Scales and Flames

by Catherine Banks

  “So…is there anything you want to talk about? Anything I’ve missed in the last two weeks?”

  She stares at me with wide eyes over the rim of her cup.

  “I don’t know what you are talking about.”

  So, she’s going to play the innocent act.

  “Okay, fine. You don’t want to tell me you are sleeping with Mark, then don’t. But I thought we were better friends than that. Not that I would care anyways. If that makes you happy, I’m happy for you.”

  We stand there in silence for several tense minutes. She looks into her cup.

  Why she doesn’t want to tell me is beyond me. I’ve never been interested in him, and she knows that.

  But, oh well. I dump my cup out in the sink and place it in the dishwasher, then turn to head out of the kitchen. I hear her sigh.

  “Nyla, wait. I didn’t want to tell you because nothing can come from it. We’re just two consenting adults having a good time.”

  I turn to face her. “Why not? I thought you liked Mark,”

  “I do like him, but he’s normal. Nothing more can happen. The coven would never allow anyone to be with a non-magical or non-supernatural being, especially their future leader. Just having fun is all it can be. Besides, he can be somewhat of a jerk. But he sure knows how to use that surfer body to my advantage,” A Cheshire smile brightens her face.

  “Ewww. TMI, Lanie,”

  She takes a drink of her coffee. Now I’m regretting the hasty decision to dump mine out.

  A giggle escapes. “Did you tell him that?”

  “Oh yes, Nyla. I told him I’m a powerful witch that does spells in her basement and am only using him for the orgasms.”

  She gives me the “Are you serious” look. “Of course I didn’t tell him. It’s just implied that we aren’t going anywhere. Do you see him hanging around this morning?”

  “I thought it was just because you didn’t want me to know.”

  I should know better. We’ve always told each other everything.

  “I would have told you. Just didn’t want to burden you with something so inconsequential. What are we doing today? Girls’ day out? Shopping, manis and pedis, lunch, then watch some movies?”

  She changes the subject.

  “Nothing is inconsequential if you want to talk about it. That’s what best friends are for. But, I guess I can let it go this time and we can have a girl’s day. Is it possible to...skip the shopping?”

  I cringe drawing a laugh from her. Shopping isn’t something I like to do for pleasure. She’s usually the one dragging me out when I do go.

  “Absolutely not! Besides, you need some new clothes for your trip.”

  “Why? It’s not like I’m actually going somewhere on vacation. I think the clothes I own already will be sufficient.”

  She rolls her eyes at me. “Being around me all these years hasn’t changed a thing. You need a power suit for your meeting, and a LBD, in case you decide to go out somewhere. Now that I think about it, I can’t believe you don’t already own one. We will remedy that today!” she says with excitement.

  “LBD?” I ask, in a quizzical tone. I receive another eyebrow raise.

  “Really, Nyla. How long have we been friends, and you don’t know what LBD stands for?! I’ve failed as a best friend.”

  “Stop being so damn dramatic and tell me.”

  “Three little words for you. Little. Black. Dress.”

  Seven

  Later Monday morning I find the office number from Acker Strategic online. I jot it down on a note pad and stare at it.

  What if this is a mistake?

  I shake my hands in front of myself trying to get rid of the jitters and pick up the receiver. Looking from the paper and the phone I dial the numbers listening to the ringing as the call goes through.

  After jumping through a few hoops with the operator, I’m connected to Kyran Acker’s assistant. Of course, it’s a woman. I pretend to be a big investor looking for the best financial planner. She assures me that Mr. Acker is indeed the best, and because he is, the soonest she can schedule me is a month away.

  Frustration doesn’t even begin to cover my feelings over waiting another month.

  She informs me that there is nothing available before then, but will let me know if something comes up sooner.

  I take it, then head over to Human Resources to request two weeks off. Here’s to hoping the meeting won’t take up more than a week of my time, and the other week, I can simply enjoy myself.

  Once it’s approved, I book my flight, hotel, and rental car. I text Lanie letting her know my travel arrangements, so she can arrange to take me to the airport and pick me up when I get home.

  Lunch time rolls around, I go to the teachers’ lounge to grab the salad I brought. I run into Mark.

  Shit. Do I talk to him as if I don’t know about him and Lanie? Wanting to avoid an awkward conversation, I turn to walk back to my office with plans to eat in silence.

  No such luck.

  “Hey, Nyla, why don’t you sit here?” he offers, moving a chair out from the table where he’s sitting, alone.

  Damn. Damn. Damn.

  “Umm. That’s okay, Mark. I was just going to eat in my office.”

  “Nonsense. No need for both of us to eat by ourselves.”

  Ugh. Looks like that peaceful, non-awkward lunch isn’t going to happen.

  “Thanks.” I force a smile as I take a seat across from him and start to mix up my salad and dressing.

  “I haven’t seen you around much lately. How’ve you been?”

  “I’ve been good. Anything new going on with you?”

  I keep my eyes on my food hoping he doesn’t realize I’m prying.

  “No, not really. Just been working a lot, always looking for fun, new experiments for the kids to do. We should get together and hang out again.”

  “Sure. That sounds like it could be fun. I’ll invite Meredith, Paul, and Lanie again.” He nods his head, and I watch his face when I say her name judging his reaction.

  Nothing.

  I’m not sure if I feel relieved that he didn’t bring it up or pissed that he acts like he doesn’t care about my best friend. Now isn’t the place to have this discussion.

  I decide not to mention anything about it to her. I don’t want to cause problems where there might not be any, or hurt her feelings if there’s more there than she’s actually letting on.

  Three weeks have gone by quickly. I’ll be arriving in Vixen Falls a few days before my appointment. I want to avoid any delays.

  Lanie picks me up early Saturday morning, and the silence on the drive to the airport worries me.

  “What’s wrong, Lanie? You’re quiet this morning, which is very unlike you.”

  “Hmm? Oh, nothing. Just have a lot on my mind. I’m going to miss you while you’re gone.”

  “Anything you want to talk about? Even if it’s to bury a body, I’ll be there with a shovel in hand,” I try to lighten the mood, yet totally serious at the same time. “I’ll miss you, too. I’ll be back home before you know it.”

  I’m successful in my attempt to lighten the gloomy mood. Her laughter fills the car and I smile.

  “I know you will be. I need to sort through some things first, that’s all.”

  “Alright, if you’re sure. I’ll be here, though. Well, not right here; not for the next two weeks.” I laugh and she joins in. The mood in the car has changed, which is what I was aiming for. We arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare.

  “Just drop me off at the terminal. No need to pay for parking.”

  She pulls up in front of the doors and puts the gearshift in park. She climbs out of the car with me, meeting me at the trunk.

  “You remembered to pack the LBD, right?” she asks.

  “Yes, I packed it!” I exclaim, with fake exasperation and a smile on my face.

  “Good. You never know when you might need one.”

  “Yes, oh sage one. You must teach m
e all of your ways,” I say, mock bowing at her.

  “Oh, shut up, Nyla! You will thank me, I promise.” Smiling, she reaches over and gives me a big hug. I squeeze her back before pulling away.

  “I’ll let you know when I get there. Thanks for driving me.”

  “Alright. Be careful.” I give her a nod as she gets in her car and drives off.

  After five hours on the plane I arrive in Burns for my connecting flight into Vixen Falls, which is a quick thirty-minute flight. Once there, I locate the rental car counter to pick up my reserved car, so I have transportation around town.

  I grab a brochure about the falls, a major tourist attraction in the area. I make plans to hike to them at least one day while I’m here.

  I follow the directions from the GPS to The Harris Suites. The hotel has great reviews and is close to the main city center.

  I check in and head to my room. It’s better than the pictures online. I’m impressed with how nice it is and clean. The day of traveling has me feeling grimy and in need of a shower. Walking into the bathroom I turn the warm on and strip down, stepping under the hot water. Pure bliss replaces the griminess as I wash it all away. I twist the knob turning the water off and reach for a towel to dry my body with.

  My stomach grumbles and I realize I’m starving. The last thing I ate was the meal served on the main flight. I blow dry my hair and toss on a pair of skinny jeans, a black-loose fitting shirt with three-quarter length sleeves, and a pair of nude peep toe wedges. I decide to walk around and see what there’s to eat.

  Strolling down the sidewalk with the cool breeze blowing my hair away from my face, I start to feel a tingling under my skin. It’s a very unusual feeling and I stop walking. I push it aside for now because I’m still hungry, and there is a cute little bistro around the corner that I saw when I was driving in. Courtyard Bistro. That sounds like a great place to eat tonight.

  I take in my surroundings after I’m seated from the elegantly set tables to the soft lighting illuminating the dining area. The service is great, and everything is brought out in a timely manner.

  I dine on wedge salad with crumbly bacon and bleu cheese, and filet mignon cooked to perfection with roasted vegetables. My delicious dinner is finished off with a caramel macchiato. The atmosphere and food are an enjoyable addition to my hectic day of travel, and I make a mental note to eat here again during my stay. I want to explore the town, check out the shops and walk off some of the meal I just ate.

  It’s still early evening and quite nice outside, so I head toward the town’s namesake, Vixen Falls. The brochure I picked up at a tourist shop said the falls are full of powerful magic, that it can help you find your true love, but be aware of the kelpie that swims in the deeper waters. Not that I believe in such craziness as true love, or kelpie. Those are definitely myths.

  Walking down the trail, I try to avoid anything that could twist my ankle or break a leg. My peep-toe wedges are sexy, but probably not the smartest footwear for a little trail hiking. Once I come across the falls all thoughts of footwear escape my thoughts. The beauty and magnificence of the falls takes my breath away. I’m drawn to the power swirling in the air. A strange sensation surrounds me, and it grows stronger the closer I get to the rocks surrounding the edge. Taking a seat on one of the larger rocks, and closing my eyes I breathe in the serenity for a few minutes. But instead of the sensation dissipating it becomes more intense, and I see a swirling vortex that I start spiraling into.

  What the hell is going on? I can’t pull myself out of it or open my eyes, before I go into panic mode, a room comes into focus.

  An older man that bears a striking resemblance to Kyran, and looks to be in his late forties or early fifties, is sitting at the head of a long table. His hand is covering his chin and mouth, while his index finger taps the side of his cheek. There are ten other men and women surrounding him while he waits impatiently for someone. A door creaks open, I glance up and see Kyran entering the room, looking a little mussed. He straightens his suit and tie, running his fingers through his hair before walking over to the other man.

  “Sorry I’m late, Father,” his deep voice fills the room, addressing the man at the head of the table. His father’s sigh can be heard heavily from across the room.

  “If you would stop dallying around with that woman, maybe you could be on time and find a suitable mate.” Disdain evident in his voice.

  Kyran’s jaw clenches. “Father, this isn’t the place to have this conversation again. Besides, I told you that she is the one for me. Our people will have to accept her,”

  “I will not be ridiculed by our people for your inexcusable actions. This is an outrage and I will not have it. Not while I’m still King. If you don’t call this off at once I’ll have you disowned and banished.”

  Kyran appears calm. “Do what you must, Father, but I will not leave her. Who will lead, if not I? We all know that you aren’t in the best health. Besides, the council and I have already discussed this.”

  His father smirks.

  “See, that’s the funny thing. When you are late for a meeting, things change.”

  Kyran turns to face the council members. They’re avoiding his scrutinizing gaze as he looks at each of them. Many shift in their chairs.

  “What is he talking about?” His only outward sign of agitation is the flaring of his nostrils.

  Coming back to myself I see the falls once again. I’ve never had a vision hit me while I was awake before. This is definitely a new development. I reach down and scoop the cool, clear water into my hands and splash it on my face. The sensation that surrounded me before has dissipated and I feel like myself again.

  The sun has started to set off in the distance, casting a beautiful red and orange glow over the water. I walk toward the trail, glancing back at the water. Pondering the legends I read about earlier, and how they might actually true.

  When I make it back into the town square, heading towards my hotel I see a line of people dressed from business casual to elegant. This piques my interest, and I glance up to read the sign above the door; Club Draco. I'm not really the type to go to club even though it sounds interesting. I keep walking, but the tingling returns stronger than before.

  I pick up my pace to pass in front of the club thinking it could be from the music that can be heard from inside. Standing out front seems to be where the vibration is the strongest.

  Just as I'm walking by an entrance to a dark alley, I'm grabbed roughly and jerked into the alleyway then slammed up against the brick wall of the club. Hands of steel hold me so firmly I can't even move a smidge. I try to uppercut my attacker, but he only tightens his hold on me.

  In a split second, he is rearing back his shaggy, unkempt head, baring his fangs and striking my jugular. Pain lances through my neck, coursing down my arms and chest paralyzing me in fear, as he continues to drink greedily from the wound in my neck.

  Black spots dance in front of my eyes and my body begins to weaken in my attempts to get out of his grasp. His hold loosens and he slumps over me, smashing me further into the bricks. I can’t even feel the pain anymore. I’m so numb. Then, he is flying across the alley away from me and another huge, hulking figure steps into my line of sight.

  I try to move away, but I’m so weak I only get a few centimeters. I can’t distinguish his features in the dark, but sense him moving closer, reaching for my arms. I whimper, not wanting this unknown man to touch me. I’m not a damsel looking to be rescued. But damn, if this situation doesn’t make me appear that way. “Ju…jus...just leave…me...here,” I say, my voice almost a whisper, and I cringe. That was more difficult than I expected it to be.

  “It’s alright, mate. I’m not going to hurt you,” he says in a British accent, or what I think is British, while holding his hands out. “I’m just going to help you up. Everything will be okay.” His voice is soothing, and there is just enough light that I see blood covering his outstretched hands. I renew my efforts to get away from him, unsure
of what he plans to do, regardless of the fact that he did just save me. I’m still wary, even in my weakened state.

  He whispers under his breath. “What a fucking cock up.”

  He scoops me up, leaning me up against the wall, and stares into my eyes.

  “You are going to take some of my blood, then forget about everything that happened after you walked by Club Draco.”

  He pulls out a pocket knife and cuts across his wrist, holding it to my mouth.

  My stomach turns and my heart rebels at the thought of ingesting his blood. Almost as if an unspoken bidding begs me not to. It's a feeling unlike any I've ever felt before.

  How odd.

  “Umm…thanks, but no thanks. I’ll pass on that offer.”

  My voice is still faint, but there’s a little more strength behind my words.

  He looks shocks, but determination replaces it. He quickly schools his features into what resembles stone. When I look at his wrist, I watch as it heals. There isn’t any indication there was a cut there, other than the blood still on his skin.

  “Where do you live?”

  “Not here,”

  I try to inch my way toward the entrance of the alley. I was not expecting that question, but I wouldn’t tell him anyway; not a complete stranger who just tried to get me to drink his blood. Some of my strength is beginning to return since he stood me up, but his hands remain on my hips. Placating seems to be the direction to take with this massive brute; he has to be well over six and half feet, with broad shoulders.

  “Where are you staying then?”

  “Really, I’m okay. If you just let me pass, I can make it back to my hotel, no problem.”

  “I’m afraid I can’t do that, mate.” He picks me up tossing me over his shoulder, and strides to a side door entrance I hadn’t even noticed. If he takes me in the club, surely someone will call the police for kidnapping or something. He types a code into a small hidden keypad, then the door opens into a lit hallway. There are several doors, with one at the end which I assume leads to the club itself, judging from the chatter and music. He turns and starts walking up some stairs – shit, I didn’t see those - which would have been difficult from my current position. At the top, there’s another smaller hallway.