Heat in the Air

by Serenity Snow

  They could hear conversations on the wind even if they were thoughts in someone’s head.

  That was power he wanted. He could accomplish a lot more if he knew the next move his enemy planned to make. So, he had to get a wind nymph, but that was proving a challenge at present.

  “Who was it?”

  He got to his feet and turned to the cool stare of Declan St. James, head of the local Witch’s Congress.

  “It’s hard to say,” Necron told him. “It could be anyone, but it’s clear one of the aurai did this.” He had to turn the good witches against them, but he wasn’t sure that would happen.

  Declan had his eye on the mother of a girl who had recently become aurai. Juliet could easily become a liaison between the two races which would make her a threat to him in the future.

  “That appears to be Grace, so this may be Selene,” Declan deduced. He whipped his phone out and input a number as sentries came down the stairs.

  Their version of law enforcement. They were always present at an event.

  “They’re both dead,” Necron told the two men and started back the way he’d come.

  ****

  “Camille, are you all right?” Tylor asked softly.

  Camille nodded. “You saved me.”

  “Why wouldn’t I?” she asked with a frown. “Drink this.”

  She took the glass Tylor held out to her and took a sip and then another. The liquid was slightly sweet and pale.

  “What is it?”

  “Liquid air,” Tylor murmured.

  She gave her a curious stare. “Liquid air? How does one find or obtain liquid air?”

  She smiled. “It’s a well-kept secret, but it is like blood to us.” Tylor glanced over her head and Camille turned to find them in a dimly lit hallway facing a door with glass panels.

  “Where are we?”

  “Inside the club,” Tylor told her. “Just outside the ballroom. These doors lead to the west facing patio and the tennis courts.”

  “Oh.” She took another sip. The gas had a floral taste to it making her wonder if it had come from Tylor herself. “The dark breed—she did something I’ve never encountered before.”

  “A shadow and smoke bomb. It’s designed to temporarily obscure sight and paralyze.”

  “She was trying to feed off me.”

  “She was trying to kill you and take your power into her,” Tylor corrected. “That’s the reason you feel out of sorts.”

  “I panicked.”

  Tylor gave her a smile. “You don’t know all of the weapons in your arsenal and don’t even have access to them all yet. Soon you will and you’ll do better.”

  “I was so afraid I’d never get to—” She broke off and looked down at the glass. “You really should train me.”

  “I will,” Tylor told her. “In the meantime, don’t let this get to you. Shake it off. You have to because she’s not even the most dangerous thing coming our way.”

  Camille took another drink from her glass. “Can we stop them?”

  “We’re going to.”

  Camille set her glass on the bench and leaned against Tylor. She loved the feel of her body and energetically, she enjoyed the strange feeling of being connected to Tylor.

  “Thank you for coming so fast,” Camille said quietly and turned to face her. She cupped Tylor’s face. “I was terrified I’d die there and not have a chance to really get to know you, to fall so deep in love with you I can’t see straight.”

  Tylor smiled and her eyes filled with warmth that touched Camille’s heart and made her ache for a deeper connection with Tylor.

  Love.

  She wanted it so big and so sweet, she got lost in it and never wanted to surface.

  She caressed Tylor’s cheek. “What’s soul-consort?”

  “It means we were meant for each other.”

  Camille nodded and leaned closer to her. “I hope so.” She brushed her lips to Tylor’s knowing she had to come out no matter what the consequences.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  The simple kiss turned into a deeper caress of tongues tasting and hands stroking as Camille moved closer to Tylor. She couldn’t seem to get close enough and moist air excreted from her.

  A clearing throat and the two broke apart and turned, fixing eyes on the slender form standing behind them. The cool stare curiously watched.

  Camille swallowed tightly and looked at Tylor who seemed completely nonplussed.

  “What is it, Amara?” she asked and got to her feet.

  “This is a new development,” Amara murmured striding toward them. “Aaron would find it quite interesting. He’d probably fire you both on the spot.”

  “He might,” Tylor agreed.

  Camille stood next to her, uncertain, but sure she wasn’t going to continue to hide. She didn’t know what awaited her, but it was time to step out of the shadows.

  She put her hand on Tylor’s arm and moved closer to her hoping she was making it clear to Tylor she didn’t have to lie.

  “I’ll be leaving soon,” Amara said. “I’ll expect you two before midnight, and I’ll put you in the guest house.”

  “We’ll be there before that,” Tylor said. “I’m getting tired.”

  “The celebration will begin at sunrise in the garden,” she said. “Dress appropriately.”

  “I always do,” Tylor retorted.

  “You might not get out of here as soon as you expect. Two people were killed. Grace Miller and someone else.”

  Camille gasped and then started to speak but stopped. Grace had led her to what would have been her death. “My Goddess,” she said softly, anguish in her tone.

  “Grace was a nice girl,” Amara agreed. “But she was a dark witch. She probably stumbled upon the other murder taking place.”

  “It’s still too bad,” Camille said.

  “In more ways than one,” Tylor murmured. “Now, we’ll have to replace her and Trent. Both were very good at their jobs.”

  “Just think,” Camille said giving Amara a pointed look. “If we get fired, the board will have to find four replacements in the space of a heartbeat. Wells could take over as headmaster, but he’s not going to get the job done quite like Tylor.” She gave Tylor a smile.

  Tylor’s eyes glowed with humor. “Not even close, but they could manage. It would just be a simple matter of replacing two great teachers and one extraordinary one.”

  Amara grunted. “No one is irreplaceable.”

  “No,” Tylor agreed. “It’s just a question of whether you’re looking for quality or a body in this case.” She met Camille’s eyes. “Let’s go mingle a little longer. We can get out of here in thirty minutes.”

  Camille nodded. “Sounds fine to me.”

  They strolled past Amara and back into the ballroom. The sentries were already questioning patrons, though the party was still in full swing.

  “Do you want to dance?” Tylor asked glancing at the dance floor.

  Camille followed her gaze and at first thought to refuse but smiled. “Sure.”

  Tylor took her hand and led her to the dance floor where a slow tune was playing. “You do realize this will be in effect making a bold statement to our boss?”

  “I’m tired of being afraid I’ll lose my job,” she said softly. “Besides that, I think we have a chance to build something real and incandescent. So, I want to step out into the light so it can flourish.”

  Tylor pulled Camille into her arms. “Being out isn’t a requirement for that to happen.”

  “I think it is,” Camille argued. “If we’re always hiding, can we ever go out and just enjoy ourselves?”

  Tylor rested her forehead against Camille’s. “We are a chance worth taking, if you’re really ready.”

  “I am.” She leaned up and kissed Tylor softly.

  Tylor held her tighter and Camille sank into the warmth and the strength, rejoicing in it.

  She’d been searching for a place where she’d feel safe, someone who would always
come to her aid, would give her heart as Camille gave hers. She had finally found it and the knowledge tore through her, made her light, bubbles of happiness in her veins.

  Tylor kissed her jaw and then dipped her before pulling her close and spinning her around. Camille laughed, giddy with emotion.

  The song ended too soon and Tylor led Camille from the floor to the side of the room near a row of windows that provided a view of the grounds. Camille regarded it only briefly before smiling up at Tylor.

  “I’m going to start looking for a new position,” Camille told her. “Something in psychology.”

  Tylor nodded. “I’ll look around for something, too. It’ll be better for our future if we aren’t dealing with stress on a daily basis.”

  Camille smiled. “I think we’ve been social long enough, don’t you?”

  “I’m tired, too,” Tylor said. “It’s been a long day.”

  “Tylor.”

  She turned to face the grim expression of Aaron who had his wife at his side. Leonora was wife number two and Tylor knew very little about her except she enjoyed charity work and being seen at the right parties.

  “Aaron,” she said coolly. “Leonora, we were just leaving.”

  “After a statement like that?” Aaron demanded. “One would think you’d stick around to assure a few people your little display was just for show.”

  Tylor frowned and Camille snorted delicately. “Right,” Tylor said. “We’re both tired. I’ll talk to you at work Monday, Aaron.” She gave his willowy wife a nod, her eyes frosty.

  “We’ll see you later,” Aaron said. “I suggest you rein in your less desirable behavior.”

  Tylor rolled her eyes in exasperation and slipped an arm around Camille’s waist and led her from the room. “He’s not going to take this well.”

  “I’ll take the first job I like,” Camille assured her.

  “I don’t want to leave before they get a competent headmistress and suitable replacement for Grace or you. If he implements the new program, which I’m sure he will especially since without me around he can take credit for it, he’ll need qualified teachers.”

  “I understand,” Camille said. “Do you mind if I continue to use your guestroom?” Camille smiled secretly. Tylor had taken her to her place after the talk with the police.

  Tylor frowned. “Do you seriously think I’d let you stay anyplace else now? You’re not safe on your own.”

  “I know, but more importantly I can’t stand to go back to my apartment with the mess.”

  “We’ll take care of that next week so you can get your security deposit back,” Tylor promised.

  “Thanks.”

  The drive out to the country was accomplished amid conversation as Tylor talked Camille through how to make a protective bubble. Camille practiced, drawing Tylor’s laughter and gentle criticism.

  But in the end, she managed to encase herself in air that met her consort’s approval.

  “I’m pleased,” Tylor told her. “Next task is to encase someone else in one, but don’t try it on me now. I won’t be able to access the wheel from inside of it.”

  “The bubble will be impenetrable?”

  “If done right,” Tylor told her. “It’s your best defense against anyone, even a demon. The air will turn into a force that will rip the enemy into pieces if they struggle. The good part is the bubbles work even for a beginner.”

  “Good because I have a feeling I’m still going to be overwhelmed for a while.”

  ****

  Necron hated that he’d lost the edge of power he’d coveted, but it didn’t stop what he had to do. The attack on the Congress was important. He wouldn’t be there to carry it out until tomorrow night, but that was perfect. The vote will have been cast and celebrations for the first draft being successfully finished would be going on.

  No one would suspect him since he would have an alibi. His cell phone rang, and he pulled it from its holster and glanced at the display. His lips curved into a smile.

  “Yes, Voltaire?” he asked allowing some of the warmth he felt for the other man to color in his tone.

  “Are you on your way?” he asked.

  “Yes.”

  “You were supposed to see me first,” Voltaire muttered.

  “I didn’t have time, but you’re going to carry out the other plans?”

  “You know I am,” he said tightly. “The coven will cease to exist by this time tomorrow. You were right. Spring Skye can’t be allowed to live if we’re going to carry out the rest of the plan.”

  “They’re the real glue in the trinity, though Samantha is a stronger force than Amara and she has more power within her reach. When we take Sam out, Amara or Arielle will take up the mantle.”

  “Make sure Samantha isn’t hurt in this. When I’m done here, she won’t want to fight the breaking of the dual Congress,” Voltaire told him.

  “Make sure her daughter isn’t around, but Alice needs to be present,” Necron told him. “She’s a powerful force in her own right, and she can still join with any that remain of Spring Skye to reignite the coven. She’ll be a danger to us.”

  “As will the daughter. What are you planning?”

  “I’ll tell you later. Just carry out the attacks and make sure Dark Crystal is implicated.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  They arrived at Amara’s cabin and Camille was surprised it was a sprawling split-level nestled against green pines and strong oaks. Tylor followed a curving smooth path around to the side of the house where a smaller version of it lounged with a light on the porch on. A light dimly glowed from inside.

  Tylor pulled into the driveway and beneath the carport and cut the engine. She climbed out and Camille followed on her heels eager to get inside, too. All she wanted to do was rest and prepare for whatever tomorrow brought.

  Camille watched Tylor tip up her head and did the same as she wondered why she was doing it. She opened her senses to see what she’d sense.

  The air was moist and heavily scented with pine and some kind of flower. The dampness washed over her, sank into her.

  Her entire being came awake. She sensed a stream not far away, heard it whispering and felt the air within it giving life to trees and the wildlife. She swayed on her feet, but drew in the energy.

  It was overwhelming at first, but then she let it sink in, claimed it as her own.

  The sighing of water, drifted to her and the lap of the waves brushed her mind.

  “The night is calm, but the air holds its breath,” Tylor told her.

  “What does that mean?” Camille asked with a frown.

  “It means the dark ones are planning something I can’t hear,” she said. “The air wants to tell me, but the demons haven’t told anyone outside of their immediate circle, so it’s not leaking out yet.”

  “The lake is talking to me.”

  “It’s your connection to water of air,” Tylor told her. “The gift of the west wind.”

  “There’s a tension in it,” Camille said cocking her head. “Darkness surrounds me, the water is murky, and I can’t see the light.” Her hand went to her throat and she gasped.

  “Relax,” Tylor urged. “Open your mind. Let the energy flow, just like water over a cliff.”

  Camille’s fingers clenched, but she consciously relaxed. A breeze caressed her. Images assailed her as she was plunged into the darkness of water. Camille gasped, liquid filling her lungs.

  “Don’t fight it,” Tylor commanded. “Breathe. You can breathe underwater even in your human form.”

  She drew in a slow steady breath and more images assailed her. “Bloody water, darkness like a cloak, attacks are carried out—Arielle—Alice. Die.”

  “Last names?” She wasn’t sure who Alice was, but she knew an Arielle and she was a coven leader.

  “No.” She shook her head. “Dark Crystal?”

  “A coven of dark witches. I’ll contact Aria.”

  “She didn’t seem to like you,” Camille murmure
d.

  “I’ve killed her a few times, but she really has to let the past go.”

  Camille blinked and gaped. “Seriously?”

  “Let’s grab the bags while I contact her telepathically,” Tylor told her blandly.

  Camille followed in her wake a little baffled. “How many is a few?”

  “Two or three.” Tylor reached the car and opened the back door just as a car pulled in behind them. “Our hostess. Say little.”

  Camille took offense to that, but didn’t say anything as she accepted the bag Tylor handed her.

  “You made good time,” Amollia said as she strolled toward them. “Grandmother is still on her way. She said she’d see you in the morning.”

  “Amollia.” Tylor straightened. “I heard something at the club tonight.”

  Amollia frowned. “What did it pertain to?”

  “Arielle.”

  “Vesta’s Arielle?”

  “I think so,” Tylor said. “And an Alice.”

  “Samantha’s niece,” she said with a frown. “What did you hear?”

  “I think someone is planning an attack on their covens tonight or sometime very soon.”

  “I’ll contact them right now,” she said. “Samantha’s out of town, but Alice is co-leading the coven. Are you certain about an attack?”

  “As certain as I can be,” Tylor told her and headed for the house.

  Camille followed, deciding it was better if she did. If she stayed behind she’d probably say more than Tylor intended for her to.

  Tylor turned and motioned her to go ahead of her. “Just turn the knob.”

  She did and stepped inside to light showering her. “I could use some automatic lights.”

  “They do come in handy,” Tylor said, closing the door behind her.

  The door opened as Camille opened her mouth and she snapped it closed.

  “I alerted Arielle, but I couldn’t reach Alice,” Amollia told them. “Arielle said she’d try. I’m going up to the house and check with security. If someone goes after them, they may as well go after us because my grandmother will have to step up until Samantha returns. Good night.” She left before they could speak.