Concealed Influence

by V. M. Marsh

  Scarlet scowled at me. “I still get tired. I’m not a robot.”

  As the water finished freezing, splintering echoed through the forest. Before we knew it, the tree split in two.

  “It’s a lot more uneven than I imagined, but it will have to do. Scarlet, lift it with air while the rest of us push it across the water and into position from this bank.” I ordered.

  My plan worked and soon there was a bridge with a kind of flat surface.

  “Wicked teamwork, guys!” Cade grinned. “Look what you were able to accomplish when you did it together.”

  A smile spread across my face. He was right. Maybe we stood a chance against Bradley now.

  Chapter Nineteen

  After applying the finishing touches to my lipstick, I stepped back from the mirror to do one last check of my lime green shirt with black mini skirt and strappy wedges. Yup, this would do for a party in the woods.

  Leaving my room, I sauntered down the hall and knocked on Scarlet’s door. “Are you ready yet? It’s time to go.” I yelled at the door.

  It swung open and Scarlet strolled out all tall willowy in dark jeans and a black tank top. Of course, she would wear her knee high black boots to a party. At least she’d put on extra eye liner and darker eye shadow to dress it up, I supposed.

  She followed me downstairs into the living room where our men waited for us. When we entered, they stood.

  “You look amazing,” Lars growled in my ear as he led me outside onto a trail into the woods. “I can’t wait for this party to end, so I can have you all to myself.”

  I turned away, blushing. “Hush. I’m really glad they’re having a pre-celebration of Bradley’s defeat. I think it will bolster confidence and morale, which is desperately needed after his attack here and my mom’s-“

  Choking up, I couldn’t finish. It still often hit me out of nowhere like this that she was really gone. My heart clenched as did my jaw while I desperately tried to keep the sadness at by. Blinking away the tears, I cleared my throat. Tonight was for celebrating and healing, which this grief had no place at.

  “It’s alright to be sad about your mom. It hasn’t been that long. Everyone understands.” Lars said quietly throwing his arm around my shoulder to hug me to his side as we walked.

  “I know. I’ll probably always be sad about it. It’s just, I need this night to forget. My heart can’t handle being upset twenty-four seven. It needs a break sometimes.”

  He kissed my temple. “I get it, and that’s cool. I just want to make sure you’re not bottling up your emotions so that you explode one day. I like you better in one piece.”

  I chuckled. “That was so lame.”

  “Yet you love me in spite of my lame lines.”

  I rolled my eyes, but smiled softly at him as music reached our ears. Stepping off the trail, we traipsed through brush to reach a secluded meadow filled with pink, purple and white wild flowers.

  Scarlet and Cade emerged behind us, and I turned to them. It was time for Peppy Emma to come out. Maybe I could get away with being a little less over-the-top since my mom’s death was still recent. It was kind of crappy, but I could enjoy myself more if I was a little more real me and less fake.

  “Oh my goodness, the Brownies did an amazing job out here! I love the floating magic fairy lights scattered overhead. It’s so romantic and fun.” I gushed.

  Startled, the three of them shot me puzzled looks. That’s when I realized I hadn’t added the extra sparkle to my personality since Scarlet and Cade had come-they had spent days with the one hundred percent regular Emma. Crap.

  “Parties just bring out the joy in people, don’t they?” I tried to explain away the change, which I needed to keep up for everyone else in attendance.

  Catching on, Lars emitted a resigned sigh before playing along. “They sure do. Look at all that delicious looking food. Let’s eat before all the good stuff is gone.”

  Smiling at him, I tried not laugh. He wasn’t over-the-top like me, but that was a lot happier and engaging that he usually was. I hoped some of the Circle attended so they could see him and report back to the Council.

  I couldn’t love him more knowing he made the effort me. I gazed at him adoringly before he shifted uncomfortably and pulled me to the food table.

  Scarlet caught up to us. “Are you dudes okay? There isn’t something in the air affecting you but not us, right?”

  “We’re fine. Like we said before, parties have a way of loosening people up. You should try it.” I winked.

  She cringed and stepped back. “Nah, I’m good. Not even parties can make me that happy.”

  Cade wrapped his arms around her from behind and rested his chin on her shoulder. “Parties might not be able to, but alcohol sure can. Ply her with a few drinks, and she’ll make even you look like a grump.”

  He laughed as he danced away from the elbow she aimed at his gut. Scowling, she growled, “That was one time I got like that, and I was full blown drunk. I don’t plan on doing that again, so enjoy the memory.”

  She stomped over to grab a plate as we laughed. I wished I’d been there to see it. Unfortunately, I’d missed that epic night due to Circle business I’d had to take care of.

  They had wanted me to get information from some of the housekeeping Brownies regarding a rumor one of them was playing mean tricks on Norms, which could lead to their exposure.

  I shuddered thinking of how a Norm could set up hidden cameras in their cabin if they were pushed into finding out who was playing tricks on them. It was a relief when they turned out to be just that-rumors.

  “Don’t worry, I like grumpy Scarlet. You’re so cute. You remind me of Grumpy Cat. I can’t get enough, so don’t change for anyone.” I remarked.

  I admired her authenticity and ability to be herself even if she did hurt my feelings sometimes. I was secretly jealous that she allowed herself to react, or not, to things however she wanted to. I would love that freedom.

  “Who the hell is Grumpy Cat?” She asked.

  “It’s this picture of an adorable cat on the internet that looks like it has a perpetually mad face. People make funny captions on it, like ‘You should see me when I’m angry.’” I laughed. “I’ll have to show you one sometime, but right now, I want to stuff my face and then dance.”

  After loading my plate with stuffed mushrooms and fresh salad, I carried it to the edge of the clearing to watch people dance while I ate. Lars soon joined me, his plate half filled with meat.

  “They look so happy and carefree, don’t they?” I remarked. “Like they’ve forgotten danger is lurking around the corner and the grief our community just suffered.”

  “They look like they’re living in the moment to me. As they should be. This is the time and place for it, what this event is all about.”

  “True, very true.” I said softly. “I can’t wait to join them, so eat up. We’re going dancing tonight.”

  Lars groaned. “You know I don’t like to dance.”

  “Don’t worry, you can just stand there looking stoic and macho. I’ll do enough dancing for the both of us.”

  When Scarlet and Cade strolled over to join us, Cade asked, “What are you guys talking about?”

  “Dancing,” Lars moaned.

  “Wicked.” Cade exclaimed. “I’m so in. A lot of my moves are old school, but I can still rock it.”

  Scarlet rolled her eyes. “Alright, calm down there, old man. No one talks that anymore, and I don’t dance.”

  His brows pinched together. “Well, I’m going out there with or without you.”

  “Without.” Scarlet replied before popping a stuffed mushroom into her mouth.

  Cade shrugged. “Fine by me. You can stand on the sidelines getting all hot and bothered by my wicked cool dancing.”

  She sighed and rolled her eyes, but I saw the glimmer of a smile cross her face. She was utterly amused and smitten. Oh, geez. Now I sounded like Old Man Cade.

  Not that he was really that old-he only had a f
ew years on us. Somewhere in his early thirties, I thought. Toned and fit with rock hard abs, he was hot. The only thing that probably dated him was his short military haircut. Most guys wore their hair longer these days, like Lars with his luxurious blonde mane.

  I better not say anything like that out loud or he might cut it all off. Polishing off the food on my plate, I handed it to Scarlet. Confusion covered her face, but she still took it.

  “Why exactly do I have your empty plate?”

  I smirked. “Since you aren’t going to dance, you can throw it away for me. I’ve got rhythm to make.”

  She made an annoyed hiss and reached out to return my plate, but I danced away backwards while wagging my fingers at her.

  “Good idea,” Lars said placing his plate on mine before Scarlet could reject it. She scowled, but Lars sauntered after me. “Thanks, Scarlet.”

  Just before I turned, I heard Cade say, “Sorry, they make a good point.”

  I glanced over my shoulder just in time to see mock outrage cover her face with narrowed eyes. “Not cool, dudes. Not cool at all.” Then she stormed to one of the many garbage cans lining the perimeter of the meadow and slammed the plates in it.

  I giggled just as Lars spun me into his arms. A ballad had come on, which he was willing to sway to even without alcohol to loosen him up. Resting my cheek against his hard chest, I sighed in contentment.

  As we spun in a slow circle, I spotted Marissa glowering at me. I put on a sparkling smile and wiggled my fingers at her. Her eyes narrowed as she recognized the mockingly sarcastic gesture for what it was.

  Let her be mad I was dancing this closely with someone other than Jace. It was none of her business. Although, a worry did burrow its way to my stomach about how the Council would react to me being openly affectionate with Lars. It’s not like we were doing anything, though, it was just dancing.

  The slow song transitioned to one more upbeat. Lars stopped moving to stoically cross his arms as I had predicted.

  Rolling my eyes, I was pleased to see Cade join the dance area near us. Looking about, I finally located Scarlet standing just outside the dancers. Her arms were also folded across her chest as she watched Cade from afar. However, I didn’t miss her foot tapping, the minx.

  The early fall night was crisp with a slight nip in the air, but it didn’t take long to work up a sweat.

  “I need a drink.” I told Lars.

  Grabbing my hand, he gratefully pulled me from the dance area over to the glowing punchbowl. I eyed it suspiciously. “I don’t know what’s in that. You know how these parties are. At least one person likes to spike it with extra energy or pizazz.”

  Nodding, he grabbed the collar of the nearest guy strolling by. Poor unsuspecting bastard. “What’s in this?”

  “I-I-I don’t know.” The guy stammered.

  “Taste it and tell me.”

  The guy accepted a cup from Lars with shaking hands before gulping it down. “I still don’t know what’s in it. It just tastes like normal passion fruit punch with a good dose of happiness and hydration.”

  Frowning, Lars let the man go. “That wasn’t at all helpful.”

  “Did you really expect more than that?” I asked dryly.

  “Forget it. I’m thirsty and there’s nothing else to drink here. Let’s just hope it’s still too early for shenanigans.” I filled a cup and chugged.

  As I was downing my second cup, I spotted Charlie emerging from some bushes. This was a nice surprise. He hardly ever came to things like this because he was always working at the bar when they were going on. Returning my cup to the table where it would be magically cleaned for the next person, I dragged Lars over to Charlie.

  “It’s so great to see you at a gathering.” I chirped.

  “Actually, I was looking for you guys. Are Scarlet and Cade here too?”

  I gestured towards the dancers. “They’re over there. Cade is dancing while Scarlet tries to look tough as she watches.”

  Spotting me look her way with Charlie at my side, Scarlet yanked Cade out of the dance area before heading our way. That would make things considerably easier.

  “What’s going on?” She asked as they reached us.

  Charlie looked around us and then shook his head. “Not here. Let’s go to Emma’s cabin.”

  Shrugging, I followed him out of the clearing. I was sad to leave the party early, but it was nice while it lasted.

  While we didn’t rush to my cabin, we also didn’t take our time to enjoy the clear starry sky or crickets serenading our hike. It was with some disappointment but relief to arrive at my cabin. I would have loved to spend more time immersed in nature at night, but I also wanted to find out why Charlie had tracked us down.

  After we all settled in my living room, Charlie leaned forward with his elbows propped on his knees. “I got word they found the Power Thief’s new hideout. They didn’t want to me to know since they rightfully figured you guys got his location from me last time. However, my friend let it slip over beers at the Demented Demon earlier.”

  I eyed him suspiciously. “Did you go there to hang out or get your friend drunk so he would spill?”

  “Both.” He shrugged. “I could tell he wanted to share, but needed a little encouragement. I just helped the guy out while spending time with my friend.”

  He shook his head. “That’s not what’s important here, though. I came to share Bradley’s location so we could come up with a plan to take him out.”

  “With only one vision about this, I don’t think it’s a good idea to take a backseat to the M.E.A. on it.”

  “I agree, which is why I’m coming to you.” He hesitated. “We’ll leave the M.E.A. out of this one as long as I come with you. I got a hold of a magic neutralizer gun, but I’m the only one who is going to use it.”

  I didn’t like it, but it made sense. He was the only one here with training for that particular gun. I was a good shot, but I had no idea how a gun like that would handle. And shooting it under duress around a highly dangerous felon was not the time to find out.

  “Deal. Now, what do you have for us?” I was expecting to utter those words, so it was with some astonishment that Lars said it instead. He tipped his head to the side and shrugged. “I knew you would eventually agree, so I just hurried things along.”

  I stared at him with squinted eyes trying to figure out how he knew that until Charlie cleared his throat. We seemed to like that pay-attention-to-me sound around here. I supposed it was better than an air horn. I giggled imagining us all carrying little ones around and blasting them whenever we needed to get someone’s attention.

  Everyone turned to me like I had lost my damn mind. Uh, oh. I was a little punch drunk, pun intended. Maybe there was more to that punch I drank after all.

  “As I was saying, Lars appears to have taken over a mansion over on Sparkling Waters Avenue. He’s gained a small following, and one of his disciples owns it.” He frowned.

  “From what I hear, it’s almost like a small fortress. We might have difficulty gaining access. It’s another reason I wanted to keep our numbers small, so we have a better chance of breaching its defenses undetected.”

  I fell back against the couch as darkness filled my vision. Crap. I was going under. What the hell was in that drink?

  When I saw the telltale pinprick of light, I realized I hadn’t passed out. I was having a vision. Settling in, I waited for the light to surround and overtake me so I could find out what I was supposed to see.

  It didn’t take long for the scene to unfold before me. I was somewhere resembling a throne room of sorts. It looked like a cliché movie set complete with plush red velvet and gold covering everything. However, instead of thrones, long settees dominated the room. Covered in red velvet, of course.

  Bradley stood before one of them, clearly outraged if his red bulging face was any indication. He pointed furiously and the air froze in my lungs as I saw what he was so angry about. Scarlet and Cade crouched in defensive stances nea
r the corner of the room.

  I felt encased in icy fear as I watched him cut them down and then stalk from the room. The scene shifted to the Sanctuary, where he had slewed untold numbers. He was taking magic from some of the last magic survivors as others ran and screamed in terror.

  The mountain was ablaze and cast earie shadows across his already fearsome face. Contorted to something barely recognizable as human, he mowed down the last of the survivors. I didn’t see it all, but I knew in my heart everyone that had been on the mountain was dead.

  Turning away, I didn’t want to see more. However, the vision wasn’t through with me. It shifted to yet another scene in which Bradley stood on the steps of a temple in Washington, D.C. An evil grin spread across his face before he climbed the stairs. I knew he would conquer the magical beings inside and our magical government would be lost to him.

  When I came to, I barely registered Lars holding me as I turned to Scarlet and Cade in horror. “You can’t come. If Bradley finds out you aren’t really dead, he will kill you this time. Not only that, but it will be the catalyst to fuel his fury enough that he destroys the Sanctuary and takes over the government. Not the whole government, just the magical parts.”

  I shuddered. “Bradley discovering you alive at this time would be the beginning of the end for us all. He can’t know yet. You must stay here.”

  Scarlet frowned. “I was really looking forward to getting some payback.”

  “This isn’t the time. Stay here and guard the Sanctuary. I don’t know what will happen if he finds you alive here, but it’s all gloom and doom if he discovers you at his new hideout.”

  “They should remain here, but I’m still going with you. The magic neutralizer gun is your best protection.”

  “I don’t know about that. In my original vision of Lars defeating the Power Thief, he used a knife-“ It hit me like a ton of bricks before I launched from the couch and sprinted to my room.

  Frantically searching my underwear drawer, I finally found and pulled out the dagger I’d impulsively bought at the mall. Cradling it to my chest, I hurried downstairs and into the living room.