Layla

by Claire Marta

  “Leave her. She’ll be fine for a few minutes, I think we need an explanation, now.” The vampire regards me with icy blue eyes.

  I don’t know what to say. My brain is still trying to come to terms with what just happened.

  “She’s half siren,” Alistair says. “I’m assuming this isn’t the first time her magic has shown itself.”

  “No,” I answer. “It’s just the first time it’s been this bad. The first time I realized what she was. If I knew what she was I never would have gotten involved.”

  Screams, the smell of blood, even all these years later that night haunts me. No, if I knew what the girl was I would have run far, far away from her.

  “The allure of a siren is a heady thing,” Alistair explains. “Unchecked and it’s a dangerous thing. A virgin has no hope at controlling their magic. Half breed or not, the magic would have eaten the girl alive if Thomas didn’t take care of her virginity.”

  I’m thankful someone else here knows what is going on. I should have figured it out sooner, the fact that I didn’t is taking a long time to process.

  Of all people I should know how to spot one of those fucking demons.

  “So you had to fuck her to help her with her magic? What kind of fucking thing is that?” The white-haired submissive grouses.

  “Elias,” Samuel hisses.

  “Essentially. I can’t say I ever paid much attention to the merfolk. The type of magic they wield is far too unfriendly towards my kind.”

  “Now that her magic isn’t on the verge of breaking out, she’ll be easily trainable. If she’s willing I’d like to help her.” Alistair says. “It’s been years since I helped to train a siren, but I don’t think I’ve forgotten. If you’re looking for something to do, Samuel, you’re welcome to join me.”

  “Perhaps. To be honest I thought sirens were a myth.”

  “Most do.” Alistair agrees.

  “Before you two go making plans with the girl, I need to make sure she’s okay.”

  “I wouldn’t worry too much, Thomas,” Adam interjects. “It seems my pet has slipped away. Chasing your wayward nymph probably. His bleeding heart wouldn’t be able to resist a damsel in distress.” There’s a quirk to the vampire’s lips that spells trouble for his wolf.

  As if summoned, Bane walks into the room, reeking of Layla.

  “Where is the girl, pet?” Adam asks.

  “Gone, sir.”

  Everyone goes quiet.

  “What do you mean gone?” I practically snarl.

  “She got into a cab and left, sir. I tried to stop her...I’m sorry.”

  I should have anticipated this. She’s always been a flight risk, but we’ve been doing so well, I didn’t think she would leave without saying anything.

  Whipping out my phone I call her. It rings a bit before going to voicemail.

  I give her a moment before trying again. In truth I need to give myself a moment. I’m seething. We might not have unquestionable trust, but we have been working our way up to that. She should have come to me before the fucking wolf.

  The wolf that is shedding his jacket under Adam’s watchful eye.

  My phone buzzes with a text and my heart gives an uncharacteristic jump.

  I have to read the message a few times. The words don’t make any sense. She wants to end our relationship?

  I understand that she’s upset, anyone would be. But I expected more than this from her.

  “What exactly did she say?”

  I level my gaze at Bane. He takes a few steps back. “She needed to get away. She was upset.” He says, slowly.

  “You allowed her to get into that cab.”

  “I’m just the messenger. Don’t blame me. If she wanted to talk to you she would have. She trusted me instead. She’s my friend, I did what was best for her.”

  I want to throttle him, then set him on fire for good measure. Friend or not that is not what should have happened.

  “Watch your tone, pet.” Adam reprimands. “Now is not the time to get defensive. Thomas has a right to question your actions.”

  “What he needed at the moment wasn’t important. Layla was.”

  I have to give it to the wolf. As bothersome as I find his interference, I can only see the truth in him and how much he just wanted to help her. “You make a point there. Still, you should have tried harder. As her dominant, I should have been the one caring for her. Not that it matters now, as apparently she’s done being my submissive.”

  “Really?” Mystic says. Taking an open interest in the conversation for the first time. “I find that interesting. It was my understanding that the girl was quite attached to you.”

  “That was my impression. It seems she feels differently.”

  “Can you blame her?” Samuel asks. “After what that bastard Enrico did to her. It’s not surprising she ran.”

  “But without an explanation?” Alistair shakes his head. “It was apparent she didn’t know what she was. Most people would want to know just why they got fucked on the dining table.”

  “She does that.” I explain. “She’d rather run and hide than face her problems like a rational adult. I’ll pay her a visit in the morning. See if we can’t talk.”

  “Wait a day or two.” The Mistress says. “I understand, better than most, where the poor girl is coming from. Give her time to work things through in her head and then see where you stand. If nothing you can be a friend to her. She needs the support system.”

  I nod, grimly. I hate to admit it, but Mystic is right. Layla will be more prone to fight me if I don’t let her stew for a day or two.

  “Thank you for the invitation. I think it is best that I head out. I am sorry for the drama.”

  “Nonesene.” Mystic says. “We live for drama around here. Keeps things interesting. You can be assured that you and Layla will be invited back. Once everything is cleared up.”

  “Thank you, Mistress.”

  I give a vague goodbye to the others and head outside.

  I call my driver and have to fight the urge to call Layla. Fire courses through me. I’m a mixture of emotions. Pissed that she ran, upset with myself that I missed the signs of her true nature, unsure of where we’re going to go from here.

  My life hasn’t felt this out of control in a very long time.

  Layla

  Six months later

  The murmur of the restaurant around me barely filters into my thoughts as I take in busy, dark rain-washed street.

  I’d spent two weeks in the ocean squeezing the truth from my father and everything had finally come to light. Knowing my mother was a siren has given me some clarity to my life and heartache. It explains why my family could never love me after she died.

  Knowing I’d exhibit her powers they’d decided it was better to exclude me then accept what I am. It had only added to the pain I’d been carrying. So eager to be rid of me, they’d paid me off and asked me never to return.

  It had only deepened my sense of betrayal. Returning from the ocean had washed away the girl I’d once been. I am no longer so naïve. Bitterness and maturity replace the innocence.

  Six months on from the night I fled Mystic’s estate, and I’m still learning how to be the woman I was always meant to be.

  A mermaid-siren hybrid. Strong, powerful, a force to be reckoned with. Instead of burying my differences I’ve decided to embrace them. The merfolk say I have dirty blood. Sirens would kill me for being a mix. I don’t fit in with any of them. Not that I want to.

  “Sorry I’m late.” Smiling hazel eyes meet mine as I glance away from the window. Shrugging out of his jacket, Bane sits opposite me at the table.

  “Don’t worry.” I assure him, signaling for a waiter. “I know how hectic life can be. I’m just glad you could make it.”

  It’s a ritual we have once a week since I left my employment at Carnal Pleasures. Dinner and a chat. Bane has become someone to talk to. A lifeline. Someone I can rely on when I need them. One of my best friends.
>
  There had been gossip when I’d vanished according to Eli, who still keeps in touch. Rumors as to what had happened to me. Sending my resignation in by letter hadn't gone down well.

  From what I’d heard Adam had been furious. Changing my number and apartment has prevented him and anyone else from trying to get in contact. As far as anyone knows I’ve disappeared.

  “It looks busier than ever.” Bane comments, snatching up a menu after we’ve ordered our drinks. “You’ve made this place a real success. I’m proud of you.”

  The compliment has me blushing in pleasure.

  Around us the bright and spacious restaurant is alive with tables full of people. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. Having my own sushi place is a passion I have now fulfilled.

  Two months on and its only growing. We’re booked up every night. Business is good and I already have the idea to expand. The menu has become a fusion of other oriental dishes we now offer.

  With the treasure my father gave me, I became a wealthy heiress overnight. No longer having to save to achieve my dreams, I’d fulfilled them in a matter of days.

  Eli and Bane I’d invited in secret and they’d turned up for the grand opening. I berated myself for the pang of disappointment Thomas hadn’t been there so see my success. What he’d done still hurts.

  I still don’t fully understand why he’d done it.

  “Earth to Lay? Are you ready to order?”

  “Huh?” Shaking myself from my thoughts, I find Bane and Sadie, one of my waitresses, watching me with concern. “Sorry, miles away.” I tell them with a sheepish smile. “My normal please.”

  Sadie gives me a shy look, looping a loose strand of her blonde hair over her ear. She’s the only witch in my employment but not the only Supernatural. Sweet natured, she’s fun to be around and made friends with everyone quickly.

  Bane hands her his menu. “I’ll have the steak rare, thanks.” He doesn’t continue until she's left. “You never try anything different.”

  “Occasionally when I’m in the mood I do.” Taking my paper napkin, I smooth it out on the surface before me. “How are things?”

  I avoid looking at him. Since this morning, my thoughts have been as turbulent as a tropical storm. I don’t know what to do with myself.

  “Adam is as strict as ever. The girl that replaced you didn’t last a night. I’m pretty certain he scared the shit out of her.” He chuckles in amusement. “At the moment we haven’t been able to find a replacement.”

  Folding the napkin, I keep my eyes on my task. “And the club?”

  “Good.”

  I lift an eyebrow at his answer, finally meeting his watchful gaze. We both know I want more than that. Every week I ask questions, though I avoid the ones I really want to ask. We go around and around, tiptoeing the border of the subject I really want to know.

  Sadie reappears with our drinks. Placing the beer in front of Bane, she settles my still water before me.

  “If you want to know about Thomas why don’t you come back to the club yourself? It’s been six months.” He suggests, fingers curling around the handle of his drink. “I’m not an idiot. You want to know how he’s doing. You’re in love with him after all.”

  He’s right I am. After everything that happened between us I shouldn’t be, but I am. Months of torment and I haven’t been able to forget about the douchebag of a dragon. He’s infuriating, annoying and way too dominant, but I love him.

  Yet even with that knowledge he isn’t meant for me. He destroyed my faith in him. The idiot dragon doesn’t know it’s left me traumatized, broken. Worse than what Enrico did to me.

  “Please just tell me.” I ask with a hint of begging.

  Bane sighs. “He’s fast becoming one of the top Doms. He’s booked up for months to do scenes with clients. And yes, he’s still aloof and annoying as hell. I know he’s been worried about you…”

  “Yeah, sure.”

  “Lay, he went looking for you a few days after everything happened. He wasn’t happy to find you gone. Are those the actions of someone who doesn’t care? Have you heard the term aromantic?” He asks softly after taking a sip of his drink.

  Brows dipping in a frown, I shake my head, unfamiliar with the term. “No.”

  “It’s someone who can’t experience a romantic attraction. They don’t know how to love romantically. People think this means the person who is aromantic is heartless, a robot, lacking feelings. The reality is that’s not true. They love in their own way.

  “That’s Adam. I know he cares for me and it’s as close to love as he can get. I love him and he knows it. I’m not going to stop showing him how much even if it bugs the crap out of him.

  “Is it the relationship I ever imagined myself in? No. For a long time I was living in self-guilt. Adam helped me see that I can’t always control things around me.”

  Wetting my dry lips, I absorb Bane’s words. “Are you saying you think Thomas is an aromantic?”

  “No.” His chuckle is amused. “I think he’s just a dick, but I wanted to point out that there might be more going on that what you perceive.

  “He’s a dragon close to a thousand years old. The way he shows emotions and affection could be very different than what others display.

  “It’s been six months and he still checks with Adam to see if anyone has heard from you. I’ve caught the worried look on his face a few times when he thinks no one is watching.”

  I’m not sure how to feel about what he’s telling me. Instead of replying I take a long quenching gulp of my mineral water.

  Sadie reappears, slipping the plates of food before us. “Will there be anything else?”

  “Not at the moment.” I tell her with a grateful smile, which lacks its usual brightness.

  “What else is bothering you, kid? You seem distracted. How's the therapy sessions going?”

  Glancing at my companion I see his worry. Ever perceptive, he can tell something is troubling me.

  “Good, Doctor Lars is really helping me under my nature.” I assure him quickly.

  It was a surprise to find the werewolf had a therapist. I don’t know Bane’s past, but whatever happened from what he’s hinted at it was traumatic.

  “I still can’t believe you're a siren. I didn’t believe that they existed.”

  “Half siren.” I correct him. “Thank the goddess I don’t need to devour souls to survive like a full-blooded one. Enslaving people though with my voice is something I’m still getting used to. It can be awkward when it happens randomly, and I end up with a trail of admirers fawning over me in the supermarket. I only wish I had someone to help me learn how to control it...”

  Bane slices me an amused look. “Oh yeah, all those mindless hotties wanting to get you into bed.”

  I pull a face at his words. “Last time it happened I had a pack of old men after me. Trust me seeing a group of grandpas trying on their outdated moves is not a turn on.”

  Bane’s laughter is boisterous, causing people to look our way.

  “It’s not funny.” I grumble, ducking my head at the unwanted attention. “I had to make a run for it and hide behind a dumpster until they gave up and went home. Anyway, Doctor Lars has suggested I take a step back into BDSM.”

  Left with a fear of intimacy, I know I need to take baby steps. Nonsexual scenes are something I’ve looked into. Still even safe and consensual it leaves me nervous. The thought of sex still repels me. Imagining the pain of my first time I break out in cold sweats.

  “You’re returning to the club?” Bane asks with interest before taking another sip of his beer.

  Instead of answering him with words, I riffle through my bag locating the source of my nervousness. Slipping it across the table, I leave the leaflet where he can see it.

  His brow crinkles in confusion for the briefest of seconds before realization dawns, transforming his expression to surprise. “Shibari lessons?”

  “Bondage interests me, and learning might be fun. Thomas w
as performing it on me before I left. It helped me center myself and I really miss that feeling.” I admit, biting my lip nervously. “I can be in control with a class and a qualified teacher.”

  “Who’s running it? Do you even know this place?” Hunching his shoulders over the colourful piece of paper, his brows dip in a frown. “You could attend a class at Carnal Pleasures. It would be safer than going somewhere you don’t know.”

  “I want to play but…I’m not sure it can ever be there again.” I mutter, beginning to shake. I’m still reeling with no safe anchor to keep me in place. “I need to take my life back and regain the confidence that was blooming.”

  “Have you signed up for this already?” Bane asks softly.

  “Not yet. I was hoping you’d go with me…just to check it out.” I admit looking away.

  I’m terrified at the thought of approaching another Dom alone.

  Tanned, strong fingers entwine with mine over the tabletop in a show of support that has me blinking back tears. “I’m here for you, Layla. You need anything you text or call. It doesn’t matter what time of day it is; I’ll be there for you. Whatever decision you make I’m behind you a hundred percent. No one is going to make you return to the club and I promise I won’t let anyone know where you are. Not until you’re ready.”

  I can’t swallow because of the lump in my throat. Gripping his hand tighter, I squeeze it transmitting my gratitude.

  A flash of light beyond the window has my response dying before it can form. Turning, I search the darkness, only to see people passing by on the street. “What was that?”

  “Probably some kids or tourists taking selfies.” Bane grumbles pulling a face. “Don’t worry about it. Let’s focus on you, okay? Tell me everything you know about this place offering the lessons. I’ll come with you and check it out to make sure it’s safe.

  Thomas

  For once, I don't have anyone on my schedule tonight. It's been a crazy few months of mentoring, demonstrating, and searching for the girl. The last I heard she was back in the city. Just knowing that eased me so I called off the PI I hired. I didn't need someone to follow her around when I could easily find her on my own. Even in the city.