“Well, since you asked so nicely …” He snaps his fingers and poof, a plate stacked with pancakes, eggs, and bacon materializes in front of me.
Surprise flickers inside me. Honestly, I expected him to give me something gross, like oatmeal.
I slant forward and sniff the pancakes. “Blueberry. Holy fuck! I haven’t had blueberry pancakes since …” I trail off as I notice Asher watching me with a crease between his brow. “What?”
He gives a dismissive shrug. “It’s nothing. I swear you just remind me of someone. That’s all.”
“A human?” Maybe he hasn’t met me before and is getting me confused with another human.
He shrugs, avoiding my gaze. “Maybe. I’m not really sure.”
I pick up a fork and cut into my pancakes. “Have you met many humans?”
“A few.”
“How long ago?”
“The meetings were spread out over the years.”
“Just how old are you?”
“Older than you.”
I roll my eyes. “Thanks for the vague answer. That only leaves, like, a million different ages you could be.”
A trace of a smirk plays at his lips as he glances up at me. “I’m pretty sure the oldest genie still living is only five hundred and thirty-three years old, so that only leaves five hundred and thirty-two different ages.”
Smartass.
“Well, based on your looks, I’m betting you’re somewhere toward the older end.” I smile innocently as his eyes narrow into slits.
“You think I look old?”
Not really. Okay, not at all. But it’s too fun messing with him.
I thrum my fingers against the counter. “I don’t know. Maybe. I mean, it’s really hard to tell with paranormals, but you have a little bit of crow’s feet right here”—I point at the corner of my eye—“so I’m guessing you have to be older. But hey, I’m sure older paranormals can still be considered top-shelf quality.”
He smashes his lips together as vibrant flames ignite in his eyes. “I’m seriously starting to wonder how in the worlds you’re still alive.”
My smile fizzles. “Is that a threat?”
“No, not at all.” He slants toward me. “I’m was just trying to say that, with as much as you smart off, I’m surprised no paranormal has ever tried to kill you. Most don’t tolerate smart-mouthed humans very well.”
I raise a brow. “But you do?”
He gestures at me. “You’re here, aren’t you?”
My lips twitch as I recall our bargain. “For now.”
“I’m not going to kill you, Harlynn. I want you to be safe.” His soft tone and firm gaze shocks me speechless. “Now, please eat your breakfast so we can go. The last thing we want is to go into that forest at nightfall.”
“Wait. I’m not going at night? Because, from my experience, that’s the best time to steal. It makes it less likely that I’ll be seen.”
“You don’t want to be in that forest at nightfall; trust me. And as long as you do exactly what I tell you, you shouldn’t get caught.” He nudges the plate of food closer to me. “You need to eat up. You’re going to need your strength for where we’re going.”
“I thought the whole point of the deal we made was because you needed me to steal these objects for you, so why would you go with me?”
“I’m not going the entire way with you. I can’t. I am going to escort you as far as I can, though.”
I stuff a bite of pancake into my mouth. Oh, my gods, I forgot how good food was.
“Are East and Arrow going with us, too?”
“Nope. It’s just going to be you and me.” He surveys my reaction. I’m not sure what sort of face I pull, but a smile graces his lips. “Don’t look so scared, little thief. I promise not to bite you while we’re in that forest.” He turns toward the fridge and opens the door. “All bets are off, though, when we get out.”
I flip him the middle finger. His back may be turned to me, but he chuckles as if he has eyes in the back of his head.
“You’re blushing,” he teases while digging around in the fridge.
“I am not,” I lie. The truth is, my skin is flooded with warmth.
Stupid, traitor body.
He chuckles again as he grabs a small, velvet bag from the fridge then bumps the door shut.
“What is that?” I wonder, desperate for a subject change.
He pats the bag. “It’s how we’re going to break into the forest.”
I start to stuff a bite of eggs into my mouth, then freeze. “We’re breaking into the forest? You can’t just walk in?”
He tucks the velvet bag into the pocket of his black jeans. “Nope. Shimmerland forest is off-limits to all paranormals who haven’t been invited in. Since the fey usually only invite their kind inside, Arrow and I can’t get in, and East was banished a long time ago.”
“So, how am I supposed to get in? I’m not fey, either.”
“But you’re human.”
“Aw, thanks for reminding me. I almost forgot for a second.”
He shoots me a playful, dirty look. “You’re such a smartass.”
“Yeah, so?” I shrug then take a bite of bacon. “Since you already declared you’re not going to kill me, I’m going to keep being one.”
“Good.”
“Huh …? Wait. What?”
He grins. “Because of our band’s popularity, most paranormals and humans kiss our asses all the damn time. Everyone acts so fake, and honestly, we’ve gotten to the point where we don’t trust anyone. But with you …” He reclines back against the fridge with his arms crossed. “I’ve never met anyone more blunt and real.”
“Hey, I lied to you, remember?”
“Yeah, so? You also told me the truth … eventually.”
The way he’s looking at me, as if I’m the most fascinating creature in all the worlds, it makes me squirm.
“I also told you off a ton of times.”
“I know.” He rounds the island and stops in front of me. His nearness causes me to nearly choke on the bacon in my mouth. “Why do you think East invited you back to our vehicle when we were at the arena?”
I smack my chest as I cough. “Because I’m a smartass?”
He tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear, a bit of confusion flickering across his face. “Because your truthfulness is a breath of fresh air.”
I gulp as he pulls away, tracing his fingers along my jawline.
“So, East wanted me here because I’m a truth-telling smartass?”
He nods. “That and he wanted to play with you a bit.”
My fingers tighten around my fork. “I’m not a toy. I’ve already told you guys that.”
He cocks his head to the side, his gaze scrolling over me. “Perhaps not, but you’d definitely be fun to play with.”
I work to remain neutral as I shovel a bite of eggs into my mouth. “You’re very hot and cold.”
He shrugs. “Genies aren’t known for their calm demeanor.”
“No, they’re not.” Bitterness creeps into my tone.
The flames in his eyes evaporate. “I’m sorry … about your parents.”
“Why would you be sorry? You didn’t do it, right?” I measure his reaction, but he closes down, a portrait of indifference.
“No, I didn’t. But a genie did, and all genies are connected in one way or another.” Before I can even attempt to ask him what that means, he turns on his heels, calling over his shoulder, “Eat your breakfast, then get dressed in something silver and meet me out front.”
He disappears down the hallway, leaving me with a dozen questions. Like, why are all genies connected? Why do I have to wear silver? And, what on earth am I stealing?
Mostly importantly, how in the worlds am I going to get into the forest if I’m not fey?
Chapter 9
After I wolf down my breakfast, I head back to my temporary room to change into something silver. After ransacking the closet and dresser, I manage to find a total of one outfit.
<
br /> “You have got to be kidding me. This is what Asher wants me to wear into a forest full of beasts? Jeez. He may say he’s not trying to kill me, but this dress completely contradicts that. Or maybe he wants a good laugh, because I’m going to look pretty damn stupid in this.” I slip the short, velvet, silver dress off the hanger and pull a face at it.
The straps are thin, and the hem reaches me mid-thigh and has a slit up the side. How in the hell does Asher expect me to steal anything in this? I’ll stand out from a mile away. Not to mention running in it is going to be practically impossible.
“Wear it with boots.”
I whirl around, pressing my hand to my chest.
East is standing in the doorway, leaning against the doorjamb, with his arms crossed and a tricky smile tugging at his lips. His blond hair hangs in his eyes, a pair of worn jeans hang low on his hips, and he has on a shirt, yet his wings somehow poke out from over his shoulders.
“How long have you been standing there?” I ask, lowering my hand to my side.
He straightens and crosses the room toward me. “Not too long.” He stops in front of me, his paper-thin, glittery wings spanning out wider. “Asher isn’t trying to kill you. The dress will help you blend in.”
“In a forest full of beasts?” I doubt.
“In a faerie forest full of beasts,” he stresses. “Every fey, even ones wandering through a forest, usually wear extravagant outfits.” He fiddles with the hem of the dress I’m holding. “And we’re known for loving and collecting sparkly, pretty things.” His gaze lifts to mine, his lips quirking. “So, you better be extra careful. If you cross paths with a faerie, they just might try to keep you.”
“You mean, like you tried?”
“Not try. Did.”
I target him with a nasty look that only makes him grin.
For some dumb reason, I almost grin, too.
Dammit, the faerie is wearing on me.
“I’m not here under my own free will,” I remind him. “And once I’ve gotten you guys your objects, I’ll be gone and you’ll never see me again.”
He smirks. “We’ll see.”
My insides constrict. “We had a bargain. If I get the objects, then I get to leave.”
“Yes, but get and want are two different things.”
“I’m going to want to leave; trust me.”
“We’ll see,” he repeats, seeming so sure. “I have a feeling you might just end up falling in love with us, and then you’re not going to want to leave.”
My stomach clenches at the mention of love. “Not likely.”
He twirls a strand of my hair around his finger. “Many humans have, you know—fallen in love with paranormals. They have this fascination with how powerful we are, and it makes us nearly irresistible.”
Bitterness stirs inside me. Not toward him, but toward the genie who cursed me.
“Well, for your sake, I hope that doesn’t happen.”
His forehead creases. “Why would you say that?”
I shrug, grinding my teeth. “Let’s just say I’ve been cursed when it comes to love.”
He rubs his free hand across his jawline. “That sounds like a lyric from a cheesy love song.”
I latch on to the subject change. “Please don’t tell me you’re going to put it into one of your songs.”
He busts up laughing, his fingers falling from my hair.
“What’s so funny?” I ask.
He shakes his head, tears of laughter glimmering in his eyes. “It’s nothing. I’m just wondering if you’ve ever heard any of our music.”
“No, but why does that matter?”
He presses his palm to his chest, feigning hurt. “Aw, sweetheart, how you wound my heart.”
I stare at him blankly, a smile threatening to turn my lips upward.
I don’t want to like him. He’s a paranormal. He can’t be trusted. Plus, he’s the biggest flirt I’ve ever met. Yet, I’m starting to find him amusing. I don’t know how to feel about that.
He grins as he notes the look on my face. “If you listen to our songs, you’d realize we’re not really cheesy love songs kind of musicians.”
I shrug, trying to pretend like I’m not as curious as I am. “Whatever you say.”
“Don’t pretend like you’re not intrigued.” His eyes glitter as he snaps his fingers.
Music begins to filter through the room, a low bass mixed with strums of guitar and passionate drumbeats.
“Enjoy,” he singsongs as he backs across the room. “And make sure to wear the thigh-high lace-up boots with that dress. You’ll be able to walk easier. Plus, it’ll show off those killer legs of yours.” He winks at me before stepping out of the doorway, pulling the door closed behind him.
As the door clicks shut, Asher’s voice rises into the song, mixing with the instruments. His tone is a mixture of low, sultry, and raspy. The lyrics are anything but cheesy, all pain and darkness, and internal and worldly agony. He sings about torture. He sings about loss. He sings about a world painted in shadows. He sings about a world I know.
It makes me wonder if he understands me.
How could he? He’s a genie. Isn’t he part of what brought the shadows into the human world to begin with?
As much as I don’t want to, I find myself getting lost in the music as I peel off my clothes and slip into the dress. The soft material conforms to my body, almost making me feel naked. Adding the thigh-high boots does make me feel more like myself. I also strap on some leather bracelets to feel more comfortable and leave my hair down in an untamed mess of waves. Still, when I look in the mirror, I hardly recognize myself. Probably because I haven’t worn a dress in at least a decade. But … I don’t know. There’s something else, something about the way my face looks, like my eyes seem a bit bigger and sparkly, my lips fuller, my skin smoother.
Maybe East did something to me? Like sprinkled faerie magic on me or something?
I grimace at the thought then head out of the room, scooping up my trusty lock pick on the way. I never do a job without it.
When I reach the living room, instead of walking outside, I crack the door open and listen for any exchange of words that Asher, East, and Arrow might be having. I need something that will help me figure out why Asher thinks he knows me, and why my eyes are sparkling like fireflies right now.
“I’m not so sure about this,” East mutters lowly. “Something’s not right.”
“If we don’t send her in, then we won’t have the rock, and then we’ll never be able to take them down,” Asher replies with a sigh. “Is that what you want? For them to continue carrying on with their lives after what they did to our families?”
“No,” East utters softly. “But I don’t want to put her in danger, either. I mean, what if she’s not what we think she is? Then the moment she steps into the forest, chaos is going to break loose.”
“She is one,” Asher assures him. “It’s all she could be.”
“Not necessarily. She could be something rare and Arrow’s sensors just can’t recognize her, so they just associate her with something she resembles.”
“That seems like a really big stretch.”
“But a possibility.” East pauses. “You said you thought you knew her?”
“I don’t know …” he murmurs. “Sometimes it feels like I do, but not all the time.”
“She said something strange to me while we were in her bedroom,” East says. “When I suggested that she could end up falling in love with all of us.”
Asher lets out a low laugh. “I really doubt that’s going to happen.”
“We’ll see,” East quips. “We’re getting off the point. My point is that, when I suggested her imminent falling in love with us, she told me that, for my sake, she hopes that doesn’t happen.”
“Perhaps she’s not amused with your flirting.”
“No, it wasn’t like that. It was more like a warning.”
“A warning for what?”
“I’m not sure
. She was pretty vague.”
A murmuring breeze fills up the silence that stretches between them.
“Perhaps you should …” Asher starts.
“You think I should?” Hesitancy laces East’s voice.
“I don’t want you to,” Asher mumbles quietly, “but I think it’s for the best.”
My fingers curl around the door handle. Just what are they up to?
I wait for them to continue, but they grow strangely quiet.
After about five minutes of maddening silence, I give up, push out the door, and step outside into Shimmerland, the first world I’ve ever been to besides Endlessland.
The pale light glistening from the sky is alarmingly bright, and I instantly squeeze my eyes shut.
“Ow,” I gripe.
“Good faerie gods,” East mumbles from close by. “That’s just ridiculous.”
“I’m not used to this brightness, okay?” I defend my reaction. “The sunlight here isn’t like in my world.”
East chuckles. “That’s not what I meant.”
I crack an eyelid open and find him standing in front of me with a look of pure wonderment on his face.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
He shrugs, his eyes sparkling like the sky. “Because you’re glowing.”
I squint down at my hands, and my jaw nearly smacks the iridescent ground.
“Why is my skin shimmering?”
“Because we’re in Shimmerland where everything shimmers,” he teases, his gaze sweeping up and down my body. “The look suits you, sweetheart.”
I rotate my arms over, examining the glassy appearance of my skin. “I’m not sure I agree with you.”
Asher moves up beside me, lightly wrapping his fingers around my wrist. He skims his finger along the inside, watching as my flesh swishes like floating glitter. “Pulchra mirantibus.”
“What does that mean?” I ask, fighting back a shiver brought on by his touch.
“Yeah, Ash, what does that mean?” East mocks with a smirk.
Asher blasts him with a fiery death glare, his fingers leaving my wrist. “We should get going.” He begins hiking away from us and across the flowery field toward the trees.
“Man, genies are moody.” Sighing, I start after him, when East captures my elbow.
Chasing Steel: Capturing Magic Books 1-3 Page 7
