Shadows of the Past

by Brandy L Rivers

  Hayden looked back over at Amethyst who was bent over the table lining something up that didn’t even look feasible from where he sat. She sank the damned ball and glanced up with an impish smirk.

  “Nice shot.” He told her. He barely bit back his groan as she moved in front of him and bent over the table, putting that luscious ass right in plain sight. He could just imagine fisting her hair in one hand, holding her hip with the other as he drove into her tight little body.

  * * * *

  Zack floated back out of the bar after watching Amethyst blatantly seducing the Earth Fae. He’d overhead a phone conversation, and Hayden was indeed related to Xenu, which only sweetened the pot.

  Amethyst wanted the other fae, and he wanted her. So he had to find a way to keep them apart. Their emotions would only fuel him, giving him enough power to manifest so he could take her life and recreate his original form. First he needed to harvest her hate, her pain, her loss, all the worst emotions before he could remain in a solid shadow form long enough to carve her heart from her chest and drink the blood that would recreate his true body.

  He paused before going back to his host’s body that was hidden in his car. Zack watched as Dacia pulled into the parking lot with a sneer. He relished in her anger, and could hear her clipped words from where he waited.

  “I’m not going to just roll over and let that little snot steal Hayden right out from under me. I plan to step up my game and bring Hayden home tonight. She can eat her heart out.”

  Zack slid into the car and breathed himself into Dacia’s mouth to temporarily wrest control of her body. It would leave her tainted after he left her body.

  His consciousness slipped into hers and took over. From her body he had access to all of her memories and all of her emotions. It took him a moment to settle in and feel out her power. There was a lot, some unfamiliar magic, but she had most of the Air Fae abilities he had always favored. Now this woman would make a good host when he needed a new body.

  Thankfully, while he was in her body, he retained her skills because he didn’t think he would ever learn to walk in the outfit she had crammed herself into. The skirt was constrictive and the shoes were nightmarishly high. He made his way into the bar and tossed her hair over her shoulder.

  Zack stopped beyond the door and took a look around. His gaze was pulled by Dacia’s desire and possessiveness. Her eyes landed on Hayden. He couldn’t help smiling as he sauntered over and draped her arm around Hayden’s shoulder. Zack took stock of Dacia’s thoughts about the man.

  “Hayden,” Zack purred with her most seductive voice. “What are you doing tonight? You know, when you leave here?”

  “Sleeping. Alone,” he answered hastily and brushed her arm away, but he couldn’t take his eyes from Amethyst.

  “Come on now, don’t you crave flesh of your own kind?” he murmured against Hayden’s ear.

  “Get over yourself, I’m not interested.”

  A colorful string of curses littered his head, all coming from a very pissed Dacia still locked in her own body but without the power to control herself. He gleaned a few choice thoughts and snorted. “Oh, please don’t tell me you want that little cosplay tramp. She’s what? Twenty-something? She couldn’t possibly know how to please a man like you.”

  Amethyst was in the process of walking to Hayden when she heard that. Betrayal and rejection flashed through her eyes as she turned and walked to the bar. Her disappointment and humiliation was the sweetest treat.

  The ground rumbled lightly and the light fixtures swayed as Hayden growled. “What is your problem? You are notorious for going after men who don’t want you. So why do you keep it up? I have never once given you any inkling that I might be interested, and you just made her uncomfortable. What the fuck is your problem? I have never given you a single reason to think I would be yours.”

  Dacia’s instinct to back away was strong enough that Zack did just that as he practically screamed. “Really? Her? Is it because I’m only half-blood?”

  “It’s because you are a ruthless cold bitch. Now leave me the fuck alone,” he snarled.

  Zack stormed away. That hadn’t gone at all like Dacia assumed, but he had a better idea.

  * * * *

  Preston walked into In 2 Deep from the back entrance. He paused at the end of the hall as he watched Amethyst flirting with Hayden just seconds before Dacia went over to start shit.

  God, that woman was infuriating. As much as he wished Dacia could take Hayden off the market so Amethyst wouldn’t have to deal with the prick, he knew better. The way the man got all protective of her may have earned the bastard a little respect in Preston’s eyes.

  He watched as Amethyst’s smile fell and that same look of rejection filled her glittering eyes before she walked to the bar and took a seat. Hayden didn’t stop Amethyst and that respect dried up instantaneously.

  Preston snapped out of it and started toward Amethyst. He only paused to plant a quick kiss on Jamie’s mouth. He then glanced over at Amethyst who slumped onto a barstool and dropped her head onto her hand.

  “I know you want to protect her from the big asshole sheriff, but Hayden’s not so bad. He’s not going to brush Amethyst off for Dacia.”

  Preston’s attention snapped back to Jamie. “I don’t want to see her hurt. Can you see that bastard doing anything but hurting her?”

  “Honestly? Yeah, I can. Either way, you have to let her make that decision herself.”

  “I know,” he groaned. He reminded himself that he was happy with Jamie, and that he had no claim on Amethyst. Was that it? Was he jealous? Shit, he might just be, but he clung to his old excuses. “It’s just that I’ve known her forever, and the thought of her with that ogre pisses me off.”

  Jamie brow arched and there was a hint of amusement in her pale blue eyes. “Yeah, but don’t forget, she’s not a kid anymore. She won’t appreciate you telling her who she can and can’t see.”

  He knew that. “Look at her, she’s crushed. I need to say something to her. I know what that look means.”

  Her eyes went wide as she watched him. One brow arched as she looked up at him. He had never told her about that day Amethyst had nearly seduced him. How could he? No matter what he said he still looked like the world’s biggest dick.

  “Good luck, but I think Hayden will manage to fix it as soon as he figures out what to say.”

  * * * *

  “Hook me up with that Cherry Crush, again.” Amethyst sighed as she took a seat at the bar.

  Jess looked over at their table and frowned. “Don’t let her get to you. I guarantee Hayden is trying to get rid of her. He can’t stand her, trust me.”

  “Not my concern.” Amethyst shrugged, feeling stupid. Hayden wasn’t interested in Dacia, but watching her slither all over him made her second guess herself and what he really wanted with her.

  Maybe she’d put him on a pedestal already, and thought more of him than he deserved. Dacia was right. How could she compare to the stunning woman who was on an even playing field with Hayden.

  Dacia was absolutely gorgeous with all that thick, silky dark brown hair. Her eyes were like Onyx, even similar to Hayden’s. She was tall, and perfectly built. Amethyst was too short, too curvy, and had purple freaking hair and eyes. She wasn’t what Hayden should be with.

  “Ame, why are you moping?” Preston asked from beside her. She hadn’t even noticed he was there.

  She shook her head and didn’t bother to look. She felt just like she had after she had thrown herself at Preston and he had turned her down. Amethyst didn’t want any more humiliation.

  He sighed. “You really like that troll, don’t you?”

  “He’s not a troll,” she muttered.

  “May as well be if he doesn’t realize you’re every man’s fantasy.”

  Jess slid a glass her way with wide eyes but quickly turned to make her way down the bar.

  “That’s funny coming from you.” Amethyst took a long drink of her sweet yet p
otent cocktail. “Look, I’m not in the mood to discuss my lack of love life with anyone, most especially you.”

  “Excuse me,” the brunette bimbo’s voice was like nails on a chalkboard, all high and scratchy. Amethyst ignored her, wishing she would leave her alone so she could drink herself into oblivion.

  Besides, if Hayden wanted her, he would be there right then, getting rid of Dacia and taking her home. Maybe watching her swim turned him on, but he was only interested in the taboo. That seemed likely the more she considered it.

  Maybe he saw her as a kid sister, just like Preston and Tomahawk. Oh, that hurt, her chest ached but she refused to cry. Maybe she’d move on down to Clint and ask him to dance. She could get lost in a little affection, and she was pretty sure Clint would comply.

  “I said, excuse me.” Dacia spun her chair and leaned down in her face. “What the fuck are you? What is with this hideous hair?” She motioned at Amethyst’s head.

  Amethyst sighed and gave her full eye contact. Bullies couldn’t rile her because she’d heard it all before. “Hi, Dacia. I don’t know what your problem is, nor do I care. By the way, I’m Amethyst, and my hair is real.”

  “Was your mother a pixie?” she snorted.

  Preston sighed. “Dacia, just leave Amethyst alone. She’s sitting here, minding her own business.”

  Amethyst shot him a glare before turning back to Dacia with a sweet smile. “No, I’m a nymph, and I can’t do much about the hair. I’ve tried. Unfortunately, I’m stuck with it.”

  “I could get a bottle of bleach,” she snickered.

  Amethyst snorted. “Been there, tried that, and still, I have purple hair. If you don’t like it, don’t look at it. But get out of my face before I get you out of it.”

  “I’d like to see you try.”

  She could feel the charge in the air and knew Dacia was an air fae, though her magic felt intertwined with witch magic, and something darker but familiar. Amethyst was willing to bet that Dacia would be insanely fast, but everyone underestimated Amethyst.

  She pulled her arm back and punched Dacia square in the nose. There was a crunch, and Dacia stumbled back.

  Preston grinned. “That was a nice right hook.”

  Amethyst rolled her eyes before turning back around.

  Jess handed her another drink. “This one is on me.”

  “I should probably just go home,” Amethyst muttered.

  “Fucking bitch,” Dacia roared and spun her back around. “You broke my fucking nose.” Then she grabbed Amethyst’s hair.

  Amethyst punched her again, in the same place and stood up.

  “I don’t want to play games. I don’t know what your problem is, but I want no part in it.”

  “He’ll be mine, if you just leave him alone,” she snarled, picking herself off the ground as she held her face.

  “Who?” she hoped playing dumb might work. There were plenty of men in the bar that had already showed her interest.

  “You know who, or are you that stupid?”

  “Why would I know?” She managed a calm tone, but she was getting really pissed off, and mostly at herself because the longer this conversation went on, the more ridiculous she felt.

  “Hey, Dacia, you’re causing a scene.” Hayden didn’t touch either of them, just glared at Dacia.

  “Arrest her. The little cunt broke my nose.” Dacia scowled at her.

  Hayden growled, “You were in her face, and you know I won’t arrest her.”

  Dacia launched herself at Amethyst, knocking her into the bar and slammed her fist in her side in quick succession.

  That hurt, but Amethyst dug her nails into Dacia’s face when she tried to bite her. Her hand nearly froze at the contact.

  What in the Abyss was that?

  Brody grabbed Dacia by one arm and her hair. A growl rumbled deep in his chest. “Let her go, or Fallon is going to come beat the shit out of you. You know she will.”

  “Or I will,” Preston butted in.

  “Because this little pixie can’t defend herself?” Dacia snarled, trying to twist free, but Amethyst saw a shadow slither across Dacia’s face.

  Didn’t matter, she wasn’t going to let Fallon, Preston, or anyone else defend her, because she was perfectly capable of fighting her own battles, and she wasn’t playing games anymore. Amethyst shoved her back with all her might, and sent both Brody and Dacia stumbling.

  Dacia landed on her ass, again. Amethyst moved as fast as she could, and dropped to her knees on the woman’s chest to knock the wind from her. Wrapping her hands in Dacia’s hair, Amethyst slammed her head into the ground hard enough to leave her unconscious.

  A black mist floated from Dacia’s still form. Amethyst thought she imagined the way it tried to wrap around her before it changed directions and flew across the room and through the ceiling.

  “Sorry, Brody,” she mumbled as she looked up at him. She managed to get to her feet, but man, she was dizzy. “I just needed to prove that I don’t need to be protected. You were just in the way.” The room seemed to slide to the side and she grabbed onto her stool.

  “No apology needed, Ame. By the way, I’m impressed, but are you okay, sweetie?” he asked as she climbed back into her seat.

  “Yeah,” her smile was weak as she turned around to finish off her drink. She closed her tab. Her side was really hurting, and gray spots danced through her vision.

  Hayden leaned in beside her with one hand on the back of her seat and the other on the bar. “Can I drive you home?” He was clearly concerned. She didn’t blame him but it was really depressing.

  “I can drive her home,” Preston insisted.

  Hayden growled at the mage before looking back at her. “I know you rode with Fallon. Please?” he pleaded, and she didn’t have the heart to say no. She noticed Slater carry Dacia to the back of the bar.

  Wow, she really had knocked her unconscious. Amethyst almost felt guilty, but the glamazon was bigger, stronger and was asking for it.

  “Please do,” she answered.

  Preston gently wrapped his hand around her wrist. “Ame, let me take you home.”

  “No, Preston.” She fought back tears as she looked into his stunning blue eyes and saw something she used to crave from him. She wanted to cry because it wasn’t fair. “You can’t help me, Preston. Not this time.”

  “I will,” he whispered.

  She shook her head, her heart half breaking. “No. It’s a little late for that.”

  “He’s not good enough for you, babydoll.”

  “That’s not your call.” She turned back to Hayden. “Let’s go.”

  “You okay?” Hayden asked softly.

  “Will be.” She frowned and leaned on him before her legs decided to give out. “I just need a minute.”

  “I could carry you.”

  Oh no, not in front of Preston. Not when his sudden burst of love threatened to crush her. She needed to walk out of the bar on her own. Stubbornly, she pushed away from Hayden and walked out the door. She stumbled once she was outside. Her side was really killing her.

  “Let me help.” Hayden gently took her arm and looked into her eyes. “Whatever just happened with Preston, I’m sorry, but you need the help.”

  “Dacia just hit me harder than I thought,” she mumbled and started for his truck.

  “She didn’t do anything magic?” Hayden followed closely, his hands hovering near her as if waiting to catch her if she fell.

  That just irritated her, and she glared back at him. “No, I would have known.”

  * * * *

  Preston stood there as Amethyst walked out of the bar with Hayden. A piece of his heart broke as he watched her choose that asshole. He could hardly breathe as Jamie stepped into his line of sight.

  Her eyes were glassy as she met his gaze. She wore a weak smile but he could see the pain in her pale blue eyes. “I told you that you couldn’t force her decision.”

  He fell into the stool as his eyes closed. “I know.”
/>   “I knew you cared about her, but when did it become more than that?”

  Always was. He just used to be better at denying it to everyone, including himself. “It’s not.”

  She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

  “Jamie,” he whispered. “I…”

  She covered his mouth as she looked up at him. “I know. We’re okay.”

  He knew they weren’t. “Please….”

  “Shh, it’s fine.”

  “I could... I know I could.”

  “I know.” Her smile was sad as she stepped between his thighs and kissed him softly. “We’re fine.”

  He saw the pity in her eyes, but he would take the lie because it was the only thing he had to hold onto for the moment.

  * * * *

  She said it wasn’t magic, but her side was obviously hurting her. Hayden wanted to check out the damage, where Dacia had hit her again and again, but had a feeling Amethyst would protest. She managed to get to the truck, and before she could argue, he scooped her up and sat her inside.

  “That was unnecessary,” she groaned, her hand covering her side as she doubled over. He reached around and buckled her in. “Hey, I’m an adult.” The tears in her eyes broke his heart. Such a little fighter, and she didn’t want to appear weak. He admired her courage and her fire. “I don’t need your help,” she spat the words at him, and he didn’t like that.

  “I never said you weren’t an adult, and you may not need the help,” he explained. She glared at him and his eyes narrowed. “But you are hurting. Now, let me help.”

  Fallon hurried over and shoved him out of the way. “You okay, hon? Did she do more than just hit you?”

  “Hit me hard, no magic.” Amethyst had her eyes closed and she against the pained moan that wanted to escape. “I’ll be okay. Just need a swim.” The water would help her heal herself. She just needed to get there first.

  “Dakota would help you. Hayden, too, I’m sure.”

  “No.” Amethyst shook her head. “I can deal. Just let him take me home. Okay?”