Feeling left out, Cupcake joined them by jumping up and sitting in her favorite perch on top of Blade’s head. The sight made Jackie laugh and she said to her dance partner, “You’re absolutely adorable.”
Blade replied, “I know.”
Much to Cupcake’s dismay, she fell off as Blade dipped Jackie low.
*~*~*~*
Later, when the night finally came to a close for the non-Vampires in the group, Nikki and Jackie decided to sleep tucked in the skybox. After Nikki grabbed additional bedding, she and Devin went up the tight metal stairs and prepared the bed. Just as they were finishing, Devin took a moment to stare at Nikki. Feeling how content she was, he said, “I owe you an apology.”
“For what?”
“Since the night of my attack, I’ve kept my distance, thinking it was the best way to keep you safe.”
“I wish I could deny that I want to be near you, but it’s impossible for me to hide my desires.”
“I loved your reactions to my touch and, as Jackie correctly surmised, I also had a similar response to you.” He opened the panel above her and said, “The moon might light up the night like the sun lights up the day, but my inner spots light up whenever you call my name. Just be patient with me. I’m going to learn how to treat you, and those wonderful wings of yours, right. We’re in this together and, to solve this, we need to work together. I forgot that for a while. I was just so disappointed in myself when I lost control.”
“If you recall, it was a situation that I caused and I want you to know that I’m determined to find a way to make it easier on you and any other Vampire that’s around me.”
“Is that what you and Jackie are up to?” He reached out and rubbed a piece of the lace on her pajamas before adding, “I’ll admit your distraction worked for a while, but I haven’t forgotten the sensation that you’re hiding something from me.”
Nikki decided not to deny the accusation and said, “I have an idea that I’m pursuing but, for now, I need you to trust me. I’ll explain tomorrow.”
He replied, “You know I trust you and I won’t press you for details until you’re ready. Crawl into bed and have sweet dreams. I’ll check on you later.”
*~*~*~*
While Devin and Nikki had talked, Blade pulled Jackie into a shadowed corner and pinned her to a wall. He then leaned in and sniffed her neck.
When she felt no bite, she asked, “What are you doing?”
He continued to sniff her and said, “Memorizing your scent.”
“Why?”
He pulled her away from the wall and tightly against his body, which included a part that was obviously very attracted to her, and asked, “Does that answer your question? By the way, my trigger was tripped the moment I read your ‘Bite Me’ buttboard.” He playfully swatted the part in question and gave her a growl. When he finally released her, he found her speechless. He laughed and said, “Jackie unable to speak. That’s a first.” He pulled out his wallet and scribbled on a piece of paper. He then hesitated and asked, “Still PG 13?”
Jackie replied, “How about 17+.”
He folded the piece of paper, tucked it into her cleavage and, while removing his fingers, he made sure to slowly caress the silky skin of the valley between her breasts. His cool touch made her gasp and then shiver. He smiled at her reaction and said, “I just gave you my number. Call me and we’ll continue to work on our predator/food relationship.”
She gave him a drunken smile and nodded numbly. He pulled Cupcake off his head, kissed her nose affectionately, and then placed her in Jackie’s arms. As he walked away, both of his girls sighed deeply at his retreating form.
After Jackie’s mind cleared of Blade’s influence enough that she had control on her body, she made her way drunkenly to the skybox. As she passed Devin, he reached out to her wrist to stop her and said, “Thank you for everything. I owe you big time.”
While still swaying slightly, Jackie said in return, “You can repay me by being there for Nikki. There’s a hidden pain inside her that I’ve never felt before in anyone. It makes my heart ache. But I don’t think that magic will fix this wound.”
“What do you think she needs?”
Jackie gave him her own brilliant smile and said, “She just needs to be loved.”
Since he was Vampire, Devin didn’t think he could truly address that particular ache but, in an attempt to support Jackie’s theory, he said in reply, “I’ll do what I can.”
After they separated, Jackie and Cupcake joined Nikki in the skybox. Jackie said, “Don’t be mad at me, but I think Cupcake and I both have a serious crush on the spiky haired bad boy.”
“I have no room to talk. Look at me and Devin. I really appreciate your lessons tonight, but they definitely didn’t help curb my Devin appetite. I know that he wants to drain me dry every second of the day but, even after he lost control, all I can think about is being in his arms again.” After a deep sigh, she said, “You and I are quite the pair. We both like being locked in an apartment with guys that give a whole new definition to the phrase ‘bad for your health’.”
Jackie snuggled under the covers contentedly and said, “But what a wonderful way to go.”
Chapter 26:
Chug-A-Lug
The slumber party participants awoke to the light from the sun and Nikki smiled at the warmth. Since she closed the panel before she and Jackie fell asleep, she knew that Devin must have reopened it for her before he went down for the day.
Shortly after the women made their way to the kitchen to cook breakfast, they heard a popping sound followed immediately by their skin prickling. They turned to see Cassandra standing next to the counter.
Nikki gave her a brilliant smile and said, “Thanks for coming over. We were just starting to make breakfast.”
Seeing Jackie’s startled expression, Cassandra said, “Sorry. I hope I didn’t frighten you. I should’ve come through the door.”
Cassandra’s fears were unfounded when Jackie, without waiting for an introduction, raced over to greet the new arrival and took her hand. She said excitedly and with complete confidence, “You’re Cassandra. Nikki’s told me all about you and I’m thrilled to finally be able to meet you.”
As they shook, Cassandra replied, “It’s wonderful to meet you as well. But please, call me Cassie.”
While still holding onto Cassandra’s hand tightly, Jackie announced, “Your aura is beautiful.” Seeing Cassandra’s eyebrows raise in surprise, Jackie explained, “Everyone thinks that I’m crazy but, since I was a little girl, I’ve been able to see the aura that surrounds people. Over the years, I’ve met people who claimed to be a witch like you and I could tell they were fakes instantly. But there were a few where the light that surrounded them told me that they carried some kind of special power within them. I see that same power pulsating off of you, but yours is flaring brighter than all of the others I’ve encountered combined.” When Jackie finally released Cassandra’s hand, she stared down at her own hands and, while rubbing her fingers together, she said, “I can still feel the tingle of your magic in my fingers.”
Cassandra smiled approvingly and said, “It seems that I’m not the only one with special gifts. Besides seeing the visual essence surrounding living creatures, you’re also the first Human to breach my magic barriers. That’s no small feat. Not to brag, but that was some of my strongest magic, except for the curse, of course.”
Jackie gave her a mock angry scowl and said, “Yeah, speaking of barriers. I almost enjoyed battling with the door at Mistyx, other than it messing up my hair. But the magic that’s protecting this warehouse is downright nasty. What Human pissed you off enough for you to make it like the entrance to Hell?”
Cassandra cowered slightly and said, “Sorry about that. The answer to your question would be Eva—Devin’s mother. She and I have been close friends for many years and, when she bought this place and decided to make it her home, she asked me to find a way to keep out undesirables. She said that Humans
were like barn cats. They serve an important purpose outside, but have no place in the main home. It’s difficult to argue with Eva, so I didn’t fight her. She came up with the deterrents and I just implemented them. It took me months to get it just the way she wanted it.” Glancing between Jackie and Nikki, she added, “I never expected to be in the situation we’re in and need to allow a Human in these doors. If Eva knew that you were standing in her kitchen…” Even Cassandra shivered at the thought.
Jackie stood tall and replied, “Well, where Nikki goes, you’ll find me beside her.”
Cassandra said with a twinkle in her eyes, “And I’m exceptionally grateful for that fact and, since you were able to outwit my magic, you’re meant to be here. I do apologize that getting in here causes you so much pain. I’m already working on a way to lessen the impact so that your entrance isn’t quite so dramatic. I haven’t solved it yet, but I think I’m getting closer.”
Jackie replied, “I’m all about dramatic entrances and exits. If I was an all-powerful witch, I would make every entrance one for the memory books. Although I’ll continue to force myself in here whenever Nikki needs me, I’d appreciate anything you can offer to make it less nightmarish.” While bouncing her multi-colored curls, she said, “I just hate when my hair gets messed up.”
Cassandra nodded her understanding and then said, “Speaking of hair, I love your matching blue hairdos.” Suddenly a smile lit across Cassandra’s face. She shook her head and, seconds later, her raven colored hair was transformed into blue Pixie ringlets, her eyelashes tipped in glitter, and her ruby lips changed to the color of wine.
Jackie applauded her display of magic and exclaimed, “Nicely done, Cassie!”
Cupcake, who had been sitting quietly on the counter, meowed and pawed at the top of her own head. Cassandra understood the request and, after repeating her magic, she scratched the cat behind the ears. Everyone laughed, including Cupcake, when the fur on the top of her head turned blue and the tips of her whiskers twinkled.
After Nikki grabbed her phone and snapped a quick group selfie shot, Jackie asked, “Cassie, can you do that trick on anyone without them knowing it?”
Seeing the devious expression forming on Nikki’s face, Cassandra asked, “What do you have in mind?”
Jackie knew what Nikki was thinking and, as she nodded toward the loft, said, “Devin shouldn’t be the only one left out of our make-over. He told Nikki that he wanted to learn more about Pixies.”
They all crept upstairs and, after Nikki touched his hand to appease the curse, Cassandra wielded her spell. As soon as the magic did its job, they raced back downstairs to muffle their snickers.
Cassandra whispered, “When Devin wakes, have fun with him for a while. But whenever you’re ready, you can tell him it isn’t permanent. It should wear off naturally by the time the sun sets.”
The three ladies and the cat went back to work on their breakfast. While they ate a leisurely meal, Jackie asked Cassandra hundreds of questions. She was eager to learn all about what life was really like as a witch.
After they cleaned and put the dishes away, Cassandra announced, “I’m heading back to my apartment. I have a barrier free pass to work on.”
Nikki thanked her friend for coming and said, “Before you go, I wanted to ask if you could stop by Mistyx just after sundown. I have something to discuss with everyone.”
With a look of concern, Cassandra said, “I can stay a little longer if it’s something you want to talk to me about now.”
“No. I would rather talk to everyone at the same time.” Seeing Cassandra’s worried expression, she quickly added, “Everything is fine. It’s a good thing, I hope.”
Cassandra nodded and said, “I’ll be there.” She turned to Jackie and added, “It was very nice meeting you and I know that we’ll see each other again soon. If you’re interested, after I solve the barrier dilemma, I’ll have you over to my apartment. Then I can show you how a witch practices her craft.”
Jackie beamed and replied, ‘I would love that. To see you in action, I would gladly push my way through Hell’s Gate.”
Seeing Jackie’s childlike wonder, Cassandra said, “Until then, I bid you both a good day.” She then chanted a spell that caused sparks and red smoke to whip up her body. With a blindingly bright flash of light, she disappeared.
Jackie clapped and said loud enough that she hoped Cassandra heard her, “Now that’s a dramatic exit!”
*~*~*~*
Just after lunch, Devin woke. Nikki and Jackie were talking in the skybox when they heard a roar coming from the loft followed by a male voice yelling, “Nikki!”
Jackie snickered and said, “He must have spotted his new hairdo.”
Nikki had her phone in her hand and ready to capture the moment for her journey scrapbook. As she flittered just outside the skybox, she turned to Jackie and said, “Wait here in case he’s really mad.” Although that was a concern, she knew that Devin could be naked and she didn’t want Jackie to see him in all of his glory. She liked that image remaining for her eyes only.
Nikki flew silently over to the loft. Although she was initially disappointed that he was wrapped in a towel, she managed to snap several pictures before he chased after her. She quickly flew out of his reach and back to the safety of the skybox. While she showed Jackie the pictures, she said, “Based on Cassie’s estimates, his hair should start going back to normal in a couple of hours and I think it’s best if we stay up here until it wears off.” Fearing Devin would try to delete the pictures from her phone, she quickly sent a set to Cassandra with the caption, “I think blue is his color, but you might want to stay at a distance for a while.”
An hour later, Devin and his now blue highlights scowled as the guilty parties happily worked on dinner. Jackie was teaching Nikki how to make her famous incinerator chili as a peace offering to Devin. Jackie promised that it would even make his Vampire lips burn.
Once it was ready, Jackie kept Devin distracted so that Nikki could excuse herself. She grabbed her phone and called everyone that she wanted included in her plan. After they all agreed to meet her later, she returned to the table and announced to Devin, “After Jackie is on her way home, you and I are going to meet everyone at Mistyx.”
Devin asked, “Is this when I’m going to learn what you troublemakers have been up to?”
Nikki nodded and, with a nervous quaver in her voice, said, “Good or bad, you’ll know everything.”
After dinner was over, Jackie packed and then pulled Devin to the side so that Nikki could prepare a special liquid item in the kitchen. Jackie said to Devin, “I want to thank you for allowing me to stay here last night. I know that the curse has been hard on both of you and you’re doing everything in your power to break the spell, but I have a theory as to why you haven’t been successful.”
Devin sat back and said, “I’ve heard every theory imaginable, so what’s your hypothesis?”
Jackie replied, “That you and Nikki actually need each other and the magic knows this. Your auras may be polar opposites, but somehow you each fill a gap.” She leaned in closer and added at a whisper so only Devin could hear, “...and Nikki has more gaps than anyone else I’ve ever met.” After straightening up, she said, “I hope that you’ll let me come back another day. And if I do, tell Blade I wouldn’t object if he wanted to join me as chaperone.” She tapped her spike heels on the tile floor below her and added, “Although my shit-kickers have never failed me, he promised to teach me how to add a knife to my self-defense arsenal.”
Devin laughed. “Heaven help any man that crosses you—Human or not.”
Nikki rejoined the two and said, “Let’s head down to the garage. Grippin will drive you back to your car and then you can head home.”
Although Jackie didn’t mind seeing the gladiator again, she had a white haired Vampire in mind that she was hoping to see before she left. They all went down to the parking garage and, while Grippin started to put Jackie’s luggage in the trunk
of his car, Nikki helped Jackie and Bo become better acquainted.
Everyone turned when Blade’s voice sounded from behind. “I’m heading to Mistyx anyway so, if you don’t mind, I would like to escort Jackie back to her car.”
Jackie turned excitedly to see Blade’s fang filled smile staring back at her. Before anyone could respond, Jackie took his arm and said, “I would love to have you take me.”
Devin asked his friend, “Have you fed tonight?”
Blade replied, “I snacked, but don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”
To appease the concerned looks, Jackie said, “I promise he’ll arrive at Mistyx unharmed.” With a crooked smile she added, “But I can’t promise that he’ll be untouched. I’ll text Nikki as soon as I’m on my way home.”
Devin wanted to find a small way to say thank you to Jackie for being there for Nikki, and, when he spotted her eyeing his car with envy, he tossed Blade his keys and said, “Nikki’s Lady Bug hasn’t been driven in a while so I’ll drive Nikki over in her car. You can take mine.” Looking at Jackie’s bags, he added, “…assuming you can fit all of her stuff in it.”
Jackie squealed excitedly and Blade carried her bags over to the car. When he opened the trunk, he looked between the car and her luggage and said, “Sorry, but it isn’t going to fit.”
Jackie pushed him to the side and said, “Watch and learn, my little night crawler.” They all watched in awe as Jackie strategically packed the car with more than should’ve possibly fit. When she successfully closed the trunk, she said with pride, “I told you it would fit.” She looked to Blade and said, “Let’s go.”
Jackie gave Nikki one last hug and whispered in her ear, “Call me and let me know if your plan works.”
Once Jackie was in the car, Nikki said to Blade, “Drive carefully and I’ll see you at Mistyx.” As she glanced over at Jackie, she added, “Maybe you should drive out of the garage as fast as you can. It might make the barrier magic hurt her a little less.”
Mistyx Sonata (Mistyx Series Book 1) Page 31
