“I was going crazy,” Cat murmured, drawing Davin's attention. “There wasn't enough for me to do, and I couldn't get enough information. I had read about computers but didn't have one to play with or take apart. It drove me insane.”
“I can live anywhere because I excel at masking my power. We planned to leave for a short time, hoping everyone would forget about us. I wanted to get Cat settled here and decide the future after she was secure and healthy, but Marcus discovered our plans. He broke into our cottage in the middle of the night and used a spell to coerce Cat. Her mind was too strong for his compulsion to take root but the stress of resisting caused her body to seize. She couldn't move, so he came after me. He figured if I wouldn't willingly accept him, he would just get me pregnant and claim the baby.” Jenira stopped. Davin's face was turning colors, his jaw clenching. Magic spiked in the room, and the power made Cat shiver visibly. Jenira met his gaze. “He didn't succeed. I attacked him with magic and stabbed him. He sliced my face open, but I escaped with Cat. I thought I killed him.”
“You thought you did?” Davin repeated. His voice dripped with barely concealed rage and tension. Jenira's eyes fixed on his glass, absently preparing a spell in case he shattered it within his tight grip.
“The old woman in the magic shop, the visionary, told me he's still alive. We always worried about his father coming after us and prosecuting us for murder. Now, we aren't certain what to expect. Marcus didn't forget; he's still looking for us.” Jenira sat down next to Cat again, her legs sprawled in front of her.
“We need to keep our identity a secret,” Cat insisted. “Mage and techie sisters would be a dead giveaway. We can't register ourselves, and we refuse to split up. We're all we have.”
“You think running is the best way?” Davin inquired.
Jenira shrugged. “Can you suggest a better idea?”
“What he did is punishable by law. Mental coercion with magic and attempted rape isn't permissible in either territory.” Anger laced his voice and darkened the room with sizzling power. Jenira's magic responded, ironically wanting to soothe his distress.
“Marcus claims powerful ties, and for all we know, he might be next in line for High Council Magistrate. It's our word against his, and my reputation in this territory isn't a shining example of innocence. A mercenary's word wouldn't hold up in court, Davin.”
“I'll do all I can to make sure it holds up in court or that he dies before he can even utter your name. I'm almost happy you didn't kill him; I'd love the pleasure.” Cat's brow rose, but Jenira laughed. He would have to stand in line behind her.
“You want to help us because we know your secret?” Cat asked.
“No,” Davin’s strong assurance accompanied an intense stare that made Jenira's toes curl. “What he did was wrong. His actions have forced both of you to live in fear and take part in illegal underworld work for the better part of a decade. You both possess too much potential for that to be fair. And he hurt you.” His final words were so quiet, Jenira wasn't sure she heard them correctly until she paired them with the depth of emotion in his gaze.
“While your offer is admirable, your money and power don't matter. I'll do what I can to find and stop the mage killer. We have a deal, and we will prevent more innocent deaths. Cat and I promise to keep your secret; we’ve had a lot of practice at keeping secrets. After I do what I've agreed to do, though, we'll leave. We won't be a burden or a threat to you anymore.”
“You are one stubborn woman.” He paused with a small grin. “I'll concede on one condition. Cat will continue to work for me, and you will both move in here.”
“What?” Jenira cursed, rising from the couch with a sudden burst of energy. “We have a home. We don't need your charity.”
Davin rose, meeting her toe to toe and challenging her furious gaze. “Charity has nothing to do with it. Everyone who works on the Integration project receives company protection. I can assign a bodyguard or she can stay in the building, and I’m assuming you will want to stay with her. This is not something you can argue yourself out of, Jenira.” He wielded her full name like a weapon. “Do you want Cat to become the next victim? Can you combat the tech that is paralyzing strong mages? You can't protect your sister if you're in a tech-induced paralysis.”
Jenira crossed her arms over her chest and set her jaw. She wouldn't admit he had a point. “Fine. Get out of my apartment then; I'm done entertaining.” Her magic sparked against his like an electrical short, and arcs of power bounced between their bodies.
“I expect Cat at work in the morning, and I'll see you tomorrow afternoon to discuss our next step where the case is concerned. If you need anything, tell the guards. If you leave permanently, I will come after you,” he threatened. “I won't hesitate to use Cat against you if you try to run before our deal is over, and I know you can't phase away with her.” Their eyes clashed in a duel of wills for several minutes. Finally, his body relaxed. “Please, Jenira. It's safer for both of you.” He turned on his heel and walked out the door. Seconds later, a dagger embedded itself in the sturdy wood he'd just closed behind him.
Cat's giggle interrupted her anger at the demanding Neanderthal. “He's right, Jenira. Besides, I'll welcome not walking to the bus tomorrow morning. This whole day has worn me out, and I’m tired now that I’m not in imminent danger of losing my head.” She paused purposefully. “You really need to sleep with him already. The sexual tension between you two is making me, an innocent virgin, hot and bothered.” Jenira hurled a pillow at Cat, but her sister just batted it away with a laugh.
Chapter Twenty
Davin Rennert
Davin slammed the door of his suite loudly behind him, not surprised to see Rock and Andrew waiting in his living room. They'd made themselves at home, and he would welcome someone to drink with. He was happy they hadn't been here when Jenira phased in earlier, though. Her sudden appearance had scared him, and nothing scared him. He poured a glass of brandy for each of them, not speaking.
“Only a woman can make you this upset,” Rock mused, sipping the drink.
“A woman?” Andrew's eyes widened and then narrowed accusingly. “Were you talking to Cat? Just because she made you angry, you can't keep...”
“Andrew,” Davin interrupted, “that's enough. I did speak to Cat, but I'm not angry with her anymore.”
“Then who are you angry with? And why is she with Cat?”
“Sisters,” Davin glowered. He wasn't cross with either woman anymore, but Jenira's stubbornness would lead him to an early grave. He wanted to help her, and she wouldn't let him. After living in a society where women only wanted men to help them, it was far more irritating than he thought it should be.
“Ah, sisters. They don't resemble each other, but they're both stubborn and brilliant in their own ways.” For such a quiet, emotionless man, Rock was very perceptive. His strong impressions were formed by watching the security feeds. Andrew shared Rock's insightful nature, but his nephew hadn’t met Jenira yet.
Davin hung his head, rubbing his temples. For the twentieth time that hour, he berated himself for not seeing the connection. That woman made him blind and stupid. It was a damn good thing she wasn’t trying to ruin him because he might let it happen with a smile on his face.
“Woah, slow down,” Andrew protested. “Who are sisters?”
“Cat and Jen. Jen is the mercenary your uncle hired to hunt down whoever is responsible for the mage killings. She's tied our boss up in knots.” Rock's tone was more suitable for discussing the weather than Davin's mental state.
“Cat's sister is a mercenary?” Andrew's brows disappeared into his hairline.
“Yes, she is. Jen is short for Jenira. They both hid the truth from me, and I’ve learned that they have good reasons for their subterfuge, but I'm still not happy about it.” Davin gulped his brandy, wincing as the fire lit a trail down his throat. The alcohol wasn't relaxing him.
“Let's back up a little,” Andrew encouraged, sitting forward. “
Why were you so angry with Cat?”
Davin silently laughed at his nephew. The boy still focused on Cat when mercenaries and secrets entered the conversation. Evidently, both sisters were capable of turning men into single-minded creatures. “Cat accused me of being Magitech after the meeting today.”
Andrew burst from the sofa, running a hand through his own hair. The habit ran in the family. “Oh no. How did she guess? You're not planning on killing her, are you?” Davin shared a smile with Rock as Andrew paced in agitation.
“No, I didn't kill her, and I don’t plan on it. She will remain whole and well if she keeps her mouth shut around everyone else. Her sister told her, but Cat has been the surveillance and technical intelligence behind my mercenary since the beginning.”
Andrew squinted at Davin. “How did the mercenary find out?”
“She is an extremely powerful mage; I couldn't have hidden it from her.” Davin shrugged and sipped his drink.
“Amazing.” Andrew laughed. Now that he had all the information, he appreciated the ironic humor of the situation. “You rarely meet your match, old man. So, they're sisters - a high-level mage and a high-level tech?”
“They're half-sisters - same father, different mothers. Their upbringing and mixed heritage could contribute to them being able to work so well together. Cat's tech is unaffected by magic, and Jenira can work magic when surrounded by strong tech.”
“That's not always the case. My mage and tech parentage didn’t give my sister and me much of an advantage, and your mixed parentage turned you into a Magitech. Maybe the two of them together make them a Magitech like you,” Andrew reflected.
Davin bristled, squaring his shoulders. “They're not like me. Cat doesn't possess a shred of magic, and Jenira couldn't code a program if it bit her in the butt.”
Andrew glanced at him with amusement. “Yes, Uncle, neither of them is as all-powerful as you, but you have to admit their skills are still extraordinary. Even my twin and I deal with issues regarding magic and tech. Hmm...” Andrew sipped his drink again, either pacified or lost in memories of his missing sister. “So what's next?”
“They'll both continue to work for me, and they'll stay in that apartment. Jenira will probably defy me by sneaking away, and I'll allow it as long as she returns.” Davin's tone darkened. “I have someone to find as well.” He relayed the story of Marcus and what crimes he'd wrought on the teen girls. Though he trusted each man, he only imparted the most relevant information. Their angry expressions gratified him. Regardless of whether they knew both women, it was unacceptable to coerce a techie or mage into anything. The thought of Marcus forcing himself on Jenira at a more vulnerable age caused Davin's magic to spike dangerously. He barely restrained himself from unleashing his rage on the entire Western High Council and starting his own war.
“That bastard,” Andrew muttered. “Poor Cat, mentally coerced like a slave. It must have been traumatizing.”
“Andrew, you realize how fast you are becoming this woman's champion, right? You just met her. You should guard your heart a little better.”
Andrew blushed. “I've never met a more intelligent woman, though. Her suggestions are already yielding results, and I can't believe we didn't catch it. The prototypes you assisted in building perform better than any of the others.”
“I won't deny her intelligence, but you're young,” Davin patted his nephew's knee. “I've warned you. Women are fickle creatures.”
“You can't tell me not to be interested in Cat, Uncle. It's not my fault the woman you want doesn't want you.”
“Oh she wants me; she just won't admit it yet.” Davin grinned wolfishly, before looking back at Rock. “Jenira can phase so watching the apartment door won't be enough, but I still want to know of any activity that doesn't include Cat walking to work. Now that I know of her past, I don't trust Jen not to do something desperate.”
Rock whistled appreciatively. “She can phase?”
“Wow, isn't phasing like teleporting?” Andrew asked eagerly, and Davin nodded. “That's a rare mage ability; she must be powerful. Are you certain she's not manipulating you?”
“She's not mind-controlling me, Andrew, if that's what you're asking. She might affect me in other ways, but I am in full control of my brain.” Though she wasn't magically manipulating him, she affected him far more than he liked to admit. He respected her more, though, after learning the reasons for her suspicious nature. She was protecting her only family, her sister. It brought his own sister to mind, Andrew's mother. He longed for a chance to defend Ilona, but it was too late.
He crossed to the window, staring over the lights of the city. How many mage children were being ridiculed in the East? How many techie kids were being abused in the West? Despair and anger filled him, and the stress of the day weighed upon him. Rock and Andrew sensed his mood and rose to leave.
“Cat's coming to work tomorrow, right? The team has questions for her.”
“Yes, Andrew, she'll be there.” Davin saw his nephew nod in the reflection on the window before the soft click of the door echoed in the empty apartment. Although he couldn't sense her, Jenira's presence in the building blazed in his awareness. He would find the man who forced her into the seedy underworld just to protect her family, and he would tear him apart.
Chapter Twenty-One
Cat
Cat observed Jenira as she seethed. She hunched over the kitchen table, glaring at the breakfast delivered by the guards as if it would rise and attack her. Cat credited her own good mood to the firm mattress and luxurious shower. The water at the bungalow was rust-colored and barely trickled from the faucet, and the bed had been lumpy and old.
“The beds are too soft,” Jenira moaned, but Cat doubted she slept. The living area of the suite was littered with piles of clothes and a random assortment of personal items. Jenira had phased in and out of the apartment during the night to retrieve their belongings. The simple act of defiance made Jenira feel better, and Cat knew how much Jenira liked being in control.
Cat smoothed the wrinkles from Jenira's silk shirt. Paired with the pants she wore to her interview, it formed the only suitable combination in the mound of garments. She bit into the bagel slathered with real butter and closed her eyes in ecstasy. She might gain twenty pounds after her first paycheck, but the delicious food had to be the best perk of being rich.
“The light is too bright,” Jenira continued, nearly whining.
“Sis, it's not so bad. Davin seems genuine, and it’s a relief to accept help for once. If it bothers you, just pay him back after you finish the job.” The idea perked Jenira up a little, so much that she lifted her head from her hands.
“Yes, we can do that,” she agreed, finally reaching for the coffee she'd been glaring at since it arrived. Cat smothered a smile.
“This isn't just heavy-handed charity because we both work for him. He'll probably take a cut out of my paycheck for rent; I doubt we’re living here for free.” She didn't know that for sure, but it would make Jenira happier.
“I guess.” Jenira shrugged. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows and made the small room glow with all its silver appliances and real wood cabinets. Cat didn't believe the apartment had been occupied for some time, but it was clean and cozy. All Cat required was her computer set up in the spare room and a couple plants for Jenira to make it feel like home. With a sigh, she reminded herself not to get too comfortable.
“This is better for both of us, Jen. Now that I'm in on the project, I could become a target. Davin is providing housing or protection for the entire team, not just me, so it isn't a ploy to control you.” Cat's words might be true, but they weren't convincing. She knew Davin wanted Jenira closer, but she had no desire to begin that conversation with her sister. She preferred Jenira launch pillows at her instead of daggers. “There's a gym downstairs,” Cat coaxed, persuading Jenira to focus on the positive perks of their temporary lodgings.
“A gym?” Jenira echoed, her eyes brightening.
“I need to fight or...”
“Yeah, yeah, I know,” Cat interrupted her sister. “The gym is downstairs. If you're looking for the other, I know where a willing partner is...” Jenira scowled and threw her napkin at Cat. The cloth square hit Cat on the nose but didn't stop her broad smile.
“Not an option,” Jenira muttered. She cocked her head at Cat, maybe seeing her for the first time that morning. “You look good, sis.”
Cat shrugged off the compliment. “I managed to finish washing my hair before the hot water ran out. It can't be the clothes because your shirt is too big for me and I wore these pants two days ago.”
“Your hair is shinier than usual, but it's more than that. You seem happy.”
Cat nibbled on her bagel, shrugging. “I kind of like it here, Jen. We’ve never wanted to be rich so it's not the soft beds, smooth sheets, and real coffee; it's the work. Yesterday was a beautiful tease before I opened my big mouth to Rennert. I've never worked with real people, besides you. I mean, I've always worked with you, and you are always appreciative, but this is different; I feel like I can contribute here. We'll find the killers and everything will be ok. I'm feeling optimistic for the first time in years.” Cat stopped her babble, blushing.
Jenira squeezed Cat's hand, but her eyes looked into the distance. “I'm sorry, Cat. I've kept you from fulfilling your purpose in the hopes it would protect us. You belong here with the other techies.”
“Never apologize for keeping us safe, Jen. We wouldn't be alive now if you hadn't made the difficult decisions. I'm only suggesting that we should reconsider leaving after you finish the job. Davin and Andrew are working on the same projects I've been trying to create for years. We can revolutionize the way tech interacts with magic; it could be the beginning of Integration for the entire country.”
Jenira peeled tiny chunks off the bagel but didn't eat them. “Maybe you should stay,” Jenira whispered.
Cat leaned forward, her heart stopping in her chest. “What?” She stood. Jenira avoided her eyes, shrugging as she continued to pick at her bagel.
Worlds Collide (Magitech Book 1) Page 19