by Michelle Fox
“Hello,” he said not missing the way she assessed him. From the appreciative gleam in her eye, he must’ve passed inspection.
“My name is Raven and this,” she thrust her companion in front of her. “Is Marion.”
“We’ve met,” Aidan said with a nod to Marion.
“Yeah, we’ve met already. Actually, we’re done meeting.” Marion finally twisted free of her friend’s grasp and glared at them both while rubbing her arm.
“You were the one watching Marion on the dance floor, weren’t you?” Raven asked.
Aidan nodded. “There’s something unique about the way your friend dances.”
Raven laughed. “Yeah, it’s called sexual frustration.”
Marion gasped and hissed, “Raven.”
Raven ignored her. “You see, Marion’s my roommate and she never goes out. She sits at home and blows up love potions in ratty old sweatpants. I can’t take it anymore. She’s ruining my love life. Since you seemed interested, I thought I’d facilitate a conversation.”
“I’m going to hex you the second we get home,” Marion said.
“I’ll double-hex you back,” Raven said with a sigh of exasperation.
"You can't hex me. You're an herbalist." Marion frowned at her friend.
"I know a thing or two about magic," Raven shot back.
“Are you looking for love?” Aidan asked, interrupting the two before their spat escalated.
“No.” But Marion wouldn’t meet his eyes when she said it. The troubled expression on her face made him wonder what her previous romantic experiences had been like.
“I’ll leave you two to get acquainted.” Raven edged back toward the door. “I’ll have the bartender send up some mead, okay? My treat.”
Aidan nodded while Marion just glowered at her feet.
Raven shook her head. “Come on, Mar. He’s a perfectly nice elf. It wouldn’t kill you to sit and talk to him.”
“Fine.” Marion stomped over to the chair next to Aidan and plopped down with such force, she started to topple backwards. Aidan reached out and caught her, gently setting her right.
She blushed. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
“See? Perfectly nice,” Raven said with a pleased smile. “I’ll be back to check on you in a little bit. In the meantime, for the love of the gods, talk.”
Marion stuck out her tongue, but Raven had already disappeared down the stairs.
Aidan laughed at her impudence, a response that earned him a dirty look, which he found doubly amusing. He studied Marion, noting the delicate bone structure of her face, the deep brown eyes which flashed bright when she was upset. Her hair flowed down her back in a glossy wave. She was pretty enough, but her clothes were so baggy that he had no idea what she looked like aside from her face.
“I won’t bite, you know.”
“No?” she said, doubt threading through her voice.
“No.”
She flushed. “Of course not. I mean, it’s not like you’re a vampire or anything.” She paused. “You aren’t, are you?”
“No. I’m an elf.”
“You look like an elf.”
“I do?”
“Well, you have the pointy ears. Vampires don’t have pointy ears.”
“No, they have pointy teeth.”
She gave a nervous laugh in response.
“Why do you blow up love potions if you’re not trying to fall in love?”
“I’m taking a potions class.”
“You’re in school then?”
“Yes. I’m working toward a magic degree. Only...”
“The love potions keep exploding.” He finished.
“Yes.” Marion sighed. “I don’t understand it. I’m doing everything right, but no matter what I do they just go...kablooey.” She mimed an explosion with her hands.
“Well, maybe it’s just that you’re too hot for your love potions,” he said in jest. Joke or no, it was the wrong thing to say. She went stiff and pulled her arms around her body again. He sighed. There he went again, sticking his foot in his mouth.
“It was just a joke. I didn’t mean anything by it,” he said in clumsy apology.
"I know. It's not you." She absently rubbed her wrist.
“Are you hurt?” He reached over and took her hand, ignoring her startled gasp. Running his thumb over her wrist, he felt the ridge of a thick scar. One old enough that it shouldn’t be bothering her. “What happened?”
“Nothing.”
“Nothing doesn’t leave scars like this.”
She yanked her hand back. “I don’t want to talk about it. Actually, I have to go. It was nice meeting you.” Standing up, she stalked across the patio and out the door, her back rigid.
Aidan let her go, sensing she was at her limit. Besides, she’d left a few strands of hair behind, enough for him to do a simple charm to ensure she wouldn’t stay away for long. With a smile, he carefully wound the gossamer strands around his finger and tucked them in his pocket. Marion was a woman of mystery: beautiful, haunted, and in need of an elf just like him.
***
Marion skirted the edge of the dance floor, careful to stay out of Raven’s line of sight. It wasn’t hard as her roommate had managed to center herself in a group of good-looking men, all vying for her attention. Leaving the club, Marion hailed a taxi and gave the driver directions to her apartment.
She absently ran her hand over her scar, noticing it didn’t hurt as much as it normally did. Almost as if the elf’s touch had healed it. For a brief moment, she thought about Aidan touching something besides her hand and then shook her head, scattering the images that thought raised.
He was a stranger. Handsome, yes, but not her type. Way too powerful to control. Who was her type then? Someone who couldn’t hurt her would be a start in the right direction. Someone safe, non-threatening. Not an elf who towered over her like a tree.
***
As it turned out, Aidan didn’t need a charm. Not when Raven was involved. She cornered him on the patio, looking for Marion.
“Where is she?”
Aidan shrugged. “She left. I assumed she was with you.”
Raven frowned. “She probably snuck out and went home to her sweatpants to blow up more love potions.”
“I hope she’s all right.”
“How’d it go with you two?”
“I don’t know,” Aidan said. “She’s shy.”
“Sometimes I think she’s socially challenged when it comes to guys.”
“Well, I’d like to see her again.”
Raven snorted. “I doubt she’ll be back here anytime soon, but,” a light dawned in her eyes, “there’s no reason you can’t come over and visit us sometime. We could have a party.” She rummaged through her small purse and pulled out a cell phone. “Marion will freak if I make her go somewhere with you, so you'll have to come to us. What’s your number?”
Aidan gave her his cell number, thankful he’d gotten one first thing. Technology didn’t work in Fairy, but he’d figured it would come in handy in the human world where magic was weak.
“Okay. Got it. I’ll give you a call when I’ve got something set up.” They exchanged wide smiles, the understanding between them complicit. Aidan almost felt sorry for Marion. She didn’t stand a chance.
Chapter Four
“Miss Adams, I’m concerned about your ability to pass Potions this term.” Professor Snooks looked down her long nose at Marion. Her gray hair had been arranged in neat curls and the jewels set in her cat eye glasses twinkled in the fluorescent light of her office.
Marion shifted uncomfortably in her seat, hands clasped in her lap. When she’d received the summons to meet in the Professor’s office, she’d known it wouldn’t be good news. “I’ve done everything I can. Tutors. Better ingredients.” She gave a helpless shrug. “I have no idea why the potions aren’t working.”
Professor Snooks rubbed her chin thoughtfully. “Are you familiar with the equati
on showing the relationship between experience and magic?”
“There’s an equation? Like actual math?”
“Yes, there is math in magic. Basically the equation states that a witch’s magic is only as powerful as her experience. She can’t cast spells beyond her own direct knowledge.”
“I’m not sure I understand.”
“You’ve never been in love, have you, my dear?”
Marion blushed.
“Normally people your age have had a fling or two.”
“Well, I have dated some.” She closed her eyes as unwanted images rose from her memory. That hadn’t been love. That had been a nightmare.
“The unfortunate effect of having dated ‘some’ is that I can’t give you a passing grade. Not unless you can produce a proper love potion by the end of the term.”
“Isn’t there anything you can do, Professor?” If she didn’t pass Potions, she would never be safe.
“I’m afraid not, my dear. You’ll have to switch majors or put your education on hold.”
Marion slumped in her chair.
“Oh, don’t be so upset. There are worse things in the world.” Professor Snooks rummaged through her desk and pulled out a small gold charm in the shape of a clover. “Here’s a luck charm. Maybe you’ll find it helpful.”
“Thanks,” Marion said, despondent, and oddly enough, thinking of Aidan. She put the charm in her pocket.
At home, she flopped on the couch and gazed, unseeing, at the television. Witch TV had a Bewitched marathon running, but Marion couldn’t forget her own troubles long enough to care about Samantha’s.
Gradually, she slipped into a dreamless sleep, only to be jolted awake by the ringing of the phone. Stretching her arms overhead, she grabbed her cell phone off the back of the couch. “Hello?”
“Is Marion Adams there?” asked a clipped baritone voice.
“Speaking.”
“This is Detective Wallace from the Magic Crimes Unit. I don't know if you remember, but I worked on your case.”
Marion gripped the kitchen counter, her heart beat suddenly fast. Dark memories rushed her, threatening to sweep her feet out from under her. She sucked in a shaky breath and forced herself to speak. “Yes, I remember you, Detective. H-h-has something happened?”
She winced as her memory filled her mind with the sound of her bones snapping. Old pain echoed through her body, so sharp it felt like she still hadn't healed. Rubbing her wrist, she paced the kitchen as the reality of the phone call washed over her.
“Well, it’s lucky I found your number. You covered your tracks pretty well. I just wanted to let you know Eric’s out. The parole board met, and in light of his record of good behavior, they let him out early.”
“Oh.” Marion’s heart went still for a second before resuming a staccato rhythm of panic. She closed her eyes only to see Eric staring at her, his face devoid of emotion save for the darkness in his eyes. Even his smiles had looked forced. Early on, she'd attributed it to shyness. Now she knew better. He wasn't shy, he was angry, spurred on by a fury that demanded blood.
“Now, there’s no reason to be concerned, but I wanted to let you know just in case,” the Detective said. “If you see him, let us know, as it’s a violation of his parole. You still have my number, right?”
“Yes, I do. Do you think he can get past the wards here in Vegas?” That had been the whole reason she'd moved to the desert in the first place.
“I doubt it. This is just a courtesy call so try not to worry. But don’t hesitate to call me if you see him or if he contacts you.”
“I will.” She closed her eyes. Please let the wards flag him. Don't let him find me.
“Good. Take care Miss Adams.”
“You too, Detective.” Marion hung up with numb fingers. Trembling, she collapsed on the couch in the living room. Pulling her knees up to her chest, she wrapped her arms around them. He was out. What if he came for her? He’d said as much when he’d called her while the jury was still deliberating his case.
She’d hoped to be well past her Magic Defense class before he got out. Hoped she’d have some means to protect herself. She hadn’t counted on the parole board buying into the charming veneer he applied over his baser personality.
Tears trickled down her cheeks and fear gnawed at her insides.
A key turned in the lock to the front door and Raven breezed into the apartment. “Marion, are you home? I stopped and got Chinese after class.” Plastic bags rustled in her hands and her backpack sat on her shoulder.
Marion wiped at her eyes and sniffed, trying to collect herself. She didn’t want her roommate to see her like this, but it was too late.
Raven took one look at her tear-streaked face and instantly dropped all her stuff. Rushing over to Marion, she asked, “Are you all right? What's wrong? Are you hurt?”
Marion shook her head. “No, I’m okay, but there’s something I have to tell you. Something bad.”
“This sounds serious.” Raven gave her a tight hug. “I’ll make some tea. Do we have tea? Or how about beer? I just bought some.” She pointed to a blue grocery bag next to her backpack. “It’s warm, but we could drink it if you want.”
Marion made a sound between a laugh and a sob. “Tea is good. There’s some in the cupboard next to the stove.”
A few minutes later, she sipped her tea without tasting it and tried to think of how to explain her past to Raven. She made several false starts before finally saying, “I dated a guy a couple years ago. It was a bad relationship.” She pulled back her sleeve and showed Raven the scars. “When I told him it was over, he beat me and broke my wrist in three places. He was trying to throttle me when the police showed up.” Her hand went to her neck as she remembered the way his fingers had crushed her throat. “I...almost died.”
Raven started to speak, but Marion held up a hand. She wanted to get it all out, before she started to cry again. “He went to jail, but promised he’d make me pay for testifying against him. Now he’s out of prison and I’m afraid he’ll find me.” She shuddered.
“Oh, Mar. I’m so sorry.”
“He’s a really powerful mage and there’s no way I can protect myself from him without passing Potions and qualifying for Magical Defense Studies. But I can’t pass Potions unless I make a love potion. I talked to Professor Snooks today and she said I had to fall in love or I would fail her class.”
“What are you going to do?”
Marion shrugged. “I don’t know. He’ll find me sooner or later. I don’t have the money to hire protection. I guess I’ll just have to date a bunch of guys and hope I find one I can love so I can take the Magical Defense class.”
”Well, I can help you there,” Raven said. “I have Aidan’s number and I happen to know he really likes you. And I think you like him, at least judging from how much you’re blushing right now.”
And that’s how it was that Marion found herself agreeing to meet Aidan for dinner. Even though the very idea of it made her hyperventilate.
Chapter Five
Marion fought not to puke as a knock sounded at her apartment door. She was going to lose it. Right in front of the guy she needed to like her. The guy her life might just depend on.
Her stomach bottomed out and her mouth went dry as a second, then third knock followed the first. She wrapped her arms around her stomach, regretting all the chocolate she'd stress eaten so far that day. Mixing that much sugar with her nerves wasn't going to end well.
"Oh Goddess. I don't know if I can do this."
"Relax, Mar. It's just a date." Raven came out from the kitchen and swatted her on the arm. "Stop acting like you're selling your soul. Now answer the door."
Swallowing back her nerves, Marion went to check the peephole. Sure enough, Aidan was out there and her heart quivered in her chest at the sight of him. He looked so handsome. His blue dress shirt emphasized the sapphire blue of his eyes. He'd slicked his hair back and tucked it behind his pointed ears. In the crook of one arm he
held a large bouquet of pink roses.
Trying to move faster than her brain could convince her to run screaming, she flung open the door.
Aidan's eyes met hers, the blue overwhelming her until she felt like she was swimming in them. A masculine scent filled the air around him, full of spice and warm musk that made her flush.
“Hello. I must have the wrong place. I'm looking for Marion.” He made a show of peering into the apartment. Then, holding his hand up, he said, "She's about this tall."
Marion laughed, some of her anxiety easing at the charm and humor in his expression. “I knew I looked different, but I didn’t think I looked that different."
"See, I told you," Raven said, nudging Marion with her elbow. They'd squabbled all day over her wardrobe. Marion had wanted to wear jeans and a t-shirt, but Raven had harangued her until she'd put on a dress. She had to admit she liked the dress, a simple blue sheath with chiffon layers that floated around her body. It had been a long time since she'd allowed herself to feel pretty. It wasn't as scary as she'd thought it would be.
“You don’t look different, you look amazing.” He handed her the flowers.
Marion inhaled the roses’ sweet scent. “Thank you. They’re lovely.”
“They’re blushing because you’ve just one-upped them.”
"You have a way with words," Marion said. "Is your tongue silver?"
Aidan chuckled. "No. Trust me, they've checked." He planted a fleeting kiss on her cheek. His lips were soft and Marion went through shock, fear, and then an unfamiliar disappointment when the kiss ended all too soon.
“Hey, stop that. No kissing before dinner,” Raven said, waving a scolding finger at them.
Aidan released Marion to greet Raven. Marion watched, a pensive finger on her lips as Aidan bowed over her roommate’s hand and kissed it. “I understand you cooked for us.”
“Anything for Marion. Besides, with the way she blows up potions, I’m afraid to let her cook.”
Marion rolled her eyes. “I can cook.”
“Yeah, sure. Whatever you say.” Raven checked her watch. “Oops. I’m running late. Listen, the food is all ready and the wine is chilled. You’re all set for a nice, romantic dinner.”