by Multiple
She pushed back from the table and walked around the room absentmindedly before stopping at a stack of books in the foyer. “Grab me a bit of water.”
I walked to the cupboard and swatted through the cobwebs for a glass cup. I filled it with water and maneuvered around her things to where she stood, eyeing a plant that I was pretty sure was half past dead.
“That plant needs a last will and testament more than water,” I said, passing her the cup.
She gave me a small smile as she slowly poured the water into the thirsty soil. “When are you gonna learn that things aren’t always what they seem?” She closed her eyes, her hand just above the wilting leaves. “Resarcio quod redintegro quod reverto…ut vestri decor.”
Instantly, the plant stretched its limbs and mended itself, now healthy, bright, and vibrant.
“Not bad for an old witch, huh?” She winked, grabbing a dusty black book from the top of the pile. She flipped through the pages, stopping about halfway through. She blew the surface and a cloud of dust swirled around her head.
I coughed, fanning the air around me. “How do you LIVE here?”
“Here’s the symbol,” she said, showing me the page.
“Oh my god,” I breathed, tracing it. It was the same symbol branded into the lawyer’s wallet.
“The Mark of the Cursed is a brand left by a witch when she places a hex on a mortal,” I read aloud. “A witch? But why would a witch wanna hurt Kenny? Maybe a scorned lover?”
I glanced over at my mother, who was staring off into space again.
“Mom? Hello?” I said snapping my fingers.
She snapped back to attention, her face filled with worry. “I don’t have a good feeling about this. Maybe you should come home until things settle down.”
I rolled my eyes. “Not the time for jokes.”
“I’m not joking, Jade! There is bad juju radiating from this whole mess.”
“I’m 21-years-old,” I said to her, my lips firm. “Your house is a sty. I’m not moving in with you. End of discussion.”
She let out a loud, dramatic sigh. “Stubborn. THAT you got from your father.” She closed the book and turned to me, cradling my chin. “You’ll be careful?”
“Of course.”
“I’m sure Jack will protect you. When he can.”
“Mom!” I said, laughing in spite of myself. “He’s a vampire for gods sake!”
She leaned over and planted a kiss on my forehead. “You know, I’m not grandmother material anyway.”
Chapter Twelve
Making up is Hard to do
It was 10 PM and Jack was standing at my front door. My heart, and other vital parts of me, longed to leap into his arms and have wild monkey sex in the hall. My brain, which was still tired from the drive from Greene County, researching the symbol all day, and kinda peeved that he fell off the face of the earth, wanted to put something sharp and pointy in his chest.
“H-hi,” he said, with an awkward wave.
Anger alert! Anger alert! My brain screamed. I hadn’t heard from him in almost two weeks and his first word is Hi?!?
“What do you want?” I said through clenched teeth.
“I, uh,” he kind of kicked at the carpet, stealing glances at me guiltily. “Can I come in?”
I shrugged.
His green eyes shimmered like emeralds. “You kinda have to, uh, you know.”
I leaned against the door jamb. “Have to what?”
“Invite me in.”
I looked at him like he sprouted a second head. “I’ve never had to invite you in before.”
“You left me several messages telling me not to bring my sorry undead ass to your apartment ever again,” he said in a low voice.
I cleared my throat, my cheeks burning hot. “Yeah maybe, but I also called back and said ‘just kidding!’”
With a chuckle, he pulled out his cell and held it up for me to see.
“I don’t ever want to see you again,” I read aloud. “Don’t come to my apartment, don’t come to NACA,” I coughed, avoiding his gaze. Having moments of longing and anger recounted through technology was no fun.
“You sent it today at-”
“I got it. Come in,” I said, holding open the door.
He breezed inside, running a hand through his golden hair. “Before you say anything-”
“Oh, trust me,” I snipped. “I don’t have a thing to say.”
“Oh. Okay.”
We stood there, staring at each other, waiting for the next move. I looked at his chiseled jaw, set in the stubborn way that drove me so crazy.
He stepped closer, his hand reaching for mine. “I’m so sorry, Jade. I just-”
“How COULD you,” I said, pushing his hand away. “You just disappeared.”
“I know-”
“And it was like you didn’t even get how big a deal it was for me to even go there. To be that person for you, knowing that I was essentially signing someone’s death warrant.”
“Yes, but-”
“And then you just shut me out and stop accepting my calls and go off the grid.”
“Jade, I-”
“And then I go see Mom, which is a big ass cry for help and a huge thing for me…and you STILL ignored me and made me look like a fool.” I turned away from him at that moment.
He wheeled me around to face him. “Just let me-”
“Babies!” I interrupted. “And growing old and what if I want to get married?” I took a breath, my chest heaving up and down.
He cracked a grin, tucking a dark coil behind my ear. “Well, we can practice the baby thing at least.”
I pulled my face away, my eyes flashing. “This isn’t a joke, Jack. I needed you.”
His face went serious as he drew me back to him, his eyes searching mine. “I wasn’t ready for how I felt that night.” He lost his fingers in my hair then nuzzled me. “I’ve seen and done horrible things. I am a monster, Jade.” He pulled back, his face inches from mine. “But when we were together, I felt more-”
“Normal,” we said in unison.
I softened, sliding closer to him. “I just-”
“Let me finish,” he cut in gently. “When I’m with you, sometimes I forget that I am what I am. I’m just a man…who cares deeply for his woman.” He glanced away for a moment, not wanting to show his vulnerability. “But your eyes that night, knowing you saw me as some spawn of Hell…it was a lot to swallow.”
I reached up and grazed his cheek. “It doesn’t have to be so black and white.”
“But it is,” he pressed. “I’m a monster. I have to do as monsters do to survive. I just don’t want-”
I brought my fingers to his lips, silencing him. I slid closer to him, pressing my body against his. He responded to me instantly, tilting my chin upwards and taking my lips with his. Our kisses were soft, probing at first, then became hungry and ravenous as he attempted to scoop me up and take me to the bedroom.
“No,” I protested, planting my feet firmly. “I want you here. Now.”
His lips met mine again as he moaned with desire, tearing off his clothes. I let out a hungry cry as he ripped off my tank and cotton skirt. He paused, drinking me in.
“You’re so beautiful,” he sighed, bringing me down to the floor. “So beautiful.”
I throbbed with wanting as he pulled me close and we moved together as one. Every thrust pushed me closer…there was nothing but this moment. There was nothing but this.
I slithered out from beneath then mounted him, quivering as he entered me again and I rocked back and forth.
I howled with pleasure, all abandon tossed to the wind. I didn’t care if this whole building heard my moans. I didn’t care if the whole building burned to the ground.
I brought my face to his and took his mouth in mine, teasing him with my tongue. I kept grinding, wave after wave of satisfaction coursing through me. “Yes. YES!”
He let out a growl, his strong hands gripping my hips. His fingers were firm
at first before they started digging into my flesh.
“Ow!” I cried out, covering my hand with his. “Not so hard.” His grip went deeper until I was sure he would draw blood. “BABE! B-babe?” I stopped moving, scanning his face. His face had gone from primal and filled with lust to primal…and filled with hunger.
He pulled out from beneath me but remained crouched on the floor, sniffing. He moved like a predator, prey in crosshairs, ripe for the picking. His body quivered as his fangs elongated.
“Jack, what the hell?” I shrieked, pulling on a robe draped on the couch.
He got control of himself, his cheeks going red. “I-I’m sorry. I just smell-”
He was cut off by an ear-shattering scream, followed by a scuffle in the hall outside my apartment.
I walked to the door, pausing as I looked back at Jack over my shoulder. “You decent?”
He nodded, zipping his jeans.
I pulled open the door and shrieked as something fell into my apartment. A woman. With fiery red hair, her porcelain face frozen in terror.
“Amy,” I squeaked as a wave of nausea overwhelmed me. Her heart had been cut out of her chest.
Chapter Thirteen
Probation
Today was just not shaping up to be a good day at all. I’d spent most of last night and the wee hours of the morning talking to Detective Warren about Amy’s murder. Jack and I’d had to take a rain check on our makeup sex extravaganza, considering the neighbors might take issue if he got on his hands and knees and started lapping up all the fresh blood going to waste. And to top it off, the thermostat in my car read that it was 75 degrees – with the AC on full blast.
My tank dress clung to my sopping wet skin as I pulled into the back lot of NACA. I could waffle out here in my car and see just how many buckets of sweat my body could create, or I could get answers.
I mean, could things get any worse?
First it was Kenny. The douche was strong with that one, but he didn’t deserve to go out that way. Then there was Amy last night. She had a dash of douche herself, but I knew that she still loved her partner and kid. One night ruined it all. Well, two if you counted getting her heart ripped from her chest.
I had no idea why someone would want to do something as horrible as put a hex on two mortals. Guys like Kenny were a dime a dozen, and it would probably be easier to list the people who’ve never cheated than those who strayed like Amy. The only thing they had in common was me.
That fact wasn’t lost on Detective Warren. Apparently my innate charm was lost on him and I went from that quirky, weird girl to a person of interest in a homicide investigation.
I swung open the front door of NACA and stopped like I’d been hit with a ton of bricks. The woman behind the desk had porcelain skin that glowed as the rays of the sun danced through the blinds. She had her fiery red mane stacked on top of her head and stopped fanning herself when her eyes met mine. “Jade!”
“H-hi, Naomi,” I said warily, clutching my purse. Out of all the mortals she could take her pick from, she chose one whose body wasn’t even cold yet? “I didn’t know shifters had a sense of humor.”
Her emerald eyes softened. “You mean your charge?” She gestured at the tabloid mag open in front of her. “I’m wearing this skin.” She glanced back up at me, cringing a bit. “I’m sorry…this fucking heat is messing with my brain.” She flipped the pages, drumming her nails on the desk. “I’ll change it up in a jiff.”
“No,” I insisted, stopping her. “It’s kinda nice to see her, you, well. And alive.”
Her olive eyes were sympathetic. “You’ve just been having a bad go at it, huh?”
I mustered a nod, biting my lip.
“I’m sorry, honey,” she said truthfully.
“Thanks Naomi,” I said with a small smile.
She leaned over and pressed the high button on the fan. “So what can we do you for?”
“She’s not here on NACA business,” a baritone voice cut in behind her. “She’s here as a prospective client.” B stomped into the room, sighing loudly. The walls seemed to almost yawn and stretch, like the massive body before me was just what my human eyes could handle.
“A client?” Naomi repeated, crinkling her nose.
“Yeah,” I stuttered, fumbling in my purse for my research pad. I held out the page with the Mark on it. “I saw this symbol branded on Kenny’s wallet, then Amy’s chest.”
“The Mark of the Cursed,” Naomi mused. “Someone’s been a naughty witch.” She flashed me a reassuring smile. “Not you, of course.”
“Of course,” B said sarcastically.
“I’m willing to pay or whatever,” I offered.
“Don’t be silly,” Naomi scoffed, crossing her pale arms. “Your money’s no good here.”
“Um, of course it is,” B said indignantly.
I watched in awe as Naomi wheeled her chair around, shooting daggers at B. “Don’t you dare charge her a cent. Jade is one of us and needs our help. I don’t want your bad karma.”
“Your karma can take care of itself,” B shrugged. “The bills, however-”
“Not a cent!” Naomi repeated.
“Gods, shifter,” B said with annoyance. He turned to me, cocking his head to the back office. “Let’s discuss this further. In private.”
I mouthed a ‘thank you’ to Naomi and followed him to the back.
I could barely tell that the massive damage from the summoning gone awry even happened. The gaping hole was mended. A fresh coat of paint hid the scorch marks. The room was completely remedied and organized.
“And the necro who made me wait around all day for some mortal handyman won’t be practicing magic or much of anything else,” B said with a sinister grin, plucking my train of thought from my head.
Usually this is where I’d remind said supernatural to not probe my thoughts, but B just wasn’t one you gave orders to. And even though his favorite color was money, he could still say no to my proposition. I didn’t want to do or say anything that would tip the scales out of my favor.
“So you want our help,” B began, cutting to the chase. “You want us to find out who’s behind the murders.”
“Y-yes.”
“Hmm,” he mused, stroking his chin. “And what would you say if I told you that some thought that well, you were the murderer.”
“That’s a lie,” I said, a bit too loudly. I cleared my throat and began again. “Why would I kill them? I had more to gain by keeping them around and maybe getting another summoning out of it. And not to mention, the consequences are…” I slid a finger across my throat. “Why would I do something so dumb?”
“That’s a question I ask quite frequently when mortals are involved,” B quipped.
I wasn’t amused.
B let out another weary sigh. “Here’s where I’m at, Jade.” He flicked his wrist and a chair slid across the room, stopping behind me. “Have a seat.”
I obeyed.
“As much as I’d love to take your money, I’d never hear the end of it from Naomi,” he said with an eye roll. “Also, The Watchers forbid me from investigating on your behalf.”
My heart sank to the pit of my stomach. “T-the Watchers? But why?”
“Because I’m investigating on theirs,” B said in a duh manner. “For your Trial.”
“My TRIAL?” I said in disbelief.
B looked at me like I just sprouted tentacles. “Frankly, I’m surprised they waited for the second body. You must have some friends in high places. Let me give you a couple of tips. Don’t make eye contact. Don’t-”
But I wasn’t really listening anymore. I was going to have to stand Trial for Kenny and Amy’s murders. In the Great Hall…where the conviction rate was 95 percent.
B shuffled uncomfortably. “Uh, if you’re gonna be sick-”
“I didn’t hex anyone!” I said, hyperventilating. I wanted to curl up in a fetal position. I didn’t want to die. I could feel the tears of frustration and fear well in my ey
es.
B scowled. “Please don’t cry. Then I’ll get sick.”
I swapped at my eyes. “I’m not crying. I’m just-” I paused, taking a deep breath to calm myself. “When’s the Trial?”
“No date on the books for exposure offenses,” B answered. “But I’d bet sooner rather than later.”
I pulled at my sticky dress, jumping to my feet. I had to get out of here. I had to investigate myself, summon Kenny’s ghost, and-
“About that,” B said, clearing his throat. “You’re banned from performing magic until the case is tried. A precautionary measure.”
“What?” I gasped. “How will I mount my defense?”
“Watcher appointed counsel.”
I scoffed. “Oh please. Even I know that’s a joke. I might as well just kiss my ass-”
“Head,” B corrected. “Or flesh, if they’re in a burning mood.”
“Goodbye.” I finished, covering my face. “What am I gonna do?”
B glanced down at his watch. “I actually have a lunch appointment, so we’ll have to figure this out some other time.”
“Great,” I said sarcastically.
I watched in awe as B actually patted me on the shoulder. He did it gingerly, then shoved his hand in his jeans pocket.
“It’ll work out if you’re innocent,” he said, pulling out a checkbook. “Probably.” He scribbled something on a check then ripped it out and passed it to me.
“5,000 dollars,” I read, surprised. “For what?”
B gave me a look of pity. “Mortal naiveté. You’re an accused witch, Jade. You can’t be in my employ until this matter is resolved.”
“But I-”
“Time to go,” B said, ushering me toward the door. “I’ll see you at the Trial. Good luck.” I turned back to him to plead my case a bit more but the room was empty. I was alone.
In a daze, I trudged back to my car. I was Screwed. With a capital S. I jumped when my phone vibrated. It was Sia.
I put it to my ear. “I think I was just suspended. And there’s a 95 percent chance I’m going to be executed by The Watchers.”
Chapter Fourteen