Mending Scars

by Rivers, Brandy L

  “You already are. Take care of your girl.” Toryn cupped Dacia’s shoulder and leaned down to kiss the top of her head. “Thank you for taking care of him. I’m looking forward to getting better acquainted with both of you.”

  She smiled slightly. “Same here.”

  “Robert, a pleasure.” He turned to Preston. “See you soon.”

  “Thank you for coming, and everything.”

  Nodding, Toryn smiled before he walked out the door.

  Robert shook his head with an amused smile. “That wasn’t nearly as awkward as I expected.”

  “Thankfully. Thanks for coming out. I hope Toryn can aid us without putting himself or Isa in the line of danger.”

  Robert snorted. “Sounds like they already are. Don’t worry. Remus is arrogant enough he’ll mess up, and we’ll have him. I only hope it’s sooner than later.”

  “Me too. Go, be with your two.”

  Robert dipped his head in a nod. “Dacia, have a good night.” With that he disappeared.

  * * * *

  Saressa’s cruel laugh cut through his soul. “Well, isn’t that special? I removed the curse, but can’t repair the damage. However, I can cut it out, and we can go from there.”

  His breath came in ragged pants. “Do it. Now!” he cried out as sweat poured down his brow.

  Her smile was pure evil as she pulled an iron blade out and began slicing swatches of skin and muscle from the rotted ruin that was quickly spreading down his arm and chest. With a wicked gleam in her eyes, she started chipping away at bone and he screamed until he blacked out.

  Chapter 22

  Preston took one last look at Dacia who was curled up in the blankets they shared. A soft smile warmed her face. He regretted leaving, but wanted to serve her breakfast in bed. Hoping he would be back before she woke, he hurried down the stairs and out the door.

  The drive to the grocery store wasn’t very long. Soon his car was parked and he was on his way inside. He grabbed a cart and hurried through the aisles. Beyond what he needed for breakfast, he planned to stock her kitchen with some essentials. As much as he enjoyed eating out, spending time with Dacia was more appealing.

  He was standing in the produce section choosing fruits and vegetables when he felt a familiar nudge.

  Turning, he smiled down at Amethyst. “Hey you. Isn’t it early for your ogre to let you out of his cave?”

  “Haha, bozo.” She smirked. “Did you sneak away from Dacia?”

  One corner of his mouth lifted. “Plan to treat her to breakfast in bed. I understand girls like that.”

  “Only when the boy in question can cook.” She winked.

  He feigned indignation, “Hey, I resent that.”

  Giggling, she batted her lashes. “I didn’t mean you, silly. I know you can cook.”

  “Happen to know what Dacia likes to eat?”

  She shook her head with wide eyes. “Sorry. You’d have a better idea where that’s concerned.”

  He frowned. “Somehow, food hardly comes up.”

  Amethyst laughed outright this time. “Can’t imagine why. Seems the two of you have chemistry that ignites every time you’re near each other. It’s kind of fun to watch.”

  Preston rolled his eyes. “It’s more than that. I find myself wanting to be with her all the time. I miss her like crazy, even now, when I’ve only been gone ten minutes or so.”

  “See, cute.”

  He sighed. “I don’t know. She’s scared to death I’m not sincere. I keep having to bite back the words I want to say.”

  “What words?”

  “The word love freaks her out. Hell, she just has to think it and she’s starts pushing me away, assuming I’m going to fuck it all up.”

  “Do you?”

  “Love her?” He took a slow breath.

  She nodded. “Well?”

  “Yeah, I am falling in love with her. Hard. We made a pinky promise though.”

  Her brow arched. “Whose idea was the pinky promise?”

  “Hers, though the promise itself was mine.”

  “And that was?”

  “To feel what we’re feeling until we’re ready to define it. Problem is, I’ve been ready since she made love to me in her car prior to the promise.”

  Amethyst winced, putting her hands up. “TMI. That’s not something I want stuck in my head.”

  Preston gave her a sheepish shrug. “Sorry. Hayden told you about us, right?”

  She nodded.

  “Well, it feels like I’ve been chasing her forever. I know, I saw her broken down, and all I wanted was to put a smile on her face.”

  “Cuz you felt something?”

  “Ya think?” He leaned against the produce shelf. “I couldn’t stand the pain in her eyes. Or the fact I left a scar on her face.” He winced. “Fuck, she blames herself for that night, when I’m the one who melted half her face off.”

  “I fixed that,” Amethyst reminded him. “And she hides the scar with glamour.”

  “That I can see through.”

  Amethyst tiptoed up, and he bent so she could whisper in his ear, “Because you two were made for one another. It’s the mate bond.”

  He nodded. “I wish she would say the words. I know she’s thinking it sometimes. Keeping the expression from my tongue is harder than I imagined.”

  “Because it’s real.”

  “Yup.” He glanced at his watch. “Shit. I need to get back before she wakes up. I didn’t tell her I was going to the store.”

  “Well, hurry your butt up and feed her.”

  He gave Amethyst a quick hug. “Wish me luck. I may need it.”

  “Good luck, but I have a feeling you’re getting through to Dacia. Keep up what you’re doing and she doesn’t stand a chance.”

  “See you later, hon.” Preston went back to shopping.

  * * * *

  The bed dipped and Dacia’s eyes fluttered open to find Preston smiling down at her. Something smelled so damn good her stomach grumbled. “Mmm, what’s this?”

  “Breakfast. I believe I mentioned I can cook?”

  Her face scrunched. “There isn’t anything to fix.”

  “There wasn’t.” He shrugged. “As you can see, I changed that. Figured if I’m here, I may as well treat you to a few meals. Now sit up, enjoy the food while it’s hot.”

  Warmth infused her as she followed the gentle suggestion. “You really didn’t need to go shopping, or cook.”

  He frowned. “I wanted to, though. You aren’t mad, are you?”

  A smile stole across her lips. “No, of course not. Impressed. Smells really good.”

  He moved the tray over her lap. “Eat. I need to get ready.”

  Pouting, she grabbed his wrist. “Don’t you want to eat with me?”

  “I do, but I need to get ready.” He sighed. “I have a million things to do at work today.”

  “Anything I can help with?”

  “Not today. I’ll let you know if you can. Now I better hop in the shower, if you don’t mind?”

  “I could join you.”

  He groaned. “Tempting, but I’d be late.”

  “You can use the shower, but if you don’t hurry, I’ll join anyway.” She leaned over and he met her halfway to give her a slow kiss. Reaching up, she threaded her fingers into his hair and tried to keep him there.

  He gently caught her hand and pulled back. “I’m hurrying, because that is a very tempting offer, which is exactly why I shouldn’t give in.”

  Pouting, she murmured, “I can’t wait until tonight.”

  “Neither can I.” Preston hopped off the bed and went to her bathroom. “Eat, Minx.”

  The door closed and she looked down to find blueberry pancakes, sausage, fresh fruit, and steaming hot coffee. One bite told her the blueberries were fresh and pancakes were not from a box.

  Oh, what did I do to deserve this amazing man?

  Never felt so… loved—still a scary word. Maybe I can do something to show him what I feel. />
  A slow smile spread on her face as she reached for her phone and sent a text she wasn’t sure would be answered.

  * * * *

  Lost in a sea of pain, Remus again wondered if Saressa’s care was healing the damage, or making it worse. He managed to get his eyes open, but the world spun.

  Slowly, he focused on Saressa who had a hold of his stump as she flaked off pieces of charred skin and bone. She hit a nerve, and he wailed out in agony.

  “Oh, stop being an infant,” she hissed.

  He panted. “You try being put through this torture.”

  “Hmm, but I’ve always been smarter than you, my dear. Now, who chopped your arm off? I’ve never seen a burn quite like this.”

  “A mage who is corrupting my daughter against me.”

  “She finally got smart? Is she the one who did this?” She reached out and trailed her sharp pointed nails across the newly formed, raw skin around the puncture wound.

  “She did, and she’ll pay for that mistake.”

  “I think I like your daughter.” Laughing coldly, she took a blade and peeled away more ruined flesh until he was blinded by the pain.

  * * * *

  Now that Toryn knew the secret, Preston suffered a whole new set of nerves wrapped up in whether or not he was worthy of his father’s heritage. He knew worrying about that was ridiculous.

  He pulled alongside Toryn’s Maserati and smirked. At least they shared the same taste in cars. He climbed out the same time as his father and looked over the hood. “Was it necessary to go into the woods?”

  “Better out in the open than in a building. You have excellent control, but I’m going to hopefully show you a few new tricks. Maybe even learn something from you.”

  The last statement set him at ease, mostly. “I doubt I can show a legend much, if anything, but I’ll try.”

  “Follow me then.” Toryn started into the forest. They walked side-by-side.

  Preston looked over, feeling awkward as fuck. “Can I ask a stupid question?”

  “No such thing, but ask away.”

  “Did you ever want a kid?”

  A smile lifted the corner of his mouth. “Never really thought about it until Isa. One day we’ll have our own child. But I’m not at all upset to have you also.” His face scrunched slightly. “Was it weird knowing about me, but not being able to say anything?”

  “Very. Especially when I met you a few weeks back.”

  “Priscilla wasn’t in the wrong. The secret kept us all safe. And I doubt the Council would be pleased knowing I’m your… dad.” A laugh escaped his lips.

  “Ain’t that the truth,” he muttered. “Though, it wasn’t a party being half-human. Bunch of political bullshit.”

  “Are you happy as an enforcer with the council?”

  Preston nodded. “Yeah. Things are finally changing. I think in the next few years it will be easier for those not full mage. Maybe we’ll even start bringing in people who would do an amazing job, but aren’t the traditionally right type of caster.” Preston rolled his eyes.

  “Such as?”

  “My friend Erik. He’s a necromancer. We had a pilot program. Trained all manner of human casters. No fae, but I suspect there might have been a few mixed species in that group.”

  “What happened to it?”

  “Inner circle deemed them unsafe after one particular necromancer took their training and went rogue. Thing was, I warned the council against accepting that individual, but they took him anyway.” He sighed. “And yet, they tried to give me shit for his conduct.”

  “Did it stand?”

  “Hell no. There was too much documentation about my warnings. I recommended Erik. Coltrain was a whole other story. But I digress.”

  Toryn caught his arm, pulling him to a stop. “We’re here. Before we begin, I want to say, I have faith you will make positive changes to the Council.”

  “Thanks. Now, what did you have in mind?”

  He raised his arms and silver fire flowed up from his hands to his biceps.

  Preston’s brow arched, “Got that covered.” He did the same. “Although my fire tends to burn red, no matter the temperature.”

  “Never seen a mage whose fire went past their hands.” Toryn chuckled. “No one ever questioned that?”

  Preston shrugged. “Nope. Not enough mages sleep with fae for that difference to come up. And most mages never see a fae cast anything.”

  “Good point. Let’s see what you got...”

  * * * *

  Dacia walked into Inktastic and Fallon hopped off the table nodding toward her room. No one else was out front.

  Silently, she followed, and once the door was shut, Fallon grabbed a paper off the counter. “You said you’ve been calling Preston by the name Ember, and you wanted something pretty, but which represents that?”

  She swallowed hard. “Please. I want it someplace private, so not everyone will see, but he will find.”

  Fallon handed the paper over before tucking scarlet curls behind her ear. “That’s what I came up with.”

  Dacia looked at the drawing. One long stem dark red rose with several leaves. It appeared to smolder on the page.

  Fallon traced the petals with a single finger. “The tattoo itself might appear to burn. You’ll see embers, burning tips. No flame, but almost as if it were animated.”

  “I’ve seen your work. Preston’s tattoos glow, even move.”

  “I’m not totally sure how well my magic will work on you, Dacia. Air fae tend to be more resistant to magic. That means the effect may not be the same.” She shrugged. “I won’t know until I start.”

  “I’m not immune to magic. Yes, I have a natural resistance, but I can pull it back so you’re able to do what you do.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah.”

  “No, I mean, you really trust me to do that?”

  Dacia nodded. “I do. I wish I had done things differently when I met you, but I can’t change the past. Maybe one day we can be friends without my stupidity hanging over me.” She blinked back the tears that wanted to form.

  Fallon gently guided her to the chair. “Consider it water under the bridge. Since then, you haven’t done anything to make me want to hold a grudge.”

  A weight was lifted off her. “So, where do you think I should do this?”

  “Somewhere not everyone would see?”

  Dacia nodded.

  Fallon’s brow arched. “Start the stem on your thigh, and have the flower itself just shy of the bottom of your breast. At least, that’s where I would place a piece like this on me.”

  “Is it weird I’m excited?” Dacia asked with a nervous giggle.

  “Nope, but it may hurt a bit.”

  “That, I can handle.”

  * * * *

  Preston sat on the sofa, reading the latest Axis: Revolutions from Marvel. He was trying not to call Dacia, who he expected to be home before he made it there. She’d given him a key, but he felt weird sitting in her place without having an official title or anything.

  He knew, without a doubt, they were a couple and that wasn’t changing. Still, they hadn’t exchanged the L-word, so there he was, sitting in her home, reading a comic. He had no clue where she was, other than close enough to track, if he wanted to be that guy. But he didn’t—he trusted her.

  His phone rang, and he answered with, “Hi.”

  Robert replied, “How was your time with Toryn?”

  “Enlightening. I learned a few things.”

  “Still weird around him?”

  “Surprisingly, no. We talked some, and things sort of clicked into place for us. It’s nice.”

  “Good to hear. Listen, tomorrow, I’ll need your help, at least part of the day. I have a list of Silver Council to check out. The usual, questionable actions by members, but it would be best to take care of it soon.”

  Preston paused as he heard Dacia’s garage door open. Grinning he said, “Sure. Tell me when you want me where.”


  “In a hurry?” Robert chuckled.

  “Dacia just got home. I’ve been missing her.” He dropped the comic on the side table and moved to the kitchen door.

  “Then I’ll let you go.”

  “Goodnight, Robert.” He set his phone down as Dacia stepped inside. Before he could form a greeting, Dacia unzipped her dress and let it fall to the floor as she turned to show her side, raising her arm to show off her ribs and hip.

  One delicate stem, with an occasional burning leaf, trailed up from her thigh. He stepped forward and traced the deep green line to the smoldering rose, each petal alive with embers.

  “That’s… wow, it’s beautiful.” He couldn’t help hearing her endearment in his head. Bending down, he kissed the flower.

  She smiled at him, and he caught her around the waist as he stood, carrying her to the table. “I figured we were bonded, so I should represent.” Her teeth gently caught her bottom lip.

  “Hmm, now I need to come up with something equally amazing.”

  Shaking her head, she swallowed hard. “No you don’t. I wanted to do this. Not for any reason other than to do it.” Her gaze ducked away.

  “And if I want one because I want it, would you argue?”

  Her gaze snapped to his. “You would?”

  Her excitement was almost as good as hearing the words from her lips. He nodded. “First, I need a brilliant idea. Fallon can always make it ten times better than I imagine.”

  “She did mine.”

  He held her gaze as his hand drifted down her side, then across her thigh. “Figured she did. I’ve never seen anyone pull off a tattoo like that.”

  His thumb slipped under her thong. He found her wet as he teased her clit.

  “Oh, Ember, make love to me.”

  “With pleasure, Minx.”

  Before he could pick her up, she moaned. Then insisted, “Right here, and now.”

  She scooted out of her thong while he opened his pants. Then her hands were on his shirt pulling it above his head. Dacia grabbed his ass and pulled until he slammed home.