Blood Spelled

by Gayle Parness

  “We only have two empty bedrooms, but we need one more.” Elle glanced at the two females still holding hands at the end of the table. They were silent, probably carrying on a mind-to-mind conversation. “They are inseparable, although they are not sisters. They were used…used together…and were sometimes forced to hurt each other.”

  “Holy shit.” When all heads turned in my direction, I winced. “Sorry. Mouth like a sailor.” That only confused them. “I apologize for my language.” I hoped that was clear enough.

  “We are in your home and under your protection. You may speak as you choose.” Elle said.

  “As long as none of you take it as a sign of disrespect.”

  “Not at all.” Elle said.

  “But what does it mean?” A tall blonde asked.

  “What?”

  “Holy s—”

  “Nothing important.” Elle leaned closer to me. “Sasha and Rick talk that way when they think I’m not around,” Elle whispered and giggled.

  I spoke to the two at the end. The smaller one had not offered her name when she’d thanked me. “Filenne, would you or your friend object to staying here with me? I have a large bedroom upstairs with an enormous bed and even a balcony that overlooks the woods. You’ll have all the privacy you want, although Garrett and I do spend time in the family room once in a while. If you’d rather split up, there are two additional rooms to choose from.”

  “We would be honored to abide in your home, Lady Jacqueline. And we prefer to stay together, thank you.”

  I placed my hands on my hips and pretended to scowl. “There’s one more thing. I insist that every one of you calls me Jackie while you’re here in my territory. Call me what you will in Faerie, but here I’m Jackie.” I winked at Elle and she giggled again. She’d been just like these others when she’d first arrived to stay with us, holing up in her room at the vamp villa for over a month. It was so lovely to hear her laugh. Sasha had a lot to do with her happiness, but Garrett’s and my friendship had also helped.

  “I’m back.”

  Garrett did not pop into the kitchen the way he normally would have. Instead, he coughed loudly and entered through the sliding glass doors so every one of the females had a chance to adjust to his presence. Still, quite a few of them looked down at their laps, afraid to meet his eyes.

  He immediately began speaking in perfect Fae. “Ladies.” He nodded and some of them nodded back. “Sasha and Rick, your primary trainers, will be hosting a gathering in your honor tonight. It will be a perfect opportunity for you to get to know them. They are both vampires, and like me, will behave as perfect gentlemen around you. Try not to feel intimidated. They’re large, but gentle at heart.”

  The female near me sighed. “Lady…” She covered her mouth and looked down. “I apologize.” Her gaze slid from Garrett to me. “Jackie, you appear to have very good taste in mates.”

  A group of us laughed. Elle explained, frowning. “Dianna is not one to hold her opinions to herself.”

  I smiled at my mate and held out my hand, He strode over and took it in his. “I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment, Dianna.” Dianna’s cheeks pinked up in a blush. “Why don’t you get your things, find your rooms and unpack. I’ll see most of you later at the villa.”

  Everyone rose and nodded again, following Elle out the back door. A few minutes later Filenne had returned with the quiet female and their small bags. I led them upstairs and Filenne thanked me over and over for the lovely accommodations. I showed them around, then sat them down and handed Filenne the remote control. She was familiar with a television but had never used a remote. I showed them what buttons to push. “Would you tell me your name?” I asked the shy one. She shook her head and stared at the floor.

  I turned toward Filenne and arched an eyebrow. “I cannot, for she will not speak it even to me.”

  “What do you call her?”

  “Sister.”

  “May I call you friend?” I asked the quiet one. “I’ll use the French word, Ami.”

  “Yes, please.” Her voice was whisper soft but I was pleased to see the corner of her mouth twitch slightly.

  “That was the most I’ve heard you speak today. I think our friendship will be a certainty.” I left them to their channel surfing, ran down the stairs and jumped full force into my amazing mate’s arms. Garrett caught me without a glitch, laughing heartily at my enthusiasm.

  “Whose idea was the party? I love it.”

  “Mine.” Sasha was sprawled in the living room. “Only I’m keeping this one low key and civilized. Not like our usual shindigs. No werewolves or any other species allowed. Just fae and vampires, Charlie of course and the newest demon in Crescent City.” He swept his hand from left to right like he was introducing me on stage.

  “I’ve always been part demon,” I grumbled.

  “Yeah, but you’re brimming over with it. Elle says your aura is completely orange now.”

  I pushed on Garrett and he loosened his grip so I could slide down his body and face Sasha. “My cheetah is only hibernating. She’ll be back.” He was pissing me off.

  “Uh huh.” Sash squinted. “What are those?” He pointed at my mouth and I covered it instantly with my hand. He chuckled. “Your fangs popped as soon as you got annoyed. I better not get you really angry, ’cause you’ll change into your ugly demon warrior form and kick my ass.” He made a snarly, fangy face and chuckled.

  “Get. Out. Now.”

  “Yes, Mistress.” I could hear him laughing as he walked down the garden pathway to his house.

  “I can’t go to the party.” I slumped into a chair.

  Garrett knelt in front of me. “Of course you can. No one will make you angry during the party. I’ll order Sasha to keep his distance, if that will help.” He placed his head in my lap and rested his hands on my hips. “I’m falling in love all over again,” he mooned.

  “What? You love Demon Jackie more than Cheetah Jackie?”

  “Of course not, it’s just…you’re…sooo…hot.”

  I twisted my mouth in thought, and began to stroke his hair. It was thick, clean silk and it triggered a million responses. All hormonal. “Do you like it when I throw myself at you?”

  “I like it when you’re eager to be in my arms.”

  “And the fangs…”

  “Feel free to bite me.”

  I giggled. “I always forget that vampires use demon magic too.”

  “We’re nothing like the fae, unless we choose to be.”

  “But you still have your cheetah. Does he miss mine?” My voice broke a little at the end.

  Garrett raised his head and clasped both of my hands in his. “He knows she’s near. But yes, he misses her. I love that side of you, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love the new you, too. Nothing you could do or be or feel or say would ever make me stop adoring you.”

  “Tell me that after I change into my ugly demon warrior form for the first time.”

  “Sash doesn’t know when to keep his mouth shut.”

  “He likes to kid around. But maybe it’s a possibility.”

  “And if it happens we’ll deal with it. We’ve dealt with so much worse.”

  I kissed him, making it sweet and short, then tugged on the lock of hair hanging in his face. “Eighteen years and I still can’t believe you’re mine.”

  He slid his hands up my thighs, resting them on my hips. “Give me tonight to make you a believer.”

  Oh boy, My skin was tingling in all the right places. “You had last night,” I teased.

  “Not near enough.” I was leaning in to kiss him when…

  “Jackie?” Filenne’s voice sounded like it came from the bottom of the stairs.

  Our lips curled against each other. “Perhaps later tonight?” he suggested.

  “My fangs will be at your disposal.”

  “Grrr.”

  I rose and walked around the corner. “Can I help you with something?”

  “Sister isn’t well. S
he is remembering.”

  I instantly put in a call to Liam since I couldn’t use my healing powers, if I even had them anymore.. My heart ached at the thought. “I’ll be up in a moment.” She nodded curtly and took the lines back to her friend instead of walking. It must be serious.

  I brushed my lips against Garrett’s. “I’ve contacted Liam and I’m going upstairs to see to her, but I think you should stay away unless I call you. This girl is very nervous around males.”

  “I agree.” He kissed my forehead, grinning like a chimp. “But do you see? You will always be a healer, with your cheetah or without her. The gift lives in your heart.”

  I smiled gratefully and took the lines upstairs, wiping a tear away when I arrived. Ami was curled in a ball on the floor near the couch, whimpering. “What triggered this?” I asked Filenne as I pulled a throw blanket off the recliner and covered Ami with it.

  “We were watching the news. A woman was found dead who’d been…raped by many men.”

  I stroked Ami’s back. “You’re safe here. Liam is coming.”

  “Lord Liam?” Filenne asked, taking a step back.

  “Yes. He’s one of my closest friends.”

  “But he will not touch Sister. We are not High Seelie.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Those of the royal line are High Seelie—descendants of the King and the other royals. We who have come for training are born of servants and gardeners, farmers and chefs.”

  “You are equal in every way to all other fae.”

  “We are not equal. Our magic is weaker. Our lifespan is shorter. Our beauty is less. Our intelligence—”

  “Stop. Please. You are the same. Liam will do everything he can for Ami.”

  A moment later Liam arrived beside us in a shimmer of light. Both females immediately looked at the floor, not even nodding in greeting. I was angry beyond reason to see them so submissive. I held my breath, waiting for his reaction.

  Liam gave me wry smile. “Do you think so little of me?”

  “These two were certain you wouldn’t help them.”

  “The Common Seelie don’t often ask for my help, but I would never turn away if I were needed.”

  “I know.” I squeezed his arm. “Seeing them in this submissive position reminds me of what they went through.”

  He lifted Ami gently from the floor, arching an eyebrow as he gazed at me, not sure where he should deposit her. I pointed toward the bedroom and he laid her on the bed. “Sweet lady, please speak to me. What troubles you?” he asked.

  Ami was wide-eyed with wonder. “Thank you lord. I…I…do not wish to inconvenience you. I am well.” She was trembling slightly.

  His warm smile seemed to relax her. “I swear on my honor as a fae warrior that I will not touch you without your permission, do you understand?”

  “Yes, lord.” She made an attempt to smile back.

  “On the Mortal Plain, I am known simply as Liam. What is your name?”

  She didn’t answer. “I call her Ami, which means friend in French,” I said.

  “I will also call you Ami—is that all right?” She nodded. “May I hold your hand?” Mesmerized by his kindness, she extended it without a hint of nervousness. His healing energy flowed from his core to hers, visibly relaxing her body until she drifted off into sleep. He brushed her hair from her face and smiled. “She should awaken in an hour or so, feeling refreshed and probably hungry.”

  “There’s a party at Sasha’s and Rick’s. Do you think she’ll be all right there?”

  “Yes. I’ll keep a close eye on her. Kellaine and I have also been invited.”

  “Thank goodness. How is Kellie? I haven’t seen her in some time.”

  “Very well. She is…” He beamed. “She is with child.”

  “Oh, Liam!” I flung my arms around him. “Congratulations.”

  He laughed, pulling away and clasping my hands. “Thank you, dear friend. And how are you?”

  “Confused, but doing better, I think.”

  “Excellent. I’m researching the problem, and hope to find a solution soon.”

  “Thank you.”

  He placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “I shall see you at the party.” He disappeared.

  Filenne was smiling in wonder. “None of my people ever thought to request Liam’s help when someone was ill. He is so far above us.” Suddenly her body seemed to lose its energy. “But then Fionna would not have permitted it. She allowed us so little magic, our ability to heal was weakened. She said it was all we deserved. So many of us faded. Gave up hope.”

  She didn’t pull away when I took her hand in mine. “You and Ami never gave up and you being here will make their deaths mean something.” She sniffled, blinking back a few tears. “You should rest too. The party is not for a few hours.”

  “Yes, thank you. She covered her friend with a blanket and slid beneath it. The bed was large, but she snuggled as close to Ami as the bed would allow.

  I wondered again what Fin had done to his daughter Fionna, the day Garrett was saved from her clutches. She and Kennet had disappeared from the three realms without a trace. I turned off the TV and allowed myself a momentary fantasy, imagining all the vile, violent and vicious things I’d do to that female if I ever saw her again. I was smiling by the time I hit the bottom step.

  This extra dose of demon magic was stirring my imagination in unexpected ways. I looked in Garrett’s direction. Stirring other things as well.

  Garrett was waiting patiently, stretched out on the couch like the most delicious dessert. His mouth curved into a slow, sexy smile as if he knew exactly what was on my mind. I pounced. He responded, and we were instantly in the bedroom, all doors and windows locked, candles lit and steamy music playing from his dock.

  The next couple of hours were satisfying in every way, and there were no interruptions.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Well this is just crazy,” I grumbled.

  The six new trainees were huddled near the fireplace in the corner of the large living room at the villa. Most of them were whispering quietly, stealing glances at Sasha and Rick, staring at their feet whenever the guys looked their way.

  I was on the couch next to Garrett sipping down a glass of white wine. I felt it was better not to indulge in anything stronger, since I may have to play mama bear with some of these girls. Most of them were a lot older than me. I mean we’re talking hundreds of years older. The fae could live for thousands of years, at least the High Seelie, but their fragility made me doubt any of them were over two hundred. A few weeks or months of training with us would help give them confidence and also put some meat on their delicate bones.

  I curled my finger at Sasha. “Mistress,” he teased. Again.

  “Put on some music.”

  “Whom do you recommend? Kiss? Motorhead? Nine Inch Nails?”

  “Very funny. Slow dance music. It can be instrumental. Or Spanish. Romantic Spanish music. A little Enrique maybe?”

  “And what do you think this will accomplish?”

  “They need to loosen up. After you have the music up, ask Elle to dance.” I saw Liam over by the bar chatting with Kellaine, the daughter of a Cascade Elder and Farrell’s sister. “Dance with your girl. I want these females to relax,” I sent to him.

  “Slow dancing may make them uncomfortable.”

  “We’ll play it by ear.”

  “C’mon. We’re going to demonstrate.” I pulled Garrett off the couch as Sasha directed Rick to put on a salsa.

  “What have you done with my ‘I don’t like to dance’ lifemate?” Garrett whispered into my ear.

  “Complaining?” I purred.

  “I’m fairly certain you know the answer to that question.” Garrett was always trying to get me to dance with him when we were at a party.

  The music came on and we began to sway together, a simple back and forth motion as we exchanged loving gazes. “This is nice.” I said.

  He spun me under
his arm with a graceful twist. I giggled, but didn’t lose the rhythm of the piece. After another minute I pulled away and pushed him toward Laera. “Ask her to dance.”

  “Yes, Mistress.”

  “Don’t you start.”

  He kissed my nose, the cheeky swine, but like the obedient mate he was, he took the plate of hor d’oeuvres from Laera’s hands, handed it off to Rick and drew her out onto the dance floor. The other ladies, who’d watched our three couples dancing with interest, crowded the perimeter more closely at this new development.

  “I do not know dancing,” Laera whispered loud enough for all us supes to hear.

  “We move with the music. That’s all it is. While we dance we chat.” Another slow tune began and Garrett positioned her hands and began to sway with her in his arms. She stared at their feet. “Step together. Step together. Excellent, you’re doing very well. Now look at me. Your feet will be fine. Yes?” She nodded shyly. “Did you assist the chef? The hor d’oeuvres are wonderful.”

  She smiled. “Yes, lord.”

  “I’m Garrett.”

  “Garrett. I helped to make the spinach puffs and the shrimp puffs.”

  “They are delicious.”

  “Thank you lord. Um…Garrett.”

  “May I cut in?” It was Rick.

  She turned pale. “Before you faint, this is proper at a dance.” Garrett explained. “If another gentleman would like to dance with a lady he asks if he may cut in. It has nothing to do with weapons or bloodshed.”

  “Oh.”

  “And the choice is always left up to the lady.”

  Garrett handed the sweet female over to Rick, who smiled and didn’t miss a beat of the music. “She was just telling me how she’d helped the chef with the hor d’oeuvres.”

  “They were delicious. Thank you.” Rick said, smiling warmly at Laera. Rick’s Fae wasn’t as good as Garrett’s or Sasha’s, but he could hold his own. Laera didn’t seem to mind at all.