Alaskan Magic: Shadows of Alaska Book 1

by CC Dragon

  As we walked inside, Margo stared at me.

  “What is it?” I brushed my hands along my face. Was it a bug?”

  “Tomorrow morning, you will treat the elders to an exhibition of your magic. That might help Janice feel better about her son going off with you for a case,” Margo said.

  “Mason is stronger, and he’s trained. Why would anyone worry about Mason?” I asked.

  “Bad things can still happen,” Janice replied.

  I nodded. “Why my magic?”

  “We want to know what Mason is getting himself into, if he says yes,” Janice said.

  Mason chuckled. “I know what I’d be in for. Don’t worry about it.”

  I wasn’t going to lose the chance to show off, even if I wasn’t that great. “I’m happy to give you a demonstration. Anything to help my odds.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  No pressure at all!

  Pretty much the whole village turned out to see my magic show for the elders.

  It felt a bit like a showdown outside the OK corral. I was out on the main street near Mason’s office. People stood at both ends. I was pretty much trapped if I wanted to bail.

  “Is magic just an open secret here?” I asked Mason.

  “No secret. Plenty of people here have it. Native magic is just working with the Earth and not against it. Powers beyond the norm aren’t for everyone,” he said.

  “You’re special?” I teased.

  “You’re Fae,” he shot back.

  “Part. My magic is always a bit glitchy. I’ve been working under human rule and conditions, so I’ve kept my magic secret,” I said.

  “You’re making excuses. Just do something fun!” Lily gave me a thumbs up.

  Mason smiled.

  I focused on the ground and repelled the gravity, turning the force around and lifting myself a foot off the dirt.

  The applause was unexpected, but I felt myself grow shaky as I tried to control the return. I hit a bit harder than I intended and grabbed Mason’s arm.

  “Don’t try to borrow my brother’s magic,” Lily teased.

  “She can’t,” Mason replied.

  I frowned. “I can pull your magic if I want.”

  “Don’t be silly. You can’t steal magic,” Margo said.

  “This is your display.” Mason stepped back.

  Something crying distracted me from the next display. I spotted the source, a cat on the roof of the general store.

  I reached up, and my magic extended, surrounding the animal. Slowly, I drew it from the roof, and it floated down. I carefully set it on the ground in front of us.

  “Levitation, check,” Margo said.

  “Distance magic, check,” Janice agreed.

  “Still pretty basic,” Lily said.

  “What can you do?” I asked.

  She shrugged. “Not much. I just thought...Mason said you were one of the few magic people in the FBI here. I expected more.”

  “Yeah, I bet she can do a lot more!” said a teenager. “Catch me.”

  Ice flowed through me. Those were never good words to hear. “What?” I looked to find where the voice originated.

  The kid, in just jeans and a sweatshirt with basic gym shoes on, ran up to the side of the building and climbed up. He slowly balanced on the ridge of the roof.

  “Get down,” Margo yelled.

  “Where is his mother?” Janice demanded.

  Like a tightrope walker, the teen balanced as he walked along the roofline.

  “He’s just showing off. He won’t fall,” Lily said.

  “Your boyfriend?” I teased her.

  Lily blushed and looked at the ground. “No, just a show off idiot from school.”

  “Boys are like that.” I shot Mason a look but kept one eye always on the kid. “Village police can handle it.”

  Mason watched the boy without giving away a bit of concern. “He’ll be fine. He’s done it before.”

  “Not for the whole town to see,” Lily added.

  Another boy shouted something up in their language at the kid on the roof who then looked down at his zipper. The crowd snickered. I could piece it together, but the kid wobbled and tried to regain full balance with his arms.

  “Oh no,” Lily said.

  “Save him,” I said to Lily.

  The kid went over the side, and Lily buried her face in her mom’s shirt.

  Mason ran over, but I waved my hand and caught the kid in midair.

  Well, technically Mason did as well, so we were both holding him.

  “She likes to play human, but she can do what needs to be done with help,” Mason teased.

  We eased the boy to the ground, and people fussed over him.

  The fury of embarrassment hit me. My powers weren’t practiced or super powerful. “I could’ve handled that alone. Don’t be such a jackass.” I snapped my fingers.

  Mason turned into a donkey, just like Green had.

  “That’s awesome!” Lily laughed.

  “I can’t be seeing this,” Pete gasped.

  Mason was indeed a braying donkey in the middle of the road. People applauded as some just stared with their jaws on the ground.

  “Turn my son back immediately,” Janice shouted.

  Margo wagged a finger. “Be nice to our guest, or you’ll be next.”

  “Can you shift yourself into an animal?” Lily asked.

  “I haven’t in a while but yes,” I replied, “I’m not a natural shifter, so it’s hard for me to hold the form for long.”

  “But you can leave Mason like this?” Peter asked.

  “Sure, but I turned him into an animal, so it’s not taking effort to hold that shape while keeping the mind the same as in human form.” I shrugged.

  “Please turn him back,” Janice said.

  “Okay.” I waved my hand.

  Mason, clothes and all, returned to human form and came right for me.

  “What did you do?” he demanded.

  I picked up my fists just in case. “Turned you into a donkey.”

  “You want to make me a joke?” he asked.

  “I didn’t ride you or anything,” I teased. “Come on. It impressed people. I want your help on this case. There are magical elements to be considered, so magical help is better. Hopefully, I’ve proven myself. Your people wanted a show.”

  “I think she’s in tune with the elements. Something sent her here for help. Don’t fight the way your life unfolds,” Margo said.

  “That’s Native magic. She’s not Native,” Mason said.

  “She’s got the feel for it. Make it rain,” Lily said.

  “Money or water?” I smirked.

  Lily laughed. “I really like her.”

  “Rain, water,” Mason replied.

  I looked up, and it was partly cloudy with a dampness in the air. The electricity in the air crackled as I reached out for those bits of air. I could tune into the natural elements easier here. Then again, when I got irritated, it was pretty natural to turn an annoying guy into a donkey.

  Raising my index finger to the clouds, I used myself as a lightning rod. Thunder clapped, and the rain slowly pattered to the ground.

  The applause was nice, but the nod from Mason was even better. The tension in him was slowly thawing.

  “You better help her, or she’ll turn you into a tiny dog and take you back on a leash,” Lily teased.

  “I could do the same to her,” Mason said.

  I laughed as Lily rolled her eyes.

  The rain made the crowd wander off.

  “I have to get to a meeting. Lily, off to school,” Janice said.

  The crowd dispersed to get on with their day.

  “Now what?” I asked Mason.

  “Back to the house. We’ll talk privately for a change,” he said.

  The tension as we walked the short distance was growing comfortable again. He was prickly, but we understood each other. I made another pot of coffee, but Mason went to work properly in the kitchen. A man
cooking me eggs was a nice treat.

  “Your magic is unpredictable, but it was never weak,” he said.

  “I call it glitchy. I don’t want to use my magic to hurt people. I do need someone I can talk magic to on this case because there are magical beings involved in the case. Will you help me?” I asked.

  “You could’ve killed me,” he said.

  “The donkey thing? I’ve done it to Green a few times. No, I wouldn’t kill you. You’ve never made a mistake with your magic? Lost control?” I walked into the kitchen intending to get a coffee refill now that the pot was done, but I backed him against the counter.

  “Temper will get you killed. Human or magical slips and letting your emotions get in the way,” he said.

  “Now you sound like Green. I’m not going to hurt you. You wanted that guy dead as much as I did. He was pedophile scum who’d get off on a technicality. Called in a favor with his uncle the judge and would’ve ended up with a reduced sentence if anything. Rehab or counseling—they’d be worried about him in jail.” I shook my head. “You didn’t mourn his loss.”

  We hadn’t really discussed the case, but I knew it was a big part of why we hadn’t worked together again. Maybe even why he’d left the FBI, but I didn’t really believe I had that sort of influence over him.

  “I didn’t, but that man was human. If he was magical, I wouldn’t have had an issue. Humans need to be judged by their own kind—even if the sentences are wrong or too light. You live among them and follow their rules, but you lost it.” Mason shook his head.

  “I know. When it comes to protecting kids, I’ve got a thing. That’s why I need you, to help keep me in check.”

  “I think you need to pass that case onto someone else,” Mason advised.

  “No, there are magicals in this case. Two witches, one warlock, and he’s evil. Maybe there are more that we didn’t capture. I’m sure of it, honestly,” I explained.

  “The first case or the one you’re dragging me into?” he asked.

  “They’re connected.” I shrugged.

  “You got pictures? Info?” he asked.

  I pulled out my phone and loaded the pictures of the kids. “These are the first two bodies. We’re building a task force. Come with me, and you’ll get the file.”

  Mason studied the corpses. “Magic is involved how?”

  “It’s a feeling, but look at them. No animal activity. Very little exposure damage, but they’re frozen. No other discernable cause of death. Does that make sense?” I asked.

  “If it was just one...” Mason handed me my phone.

  “One is an anomaly. Two in different locations, that’s weird.” I nodded.

  “Or a coincidence,” Mason replied.

  I sighed. “Have you ever known my instincts to be wrong?”

  “Green pissed you off by yanking you from a case you were vested in. Now you’re trying to keep busy and show him up,” Mason said.

  I shook my head. “I don’t believe it. Maybe it’ll all dovetail into his case, and our taskforce will fold in a month—fine. You know Green wouldn’t set up a taskforce for nothing. The sooner you get on board and help me, the sooner you can prove it’s nothing or catch the evil magicals doing this and come back to small town patrol.”

  Mason looked around the kitchen like it was a prison. He felt like a caged animal; I was offering him a way out—for a bit—to see if he did better in the wild. Why was he resisting so hard?

  “Or are you worried you’ll get back into the action and like it? Do you miss it?” I asked.

  He shook his head. “There are plenty of FBI agents.”

  “Not ones who handle magic. Or are Native.” I could play his game if I had to.

  “Low blow.” Mason put the clean dishes away.

  “Truth. I’m just saying that other people here could handle the village. Your mom could be village police. It’s about authority and being fair. Does it really take muscle and hand-to-hand combat skills to keep peace in the village?” I asked.

  “Some of the drunks get combative,” Mason said.

  “And you’re the only able-bodied person who wants the job?” I asked.

  “I’m better off here. Being in Anchorage with all the crime and corruption, it frustrated me. I could’ve done what you did,” he said.

  That was the real truth. “You think I’m a danger, but you could do it too?”

  Mason poured us both more coffee. “It’s complicated.”

  “I know. We’re trained to be lethal when necessary. Sometimes those times are obvious, and sometimes, especially with magic or a botched system, there are gray areas.” I looked down my French manicured nails. “Do you know why I get my nails done?”

  “No, and I really don’t care,” he said.

  “Sure. Except it helps me feel like I fit in. I don’t magically do them. I go to a shop in Anchorage and have them done. Is it part of my cover? Maybe. It also keeps me grounded and reminds me that I’m helping humans and paras. Like going to breakfast with Zel. It’s what human friends do.” I shrugged.

  “And killing a pedophile that you could’ve taken alive?” Mason asked.

  “The guy taunted me into it. I was weak.”

  Mason shook his head. “He was afraid of prison.”

  “Absolutely, but he pushed all the right buttons. He told me that he’d be released quickly, and he’d do it again. He couldn’t stop. Like an addiction he didn’t want to beat.” I sipped my coffee before it grew cold. “I believed him.”

  “That was enough for you to sentence him to death?” Mason asked.

  “I wasn’t thinking that clearly. All I could see was those innocent kids he’d lure into visiting his reindeer farm. He’d play Santa again. Damn, even if we made his life hell up here—he’d move down to the lower 48 and take a reindeer. People with those types of compulsions don’t just stop. Therapy might help if he wanted to change, but what about the kids if he falls off the wagon? All those rules about staying away from kids, we can’t watch him 24/7. The minute he’s out of jail, he’d have access to kids. I was thinking like...”

  “A mother. You don’t have kids,” Mason said.

  “No, but you have a little sister. How could you live with yourself if that guy got loose?” I asked.

  “Mistakes happen. People accidentally do things in a panicked state. In the field, that can happen to human agents as well.” Mason nodded.

  He was coming around and talking himself into it.

  “I’d be better with you than without you,” I said.

  “That was never in question,” he replied.

  I rolled my eyes. “So humble.”

  “One case,” Mason said.

  “That’s all I want you for. If you decide to rejoin, that’s on you. Mitch is my partner.” I smiled.

  “A human partner might not be the best idea, but it helps spread out the magical reach,” Mason reasoned.

  “Oh my God, why are you dragging this out? After my magical display, the village will make you help me,” I said.

  “They can’t force me. You’re strong enough on your own,” Mason countered.

  “I know, but oversight is helpful. A magical second opinion I can turn to would be great too.” I poked his arm.

  Mason held up his hand. “I’ll call Mitch and Green. Once I’ve spoken to them, I’ll let you know. If I agree, we leave first thing in the morning. No sooner.”

  I held up my hands in surrender. “You’re such a pain. No wonder they want to marry you off. Good luck with the calls. I’m going to find Margo and explore the village more.”

  “Wait. Who are they, and they want to what?” Mason asked.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “What did you mean by my family wants me married off?” Mason fidgeted as we enjoyed the view on our flight back to Anchorage. He was casually dressed but had packed a suit or two. I was still in my jeans and boots—it felt weird being away from that FBI role even for a short time.

  The pilot smirked but sai
d nothing.

  I shrugged. “They sort of thought maybe we were involved. Then they wanted to know why not.”

  Mason shook his head. “That is the downfall of a small village.”

  I smiled. “You’re talking yourself back into the Bureau without me even trying.”

  “I’m not going back. I just needed a break. You need help,” he said.

  “I do. You can crash at my house if you want. I have two guest bedrooms,” I offered.

  “Thanks. I’m not sure that’s appropriate,” he said.

  I chuckled. “It’s not Victorian times, and you’re not officially an agent again, so it’s not fraternizing with a fellow agent. Screw FBI policy, I’m trying to make this easier on everyone so we can focus on the work.”

  “Green will sign off?” Mason asked.

  I shrugged. “If you want to pay for a short-term apartment or whatever, go for it. Try to get the Bureau to pay for it, fine. I’m trying to be nice here.”

  Mason looked at me and nodded. “I appreciate the effort. My sister likes you.”

  “Good. I like her too. I’m not luring her into being a Fed,” I replied.

  “She wouldn’t. She loves the magic and the traditions of our people. If you weren’t magical, you wouldn’t have been welcomed by her or anyone really—at least not quite as warmly,” he whispered in my ear.

  I nodded. “Okay, but not everyone there has magical powers.”

  “I know, but otherwise, you’re just a Fed. You’re one of them. If you have powers, you’re special at least. Kind of like you’re chosen to be different. You’re not one of them, purely loyal to the government. Then you’re just an enemy,” Mason explained.

  “Wow, enemy,” I said.

  “You’re not, but you’re not stable.” Mason looked out the window.

  “I’m stable. I’m safe.” I leaned over to him. “If you discovered a guy like that in your village, but didn’t have enough to convict and get him a long stretch in prison—you’d do it.”

  He looked me in the eye and nodded.

  “Okay, so let’s leave the past there and deal with this case.” I reached out my hand.

  He shook my hand, tightening the grip. “We will not rush this.”