A Demon's Witch

by Tena Stetler

  On a half laugh, Owen said, “It happens to the best of us. If that’s the case, he’s probably in big trouble with her too. I’ll try to find out more, and then make a decision. As far as this situation with Rezar, I don’t think we can wait for Bruce to come around. I’ll e-mail the Far-East Overlord under Bruce’s e-mail and see if there is anything new. A couple of our best teams are in town due to the scheduled meeting, I’m going to bring them up to speed and start working on a strategy.”

  “Sounds good.” Angie paused for a moment then said into the phone, “Owen, Bruce is lucky to have you.”

  “I know, been telling him that for years. I’ll be in touch.”

  Angie’s forehead creased as she thought of her brothers actions. “Owen, can I ask you one more thing?”

  “Sure.”

  “What’s going to happen to Tristian? He tried to kill an Overlord, his employer.”

  Silence stretched for a beat or two, then Owen cleared his throat. “That will be up to Bruce. Under normal circumstances, we don’t tolerate that type of behavior, especially over a woman. No offense.”

  “None taken.” Ending the call, she turned her attention back to a groggy Bruce. She leaned over him. “How do you feel?”

  “Like hell. How long have I been here?” He struggled to open his eyes, and move his limbs.

  “A couple of days. I hope you don’t mind, I filled Owen in on the highlights of the situation. He’s anxious to talk to you as soon as you feel able. It was more important to get your body healed so we sedated you. I knew if we didn’t, you’d try to work through it, and that’s impossible with that type of poison in your system. Still you will feel muscle aches, and severe fatigue for a few more days.”

  He frowned but took her hand and brought it to his lips. “Welcome to my world. Now hand me the phone so I can call Owen.” He reached for the cell phone and checked the recent calls. It listed one missed call and a message waiting. He checked the number. “Shit. I must have missed my father’s call.”

  “You did. I returned it and gave him a vague description of what happened. You’ll need to fill him in.”

  “You’re one efficient li’l witch. Handling this business like you’re born to it.”

  “If I believe you and your destiny theory, I guess I am.” She leaned down and brushed a kiss over his forehead.

  “Oh, that’s not enough for what I’ve been through.” He reached under her sweater and caressed the bare skin of her back until he reached her bra, unfastening it he cupped the firm breasts he was so fond of and rolled her nipple between his thumb and index finger until it was hard then switched to the other. He sighed and his arm dropped too fatigued to engage in his favorite activity. Still he gathered her into him enjoying the warmth and curve of her body spooned against him.

  The phone on the bed beeped, he picked it up and looked at the screen. “It’s Owen, I’ve got to take this, and then we’ll take up right where we left off.”

  Angie smiled. “I’ll hold you to it.”

  Bruce put the phone to his ear. “Owen. Fill me in.”

  “Hey, boss. I was expecting Angie to answer. She’s been taking care of business while you’ve been incapacitated. It’s good to hear your voice, you sound great.”

  “That’s what mates are for.” He smiled wide at Angie lying beside him, tightening his arm around her as she started to get up. “We’re not through,” he whispered as he brushed his lips over her temple.

  “What, I didn’t quite catch all of that.” Owen chuckled. “Sounds like you were a bit distracted.”

  “I said, you got it all handled?”

  “Mostly. I briefed Bobby’s team and sent them home, but on alert. Did the same to Paul’s old team, Rubin is turning into a competent leader. He’s not Paul, but damn close and he has the men’s respect. That’s something.”

  “How much did you tell them?”

  “Everything Angie relayed that Andre told you. Nothing about the skirmish between you and Tristian. Figured you’d want to handle that yourself.”

  “Smart man. No one questioned why he wasn’t there?”

  “No. I said you’d given Tristian time off before I started the briefing. If they detected his signature, no one said anything.”

  “Is he able to take a meeting?”

  Owen paused. “He’s up and walking but still has balance issues due to the damaged back muscles but that’s improving faster now with the herbal pack Angie sent over. His stamina is lacking but that too is coming along rapidly. Don’t you think both of you could use a couple more days rest?”

  “No, and don’t question my decisions.”

  “Of course not, when and what time do you want me to set up the meeting?”

  “Tonight, nine o’clock. The staff should be done and cleared out by then, right?”

  “Tobi has the late appointment it’s only a cut at seven, so no worries.”

  “Great. Tobi can stay. In fact ask her to join us.”

  “You got it. Now get some rest. I’ll see you this evening.” Owen disconnected the call before Bruce could reprimand him again for telling him what to do.

  ****

  At eighty-thirty, Bruce held the door for Angie as she strolled into the Wycked Hair. He shut the door and joined her. Tobi smiled in greeting as Bruce continued toward the stairs.

  “Tristian should arrive with Owen shortly. He spent the afternoon with Tristian since I had customers. Want me to brew a fresh pot of coffee and bring it up?” Toni wiped her hands on a towel and folded her smock, laying it on the back of the chair.

  “That’ll be great.” Bruce called over his shoulder climbing the stairs slowly and one at a time.

  “I’ll help you, Tobi.” Angie volunteered, as she watched Bruce attempt the stairs under his own power. He nodded and she returned to the salon floor.

  Waiting until Bruce was out of sight and the squeak of his office chair sounded in the quiet salon, Tobi hugged Angie. “How are you?”

  “A little shell shocked, I guess. But even with all that’s gone on he’s the best thing that ever happened to me.” Angie sighed and followed Tobi to the refreshment center.

  Tobi reached up in the cupboard for the cups and looked over her shoulder at Angie. “No regrets?”

  “Absolutely not. I just hope Tristian comes around sooner than later. But well, he’s stubborn and in a lot of trouble. I don’t mind telling you that’s got me worried.”

  Tobi nodded in agreement. “Bruce is a fair man and knows he’s partly responsible for making the situation what it is. Though I can’t honestly see what he could have done differently, other than ignore you, and we all knew that wasn’t going to happen. There was no way Tristian would accept a demon in the family, gracefully.”

  “Yes, but if any one’s to blame, it’s me. I started it then…well…the rest is history.”

  Tobi got the can of coffee off the shelf as Angie reached for the filters. “No, you two were destined to be together, you can’t fight against fate. You are so good for him.”

  “Yeah, but not so good for Tristian,” Angie said with a sigh as she scooped the coffee into the filter and closed the lid. “If I’d had just a little more time…” Angie trailed off.

  “He’ll come around. You know he has a woman in his life now, right?”

  “No, I didn’t.” Angie’s eyes rounded in surprise. “When did this happen?”

  “Not sure, recently to be sure. So whether or not he will admit it, he knows how you and Bruce feel. I gotta believe he will accept Bruce as your mate, not that he has any choice.” Tobi brushed her bangs out of her eyes and tucked strands of auburn hair behind her ear.” He knows how this all works, even if he didn’t tell you.” Tobi said.

  “One can only hope.”

  “Just ask him about Hannah, that’s her name.” After washing her hands, Tobi dried them on a paper towel, and poured the water into the coffee maker. She got down a tray and Angie set mugs on it.

  “I’m going to take th
is up.” Angie glanced up at the glass office, chewing on her bottom lip as she watched Bruce slowly lean back in his chair.

  “Go ahead,” Tobi said. “I’ll be up with the coffee as soon as it’s done. Owen and Tristian should be here by then.”

  Angie turned back to Tobi. “I think I’d rather have hot chocolate, don’t really care for coffee.”

  Tobi handed her an empty mug. “There’s a hot tap on the water dispensers in Bruce’s office. He also has packets of the hot chocolate you like. So you can make a cup up there.”

  “He does? Ok.”

  “That man’s besotted with you and has been since the day you breezed in here and turned those violet eyes on him.” She chuckled and shook her head. “How’s he doing?”

  “He needs a few more days of rest to be one hundred percent, but he’s ok. The demon blood seems to rebuild faster with the healing herbs. I think he’ll breathe easier once this is all behind him. I know I sure will.” Angie flashed a smile though her heart wasn’t in it. She climbed the stairs with the tray of mugs and knocked on the framework of the open door.

  Bruce looked up, the frown fading from his face as the corners of his mouth curved up in a slow, easy, and devastating smile. “You don’t have to knock, just come in.”

  “I didn’t want to interrupt, if you were busy.” She sat the tray and mugs on the table in front of the sofa.

  “Never too busy for you, my li’l witch.”

  Angie smiled. She liked the way he called her his li’l witch. “It’s rumored that you keep packets of the hot chocolate I like up here. She held out her mug.

  “The rumors would be true.” He pointed to the cabinet against the wall. “There’s a hot tap on the water cooler.”

  She fixed a cup of hot chocolate, sprinkled a few marshmallows on top, and sat on the sofa stirring the smooth dark liquid just as they heard footsteps on the stairs.

  “Showtime.”

  Angie stared down at the mug in her hands watching the marshmallows melt into creamy white swirls in the steaming hot chocolate then turned her eyes to him. “You’re not going to have him killed are you?”

  A laugh rumbled up from his chest, his eyes filled with amusement. “I’m not an ogre. I’m a demon with a heart. So, no, my li’l witch, nothing like that.” He made a bad mistake and put you in mortal danger, for that he’ll be punished.”

  “But what about trying to kill you, an Overlord?”

  “Well there is that, but I never considered myself any different with or without the title. Since only five of us know about his error in judgment, I think we can be creative with the punishment. Don’t worry about it. Right now we have greater things to worry about, and I am going to need Tristian’s as well as others help if we are to win this battle. There can’t be any discord between Tristian and I.”

  Owen knocked on the open door and waited.

  “What is it with everyone knocking on the frame of my open door? If I didn’t want anyone in here, I’d close the damn thing. Now, come on in.”

  Owen flashed a grin, which faded quickly when he signaled Tristian to enter the room. His gait was unsteady as he took small steps and his hands remained at his sides. When he entered the room, his eyes shot daggers as they met Bruce’s, yet when they swept to Angie, they filled with such sorrow she had to look away.

  Tobi sat on the sofa by Angie and Owen escorted Tristian to the front of Bruce’s desk, where he left him standing and took a seat off to his left.

  “Owen, the magic shackles aren’t necessary, he can’t use magic in here and I am not afraid to take him on hand to hand. Let the man sit down. I think we’ve done enough damage to each other and the woman we both love. Don’t you?” He looked over at Tristian whose eyes still raged, but he said nothing.

  Bruce took a deep breath and blew it out. He needed to settle this with Tristian alone. “Tobi, Owen, and Angie give us a minute. Close the door behind you.”

  Angie stood and walked behind Bruce’s chair putting her hands on his shoulders. “I’m not going anywhere. When you two finish, I have some things I’d like to say that’s probably best heard by only the three of us.”

  Owen shook his head. “I don’t think it’s advisable to leave you two in the same room, yet.” He shot a warning glance at Bruce.

  “As I told you before, don’t question my decisions. If I want your opinion, I’ll ask for it.” Bruce snapped.

  “Yes sir.” Owen turned motioned for Tobi to come with him and strode out the door closing it a bit harder than necessary.

  “As for you,” he said in a stern voice tilting his head back so his eyes met Angie’s. “You can stay only because I love looking at you.” He grinned up at her. Then turned his attention to Tristian, the grin faded, replaced by a look of displeasure and annoyance.

  Tristian stood poised to leap over the desk. In a split second, they collided in midair as Bruce knocked him to the floor; the breath whooshed out of Tristian on impact. Bruce held Tristian’s shoulders to the floor with his hands and a knee put slight pressure to his injured back. Tristian let out a low moan his body jerking.

  The office door opened a crack. Owen looked in just as Angie came around the side of the desk. But Bruce shook his head. Frowning, she returned to stand behind his chair and Owen closed the door again.

  “Now we can talk this way, or I can let you up and we can talk like civilized people. Which way do you want it?”

  “Fuck you.” Tristian spat into the carpeting.

  “That is not an option. Guess we start out like this. I regret that I didn’t come to you when this all started with Angie. Though I believe, the outcome would have been the same, if I had. The facts are, after being fully informed of what being my mate entailed, Angie agreed wholeheartedly to be my mate without reservations, which as you know is for eternity. We consummated our relationship over the weekend.”

  Tristian’s body slumped to the floor, as if everything he’d been fighting for was gone.

  “She’s my destined mate, Tristian. I’ve waited over five hundred years for her. We both felt it at our first meeting, though Willow had to explain the situation to her, since you failed to teach her the ways of our world.”

  Bruce you need to let him up, his body is still much more fragile than yours. You damaged his back severely, and as you said yourself, you need him. Her voice resounded in Bruce’s mind.

  I know and I’ll help him over to the chair in a moment. He answered in kind and smiled turning back to Tristian. “I’m going to help you up and over to the lounge chair. It would be advisable if you didn’t fight me, as we need each other more than you know.” He gently rolled Tristian to his back, assisted him to his feet, and settled him in the chair.

  Tristian slumped in the chair, his eyes staring at the floor.

  With one of the healing herb packs she’d pulled out of her bag in her hand, Angie went to her brother. She gently placed it at the small of his back and leaned him against it. “Idiot!” Then she returned to Bruce and slid one under his shirt.

  He frowned at her but left the packet in place. “I’ll cut to the chase. Rezar is back and sworn revenge on the two of us. This has been confirmed by a very reliable source.”

  Tristian winced as he tried to sit up straight and turn his full attention to Bruce. “Shit. How is that possible?”

  “I don’t know. But he must have paid someone handsomely to reverse the spell, and apparently, it only partially worked. He was able to return to this world, but he is weak, laying low to build his strength and still wears the collar so he can’t wield magic. That will be to our benefit.”

  “Do you know where he is?”

  “I’ve not been able to confirm it yet. Reports have him in the Far East. I’m waiting for confirmation before our plans are set in stone. We need to attack while he is weak and on his turf, even though he has reinforcements.” Bruce stroked his chin with his thumb and forefinger thoughtfully. “Should have surprise on our side. I don’t want to wait for him to get thi
s far.”

  “I agree.” Tristian said with very little of the anger he’d displayed earlier.

  “The major problem that I see in all of this is the dispute between you and me. Trust is a big issue right now, for both of us. We can’t win this battle if we don’t have each other’s back. You are the best at what you do and though we’ll have several teams with us, it will come down to you and I and trusting each other.”

  Tristian was silent for a while, then blew out a breath. “I don’t see how we can overcome that obstacle.” Tristian crossed his arms across his chest, wincing slightly.

  Bruce got up and moved to look out the windows, his arms behind his back, fists clenching and unclenching.

  Angie walked over to the lounger, sat on the arm and reached behind her brother’s neck rubbing at the stress knots. “Tristian, you and Bruce have trusted each other for years. We have done nothing wrong. I am of legal age and wanted what Bruce offered more than anything in my entire life. I have no regrets, only that it hurt and angered you. Can you honestly say that if we’d come to you sooner and told you what we intended, that you could have acted any differently?”

  Resting back against the chair, he shook his head slowly. “No, I can’t. I would never allow you to tie yourself to a demon. You don’t know what they are capable of. He’s only told you what he wanted you to know. Shown you what he wants you to see. I could tell you tales that would give you nightmares for the rest of your life.”

  “Tristian, he only confirmed what Willow already told me. Something you should have done long ago. As far as his vicious side, I saw that in the parking lot behind my shop. I realize he was holding back because he’d promised me that he wouldn’t kill you.”

  Tristian sputtered. “I make my living destroying demonkind.”

  Angie grabbed his chin and forced him to look at her. “Listen to me. His promise was the only reason you got the opportunity to poison him, otherwise you’d be dead and he’d be unscathed.”