A Council of Betrayal

by Kim Schubert

  “It's toying with us,” Garrick muttered, shifting his fighting stance.

  “Doing a fucking fantastic job, I'd say,” I answered, finding myself inching toward the door.

  Celino smiled smugly as the smoke behind him bellowed a sound that had the guards moving away from us.

  With the speed of a fan, the smoke was sucked from the room, and all eyes were transfixed on the Fae straight out of the movies, complete with ice blonde hair and pale skin.

  “I think he’s a Tolkien fan,” I muttered to Garrick, trying to ease the fear in my chest.

  “You don't think that's its natural form?” Garrick whispered back.

  “Nope, not a chance,” I answered. I squared my shoulders. The Fae were the original shape shifters and they were gods at it.

  “You have summoned me,” the Fae began, flipping his long hair over a shoulder. I couldn’t help the laugh that broke free.

  That caught his attention as I shifted awkwardly from foot to foot.

  “You have trapped them here,” the Fae observed.

  “They are difficult to control, at best. They sent their entourages out the door when we told them of our plans,” Celino stated.

  Purple eyes met my own gaze and I exhaled forcefully, not averting my gaze, not letting the terror-fueled scream in my chest have a voice.

  “I cannot include the unwilling,” mused the Fae. I didn’t believe him for a moment.

  Celino waved a hand, dismissing our refusal, “They don't understand, simpletons at best. You see the kind of idiots you have asked me to work with,” he demanded, exasperated.

  “It was your job to make them understand,” the Fae informed Celino coldly.

  “We have to get out of here,” Garrick whispered to me.

  “Agreed,” I whispered, turning back to the magically sealed doors.

  Months before, I had managed to suck magic inside of me, freeing Logan and Darren’s grandfather from the clutches of the puppet master. Maybe it was just that easy again. For our sake, I hoped so.

  Garrick pulled uselessly on the doors as I tuned out the yelling behind me, placing my palms against the polished wood.

  It burned fucking badly. Sealing my eyes closed, I examined the magic, it roved unlike anything I had yet encountered. A deep purple intertwined with golden sparks danced in my vision. Focusing on the gold, I drew it to me.

  If I thought my hands hurt, it was nothing compared to the pain slicing through my veins, but it was enough.

  I sagged to the ground against the door, weakened from my pull. The strength of the magic blazed within, draining me of energy. I reached up a flopping arm, latching onto the handle, pulling the latch with everything I had. A powerful tide of purple tried to still my hand. I hung on, panting heavily as I turned the handle, forcing my legs to stand.

  I pulled, knowing my hands might be forever ruined by the pain, the fire slicing deep welts as I pulled backward.

  Garrick picked this moment to start helping, pushing open the door, wrapping an arm around my waist and hauling me out.

  Just as the shield Steven created at the docks had exploded, so did this one, launching us forward. We crashed into the opposite wall, our heads knocking hard against it. Garrick was quicker to respond. My mind felt muddy, murky, unable to focus as he dragged me away from the open door.

  “Jerry, get me to Jerry,” I whispered as we escaped at vamp speed.

  Blackness stole my vision and it felt like ages before I awoke, my eyes crusted shut and mouth parched.

  …

  “You would do something as stupid as reveal you can work magic in front of the Fae at a fucking Council meeting?!” Garrick yelled at me, pacing.

  “Oh I'm sorry, did you want to end up the pet of the Fae? I'm sure they would be glad to accept you,” I tried to yell back, but it came out croaked. I rolled over to my side, looking around with a haze over my eyes.

  Garrick continued to storm, pacing my room.

  “You’re fucking welcome, asshole,” I told him as he threw up his hands and left.

  Turning, I watched Jerry quietly crushing herbs into a paste.

  I could hear his agreement and lecture coming. “Don't start, Jerry,” I warned.

  He shook his head sadly, memories of a past before me playing before his eyes. “I understand, Olie.”

  With a huff I passed back out.

  …

  Logan was at my bedside.

  I groaned, sitting up and rubbing my head. “Did you move me?” I asked.

  “I did.”

  “Thanks,” I offered, squinting at him as I pulled myself into a seated position.

  I could feel his annoyance at our earlier parting. I sighed, rubbing the back of my head, swinging my legs off the bed.

  He was silent, watching me closely.

  “Why did you run?”

  Alright, I could appreciate meeting this head on.

  I opened my mouth to brush it off as raging hormones, but something in the intensity of his gaze stopped me. I dropped my own to the floor, trying to organize my thoughts.

  “I need time, Logan,” I stated, forcing myself to look at him with a shrug. “It’s your choice if you want to give me that. As much as I am shocked to say it, I like you too, but I’m not good at relationships. I’m not good at letting my guards down. I’m really bad at trusting.”

  He nodded. “I’m relieved, I thought it had to do with the baby.”

  I shook my head. “No, I love kids.”

  “But Lorraine—“

  “Will always be a pain in my ass and yours. I can accept that easily enough.”

  He smiled at that. “I can wait, Olie.”

  I nodded with a tentative smile. When did we get so mushy? Didn’t we dislike each other? Somewhere between The Oracle and her prediction of our emotional attachment and him having my back dealing with getting Blake’s niece back, our relationship had changed. I was glad we weren’t sending hidden decoder messages about it. There was a certain maturity in being honest and open that I didn’t think I was capable of.

  Knocking at the door broke up our tender moment. I scowled, turning to Jerry’s voice calling out, “Hey, don’t forget you have that brothel thing tonight!”

  “I was out that long?” I groaned.

  Logan nodded. “The European Council has disappeared and I rescheduled with Gretchen when we missed last night.”

  I threw up my hands. “Will no one believe me about the fucking Fae? Serves them right.”

  Logan stood, making his way to the door. I adjusted my top, grabbing a hair tie and securing my hair into a high pony tail.

  “Let’s go see the brothel!” I only staggered slightly.

  Chapter 6

  Gretchen was outside, nervously pacing the length of the … hotel? Brothel? Establishment? Hell, what was the right word?

  Logan pulled up to the front, handing the keys to a valet.

  “You made it,” Gretchen announced.

  “Yep,” I agreed.

  “I didn’t think you’d come,” she confessed.

  I shrugged. “This is a great idea, if properly managed. I see a lot of money in your future.”

  She nodded, regarding me starstruck.

  “Can we get a tour?” Logan asked as we stood there waiting for her to recover.

  “Yes, of course. Please come in.” She took a deep breath. “Welcome to The Lovely Lust.”

  The front of the building reminded me of a prestigious high-rise apartment complex in downtown New York. A doorman opened the glass doors for us under a red circular awning with a discreet nod and no smile.

  The front desk had a well-groomed woman behind it who greeted us with a warm, non-judgmental smile.

  Gretchen blathered on about it and I tuned in to listen to her again. We loaded into a gold trimmed elevator as Gretchen pushed the number four.

  “Each floor is themed. We have four right now, but I own the entire building. Floor four is Victorian themed,” she beamed as the doors op
ened. Modern light fixtures had been replaced by electric candles, giving the hallway a haunted feel.

  Gretchen’s phone rang and she looked down at it in dismay. “If you will excuse me, please take a look around. Room four is open.”

  “Shall we?” Logan asked, ushering me out of the elevator. We strolled down the hallway lined with floral wallpaper. Random tables with skinny legs offered guests lube, handcuffs, and other playful items.

  “She has thought of it all,” I admired.

  Logan grunted, placing a large paw on the vintage brass circular doorknob, pushing open the cream paneled door.

  “Logan, we are not going in there together,” I reprimanded him.

  “Why not?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.

  “Did you miss the part where the rooms are enchanted for the guests’ pleasure?”

  “We’re not doing anything pleasurable. How do the maids clean the rooms if one cannot simply be in the room without succumbing to the effects? Unless you have plans to take advantage of me that you would like to share.”

  I scoffed.

  “Besides, you are a succubus. I doubt anything here could actually affect you.”

  I peeked inside at what I could see. I had to admit he was making some solid points. Besides, what’s the worst that would happen? I slept with Logan. I could think of crappier ways to spend my time.

  I went in first, turning around, admiring Gretchen’s attention to detail.

  Turning to Logan, I drew a breath to comment on how pretty the rose wallpaper was. My air caught in my throat as desire shot directly into my belly.

  “Logan,” I whispered, digging my fingers into my arms, “it’s affecting me, we have to leave.” I finished in a hiss, trying to control my breathing.

  He never had a chance. The spells seeped into him immediately and his eyes began morphing before my own. Slowly he stalked me, removing his jacket in the process, the fabric falling in a heap as he moved closer to my trembling body.

  I forced myself back a step on the plush rose carpet, my body wanting to give in to the heat inside of me, a heat I knew Logan could smother. Pulling another jagged breath, I pushed a hand out as Logan followed me back. It connected solidly with firm muscles, a sensation quickly followed by the absence of all rational thought.

  “Logan,” I tried again, unable to move. “We have to get out of here,” I whispered, panting the least of my worries. His energy was unleashed and calling me, his fire and desire my own, doubled and dumped back into me.

  Smiling, Logan pulled me into his chest with one strong, long arm, pulling us face to face.

  “Logan.” It was the last warning I could give him, as his lips slowly descended upon my own, brushing gently, sending scorching heat through my body. Groaning, I leaned into him, forcing my tongue past his lips to swipe a taste of him, just a taste, I told my nagging awareness.

  Threading his fingers through my shoulder length hair, gently cupping my head, he growled low before fisting his hand, forcing my lips away from his own as he trailed hot, wet kisses down my neck.

  His saliva left cooling circles on my body. My knees weakened, supported by his arm around my waist as he pushed me back to the flowery bed behind me. The back of my knees felt the soft brush from the Egyptian cotton bedspread. As I leaned away, Logan released me in anticipation of my overheated body falling into the promise of sweet softness.

  With my one remaining lucid brain cell I rolled off the bed and dashed toward the door, my body despising me with every painful step. Logan’s body slammed into the door before I could even touch the handle, a carnal smile on his tempting lips. Growling, he moved quickly, pressing my back against the wall, my body held there under his rugged chest.

  “You are mine,” he growled, pinning me with his hips to keep me immobile while gently placing both my hands above my head, grinding his massive erection against me.

  Feeling his swollen member, I let out a heavy breath, all rational thought fleeing me. I arched my back, pressing myself against his iron chest.

  Logan growled low, pulling back to meet my eyes with his own golden gaze. I was disappointed to think he might be regaining his senses. My own muddled brain never had a chance to glean his reason for the pause, as he pressed our lips back together.

  The pain in my body disappeared, the nagging sting in my hands gone.

  Moaning low, I felt his calloused hands shove my black pants down, tearing the adorable delicate panties I had worn.

  My leg snuck up to his hip without my conscious knowledge, kicking out of my pants. My hands fell around his neck he pulled my other leg up, balancing me against the wall with shocking gentleness. Pressing my heels into his back, I forced him closer to my naked depths.

  The hard wall disappeared as Logan flipped me. I landed on all fours on the bed, one massive hand landing on my back as his other hand unfastened his pants.

  Pressing just the tip against my wet entrance, he paused for a moment, driving me insane with the waiting. I pushed back, working his large erection inside of me. His hands locked onto my hips, his fingertips pressing painfully into my sides. Back and forth, my slick body coated him, allowing him easier passage into me. My back arched when his control finally broke and he slammed into me, his balls bouncing against my ass.

  Crying out, I braced against the bedframe under Logan’s animal aggression, before he pushed me back to my forearms. My overheated body clenched onto him, sweat beading down my forehead. Logan bent his body over mine. “Kiss me,” he demanded.

  Turning, I met his greedy lips, sloppy, warm and needing. I pushed back into him, nibbling on his bottom lip.

  “You are so beautiful,” he whispered, nuzzling my ear. “And you are mine.” He growled, moving back to work my heated body, reaching under to pinch my clit. Yelping, I pushed back forcefully against him.

  Hissing his pleasure, he repeated the process, picking up the speed. My world narrowed to Logan and what his thick length was building inside of me. Pleasure pushed down on me from every angle as he worked the delicate nub between my legs. Arching beneath his body, I clenched the comforter in my hands, meeting his thrusts and pushing into them.

  The pleasure Logan was blissfully bringing to my body threatened to overload my senses and I squeaked his name out. The impossibly fast pace quickened and I slammed my fists against the bed, screaming my release, stars blinding my vision as I felt his equally powerfully release slam into my body.

  His weight shifted, pinning me under him, pressing me against the mattress, his white button down shirt pressing against my jacket. My neck throbbed painfully. “Logan,” I whispered as he nuzzled my ear, “what happened to my neck?”

  Quickly, he pulled out of me and my body missed the contact as he pressed around the wound. Tilting on my side, I looked down at the horror on his face.

  “I marked you,” he said, meeting my eyes. I read the fear and worry in his own.

  Running my fingers absentmindedly though his caramel locks, I asked, “Is that bad?”

  “I gave you a mate mark,” he clarified, meeting my gaze.

  “I thought those were just legends,” I answered, terror stealing my earlier warmth.

  “They are very real and I have just bound us together,” he answered, stroking my side, the room beginning to influence him again.

  “We need to get out of this room, Logan,” I told him forcefully, unable to actually move.

  He shrugged, pulling his tie open. “I’m having a hard time finding a reason to.”

  Pulling my pants on, I started for the door. Remembering Logan’s state of undress, I stood him up and zipped his pants.

  He stroked my face absentmindedly as I led him out into the hallway. The pain in my neck increased and I watched the disbelief seep into his eyes. “What have we done?”

  I took a step toward him only to have him step back.

  “There you are!” Gretchen cried out.

  Shit.

  I smiled, turning around, pulling my shirt ove
r the bite mark on my shoulder.

  “Let me finish the tour!”

  Logan gave me a searching look and I glared back at him. This conversation would have to be tabled.

  Gretchen flicked a gaze at each of us before she chanced a glance at the room.

  “Oh, my.”

  “Your rooms are excellent.” I turned the wattage up full blast on my smile. “I certainly hope you don’t mind that Logan and I gave it a trial.”

  “No, no, not at all!”

  “How does your cleaning staff manage?” Logan asked, tightening his tie.

  The question caught Gretchen off guard. “We use enchanted talismans they have to have on their person at all times.”

  I gave Logan a pointed look, which he ignored.

  ...

  “You’ve done an excellent job, Gretchen. Please keep me posted on when you can get away to look at properties in St Ann.”

  She beamed, her smile threatening to crack her face.

  I smiled back, knowing it didn’t reach my eyes.

  Slipping into the SUV, I waited a moment before diving right into the heart of the issue.

  “Are we going to talk about it?” I asked softly, staring ahead. The throbbing in my neck was starting to wear on me. I reached up, flipping down the visor to inspect the wound in the mirror.

  “Does it hurt?” he asked, just as quietly.

  “Yes, it throbs.”

  He nodded. “Do you feel any different?” he asked, casting a fleeting glance my way.

  “No, should I?”

  He shook his head. “Honestly, I don’t know. This isn’t a custom done much anymore.”

  “Why?” I asked, turning to look at him, trying really hard not to have flashbacks to the mind-blowing sex.

  “It’s forever. If either of us were killed the other could never find another partner. In most cases the surviving partner doesn’t last more than a year.”

  “Why? What killed them, the mark?”

  “No,” Logan said, stopping at a red light and looking at me, “a broken heart.”

  I gave him a disbelieving look. “Do you feel differently about me? I know we had the conversation of liking each other…”

  I let the question trail off. He gave me a smug grin. “You admit to liking me?”