“You're a great reporter, and I want to give you the chance to get an exclusive first interview with the Duke of the National Coven.”
Tanya paused for a second. “You're serious, right?”
“Deadly serious. I want him on the air, and I think you're the best reporter to do it. If you don't want it, though, I can find someone else...”
“Don't even think about it. I'll take the interview. And thank you.”
“When do you want to do this?”
“I'm going to go talk to Mitch and see what he wants to do with it. What I expect will happen is that he'll want me to do the interview soon, then air it in about a week. Let me go do that really fast, and then I'll call you back to get details.”
“Let me give you my number here.”
They exchanged information, and Tanya promised to call right back.
“We've got her,” Melanie cheered to her assistants when she got off the phone. “She's getting a time frame approved by her boss, and we'll be doing an interview in no time.”
An hour later, Melanie hung up with Tanya again. Mitch was thrilled, apparently, for the chance to air the story first. Tanya would come by the next day, a Wednesday, and then it would air a week from Friday. She shared the news with Skylar, who had been working on her handbook. Rita was doing a follow-up appointment with a patient she had helped a few weeks ago and would be back soon.
“What's next?” Skylar asked.
“I'm going to go update Seb. Then I'm going to make sure he's coached on how to do this before Tanya gets her hands on him. How's the book going?”
“It's going. I'm getting emails daily from witches across the country. I'm trying to sort through them to see what hints and skills I want to put into the book and what I have to leave out, either for safety or for space.”
“Sounds like you're working hard.”
“I certainly am. Now go see Seb. I'll be here when you get back.”
Melanie knocked on Seb's office door, only two down from hers. His secretary, a short man named George, opened the door with a finger to his lips. Seb was on the phone, but she could wait in his office until he got off. She got seated in front of the desk and waited.
Luckily, it was only a few more minutes before Seb hung up and turned to her. “How are you feeling, Melanie?”
“I'm doing alright. I got plenty of sleep last night, and I've got good news for you, which helps add to the adrenaline.”
“Then tell me your good news.”
“I got you an interview with Tanya.”
“Excellent!”
“Can you clear some time around one tomorrow to see her, and about twelve to get ready?”
Seb looked to George, who nodded. “You've got a meeting with Justin, but I'm sure he can reschedule.”
“Perfect.”
“I also want some time to coach you on how it's going to go. When would be a good time for that, George?”
“Do you think you could do it from three to four today?”
“Sure. I'll see you then.”
Melanie paused outside Justin's office door. He had a sign hanging on it saying that he was in the operations room, so she didn't bother to try to go in. She just reflected on how nice it was that he was so close. After all, if she really needed him, she could go to the op room and find him. She was sure that no matter how busy he was, he'd make time for her. But that wasn't something to take advantage of.
Melanie fielded calls for interviews or more information on the subject of the press release until three. At three promptly, she knocked on Seb's door. George greeted her and let himself out. Seb was inside, staring out the window. He turned back around to face her, and she noticed he looked troubled.
“What's going on?” Melanie asked. “I can feel the disturbance within you.”
“Ah. A problem of having another air witch in the family.” He sighed. “I've been watching the investigation into the kidnappings more closely than Justin thinks. He's been going around in circles, it seems. People send in leads, and most of them turn out to be a waste of time. I'm beginning to think that someone is giving him false leads deliberately to throw him off the scent.”
“Is Justin thinking the same thing?”
“I do believe so.”
“Perhaps that's what's been bothering Justin lately. I can feel it in him, but I can also tell he doesn't want to talk about it.”
“That would be consistent. I just don't know how I can help.”
“I agree. I'm pouring everything into the PR campaign, and I can tell he's doing the same for his work. But I'm making progress and he's stalled.”
“You've given me an idea. Perhaps there is a way...”
“Tell me more.”
“We've been trying all this time through contact with other witches. What if we can use some of our new relations with the human community to use the police?”
“How would that help? Wouldn't that just be more leads to follow fruitlessly?”
“Perhaps. But they might be able to track down mundane things, like receipts and credit cards and such, for the Crowleys and Selby Kincaid. Perhaps again, they could find us a location.”
“Then we could have something concrete for Justin's team to follow up on. Perhaps just a real lead would help get their morale back.”
“That's what I'm thinking. I was going to get your opinion and then contact the police.”
“I'd say you should go forward with it.”
“But if we're looking into this, couldn't it have a negative back splash on your campaign? As in, if we make it more public that there are crimes among our community, we'd have trouble to deal with when the press got hold of the story?”
“If the police are indiscreet, sure. But I've dealt with worse in my time. I think it's worth the risk. Besides, they already have the kidnappers in jail from before. They might even be able to get something more out of them when they have the whole picture. Who knows? But yes, go for it. Are you going to mention it to my husband?”
“I don't think so. He will almost certainly say no. So I'm going to circumvent him.”
“I won't say a word.”
“Thank you. Now, you were going to give me some coaching?”
“Yes indeed.”
They worked for an hour, after which, Melanie left so that Seb could call the chief of police. Just for having that course of action, Seb was already clearly feeling more optimistic. Melanie just hoped the good mood would last through his interview tomorrow.
Justin finished up his work in the op room early. His team had been running hard trying to track down these kidnappers, and they didn't seem to be making any progress. His two night watchmen signed in, and he briefed them before they took up their stations watching the cameras around the Coven House. There were a few on Ward Manor too, though he wasn't going to tell Leo and Dymphna that.
When they were properly ready, he dismissed the rest of the team for the evening. Perhaps a few more hours rest would do all of them some good. He walked by Seb's office just as Seb was leaving the Coven House. He didn't usually leave during the day, but he likely knew what he was doing and wouldn't want interference from his twin. Instead, he knocked on Melanie's door. When she didn't answer, he let himself in.
Melanie was laying back in her chair, asleep. Rita looked up knowingly.
“She's fine,” Rita whispered. “She did a lot today, and I thought if she had gotten so tired that she fell asleep in her chair, she should be left to sleep.”
“I'd agree,” he whispered back. “I'll carry her up to bed.”
He did take her up to bed, but when he put her down, her eyes flickered open.
“Justin,” she said breathily. It made his heart beat faster in his chest.
“Hey you. How are you feeling?”
“Better already. How did your day go?”
What was he supposed to tell her? Did he say that he chased down nine different people who could have been one of their kidnappers? Did he say that all
nine turned out to be perfectly harmless non-witches who had nothing to do with kidnapping or even witchcraft in general? Or did he tell her that he had seen some mysterious shapes on the video feed monitors? He had another agent looking into those, but he suspected they were witches. The question was whether they were witches with a legitimate right to be there, or were they more illicit?
“It was a trying day. But I'd rather hear about what you've been doing. You've been exerting yourself, and that means you must be doing something big.”
“Big indeed. And I know I need to take it easy. It's just hard to keep reminding myself that I'm not as capable as I was six weeks ago. I'm not even showing.”
“As long as you keep sleeping when you need it, and if you remind me to help you out when you're tired, I think you'll be fine. I'll give you a booster and check the baby's health.”
She held out a hand, stopping him. “Not right now, alright? That always puts me to sleep, and I'd like to spend some of my awake time with you.”
“I'd like that too. Why don't you get into something comfortable and I'll go see what I can get together for dinner.”
“No, stay. Just give me my cell.” He did, and watched as she punched in her speed dial. “Hey Skylar.” She listened. “Rita's ratting me out, huh? Yeah, Justin brought me back to the apartment.” Melanie blushed crimson. “Yes, if you come up now, we'll both be fully dressed. Bye.” She turned to him with a smile. “Skylar's been consulting with Dymphna on pregnancy diets. Apparently, neither of them are fond of your tendency to microwave everything you eat. They're conspiring to get me healthy food. When Skylar comes during the day, she's going to bring along a healthy lunch and dinner. I had tuna salad for lunch today, and I'm starving to know what's for dinner.”
“That's awfully nice of them. Do you think they'll bring enough for me?”
Melanie laughed and playfully punched his arm. “I'm sure she will.”
He twisted and grabbed her fist, pressing it to his lips. “You're a rare woman to inspire such friendship.”
She blushed again. “Thank you. You've got a great family. It's really odd for me to see that.”
“Tell me about your family. I remember telling you all about my family's history, but I don't remember you talking about yours.”
“It's different. You had a mother who wasn't around, and a father who had a lot of priorities outside the family. But that brought the four of you closer together. My mother split when I was young. Haven't seen or heard from her since. All I know is she's an air witch like me, and she keeps herself hidden with it. I've tried to find her, both with magic and with records. She disappeared.”
“I'm sorry.”
“From the stories my father told, I was better off without her. But I learned early not to believe much my father said. He is a fire witch, and had the temper to match. He used to drink.”
Justin's chest clenched. He knew what was coming next. “Did he ever... hit you?”
“Not him. His brother tried to molest me when I was young. I used my air magic to crush his balls. He'll never reproduce, that's for sure. My father never touched me after that, and I never saw my uncle again. But when my father got drunk, he'd be verbally abusive. Not to mention really really unemployed. His parents were rich, and he could afford to live off them. Then he got religion, and things were better. I managed to get through high school like that, and I got college scholarships enough to get my degree. I didn't want to go home, and I didn't have a job, so I went for more scholarships and an advanced degree. Finally, I got the job at KYR Publicity. I saw my father rarely. When I went back to see him a few weeks ago, he disowned me. It's not like I'm missing anything, as I didn't have him in my life to begin with. But it still stung.” She had tears in her eyes, and Justin wiped them away. He knew that she had been holding this back before, and it made him glad that she shared now.
“I'm sorry, Melanie. It sounded horrible.”
“I made it through.”
“And you're stronger for it. I know that sounds terrible, but you made it.”
“You're right. I try not to think about it.”
“Well, no matter how messed up your family is, you're part of my family now. Whatever happens, you're a Ward. The four of us have been through enough that we know that we need to stick together. Now there's six of us with you and Skylar. I'm sorry for bringing up bad memories.”
“It's not your fault. You couldn't have known. But I am grateful that you and your family have welcomed me so kindly.”
“So what did you do today? I asked, but I got distracted before you answered.”
She brightened, and it made him glad. “I got Seb an interview. He'll be on CNN a week from Friday, and the interview itself is set for tomorrow.”
“Impressive.”
“I've been keeping in touch with the news stories too. So far, we've managed to get only neutral coverage. I'll be watching to see if negative press pops up.”
“You have been busy.”
“It's not as busy as I was six weeks ago, but I'm keeping the boredom away,” she laughed.
Skylar knocked on the door, and Justin got up to let her in.
“I can't stay long. Leo will be home any time now. But enjoy. Melanie, I'll get the Tupperware back from you tomorrow.”
“Will you be in the office?”
“Sure. I actually get more work done in your office than I do at home. See you then.”
She left, and Melanie ate her fill of green chili chicken enchiladas. There was even enough for Justin. Justin got up and put the Tupperware on the table to be cleaned up later.
When he sat back down on the couch, Melanie curled up into his side. “Want to watch a movie or something?”
“Your choice,” he said, playing with her hair.
“Then I'll choose the 'or something',” she purred. Quickly, Melanie transferred her body from against his side to straddling his lap. His lap where he was suddenly growing uncomfortably close to his zipper. She kissed him hard, and her tongue dived in to tangle with his.
“Are you healthy enough to do this?” Justin managed to get out, pulling away a little.
“Don't worry. I'll get my doctor to take a look later and he'll see that everything is fine.”
“By that doctor, you mean me, right?”
“Absolutely. Now let me do something about your little wardrobe problem.”
At that point, there was no stopping her, and he admittedly wouldn't want to even try. This magical bond effect was heady, and he just wanted more and more. Justin tried to think about going slowly, taking their time to enjoy each other.
But when she freed him from his pants, she sucked him into her mouth. He closed his eyes and moaned, grabbing a fistful of the pillows on either side of him. She licked, sucked, and generally played with him until Justin couldn't take anymore. He picked her up and carried her to the bedroom, where he got rid of his shirt and all of her clothes.
“You asked for it,” he said, advancing on her.
“I did, didn't I?” She grinned. “Then by all means, show me what I asked for.”
He did, entering her in one hard stroke. Again, he tried to go slowly, but she was having none of it. She wrapped her legs around his back and arched up into him, kissing his neck as she did. Justin lost his sense of control and went after her the way she wanted him to: hard and fast. Then he flipped her over so she was on top.
Melanie took charge, pleasuring them both while kissing his lips, then his neck, then his nipples. He really liked watching her on top of him, riding him into a pleasure they could both share. Reaching up, he squeezed her nipples, one with each hand as he took control of her mouth. Then he bucked underneath her, and she came in a rush. He was really glad he had no next-door neighbors to hear her exclamation, but he enjoyed it immensely. So much so that he came just moments later with his own exclamation.
She rolled off of him and lay back on the bed, perfectly naked and gasping for breath, her arms stretched above her head.
Her cheeks were flushed, and it looked like the weight of the day and talking about her family was gone.
“How are you feeling?” He asked, hoping she hadn't overdone it.
“You shouldn't even need to ask. I'm doing great.”
“I like hearing that.”
She sighed a little and propped herself up on her elbows. “I'm tired though. Let me get dressed for bed, and then can you give me the magical booster shot?”
“Sure.” He saw that she had suddenly gotten a lot less energetic, so he got her pajama pants and shirt and brought them over to her. He'd rather she was naked, but he wasn't going to go after her again tonight, and the late September Massachusetts weather was very cold compared to the California weather she was used to. She got dressed and curled up in bed. He brought over an extra blanket to slide over her since she was shivering a little.
“We've got to be more careful,” he whispered.
“Next time, you can do all the work,” she said with a grin. “And there will be a next time.”
He'd argue, but she was probably right. He couldn't stay away from her, especially not when she was trying to get him to have sex with her. 'Stay awake a little longer, sweetie. I'm going to check the baby first.” He went into his trance, both hands on the skin of her stomach. It was still hard to believe that she was pregnant sometimes until he checked like this. Then there was no doubt. But there was something different this time. Justin checked again to make sure he wasn't imagining it. No, it was definitely there.
“Melanie, are you still awake?”
“Yes, but only barely.”
“I've got good news.”
“The baby's fine. I told you so.”
“No. Not that. We're having twins.”
“What?” She sat up, knocking his hands off her in the process. “Twins?” She sounded hopeful. Or at least, he wanted to believe she sounded hopeful.
“Yes, twins. There are definitely two embryos there.”
“Oh my god, Justin, that's great!” She kissed him.
“Yes it is. I'm certainly excited.”
“Good. Can you tell if it's boys or girls?”
The Dashing Witch (The Ward Witches) Page 10