same Army, but it has a different purpose. Why else do you think they are holding Wesley in an ‘undisclosed’ location? It has nothing to do with the fact they are killing people. Well,
I guess they were, but now they are more of a prophecy camp. That is why he is guarded.”

  “They are using him for his visions. As long as he has them, he’s ok. I need to get in and get out within a few days.” I dropped my shoes on the floor to put my hands in my hair. “How am I going to get her to trust me?”

  “You are probably going to have to do things you would never do otherwise. Just remember to be one with the coldness. You have to be uncaring, like those that are ahead of you are actually below you.” Mona looked down at the ground. “You may even have to kill someone you would normally leave alive.”

  “That seems like a lot to get someone to trust me,” I said, cocking my head to the side.

  “It does, but what other options do we have? Unless you can get John to trust you first somehow. You get to John, you get to Miranda,” Mona shrugged.

  “I didn’t even think about John. He’s going to neutralize my power,” I moaned, stomping a foot in a fit.

  “No, he won’t. You have the trinkets on, and you will only lose the use of your fire. You will still be able to use all the other powers,” Mona pointed out. I looked at her, dumbfounded.

  “He can only neutralize my power, not that which I have borrowed,” I shrugged. I looked around the entryway, wondering if we were going to be having the entire conversation there.

  Mona noticed my unease and motioned for me to follow her into the living room, where we sat down on the couch, facing one another. Mona had pulled her shoes off, sitting them down and sighing with relief. The longer I spent with her, the more she relaxed. I had a feeling if I spent any more time with her. I would see that she was far more than the uptight woman I had known as a child.

  “At least you know that he will not make your magic completely unusable,” she said as soon as I crossed my legs and put my elbows on my knees.

  “True, and that might be enough to convince him to look the other way,” I smiled, feeling a warmth crawl over me. John couldn’t render me useless. This was news I wish I had heard months ago.