Scales and Flames

by Catherine Banks

  She giggles a little. “I figured as much. Just waiting for your stubborn ass to figure it out.”

  “Ha ha ha. So...are you busy tonight? I could pick up Chinese takeout,” I blurt out, hoping she’s free and takes my bribe as the olive branch it's intended to be.

  “For you, I’m never too busy.”

  I sigh a breath of relief. She never lets me down.

  “I’ll see you around seven then. Thanks for being there for me, Lan.”

  “I’ll always be here.”

  I can hear the smile in her voice. Maybe we can get back to the way things used to be. I’ve missed talking to her and having her drag my hermit ass out of the house these last two weeks. Not to mention, she’s supposed to help guide me to my destiny, whatever that may be. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t freaking out about this unknown destiny. But Lanie has always been there for me, and I’ll be damned if I let something out of either of our control ruin that.

  Parking in the driveway I cut the engine off. I look out my window to see Lanie standing there, waiting. The aromas of garlic chicken and pork have taunted me the entire drive here. I grab the takeout bag from the passenger seat and climb out of the car. As soon as I’m standing, I’m almost tackled back into the car from her hug. I clutch the bag between us not wanting to drop it. I return the hug with one arm.

  She doesn’t linger, before heading toward the house.

  “So glad you could make it. That smells delicious and I’m starving,”

  I almost dreaded coming over, not knowing what to expect after what happened. That revelation rocked my world, but for Lanie, it’s been her entire life. I shouldn’t expect her to be any different because of who I am. Relief fills my mind now that I’m not fretting over our interactions. I realize that I’m also starving.

  “Me too! I’m glad I ordered the rice noodles on the side.” My stomach grumbles, as I smell the aromas of the pork and garlic chicken with vegetables in the bag under my nose. It could also be that I haven’t eaten anything since I called her earlier.

  “Mmmm, I love skinny noodles.”

  I walk to the kitchen as she starts pulling plates and silverware out of the cabinets while I set all the containers on the island. Then we dig in, piling a little bit of everything onto the plates, and making idle chit chat about things we have missed - how the restaurant is doing, and how work is going. Obviously avoiding anything that could lead to deeper subjects at the moment, but I know those will be broached shortly. I need to start learning everything I can.

  A week ago, just the thought of how little I actually knew about my life, would turn the anger and betrayal to practically boiling. I finally accepted that my mother wouldn’t have kept this information from me if she didn’t feel that it was in my best interests. Even though I still don’t fully agree, she isn’t here to justify her actions.

  Lanie pulls out a bottle of Moscato and pours each of us a healthy glass. Moving to the living room and taking a seat on the couch, it’s almost like deja vu from two weeks ago, except this time I know where the conversation is heading. I know what to expect...well, I think I do.

  “I’ve spoken with Mom about suspecting you are a seer, and she agrees that the possibility is very high. When did your visions start occurring on a regular basis? Have you had any since you told me?”

  “I told you not to say anything to Esme!” My voice lowers to a whisper. “I didn’t want her to know.”

  “I had to tell her, Ny. She is a well of information that we had to have access to. I’m glad I did; she knew a lot. Not as much as we need, your kind seems to be close-lipped. Really, all supes are. Knowledge is power, and no one wants that in the hands of others.”

  “What do you mean, she’s a well of information?”

  “She’s the head of our coven. A very powerful witch by birthright.”

  “Wow! It doesn’t really surprise me when I think about it. So...does that mean you will be the next coven leader?”

  “Ugh. Yes, it's something I'm born to do. I train and study with Mom at least once a week. She says that I have the most natural born talent of anyone else she has trained in the craft. But we’ll see,” she shrugs her shoulders.

  “Big shocker there. You've always excelled at anything you put your mind to.”

  “True. Now quit avoiding my questions. I need answers, and so do you.”

  “Fine. They started when I turned fifteen. I don't usually have one every night, and most of the time, I don’t know who they are. But every so often, I do see people I know. Yes, I have had many since I told you. This last month, though…” I trail off, not sure I want to divulge everything until I learn more. Should have known better when it comes to Lanie, though.

  “The last month what?” I glance up to see a serious look on her face. I know I won’t get around not telling her, but that won’t stop me from attempting to.

  “It’s nothing. What exactly can you do?” I ask, hopefully.

  “Uh uh, no way, girl. Spill.”

  I keep silent but, all she does is stare breaking through my resolve. Sighing, I tell her all about my visions of a man – really, a dragon, if I’m being honest – and of war, deceit, betrayal, and death. I’m not sure if I should tell her about the other dreams, the ones I’m positive are fantasies and not visions, so I keep those to myself. No need to give her ammunition to use against me. It’s been a long time since I’ve gotten any action, and that could be why I’m having them.

  She has a contemplative look on her face when I finish.

  “Hmmm…If they’ve been occurring that frequently, then I think that it means it’s important. And you said they revolve mainly around the dragon?”

  I nod my head. “Yes, always,”

  “I’d like to try something. It could be tricky, since we don’t have any personal belongings, but let’s see how good that natural talent is. Come on, I want to show you my space.”

  “Um, okay. I thought I had seen all of your house before. What are you wanting to try?”

  “You have, except for the basement. It’s where I perform all of my more elaborate spells. I’d like to do a locator spell. Usually we need something that belongs to the person I’m locating, but since you have some power of your own, I’d like to give it a go and see if it works. Are you up to it tonight?”

  “What all does it entail? You don’t need my blood or anything, do you?”

  I’m horrified of her response as we head down the basement stairs.

  “But of course, straight from the vein. Blood powers all of our spells.”

  She has a deadpan expression, and if I didn’t know her as well as I do, then I would think she was serious.

  I roll my eyes at her relaxing a little. My nervousness eases about performing the locator spell, but I also trust her with my life.

  “Yeah, whatever. Okay, tell me how this really works,”

  I say over my shoulder as I walk around her spell space, checking things out. When I glance her direction she’s drawing a circle within a circle on the ground surrounding a table. Before she connects the lines she steps outside of it, then finishes. She has a map of the U.S. covering the surface, with a bowl set off to the side.

  “Nyla, can you come over here? I’ll show you around later.”

  I walk over to stand next to her.

  She closes her eyes and I feel a sense of protection as her magic encloses us in the circle. The candles on the four directional corners flare up and a calm encompasses the space.

  “Wow! That was amazing. What else can you do?”

  I’m awestruck, even though I’m sure this is elementary stuff for her.

  “Lots, Nyla. I can show you some things later. First, I need you to picture him in your mind as clearly as possible. Can you do that?”

  If only she knew how clearly I could picture him from his dark almost black hair, hazel eyes with gold flecks, and strong jawline leading to his full sexy mouth that shows off those delicious dimples when he smiles.

&n
bsp; “I’ve got it. What now?”

  “I need you to hold onto my hand, and keep that picture firmly in mind. You can close your eyes, if that makes it easier. I’m going to chant a spell and put this mixture of deactivated charcoal and water on the map. If it works, like I hope it will, then it will move to the location where your mystery man is.”

  “Okay, ready when you are.” I close my eyes not wanting to mess this up. I focus all of my concentration on his handsome face.

  She takes a deep breath in, then exhales.

  “Non necesse est invenire tenendum est, cara, ibi latet periculum prope est. Auxilium invenire nos in unum opus, quod quis non videt.”

  What the hell did she just say?

  My eyes pop open, and I stare at her.

  Her eyes remain closed as she repeats whatever the hell that was a couple more times. I’m still trying to figure out what she’s saying when I realize I’ve lost my focus.

  Shit. I pull his image back to the forefront.

  When she stops speaking in tongues, because I’m positive that’s what it was, I glance down at the map. Surprised, I see the charcoal has all congregated over a small location beside Burns, Oregon.

  “Well, damn. It couldn’t have landed on some major city, now could it? How am I supposed to find him with a general area like that?”

  Frustration courses through me. Was this all for nothing?

  I grab a paper towel nearby, which I assume she keeps close for this very reason, and wipe the charcoal off the map to study it closer. It doesn’t even name any of the smaller cities surrounding Burns.

  Double damn.

  Lanie is looking over my shoulder at the map, “Move over, I think I know where he is. I need a closer look.”

  I move out of her way and she peers at the same spot.

  “Uh, Lanie. I don’t think you will see anything different than I saw. There aren’t any other city names on there.”

  “If you would just have some patience, gah. Have you seen anything in your visions about a possible location? Anything that could help me narrow it down?”

  “No I’ve seen him in an office, a club, what looks like a study, outside with no signs or buildings around, and….umm…” I let the last part trail off. I definitely don’t want to tell her.

  “And?” She is now staring at me with a very curious look.

  Well damn. My slip has piqued her interest. Which with her, is never a good thing. She’s like a dog with a bone, and she’s going to force me to spill everything. Damn me and my big mouth.

  “And nothing, that’s it. I was just trying to remember if there was anything else.” I lie through my teeth, and obviously not very well, either.

  “Uh huh. Spill it, sister. I know when you’re lying. Besides, you’re terrible at it.”

  I huff. “Fine. I’ve had some not-so-vision-like dreams about him...I mean, us…I mean…you know.”

  My eyes are large and eyebrows raised.

  Her mouth drops open.

  “You’ve had sex dreams about a stranger?” she screams at me.

  My face starts burning, and I know I’m as red as a tomato.

  “Do you have to scream?” I yell.

  She rolls her eyes.

  “Sorry, but I can’t believe you’ve been holding out on me. I thought you were going to end up an old spinster with fifty cats, living all alone. When’s the last time I’ve even seen you look at a man with interest. Now I know why. Unbelievable!” She is pacing now, throwing her hands up in the air as she talks.

  “There is nothing to them. They are just fantasies, I’m positive. So why would I want to sound even crazier by telling you about them. Like you said, I don’t even know the man. It’s only because he has been in my visions longer than anyone else.”

  “Mmm hmm...I’m sure that’s the reason.”

  She leaves it at that, and I breathe out a sigh of relief.

  I fully expected a shake down for details. I almost ask if she’s feeling okay, but I don’t want to press my luck.

  “Anyways, you said he is a dragon, right?”

  “Yes, that’s what he is.”

  I don’t want to tell her how I know. That’s something I’m keeping to myself. The pleasure he evokes in only my dreams sends me flying into an orgasm like no man has ever given me. Toe curling gratification that lingers even after I’ve wake. But I’m not going to dwell on that right now.

  “Okay, I’m pretty sure that he lives in Vixen Falls, Oregon. It’s a well-known place in the supernatural world, for its powerful magic. That would make the most sense, I have a contact with the local witch coven, Zane. I’ll reach out to him, and see if he knows any dragons in the area. We might just get lucky.”

  Six

  We hit pay dirt. Zane turned out to be very informative by giving us the name of the dragon prince there; Kyran Acker. He wasn’t sure if that’s who I was looking for, but was sure that he could help me locate whoever it is, regardless. If I can get an appointment with him, that is. Apparently, it’s hard to schedule a meeting with someone as busy as him, but that isn’t going to deter me. I can dig my heels in with the best of them.

  Once we have a name I open the laptop and pull up my browser, typing in his name and city. When the pictures start popping up, my breath catches in my lungs. There he is, the man who has been plaguing my every moment for almost two months now. A swirling ball of jealousy fills my stomach, though, when I see the multitude of women gracing his arm; never the same one in any two pictures. Who am I to be jealous over this man? He isn’t mine.

  What on earth is wrong with me?

  Lanie clicks one of the tabs and begins reading off all his endeavors and investments. No wonder he has women fawning all over him. He’s very wealthy and handsome.

  I steel myself enough to talk to Lanie. It’s a good thing she’s engrossed in reading about Kyran. She’s missed all the emotions I know were playing across my face during the last few minutes.

  “Th...that’s him.”

  Shit. Apparently, I don’t have them under wraps well enough. I clear my throat hoping she doesn’t comment on my stutter.

  She looks back at me, her eyes as big as saucers.

  “That’s who you have been having sex dreams about? Damn, Nyla. I would be keeping that to myself too. He is damn fine! We need to work on getting that meeting set up ASAP. You have some vacation time still built up, right?”

  “I do, but I probably won’t even be able to get an appointment. Look at him. People with that kind of power and money don’t have time for little peons like me.”

  I do have money put back that my mother left me, but I’m not anywhere near as well off as he is. I try to live off what I make as a school therapist, and invest the rest.

  “It doesn’t hurt to call and see.”

  “Alright, I’ll call first thing Monday. What if I can’t get an appointment? Do I just show up and try to barge my way into his office?”

  “If that’s what it takes, then hell yes. You are envisioning his future for a reason, and I think you need to figure out why. Not to mention the sex dreams.”

  “Fine, but we do it my way first. I’m going to bed. I need some sleep.” I turn away from her, heading toward the stairs.

  “More like, get some in your sleep,” she laughs, following me upstairs.

  “Yeah, yeah. You just wish you were having hot, sex dreams about him tonight.” I stick my tongue out at her as I walk up the stairs. Childish, maybe, but that’s how we are together.

  Standing under the hot water cascading down my sore body, a warm, hard frame presses up against me. Strong arms wrap around me and pull me closer so there isn’t an inch of space between us.

  “Good morning, amica mea. I missed you beside me this morning. You owe me for having to come find you.” His voice is still husky from sleep, and I giggle.

  “I didn’t want to wake you. Sometimes I think you don’t sleep at all; you needed the rest.” Is that my voice? I sound sultry and inviting.
<
br />   He scoffs. “Of course I sleep. I just don’t need as much as you do, amica mea.”

  “Then I must have worn you out last night,” I reply, a satiated grin on my face. He spins me around, pressing me up against the tiled wall of the ten-person shower. It takes my breath away, but then his mouth is there, devouring mine. His hard dick is pressed firmly to my stomach, and I’m already aching and wet, needing him more than I’ve ever needed anyone before. He pulls away and looks deeply into my eyes; I’m completely entranced by him.

  “Please Ky, I need you now,” I whisper quietly into the shower, but I know he heard me.

  He smiles, his pupils turning to slits. “Lift your legs, Nyla. I’m going to give you exactly what you need. What we both need.” I do as he says, and wrap my legs around his waist. I’m writhing against the wall as he enters me in one thrust, his hands holding my breasts, thumbs grazing my nipples. Letting out a deep moan of satisfaction, he starts pumping in and out, hitting that spot he knows drives me crazy every time. As my orgasm grows closer, I feel him start to pick up the pace and his fangs graze my throat.

  “Yes! Mark me.” He drives deeper into me, hitting my core, I begin to climax. No sooner than I start to come down from my high, when I’m ripped from my fantasy.

  My heart is pounding from such an erotic dream when I hear someone walking down the hallway. That’s odd; the cadence is wrong for it to be Lanie. Making sure my clothes are on like they should be, I tiptoe to the door and crack it open. The sight that I see is not what I expected. Mark and Lanie are kissing –well, more like making out - outside her bedroom door. I’m a little curious why she didn’t tell me about this new development. We are best friends, after all. Granted, we haven’t spoken in two weeks, but we just ate dinner together and did some type of locator spell. I contemplate if I should I make myself known or wait until morning to ask her about them, but decide not to create an awkward situation. Mind made up, I go back to my room to wait for morning.

  I walk into the kitchen, showered and ready for the day, on the hunt for coffee. Bless her, Lanie is already making two cups. I grab the proffered mug and sip it, trying to decide how to broach the subject. Fuck it, I’m just going for it.