Warrior's Craft Four Geeks & A Witch

by Cheryl Dragon

  Daphne was at a table with her men, but they were around her age. Three people who weren’t part of her group sat with them as well. The deeply involved trio had kept to themselves, but the dog collar on the man gave Daph a pretty good clue what sort of fetish adult comics they were into.

  Her group ate fast. Nolan set the pace and kept checking his phone.

  “Make sure you drink enough water,” Daphne said.

  Nolan glared at her and then seemed to shake it off. “I’m fine. I don’t need a mom. The group doesn’t need that.”

  “Nolan!” Julius snapped.

  “Sorry, I’m just trying to do stuff for our business. Rating the game previews gets us more freebies. I’ve gotten two recommendations, and I want to grab more samples. Excuse me.” Nolan threw his napkin on the table.

  “Your friend is sexually frustrated.” That analysis came from a woman dressed in a black leather costume that was way more revealing than Daphne’s.

  “Doubtful,” Kurt said.

  “It’s not you. It’s something else.” The Dominatrix shrugged.

  “That game.” Daphne frowned. “I’ve dated plenty but nothing ever sticks. Men always go back traditional or want really freaky.”

  “You are you. It’s not the problem.” The Dominatrix petted her male companions like cats.

  “Good to know.” Daphne ignored dessert and stared out at the dance floor.

  “Don’t blame yourself. Maybe the convention was a bad idea. Nolan gets into that stuff. These aren’t ideal conditions.” Elvis pulled her into his lap.

  “Is he always like this?” She looked at Julius and Kurt.

  “No.” Kurt shook his head.

  “I think it’s that damn game. It might be the next hot thing, and he’s hooked, or something is wrong with it.” Julius looked Daphne in the eye.

  “Well then, I don’t want you three playing it. We can’t lose more of our focus. I just feel like it’s a person behind it.” Frustrated with herself, Daphne wanted to move. “Let’s dance and mingle. Feel people out, and pay attention to any negative sensations. With the protection spell, you’ll get the signals more.”

  “Shouldn’t Nolan get them too?” Kurt asked.

  “If he’s aware and open, yes, but I think he’s so sure it’s nothing he might ignore the twinges. Magic can’t do everything for us.” Daphne stood up and dragged Elvis to the dance floor.

  “I’m not very good,” he said.

  “It’s okay. We’re not leaving Kurt and Julius out, are we?” She looked over and they were slow dancing to fast music.

  “They were together in college. Don’t worry. They don’t mind playing the gay couple at times so we don’t look so complicated.”

  “And you played the role with Nolan?” she asked.

  “In public it didn’t matter as much. We work together. People think there are a couple apartments up above the business so no big deal. We don’t advertise stuff. Nolan is normally much more into us though. He was talking about you non-stop before we got here. Swearing you’d never leave the room or get dressed.”

  She smiled. “Then why pay for the Con? Still, it is a huge turnaround.”

  “He’s into games and business, but this is something more.” Elvis nodded.

  As the songs turned really fast, the three guys all danced with her as a group. She spotted Nolan and dragged him into the party. He seemed willing but distracted. Suddenly she felt an ache. The burning sensation of her protection spell doing its job and warning her. Looking around she spotted the problem getting closer.

  That Cat Woman was on the dance floor. Tons of men, young and horny men, surrounded her, but the Cat Woman headed for Daphne’s group. When that cougar put her claws on Nolan’s shoulder, Daphne pushed them off.

  Pinning him between her and Elvis, she pressed close and added friction. Nolan needed to remember that there was more than games in the world, more than just business.

  When she kissed him and then Elvis, she knew people were talking. She didn’t care as long as cougar paws got the message. These men were hers! Julius and Kurt moved in closer, and Daphne kept Nolan pressed to her. This Cat Woman was bad news, and a headache thudded in Daphne’s brain.

  “Let’s go.” She dragged Nolan toward the door. The other men followed.

  “My arm is burning,” Elvis said.

  “That’s the protection working. It’s a good sign.”

  “Burning.” Nolan laughed. “What’s the problem? She was just flirting. Daphne gets so jealous.”

  “So you don’t feel anything? You’re ignoring my protection and the dangers.” Daphne pushed him into the elevator.

  “Some cougar is hot for guys. That’s automatically evil?” Nolan grinned. “You’ve got four men all to yourself, and you like it. Don’t dump on that lady for playing the field.”

  Daphne tapped his chest with her wooden stake. “No, I love it. I love you guys, and I want you safe.”

  The reality that she did love them silenced the people in the elevator. She’d known it before she came, and it was confirmed the second she’d touched them. There was a purpose and a connection she couldn’t ignore.

  “We feel the same way.” Kurt hugged her. “Don’t worry. Fast means you’re sure.”

  She shook off the embarrassment. Maybe whatever was affecting Nolan was acting on her too, making her insecure or needy? She loved them but declaring it so fast when things were up in the air? That wasn’t her style. “We need to up our protection.”

  Chapter Four

  Julius didn’t argue with a woman. His family was full of strong women. But as much as they’d done online with Daphne, she didn’t live with them yet. Nolan got a little weird about new hot video games. He also missed having a woman, and it grated on him more.

  As she set out the white candles around the room and then proceeded to sprinkle salt from a bag -- clearly, she traveled with her arsenal -- around the perimeter of the room, Julius and the men disrobed.

  “She’s serious?” Nolan asked.

  Elvis chuckled. “I don’t need protection as an excuse to have great group sex. We can just have fun, Daph.”

  She stared at Julius. “Don’t tell me you don’t feel it.”

  He’d masked his powers and energy from a lot of the world. It was easier to function without it all. Most men didn’t care about emotions, much less tap into the energy of the world around them.

  “Big crowds are harder for me to read. Some bad guys are out there, sure. There’s a bit of a tingle,” he admitted.

  “Tingle. Sexy dangerous guys?” Kurt asked.

  Julius bristled at the joke and shook his head at Daph. “No. See, this isn’t as easy as you thought it would be with beginners.”

  She set her salt down and hugged Julius. “I’m sorry, but I don’t want you to hide your natural gifts. A few control skills and you’ll be amazed at what you can do. They have a lot of learning to do. Elvis doesn’t even realize what a grounding force he is.”

  “Grounding force?” Elvis asked.

  “That’s a bit more advanced class. It means you don’t see or feel a lot of the paranormal others do. You naturally block it out.” She lit the candles and pushed the guys on the bed.

  “That’s not much of a gift. More lack of ability.” Elvis shrugged.

  “It’s a big gift. When others are under the influence, you can brush it off. You can help people affected to stabilize their focus in the here and now. If you develop it, you’ll be a huge asset.” Daph kissed him.

  Julius rolled his eyes and watched as Daphne playfully undressed. Her little belly dance had the men’s attention. All Julius wanted was to feel normal and in control. Sex was one of the places he could feel confident at least.

  * * *

  Sunlight lit the room and her eyes popped open. The pain still pulsed in her head. Her dreams were terrifying, but she couldn’t wake from them. Not at all normal.

  Snuggled between Elvis and Kurt, with Julius pressed behind Kurt,
she couldn’t possibly have been safer or happier. But her sensitivity was screaming red alert! The protection spell was doing its job, but whatever was in this hotel was very strong. She touched her men, and they felt safe so she focused on a protective barrier around herself and further out. Gleaning positive energy from Julius, who always had plenty to spare, she visualized a sphere of light around her group. The pain faded as the sphere stabilized. Her energy was low but they were safe for now.

  “You okay?” Julius asked over Kurt’s shoulder.

  She skimmed her fingers over the sexy man between them, feeling his love, trust and powerful muscles. “Something is here. It doesn’t like me. My head is killing me.”

  “That cougar.” Julius nodded. “We should’ve unmasked her.”

  “She wants young men. She might be a witch using sex spells for personal gain, but it doesn’t explain the bigger issue, the dehydrated man. Last night I was just dumb, making a show of things with the cougar.”

  “You staked your territory.” Julius winked.

  She smiled at the jab at her slayer outfit with stake. “I know, but there are plenty of men. She can move on. We won’t matter. If all she wants is sex, it’s hardly a crime or hurting anyone really.”

  “Maybe something else happened that’s causing your headache?” Julius reached for his phone on the nightstand.

  Daphne saw Nolan at the desk, ignoring the group and playing the game.

  “Same game?” she whispered to Julius.

  He craned his neck and nodded. “It might be the big thing, and we’ll profit.”

  “I’m feeling rejected.” Daphne closed her eyes and fell back on the pillow.

  “Never.” Elvis’ arms tightened around her.

  Julius looked up from his cell phone. “Damn! Another two guys went to the hospital. Found in the same bed, they were gaming in a joint quest, ordered room service. It was delivered, and they called for the trays to be collected. When the waiter got there, he heard moaning. No trays were outside the door. He knocked, but no one answered so he called for security to open the door to check for any medical emergency. They were slurring their words. No word on tox screen results.”

  “What would we do without the social media for info?” She shook her head.

  “They could’ve been drinking or into some kinky sex games.” Elvis kissed her shoulder.

  “Or maybe someone slipped them something.” Nolan shrugged.

  “Room service poisoned them? I’m sure they’re testing the food too,” Julius said.

  “Food?” Kurt stretched.

  “Two more guys went to the hospital.” Julius handed his phone over so Kurt could catch up.

  “I’m not going anywhere for breakfast. I need to meditate and then take a nap to clear my head. Maybe we should order room service for breakfast?” Daphne leaned over Elvis and grabbed the menu.

  “That’s expensive,” Nolan said.

  “Fine, you all can go down, and I’ll stay here by myself. I can pay my own way, Nolan.” She wasn’t going to let his sniping go any longer.

  “I’m not leaving her like this,” Elvis said.

  “Sorry, just saying. Maybe fresh air would make her feel better. Knock back some drugs and a big bottle of water. Maybe you’re magically dehydrated?” Nolan closed his laptop. “What can I do to help?”

  That was a better attitude. “Water would be good. Food is better. I need something, or I’ll pass out going downstairs.”

  “Why don’t I go to a fast food place? It’ll be cheaper. Write down what you want.” Nolan handed over the hotel room pad.

  “I’ll go too. We’ll get good coffee and maybe some bagels to keep up here.” Elvis slid from the bed.

  “Thanks!” Daphne nodded.

  Julius rolled out of bed. “I’ll get you some water and aspirin at least.”

  Kurt hugged her. “I’ll keep you warm. I don’t like this chill thingy you’ve got going on.”

  “Talk about spoiled.” She couldn’t deny the goose bumps on her arms even in a warm bed. She wrote down her greasy favorites and handed off the notepad.

  “Back in a bit.” Elvis was dressed, and the duo was out the door as Julius handed her the water.

  Drinking deeply, she knew it wasn’t her under attack so much as her feeling the drain and pain of others. “At least Nolan is being nice and part of the group.”

  “Yeah.” Julius stared at his phone. “There’s more to the story. I think we need to dig in today.”

  “Maybe talk to the room service and security guys? Find out if those two had friends here?” Kurt asked.

  “Exactly. I need to feel it out from here, though. Focus in on the real problem with a buffer. And maybe you can do some research.” She looked at Julius.

  “We need to protect her,” Julius said to Kurt.

  “Deal. Let Elvis and Nolan do the legwork. It’ll keep Nolan off the game at least.” Kurt rubbed Daphne’s neck.

  “That feels good. Something dark is here. Once I get food and a shower, I’ll be stronger.” She sighed.

  “Shower now? We’ll hold you up and wash you.” Julius leaned down and kissed her.

  “Sweet but food first. I’ll be fine.” She nodded.

  “At least we’ve got a plan. As long as Nolan doesn’t bitch,” Kurt said.

  “He won’t. I think he’s worried about it too. He just doesn’t want to think it’s real evil. It’s safer if it’s all fantasy and games.” Daphne closed her eyes.

  “But he knows it’s not. He was all into comparing the myth and the reality on things like vampires and zombies. Then he comes here, and it’s back to nothing but the gaming. He loves it, yes, but he’s not always obsessed.” Kurt frowned.

  “The new one seems hot with all the guys. I’m looking at the feed on Twitter and people are hot for this harem game.” Julius shrugged.

  “One thing at a time. Big bad evil thing needs to be identified and destroyed, if possible. Then let’s see if maybe Nolan is just more sensitive than we think.”

  Julius looked at her. “Like he’s picking up on it?”

  “And hiding in the game to avoid it, being grouchy because of it.” Daphne nodded. “It’s possible. If he hasn’t encountered this stuff, then he wouldn’t know if it’s acting on him. We write off a lot as a bad mood.”

  “Maybe those instincts will help him track stuff down?” Kurt smiled.

  “It’s a good group. We just didn’t realize we were on a case already.” She took a deep breath and drank more water. It’d be a long day.

  Chapter Five

  After breakfast, Elvis felt a lot better. Daphne had perked up and shared the plan. While Nolan seemed unsure they’d find anything useful, he’d gone along with it. Elvis had been keeping a close eye on Nolan, and the guy seemed okay now.

  The room service waiter didn’t speak much English, but through another server they’d gotten that the guys just looked sick. Nothing sexual. He saw no drugs. That was a big strike.

  The security guard had gone home so they were out of luck there. “Maybe we should just go ask around by the booths?” Nolan suggested.

  Elvis didn’t have any better ideas. “Okay. Let’s see if the first guy is back.”

  They wandered the booths, and Elvis asked a couple of the security guards about the first man to fall ill. Two had no clue, but one nodded.

  “He’s over by that Harem Quest booth wearing a Green Lantern jacket. He’s fine now.” The large bald man nodded.

  “Thanks!” Elvis saw Nolan perk up at the mention of the game.

  They walked over and asked around. The booth was packed, but Elvis managed to get the guy to walk out into the aisle.

  “Is it like an interview? I’m fine. I love the game!” The guy pointed to the booth they were at.

  “But you were in the hospital. Was it just overplaying the game?” Elvis asked.

  The young guy shrugged. “I don’t think so. I just got it. I don’t remember too much of that night. Guess I was really
into the game. The graphics are amazing. You feel like you’re there, with those women.”

  “Were you drugged?” Nolan asked.

  “They tested me for everything so no. I sort of remember a woman. Had to be just a dream, right? All that X-rated playing made me think I had a woman there with me. Then I was dragged off to the hospital. Maybe I got really lucky, or maybe it was just a Harem hallucination.”

  Elvis smiled but didn’t believe it. “Did you know the other two guys who are in the hospital today?”

  “Sort of. We were questing and playing the game together online. Not like we were close.”

  “Did you guys have anything in common?” Nolan pressed.

  “No girlfriends, boring jobs, and liking the quest for tits and treasure. They weren’t as good-looking as me.” The guy laughed and went back to the crowd like a convention legend.

  “Good-looking?” Nolan scoffed. “Were you having sex with anyone here for real or just loving yourself?”

  “That’s not going to dehydrate you that much either way.” Elvis didn’t buy it. Those guys weren’t going to score without getting the girl drunk.

  “Maybe they had one of the weird energy drinks and reacted badly. Not like a drug but allergies or something?” Nolan shrugged.

  “The hospital would’ve identified that too, unless it’s a new drug they aren’t looking for. Bath salts maybe? Then again, maybe it is something paranormal?” Elvis tapped his foot.

  “That’s Daph’s area. Hope the research team is finding out what it is then.” Nolan nodded to the harem-dressed woman in the booth. “Let’s grab some stuff. If the game is popular, we can get a few samples to give away at the Lounge.”

  “I don’t think we should waste our time on that when more guys could get sick.” Elvis wanted to get Nolan back up in the room where they could all decide on a course of action together.

  “It’ll take ten minutes, and that chick is hot. If we get a picture with her, we can put it up in the Lounge. We’ve still got a business to run.” Nolan dragged Elvis by the hand.