If Wishes Were Curses

by Janeen Ippolito

  Copyright © 2019 by Janeen Ippolito

  www.janeenippolito.com

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Line Editor: Sarah McConahy

  Proofreader/eBook formatting: Sarah Delena White

  Typesetting: Julia Busko

  Cover Design: Rachel A. Marks

  Dedication

  For RJ Conte:

  You know who.

  You know why.

  You’re amazing.

  If Wishes Were Curses

  Janeen Ippolito

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Prologue

  Never mess with destiny. It’s the cardinal rule of magic users. It's also the rule ignored the most.

  After all, we all mess with destiny. We make bad choices, we reject what's good for us. We live when we should have died—or when others say we should have. People have a lot of opinions about life and death, especially when they aren’t the one dying.

  But here's the issue with destiny. Whoever is up there in the sky knows what they’re doing. The ribbons of destiny set in place don't like being screwed with. Pull one out of place and force it into a new shape, and all the tension from twisting and turning builds up.

  And when the forces trapping destiny get snapped? Crap happens real quick, and life gets messy and dangerous.

  You might wake up next to your apparently destined spouse after one freakishly weird and scary and oddly amazing night involving body-snatching vampires trying to kill you and take over Pittsburgh by invading the inner circles of mortal and Fae society.

  At least … that's what happened to me.

  Chapter 1

  The black leather miniskirt was giving me a wedgie. There was no way of dealing with that in the middle of an upscale club filled with humans, Fae, and even some Unspoken who were wealthy or powerful enough to sneak in the door.

  This had better be worth it. If the imposter I was tracking didn’t show up tonight, the whole thing would be for nothing.

  I sighed where I stood at the black and teal bar accented with glass and recessed lighting. At least the DJ was good tonight. The throbbing beat actually had texture and harmonies overlaid within it instead of some half-baked record-scratcher mangling the electronics. My toe tapped the floor, and a hand briefly touched my shoulder. I glanced over at Jack Momoru, who shot me a grin from the opposite side of the bar as she effortlessly grabbed a few bottles and began mixing another drink.

  “Go on, have fun out there.” She brushed her short black hair out of her face.

  By all accounts she was a very attractive man with an open, friendly face and gleaming dark eyes that matched her dark gray button-down shirt. She was a foxshifter, a kitsune specifically, so she could shift into more than just a fox and her female form. This male form was one of her favorites, partly because it kept her from being harassed by most men, and partly because it amused her to get hit on when she was hardly on the market. Already mated, albeit estranged from her Fae man at present. No details on that situation, but she was my boss, not my bestie. From the vibes she gave off, the whole thing was ugly and unfair, which was all I needed to hear to get myself involved.

  She’s your boss, Allis. Leave it alone.

  She’d never want my help. Fae handled their own business. And I had another romantic issue to deal with tonight—the whole reason I was here.

  “Go out there?” I raised my eyebrows and leaned toward her so I could be heard over the music and buzz of conversation. “You sure about that? It’s easier to read desires and fears from here.”

  Far too easy. I’d spent half the night lowering my shields, getting a vibe from those around me, and quickly snapping my shields back up. This was a nightclub filled with alcohol and people desperate to forget their lives, and they had a variety of creative ways to do that. My brain didn’t need any more information to find our target.

  “Challenge yourself. It’s not just about using your genie intuition.” She tapped my forehead. “Open up your senses. There’s plenty to be read from body language, voice, facial expression. Use them.”

  Her friendly baritone deepened with the last two words, making them an order. For someone so laid-back, Jack could be a real taskmaster. But I had to agree with her. Reading humans was easy enough. Reading Fae—elementals, shifters, and a kitchen sink of other magical beings—was more challenging. Even after four years of working at Jack’s PI firm, I was a newbie compared to the older immortals that worked there. Thirty-three years old might as well be three. It would take another century for me to gain any respect.

  Nah. I was cursed. I’d never get respect from anyone.

  I rolled my eyes at her and downed the rest of my mixer—literally a mix of whatever liquor Jack felt like throwing together. She moonlighted at the bar for kicks, which meant I got free drinks, but I had no say in what they were. Which I actually didn’t mind. Kept things interesting, even if it was just Jack getting rid of the dregs.

  I winced at the sour-lightning taste and the lightheadedness that immediately followed. “What’d you put in that? Moonshine?”

  “Among other things.”

  “Huh. That was fun.” The kick flowed through me. “Just remember this when I’m hungover and puking in your garbage can.”

  “You’re too smart to do that. You’ll drink a counter-potion. You hate throwing up.”

  “Damn it, you know me too well.” I rolled my shoulders back and cracked my neck. “Into the dungeon I go, the valiant sacrifice to the depraved desires of others.”

  Jack scoffed. “Don’t sprain yourself on the melodrama. It’s just another night out.”

  “To entrap someone posing as a Fae.”

  “Still, it’s a night out.” Her eyes glinted with amusement. Jack had five-year-old twins at home. Probably another reason why she picked up night shifts and hired her next-door neighbor as a babysitter. “Who knows, you might even find a guy. One who’s not a loser.”

  I rubbed my forearms. Both of them were covered with intricate tattoos of black and silvery vines from wrist to elbow. Striking, but the ink’s real mission was to block most of my magic. The Fae loved making their curse-marks pretty. “Yeah? Because Kiran worked out so well.”

  She winced. “I didn’t say you’d find true love.”

  “Yeah, because I won’t—”

  “Man, you’re cynical for a matchmaker and romantic consultant.”

  I shrugged. “I’m just logical. The possibility exists, but with my lovely marks, it’s a pretty slim chance.” And it wasn’t like I hadn’t dated around. A lot. It’s how I found clients, and it was one of many reasons I handled roma
ntic investigations at the firm.

  Something like sympathy flashed in her eyes. Then she swatted me with a bar cloth. “It won’t kill you to have a dance or two. Besides, whoever this jerk we’re tracking really is, he’s good at blending in and faking the Fae act. So go blend in and find him already.”

  “Yes ma’am. Sir. Fox. Vixen.”

  I flipped her a disrespectful salute, gave my cropped, glittery sapphire top a tug, and began making my way through the crowd, glad I had pulled my dishwater hair back into a tight ponytail. No need to get loose hair stuck in the crowd that pressed close and filled the air with too much perfume and cologne. Theiya would say I should have pinned my hair down in case I got into a fight. Always the cop—practical and efficient.

  Wedgie aside, I didn’t mind the nightclub scene, and I fit in just fine. Jack wouldn’t have put me on this assignment otherwise. But there was a reason Theiya was in a police car outside. Being a detective was a cover for her real identity as a head enforcer for the local Fae court. After the Blood Wars, elementals like Theiya were dubbed elves for the sake of bureaucracy, never mind the differences in their cultural background or physical appearances. As a light elemental or light elf, Theiya was able to deflect the magic of other Fae. Thus, light elves were useful for keeping Fae in line; however, since she was raised to be an enforcer and protector, Theiya’s attitude screamed “cop” as soon as she entered a room. Not great for undercover operations.

  Besides, both Jack and Theiya were easily recognized as Fae by other Fae, and even by humans who were Sensitive, which our imposter probably was. Whereas I was a grayling, a half-breed of human and Fae. Grayling genetics did weird, unpredictable things, and in my case, it meant I could go unnoticed by Sensitives. Our target wouldn’t see me as a threat.

  Time to get started. My body was already unconsciously moving to the beat and sway of the music. There was freedom in the anonymity of the dance floor, its rich golden-brown wood suffused with an otherworldly glow. Lighting borrowed from the magisphere gleamed down from the ceiling in flares of gold, silver, and iridescent colors. Shadelands generally attracted a classier crowd than the sweaty, gyrating trance clubs farther down the strip. People here really wanted to dance well, not just rub up against each other. Another reason I preferred this place. The mingling of vibrant colors and skillful moves contained just enough magic to loosen the muscles and relax the mind. My mind, not so much. My genie side made me resistant to most types of magical influence. But the overall effect was still hypnotic.

  As was the man on the other side of the dance floor.

  A different kind of lightheadedness filled me as I studied him. He was maybe five inches taller than me—there were no heels on my boots, I treasured my feet too much for that—and his ensemble was a bit more old-school than Shadelands usually saw, with a deep red silk vest and cravat fitted over a white long-sleeved shirt, both tailored over his chest just right. Straight black hair brushed his shoulders, framing a pale, angular face with gray eyes that winked with sharp curiosity and warmth. And darned if he wasn’t wearing a top hat as well, with a bit of ribbon on it to match his vest. Somehow, the whole get-up worked for him effortlessly. He wasn’t actually dancing, just standing at the edge of the floor with a group of friends, engaged in a conversation that left him laughing a lot. Somehow, I had eased closer to him, close enough to catch a glimpse of his incisors during one of his open-mouthed laughs.

  A chill ran through me. Great, that explained the old-fashioned clothing. He had to be a vampire of some kind. They could make those distinctive teeth mostly disappear, but they always remained a touch sharper than a human’s, a touch narrower than those of a predatory shifter. I sighed. Even if this guy didn’t hurt me, he was probably going to hurt someone eventually. But there was something familiar about him. I had a good eye for faces—had we passed each other on the street a few too many times?

  Annoyance flickered through me, and I stopped my steady progression toward him. I was on a job. The last thing I needed was to deal with a vampire. Besides, this guy was dangerous. Whether he was a street feeder vamp looking for a quick meal from one of his companions, or one of those blood-bag drinkers trying to fit in with polite society, I was no match for him. I was only a half-genie with a spectacular curse-mark that left me barely enough magic to teleport, read people, and use my conjuring abilities on my brother Gideon’s potions for extra potency. Oh, and I was more durable than the average human. Not stronger, not faster, but more able to take a punch. My upbringing in the slums had taught me that the hard way.

  I squared my shoulders. Back to work, Allis. Let’s find the impostor and get him to confess so Theiya can arrest him.

  At that moment, the vampire’s gaze fell on me, and his eyes narrowed in recognition. How could he recognize me? And why was I glad about it? From the top of my head to the soles of my feet, everything in me wanted to stay right there, no matter the consequences.

  Crap.

  My pulse kicked into high gear as he slipped effortlessly through the people on the dance floor. Human and Fae parted before him like he was Moses. Charismatic from both his vampire allure and from his natural charm. Way out of my power league, this one. I dropped my shields, hoping to figure out what he wanted.

  Nothing. His mind was a brick wall of magical protection. Typical for a vampire. I frowned and pushed harder, trying to get a glimpse of just one fear or desire. A few tendrils escaped.

  Me. He wanted me. Something in him was irresistibly drawn to me, like a plant seeking sunlight. Another part feared losing sight of me, as if I were something incredibly valuable.

  Double crap.

  My mouth dropped open. So much for not attracting attention.

  Still, a part of me felt relieved, even anticipated his arrival.

  What, so he could make me his lunch? Or maybe try to seduce me, even though I was immune to magical lures. Which meant the intense attraction had to be coming from somewhere else.

  This was ridiculous. I attracted others, luring them in to finish a case. I didn’t get pulled in myself.

  The vampire was holding out his hand to me, a smile curving his lips. A lip ring glinted in one corner, and other piercings glinted around his eyebrows, nose, and chin. Not my usual type, but somehow perfect.

  “Hello. Cendric Antalek.” His voice was strong and cultured. “And you are?”

  “Allis Evanenko.” I shook his hand. He had a firm grip, and his skin was not as manicured as it looked.

  “First time in Wonderland?”

  Oh cute, another riff on my name. My name was short for Allisandra Evanenko. A gift from my human mother. My genie father, however, had only given me powers that led to my curse-mark, then he’d skipped town. Par for the course with guys.

  I shook my head. “Definitely not the first time I’ve heard that line, Cid.”

  “Cid?” He chuckled.

  I shrugged. We were still holding hands, and I was completely okay with this. “First time you’ve been given a nickname?”

  “Yes, but it seems oddly...familiar.” He frowned. “As do you.”

  “Same here.” It made no sense. All that ‘connection at first sight’ stuff was for shifters, which neither of us was. Or someone using magic on you to get you into their bed or get their incisors into your neck.

  Seeing how Cendric was a vampire, the second option seemed far more likely. No matter that my gut insisted he would never hurt me. I shoved the instinct aside. Guts could be wrong. I had downed that drink really fast, and it had been a double of whatever it was.

  He stepped closer, shutting off the smart thoughts in my head and filling me with a sense of his desire. My own rose, matching it. Needing him close, finding relief simply in his presence. His body moved with the music and pulled me along effortlessly in the way of someone who’d had years of practice. “I think we should investigate us further.”

  “Another great line.” I rolled my eyes, trying to shake off the pleasant mixture of chills and warmth t
rickling up and down my spine. But I didn’t let go of his hand. Hey, I appreciated a good dancer. “What are you, a lawyer or a cop? No, you have to be a lawyer.”

  “Was it the fangs or the unsavory bloodlust that gave me away?”

  I laughed. “You’d better watch it, Cid. Even if you win people over with the irresistible vampire act, they’ll stake you because of the lawyer part.”

  “A hazard of the job.”

  Job. The word stopped me dead in my tracks. Someone dancing behind me shoved into my back, and I caught myself on the vampire’s shoulder, my hands pressing into his shoulders. His arms gripped me instinctively. “Are you all right?”

  “Uh, yeah…” Focus. I was on a job. No matter what Jack had said, I needed to focus. Besides, my experiences with Kiran should have taught me not to get involved with a high-powered man. Especially one who could drain my blood or break my heart. Likely both.

  Very bad idea. I didn’t need more pain.

  I reluctantly pulled away from him, easing out of his hold. “Well, as much as this conversation has been…deep—” Brilliant, Allis, dazzle him with dumbness. Pull it together. “—I’m here to meet a friend. You looked like you were having a fantastic time before. Keep at that.”

  “Wait, you can’t—”

  “I can, and I am.” I gave a flirty wave and a bright smile. “You keep doing your vampire lawyer thing, Cid, and I’ll keep looking for my friend. Laters!”

  I whirled around and pushed through the crowd, heading back toward the bar. Suddenly, everything around me was too warm. Especially the curse-mark on my arms. It felt as if it were burning through my veins.

  Was it because of the guy I’d just met? Who was he again?

  What had just happened?

  Why did my heart feel like it was breaking in half? Had to be something in that drink Jack had given me. Magical insta-heartburn, maybe.

  Once I got to the bar, I waved to get Jack’s attention. “Seltzer with the special caplet. I need to clear my head.”