Wishes to Burn

by Ellabee Andrews

  The fair turns out to be exactly what we all need. Even with the sideways looks we attract, I can feel the others contentment and joy radiate through our bond.

  “Hey there!”

  Maksim’s shoulders stiffen from his place at my side where we wait to go on the hayride, and I turn my head to see what has grabbed his attention. It’s Candy, and a few other women wearing some of the shortest skirts I’ve ever seen, and smiling widely at the catcalls they’re receiving as they walk toward us.

  “Damn it! Go away, lady,” Maksim grumbles under his breath, and seeing how uncomfortable he is to have the small redhead’s gaze focused directly on him, I decide to thread my fingers through his and move in closer to his side.

  “I had hoped y’all would come! When I spoke to that nice fluffy lady, she said she’d mention it. Are y’all enjoying yourselves?”

  At the butchering of her name, Fifi steps forward with a kind smile and offers her hand. “Yes, thank you. Fluffy just loves a good shindig. We appreciate you telling us about it.”

  I search Fifi’s face for any sarcasm, but she just keeps up a kind smile. I do notice though, that her eyes take on a considering look as she examines Candy’s face.

  Cheeks tinting pink, Candy quickly drops Fifi’s hand once she takes a real look at her. It’s not that Fifi looks like a man in women’s clothing. On the contrary, actually. Fifi makes a beautiful woman, but call it a woman’s intuition. There’s just something that clues us in, and with how quickly Candy steps away, I can tell hers has just kicked in.

  Though Fifi tries to hide it, I know that Candy’s reaction hurts her. It’s in the small downturn of her lips that she immediately yanks back up. Someone that doesn’t know her might not be able to see through her charade, but I can tell that some of her joy has been wiped away because of the closed-minded individual before me. Seeing that pain in my friend’s eyes, my heart starts beating faster and I squeeze my empty hand into a fist to release some of the building energy.

  Turning completely away from Fifi and the rest of us, Candy plants her gaze back on Maksim, while her friends in the back stand there looking bored. It’s the same ones from the bar, but they don’t appear interested in trying to flirt with the guys this time. If anything, they look irritated, rolling their eyes at Candy’s back, and I wonder if they too have grown tired of her attitude.

  “Like I was saying, I’m so glad you came. I was just planning on hitting the dance floor. Would you care to accompany me?” She flutters her eyelashes as she stands, head tilted back to meet Maksim’s gaze. She doesn’t even glance my way, completely ignoring my hand that he’s holding. Rude much?

  Finished with how she's making Maksim feel, how she made Fifi feel, and not forgetting her response at seeing Satine and me together, I've had enough with sweet Candy. This may be her town, but these are my people.

  “Actually, we were just going to go on the hayride together. I’m sure there are lots of other guys that would be happy to accompany you though.”

  It's like I haven't even spoken as Candy reaches out her hand and lays it on Maksim's forearm. When she does, I feel his skin grow hotter, and although she doesn't appear to notice, I catch a flash of fire in his eyes. "Wow, you're so hot! Don't worry, that's how I like it," she adds and rubs her hand down his arm.

  Jaw tight and teeth clamped together, I can see that he’s getting pissed and it’s making his control slip… Shit.

  Trying again to give her a hint, I practically step in between the two, and smile, though I make sure it doesn't reach my eyes. "As I said before, we're busy. Run along now."

  This time she does turn to meet my gaze, and for the first time, I notice something about her that I hadn’t before. It’s like her magic has been muted until now, and I can feel it brush up against my fairy magic and it feels scaly, reptilian. It causes me to shudder, the feeling of those scales running along my essence, and a deep growl comes from beside me. Maksim must have realized the same thing that I have, and decided she’s a threat.

  “Don’t pretend like you’re the only ones with magic, fairy! And don't fool yourself into thinking that you have anything to offer him. He may not be a dragon, but he's fire, and we can burn together. All you can do is burn up."

  Stunned by the discovery that Candy is a dragon shifter, it's easy for Maksim to gently move me to the side and step closer to an eager Candy. Her eyes are bright as he moves, and a smug grin crosses her face like she's won, but she misunderstands the flames that dance across Maksim's gaze. She doesn't know that the fire she is poking is one that is older than this earth itself, and much more deadly.

  Moving so that only an inch separates them, Maksim is putting off so much heat I force myself to remain still as sweat runs down my back, and he leans down to where his face is inches from hers. “If you ever threaten her again, you’ll discover that not all flames burn as hot as others. I am done with your foolish games, and I have no desire to go or do anything with you. Best you run along before I leave you standing in the ashes of your town.”

  His voice is so low and deep, that I barely hear him, but with Candy’s widening eyes, and the smile that slips from her face, I can tell that she’s had no trouble catching his words. She practically jumps a step back when his body grows hotter, and plants her hands on her hips as she glares at us all. “You’re all messed up! Women together! Men dressing like women! Wait until my uncle hears about this! He’ll have you out of his house so fast you won’t know what to do with yourself!”

  “Please! If you can do that, I implore you to do so! I’ve seen better accommodations at hotels that charge by the hour,” Declan says, stepping up to my side. “Oh, and while you’re at it, call Dean Wiseman at Aradia Academy and complain too. I don’t feel like calling my father, King of the Leprechauns to let him know that we’ve been forced from our summer lodging. And you should alert the council as well, as they like to keep tabs on their future seat holders. Miss Lovelace here will need to find a suitable replacement for a place to sleep. If you can do that, that would just be peachy. Thanks!”

  Declan delivers this with what can only be a tone born of years of knowing he will be king one day, and while I’d normally be uncomfortable with him using his status, or that of the others, as a means to belittle someone, watching Candy’s face pale as the blood drains from it, makes it all worth it. Especially after how she treated Fifi.

  Yet, Fifi completely surprises me by walking up and gently laying her hand on Candy's shoulder. "You don't need to do that. We will leave if that is what your uncle wants, and there will be no retaliation taken against you or your own. However, if you'll be so kind as to allow us a day to pack and find a new place to go, we'd be most grateful."

  Candy flinches from Fifi’s touch like she struck her, and she spins and walks away before saying whether or not she’ll follow through with her threats. Turning back to us, Fifi shrugs her shoulders. “You can’t win with some people.”

  Moving forward, lips pursed, Declan can’t hide his frustrated look. “Why did you do that, Fifi? Why be kind to someone with such a bad attitude. You heard what she said. Hell, she treated you the worst. Why waste an ounce of kindness on her?”

  Fifi turns so that she can make eye contact with us all but eventually focuses back on Declan's face. "Because young prince. One day you will lead a nation of people, and you'll have to make a choice. To forgive those who may have slighted you so that you can make a better future for your people, or hang onto the anger. The thirst for revenge can rot you from the inside out if you allow it. That goes for all of you. At the end of the day, the only person that is responsible for your actions is you. Don't allow others to poison you and strip you of your kindness. There will always be those that judge you for no reason, but if you want to see a change in the world, you need to be the change in the world.”

  I chance a look at Satine as Fifi speaks, and notice the sheen to her eyes. The conversation is so close to the one we had the other night, about people judging her
, that I wrap my arm around her shoulders and hold her close. Of us all, I know that she has had first-hand experience with dealing with people like Candy, and it makes me swell with pride for Fifi for being able to say something that has touched Satine so deeply. Now, more than ever, I know that when I grow up, it's Fifi I want to be like.

  Limp Biscuit

  Lightning in the distance interrupts our reverie, and I look up at the darkening clouds to see them moving in quickly and blotting out the sun. "Huh. The weather forecast didn't show storms today," Gavril says, head tilted back, but as the loud rumble of thunder echoes out across the fairgrounds, I see that the weather station got it wrong. Again.

  “Come on, everyone. Let’s head back,” Maksim orders, and we all comply, moving with the stream of fair-goers that are also making their way back to the shelter of their cars.

  Somehow, during the walk back, Fifi, Satine, and I get separated from the guys, the choke of people growing so thick that a bottleneck effect occurs as we wait to get through the gates. Once we make it through, I look around at all the new faces, but don’t see the others anywhere.

  “Let's get to our ride. I’m sure they’re already there,” I suggest, ignoring the bad feeling I’m getting as a fat raindrop lands on my shoulder. When more drops join the first one, we all begin to move at a jog, Fifi magically keeping up in the heeled sandals she wears.

  “I guess we made it out first,” Satine says as we arrive, and I curse as more drops begin to fall and remember that Maksim drove.

  “Maksim has the keys. I hope they get here soon, or it’s going to be a wet ride home,” I say, but as I look over at Fifi, I see that she is still perfectly dry. Despite the steady drops of rain that are falling now.

  Eyeing her suspiciously, I stick my hand out near her face, not meeting any resistance, but not feeling any moisture hit it from the wrist up. “How are you doing that?” I ask with an edge to my voice, but with my braids hanging heavy at my sides, water soaking through them, I can’t find it in me to ask nicely.

  “Magic, sugar. I’m not getting this wig wet. I don’t care who notices.”

  I open my mouth to reply, to ask that she do a magic umbrella over Satine and me too, but another sharp crack of lightning hits at that moment, and a fence post we are standing near blows into pieces from the force of the bolt, sending small projectiles of wood flying toward us.

  "Fuck me! That hurts!" Satine cries, and I turn to find a sliver of wood at least four inches long protruding from her shoulder.

  Moving to help her, all of my attention is focused on examining the wound and the blood beginning to leak out of it when I notice the tips of boots in my peripheral vision. The boots don’t belong to any of the guys, but I barely spare them a glance as I think of how to treat Satine.

  "Well look what we have here, boys. A couple of cats got caught out in the rain."

  I stiffen at the unfamiliar voice and drop my hands as I straighten. Looking over, I find a man that looks vaguely familiar, and two I have never seen before leering at us. "Can we help you?" I ask, keeping my voice open and calm, but when they sneer in my direction, I feel my temper start to rise.

  "Can she help us, boys? I know what you could do, sweetheart, but unfortunately, we're not here for you. No, we're here to deal with this punk thinking he can dress as a woman and fuck with us. That gay shit might be okay in the city, but around these parts, that shit will get you messed up real quick."

  I open my mouth to snap at the assholes, but Fifi moves to stand in front of Satine and me, blocking us with her body. Her stiff shoulders give away how tense she is. We may have magic, but it’s against the rules to use it against humans unless it’s a life or death situation.

  “Forgive me if I missed it, but I didn’t see a rule against a person coming to the fair and enjoying themselves. My intention was not to ‘fuck’ with anyone, but I must admit to being slightly flattered that I caused a stir. You see, I’ve been working on this summer body all winter long, and I had worried I’d not used enough padding and duct tape. Thank you for assuring me that I have. My friends and I were just leaving, and don’t want any trouble. I’d appreciate if you would leave us now.”

  Fifi keeps her voice even, doing better than I could in her situation. But despite her attempt at a joke, it seems to fall on deaf ears as the speaker of the group takes a menacing step forward, eyes hardening as they travel over Fifi’s outfit.

  “You think you’re funny, man? You think because you’re dressed like a woman, you won’t get your ass kicked? You don’t get to come to my town and fuck with me. Nobody does!”

  By the end of his rant, the man is shouting. And even with the cool rain drenching him, his face starts to turn red as a vein throbs in his forehead. His friends yell out their agreement.

  Ever the example of patience, Fifi doesn't even react to the irate man standing in her face screaming, and spreads her arms out into a non-threatening gesture."I've asked you once already to leave. Do not mistake my kindness for weakness. We don't want any trouble from you, but I am legally required to tell you that I have studied multiple forms of martial arts. I'd rather not have to use them, as these are new shoes, but you're leaving me without any options," Fifi states, and the man goes to move forward, but halts at her raised hand. "If it's an apology you need, then fine. I apologize for looking fabulous and confusing your senses. I'd like to say that I feel bad, but your discomfort or inner feelings are things I have no control over. So if my looking like a woman has somehow ‘fucked' with you, then I think you should take some time to look inward and seek answers there. Self-examinations are very good for the soul."

  At her words, I can see the last thread of control slip from the speaker and his gang, their faces looking mottled and red as they all start to move at once toward Fifi.

  Circling around her, the speaker goes to hit her in the face, but she’s just suddenly not there, dodging his arm with practiced ease, and dipping into a low spin that kicks his legs out from under him, sending him to his back on the wet ground.

  When the others go to jump her, I leave Satine's side and move to block one's path. He's about my height, but with at least fifty extra pounds on him. Most of it centrally located at his waist. And he aims an open-handed slap at my face.

  I move to dodge it as Fifi had, but before I can, Gavril steps in front of me, his large form blocking me from the blow, and I cringe at the crack of bones snapping rings out as the man's fist connects with Gavril's face. His silence only lasts for a second, as his face shows confusion first, then his eyes widen before his mouth stretches open and he screams and cradles his now useless hand to his chest.

  I turn away from him, not feeling any pity for the jerk, and plan to head over to help Fifi, but realize there’s no need. The third man is on the ground beside the speaker, eyes slowly blinking into the rain and looking dazed, and standing behind Fifi is Maksim, jaw clenched as the rain turns to steam when it connects with his exposed skin.

  “Is everyone okay?” I ask once I look around and ensure the area is clear of any more threats.

  “Yes, honey, we’re all fine. Satine, hows your shoulder?” Fifi asks, hair still dry from her magic, and despite having just been in a fight, she looks ready to walk onto any stage.

  Satine’s face is pale when I turn to her, but the wood shard no longer protrudes from her shoulder. Instead, Declan stands beside her, using what I can only guess is some gauze that either he or Fifi magicked up.

  I walk over to where they stand, unsure of why she looks so frail now that the wood has been removed, and the closer I get, I realize she’s swaying a little. “Whoa there! I got you,” I say, as she stumbles a bit, and I take her into my arms. Noting that the others all appear ready to step in should I prove unable to support her weight, I look down into her face and frown at the dark circles that now rest beneath her beautiful eyes. “What’s wrong, Satine? Why aren’t you healing?”

  Smiling weakly at me, her white teeth barely peeking out between
lips that curl more into a grimace than a grin, she opens her mouth to answer, but Declan beats her to it.

  “It’s not the injury that’s the problem, Rhia. It’s that her body expended a lot of energy to heal itself, and it’s left her a bit drained,” he says, matter of fact, and I take a second to wonder how many times she’s gotten hurt for him to be able to say that with such confidence.

  Lowering my voice so that the others won’t easily hear, I make sure to stare into those chocolate syrup eyes of hers. “Tonight, when we get back, I can… we can… you know, be together. You don’t need to suffer, and you haven’t fed directly from me recently. I’ll take care of you,” I say, but give a small grin so that she doesn’t think I’m only doing it out of obligation.

  Her eyes flash for a moment, a red shade shooting through them as her succubus side peeks out, but then she sighs and closes them, her face looking pained. “As much as I want that Rhia, and believe me, I do. I don’t think it’s going to happen tonight. I’d be practically useless, and you’d have to do all the work.”

  “Then I’ll do it all. I’ll take care of you. I don’t mind,” I reply, desperate to make her see that this is what I want. That I want to take care of her.

  Reaching up and stroking my cheek, I can feel the tremble in her hand as she stares deep into my eyes. “I’ve already told you how I want our first real time to be. And honestly, I need a complete feeding to get me back to normal. If only one of us orgasms, then I won’t get as much. Part of the succubi appeal, I guess. We may use your body to fuel us, but to get a complete meal, we have to make sure you get off too.”

  “What can I do then to help you?”

  Seeming to think about my question, she drops her hand and allows her eyes to glance over my shoulder before looking at me once more. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but, if you really want to help, I think the best way tonight would be if you choose one of the guys and you both drop your shields. I’m not really thrilled at the thought, but it’s the best way right now. If you’re too uncomfortable though, then I understand, and we can do a partial feed.”