“Moi? Nooo, I’m a sweet ole hellhound, totally tame. Put a collar on me and watch me sit, beg, and stay, and that’s all before the kinky stuff.” He gave her wink, grabbed a pan, and got to work. “Oh, did you want some?”
“So you’re going to crash at my place, eat my food, and probably make a mess and goddess knows what else.” She ran a hand through her already messy hair.
He gave her an innocent look. “I wouldn’t do that to you. Well, not unless I didn’t like you and I do. Like you, that is.”
“Oh goody. Look, just don’t break anything. I’m going to grab a shower, and after I’ll take a nap. I have to go into the office. Don’t burn down my house.” She turned and headed upstairs. Why did hellhounds have to be so much trouble?
CHAPTER EIGHT
Viktor returned to the Earth magics section to find it cleaned up, his shirt folded and Mysta gone. He sank down in a chair, not caring that he was only in his jeans and shoes, and sighed.
She’d left him again. Not even a note, again. At least not to him anyway. At least he knew where to look for her, and they were in the same town so she couldn’t avoid him forever. He picked up his Henley from the floor and pulled it over his head. Once it was on, he went to the front and put the beer in the mini fridge. Shevon wouldn’t mind. She loved Guinness, and he could use it to curry favor if what happened during the night ever came up. He headed over to the cleaning closet and got out the vacuum and other implements and returned to scrubbing up.
He finished up, then did a once-over, entered a checkout form for Mysta based on the list of the books she’d taken that she’d left for Shevon and filed it away in both the computer and cabinet. Tasks complete, he locked up and headed out.
On his way home he stopped off to grab a bagel and coffee from The Java Demon. Carver was working the front counter as usual, and Thorn was nowhere to be seen, but Thorn did have a whiff of Sera’s perfume on him. Viktor smiled and shook his head. Those two demons had been hot after her for a while, and now they’d snagged her. This only brought out the competitive part of him, pushing him to continue going after Mysta to win her back. Even though, in his mind, he hadn’t lost her.
He went over the events at the library in his head. It was a start, and he refused to go back to the way it had been with her trying to avoid him. Now that he had an opening, he was going to take it.
He passed by Karin’s Floral Fancies. Perfect. He went in and found Karin at her post at the front desk.
“Hey, Viktor, good to see you back in town. What can I do for you? Lilacs for your mother again?” She beamed at him, her right hand reached for the wrapping paper.
His heart stuttered. He lost the words, and tears blurred in his vision. To cover up his reaction he took in slow, even breaths. “Not yet, not this time. And I’m living here now.” He gave her a small smile. “I need roses, purple and silver ones if you got them.”
“For Mysta, hm? I was wondering when you were going to try and go after her.” She gathered the flowers for his order. “Well, that’s great. Our town could use more people like you moving in.”
He chuckled. “Well, yeah. Now that I’m living here, I thought it was time. Oh, before I forget your romance books are in. But do I have to put them in a paper bag? It makes me feel like you’re trying to hide something dirty. They’re just books.”
“Well, that’s the fun of it, isn’t it?” Karin leered at him. “Makes me feel like I’m getting a present. Besides everyone needs to feel dirty now and again, makes life spicy.”
His face heated up.
“I would agree if it wasn’t for—” He paused, not sure how to phrase the rest of the sentence.
“It’s the way I look, isn’t it? I know, a little ball with legs and arms and I smell of roses all the time, like your granny. Which is how I get away with saying some of the things I do. Tickles me to no end. I can swear and drink and everyone will be so shocked and pretend they didn’t see me do it. I love to go to Wolf’s Lair Pub. Makes him so uncomfortable, and I’m seeing his grandfather, which only adds to his embarrassment.” She wrapped up the flowers. “I put together a dozen for you, and it’s on the house. Well, unless you don’t get her. In that case you’ll have to come back and pay.”
She gave him a hard look that made him feel as if he was being punished for something. He shifted from one foot to the other and rubbed the back of his neck. “I’ll try—”
“Do or do not, there is no try. It’s true. Now go get her.” She shoved the flowers at him, then came around the counter and gave him a smack on the ass, hard. He let out a yelp. “Off with you. I have to bake some snickerdoodles.”
He rubbed his butt as he went, hoping it would never happen to him again.
His steps led him to the far side of town in the Witch District where Bridget, Mysta, Sera, and Lana lived. In a small town like Evenfall, everyone knew where everyone lived. Here the air smelled of magic and the sweet spiciness of cooking potions. He hoped Mysta was home and they could talk about what happened.
He opened the gate and stepped onto a neat and clean flagstone walkway. Each person had their own area. Bridget’s was a plain walkway you would see in front of any house. Lana had a similar path, but hers, was bordered with purple pansies with orange around the eye. Sera’s was also flagstone with mini herbs as a border, and Mysta’s was bordered with a mix of different herbs and flowers.
A black cat darted out in front of him, rushed up the steps, jumped up onto the ledge surrounding the tiny porch and made herself comfortable.
Viktor recognized her as Ms. Zelda, Mrs. Peterson’s cat. “Hey, Ms. Z, having yourself an adventure? Don’t stay out too late, or Mrs. Peterson will worry, okay?” He gave the cat a quick scratch behind her right ear and then stepped up to the door. He raised his fist to knock.
The door swung open before his hand hit the wood. Malcolm stood there with his sunglasses on, shirtless, a toothbrush hanging out of his mouth. “Hey, come on in. Mysta isn’t home.”
He turned around and headed back into the house, giving Viktor a view of the flame tattoo on his back and the mini pinup devils on both shoulders. The light scent of bacon, pancakes, and coffee floated on the air, eliciting a growl from Viktor’s stomach.
“What the fuck, man?” Viktor followed him into the kitchen and shut the door behind him. “Why are you here? Did Mysta let you in here without supervision?”
“She took pity on me and allowed me to stay here for a while, it depends on what happens.” Malcolm spit into the sink. Viktor winced.
“A week? Dude, use the damn bathroom.” Viktor wanted to find the bleach and clean the stainless steel dual basin area.
“What? Oh, this? If there’s a sink, I’ll use it. Anyway, don’t freak out, but I’m hiding behind enemy lines to help you.” He gave him a wink.
Viktor rolled his eyes. “Uh-huh. I don’t buy it.” He settled down at the breakfast counter and looked around.
Nothing was on fire, looked damaged or dented from what he could see, but he’d never been inside before. He took it all in. Her taste in décor was clean, simple, easy to move, and comfortable. Much better than the crap he’d had in his apartment. Flea market and curb finds that had seen better days. A smile tugged at his lips as he spotted a few paintings and wildlife photos of foxes in forests and playing in the snow. Here and there he saw snake patterns mixed among the others she used for fabric. It looked tasteful and simple, not tacky.
“If you’re done ogling her furniture can we plan some strategy before her other roommate gets back? If she gets back.”
“She lives alone.” Viktor had made sure of it.
Malcolm shook his head. “Nope, she’s been giving Sera’s stepsister a place to stay, and I’m sure she’ll be back. Cute, curvy little thing, but cats aren’t my thing, especially when they smell of dragon.” Malcolm shuddered. “I like my ass just where it is. No barbecue hellhound for them.”
Viktor filed this new information away for future questions and turne
d his attention to Malcolm. “Okay, tell me your war plan.” He waited for Malcolm to say something stupid.
“I stay here for a few days, let her help me find a few witches who can possibly help me, and I steer her in your direction, talk you up and shit. Be your Cyrano. Only I don’t get the girl in the end. Piece of cake.” Malcolm crossed his arms, leaned his butt against the counter’s edge, and gave him a toothy grin.
“You think she’ll fall for your lines? Mysta’s too smart to be easily swayed.”
“Of course she is, but what do you have to lose about letting me try a crack at her? Besides I want to see if I can get a job at her office. Might be useful to me. Hellhounds are hella good trackers.” Malcolm shoved his hands in his pockets and preened.
“So this is not only a possible way to get paired but also a way to help me?” Viktor shook his head. “I don’t think this will work, not the way you think it will.”
“Why not give it a try and see what happens? What could it hurt? And while I’m at it, you keep the pressure up. Let me have those flowers. I’ll put them in a vase. I know where she keeps them.” Malcolm took the bouquet and made himself busy.
“You know your way around this place a little too well. Why are you doing this?” Viktor was uneasy about his friend’s familiarity. He trusted Malcolm but hellhounds did lie to benefit themselves.
“Because you’re my friend, and I want you happy. And as to your other comment, she went to work, and I decided to scope out my surroundings. I need to know what I’m dealing with. Everything is neat as a pin. She does have a nice assortment of sex toys.” He held up his hands. “I only looked, didn’t pick them up or examine them, but there is a drawer dedicated to them and all arranged with their own cubbies and everything, along with different lubes and cleaning stuff. She’s got cock rings in there.”
Malcolm gave him a look, but Viktor didn’t take the bait even though he wanted to know who had used those before him. The green-eyed monster tried to rise, but he ignored it. No use grousing, but when he did get to ask he would make it clear she had better have a damn good reason for leaving him and allowing someone else to try to take his place in her bed. If there had been someone. Punishment would be in order. Images spilled into his mind of bending her over his lap and paddling her ass or tying her down and fucking her nice and slow but not letting her come. Heat and arousal rose, his cock thickening again as his Lunar Lust spiked.
“Down, boy,” Malcolm admonished with a laugh.
Viktor ignored his desire. “Yeah, yeah. Okay, so, now you’ve told me the plan. Do you want to tell me why you’re here?”
“I was on a job and was in the area. Job is over I wanted to celebrate with you. Nice payday too.” Malcolm grinned.
Viktor didn’t buy it for a second. “And your overabundance of magic?”
Red splotches appeared on Mal’s face. “There was a woman, and I was forced to use some of my abilities. Crafty little feline shifter too. Scratched me up good.” Malcolm eyed him. His gaze narrowed. “Where’s the cowboy hat I got you, and why aren’t you using your motorcycle? You walked here?” He turned away from Viktor and began to take things out of the fridge.
“Nice segue, but I won’t forget about what you just said and I call bullshit. But I won’t push. Anyway, if you haven’t noticed the streets are cobblestone, and in some places there are deep gouges in the road. My suspension would hate me, not to mention my tires. As far as the cowboy hat goes, I need a new one. The other one got chewed up when I left it out within Randa’s reach.” An idea struck him. “Think Mysta would go for a moonlight ride?”
Malcolm grinned so widely that his canines were visible. “My boy is thinking! Good idea. Leave the invite with me. Got any foxglove flowers?”
Viktor rolled his eyes. “Thought of it but didn’t ask if Karin had any. I’ll check with Holly and see if she has some, write out a quick note and leave it here with you.”
“Better hurry. It would be good to have both the roses and foxglove here when she gets back. I’ll call you and let you know how she takes it and if you need to swing by. Now off, shoo with you.” Malcolm waved him away.
Viktor left. Despite his reservations, he was sure his plan would work. Maybe they could do a moonlight picnic tonight. He’d check on his bike and stop by the store to grab wine, cheeses, fruit, and a few other items they could eat cold. He just hoped she went for it and he wouldn’t have to kidnap her just for a date.
CHAPTER NINE
Mysta arrived at the office and let herself into the building via the back entrance. She found Lana already there tending to the herb pots. While Lana watered the plants, Mysta unlocked the front door and started up the coffee machine.
Exhaustion tugged at Mysta’s eyes, and her body felt heavier and stiffer, but at least her Lunar Lust had been sated…for now. Her thoughts started to drift back to Viktor. Now things would really become awkward when she went to the library. She could hit the one on the other side of town, but no way did she want to appear to be running away.
Her thoughts scattered when the door burst open and bounced off the wall. She stood up, calling on her magic just in case.
Bridget came through the door first, dragging an unconscious vampire behind her. Sera followed, limping and grimacing with each step.
“We have a dangerous situation.” Bridget pulled the vampire to the corner in the visitor’s area. “Mysta, get a tarp and cover him. We need to work fast.”
Sera slid behind her desk, opened up a filing cabinet, and slipped in a thick folder. “Bridget called me for backup at the inn. When we got to his room. He was ready for us, which was expected. What wasn’t expected was finding a dossier on our Vampire Liege, Joe, and Bridget. We need to figure out what the hell is going on. Bridget will fill Joe in later when he arises. For now we have to get answers, and we can’t just give away our prisoner.”
Bridget called out to them. “So we’re going to make a clone of him and deliver him to Joe. Sera, Mysta, Lana. In the workroom, ASAP. Bring a few strands of the rogue’s hair. Not a full hank.” Bridget brushed past Mysta and headed to the back of the office.
“Roger that, boss,” Sera responded and yanked out a handful of tresses.
Mysta glanced over at Sera who bobbed her head toward the hallway. Mysta, Sera, and Lana followed Bridget into a clean workspace with a circle of iron melted into the floor. A pentacle imprinted into the middle of the circle formed the very center of the room. Mysta, Sera, and Bridget paused and drew in deep breaths, then entered the ring.
Bridget pressed her hands together over her heart center, bowed her head, and then raised her hands and lifted her chin. “I call upon the gods, goddesses, the spirit guides, the elements, and all the energies of the universe to heed my call and guide me through this ceremony. So mote it be.”
Mysta, Sera, and Lana bowed their heads. “I call upon the elements to bless this working. I ask for the protection of the goddess for myself and my sisters that we may do good in her name and protect the innocent, vanquish evil, and stand on the side of the righteous. So mote it be.”
Mysta took her place to the north of Bridget—the place of earth—in the circle. She watched as Bridget lit candles around the loop and then placed strands of the rogue vamp’s hair in the center of the circle. Bridget took her place in the center of the ring, acting as the anchor for all the elements she was invoking.
Mysta widened her stance, planted her feet firm on the ground, and raised her power. A sense of mud grabbing her feet and sucking them down latched on to her, holding her steady. She channeled all of her energy toward Bridget. Coolness flowed through her body, followed by a gradual warmth that beaded her brow with sweat.
The tresses glowed with a dull yellow light. Where the hairs rested, the outline of a body formed and filled out with flesh until it was the size of the actual rogue vampire. Sweat poured over Mysta’s forehead and trickled down her temple at the exertion and heat of her magic. The figure became solid, though it remained
featureless.
Mysta channeled more of her magic into Bridget until the clone became an exact replica of the original. Once the double took its first breath, Mysta willed her energies to taper off. She wobbled. Sera and Lana exhaled but remained on their feet.
“It’s done,” Bridget declared.
The last of the spell dissipated into the air. Bridget stuck her hand out of the circle, breaking the barrier. She sagged, swaying on her feet.
Sera and Mysta rushed toward Bridget and poured some of their reserve energy into her. Once Bridget could stand without wanting to fall over, they helped her to her office and propped her up in a chair. She was able to sit without slumping. Mysta and Sera returned to pick up the vampire double, and headed out to the visitor’s area to place it under a canvas for easy hauling. Then they took the rogue vampire into a warded room next to Bridget’s office, locked the door, and returned to the front office.
Fifteen minutes later their broker’s representative walked through the door. Sera showed him into Bridget’s office so Bridget could give him the rundown of any trouble they had gone through. She wasn’t fully recharged yet, but there was nothing they could do about that. Mysta stood guard over the clone while Sera and Lana went about filing, watering, and tending to the office plants. The last thing they needed was for it to wake up. Clones were good for distractions, but they couldn’t do anything more than walk and answer basic questions. They didn’t need it to ruin everything until it had been delivered to the client.
Their broker’s human representative emerged from Bridget’s office with a smile on his face. Mysta moved to the side so he could reach the clone. He picked it up with ease and carried it out the door without help. Show off.
After he left, Mysta, Sera, and Lana settled down to their usual tasks. Due to the expense of energy, none of them were in any sort of shape to do much more than basic office work: filing, taking phone calls, and getting things organized. Meanwhile Bridget worked in her office. Mysta did the last of her daily chores until her eyesight blurred, and her head began to ache.
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