The Fabled

by S. L. Gavyn

  “You don’t understand. They weren’t like this. They knew nothing about magic and didn’t want to hear about it so I hid it.”

  “You’re mom knew. She was from a long line of Witches. Hell, your grandfather is still an active member of his clan. I don’t know why she hid this from you but she should have stepped up and taught you what you needed. Or, at the very least, taken you to someone who could teach you.”

  “You’re wrong. My mother didn’t know anything about magic and I never met my grandparents on my mom’s side.”

  “Maybe they had a falling out. Maybe your mother was born non-magical. It happens sometimes. But she should have helped you anyway. Do you understand, Brennan? She should have helped you. That wouldn’t have happened and you wouldn’t be haunted with those memories if she would have done what was right.”

  Brennan started to cry and I hugged her as hard as I could. She didn’t lose control. She just let a few tears fall for what could have been then she pulled back. I looked her in the eyes.

  “I will do everything I can to make sure you get control of your magic. You are very strong so it will take more practice and effort on your part to control it. But I promise you I will do everything I can to make sure you never lose control again. If you would like to meet your grandfather I will setup a meeting for you. I’ll even drive you to Austin and stay with you if you want.”

  She wiped her tears away and smiled. “Yeah, I think I would. I mean, if he’s not an asshole or anything.”

  “Alright. I’ll call him and see what he has to say. But I’m going to tell you it had better be good because he didn’t step up and claim you after the accident. If he doesn’t have a damned good excuse, I might be tempted to kick his ass.”

  She laughed. “Let’s hope he has a good excuse. For his sake.”

  I smiled at her. “Now, what do you want to do until I have to go to work?”

  “How long do we have?”

  I checked my watch. “A couple of hours.”

  She nodded. “I might be able to work with that.”

  I looked at her questioningly and she smiled sinisterly.

  Chapter Nineteen

  “So this Vamp and Demon walk into a bar…”

  I made it to the club five minutes before I was due to perform with the band. My phone had been steadily going off but I knew it was Roman so I didn’t bother to answer it. It wasn’t like answering the phone would make me get there any faster. I parked in the back lot and ran for the door. I had barely knocked when the Vamp from last night answered it.

  “You’re late. The boss has been worried.”

  I ignored him. I didn’t need to be reminded and I’m sure Roman will have enough to say himself.

  As I entered the area behind the stage all eyes were on me. I felt the need to say something so I tried to look trite.

  “Um, sorry I’m late. My stylist took forever.”

  They were all taking in my new attire. Brennan had went all out curling my hair and applying my eye makeup to perfection. Add in one of my new outfits courtesy of Lizzy and I actually looked like a rock star. One that has class anyway.

  Roman came forward and I could tell right away he was pissed. I bit my lip in anticipation for the chewing out I would be getting. He reached up and pulled my lip out from between my teeth then kissed me deeply. I instantly forgot about being late or having to perform for a huge crowd or anything else trivial like that. All there was in my entire universe were him and me and his lips on mine. I moaned after a moment and pulled him even closer until his entire body was flush with mine.

  He finally pulled back and looked at me. We were both breathless. “Do you think a kiss will make up for worrying me? I will admit you look amazing tonight.”

  I smiled. “You think so?” I did a small curtsey. “And, not just a kiss, no.”

  He smiled at me devilishly. “No wonder you stole my heart.” He took a breath and seemed to center himself. “Alas, you have a show to perform. We will continue this afterward.”

  “Sure.”

  He turned to walk away and I swatted his rear. Hey, if it’s good for the goose and all that. He turned back and raised a brow. I smiled innocently at him in return.

  The show was just as packed out as last night and everything seemed to go well. Afterward, I was being led to VIP when I saw a familiar face. As it turned out he was waiting for me.

  “Doyle. What are you doing here?”

  He spoke over a guard’s shoulder. “Why, I’ve come to see you love. I never dreamt I would be able to glimpse you on stage. That was excitin’ it was.”

  “Come back stage so we can talk.”

  I tapped Mr. Beefy on the shoulder and motioned for him to let my friend through. He looked hesitant and I looked persistent and in the end persistence won the fight. He moved just enough for Doyle to squeeze past and I led him backstage.

  “Why didn’t you just call?” I asked him when we were out of the main club.

  “I have called ya, Sun. But I guess you’ve been busy with your Vampere.”

  “I think you meant to say ‘with my case’.”

  “Right. That’s what I meant. It’s just that it’s been a while.”

  He reached up and touched my chin and I could hear Beefcakes, who was again standing in the corner, growl. I rolled my eyes at him.

  “I told you to find someone else. This case is taking up all my time and I can’t be there for you like I used to.”

  “I know, Sun. It’s just that there is only one you.”

  “Doyle, that can’t be the way this goes. You knew that from the beginning.”

  “I knew it up here.” He pointed to his head. “But it was down here I had the problem convincing.” He pointed to his chest.

  “I..”

  “What the hell are you doing here?!” Roman said as he entered the room. He grabbed Doyle by the collar and pushed him against the wall. “How dare you touch her.”

  “She didn’t seem to mind.”

  “Roman calm down.” I tried to pull him off of Doyle.

  He finally released him and turned back to look me over then he turned back to Doyle. “Get out. No one wants your kind here, demon.”

  “Really? I wouldn’t be too sure about that.”

  “I am.”

  “My, what a temper this one has when it comes to you. I can’t say I blame him, Sun.”

  Roman turned to me. “You know him?”

  “Roman, I would prefer to discuss mine and Doyle’s relationship in private or not at all.”

  “You feed him?”

  Was I talking to myself? I ignored Roman.

  “Come on Doyle. I’ll walk you to your car.”

  “Are you sure? I thought the party was just getting started.”

  “I think it would be best if you do as Roman asks.”

  “But it’s been so long since we’ve spent quality time together.”

  I gave him a warning look and he smiled in return. Then he mock whispered in Roman’s ear.

  “Quite the insatiable lover this one. Wouldn’t you agree?”

  It happened so fast I didn’t even see him move. One moment Doyle was smirking at Roman and the next he was back against the wall with a bloody nose. Roman had his hand on his throat choking him and even though he couldn’t breathe Doyle started laughing.

  “Roman, let him go!”

  “You will leave this bar and you will never contact her again. If I hear of you talking with her, I will kill you. Go back to your mistress. She always seemed to like your little games.”

  He released him and Doyle fell to the floor.

  He looked up at Roman. “Oh don’t be mistaken. Sunny always liked them too.”

  Roman kicked him in the stomach and Doyle laughed again.

  “Roman, you’re being unreasonable. He’s only trying to piss you off,” I tried to explain to him.

  Roman took a step back and ran his hand through his hair before he straightened his shirt then he looked a
t Beefcakes and pointed to Doyle. “Escort him off the premises and make sure he leaves.” Then he reached for me but I pulled away.

  “I’ll walk him to his car.”

  “Like hell you will.”

  “He’s injured. If he doesn’t feed, he might kill someone.”

  “And that someone certainly won’t be you. I don’t know what lies he’s told you but that creature is a monster. He has done things that would make you sick to your stomach.”

  “And you haven’t?”

  His jaw clinched. He made a motion to Beefcakes and two seconds later there was a whole entourage of guards in the room. Several of them blocked me while others took Doyle out the back of the club. I turned on Roman.

  “What if he kills a Human because of you?”

  “Then I suppose it would be your job to put him down like the animal he is.”

  He turned and left the room and I followed hot on his heels. He went straight for the stairs and I followed him into his office.

  When inside he turned on me. “How long have you been feeding him?”

  “It isn’t just about me feeding him.”

  “What? Do you think you’re in love? First it was the boy now I have to contend with a bleeding demon!”

  “First of all, you don’t have to contend with anyone because you aren’t in the contention. Second, I don’t have any feelings other than friendship for Doyle. Not that it’s any of your business.”

  “Then what? What do you get out of the deal? Sex? Because I have to tell you Sunshine, there are a lot better lovers out there. One’s that won’t suck you dry in the process.”

  I laughed humorlessly. “Pot, allow me to introduce kettle. You have no foot to stand on when it comes to men who feed off their lovers.”

  “This is different. He would hurt you without concern while I would never allow you to be hurt.”

  Cue humorless laugh. “You hurt me more than any man I’ve ever known. And that includes my cheating ex-husband. While Doyle has never hurt me in the last fifteen years.”

  “You’ve been feeding that thing for fifteen years!?”

  “You know what, I’m finished with this conversation. I don’t have to explain myself to you and who I fuck is none of your damned business.”

  “Oh, you are very wrong about that, Sunshine. I forbid you from seeing that incubus again.”

  Now that really did make me laugh. “What gives you the right?”

  “This I will not allow. If you wish to have and maintain any relationship with my son then you will cut that incubus out of your life for good.”

  I just stared at him dumbfounded. He was every inch of serious. “Just when I thought I couldn’t hate you more, you go and do this. I’m leaving. Don’t try to stop me because you won’t like what happens.”

  I left his office and gained profound gratification in slamming the door on the way out. I made my way to the back lot and got in my car. My cell started ringing and I looked at it. Doyle was calling. I leaned my head on the steering wheel. I wanted to help him. Especially after Roman told me not to. I wanted to but I couldn’t. Roman was dead serious when he told me he wouldn’t let me see Tristan. I couldn’t run that risk. If Roman found out and I lost my son because of it. No, I would just have to hope Doyle has another Fabled he can call. But in the end Roman was right. If Doyle kills a Human, I will have to put him down. As much as that would kill me inside to have to do that to my friend, I would because that’s my job and that’s what I do. I kill killers.

  I finally started my car and made my way home. I felt worn out mentally after fighting with Roman. I made it back to my house and let myself into the gate. I pulled out front instead of pulling into the garage simply because the front door is closer to my bedroom and that was my destination. I pulled out my house key and reached for the lock when I froze. I could sense magic. I sent my magic out and found a dark magic spell on the door lock. Judging by the strength of it, it was a death spell. Hm. Now, what Witch do I know that is strong enough to put a death spell on my door? As if I didn’t know.

  I pulled out my phone. “Lucian, I’m requesting a death warrant for a Witch named Beatrice Beasley. I will take a small portion of her magic directly from her to confirm she is the perpetrator prior to the kill.”

  He was in complete council leader mode when he responded.

  “What crimes did the perpetrator commit?”

  “There is a death spell on my front door. I also believe she placed an illusion on the outer wall of the asylum she runs. This same illusion allowed a group of kidnappers to go free. I also suspect she was involved with Brennan’s stay at that same asylum.”

  “I see. I cannot issue a warrant based on unfounded accusations. However, the death spell on your door is grounds for immediate extermination. You will verify the magic is the same prior to death.”

  “Yes, Lucian. I will verify the magic and then proceed with the death warrant. I will notify you when the job is completed.”

  “Very good.”

  I hung up.

  I once again sent my magic out and when I brought it back in I pulled all of the magic from the death spell in with it. It was the same magic used on the illusion from the asylum. I smiled. Looks like headmistress Beasley is about to get an unwanted visit.

  “Sorry miss. No visitors before six am.”

  I looked at the clock on the dash. It was five-ten. I had decided to take a quick shower and wash off all the makeup Brennan had put on me earlier before I confronted the Witch. For the record, by confront I mean kill.

  I held up my badge for the guard at the gate. “Council business.”

  He nodded then returned to the guard shack and lifted the gate. I continued on to the main entrance of the asylum.

  Once inside I saw the same woman sitting at the front desk. I walked up to her with a nice smile on my face but she looked wary. I guess she remembers me from the last time.

  “I need to speak with headmistress Beasley.”

  “I’m sorry the headmistress is unavailable.”

  I again pulled out my badge. “I will speak to the headmistress or I will tear this place apart finding her.”

  “Um, of course. I will notify her if you would like to wait in the atrium.”

  I smiled again. “Love to.”

  I walked through the doors and was once again taken aback by the meadow surrounding me. I have to say this is the best damn illusion I have ever seen. As I stood there admiring the Witches’ handiwork a thought struck me. I sent my magic out around me then pulled it back in with just a sample of the magic the illusion was using. It was a match to my death spell. The headmistress has some major explaining to do.

  “How can I help you this morning, Miss Dubois?”

  “I won’t take up too much of your time headmistress.” I reached out and grabbed her hand before sending a small amount of my magic out to taste hers. When I pulled it back in I was confused. I released her hand and took a step back. Not only was her magic not a match to the illusions and the death spell on my door but she didn’t have very strong magic at all. If she had been stealing magic from the patients she should be bursting with it. Based on her magic she would be hard pressed to maintain an anti-aging spell. No wonder she looks like an old crone. The darkness I detected is obviously dark magic she’s mixing with her own to allow her to perform magic at all.

  “Who maintains this illusion?”

  She was looking bewildered and rubbing her hand where I had touched her. “I told you before. All of the Witches as a whole.”

  “No. I’ve tasted this magic and it’s not many magics woven together. It is one and it is dark. Tell me who maintains it.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about. All of the Witches gather together to pour our magic into the collective. It is used to maintain the illusion.”

  “But not you. You don’t have enough magic to go around.”

  “There are some benefits to being the headmistress.”

  “Fi
ne. I need a list of all the Witches working in this facility and I’m going to need to meet with each of them individually.”

  “Very well. I will have Adriana get that information for you. If you will follow me back to the lobby.”

  She turned and left the atrium without waiting for me. I followed her out to the lobby and she told Adriana to gather me the information I needed. Adriana looked shocked by the knowledge but played it off well. She smiled at me tentatively then started typing on her computer. I stood up next to the counter waiting for her.

  “I’ll need to speak with each employee individually. If you would go ahead and notify the Witches currently on duty that would be great.”

  “Um, sure, uh, yeah. I can do that. There aren’t many right now. Most of them don’t come in for another hour or so.”

  “I’ll wait.”

  She continued to look nervous. I chalked it up to me breathing down her neck until she finished printing out the list and began putting it together to staple it. The left sleeve of her undershirt pulled up just enough to show me a piece of a tattoo and I smiled at her genuinely for the first time since walking through the door.

  Before she knew what was happening I grabbed the hand with the tattoo and sent my magic out pulling it back with hers. She was the illusionist I was looking for.

  “That was pretty good. Placing the spell on my door lock. If I had caught your magic but an instant later I wouldn’t be here now but, lucky for me, I did catch it and now you’re going to tell me who you’re working with and why you’re stealing Vampere.”

  She smiled back at me and reached forward with her right handing releasing a spell directly into my torso. I froze instantly and she laughed.

  “You stupid bitch. You think you can steal my magic. I’m linked to every one of the prisoners in here. All you’re stealing is their magic through me.”

  I tilted my head cracking my neck as I went. Damn it hurts to be frozen temporarily. Her eyes widened and she reached forward to release another spell but I grabbed her hand and used Werewolf magic to crush it. She screamed like she was dying and I shrugged. It’s really hard to cast a spell when someone is holding one of your hands and the other is broken in a dozen different places. I grabbed her neck and pinched it.