Concealed Influence

by V. M. Marsh

  After whispering in his ear and nuzzling his cheek with her nose, Dad reluctantly returned her to the ground. When she resumed washing lettuce, Dad patted her butt. Squealing, she gave him an indulgent yet adoring glance over her shoulder.

  I was used to them acting like that in front of me, but it was still a bit awkward. Loudly clearing my throat, I waited for them to stop making goo-goo eyes at each other and focus on me.

  “Enough of that. I have a serious problem here. Lars refuses to help even after I told him of my vision.”

  They both stood in stunned silence. Exchanging looks, Dad cleared his throat. “You told Lars that you’re a Seer?”

  “I didn’t see any way around it. He refused to talk about the Power Thief or his past.” I frowned. “I don’t know that it did much good since he still refused to talk about any of it. Worse, he took off again after I told him about my vision.”

  My scowl deepened as my eyes narrowed when they exchanged looks again.

  “I don’t know that you should have told him all that, love. There’s a reason we influence behind the scenes. The Council isn’t going to like that he knows so much.”

  I rolled my eyes. “All he knows is that I’m a Seer, and I had a vision. That’s hardly spilling secrets-lots of people know about that. Even the M.E.A. knows it, so what’s the big deal?”

  “For one, it seems he didn’t take the news well. It might be more difficult to get him to go along with our plans now that he knows there is an agenda. I mean, he’s not even here anymore.”

  My shoulders slumped and I rubbed my eyes. “You’re right. I blew it. What do I do now?”

  Dad rubbed my shoulder. “He needs sanctuary, so he’ll be back. Then we can work on him as a team. Mom and I will help. When the time is right, offer him a job here. Something where he’ll spend time with me. Mom and I will influence him while he’s working and you can do it during his time off.”

  I nodded. “That sounds like a good plan. I’ve got nothing else right now, anyway.”

  “We’ll persuade from multiple angles. It’ll work, love, it always does on the tough cases.”

  “Dad’s right.” Mom slid the lasagna from the oven. “Now let’s eat.”

  Chapter Five

  “A guest came out of his room and almost caught me last night. Luckily, I heard him soon enough I was able to jump out of an open window before he saw me.” Rain told us in a hushed whisper as she trembled.

  Flora patted her shoulder with an understanding expression. I nodded as other Brownies adopted sympathetic soft smiles or shivered in empathy.

  Brownies hated being seen and lived in hiding. I was one of the lucky few to even glimpse one, let alone a whole group of them, like the one scattered about the magic employee lounge.

  I wanted to give the frightened Brownie a big hug, but I knew she wouldn’t appreciate it. They tolerated my presence for their job, but they weren’t going to let me get too close to them. Leaning back in a padded burgundy chair instead, I frowned.

  There had to be a way to let them blend in better or go unseen while they worked. They’d almost been seen by Norm guests too many times lately, and they were terrified. I was pretty sure a few of them were on the verge of quitting.

  They didn’t need the money or food-the forest provided them with all they needed. The resort just gave them access to wants. The fun money and food they got for cleaning the resort wouldn’t be worth working in fear.

  They already worked at night in empty rooms or while guests slept. Naturally quiet, they rarely called attention to themselves. However, insomnia and the call of technology made it increasingly difficult for them to work unseen. Guests were sleeping less and woke more frequently as they restlessly tossed and turned. Close calls were becoming the norm as opposed to the exception.

  I watched Rain’s long teal hair shimmer like her tears in the incandescent lights that winked like candles. Dad had tried to put in better lighting, but we’d had to fight the Brownies for even this.

  It was difficult for Brownies and Sprites to handle unnatural lighting, so they had insisted on candlelight down here. When Mom and Dad took over for Mom’s parents, Dad was afraid of the fire hazard and insisted on the change. These dim bulbs were our compromise.

  Rose poured a cup of tea at the stove and quietly scurried across the stone floor. After handing Rain the cup, she wrapped a dainty arm around Rain’s plump shoulders.

  She leaned in to quietly croon in Rain’s pointed ear, “It’s alright, Raindrop; what’s important is that you weren’t seen. You did well.”

  I tapped my chin. Rainbow Mall had a few magic camouflage suits, but they were more suited to the outdoors. They wouldn’t be Brownie sized, anyway. And they were expensive. I wondered if we could get someone to make ones small enough for Brownies that worked with indoor settings and were cheaper if bought in bulk. I’d have to talk to Dad about it.

  The heavy wooden lounge door swung open hard enough to bang against the rough stone wall. Brownie shrieks rent the air as a large dark shadow filled the doorway. Leaping to my feet while the Brownies fled to the opposite side of the room, I crouched into a fighting stance.

  I may not have magic useful for situations such as this, but I could still give them hell. I was born to fight. Well, maybe not born, but most definitely trained. My parents had started me in martial arts as soon as I could walk, and I’d learned other techniques since then.

  Just as I readied to launch myself at the intruder, a familiar blonde stepped into the dim light. Rising from my crouch, I scowled. “What the hell, Lars. You scared the crap out of the Brownies. They were already on edge from a near run-in with a Norm last night.”

  Glancing at the Brownies huddled in a corner, I put a hand on my hip and gestured to them with the other. “See what you did? Look at them. The poor things are scared to death. You better make it up to them before they all quit, and I have you cleaning the lodge and all the cabins tonight.”

  “Sorry, guys.” He rolled his eyes and started towards them until they cringed back in fear as one. Stopping, he frowned and rubbed his forehead.

  An idea lit up his face, and he slowly backed away from the Brownies to the door. Softly closing it, he also shut off the lights.

  “Hey, turn them back on.” I yelled and then glared into the darkness when he shushed me.

  A small flame appeared, which lit up his hands and face. It floated up to drift near the ceiling towards the Brownies. In quick succession, more little flames rose in the air until the entire room was lit by mini fireballs above us.

  “I didn’t mean to frighten you. I was just looking for Emma. To apologize, I give you natural lighting. Well, magically natural, anyway. It’ll last as long as I’m here. Should I leave?”

  Oh, that sneaky bastard. I silently laughed and shook my head. There was no way they would turn this down.

  Sure enough, one cautiously left the safety of the group while glancing uncertainly between the flames and Lars. Remaining near the door, he kept his hands raised palms up.

  When he didn’t approach, the Brownie with flowing green locks retook her seat. I think her name was Flora. I’d have to ask later-she was a brave one I might need on my side to keep Brownies from quitting.

  Upon seeing that Flora and I were safe, the others skittered from the corner to seats in the room.

  “We want you to stay,” Rose squeaked into the silence. The others hesitantly nodded their agreement.

  “I’ll stay then. I’m just going over there to talk to Emma, so chill and everything will be okay.” After sauntering to me, he turned a chair around to sit on it while leaning forward to rest his arms on the top of the chair back.

  “You came back.” I started lamely. My heart skittered in my chest, reminiscent of the cautious Brownies.

  “Yeah, I did.” He replied with a half-smile. I didn’t like the dreamy look in his eyes. Hopefully, it was just the firelight.

  “I came back for you.” He said.

  Cr
inging, I turned away. “Don’t. I’m not looking for anything, and you owe me nothing. You came for sanctuary and that’s fine. It’s what you should be here for.”

  Resting his chin on his arms, he stared at me. “There are other places I could have gone. I came back here for you. The first time, the second time, and now.”

  Rolling my eyes, I crossed my arms. “I already told you it can’t happen. So, let’s focus on what can occur; you can remain here, and you can defeat the Power Thief.”

  “Yes to staying, no to fighting Bradley. I already told you I almost died the last time we got into it. I’m not risking my life, especially since it is meant to be spent with you.”

  “Listen, none of us are going to have a chance at living a full life if the Power Thief is left on the loose. He’s only going to become more powerful until he’s unstoppable. He’ll ruin and take countless lives as he takes over the magical world. By then, his hunger for magic will be unquenchable, which means he will never stop taking and only become more dangerous. To everyone.”

  “What are you talking about? Bradley is a loan shark. He only cares about money, maintaining his power in California, and getting his hands on some girl.”

  I flinched when he mentioned Scarlet. “That’s what he used to care about. Not anymore. Once he discovered there are magical communities, he revised his goals. Now he wants it all.”

  Lars glowered. “Shit. That seriously sucks.”

  Taking a deep breath, he sat up and stared at the ceiling. Then he shook his head and looked me square in the face. “There’s nothing I can do about it. You know me; I’m not a good guy. Never have been, never will be. If that’s his plan, all we can do is stay out of his way. I’ve interfered enough.”

  My eyes narrowed, but he didn’t elaborate. “I’ve seen it. You have a good chance-“

  He held up his hand and interrupted me. “A chance. That’s all I have-a chance. I can’t risk it, especially with the last outcome. I know you see things, but you don’t know this guy. Danger rolls off him like a stench.”

  Leaning towards me, he grabbed my hand. “I don’t want to talk about Bradley anymore. He’s not why I returned-you are. Especially now that I know Bradley’s plans, you are safest with me. I know how he thinks, and we can stay at least one step ahead of him.”

  I wanted to lean into his touch, but I had to yank my hand from his. I stood and paced the small room.

  I wanted him so badly my heart hurt with the need. However, I needed to focus. We were not meant to be or what was important here. Besides, there was no “we.”

  “I think we should drop both conversations for now. Let’s get you back to my place, so you can settle in.” I sent him a pointed look. “Actually settle in this time. That means unpacking. I’ll help you to make sure.”

  Standing, he invaded my personal space, so I was forced to stop pacing. A thrill shivered down my spine as he whispered in my ear, “I’m done running. I’m never leaving you again. You can count on it.”

  My eyes widened as my heart pounded and heat shot through me. At the same time, my heart cracked. I’d longed to hear him make this declaration even though it could never be. Turning away before he could see the tears welling in my eyes, I rushed to the door.

  Before I could open it, his hand covered mine on the knob. He gently pushed it away and opened the door to let me escape. Then he faced the room.

  “It’s time for me to leave, ladies. And my fire goes with me. I hope you enjoyed it for the time I was here, and that it made up for me frightening you. See you around.”

  Flicking on the lights to murmurs of Brownie displeasure, he followed me into the web of tunnels beneath the resort.

  Wiggling his eyebrows at me, he said, “Remember when we used to hide here when we were dating? It was the perfect place to find alone time during the day while the Brownies slept at home.”

  Rolling my eyes, I couldn’t stop the giggles. “Yeah, we had some great times down here.” I replied wistfully.

  “We can make new memories down here, if you want. Just say the word.”

  A breathy laugh escaped as warmth and tingles spread from my core. “I told you-only in your dreams from now on.” Sadness tinged my soft reply.

  Lars opened his mouth to argue, but I missed what he said as my vision grew black and swallowed me whole. Lost to the darkness, I wandered looking for the light I knew to be there. Somewhere.

  Not soon enough, the pinprick of light appeared in the pitch-black. I watched it grow until I had to shield my eyes from the bright light. When they’d adjusted and I knew I’d been engulfed in the light, I uncovered my eyes to see what the fuss was about.

  My heart nearly stopped when Bradley came into focus, and I realized where he was. He climbed out of a car in the rundown parking lot of the White Ash Motel.

  I don’t know how I knew, but I could tell this wasn’t a vision of the future. It was a vision of the recent past.

  He was here. In Wildwood. My stomach fell when I thought of how close he was to the resort. That motel sat near the base of our mountain.

  I cringed as he glared at me in the vision. I knew he couldn’t see me, but it sure felt like he could. My blood chilled and struggled to chug through my veins to my heart.

  When I came to, I was hyperventilating and struggling not to faint in fear. He was one scary guy. I couldn’t understand how Scarlet had been with someone like him. Maybe he was gorgeous at one point, but all I saw now was his ugliness shining through a handsome mask. Even his shell was scarier than good-looking now. He’d changed his appearance and not in a good way.

  I needed to warn the Circle that Bradley was here, especially since Lars still refused to help. Pushing passed him, I didn’t hear whatever it was he was saying to me. My focus was solely on reaching the Circle as I fled the tunnels into the forest. Infusing my mark with magic while rubbing it, I fought my way through the undergrowth and tree branches to the clearing.

  Too agitated to sit while I waited for the others, I paced the meadow as violets and marigolds danced around my legs in the high grasses.

  However, they did nothing to sooth my crawling skin and the goose bumps that erupted. I couldn’t get the vision, that glare at me out of my head. It felt like a threat and not just a threat to me.

  My parents arrived first this time. They must have been nearby. Noticing my agitation and that I was the one who’d sent the call, they hurried towards me.

  I frowned when I took in their rumpled clothing and Dad’s misbuttoned shirt. As realization dawned on me, a look of horror probably crossed my face. That was both kind of gross yet sweet. I hoped they thought my expression was from my vision, and they didn’t realize I knew what I’d interrupted.

  Rubbing my eyes as the neared, I shook my head. I couldn’t deal with that right now. Besides, I was glad they were still happy and that much in love.

  Green jealousy filled my vision for a moment before I reminded myself that there was too much at stake to be distracted. I would have to make that my new mantra, especially when around Lars.

  My parents reached out for me, and I allowed them to surround me with their arms and love. It was a balm to my soul I eagerly soaked up. Just like when I was first learning to deal with visions as a teen, they cocooned me with an illusion of safety. The love, family, and devotion they showered me with, however, were completely real.

  As others entered the clearing, my parents reluctantly released me. It was still difficult for them at times to allow me to be an adult and stand on my own two feet. They would shelter from the world forever if they could. However, they loved me enough to let me go and grow on my own no matter how hard it was for them.

  Dad smiled softly at me while Mom squeezed my arm one last time before they took their places in the Circle. After a deep fortifying breath, I moved to my designated spot across from them. Jace and I exchanged friendly smiles after he arrived and settled in his spot kitty-corner from mine.

  I jolted as it dawned on me that the
Circle would be rearranged when we married, so he would be at my side. It would be weird not to see him across the Circle anymore and have him next to me. I shifted uncomfortably, wondering how much longer we had until the Circle decided we needed get on with the marriage.

  Hopefully, youth was still on my side. I was only twenty-four, still much too young to marry. Or so I hoped they’d think that.

  However, I glanced at Jace and hoped they wouldn’t be in a hurry to marry us off as he approached his thirties. Men could have kids much later in life, right? It’s not like he was the one whose biological clock would be ticking.

  Soon, the Circle was complete. The Elders tipped their chins at me to begin. Nodding, I greeted each Circle member and thanked them for coming. “Thank you for heeding my call once again. I’m sorry to make you return so soon, but I have had another urgent vision.”

  I took a bracing deep breath, and Jace sent me a reassuring smile. “I have had a vision of the past. The Power Thief has found Wildwood. He’s here.”

  Frightened shouts rose and filled the air. Arguments broke out about the best way to handle this and Lars. After giving the Circle time to express some of their fears, Elder Mage held up his hand and silence descended.

  “He’s staying at the White Ash, so I don’t know how much time we have until he finds the Sanctuary or the rest of Wildwood. I haven’t seen it yet, but I can feel it’s only a matter of time.”

  “And what of Lars? Has he agreed to fight the Power Thief?” Elder Shifter growled at me.

  I shook my head despondent. “No. He refuses to aid the magical community.”

  The Circle flew into an uproar. The hateful things they repeated about Lars hurt my heart and sent me into a rage. At the same time, his refusal to step up to this challenge made him seem just as much a villain as Bradley.

  I sighed in frustration and bit my tongue to hold it. Nothing I could say would alter their view of Lars, especially now.