Surge Of Magic

by Vella Day

  The first lost member had been Brother Harold. He had been in charge of securing the bunker. And he’d failed. The next was Brother William who’d been unable to bring the young Wendayan to him and ended up dying from severe burns on his back. Of course, Brother Jacob had helped him meet his maker. Lastly, had been Brother Chris who had been unsuccessful in procuring the Sardonyx from the Stanleys. Unfortunately for him, he’d been slow to defend himself when Brother Charles showed up to take him out. Any more failures, and there wouldn’t be enough Council members to run their Clan. As it was, he had been hard pressed to recruit even Brother Charles.

  The door to the room opened, and with bowed heads, the other Council members entered single file. At least they had the sense to remain quiet. Once they were seated, Brother Jacob tapped the table to signify the meeting would begin. A few had grumbled when he’d woken them, but he didn’t give a rat’s ass about their comfort. The Changelings’ future was at stake.

  “What happened here tonight was a travesty. You all have failed. Brother Harold did not secure the bunker, and the rest of you did not train our men well enough. I don’t care if one of the thieves was a bear. Changes will be made. Changes you may not like.”

  Brother Henry’s leg bounced up and down as he wrung his hands together. He looked ready to burst. “Brother Henry, do you wish to address the Council?”

  “Yes, Brother Jacob. Thank you. What about that witch we tried to take? If we’ve lost the Wendayan magic, we’ll need to start again. She would be perfect.”

  “I agree, but we have to be smart. Brother William was unable to capture her. As a result, he suffered severe burns on his back, which resulted in his death.” He saw no reason to mention his own involvement.

  The group mumbled. While he’d been circumspect, most of them probably understood why these councilmen had to die and feared they’d be next.

  Brother Richard raised his hand and Brother Jacob nodded. “Go ahead.”

  “I’d be willing to head a committee to find more sardonyx. I realize we might have to search out of the country.”

  The expense would be astronomical, but he wasn’t sure they had a choice. “So be it. Brothers Frank and George, I want you two to return to the Landon household and find those globes.” Frank had been one of the men fighting outside the bunker and had seen what looked like the Landon man. “In the meantime, Brothers John and Richard, meet me in my office at eight hundred hours to discuss what we’ll do about the witch. The red moon is in two days. We don’t have any time to waste. You are all dismissed.”

  Once the men left, Brother Jacob bowed his head to pray. If they failed this time, the Changeling empire might be doomed.

  *

  Teagan was barely able to hold in her questions about what happened on the mountain, but she wanted to wait until after they arrived back at her house to ask both Kip and Sam.

  Her brother was standing in the driveway when they arrived. He helped her out then looked over at Kip. “I checked all of the windows to make sure no one had attempted to enter. All’s good.”

  “Thanks, man. Appreciate it,” Kip said.

  “That is a relief,” Teagan added.

  The three of them entered the house and Kip asked if anyone wanted a drink. Both Sam and she answered yes in unison. It didn’t matter it was after midnight.

  Kip retrieved three beers and headed into the living room with them.

  “Thanks,” Teagan said sinking back into the sofa. “What do you all think about leaving the living room and kitchen lights on tonight? That way if anyone does come, it might discourage him from breaking in. Though why a Changeling would come here, I don’t know.” She glanced over at Kip.

  He lightly rubbed her shoulders. “We can’t be certain what they know.”

  That was a creepy thought. “Guess I won’t get much sleep tonight.”

  He gathered her in his arms, and much of her fear flowed out. He kissed her forehead. “How about you take a shower first then Sam and I will take turns? We can discuss our precautions later.”

  She was a bit grungy and the hot water would feel good. She stood. “Fine. Sam, I made the bed in the other bedroom for you. I also put a set of towels on the bed.”

  “Appreciate it.”

  Now that her men were back, she could finally relax. While she was still worried about that Changeling creep who’d tried to take her might return, she wanted to forget about it for one night. With Kip and Sam in the house, she’d be safe.

  Because she hadn’t had any premonitions about Kip, Sam, or any of the men at McKinnon and Associates, she was confident nothing tragic would happen in the near future. To top it off, James might be able to restore Randy’s magic, which would take a huge load off of Kip. She could see how torn apart he was over the loss.

  Not only had Izzy vouched for James, he’d promised Kip and Kalan that he’d get help, and he had. That counted for a lot.

  With her beer in hand, she headed to the bedroom where she gathered a pair of modest pajamas and trudged to the bathroom. While she couldn’t hear what Kip and Sam were talking about, they seemed to be deep in conversation.

  Once the water warmed—and after she downed a good portion of her much-needed drink—she stepped under the flow and sighed. Kip and Sam’s foray into Changeling territory had done a number on her head, but the pulsing heat was helping her relax. Once Sam left tomorrow, she and Kip would continue their sensual exploration, and hopefully reconnect fully once more.

  However, between now and then, she wanted to spend as much time as possible with her brother. It was bad enough that he’d spent all evening fighting those Changelings. She only hoped it didn’t discourage him from returning to Silver Lake on his next leave.

  She finished washing and then towel dried. Once she had donned her pajamas, she headed out to the living room, passing the open door to Sam’s room.

  “Where’s my brother?” she asked. Kip came out of the kitchen with another beer, but was avoiding eye contact. “What’s going on? Where is he?”

  “Have a seat. I sent Sam over to my place,” he said, finally looking at her.

  “Are you crazy? Weren’t you the one who believed the Changelings might return to the house looking for the globes?” She’d forgotten to bring her beer with her from in the bathroom. After that piece of news, she needed it.

  Kip sat on the sofa and motioned she sit next to him. “Yes, but Sam will be safe. Actually, we’re hoping the Changelings will show up.”

  Now he wasn’t making any sense. “Why?”

  “Because once they arrive, Sam will project a thought into their heads that they’d already entered the house, searched for the globes, but came up empty-handed. He needs to be close by to do that.”

  “That’s actually smart. It saves your house from being broken into.”

  Kip tapped her nose. “There’s more to me than just my hot bod.”

  She leaned her head back and waggled her eyebrows at him. “I really like your hot bod.” Teagan sat back up and kissed him lightly. “I just wish Sam could stay longer. I haven’t had much of a chance to visit with him.”

  He nodded. “I’m sorry about that, but Sam’s so valuable, and we needed his help.”

  “I know. So, he’ll come back here to sleep or will he stay at your house?”

  “That depends on the Changelings.”

  “For the moment, that means we’re alone. How about we head to bed then? I trust Sam has a key to get in?”

  “I loaned him mine.” Kip set down his glass, slipped his hand under her pajama top and when he cupped her breasts, pleasure streaked throughout her.

  “Good. Maybe the next time we’re alone, you can help me work on my electricity skills.”

  He rubbed a thumb over her nipple, and it was as if he shot a spark straight through her. “Wait a minute. What electricity skills?”

  Teagan grinned then told him how she’d been experimenting since she’d found that some of his magic had entered her when they
had mated.

  “That’s fantastic. What were you able to do?” His excitement was infectious.

  “In case my brother returns sooner than expected, let me show you in the privacy of our bedroom.” She winked.

  In a flash, she was in his arms being carried down the hallway. It seemed as if they’d been apart forever, and now she couldn’t wait to delve into his wonderful body.

  “You’re smiling,” he said. “It looks good on you.”

  “I always smile when we’re together.”

  He lowered his head and kissed her forehead. When he reached their bedroom, she grasped and twisted the door handle. He then set her down on the bed and flicked on the lamp on the nightstand even though light from the moon was streaming in. In a way she actually liked it better when he mentally turned on the light, but he had said it took energy to do that.

  “Show me these electrical talents you’ve developed,” he said.

  Teagan worried that if she was able to shoot out a spark or some kind of electric pulse, it might set the bed on fire, so she sat on the edge and aimed toward the window. The floor was hardwood and wouldn’t burn right away. “I can’t do much.”

  “I’m excited to see what you can do. I’d love for you to experience what it’s like to have that kind of power.”

  “Me too.” Teagan held out her hand and focused on the magic. Izzy had worked with her, giving her some pointers. When she thought about the electrical current coming from within her, a bolt about two feet long came out of her palm and the light next to the bed flickered. Holy hell.

  Kip sat down next to her and hugged her. “That was awesome.”

  Heat raced up her face. “I’m trying. Let’s see if you can move something.”

  His brows rose. “You think I can?”

  “You won’t know until you try.” Kip looked around the room, as if searching for something small to work his magic on. Teagan kicked off her right sandal, and it skidded about five feet across the floor. Because it was lightweight, it should be easier for him to move it. “Try that.”

  “So, what? I just concentrate and it will move?”

  She was no expert. “That’s what I do.”

  Keeping her focus on the sandal, she debated moving it for him, but he’d be pissed if he found out. Kip’s brows furrowed and his eyes narrowed. Then, as if the gods above wanted to help, her sandal moved a foot!

  “That’s incredible,” she said.

  Kip dropped onto his back then sat back up again. “I can’t believe I did that, and all because of you.”

  “We do make a good team.”

  He stroked his chin. “I think that’s worth exploring. Let me show you my hot bod and you can show me yours.” He stood then undressed.

  “Hey, that’s my job.” Teagan giggled.

  He shook his head. “Your job is this.”

  In an instant, he had her pajama bottoms tugged off and her top removed. Being naked with Kip was the perfect ending to a stressful day. He lifted her up, placed her in the middle of the bed, and then lay down next to her with his head at her feet.

  “Need you to move down a bit,” he said. Seconds later, his mouth was between her legs, and hers was right where she needed it to be.

  Kip lifted her top leg, leaned over, and swiped his tongue across her opening. If the side table lamp had been off, she bet the room would have been bathed in blue. She gripped the sheet, forgetting for a moment the delicious treat in front of her. The second she grabbed his cock, a rush of hormones nearly toppled her. Diving down on him, she pumped her fist and sucked on him hard. His whole body pulsed blue. As much as she wanted to concentrate on licking him slowly and driving him crazy, what he was doing to her made it impossible to think.

  Kip dragged his tongue across her clit, and as she expelled her breath, all she could do was tighten her grip. She had to open her mouth for more oxygen, and when she did, the suction disappeared. Kip grunted.

  Wanting to pleasure him more fully, she dragged her tongue up his hard shaft, and she swore sparks jumped off her lips as she licked him. When he dipped two fingers into her wet opening and wiggled them around, Teagan let out a yell as her climax descended. Her fingers lost strength temporarily, but she was determined to make him lose his control too.

  He must have been incredibly pleased by his victory because he stopped stroking her for a few seconds while she flicked her tongue along the puckered rim of his cock. His fingers dug into her thigh, and his breaths came out quick. Knowing he was about to blow, she went for the kill by cupping his balls and nearly swallowing him whole.

  Seconds later, he sprayed his hot cum into her mouth. Victory! She lapped up his juices and rolled onto her back. “You were easy.”

  “That’s because I was away from you all day. Ever since we mated, I can’t get you out of my mind.”

  “It’s the same for me,” she responded.

  Kip flipped around and gathered her in his arms. His comfort and warmth drew out any previous bad thoughts in her head about what had happened tonight. Just as he leaned in and kissed her again, the lock turned in the front door, and they sprang apart.

  “Oh, shit,” she said, covering herself with a sheet. The bedroom door was ajar.

  “Sam’s back earlier than I expected,” Kip said. “As much as I’d love to delve into your body, I think we need to find out what happened.”

  Heat raced up her face. Even though this was her house, having her brother nearby put a damper on being amorous. “Hopefully, it is Sam. I better get dressed. Can you close the door?”

  He chuckled. “Sure.”

  Naked, Kip did as she asked, and Teagan scrambled to drag on her pajamas. He slipped on his jeans. “I’ll check it out.” A few seconds later, he called down the hall. “It’s Sam.”

  She finished dressing and rushed out. Her brother was in the kitchen grabbing a beer out of the refrigerator. “So?” she asked.

  He waved his bottle. “Piece of cake.”

  “Why are you back so soon?”

  “I completed my mission.”

  Kip stepped over to the coffee table, picked up his unfinished bottle of beer. “Tell me how it went.”

  The three of them returned to the living room. Teagan sat on the sofa with Kip while Sam plopped down on the chair across from them.

  “There were two of them, and they were actually pretty good. I was up in one of the offices on the second floor that overlooked the street and had the lights off in the room so they weren’t able to see me. The Changelings—assuming that’s who they were—parked a block away and came in on foot. If I thought I could have captured anything in the dark, I would have videotaped them. The first thing they did was walk around the house, and I could hear them check the front door and the windows.”

  “I’m not liking that,” Kip said.

  “Me neither, so I headed downstairs and waited by the front door. When I caught their shadow crossing the window, I did a mind meld with them. I told them they’d already been inside and had found nothing.”

  That was fantastic. “They just left?” Teagan asked.

  “Yup. They just left.”

  She looked between the two men. “Do you think they’ll give up?”

  Kip shook his head. “No, but hopefully they’ll leave the house alone. If they do return, won’t they be surprised to find Randy ready this time, and that he has his powers back?”

  That was the truth.

  Sam guzzled half of the contents of his beer. “That means my temporary job is over. I got to see my baby sister and help ensure her safety, at least for the time being.”

  “So you’re really leaving tomorrow?” Her heart fluttered at the possibility.

  “I’m afraid so. I only have four days off. I’ll drive to see the folks and then fly back to base from there.”

  A wave of depression swept over her. “When is your tour up?”

  “February, but that’s not long and it’ll be here before you know it.”

  As much a
s she wanted to ask him about his plans to take the job here, she didn’t want to put him on the spot. “How much of your escapade are you going to tell Mom and Dad?”

  “What escapade?” He grinned.

  Sam was the best brother ever.

  Chapter Seventeen

  ‡

  Teagan hugged Sam goodbye the next morning. Even though the clear skies and balmy temperatures were perfect for driving, she wished he could have delayed his trip by one more day, though she bet the military wouldn’t like it if he returned late.

  “Hurry back,” she said.

  “You bet.” Sam held out his hand to Kip. “Take good care of my sister.”

  “You know I will.”

  They stood in the driveway and watched as Sam turned onto the street, heading down to Florida. She faced Kip and ran her fingers down his lapel buttons, feeling a little blue. “I’m glad Sam was here to help, but I did miss out on quality time with him.”

  Kip stroked her face. “I know, and I’ll make it up to you. I promise.”

  “You better.” She hooked her arm in his, stood on her tiptoes, and kissed his cheek.

  “Come on. You don’t want to be late to work,” he said, bringing her back to reality.

  They were almost to the front door when another car pulled into the driveway. She spun around. “It’s Randy. What’s he doing out and about?” He’d spent the night at James’s and was expected to remain there for at least part of the day recuperating. Had James been unable to work his magic?

  His shiny black Mercedes came to a stop and he slipped out of his car, wearing a very dapper navy blue pinstriped suit, definitely befitting a lawyer. His hair was brushed back and his face closely shaven. She’d be the first to admit that Kip’s twin was almost as handsome as Kip, especially with that huge smile on his face.

  Kip unhooked her arm from his and rushed up to his brother. Teagan followed. “You’re looking good, bro. I thought you’d call me when you’d recuperated from James’s treatments.” They hugged.