Mistyx Sonata (Mistyx Series Book 1)

by Paulette Miller

  As several nearby women swooned at the overflow of Devin’s projected powers of persuasion, the witch rolled her eyes and waved off his influence like swatting away a fly. She said, “Your Vampire charms won’t work on me and tonight I’m not in the mood for your games.”

  Devin dropped his magic and, with typical cocky arrogance, he replied, “Then what can I do for you?”

  She offered a one word response. “Tabitha.”

  Keeping his facial expression unmoved, he replied, “She left here a few minutes ago. If you leave right now, you might be able to catch her.”

  “I’ve already spoken to her. I’ve tried to stay out of your love life, but this time you went too far. I warned you to stay away from the women in my coven or there would be consequences. Instead of heeding my warning, you defied me. And, as with all of your other conquests, Tabitha naively thought that you actually returned her feelings. You broke her heart and mine.”

  “First, she approached me and second, I never made any promises to her. We had a nice time together and now it’s over. She’s the one that refuses to accept it.”

  With fury in her eyes, she replied, “You have no idea the impact you have on others and the damage you leave in your wake. Over the years I’ve watched you add notches to your bedpost but, I promise you, you picked the wrong one with Tabitha. And I guarantee that she will be your last.” She decided that she needed to do what she came to Mistyx for before she changed her mind.

  In a flash, a wind swirled around Cassandra’s body and, as it gently lifted her off the ground, her body became translucent. She flew high into the air and then back down across the table until she hovered in front of Devin’s face. As she held him spellbound in the night, she said, “Mark my words, Vampire. The next one you claim as yours, her pain will be yours. And, until you learn your lesson, you’ll cling to none other.” As she chanted under her breath, a smoky finger caressed his forehead.

  Although the touch moved like a gentle breeze, the room flashed with light and all the torches’ flames flared. Devin yelled and flew backwards out of his chair. Switch’s branches quickly moved out of the way, causing Devin to arc high in the air and land on the floor with a crash. Once everyone recovered from the shock, they found Switch’s branches shaking as if laughing and Cassandra was nowhere to be found.

  Styx walked over to Devin’s side and, seeing that he was physically unharmed, said “Cassie is really mad at you tonight and you’re one lucky bastard to still be breathing. You know that your godmother is a witch you don’t want to mess with. She’s let you get out of other messes, but tonight she meant business. Once a threat is delivered, she isn’t known for giving second chances. I highly recommend that you heed her warning and stay away from members of her coven.” He turned and said, “Blade, he’s all yours. I just got my tavern back in order, so I expect you to keep him in line or I’ll throw you both out.”

  As Styx returned to his spot behind the bar, Blade walked over to his friend and held out his hand, saying “I think you should listen to Styx, my friend.”

  Devin accepted the hand offered and said, “I could’ve used your support earlier.”

  Blade smirked and said, “Sorry, but I draw the line at that godmother of yours. I want to stay on her good side. And, if you recall, we all warned you about staying away from witches. They can get really cranky when pissed off.”

  After being helped back into his chair, Devin rubbed his temples and replied, “My godmother does pack a punch when she’s mad.” While rubbing the ache in his lower back, he looked up into the tree and said, “And thank you for the assist.”

  Several of Switch’s branches arched as if he was shrugging his shoulders.

  Blade asked, “What do you think Cassandra meant by her warning?”

  “I don’t have a clue. She’s a typical witch and likes to be overly dramatic. I’ll contact her tomorrow and smooth things over as I always do. And I promise to stay away from all witches.” As a woman from a different coven walked by, he added with a leer, “…at least for the next hour.”

  Blade shook his head in disbelief and said, “Someday your charms aren’t going to be enough.”

  “Maybe, but tonight my charms are in need of a little stretching.” As he scanned the other women in the crowd, Devin added with a wicked grin, “The night’s young, so let’s get to work.”

  Chapter 3:

  Hard Candy Christmas

  As everyone went back to their normal routine Styx, carrying another purple drink, approached Nikki. He set down the glass and said, “After that floor show, I thought you might need another Absinthe.”

  She accepted the drink and asked, “Is it always this entertaining around here?”

  “I wish I could say no, but I just finished fixing this place after a pack of shifters came through town. They’re so easily provoked and they got a bit carried away while fighting over who was better looking.” He looked down at a chair and asked, “May I join you for a minute?”

  His black and green mixed eyes were kind and instilled instant trust, so she nodded and said, “Please, I would enjoy the company.” After he was settled in, she said, “Mistyx is amazing. I understand it’s been here for quite some time.”

  Styx nodded. “I started the business before San Francisco came into reality.” He reached out, touched a lowered branch, and said, “In addition to my bouncer, Grippin, Switch is one of my closest and dearest friend.” A branch from Switch squeezed Styx on the shoulder, expressing his returned affection for his business partner. After Styx’s attention was once again on Nikki, he said, “Bee’s another one of my friends and has been with me for longer than I can remember. She said that you’re new to town. Tell me it isn’t true that you’re trying to live in the Human world?”

  Nikki knew that others would never understand her chosen life style and she didn’t want to go into her past, so she justified her actions by saying, “I just want to live without relying on magic for everything. And I know that I’m not the only magical creature forced to secretly make a living alongside Humans.”

  “That may be true but, whenever possible, most of us work within the magical community. But for some reason I think you don’t fit well in the Human world either. I know it’s impolite to ask what species you are and I don’t want you to feel obligated to confide in me since I’m a stranger, but I can tell that what I see in front of me is not the real you.”

  Nikki sighed and replied, “The real me has many issues living in the magical world. I may only be getting through one day at a time, but I’m just fine. With enough time, I’ll get the swing of it.”

  Styx stared into her Human face and said, “I have to admit that your disguise is quite impressive. You sense so much as Human that, when you came in, I feared the magic surrounding this place had failed.”

  She replied, “Don’t be too impressed. The magic I’ve wrapped myself in got a tear earlier this evening. That’s what brought me in here tonight. I guess I needed to touch magic for a few minutes to regain my focus.”

  Styx could see her anguish and said, “Over the years, I’ve seen many creatures come and go and I’ve learned one thing. Those that try to hide who they really are suffer needlessly. In the end, the realities of what makes each of us unique can’t be suppressed. To be truly happy in life, you must embrace who you are.”

  “Maybe for others but, for me, my reality brings nothing but misery.”

  “Living a lie can’t be bringing you happiness or you wouldn’t be here, hiding in the dark alone. You’re young and have your whole life ahead of you. Don’t turn your back on what the future could hold for you.” When Bee called from across the room, he stood and said, “The natives are getting restless, so I’ll leave you now. Please enjoy your drink and let Bee or Switch know if you need anything.” He placed his hand on top of Nikki’s and his eyes opened wide in wonderment. Once Nikki noticed his reaction, she quickly pulled her hand under the table. He gave her a gentle smile and said, “I know a
few tricks. If you’re willing to confide in me, I would be very happy to do whatever I can to help you conquer the magical demons that are haunting you.”

  Nikki nodded and said, “Thanks. I’ll consider your offer.”

  *~*~*~*

  Back in the main part of the tavern, Devin and his companion began a loud challenge over who could eat the spiciest chicken wings. Nikki had been told that Vampires ate Human food, but she didn’t know why they chose such taste extremes. Nikki could rationalize their odd diet but, since she spent every waking moment trying to stay in the sun, the part she couldn’t handle was their aversion to sunlight. Their behavior was due to a blood disorder that caused their pale white skin to be exceptionally sensitive to sunlight. This disorder also required them to supplement their daily diet with blood. Until her kind went into hiding, Vampire diet had included the blood of her people, which was considered a rare and exotic treat. Since Nikki ate mainly fruits and vegetables, the concept of drinking blood made her gag.

  Nikki watched the vampires with curiosity and couldn’t help laughing as the carefree duo enjoyed both their meal and their friendship. Her curiosity quickly dissipated when the duo switched from food back to enjoying the women in the crowd and several interested and willing parties joined their merriment.

  When Styx, Grippin, and Switch were forced to break up a fight among the shifters, Nikki’s hatred for the whole shifter race filled her mind and she decided it was time for her to leave.

  As Nikki stood, Bee stopped at her table and asked, “You aren’t leaving us so soon, are you?”

  Nikki replied, instinctively cowering at the snarling noises coming from the impromptu floor show, “I think I’ve had enough excitement for today. Maybe I’ll head home and lie low. Then again, it’s a beautiful night, so maybe I’ll count the stars until dawn.” As she got out her wallet, she asked, “How much do I owe you?”

  Bee waved her money off and said, “The drinks are on Styx as a welcome to the city gift.”

  “That’s very kind. Would you thank him for me?”

  Bee nodded and said, “It was nice to meet you, Nikki. No matter what your future holds know that, whenever you need a safe place to go, our doors will be open to you.” With a look of concern, she added, “Are you going to be okay?”

  Nikki nodded and said, “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be just fine and dandy. I know that I’m barely getting by, but I won’t let it bring me down.”

  Bee smiled and replied, “I do hope that you decide to come visit again very soon. I have all kinds of secrets about other customers that I’m dying to share with someone.”

  Nikki gave her a wide smile and replied, “I promise I’ll try.” But Nikki knew that, to keep moving forward toward her goals, she needed to continue to keep her distance from magic.

  After Nikki downed her last swallow, she made her way toward the exit. She was forced to take a quick detour to avoid the fighting shifters. With her eyes locked on the fight, she started down an alternative path to the door. She heard laughter and then a male voice said, “My turn.” In a flash, an icy arm wrapped around her waist and she was pulled onto a lap. Before she could react, cool lips touched her neck followed by the penetration of fangs.

  The Vampires had been playing a game of nip and release while Styx, Grippin, and Switch were dealing with the fight. The Vampire that grabbed Nikki only planned to nip his captive and then release her but, the moment her blood touched his tongue, he instinctively latched on. As Nikki felt fangs sink in deep and he began to feed, she screamed. The sound drew Switch’s attention and several branches tried to free her, but her captor was clinging onto to her so tightly that, if the branch used force, he risked ripping her neck open.

  As several arms and branches tried to free Nikki, the Vampire released her neck just long enough to announce for all to hear, “Back off! She’s mine.” As soon as he spoke the words, both Nikki and her attacker cried out.

  The Vampire, that she now saw was the one named Devin, dropped her to the floor. Branches quickly caught her to soften her fall and then helped her back to her feet. Once she stood and made eye contact with her attacker, she and Devin both gasped and rubbed their temples as they felt matching stabs of pain.

  Between the pain and her fury, Nikki kicked Devin hard in the shin and yelled, “You bit me, you blood sucking bastard!” She suddenly lost all mental focus and her Human camouflage dissolved away. Seconds later, Nikki’s true nature was revealed.

  Everyone jumped back and watched as beautiful wings ripped through the back of her shirt. Once extended, they unfolded until they framed her body in translucent shades of deep blue, purple, and black. Her wings began to flitter in blinding speed, gently lifting her off the ground. As they moved, they left trails of color hanging in the air, resembling wispy smoke.

  Devin’s mouth dropped open and he exclaimed, “You’re a Fairy!”

  With fury in her eyes and a frightening smile on her face, she flicked her wrist and a spark-filled ball of light shot out at her attacker. Similar to Cassandra’s display of anger, Nikki sent Devin out of his chair and, as before, Switch’s branches moved out of the way to give him plenty of room to fly through the air. He landed on his back hard with smoke streams swirling up off his chest.

  Nikki floated over to the target of her anger and, while hovering over him, she glared down and said, “I’m a Pixie, you Jackass.”

  Chapter 4:

  Simply Irresistible

  Once Nikki calmed down enough that she could make a coherent thought, she gracefully lowered herself back to the floor. She was suddenly filled with guilt over losing control. She hated using her magic to inflict pain, even if the target of her anger deserved it. While rubbing the bite mark that Devin caused, she turned to face the stunned and silent crowd. She was forced to stand helplessly as the room examined her from head to toe.

  The magical version of Nikki was petite with pearl skin that shimmered and, with her unusual purple colored blood, she glowed a soft pale blue in the fire light. She had long curls that twirled down to her shoulders, all in shades of deep blue and royal purple. Tucked among these strands were long, pointed ears. Her deep eyes were flecked with the color of wine and the tips of her eyelashes sparkled like glitter. The edges of her eyes were naturally outlined in deep color, making her look like she was wearing a mask. These markings flowed seamlessly into thousands of spots that formed intricate swirl patters at her temples. This pattern flowed down her neck, shoulders, and continued to follow her soft curves until they disappeared behind the tatters of her clothes.

  The wings that framed her body, although loosely resembling a butterfly, were actually made from many delicate, wispy sections of shimmering silk, each fluttering and twisting behind her like long blue and purple flames. Although each section seemed to move independently, as Nikki shifted positions, they somehow worked together as one and formed structural wings that moved with strength and grace.

  Someone from the crowd asked, “How can she be a Pixie? I thought they were extinct.”

  Nikki sighed and replied with a voice in a higher pitch that carried almost a musical quality, “We aren’t extinct. We were forced into hiding.” She glared down at Devin and, with her anger currently outweighing her fear, she added, “Mainly by his kind who thought we were born for their dining pleasure.” Seeing the growing looks of lust coming from the Vampires in the crowd, she squirmed uncomfortably and then added to herself with pure frustration, “And now I’m going to have to move to another city yet again.”

  Blade continued to examine her with great interest and said, “I’ve never heard of a Pixie being able to wield electric sparkle grenades.” When he saw the trail of blood running down her neck, his mouth watered and he added, “Or one with purple blood and spots.” He didn’t hide his curiosity as he leaned to the side in an attempt to see where her markings would lead his eyes.

  Styx walked a little closer and, marveling at her unique form, said, “That’s because she’s truly u
nique and rare.”

  Although several stayed back because their minds were filled with the image of Nikki’s sparkling, electricity-filled balls of light, those whose races were attracted to her blood were driven to touch her and made them overcome their hesitation. They began to approach Nikki, wanting to touch the Pixie.

  Although Pixie’s were beautiful and had very limited defensive skills, Styx knew that the creature that stood in front of them was different, confirmed by the power she wielded. He had to do something quickly before those assembled received the full force of this Pixie’s unique gifts. His plans were reinforced when he saw Nikki’s spots begin to swirl to a menacing black, as did the color of her eyes. Grippin, with a broadsword in his hand and Switch’s branches at his side, forced back the encroaching crowd.

  Styx called, “Switch, protect!” Instantly a line of large branches stabbed into the floor. Their actions blocked Nikki from her admirers and made a clear path toward the office door.

  Bee came forward and motioned Nikki to follow, saying “Let’s get you out of here.”

  Nikki wasn’t prepared to hurt anyone else in order to protect herself, so she had no choice but to put her trust in Bee. She cautiously began to walk the path presented in front of her.

  Devin was still lying on the floor, trying to recover his senses. When Nikki started to walk away, an unexpected sense of panic filled him. When he scrambled to his feet to follow, Grippin pushed the tip of his sword against Devin’s chest, forcing him back to the ground. A low growl warned him to stay down.

  Once Nikki, Styx, and Bee disappeared behind a door, Grippin quickly took his position as guard to keep everyone else out.

  *~*~*~*

  Blade walked over to Devin and offered him his hand. As Devin accepted the assistance again, Blade said, “A Pixie…you, my friend, are the luckiest Vampire on the planet.” After he had Devin back in his chair, he asked with envy, “She’s beautiful and totally kissable, but what does she taste like?”