Heart of Darkness

by Lauren Dane

  “I was just …” She considered lying, but then realized that would be stupid. “I was, yes.”

  “Well, let’s see what I can do about making that into a reality then, shall I?”

  She nodded because he’d made her witless. Again.

  Chapter 15

  REMARKABLY relaxed, he leaned back against the seat and looked her over. So. Fucking. Lovely. How he’d ended up with someone like her he’d never understand, but that didn’t matter because now that he’d found her, he wasn’t giving her back. So it worked nicely with her declaration of the same.

  That he knew the softness at the base of her throat, the subtle scent of her hair, the way she sounded as she came, well, that made him a very satisfied man.

  He’d managed to take her in her closet just an hour or so before. When he’d sat up afterward, he’d seen the pretty blue dress she currently wore. He liked that extra bit of context. Every time she wore it he’d remember.

  Sex addled, he’d forgotten their earlier pre-sex discussion because, well, sex.

  “So, what is it you’d like? For the ascension, I mean.”

  She stole a spring roll and grinned. “Washington is a community property state. Just FYI that means fifty percent of your spring rolls are rightfully mine. And don’t give me any of that we aren’t actually married stuff because let’s face it, I want that spring roll and I’m not above showing you my boobs to make that happen.”

  Her sense of humor had been such a lovely surprise. He hadn’t really expected it.

  “You may always have my spring rolls. This is my vow to you.” Interestingly enough, he’d sort of been considering this ascension thing to be like marriage anyway. After all, he was binding himself to her for life. He knew that the bond wasn’t always sexual or romantic, but this one sure as hell was and it pleased him she thought so too.

  It was also interesting that he hadn’t panicked at the thought. It was as if he’d taken one look, one deep breath of her and his entire being had honed in and said, mine.

  “I just want you to be happy and comfortable. If you like, we can go to Tom’s and do it there. It’s going to depend on what you want. If you plan to join the clan as more than just the guy bound to me, then I’d suggest we do it here on Owen land. We’re most powerful here, where we’ve lived for generations. Our magick is in the earth. Everything around us is imbued with our signature, our energy. But if we do it here, you’re accepting that. It’ll recognize you and accept you as well.”

  He’d thought about all that too. He didn’t like rules and regulations. He didn’t like being told what to do. But he was her bond-mate and her man and she was going to run the clan someday. What would their children think if he didn’t sit with her on the governance council?

  He also knew it would hurt her if he rejected the clan. It was part of her in a way that had a lot to do with her identity. He got that. And heaven help him, but he couldn’t bear to hurt her.

  “I’ll be joining the clan. I don’t have to do any more ceremonies, do I? And I don’t have to like, work at your office or anything? I can keep running my club?”

  “That’s a whole ‘nother thing. We’ll get to that in a minute. Technically, once you perform the ascension you’ll be a recognized member of Clan Owen. You’d normally need to come in and talk with us and learn a little about the clan’s history and our expectations.”

  “But you’ve been a very helpful teacher.” He couldn’t help that he leered just a little bit as he said it. She was hot and he was hot for her. And she’d taught him a lot.

  “Well, I can attest that my introductions to magick and clan history have never been so interactive.”

  He snagged a dumpling from her plate. “Better not have been.”

  “You don’t have to work in the business, though you’ll have a seat on the full-council and as such you’d be expected to fill leadership opportunities. Committees, mentoring, that sort of thing.”

  “Can we do it here but not at your building?”

  “Oh, of course! We don’t have them there usually. I prefer my dad’s garden for such things. I’ve always sort of imagined I’d do my ascension there.”

  He took her hands. “Why didn’t you say so?”

  Those eyes of hers locked with his. “Because I knew my path and I didn’t want that to affect your decisions.”

  “That’s what we’ll have though. You know that. I’m going to want to do things sometimes just because they make you happy. And don’t tell me you never thought of that because you do it all the time with me. Don’t think I haven’t noticed.”

  She smiled. “I like it when you’re happy.”

  “If we weren’t in public right now, I’d be working the zipper on the back of your dress down. I will though. Perhaps … in my office. Yes. On my desk.” He lowered his voice. “From behind.”

  Her bottom lip caught briefly between her teeth and a wave of lust rolled over him.

  “I sure hope this part doesn’t wear off.”

  She dabbed her mouth with the napkin. “Me too. I can’t imagine not running around all day with my head filled with all the smutty things I want you to do to me.”

  “What I find most delightful about you, Meriel, is that once you scratch beneath that cool and regal facade, there’s a filthy, filthy woman. And she’s mine.”

  She grinned and he relaxed, just totally happy.

  And then all of the sudden her head cocked as unease slid down his spine.

  “What is it?” He looked around, nonchalant.

  “There’s someone here who …” She licked her lips, clearly using her othersight. Dominic waved the server away, knowing Meriel needed the time to work her magick to check the situation out.

  Without thinking, he reached across the table and took her hand. Which he’d meant as a simple thing to lend reassurance, but his magick rushed up from the pit of his belly and then through him, into her. Not draining him, which he’d sort of expected, but mixing with her energy.

  Her gaze cleared moments later. “Mages.”

  “And we’re leaving.” He pulled his wallet out and tossed down some money.

  “Why do you always pay? I can afford to pay sometimes.”

  “Are you really going to argue with me at this moment? Let’s go or point him out so I can clean his clock.”

  Startled, her worry was replaced by a smile. “Can you please call Nell?” She pushed her phone across the table. “I’m going to see what I can find out.”

  He leaned in, cuffing her wrist, her pupils flared for a brief moment and he was reminded of how he’d woken her up the morning before. She scraped her teeth over her bottom lip, catching it briefly, and he nearly forgot he was pissed off.

  “Are you out of your fucking mind? No, no, I can’t call Nell as you scope out the area for someone who might be stalking you to do you harm. We’ll call her on the way out.”

  “This is my town. I will not run and hide from someone who can only get his power by stealing it.” She focused on him, putting her hand over the one cuffing the other wrist. “I am not weak, nor will I behave as such.”

  Before he could argue, she continued.

  “We made this territory with our minds and our bodies, with our magick and our work. There is no place I’d be safer. This is our ground. Do you understand what I’m telling you?”

  He realized she’d opened up her othersight and he snarled a curse as he called Nell and told her what was going on.

  She’d only said, “On my way.” And hung up.

  “What can I do? If you’re going to pull some crazy shit, at least let me help.”

  His magick had risen the moment she’d cocked her head and said something was wrong. But it began to spill over and into her. She took a breath, surprise on her face.

  “You’re doing it.”

  She continued to scan the immediate area. The tendrils of her magic swirled past him and he admired the control she had. He moved, subtly to keep her shielded from the room. W
hat he really wanted to do was stand up and get her behind him and out of the restaurant.

  “We take it very seriously. I guess you should know that right now. Our dominance and governance. We worked hard to get it and we won’t cede even an inch.”

  He feigned surprise as he kept his gaze dancing around the room. He realized as he did it that he could catch magickal energies. She’d been trying to teach him how to use othersight more fully. He knew the basics, but watching her work had been like a master class. He’d been able to use his othersight, but he was pretty sure it was beyond his skill level to do that and fourteen other things like she did.

  “No! Please tell me you’re not a bossy, ambitious and utterly ruthless fierce bitch of a witch.” He put a hand over his heart and she looked at him, laughing.

  “I’m a fragile flower, Dominic. I need you to open my doors and hold the heavy stuff.”

  He brought her hands to his lips and kissed each wrist. “No. You don’t need me to do it at all. You know I like to and you let me. Which is why it’s so hot.”

  She breathed in very deep and closed her eyes upon her exhale. His energy, so attuned to hers, kicked to a higher level of alertness. He closed his eyes for just a moment and the room exploded into othersight as he saw it through her senses.

  He was humbled, just then, at how much she saw, at how well she used her power and just how powerful she was to start with.

  She squeezed his hands and he opened his eyes. “It’s gone.”

  “You will stay in here. I’m going to look outside.”

  Not letting go of the hand she held she shook her head. “What are you going to do? We don’t know who it was. I couldn’t get a fix on whether it was here or outside. This is downtown Seattle, there are people everywhere outside and this building has multiple floors with multiple businesses. Traffic everywhere. It’s a Friday night.”

  She paused, licking her lips. “Did you feel our energies mesh?”

  The knot of tension in his belly eased at the memory. “Yes. I saw othersight through your perception. You’re beautiful. Amazing.”

  She blushed and Nell strode up to the table with William Emery, her husband.

  “Why the hell are you still here?” Nell demanded as William bent to kiss Meriel’s cheek. Though he’d met the man who had eyes for no one but his wife, Dominic glared at his audacity.

  The two sat as if they meant to stay awhile. Casual. But Dominic liked the expression on Nell’s face. Intent on running her prey to ground.

  “How could I have gotten that kiss if I’d left?” Meriel winked at Nell, who glowered and turned it on Dominic.

  Nell turned her attention to Dominic. “And why are you allowing this? I can’t be with her twenty-four-seven. I’m counting on you to keep her out of trouble.”

  He kept his fingers with Meriel’s and looked to her before speaking. “It was important she hold her ground.”

  He’d done it and nearly given himself an ulcer having to sit there and not rush her from the place. And he didn’t regret it when she gave him a beautiful smile.

  “I know, right?” Meriel looked to Nell.

  Nell, unable to hold a smile back, shook her head as she looked to Dominic. “Yeah, yeah, he’s the cat’s meow. What’s going on?”

  The two leaned in close and began to speak while William held out a hand. “Can I buy you a drink? We aren’t doing much of that at home as the missus is in the family way.”

  Nell looked up and sighed. “I thought we agreed not to announce it to the universe for a while.”

  “He’s your best friend’s whoosit, bond thing. Of course she’s going to tell him, even if it’s inadvertent.”

  Dominic liked the energy between Meriel’s friend and her husband. They clearly liked each other as well as loved. Tom hadn’t really dated when Dominic had been growing up. None of his friends had gotten married yet either. He hoped the lack of exposure to working relationships wouldn’t be too much of a detriment with Meriel.

  “Mazel tov.” Dominic raised his glass.

  “We’re still going to dinner tomorrow night. Just a reminder. This does not trump that.” Nell sent a raised brow to her husband.

  “Who am I to deny you anything?”

  “Are we going to find this mage stalking Meriel? Or can I get her the hell away from here?”

  Nell raised a brow his way. “Gage is here and doing his business. Meriel has given me some clues and so now I think it would be good to get up on out of here and leave.”

  “I think you should come to Heart of Darkness.” Meriel looked to Nell and then over at William. “Nell, you can check the wards and security yourself and if it passes inspection, I can report on it next week at council.”

  Nell sighed and William laughed, reaching out to touch her cheek.

  “Nell hates the nightlife and does not like the boogie, I’m afraid.” Meriel teased.

  “Even though she usually ends up having a good time.” William rarely took his gaze from his wife.

  “Yes, well, it’s probably more fun than watching skanks rub themselves all over you like homeless cats.”

  Meriel looked to Dominic and winked. Did she think he was amused by all this?

  “My darling Meriel,” he said this silkily as he kissed her knuckles, “I don’t want to go anywhere tonight with this asshole out and about. I want to get you home where you’re safe.”

  William shifted in his chair. “Glad to know it’s not just me. I agree with Dominic. We’re doing dinner tomorrow, we can go afterward.” He shrugged one shoulder. “I’ve checked out a few nightclubs in town, you know, to get the lay of the land. Maybe we can talk about that sometime.”

  Nell nodded. “They’re right, Meriel. Not that, you know, I’m not chomping at the bit to go clubbing and all. Until we get a better handle on just what’s happening, it’s best for you to be extra wary. I was concerned before, now I’m convinced it’s mages here looking for witches to grab. I’m putting a few more people on a team to run these mages to ground. As for Heart of Darkness, Gage has already checked the wards there, you have too. It can wait another day.”

  Nell turned to Dominic. “You know she’ll be far stronger after the ascension.”

  Scandalized, Meriel whacked Nell’s arm. “Shut up! I won’t allow this to be used to push him into the ascension.”

  Nell whacked Meriel’s arm right back and snorted. “Fuck you, Meriel. I’m saying what needs to be said and you’re being a dumbass.”

  “This is my bond. This is my ascension and if I can tell Edwina to back off, I can sure say it to you. She’s scarier anyway. This is about not only my bond, but about our clan and mine and Dominic’s future. I won’t rush. I’m not some weakling of a witch as it is, thank you very much for the confidence.”

  So fierce. She was so deliciously hot and fierce right then. A shiver ran through him, driving him to make her safe, to make her his.

  “I’ve already told her I wanted to do it. We were discussing the particulars when this happened.”

  Nell smirked and Meriel growled. “Good. Talk some sense into her then. Go home, Meriel. Get the hell off the streets or I’ll assign a guard to you full-time.”

  Dominic was torn about this. He wanted her protected, but he was perfectly capable of physically protecting her. They really had no idea what he’d spent most of his twenties doing.

  Dominic knew the smile on his face was nearly feral, but this was getting taken care of his way, damn it. “Why don’t you two come with us to Meriel’s father’s garden?”

  Her eyes popped open as she gaped at him. It made him laugh, even has he knew it would have been better not to show her any amusement or she’d try to get around him.

  “No. Dominic—”

  Chapter 16

  “SO, Dominic and I would like to perform the ascension and we’d like to do it in your garden.” Meriel stood with Dominic in her parents’ living room.

  Edwina’s attention sharpened so taut Meriel felt the change
in her magick. “When?”

  “Tonight. Right now.” Dominic smiled, utterly debonair but there was no disguising the rough patches. He was not Edwina’s sort of witch. But he was spectacular. Standing there next to him as he charmed his way into getting what he wanted, just like he had with her earlier only reinforced her affection for him. To think she’d fought him on this, when she wanted to ascend too anyway.

  “Well now.” Edwina stood. “Yes, of course. Coming up on midnight in a bit.” She nearly spoke again but stopped herself. “What would you like?”

  Meriel grinned and gave in, hugging her mother and not being offended by the way she always sort of held herself back. “Not the entire full-council. Perhaps the quorum?” She’d explained to Dominic that the quorum was the uppermost tier of any clan’s governance structure, made up of those council witches who’d ascended.

  In Clan Owen it was Edwina, her magickal bond-mate, Ron, Meriel’s father, Abe, his brother and bond-mate, Kent Purcell, and Sami Ellis and her bond-mate, Brenda Conrad. After the ascension, their number would include Meriel and Dominic.

  “Of course. I think that’s wise.” She pulled Meriel along, already holding her phone and dialing. “Is he going to be joining officially? How do you want to handle that?”

  “He is. But he’d like to keep that low-key. Not his affiliation, naturally. He’ll be sitting on the dais with me. But the joining part itself. I’m already providing him with the education he needs.”

  Edwina gave a bunch of orders, hung up and turned her attention back to Meriel.

  “I agree. He will receive further training with his magick.” She looked to Dominic. “He’s not using even a quarter of his gift right now. Don’t get that look on your face, Meriel. He’s your bond-mate and he grew up outclan, it’s our job to help him use all his potential.”

  “The ascension will make him even stronger,” Nell added so helpfully.

  “Yes and he’ll gain part of my control and my training along with that.”

  “I’d like to suggest that if The Owen has an idea for training she feels would benefit me, she should share that.” Dominic added a tip of his head that for some reason kicked totally outrageous behavior down to sort of rakish and right then she watched her clever man charm her mother.