“Be true to yourself, Melia. It’s the only way.”
A creak drifted down from above. Melia raised an eyebrow.
“Three handsome young men,” Topper laughed. “Theo found them on the side of the road in their stalled car. Good thing, since the moon was close to full last night.”
“Oh my. Yes, that was a lucky find, for them at least,” Melia giggled.
“I sense ability. Perhaps, with your heightened awareness, you could stay until they come downstairs? If you don’t have plans?”
“Ooh, newcomers? How fun. Of course I’ll linger. Ever curious!”
Steps crossed the floor over their heads, and the sound of running water wafted down. Topper waved at the coffeepot and it floated over, filling their cups before returning to its burner.
“Witches delight me,” Melia laughed, a melody of harps and bells. “The way you create outside natural law is joyful.”
“It makes me happy,” Topper agreed, a finger raising the cream pitcher and adding a dollop to each cup. “No sugar, correct?”
“Perfect.”
Heavy feet moved down the steps, and Topper glanced up at Romer and Wellie. “Good morning. Did you sleep well?”
“After a spell,” Wellie answered, his eyes amused. The slight inflection on the last word was not lost on his audience. “Who is this gorgeous girl?”
“I am Melia. Pleasure to meet you,” her voice lifted in question.
“Wellington Williams. My friends call me Wellie.”
“Romeo Carson. You have an incredible vibe, Melia.”
“Thank you.” She rose, languid and graceful, and touched each of their hands. Wellie’s face lit up, and Romer’s hand shook as he released hers.
Well, that’s promising. She ignited them like a firework. Topper’s eyes turned to the stairs as Jasper’s feet clomped, a slow reveal of long legs giving way to a broad chest in a straining navy T-shirt and dark flowing hair. Beside her, Topper heard Melia suck in her breath.
“Good morning, Jasper. This is my neighbor Melia. Melia, this is Jasper Jones.”
The kitchen popped with electricity. From the corner of her eye Topper watched the coffee maker shoot sparks, make a ‘fzzzzt’ noise, and shut off.
Her normal melodious voice undercut with something new, Melia held out her hand and touched Jasper’s fingertips. “It’s nice to meet…”
Jasper’s eyes flashed red before rolling up. He crashed to the floor with a bounce.
“All three? What the hell, Topper,” Theo’s forehead wrinkled with incredulity. I didn’t pick up on that. Am I losing it?
“I think it was the wolves, Theo. There was so much magic around their car, it wasn’t noticeable. I didn’t catch it at the garage except for a small twinge. I thought perhaps one, and not strong magic. It fooled me, too.”
He leaned back, checking for guile, and relaxed. “Afraid I was slipping.”
“I’ve been at this longer than you, Lawman,” she tipped him a wink. “Sensing is an art. Many masks are profound. Jasper’s is hardcore. I suspect warlock, but if so, his mother cast a concrete bunker of a spell around him. He’s out cold.”
Dammit. Things were back to what passes for normal. Now I’ve got warlock under a nuclear spell. Daddy must have been… nice. Perfect. Just perfect. Theo cleared his throat. “How’s Melia?”
“She’s lying down. The connection packed a wallop, and she’s nursing a headache. I put her in my library. She felt significant darkness but an abundance of light. She says he’s unaware and is being torn apart.”
Theo’s long fingers tapped the sides of his coffee cup. “Poor kid. I can relate.”
“I know.”
“Where are Wellie and Romeo?” Wherefore art thou, Kid? Heh.
“They’re walking around town.”
“What? That’s unwise.” Theo shoved his chair back. Great. All we need is more wide-eyed stories floating around El Paso. Can’t you cut me a single break, Topper?
“Settle down, Theo. I handled it. They see a little oddity but for the most part, to them, Magic appears normal. I’m easing them into us.” Topper’s eyebrow lifted. “Unwise? Huh. Careful, Lawman. I liked you that time I shrunk your little dragon butt.”
Theo rolled his eyes, but twinkled at her. “It wasn’t a bad gig to ride around in your boobs, you know. That’s not much of a threat.”
They grinned, comfortable, as Theo stood. “Time to go play Sheriff. I’ll swing back after Jancy finishes.”
“About that, Theo,” she looked up.
Oh, crap. Theo’s face set. “Topper! We aren’t playing God here. Let these boys go home. If they’re supposed to be here, they’ll hear the call and be back of their own accord.”
“Sorry, Theo, but that’s not happening,” Topper’s tone was firm. “Jasper is unstable. Bringing him through under the care of healers and talented witches is the right way. If he blows in the wrong environment, he’ll be dark and a dangerous force. He’s a nice kid. Let’s give him a shot.”
Melia rolled in her sleep, bombarded with images of lying intertwined with Jasper, colors shining in bright promise, before darkening, a menacing swirl. Jasper changed within her arms, smooth skin burning away to reveal scales and scars, eyes glowing red with rage, his touch shifting from pleasure to pain. They quaked in the embrace, her glow meeting his dark void, separated by a thin silver line.
This man is your place of grace. Bring him here, to this line, and he is your one for this life. He will not stop; it is your power that holds him from eternal darkness, drawing him towards his salvation.
“Grandmother?” Melia called out. “How? How?”
This is your path, Muse, to conquer evil with beauty. Forsake him, and he’ll wreak havoc from his blinding pain. Walk with sure steps, Beloved. His uproar rises. Destiny is in motion.
Begin.
Chapter 3
Melia wandered amongst the books in Topper’s library, touching spines and running fingertips across the leather embossed titles, sensing the contents. A green book paused her exploration; she pulled it out, settling on the loveseat and opening the small lock that held the volume closed.
‘A Guide to Undoing’ sounds like a worthy starting point.
“Topper,” she called from the doorway of the library, smiling at the dragon carved into the ornate door. It returned a toothy grin and a wink. Witches fascinate me.
“I’m coming,” Topper’s voice piped up from the front room. “How is your headache?”
“Better. I felt the ancients in my dreams. Jasper is in trouble.”
“He’s under a significant spell. I suspect it’s on the level of the protections placed on Theo and his sister when their mother insisted their magic be hidden. Formidable witchcraft. I surmise it was Jasper’s mom that cast it, and it’s obvious she did not want his abilities to emerge. His father must have been a doozy.”
“Demons are dark, others terrifying in their form. I wonder what she needed to make such a desperate alliance?”
“Who knows? Whatever drove her, it was significant. Conjuring a demon is no small task and you don’t get to peruse a line-up and pick the best one.” Topper’s eyes were sad. “It troubles me when a witch can’t spell her way to a solution. An alignment with the dark changes you. Forever.”
“There is light within Jasper,” Melia smiled, “that’s good.” She tapped the green book. “May I borrow this?”
“The perfect choice. How did you know?”
Melia laughed, tucking the volume under her arm. “I’ll come by later to see how things are here, if that’s acceptable?”
Topper’s violet eyes twinkled.
I’m soaked in sweat and it stinks. What the everlovin’ hell. Jasper swung his long legs off the couch and looked around the room. Interesting paintings lined the walls alongside several photographs, and an unlikely harp greeted his curiosity. He stood, then dropped back onto the sofa. Whatever she zapped me with, wiped me out. She’s hot as hell though. That girl runs my
blood. I’m getting with her if it kills me.
“Hi there,” a pair of concerned violet eyes under shocking pink hair met his.
“Hey Topper. Where’s Romer and Wellie?” Wasn’t her hair green yesterday? This place is freakin’ weird. Gotta get the car and bounce.
“They’re walking around town. I’m uneasy over you, Jasper. What happened?”
“Where’s that girl? She’s incredible.”
“Melia? She went home but plans to swing by later. In the meantime, can you tell me what you experienced?”
Jasper rubbed his temples and shook his head. “I don’t know. It was a switch. I touched her and woke up here.” It was an explosion. Color everywhere, then red and darkness. Won’t tell her that, though. She’ll think I’m nuts.
“Jasper, this must feel unusual to you,” Topper held his brown eyes with intention. “Were there incidents before this one?”
Not sure why, but I trust her. This entire encounter, as weird as it’s been, gets less odd when she’s here. A mom vibe, I guess.
“When I was a kid, my step-dad hurt me, burned me sometimes. Well, lots of times. I have no scars. It was awful but the next morning, nada. Not a scab, just smooth skin. It lasted for years. I assumed people healed from burns, that it was normal. Then a kid in my class during freshman year messed around and got burned by a torch in science class. It was oozing and red for weeks. So, I asked Mom, ‘why did my burns heal and his didn’t?’ That night, they had a huge fight. Stuff flying in the air, and the curtains caught fire. Mom extinguished them and grabbed me. She marched me up to bed holding her palms over my ears and told me to stay put if I valued my life. Felt done, so I crashed. When I woke up, they were both gone.”
Jasper cracked his knuckles and stared at his hands. “Downstairs, nothing was broken, the curtains were fine. It was as though the entire thing was a dream. I waited two days and knew they weren’t coming back. I headed to Romer’s and got food, and his mother, it sounds weird, she somehow fixed it.”
Jasper met Topper’s gaze. “I realized, only two days after they left, that I couldn’t remember their faces. I didn’t care about him, but not remembering my mother… that’s crazy psychological crap, huh?”
“No,” Topper tread with care. “It’s not crazy. It is also not psychological.”
Jasper looked at her with a puzzled face.
“What it is, Jasper, is magic.”
“Uh, riiight. You bet.” Jasper edged towards the door. “Hey, thanks for the room. I’m grabbing Wellie and Romer. We’re gonna bounce. Take care, Topper.” Magic my ass!
Jancy’s sardonic expression matched his tone. “You blew your motor. I found a replacement a hundred miles away. It’ll be a week, and you’re looking at $1,600 plus labor and mileage.”
Romer took in Jasper’s trapped look, and Wellie’s content face behind it. “Well?”
“I like it here,” Wellie replied. “There’s a pub. If the owner is cool, maybe we can grab shifts for cash.”
“I don’t think,” Jasper began, when Melia walked into the garage. “Hey there. Melia, right? I’m Jasper Jones.”
“Yes, I remember,” Melia’s voice rolled across the disquiet in Jasper’s blood, leaving nothing but a desire to be with her.
She’s amazing. I have to have this woman.
“Topper sent me,” Melia continued. “Jancy told her about your car and I thought you might need a ride.”
“Melia,” Wellie interrupted. “Who owns the pub? We need to find work and earn cash for the repairs.”
“Taloot, and he’s a friend. We can head that way if you’d like me to introduce you?”
“Let’s go,” Jasper agreed. “Time to sling some fun.” Turning to Jancy he nodded. “A week?”
“Do my best.” You’ll leave when Topper says, Sonny. You aren’t driving this bus anymore.
Melia’s silver Volkswagen Beetle gleamed in the sun. Jasper shot a look at Wellie and Romer and they climbed in the backseat. He slid in the front, watching Melia’s slim, elegant legs push in the clutch and gas before turning toward the center of town.
“How long have you lived here?”
She gave him a private smile that set his blood on fire before replying, “I’ve been here a few years. It’s eclectic, but Magic called me. I am at home here. My family is from Greece; I visit every year, but this town is my place.”
“Greece?” Romer leaned forward. “I went there three years ago with my mom. What part?”
“They live in Helicon,” her eyes flicked up to the rearview mirror, catching a flash of realization shooting across Romer’s face. “Did you visit the mountain?”
Romer resembled a man hanging onto an invisible cat who wanted to be elsewhere. He knew it was there, but convincing the audience was another thing. “No, no, we didn’t make it to Helicon. Mom hoped to, but…” he trailed off, lost in his thoughts.
Melia nodded and turned on Main Street, passing several buildings before parking in front of the Kokopelli Brew Pub.
Wellie leaned forward, touching her on the shoulder. “Thanks for this, Melia.”
Jasper’s skin blew hot as he jumped out, his lean hard body sailing over Melia’s hood before landing and opening her door. Wellie looked at his face and swallowed. It’s like that? Okay, Jasp. Simmer yourself, Bon Ami.
Jasper held out his hand; Melia took it. In a fluid motion, he pulled her up and into his arms, savoring her expression as he fit her body into his, bending to brush her lips with his fire before releasing her, a long forefinger tipping her face to his.
“Okay?” he murmured, lost in her eyes, an otherworldly aqua, the seas of Greece.
Melia listened as her blood sang the love song of the ancients, a throbbing melody not heard within before, and smiled. “Okay.”
He caught her hand, lacing his fingers between hers, and they strolled into the cool of Kokopelli’s.
Chapter 4
Taloot looked up from the bar, observing Melia’s hand entwined with Jasper’s and the two other newcomers. Who are these folks? New? Magical? I’ve never seen her look, let alone touch a male. This is newsy.
“Melia, you scrumptious girl, how are you? How’s Granny? Have you taken up day-drinking?”
Her melodic laugh filled the bar, and Jasper watched the men turn, pulled into her vibe.
“Not at all, Taloot. My single foray with drink is ouzo, and only when in Greece. I brought you a taste, it’s in the Beetle’s trunk.”
“You are my most favorite person!”
Melia smiled. “Taloot, these are new friends, visiting from Texas. Their car is in for repair at Jancy’s, and they are looking for temporary work. Romer and Jasper tend bar in El Paso, and Wellie is a fine chef.”
In Melia’s voice, this sounded serene and uneventful. Romer watched her, thoughts swirling in Greek mythology, feeling the tingle he got when things, good or bad, were off or unusual. I swear she’s a Muse. They are the children of Zeus! If I said that out loud they’d think I lost my freaking mind, but damn, I bet I’m right. After the stuff I saw in Greece, I know the deeper layer is real.
Taloot let Melia persuade him, aware and not caring. She was his favorite, and was never too busy to chat with an old gay troll.
“Can one of you start tonight? I have ouzo to sample.”
Coins clattered onto surfaces throughout the town of Magic as Topper spread the word. Theo sat at Simon’s table as one appeared out of thin air and plopped on the tabletop.
3 new visitors!
Unawakened magic
Conceal as needed
The three phrases circled the rim of the coin. Simon read and passed it.
“The men in the car?”
“Yup.” Theo nodded, irritation evident.
“About that,” Simon looked sheepish.
“Please don’t say the moon made you do it. The pack wasn’t playing. You cracked their windshield. If it failed? Hmmm? Savaging travelers isn’t acceptable. People answering the call are not snack
s. Remember the low key image we agreed to project?”
“I was about to end it when you showed. The boys were having a blast and, well, so were the adults. It’s been tame around here since the big dust up with the aliens last spring.”
Boring? Oh, for the love of goat shifters. Theo’s eyes glinted yellow. “We do not want the government nosing in our business. Period. Place that idea in the forefront of your mind, please. Tonight is a full moon.”
“I’m aware.” Simon rolled his eyes; the moon had been humming within him for days. “We’ll keep it in the desert. Glad it worked out. So, what are they?”
“Topper thinks a Daimon, a Conjuror of some sort, and a Warlock with a doozy of a cloaking spell. He’s clueless, and he is dark.”
Simon leaned back and raised an bushy eyebrow.
“An absolute malevolent. Topper wants to bring him through and try to keep him from blowing apart.”
Simon looked at Theo, his gaze thoughtful. “You don’t?”
“I’m not a fan of anything that knocks Magic out of kilter.” Can I at least have one year of normal? I’m Sheriff of the middle of nowhere, but you’d never guess it.
Simon’s laugh rumbled. “You have the wrong job, my friend. Magic is never in kilter.”
Tell me something I don’t know.
Jasper scanned the long bar top. The seats at Kokopelli’s were full; he kept the conversations going, pouring drinks as the room filled with laughter. The patrons appeared human, thanks to Topper’s spell, but the actuality was a pub full of trolls, dwarfs, vampires, a few unusuals, and several witches. The werewolves and were-blends were not present, headed to the full moon and the beckoning desert.
Quick and sure, he mixed, chatted, and kept moving. Taloot taught him six signature cocktails before waving and heading out, two bottles of ouzo tucked under his arm.
“What can I get for you, Topper?”
Broke In Magic Page 2
