Touched by a Sprite

by E. A. Reynolds

  “He raped you?” Baylee rested his hand on Kirkyn’s arm.

  Kirkyn swallowed tightly. “A few times, and then I killed him, which nearly got me brought before the magistrate. A war demon spoke up for me and claimed me as his apprentice.”

  “How long did you do that?”

  “Two years before I was sent back here. Contrary to popular belief, war demons aren’t all about starting wars. Some are about stopping them before they can start. I worked as a conflict servant, which means my job was to defend and protect the peace.”

  “That’s like being a cop.”

  Kirkyn nodded. “Exactly like that, only globally. Then, the Council of Ways was formed. For years, it worked in secret before those who founded it decided it was time to make it a visible thing.”

  “Would they have protected me from you?”

  “No,” Kirkyn told him. “They don’t usurp power, merely protect, and interfering in family matters isn’t their style.”

  “Maybe it should be,” he said. “Does none of your kind care when demons like you do what you did to me?”

  “Not pure demons,” Kirkyn told him. “Had you gone to them, they’d have contacted me to come get you and take you home. Dealing with the insane of my particular species is handled by the family, and when there is none, by the family’s friends.”

  “That needs to be changed,” Baylee muttered.

  “It won’t be anytime soon,” Kirkyn replied, leading him back the way they came. “When families know, they normally do a good job, but Astarte had no idea until later, and then she reported it to my uncle, who threatened to lock me up if I didn’t leave you alone.”

  “He had to know that wasn’t helping.”

  “Didn’t you wonder why for the last six months you’d been in peace?”

  “No, I just thought it was because I’d been successful at faking my death.”

  “Nothing will ever keep me from finding you, Baylee,” Kirkyn told him. “Nothing ever does keep us from finding our mates once the bond is formed. Love binds us, and hate is as strong as love, which allows us to find you.”

  * * * *

  “I’m taking over,” Lenno told Bancoo. “Because once again, your plan has failed!”

  From his place on the sofa of the spacious room, Bancoo regarded the other demon calmly. “Take over.”

  “We’ve both decided we want you to head to California,” Creta said.

  Bancoo gave the demon a look. His short blue hair called attention to his sharp facial feature. His black eyes were filled with calculation, and Bancoo had no intentions of sticking around.

  He and Creta had never worked well together. In fact, they’d always been at each other’s throats. So, California was the last place he’d be going. He and his wife would die there when they least expected it.

  “We’ll leave right away,” Bancoo said. “Though I wish I’d have been able to finish things with Madinoff.” Not really. He had no real desire to fight. He wanted to make his new home and live his life in peace among these human savages.

  “You’ve failed each time,” Creta said coldly. “How do you think we’d allow you to continue to lead?”

  He was tired anyway. “I don’t.” Bancoo sounded as resigned as he could. “I’ll let my family know, we’re moving out this evening.”

  “Good choice,” Lenno said with a satisfied smirk. “Things will go much easier with us dividing and conquering.”

  “What about Meeshim?”

  “There’s no real reason to actually attempt to bring him over,” Creta said. “We can’t get him out now. Security was tightened.”

  That meant neither of them had ever intended to bring him over anyway. They’d close the portal to prevent anyone else from coming, so it was a good thing he’d gotten word to his wife’s family and they had already come through and were headed for Arizona by car.

  He had enough in his personal coffers for a home for them all and one for him and his wife. They could live comfortably until they found jobs.

  “I see,” Bancoo said.

  “We ordered the portal closed,” Creta told him icily. “Three of us here is enough. Now, go before we decide three is too many.”

  “We’ll speak when you arrive in California,” Lenno said.

  “I’ll contact you once I’m settled,” Bancoo said, already putting together a line of defense for him and his small crew for their departure.

  “Go. Now,” Creta ordered. “We have plans to make for securing that lovely hotel.”

  “And the tri-city area,” Lenno said with a devious grin.

  Bancoo departed the room feeling sorry for the humans, but not sorry enough to alert them of the dangers that were about to come upon them.

  Chapter Twenty

  “Kirkyn, I’d like to know where you’ve been.” Payten pounced on them the moment they stepped into the hotel. “I’ve been looking for you all morning.”

  “Pretend you don’t see me now,” he said and breezed past her, heading for the stairs.

  “I won’t continue to abide your disrespect,” she called. “Get back here.”

  “Shouldn’t you at least talk to her?” Baylee asked from behind him.

  “Why?” Kirkyn asked. “She has no idea what to do about those demons, and all she’ll do once I’ve told her my plan is fuck it up. Then, fix her tiny mistake so she can take credit for my work.”

  “Does it matter if she takes the credit?” Baylee demanded.

  “What matters is that one mistake will cost us the game,” Kirkyn replied softly. “I have to talk to Trinity and get things rolling for the city.”

  “So, it did work?”

  Kirkyn snorted and gave him an amused look. “You saw the result.”

  “Baylee,” Clarity called.

  “Not now, Gram. I’ll be back in a minute.” Baylee followed Kirkyn to his room where Astarte languished on the sofa.

  “I’m glad you’re back. That woman has called for a team of her own, and Baraq actually tried to get in here for her to find out what you were hiding.”

  “I’ll deal with him later,” Kirkyn said. “Thanks.”

  “I know you don’t like anyone messing with your things,” she said, her gaze sliding to Baylee. “Well?”

  “Get Trinity on the phone and tell him I have a plan, and he needs to meet me half-way between here and there, so I can give him what he needs.”

  “Okay.” She pulled the sleek little phone from her pocket to make her call while Kirkyn headed to the bedroom.

  “We’re going out?” Baylee asked.

  “A quick trip to hand some things off to Trinity and Darik.”

  “Then?”

  “Then, we’ll grab some lunch. I’m starving, and I want to spend a few minutes with you like we used to before…”

  Baylee frowned when Kirkyn averted his gaze. “I was a jerk, Kirkyn.”

  “You weren’t armed with the facts,” Kirkyn said. “I should have told you, especially after that night at the bar when you pulled me back into your thrall.”

  “I shouldn’t have been selfish,” Baylee said. “I wanted what I wanted and that was you. Hell, I knew I’d broken up with you because you didn’t seem all human.”

  “Why didn’t you just move on?” Kirkyn demanded, looking at him now.

  “I missed you, and I wanted you back.” Baylee shrugged. “That’s all I was thinking about.”

  “I felt the same way, and I was sure we could be good together,” Kirkyn murmured. “You were and still seem to be just what I want in a man.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Capable of defending yourself, clever—some of the ways you eluded me made me grin.” He chuckled. “Like the glamour you got from the witch. I liked that. Liked the way you changed your scent to match a dog’s.”

  Baylee groaned. “I couldn’t stand the smell.” He made a face as he reached out to take Kirkyn’s hand.

  “The men who were coming onto you in Vermont were demons,” Kirky
n told him. “I never killed the humans trying to help you or the witches.”

  Baylee’s eyes widened. “What?”

  “The very ones who are trying to take your land.”

  Baylee groaned. “Just my luck.”

  “You’ll never be happy with a human, Baylee. So even if you can’t be with me, remember that.”

  “I know.” He nodded. “Finish what you have to do so we can have that lunch. I’ll be downstairs.”

  “I need to use that kitchen,” Kirkyn said. “It’s the only way to create a big enough batch of the antidote.”

  “Come on.”

  Kirkyn gathered the things he needed, and Baylee led him to the big kitchen used to cook meals for the hotel’s patrons. He showed him where everything was and left him to it.

  Then, Baylee went in search of his grandmother. He found her talking to Payten in his cousin’s office.

  “Come in, Baylee,” Payten said. “Where’s Kirkyn, and what is he up to?”

  He studied her. She was lovely, and at this moment, she was attempting to seduce him with the musical quality of her voice.

  “He’s working,” he said. “He’s prepping an antidote that could save the land.”

  “Save?” Payten asked. “What kind of antidote, and how will it be administered?”

  “Gram, if this woman doesn’t stop trying to captivate me, I’m going to throw her in the lake and let her die in it,” he said coldly, giving Payten a disdainful glare.

  “I don’t know what that brute told you, but he has no respect for women, and this is my command. I have a right to know what he’s doing.”

  “You were free to present ideas of your own, too,” Baylee said. “But you didn’t. I know demons are—they’re a species I have very little understanding of, but I trust Kirkyn.”

  “Why now?” Clarity demanded. “You said he hunted you, nearly drove you crazy.”

  “He can be relieved of command for using his job to terrorize you,” Payten assured him. “So, help me help you.”

  Baylee rolled his eyes. “I thought Kirkyn was being territorial about his ideas, but I believe him now. You aren’t interested in helping us, and we don’t need you to.”

  “Baylee, you’re being rude,” Clarity snapped. “Go pack. We’re leaving in the morning.”

  “I’ve invited the two demons in charge for a dinner meeting,” Payten said. “They’ve agreed. They just want to bring a few of their security with them.”

  “Not here,” Clarity said.

  “It’s the only place they would do it,” Payten insisted.

  “I think it’s a good idea,” Baylee said. “We’ll have the food brought in, so we don’t have to cook. What time?” He was thinking of the poison idea he’d proposed to Kirkyn.

  “Eight.” She smiled. “You and Kirkyn should sit in.”

  “We will, and I’ll make sure Kirkyn lets you handle this,” Baylee told her. “You seem more suited to negotiation.”

  “So, what is he planning?”

  “Nothing now, because I’m confident you’ll take care of this,” he said. “I’ll keep him distracted until then.”

  “Tell me about this antidote,” Payten insisted.

  “It’s just to get the lake back in our control,” Baylee said. “Is it still black?”

  “Yes.” Clarity nodded. “So, if he can fix that, then let him.”

  “I will,” Baylee said. “But we’re going out again.”

  “Suggest that he look for the portal the demons are using,” Payten said. “Let me know where it is so I can have it closed.”

  Baylee gave her a serene smile. “Sure.” He left them alone, shaking his head.

  Kirkyn was so right about that woman. She was a sneaky one. Too bad for her, she couldn’t get to Astarte, or she might just be able to get what she wanted.

  He went outside and found Astarte there with several sprites on guard duty. He walked over to her as a tree nymph flitted away.

  “Did she say anything was changed?”

  “The trees are slowly rebelling,” Astarte informed him. “Is Kirkyn on target?”

  “I think so,” he said. “Has Payten tried to enthrall you?”

  “I’m immune,” she said. “I’m a straight succubus.” She shrugged.

  “Why can’t she affect Kirkyn? I did.”

  “You can’t now,” she said. “And Payten can’t, because as a matter of course warriors aren’t swayed that easily. Plus, he’s a gay man.”

  “When this is over, I know you guys probably have to go back to base, but if Kirkyn comes back, will you?”

  “Yes. Why?”

  “Because I want you to teach me about demons. I trust you.”

  She studied him. “Why?”

  “Because you haven’t been nice to me. I figure you won’t pull any punches,” Baylee told her. “That’s what I need.”

  “Finally getting some sense in your cute little head?” she asked in a mocking tone.

  “I guess.”

  “Well, walk with me. I’ll share a few pearls of wisdom now.”

  * * * *

  During the drive to meet Trinity, Baylee told Kirkyn Payten’s plan.

  “Do you think they’ll even wait to get inside before they attack?”

  “Lenno’s a strategist. So, he won’t attack right off. He’ll want to access things and test to see if he can activate the crystals. Once he knows he can, then he’ll plan his attack thinking he has the upper hand.”

  “What about my idea to poison them?”

  “It’s viable, and we’re going to use it,” Kirkyn told him. “Payten is stupid enough to offer them something as a show of good faith, and they’ll have researched her enough to think they’re smarter than her.”

  “What are we going to give them?”

  “Allong.”

  “What?”

  “Demon beer,” Kirkyn said. “I’ll brew up a batch, and they won’t be able to resist taking some back to their base,” Kirkyn said. “But we won’t rely on that alone.”

  “What else are you going to do?”

  “Wayfaire knows where they are, and you can ask the trees to locate them in this area,” Kirkyn replied. “Then, we’ll plan an attack for those playing lookout or lying in wait for guerilla warfare.”

  “We’ll attack?”

  “We’ll lay traps that the trees will activate. No one will have to be there.”

  “The traps will kill them?”

  “They’ll act like bombs, only they’ll be powder and liquid,” Kirkyn said. “Your connection to this land and Darik’s to the city waters will allow you two to instruct the waters to kill whatever’s in the water that’s not native.”

  “What about whatever you’re putting in it and the black log?”

  “The mixture will kill it. It will take weeks for the waters to become clear again, but it’ll work.”

  “You’re certain?”

  “Yes, but if not, you and Darik will have to be bled in the waters along with me and Trinity.”

  “Connection,” Baylee said. “The land, the odd plants are tied to the union between sprites and demons.”

  “Exactly, and it is that union that we’ll use as a weapon. It’s the biggest one we’ve got, and I think Wayfaire and his mate’s blood will also have to be added in the city.”

  “In the country?”

  “Your grandmother and her sprites should be able to take care of that.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  The meeting didn’t take long, so afterward, Kirkyn drove them to a nearby restaurant for lunch. They were seated next to a window by a waitress who flirted shamelessly with Kirkyn, to Baylee’s chagrin.

  “When this is over, what are you going to do?” Baylee asked. “I mean, I’m going to be managing the hotel.”

  Kirkyn gave him a little smile. “I had already decided to quit,” he said. “I’ll go, hand in my resignation and clean out my office, and come back here. I could probably find a few things to do.”
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  Baylee frowned. “Quitting? Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad we won’t have a long-distance relationship and you won’t be on the road. I hated when you had to go out of town.”

  “But?” Kirkyn asked, reaching across the table to cover Baylee’s hand with his.

  “But I don’t want you to give up your job for me.”

  “I wouldn’t have to, because I can work from almost anywhere, but I had already made that decision before now. I was going to go home to my family’s farm,” Kirkyn confessed.

  “Are you going to ask Wayfaire for a job?”

  “No.” He shook his head. “There is plenty of land around here. I might buy some and do a little farming of my own.”

  “The land next to the hotel is for sale,” Baylee said as he slid his hand from Kirkyn’s to stroke Kirkyn’s wrist.

  “Thanks for the tip.” Kirkyn winked at him, and Baylee chuckled.

  The waitress brought their lunch and, on finding them holding hands, gave Kirkyn a cool look before asking if they needed anything else.

  “No, thanks,” Kirkyn said.

  “Enjoy.” She walked stiffly away.

  “I think we better skip dessert,” Baylee said. “She might spit in it or something.”

  “Yeah. That’s just plain nasty.” Kirkyn made a face, and Baylee laughed.

  They ate their meal in companionable silence, and when the blond waitress came to check on them, Baylee declined dessert and asked for the check.

  “Sure.” Her tone was cool, and she bustled away only to return a moment later with the slip in hand. “I hope everything was okay,” she said as she held the check out to Baylee.

  “The food was very good,” Kirkyn told her as he took the check from Baylee and he looked it over. “Thanks.”

  She gave him a nod and was gone again.

  “Can you get the tip?” Kirkyn asked.

  “I can pay for lunch, too, if you give me back the check,” he grumbled.

  “What’s changed?” Kirkyn asked looking at him over the ticket. “You used to always like it when I paid.”