Brush with Catastrophe

by Tara Lain

  “Hello, darling. I’m so excited about the party, I couldn’t wait another minute. I brought you a present.”

  Lucien looked resplendent. His light gray suit would have made Armani drool. Like a jewel-box setting for that halo of shining hair, Lucien’s usually pale cheeks glowed pink, and his eyes sparkled.

  “Hey, it’s just a party.” Sammy laughed.

  Lucien set down the box and kissed Sammy’s nose. “Yes, but you see I am very remiss in my protocol. I should have paid a call on the Witch Master when I first arrived and didn’t do so. I got so caught up in school and such. So this is an official visit as well as a party for me.” He clapped his hands. “The special sweets arrived from my homeland just for him. I’m so looking forward to presenting them along with our tea set tonight.”

  Sammy had to grin at his enthusiasm. Lucien was usually so together. “I’m sure he’s going to love both gifts.”

  “Perhaps we can all enjoy one together. I want you to taste it too.”

  What a sweetie. “Sounds wonderful.”

  “And this is for you.” Lucien held out the garment bag.

  “What? Why for me?”

  “Open it.”

  Sammy slowly lowered the zipper on the bag. Inside was a deep navy blue suit so elegant he’d hardly ever seen anything so beautiful. “This is amazing.”

  Lucien clapped his hands again. “You like it! I was in a gentlemen’s store yesterday and saw this suit. It simply said your name. That deep blue color with your auburn hair and gray eyes are meant to be. I couldn’t pass it up. I believe it will fit you, but if not, I’m sure a little witchery will manage the alterations.” He laughed. The guy was positively giddy.

  Sammy shook his head. “Lucien, this is wonderful, but I can’t accept it. It’s too much.”

  “Not at all, my dear. You must indulge me, because I won’t take no for an answer. Plus I had the suit altered to what I believe to be your measurements, so it is not returnable.”

  “Wow.” Sammy stared at the dull sheen of the gabardine. “Thank you so much.”

  “Put it on. Put it on.”

  Sammy carried the garment bag over to his sleeping area, unzipped the bag all the way, and took out the gorgeous suit. “White shirt, I guess, huh?”

  “Yes, perfect.”

  Thank gods he had one. He took off the green shirt he had on and put on his white one. This shirt was pretty crisp since he saved it for special occasions.

  Lucien leaned against the dresser. “Do you have a tie?”

  “Yes. I have two. Tell me which one to wear.”

  Lucien walked over to him, carrying the paper bag. “I think you should wear”—he whipped a tie out of the sack—“this one.”

  The tie was almost as beautiful as the suit. No boring stripes or polka dots, it was an explosion of abstract color in deep blue, purple, and yellow. “It’s a work of art.”

  “I thought so too. And so appropriate for a great artist.” Lucien stretched out the tie and wrapped it around Sammy’s neck. With a flourish, he tied a Windsor knot. “Brilliant. It’s perfect, if I say so myself.”

  Man, Sammy felt special. He pulled on the trousers and tucked in his shirt. “They fit great. How could you possibly have guessed? I’m so skinny.”

  Lucien gave him an exaggerated frown. “You’re not at all skinny. You have excellent musculature. You simply have an adolescent slimness, which is very attractive. Stop thinking you’re too thin.”

  Sammy could feel himself blushing. “Thank you. Thank you for everything.” He shrugged on the jacket, and it fit just as perfectly. He turned and looked in the cheap mirror he kept on the back of the bathroom door. Wow. “I can’t believe it.”

  “You see. Not at all too thin. You could be a fashion model, you look so beautiful.”

  Sammy wouldn’t go that far, but he did look pretty damned good. He grinned. What fun to get to walk into the center of witchery looking sharp with this guy. Not good old Sammy tonight. Cool. There’d even be humans there. Too bad Arnold wouldn’t see him, but the guy didn’t have any classes with Dr. Barth or Dr. Genneau that Sammy knew of. He breathed out. But Ryder would be there.

  He looked at Lucien. “Don’t forget, there will be a lot of humans at the party tonight.”

  Lucien nodded. “Ah yes, we must all be on our best behavior for the little humans, mustn’t we?”

  Not the best attitude for this community. “Actually the Witch Master loves humans. He’s half-human, remember?” Sammy cocked his head. “And so am I.”

  Lucien nodded briskly. “Yes, yes, of course. I meant no disrespect. But they become so caught up in their petty problems sometimes.” He waved his hands. “Anyway, you know what I mean.”

  “Yeah, well, I haven’t noticed any lack of pettiness among witches.”

  “Ah, that is so true, my dear. Now, look at yourself again. You are a masterpiece, and everyone will envy me my escort this evening.”

  Sammy looked and smiled. Pretty damned cool.

  KILLIAN HELD Blaine’s hand as they sat on the couch in the huge living room and accepted the congratulations of students and friends. Their home was actually in Blaine’s former apartment above an antique store, but the party was being held in Killian’s family home—a mansion on the Upper East Side where his mother still lived. The big room they were sitting in, with its formal couches and antique tables, was supposed to be able to hold a hundred, and it was likely to test that theory tonight, since all of his and Blaine’s students planned to come. Yes, the students truly did want to congratulate the happy couple, but he guessed they were also curious as hells about where and how the two men—uh, one man, one witch, though many of his students didn’t know that—lived.

  Blaine leaned over. “I’m glad we invited all the students, not just the witches.”

  “Me too. I wish Jimmy and Lavender were here.”

  “Yeah. Are they doing okay in Europe?”

  “Yes, although Jimmy’s extended their stay. He’s convinced the covens in Prague are hiding something from him. He’s a little worried.”

  Blaine frowned. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I just heard before we left the apartment. It’s probably nothing. Jimmy’s a new witch and only used to our community’s ways. The old world is sure to seem hidebound and reserved to him.”

  Blaine shook his head. “But Lavender’s Russian and no dummy. If she’s concerned, I’d say there’s something to worry about.”

  “Hi, Dr. Barth.” Two pretty blonde girls who frequented the front rows of Killian’s history classes stopped in front of them.

  Killian nodded. “Ms. Harding, Ms. Anton. Have you met Dr. Genneau, my husband?”

  The taller girl giggled. “No. I’m not much for quantum physics.” She stuck out her hand. “I’m happy to meet you, Dr. Genneau.”

  The second girl also shook his hand. “Happy anniversary.” She flashed a big smile. “You take good care of him, okay, Dr. Genneau?”

  Blaine coughed into his hand, clearly to cover his laugh. “I promise, Ms. Anton.”

  “Thanks again for inviting us to this great party.”

  Killian smiled. “You’re most welcome. Enjoy yourselves.” Killian nodded to a group of young guys over by the window. “It looks to me like they need someone to rescue them from themselves.”

  The smaller girl glanced and giggled. “I think we can manage that.”

  As they walked away, Blaine leaned in to Killian. “I gather should I fail in my duties of caring for you, they’ll be happy to step in.”

  “I’m sure they’d make the sacrifice.” Killian laughed and kissed Blaine lightly on the lips. He looked around the huge room with its traditional furnishings. The crowd was growing rapidly. His mother was greeting people as they arrived. After all, this was her house. But she also wanted to help. She and Killian had restored a tentative affection after the big blowup with the council last year, and she seemed to enjoy being a part of their celebration.

  Ki
llian nodded toward the entry. “My favorite student.”

  Blaine glanced over at Ryder. “He is a dish.” He laughed.

  “Yes, but like I told you, he changed so much over the summer, he’s barely recognizable as the same person.”

  “Boys do that sometimes.”

  “Yes, but this is quite unusual.” He lowered his voice even more. “I sense something strange about the boy, but I can’t say what exactly.”

  Blaine’s eyes widened. “Really? You can’t read him? You couldn’t read Jimmy very well, but he’s a powerful witch and was guarded by his father, another powerful witch. Ryder’s human.”

  Killian waved at Ryder, who smiled and walked over to the two of them. “Hi, Dr. B.” He stuck out his hand. “Hi, Dr. Genneau. Great to see you.”

  “Hi, Ryder.” They shook hands.

  “Congratulations to you both.” He glanced at their empty glasses sitting on the coffee table. “You’re not drinking. Can I get you both something?” His luminous green eyes twinkled. “I hear this party has a great bar.”

  Killian nodded. “That would be wonderful. We haven’t been able to get up from here much. I’d like some champagne, please.”

  Blaine nodded. “Make that two.”

  Ryder walked off toward the bar. Blaine looked at Killian. “What do you sense?”

  “No malevolence, certainly. If anything, the contrary.” A rise of noise toward the entry made him look up. One of the young women clutched her chest. Through the crowd, like a knife through butter, marched Sammy Raphael. Well, how about that.

  Blaine chuckled. “Looks like our cute frog has turned into a handsome prince.”

  Sammy’s tall, lean body looked like the cover of GQ in a suit he could never have afforded in the past. His chin-length auburn hair gleamed. The kid looked amazing. A couple of other young witches raised their hands and gave Sammy high fives.

  But the general rise in excitement continued. Sammy turned with a smile, and out of the crush near the door walked the most beautiful creature Killian had ever seen.

  Blaine murmured, “Sweet Jesus.”

  So this was the inspiration for Sammy’s fashion statement. “I suspect that this is our witch visitor who’s not reported in.”

  “Hell yeah, babe. Nobody human looks like that.”

  The exquisite stranger greeted the people around him, some of whom seemed especially fawning. Then he turned and clearly spied Killian. Their eyes met. Shit. Power. Tamped, covered, protected, but formidable. The face looked twenty-one, but the soul seemed much older. Who is he? Why is he here?

  Blaine whispered, “What the hell does that guy want with Sammy?”

  “That, my love, is one of a minefield of questions.”

  The tall, slim witch walked purposefully across the room and proceeded to drop to one knee in front of Killian. “My sincere apologies for taking so long to introduce myself. I am Lucien Eshel of Prague.”

  Killian smiled and gestured upward. “Lucien, you’re creating a bit of a spectacle in a mixed group.”

  The witch glanced around and stood. He gestured to the chair beside the sofa. “May I be seated?”

  “I think that’s wise.”

  The man sat. “I did not mean to offend, Wi—sir. I should have introduced myself earlier, but I became so caught up in classes and meeting the young people of your community, I was remiss.”

  His accent could be Czech, but it seemed sort of general European. Interesting, appealing, but not specific.

  “I’d heard you were here and wondered when you’d pay a call.” Might as well let the kid sweat. He’d been guilty of a serious breach of protocol, and there was nothing about this witch that suggested ignorance of appropriate behavior.

  Lucien dropped his pale gaze. “Yes, sir. I am truly sorry for my rudeness.”

  Killian smiled. “But this is a party and my anniversary, so much is forgiven. We shall consider this your official welcome. Please enjoy yourself, Mr. Eshel.”

  Lucien smiled. Dear gods, a weaker witch would have melted to butter. “Thank you, sir. My sincere congratulations to you and Dr. Genneau. It is so refreshing to come from traditional ways and find people of my persuasion”—he cocked his head—“enjoying such a wonderful life.”

  Blaine smiled. “You’re very welcome here, Lucien. Make yourself at home.”

  That was kind of funny considering the house was about as homey as the atrium of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but the sentiment was there.

  Lucien stood. Sammy, who’d been talking to his parents and a couple of his siblings, seemed to have been watching and took this as his cue that the diplomacy was done. He walked over, and Lucien took his hand. Interesting. Not a match one would predict.

  “Hi, Dr. Barth, Dr. Genneau. Great to see you. Congratulations.”

  Killian smiled. The young witch was easy to love and a favorite of everyone. “Thanks so much, Sammy.”

  Aloysius leaped from Sammy’s neck straight onto Blaine’s lap. He laughed. “Hey, guy. Great to see you. I’ve been missing you something fierce.” The familiar proceeded to do his imitation of a fur rug on Blaine’s lap. Killian smiled. Aloysius tolerated Killian, but the cat adored Blaine.

  Sammy smiled. “Looks like he’s back home.”

  Killian shrugged. “He’s inscrutable.” He looked up at Sammy. “You two have a good time this evening.”

  Lucien glanced at Sammy with a look that was positively conspiratorial. “Sammy and I wish to present you with a gift.”

  Sammy shook his head. “I think everyone’s kind of planning a big present-opening time.”

  A brief cloud passed over Lucien’s sunshiny beauty; then the smile returned. “Ah well. We shall wait, then.”

  “Here are your drinks.” Ryder stepped up to the table and placed two glasses of champagne in front of Killian and Blaine. Ryder straightened and stared at Lucien. The other male met his gaze. Quite something. Two more beautiful creatures could scarcely exist, and the energy between them? Pure animosity. Hmm. What’s the issue? Ryder glanced at Sammy. Pain. Just a flash on Sammy’s pretty face but still apparent. How interesting. Ryder wasn’t gay as far as Killian knew, but then there was a lot he didn’t know about his favorite student.

  Lucien smiled, though it looked strained. Ryder didn’t even try to disguise his dislike. There was challenge in his stare. Then he nodded to Killian and Blaine and walked off. Even more interesting, Sammy’s gaze followed Ryder, and there was no hiding the longing. Killian had heard that Sammy had a crush on his friend, and it seemed even the attentions of the European angel couldn’t eliminate that desire. Killian squeezed Blaine’s hand. Those humans did have their attraction.

  SAMMY WALKED to the bar holding Lucien’s hand. He took a deep breath. He’d expected to see Ryder, but he couldn’t ever prepare for the impact of the guy. Especially not in his new transformation. If I get a chance, I might ask Killian about Ryder, but as far as I can tell, every witch I know thinks Ryder’s human.

  Lucien stepped up to the bar. He looked at Sammy. “Champagne?”

  “Sure. Why not?”

  Ryder didn’t like Lucien, but damn it, Ryder wasn’t Lucien’s boyfriend. Lucien was good to Sammy. And walking into this party with him had been breathtaking. People had stared at them. Paid attention. Envied Sammy his date. His mother was even impressed. That so never happened before. Lucien was kind and a great kisser. He gave blowjobs like a master, even if they had wiped Sammy out for three days. Still, Ryder’s contempt for Lucien kind of took the fun out of it.

  Lucien handed him his champagne, and Sammy sipped. Now that’s good. They walked into the dining room where food was laid out. Sammy’s stomach growled.

  Lucien laughed. “I think we better feed you. Did you forget to eat again?”

  Sammy nodded. He grabbed a plate and loaded some turkey and roast beef and salad onto it. Lucien nibbled at a couple of finger sandwiches. “When will the gifts be given?”

  Man, Lucien’s anxious. “After eve
ryone’s gotten some food, I guess. Estera seems to be organizing it. She came with Chen. Did you see? So cool.”

  Lucien’s gaze flickered toward the attractive young witch standing over on the other side of the table with Chen. Sammy smiled. Chen was really hooked. He stared at that witch like she’d dropped from heaven.

  Lucien pointed. “Let’s go say hello.”

  “Oh. Okay.” Now he decided to be social?

  They crossed around the table and approached Chen and Estera. Sammy grinned. “Hi, guys. Having fun?”

  Chen beamed. “Oh yeah. Great party.”

  Estera smiled at Sammy, but her glance kept sliding up toward Lucien. “Yes, it’s a great party. Are you enjoying it, Lucien?” Her voice had a breathless quality. Chen looked from her to Lucien and frowned.

  Lucien turned on his million-dollar smile. “I’m having a lovely time. One favor, though.”

  “Of course.”

  “I so want to present the Witch Master and his husband with a gift, but I know Sammy has been tired recently and may not want to stay too late. Could you arrange for the gifts to be presented soon?”

  Actually Sammy hadn’t said anything about being tired, although he kind of was. But man, Lucien was so excited about his tea service. Gods, in a house like this, Killian must have ten of them.

  Estera nodded. “I’ll get the gift-giving arranged right away, okay?”

  Lucien leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “Thank you. That’s very kind of you.”

  Chen’s frown deepened. Lucien didn’t seem to be making any male friends tonight. Was this more of his being “gracious”?

  Estera bustled off toward the sitting room where the presents had been deposited. Lucien turned to Sammy. “Excuse me for a moment. I need to find the restroom.”

  Sammy pointed toward the entry. “We passed it on the way in.”

  Lucien nodded and walked off.

  Chen moved closer to Sammy. “Was he coming on to Estera?”

  Was he? “I think he was being his European charming self. He’s gay, after all.”

  “I sure as hell wish he’d act like it. I never saw you kissing any girls’ cheeks.”