“Step back please,” he said as he got back to his feet. We gave him space, the other enforcers gathering around to watch the show.
His eyes closed and then the grossest thing happened. His skin boiled and expanded, his muscles twisting as he grew taller. I wanted to look away and at the same time didn’t want to miss a thing as the energy in the air crackled and gravitated toward the avian shifter. His muscle mass expanded, features twisting. I winced with each pop of a joint. Bones snapped and then realigned themselves, and then in less than a minute, someone completely different stood before us.
The man was black, with broad features all around. Skin stretched over the plains and valleys of his muscles. He stood nearly a foot taller than me, with sharp black eyes leading into an endless depth of destruction. His coarse hair was tight to his skull.
“What do you think?” he asked.
“How do you get tattoos from DNA?” I asked, pointing to the tribal markings going up his neck.
“I found that if a tattoo is created with the means of magic, then the DNA of the person remembers it.” He glanced at the captain. “This big guy is a bear shifter.” He looks down at his skin. “Black bear to be exact. Over three hundred years old. Experienced. Does anyone recognize him?”
No one responded. Captain Tautman took pictures of the man, along with the tattoo that, when Von took his shirt off, stretched over the right shoulder, down to the man’s nipple in sharp angles.
“How do the clothes stay on?” I asked. “He’s almost twice your size.”
“The clothes are spelled to reshape themselves over any new body I may have,” he answered.
“That is so cool.” I managed to get my hands on the shirt and feel it up. It was soft and stretchy, but not that stretchy. My magic did pick up on a spell that had been embedded into every fiber.
“We’ll circulate the photos. If the man is still around, we’ll find him,” Captain Tautman said, passing the camera off to another enforcer.
I sighed and reluctantly gave the shirt back so Von so he could shift back. The process was much of the same, his skin boiling and expanding before reforming back into his original form. It was a gross process to watch, but not one I was able to look away from.
“How is Roman?” I asked.
“He’s fine, a little dizzy. One of my men is debriefing him, but even without the spell to block the cameras, they did well to hide who they were with the getup, and they had another spell in place so his memory is a little hazy.”
“You aren’t going to get much out of him?” I asked.
“Unfortunately not,” Captain Tautman said. “If you’ll excuse me. I need to check in with my men.”
“Thank you,” I said.
I settled in, knowing what was left of this night was going to be spent keeping a keen eye on everyone as they went through my shit. It took all my willpower to just stay still and not bark at people for touching everything. They were doing their job.
Too bad, no matter how many times I told myself that, I still wanted to go after them.
While I got comfortable, Von went back to his apartment to get some liquid in him before he crashed. Apparently shifting like that took a lot of his energy. Most of the enforcers left since there was no danger anymore, only leaving a handful to go over the scene. I used the wall as support, leaning against it as I watched everyone. My eyes were just beginning to droop, exhaustion settling in, when the elevator doors opened, and the energy in the air shifted. I didn’t need to look to know Lombardi had shown up.
“Why are you here?” I asked, still not looking at him as he came to my side. I couldn’t even focus on anything right now, having gone beyond my limits. I’d been pushing myself with the MBG toy and then having my mind put through the grinder when my ward was destroyed. I was raw now, barely holding on. If they didn’t leave soon so I could get some sleep, I was going to pass out right here and no doubt end up waking up in a damn hospital.
“Word got to me that your lab was broken into. I’m here to check on you,” Lombardi said.
“My lab is fine. They couldn’t get past my ward.”
“I can see that. I can also see you passing out. You need to get to bed.”
“I’m fine. As soon as they leave, I’ll go back to sleep.”
“You’re not staying here.”
I finally looked at him, giving him my best scowl at the moment, which wasn’t a very good one. I wasn’t even sure if I was scowling at all.
“Where do you suggest I stay then?” I asked.
“At Biomystic. You can stay in one of the guest rooms. You’ll be safe there.”
“I’m not running from my own home,” I snapped out.
He was quiet for a moment. “Laila, please. I know you’re probably safe here, but from what I was able to learn, no one knows anything. They came here prepared. They blew through your first ward in moments. They weren’t expecting the other ward to fall in place once they got through the first one. Otherwise, they would have broken through that one too.
“No, they wouldn’t have.”
“Do you really believe that?” Lombardi asked. When I didn’t answer, he kept talking. “Exactly. They would have gotten through. They were fast, they had a plan. You surprised them. Once they recoup, they’ll come back ready to take down your second ward. I don’t want you around when they have that much power ready to be thrown around. Please. Stay in one of the guest rooms at Biomystic.”
Damn. How did Lombardi know all the right things to say?
“Fine,” I replied. “But only because I can’t stand on my feet any longer and it looks like they’ll be here for a couple more hours to only find nothing.”
Lombardi flashed me a smile and my heart melted. “Thank you, Laila. I’ll have someone stay here until they leave to take care of everything.”
I grunted, too tired to give him a response. Besides, I only caved because that meant I could work more, and he couldn’t kick me out. I held back a smirk and let Lombardi lead the way from my lab.
Chapter Nine
The apartments at Biomystic Security were functional. The one Lombardi so gracefully gave me was a one-bedroom, with a bathroom across the hall, and the open space serving as the living room, dining room, and kitchen.
I knew Lombardi was talking, but my focus was shot. It was early morning, the sun peeking over the horizon, and I needed a lot more sleep if I wanted to be able to do anything other than moan like a flesh-eating bloodless. Those things were living nightmares, only able to shuffle around and moan until fresh meat was dangled in front of them. Then they tore into it with the harsh snap of their jaws. We had necromancers to thank for those creations.
Lombardi’s hand settled onto my lower back, and I leaned into his touch, needing it. He guided me right to the bedroom, sensing I was completely useless.
“Laila,” he whispered, and I cracked open my eyes in response. His frown deepened. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
I made some kind of noise as a response and closed my eyes, curling into my body as my mind fell deeper and deeper into the dark abyss. There was a deep rumble as Lombardi said something but I was too far gone.
My body needed to recharge.
~*~
Laughing woke me up. Familiar deep laughter mixed in with a familiar female’s voice. It drew me out of my sleep, even as the softness of the pillow and blankets cocooned me into a false sense of serenity.
Again, laughter, and I sighed as my mind turned back on. I lay there for a few more moments to give my brain enough time to get all its synapses working again.
When my arm twitched under my pillow and tingles took over my hand from inactivity, I knew I was fine. I pushed myself up to a sitting position, slowly taking in the scene. The room was bare, with just enough space for the full bed, a closet, dresser, and side table.
The dark, heavy curtains were pulled closed, blocking out the sun completely. The clock said it should have been late morning, and I knew I needed to get up and to work, but al
l I could think about was the blissful sleep I’d been pulled from because Ami and Davies couldn’t be quiet.
Why were they even here and how did they not wake me up earlier? Normally, even when I went into a deep sleep like that, once someone came around, I was up. I didn’t like being defenseless around others. Foster care forced my body to wake at the drop of a hat. Otherwise, I risked becoming a victim.
I couldn’t help it and grinned. I’d found people I trusted around me while I was defenseless. It was—nice. Comforting. Different.
I got up, winced at the grittiness I felt, desperately needing a shower. But first, my uninvited guests.
The two of them were on the couch, empty bottles covering half the coffee table as they held up cards. The air reeked of beer.
“What’s going on?” I asked.
“She lives!” Ami cheered, jumping to her feet and then stumbling back to the couch. She had managed to get herself drunk. She giggled and tossed the cards onto the table.
“Laila, listen to this,” Davies said as he held up two cards and brought them closer as he blinked and tried to read them. “Charades was ruined for me forever when my mom had to act out an Oedipus complex.”
He doubled over laughing and Ami joined him, the two of them trying to breathe through their laughter.
“Uh-huh,” I said and waited until they calmed before speaking again. “And why did you decide to play here instead of somewhere else?” I asked.
“Guard duty!” Ami said and lifted her beer, taking a swig.
“It’s only eleven. How are you already drunk before lunch? And don’t you have work?”
Ami carefully placed her drink down on the table, and still it threatened to fall over. She frowned as she focused on me. “Lunch? Sparks, it’s night now. You slept the whole day away.”
“No, I didn’t.”
“You really did, Babe,” Davies said, something dark slipping into his words. “We got here this evening, and we were just passing time as we waited for you to wake up.” He stood to his feet, towering over me. “That was a fucking dick move. Who the fuck does that?”
“Damn,” Ami said. “I just got him to lighten up too.”
“What’s going on?” I asked.
“You! That’s what’s going on. I learn from Lombardi that some fuckers tried breaking into your condo and that you were resting here. Yet when I get here, you won’t answer the stupid door. I had to make Rhett open the door because I thought something had happened to you. Then you wouldn’t wake up. You were barely breathing.” His chest heaved as he stepped toward me, eyes wide, pupils expanded.
“Davies,” I whispered, trying to get his attention. I didn’t realize he had been affected so strongly by my deep sleep.
I stepped closer to him, noting the strain in his muscles. His eyes focused on my face, red tinged across his own. I reached out, resting my hand on his chest, feeling the incessant pounding of his heart against his chest. It was too fast. He was going to hurt himself if he didn’t calm down.
“I’m fine,” I said, softening my expression, realizing it was the first time he’d witnessed my body shutting down. Pushed too hard, I crashed hard. Only rest helped me. To others, I looked like I was in a coma. “Between working on MBG and the break-in, my body reached its limit. I just needed a good sleep.” I forced a smile. “I promise, it was perfectly normal.”
“That wasn’t normal,” he snapped. “No one should be so still like that. I thought… I thought you were dead.”
“Just how Venni needs food when he shifts too much, and Rhett needs blood to survive, I need sleep. It’s my thing. I promise. I was never at risk. My body just needed to shut down so it could recharge.”
“You can’t push yourself that hard.” Davies’ hands clenched, and I reached over and grabbed one. “You need to take care of yourself.”
“I am. That’s why I slept.”
He shook his head. “No, you pushed yourself too hard.”
I opened my mouth, but he kept going.
“I get the break-in can’t be helped, and Ami explained what happens to the owner when certain wards are broken, but you’ve also been pushing yourself with your current project. You can’t do that. You need to rest more often.”
I sighed and considered what he said. He’d been worried about me. I did that to him, and guilt rose up from it. “I’m sorry,” I said. “I’ll be more careful.”
“You won’t push yourself until you’re like that again.”
“I can’t promise that.”
He scowled.
“I can’t,” I said. “Some of my projects are intensive and time sensitive. I would have no choice but to push myself. But I do promise to be more aware of my limits and do my best to not reach that point again. I’m not much of a fan of wasting an entire day sleeping.” I smiled, trying to lighten the mood.
“You really don’t make a good Sleeping Beauty. You drool too much.”
“I don’t know what you mean by sleeping beauty.”
“A princess who slept until the prince came to wake her up. Trust me. I checked. You didn’t wake up when I kissed you.”
“I don’t know if I should be creeped out that you’re kissing me while I’m unconscious or offended you think I’m a princess who needs saving.”
He chuckled, and I relaxed when it was his normal laugh. I’d managed to chase away the darkness inside of him. He grabbed my hand resting on his chest and pulled me closer, wrapping his other arm around my waist. He hugged me closely, his scent of sandalwood turning me into a puddle against his massive chest.
“You are no princess, Laila. You’re a queen.”
“Damn right, I am.”
He laughed again and kissed my forehead. “I’m so fucking glad you’re awake. Ami was about to out drink me.”
“You seem fine to me.”
“Seeing and hearing you sobered me.”
I tilted my head up and noticed the bristles growing along his jaw. I shifted until I could reach his jaw and placed a kiss there. His skin tasted a bit salty and when he shuddered, I smiled.
“Don’t start something I’ll want to finish,” he said.
“Maybe that’s exactly what I want you to do,” I replied, my voice wispy.
“And that’s how I know you forgot about me,” Ami said, breaking the moment. “Please, please don’t forget that I’m here. I’m not up to seeing my best friend getting her freak on with my honorary kid brother.”
“Hey! I’m not a kid,” Davies growled.
I turned my head just in time to see her roll her eyes. “You act like it.”
“See if I ever help you on an assignment again.”
“I’m not worried. You don’t know how to say no to a challenge.”
“If it means I get more time with Laila, then I can easily say no.”
Ami widened her eyes and pouted her lips. “And leave me out there, surrounded by men easily twice my size and with anger management issues? Would you really do that to me?”
Davies’s expression darkened. “Fuck no. I’ll break all their fucking arms off before they can touch you, then shove their hands up their assholes.”
Ami grinned. “See? You won’t say no.”
I laughed and Davies looked confused for a moment. When he realized what Ami had done, he started to retort when a knock interrupted him, putting a stop to their banter.
“I got it,” Ami said, practically skipping away.
I shared a look with Davies. For a woman who had trouble even standing a few minutes ago, she was awfully spritely again. Davie smirked and pulled me back into his chest, his warmth wrapping around me.
“Quick, before she comes back, kiss me.”
I laughed. “Because that’s exactly how you put a woman in the mood.”
He smirked before swooping in and connecting his lips with mine. He pulled me closer as I responded, not minding at all that he tasted of beer. He was Davies, and there was something about him that lit me up inside. I moaned as I
opened to him, allowing his tongue to dance with mine. I got lost in him as his hands went to my ass and pulled me even closer. I wanted to climb him and wrap my legs around his body.
“No, break it up. I don’t want to see that shit,” Ami said, coming back over.
Davies groaned and pulled away. “What the fuck, Ami? What did I say about being a cockblocker?”
“Nothing, because you’re just as much of one as I am. Don’t pretend you haven’t purposively chased away some of my prospects.”
He snorted. “They were assholes.”
“Aw, you’re so cute when you’re being my protective little brother.”
“If anything, I’m an older brother. Stop calling me little. There’s nothing little about me.”
Ami’s eyes widened and then she broke out laughing. “Holy fuck, you’re hilarious, Davies.”
“Are you about done?” someone said and we turned to see Venni leaning against the wall. “We have an assignment.”
“I’ve been drinking,” Davies said.
Venni dug in his pocket and tossed him a packet. “I figured.”
“Thanks, man.” Davies popped out two pills and swallowed them dry. He winced. “Those are still nasty.”
“They’re also bad for your system,” I said. I hated those tablets. They turned a drunk person completely sober in a few minutes, but they were also hell on the stomach. Alcoholics were always in need of medical treatment because they relied on those pills to keep them sober long enough to make it through a workday.
“Aw, are you worried about me?” Davies asked.
I shoved him. “No, you have a stomach of steel.”
“You’re worried,” he sang.
“Enough. Come on, Davies, we need to get going before we’re late,” Venni said.
“Fine. Just let me go use the bathroom first.” He grumbled as he disappeared into the bathroom.
My eyes met with Venni’s, and he did a once over. When he finished, he asked, “Are you okay?”
“I’m well rested now,” I said. “I didn’t mean to sleep so long.”
He nodded. “Sometimes, food doesn’t do it for us if we shift too often in a short amount of time. We end up having to get some sleep too. I get it. Just don’t make a habit of it.”
Magical Seclusion Page 11
