by Casey Wolfe
Varina gave him a bright, knowing grin. “This person must be pretty special.”
“He might be,” Rowan replied honestly, softly.
It was merely a couple days ago that they’d spent the full moon together—that Shaw had bared his soul—and Caleb had blatantly told him to “go for it.” Rowan had never tasted raw emotion before—it was a heady thing—and while it had been slightly terrifying, it was also an honor.
After a moment, he looked up and said, “I did bring you a present if it’s any consolation.”
That piqued Varina’s interest. “Well, now, I was already going to give you one, but I’m not above bribery either.”
Rowan smiled, pulling the gift from his pocket and tossing it to her. It was a nautilus shell strung on a treated leather cord, smaller pieces of shells on either side. “Remember that pub song I sang that you liked? Well, I had one of the tavern girls sing it much better, and you can have it with you now.” To her questioning look, he told her, “Press the center of the shell.”
When Varina did, a lovely voice resonated out of the nautilus, singing the song that she had favored so much. Her eyes widened, staring at the shell. A bright smile crossed her face as she looked at Rowan, squealing with joy.
She slipped into the water, then leaped onto the rock next to him, arms flinging around him. “You are the best!”
Rowan grinned right back, although he joked, “So much for staying dry.”
With a roll of her eyes, she pressed the necklace into his hand. “Put it on me.” Varina rotated her body, lifting her long tresses. “It’s gorgeous, Rowan. Truly.” Once it was clasped in place, she pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Thank you, amiqueri,” she said, using the mer term of endearment for “beloved friend.”
She adjusted to lie on her stomach, curling her tail up before stretching out on the rocky shelf. Black scales gleamed in the light, starting at her hips and covering her tail. There were also scales covering her vertebrae, sharper and made for protection, just like the spines down the back of her forearms that could be used as a slashing weapon. The rest of her body was smooth, almost rubbery skin like a porpoise, but with a tanned skin tone—mers’ skin varied in range of color as any human’s did.
“I have a loose scale back there that’s starting to be a pain, and I can’t quite reach it.” Varina twisted her torso, curling her tail again and reaching out toward the place in question. “Right in there.”
Rowan trailed his fingers carefully over the scales until she indicated he was on it. Sure enough, when he gave it a test wiggle, it was already coming out.
“Just keep working it back and forth,” she encouraged, and Rowan gently did so until it came free. “Ahhh, that feels so much better.” Varina rolled onto her back and stretched, tail sliding back and forth against the rock.
“Glad to be of service,” Rowan said, receiving a stuck-out tongue in return.
“What are you going to do with it anyway?” Varina asked, sunning herself.
“I told you: a charm.” She gave him a look, causing him to chuckle. “I’m not quite sure yet. But, I wanted it to be unique.”
“Well, I doubt many topworlders have jewelry made of mer scales, so you’re off to a good start.”
Rowan smiled a little, gazing down at the scale that glittered in the sunlight as he tilted it. He couldn’t explain how Shaw had gotten under his skin. Then again, maybe he didn’t have to.
Chapter Eight
AZMAR HAD BECOME quite the destination spot. Originally a dwarven settlement meant to strengthen trade routes, these days it was populated by people of every shape and size. In the summer it was hopping with tourists. Being the Spring Equinox, it was a little too early for many non-residents to be there. Nevertheless, they still attracted people from nearby Everstrand and the other small towns along the coast.
With the Equinox came celebration. There was a street faire going on, complete with games, vendors, and lots of food. A stage was set up on the beach where performers would play throughout the day. It was a time of renewal, welcoming the spring and the rebirth of life.
Shaw walked through a row of vendor stalls, barely glancing at their wares. He wasn’t particularly interested in the many magical items on display or buying any trinkets. He did, however, graciously accept the strand of fresh flowers from one of the event organizers, smiling softly as she kissed his cheek and murmured a traditional blessing.
Shaw had never been very interested in the holiday on a spiritual level, but he appreciated the idea of it. Besides, he would never turn down an excuse to have good food and spend time having a bit of fun. After all the stress of his newest assignment, well, Shaw figured he could use a break.
Perhaps he had an ulterior motive for traveling down to Azmar. That was highly evident when spotting a banner with a familiar logo brought a smile to his face. He was disappointed when he got closer, noting it wasn’t Rowan at the small stand for Charmed to Meet You.
“Where’s Ro?” he inquired of the young woman sitting there reading a book.
She seemed annoyed at the interruption until she looked up at him. With a bit too much flirtation in her tone, she answered, “Oh, he went to the concert. But I can help you.”
“I didn’t know he had an assistant,” he replied, mildly annoyed himself now. The woman was quite the beauty—dark skin and bright eyes—and while he had no right to feel that way, Shaw felt a twinge of jealousy sneak up on him.
“Oh, well”—she frowned, hands twisting together—“I’m not. I’m a mage apprentice at the Everstrand Guild. I volunteered to help Rowan to get my hours for class.”
“So, he didn’t take on an apprentice?” Shaw ignored the fact he was relieved to hear it. Without giving her a chance to reply, he said, “Well, I’ll go look for him on the beach then. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome?”
Making his way down to the boardwalk, Shaw looked out toward the stage. It was nothing more than a mass of bodies, all dancing and singing together. As Shaw got closer and was able to make out the music clearly, he thought he recognized the song. Sure enough, when the lead singer moved aside, the band name “Hex” was visibly emblazoned across the bass drum. The easy rock sound blended seamlessly with lyrics about nature and magic, a perfect fit to an event such as this.
Shaw found himself moving a little to the beat as he looked around all the different groups dancing together. With so many people, it was a wonder he was able to find Rowan—granted, Caleb’s shocking blue hair certainly helped.
“Hey!” Rowan voiced his surprise when he joined them. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Why not?” Shaw pitched his voice to be heard above the music.
“’Cause it’s mostly magicae?” Caleb said. “And yer supposed to be some kinda inquisitor?”
Shaw reached out and pinched Caleb’s side. He yelped and jumped closer to Rowan. “Don’t be such a smartass,” Shaw scolded, albeit his smile gave him away. Rowan laughed at Caleb’s expense.
It had been nearly a week since Shaw had seen them, yet now it seemed like no time at all had passed. Granted, he had been keeping in contact via the occasional text—even with Caleb, who had deemed it necessary to exchange numbers after their romp in the woods.
“Wanna go grab something to eat?” Shaw asked. “My treat.”
“I’m always up for free food,” Rowan said. “Caleb?”
Caleb waved him off. “Go enjoy your date. I’m gonna prowl around here more.” It appeared Caleb already had his eyes on a pretty naiad that was dancing with his friends.
“Happy hunting!” Rowan called back, taking Shaw’s hand boldly in his own and weaving a path through the crowd. Released from the throngs of people, Rowan laughed. “So, what are you really doing here? You didn’t come out here just to see me.”
“Who says I didn’t?” Shaw tugged his hand, halting Rowan, who looked at him questioningly. “I like you, Ro. I’ve never… I’ve never been drawn to anyone like I’ve been to y
ou. There’s something about you.” He puffed air through his nose in a little laugh, shaking his head. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you must have cast a spell on me.”
Rowan chuckled, grinning at him. “Nope, no spell. Guess that’s just my natural charm.”
“Ugh, not puns,” Shaw mock complained. “Please, no puns.”
Rowan’s laughter grew in volume. “I couldn’t help myself. Pretty sure Caleb’s been a bad influence.”
“You think?” Shaw reeled him in flush, suddenly serious as he gazed up at Rowan. “I felt something about you when we met, something about your magic… It drew me in. After we talked that night at the bar? I just knew I had to make you mine, that I’d do anything to keep you.”
Rowan’s brows rose in surprise at the confession. “I… Wow.” He wet his lips. “I don’t really know what to say.”
“That I’m utterly ridiculous?” Shaw suggested. “Total rubbish?”
Laughing a little, Rowan shook his head. “Far from that.” He touched their foreheads together, closing his eyes as he admitted, “I feel the same way. It just feels so…right when I’m with you. It’s a peace I haven’t felt in a long time.”
Shaw swallowed, hand running along Rowan’s spine. “So, whaddya say? Wanna give this a go?”
Rowan smiled, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. “Yeah, I do.” Straightening, Rowan pulled something from his pocket. “I’ve been hanging onto this until I saw you again. Thought about calling, but…” He gave an embarrassed shrug.
Curious, Shaw accepted the item, which turned out to be a necklace. “What—?” His brows lowered. “A scale?”
Rowan chewed his lip a moment, before explaining, “It’s a mer scale.”
Shaw’s mouth fell open, and his gaze fell back to the necklace. The black scale glittered in the sun. He wasn’t sure if it was due to the natural color of the scale itself or the magic he could feel prickling on his skin. It was attached to a stainless steel chain, and there was a rune written on it in silver that Shaw knew to mean “unseen.”
“I know you insisted that you didn’t need one,” Rowan said, “but I got the sense that you’re doing something dangerous.” Shaw looked up to meet his eyes again, finding concern there. “I wanted to do something to help keep you safe.”
Feeling emotion bubbling up, Shaw looked back down at the necklace. “I can’t believe— No one’s ever done anything like this for me.”
Rowan urged gently, “Put it on.”
Doing as he was told, Shaw inquired, “What kind of enchantments did you put on this, anyway? Or does me knowing somehow”—he circled his hands around—“make it not work?”
Chuckling, Rowan replied, “Think of it as reinforcement to your tattoos, as well as being swift on your feet.”
He nodded. “I can work with that.” Shaw pulled Rowan in to press a soft kiss to his lips. “Thank you, darling.” Rowan’s smile was too sweet, causing Shaw to kiss him again.
Rowan nipped at his lower lip, backing away with a playful grin. “Now, I believe you mentioned food.”
“Always food with you. Between you and Caleb, you’ll eat me out of house and home.” Shaw dodged a swat. “How soon do you have to get back to your stand?”
Rowan brushed it off. “Cora can handle it. It’s just some bullshit exposure thing Caleb harps on me to do every year.”
“And you skip out on it every year, don’t you?” Shaw took Rowan’s hand and led him toward the boardwalk in search of lunch.
“That’s what the apprentices are for. Believe me, they’d rather be doing this for their credit than what other masters will give them.” He raised a shoulder in a half-hearted shrug. “I’ve got business cards and pamphlets and other stupid shit like that. If somebody wants to place an order, she’ll write down their info and I’ll call ’em tomorrow.”
“In that case…” Shaw stopped at a vendor selling burgers. “I’m stealing you for the rest of the day. Consider it our first official date.”
Rowan grinned from ear to ear. “Get me a venison burger with the works.” He slapped Shaw’s shoulder. “I’ll grab us drinks from Makroth.”
Makroth, as it turned out, was a dwarf who sold alcoholic beverages. They walked along the faire, drinking their beers and eating their burgers, talking idly between bites.
Once the food was gone and the wrappers tossed, Rowan twined their fingers together. He sipped his beer, looking out toward the Grey Tides. “Been a long time since I’ve been on a date,” he mused. “Almost forgot what it was like.”
“The way Caleb talks it’s a wonder you ever had time to date.”
“I didn’t. That was the problem.” Rowan looked over at him in brief amusement, before saying seriously, “I’m always studying, always pushing to know more, to do more, to take my magic to that next level.” He shook his head. “It’s selfish, I know—”
Shaw squeezed his hand. “It’s not selfish to have a dream and go after it. And if your other boyfriends couldn’t accept that, it’s their loss. You’re an amazing guy, Ro,” he said sincerely. “You’ll make grandmaster. Of that, I have no doubt.”
Rowan didn’t reply, but his smile said enough. He nestled against Shaw’s side, cheek resting on top of Shaw’s head as an arm wrapped around him.
Shaw figured it was his imagination that he felt the scale necklace warm against his skin. It was enough to make him realize he had to come clean to Rowan if they were ever going to make anything between them work. “Come with me,” Shaw prodded softly. “I need to talk to you.”
They went off the beaten path, away from the crowds. Finding benches at a little overlook of the beach, Shaw sat. As Rowan did the same, he asked, “Can you use a silence spell?”
“Sure.” Rowan simply snapped his fingers and Shaw looked around them. There was nothing different, no physical sign that there was anything amiss, yet no one would be able to overhear them. Still, it was impressive that there was no need for an incantation or even anything close to a gesture—just snap and done.
“I knew you were powerful,” Shaw mused, Rowan smiling softly in turn. Sobering, Shaw looked away as he confessed, “I’ve been undercover with the Inquisition here for the past two months.”
“Undercover for who? Why?”
“Marcus…” He looked back at Rowan. “He got taken by them on junked up charges. Called it a blood crime.” He growled and snapped, “Marcus would never take blood by force. He’s far more controlled than that. Hell, someone could be bleeding out in front of him and he wouldn’t even drop fang.”
Rowan frowned. “Wasn’t there a trial? Did he—?”
“There was nothing. One day Marcus is there, the next he’s taken. He wasn’t ever booked into Shadewind’s jail. There was no record of him being brought to Redspire or any of the other nearby posts either. He just vanished.”
“And you think they brought him here?”
“Our commander—Rhys—is in the same coven. He’s an intelligence officer. Hale, Marcus’s sire, is a coven leader. They have a huge influence in Shadewind, so when Hale started making waves…”
“Why didn’t they just give Marcus back if the coven holds that much power?” Rowan reasoned.
“Because they took him out of the country.”
Rowan put two-and-two together. “And brought him here.”
“But, he’s not in Everstrand,” Shaw said. “I’ve been through the prison from top to bottom. I got my hands on records. Nothing shows that Marcus has been there.”
“Then, where did they take him?”
“That’s what I’m trying to figure out.” Shaw sighed. “In the meantime, I’ve found evidence of the corruption everyone has feared. The disappearances, the excuses… The Inquisition is kidnapping high-powered magicae and holding them somewhere.”
Rowan dropped his brows. “Why?”
“They’re experimenting on them, trying to harness their abilities and put them into regular humans.”
Rowan’s jaw fell. “The
y…” His eyes darted around, unable to find any words.
Shaw stood and went to the railing. He looked out at the Grey Tides, feeling his chest tightening in a mixture of pain and anger. “These bastards made it personal,” he spat. “And now there’s even more of a reason to bring them down.”
“Let me help.”
“No!” Shaw spun around. “No way. I cannot get you involved.”
“You involved me when you decided to tell me all this.”
“I told you because I didn’t want to lie to you.” Shaw bracketed Rowan with his arms, looking down at him. “You were right, I am in danger, and you deserved to know the truth. But this?” Shaw shook his head and backed away. “I can’t let you do this.”
Rowan looked down at his hands settled in his lap, not saying anything for a minute. “So that’s how you got your fake ID. You never left spec ops at all.”
“Rhys set up my cover. And before you ask”—Shaw was quick to clarify—“this isn’t an official op. Completely off the books. If I’m found out, Calagon disavows me.” Shaw paused. “I’m on my own here.”
“No, you’re not,” Rowan insisted. He spoke over Shaw when he tried to argue. “Does the rest of the squad know what you’re doing?”
Shaw huffed, looking away and shoving his hands in his jeans pockets. “Bits and pieces. Rhys is the only one with details. Well”—his lips twitched into the hint of a smile—“and Hale. But, it’s not like Rhys can tell him no.” It had nothing to do with Marcus being Hale’s childe and everything to do with the fact Rhys had sworn an oath of service to the near millennial old vampire.
“Then, with so much at stake, I guess you can’t afford to tell me no,” Rowan replied smartly, standing as well.
“Rowa—”
He pressed a finger to Shaw’s mouth. “No,” Rowan said firmly, meeting Shaw’s gaze unwaveringly. “I’m no soldier. Far from it. But I am a master with Primal and enchantment magic. I can—and I will—be helping you.”
“I can’t risk you,” Shaw all but pleaded.