“So optimistic,” Cendric huffed, his eyes glinting.
“Call it a challenge.” I grinned. “And you’ll have to deal with all the trouble I’m going to get into.”
“Already planning on mischief, hmm?” Cendric’s fingers trailing lightly up my arm. His voice lowered again, to a timbre that set every nerve in my body on fire. “So what are these plans? And how can I interfere—” He leaned closer to me. “Or join in?”
His lips found my ear and kissed a path over to my mouth. All right, I could handle this kind of wake-up too. I gripped his t-shirt, pulling him closer and parting my lips with a soft moan, losing myself in a deeper kiss. Sure, I said I’d take things slow after Kiran, but Cendric and I were already married. No sense in wasting time.
Then my fingers snaked down to the edges of his t-shirt, slipping under the hem and trailing over his lean muscles.
“Tell me,” I whispered. “Any chance I could see those wings again?”
“As you wish,” he breathed against my throat.
Just as the fabric hit the floor, a creak and a gagging sound came from the doorway.
“Allis, I made Mom’s special soup—augh! Yinz might have a mate bond, but get a room.”
I broke away from Cendric reluctantly, but my hands remained tangled in his hair, our bodies pressed close. My lips were swollen, aching for more. “This is my room, genius.”
“Yeah, but it’s our apartment. You know the rules. Now there’s a shirtless vampire and turned-on sister, and augh! I need eye bleach.”
“Not stopping you.”
He affected a dramatic pose, hand over his heart. “So heartless and uncaring. How shall I respond to such cruelty?” His dark eyes sparked. “You probably need to pee, after going that long without.”
As if on cue, a twinge from my bladder confirmed this fact. Obnoxious power of suggestion.
“I hate you, bro.”
He smiled innocently. “Just here to help. Oh, and when you get up, Theiya and Jack left a note. Something about meeting later for drinks and business discussion when you can. And Josie Framer called again. I told her we’d be looking into her case soon. She really wants a dragonshifter.”
I stared up at Cendric, who was leaning over me, then groaned. “Well, there’s that.”
“Indeed.”
Forget vampires. Otters were the ones to watch out for.
Then he bent down, tilting my chin up. “But lest you forget me—”
He captured my mouth in another heated kiss that almost managed to distract me from what ‘business meeting’ meant, and from my sudden need to visit the bathroom.
Almost.
“Sorry. I need to go.”
We eased up from the bed, and I shoved past Gideon to the bathroom. Before I could go inside, he caught my arm. I glanced up into his sandy brown face, filled with relief and uncertainty. “Al, you okay?”
I heard his unspoken questions. Is this going to be okay? Are we going to be okay?
“Yeah, bro. We’re okay. You heard all the stuff that happened with me and the court?”
“Yeah, Cid filled me in on it.”
“Okay.” We grabbed each other in a quick, brief hug. For a moment, just the two of us again. Then I pulled away, scuffing my knuckles along his tight black curls.
“Hey!” he yelped. “And after I made you bacon too.”
“I thought that was Cid.”
Gideon snorted. “He might be good at cleaning microwaves, but the guy couldn’t cook if his life depended on it.”
“Good to know.”
“Yeah, I guess there are a lot things we both don’t know.” He pressed his lips together. “But Cid’s been very open. As things go, he’s a pretty solid pick for a husband.”
“Right.” I blinked. Mates counted as married. I had a husband.
My shock must have been obvious, because Gideon laughed, his shoulders relaxing. “You just realized that, didn’t you?”
“Shut up. And since you know this—”
“Any shifter with a nose can tell.”
“Fine. Why kick me out of my room?”
He wrinkled his nose, the otter showing through for a second. “You know the rules. Not here, in our apartment. Especially since I want to turn that space into a music room once we get connected with Cendric’s place. I don’t need it to smell like things that I never, ever want to think about.”
I crossed my arms. “Say what?”
“Oh, we figured that out while you were unconscious. Your vampire was very understanding about the need to keep this territory, especially because it’s an easy commute. There’s a way to connect Cendric’s house and this apartment in the magisphere, and now that you can enter the magisphere, the easiest thing is just to knock out that closet—” he gestured to the closet at the end of the hall, “—and extend the hallway. Join them together into one space. You move into Cendric’s bedroom, I get your old room for my instruments and music. Everyone wins.”
“…Gideon, that’s amazing.” I still couldn’t picture it, but I trusted them.
He grinned. “What, surprised your little brother can scheme too?”
“I’m … wow. Thank you.”
“It’s the least I can do, sis.” Gideon shrugged. “You’re mated. Your magic is crazy. You need to be near each other, and Cid’s easy to get along with, mostly. When he stays away from cooking and doesn’t talk too much.”
“Glad you’re making it work.” I sighed. “Now, if you don’t mind, some annoying otter reminded me of basic bodily needs. Unless you’d like a show?”
“Gross! No.”
I laughed, sidled past him, and shut the bathroom door in his face.
Chapter 25
Few things were more eerie than sitting in an empty room. Especially when I had been directed to that room specifically upon entering Shadelands. Jack had waved at me as I walked by the bar, handing me the drink special of the night and mentioning she’d be in there soon. I couldn’t blame her scatteredness. The bar was crazy busy with a wild crowd. She was dealing with a lot of aggressive attention from everyone in her usual male form with the black hair and infectious smile. Considering how Shadelands prized themselves on their refined atmosphere, I thought the bouncers would be called soon.
Still no sign of Theiya. I walked up and down the side room. It was filled with dark teal bench seats arranged in squares around black tables, dim mood lightning in glowing golds and bronzes, and a whole wall of mirrors that reflected only me. I’d gone for a nighttime look with sparkly eyes and dark red lipstick, my dishwater hair flowing down long and straightened, and I’d opted for a sleeveless, scoop-necked crimson dress that fell to mid-thigh and over-the-knee black boots.
And then to be shoved in a room all by myself? Such a waste. I picked up my phone to send Cendric a picture. At least someone could appreciate the look. And he was in some kind of late meeting, so a little distraction was necessary and healthy.
After that, maybe I’d sneak out to the dance floor for a little while and see if I could find a few more clients for the matchmaking business or for romantic consulting in general. Fears and desires were close to the surface in a club, which made it easy to pick people out. I’d have to be careful not to get overwhelmed, but I could always teleport away if necessary.
My phone buzzed with a text from Cendric. Beautiful. You are making it harder to focus in this meeting. And I called the meeting.
Whoops! My bad. I guess I won’t wear this outfit again. Maybe I’ll burn it.
I sent the text, then sniffed the air. Something was on fire. Alarm filled me as I glanced around the room. Then my mouth dropped open. It was the mirror right in front of me, rippling with bluish flames in a circle. Within the circle was something black, filled with endless stars.
“Whoa…”
I stepped towards the mirror, my mouth open and pulse racing. A part of me said to call Cendric. Or Gideon. Or anyone who might be able to help.
They aren’t Jinn though
. And this is amazing…
The view shifted to show a dizzying array of orbs of various colors. Almost like planets, zooming in and out of view among the stars. Could I touch one? I reached out my arm through the circle, a laugh of disbelief escaping me.
“I never thought I would see you smiling while wearing heels.” Theiya’s crisp voice cleared out my thoughts.
I glanced over to see her striding toward me in jeans, sensible flats, and a fitted white blouse. “Hey! Um. I didn’t think you knew clubs and nightlife existed.”
I gave the mirror a sidelong look. It was back to normal.
Totally didn’t just burn a circle in a mirror.
Totally didn’t see a crap-ton of planets.
Totally not.
Was it real? Who knew, with Jinn magic?
“I prefer to sleep and preserve my hearing.” She settled onto the bench, setting her beer bottle next to my delicate glass on the table. Drinking alone was dull, so my martini special was mostly full. Theiya glanced at it curiously, then took a swig of her beer. “Jack should be here any moment. In the meantime, I can give you additional details about the Fae vampires.”
I nodded and sat down across from her, rolling my ankles in what I hoped was a subtle manner. I’d gone down to the station with Cendric to give an official testimony, and after that, he’d handled all the other legal parts. Which was fine with me, since the royals were taking credit for everything anyway. The last week had been a lot of resting, connecting the apartment with Cendric’s house to be one space, and figuring out how to live with Jinn magic on my own, since Lady Malda wouldn’t budge on her demands and Kiran had disappeared. So far, I didn’t know much, other than my mind was a weird place. But I hadn’t blown up anything unintentionally. That had to be a positive.
“Bad news first,” Theiya started. “While Neil Halverson has been dealt with, there is evidence of other deadwalkers who failed to attend the meeting. A few key figures in the Fae community fled the city under mysterious circumstances.”
“Figures.” I slumped down in my seat. “They couldn’t all die conveniently.”
Sympathy showed in Theiya’s face. “Royal forces are tracking them across the different cities and forests. The last thing our court needs is the reputation of sloppy enforcement work.”
“Unless they go into the deadlands.” Deadlands were magic-poor areas that tended to attract Fae running from the law—and be hubs for Unspoken. I spun my drink around on the table. “Better news?”
“You have been completely exonerated. The deal Cendric brokered for you—in which you remain without curse-marks for the rest of your life in exchange for surrendering any credit for the takedown—seems to have gone over well.” Her lips twitched. “I’m even authorized on behalf of Queen Epriana Verdane and Grand Vizier Mutamo to offer you a position in the Midnight Corps.”
I snorted. “The Fae special ops and black ops?”
Theiya raised her eyebrows. “It’s a great honor.”
“Skulking around cleaning up messes under royal authority isn’t exactly my idea of a good time.”
“You’ve already done it once.”
“Yes, but that was my choice and on my terms.” I tapped the edge of my glass. The idea of working for the very same royals who’d deemed me unworthy of life turned my stomach. “They can shove it. Never gonna happen.”
Theiya frowned. It didn’t take much to sense her desire for me to join—or her fear if I didn’t. Was she part of the corps? Even if she was, I still wasn’t signing up.
“I’ll relay that message,” she said. “Understand that they can take the word ‘never’ as a challenge. Especially if you keep taking on covert missions.”
“So I’ll send them to my Unspoken-vampire-lawyer-mate-husband to deal with. Because I will be skulking around with him.”
“I see.” She smirked. “Well, the Midnight Corps can hardly offer you the perks he can.”
“Free, trustworthy legal paperwork? Of course not.” I winked. Speaking of my vampire lawyer, I sneaked a glance at my phone, hoping for an answer from him. None yet from Cendric, but there was one from an old number. U wer alwaz the best thing 2 hapen 2 me.
“Really, Kiran?” Must’ve gotten dumped or become bored with his latest date, so now he was texting under the influence. Never a good sign, and not just because the Jinn lost all sense of grammar and spelling.
Before I could send a response or delete the message, Jack sat down. She shifted back to vixen and exhaled hugely, throwing blue silk handkerchiefs reeking of seaweed perfume on the table. “Nothing like shifting to a female in front of a bunch of drunk mers and having a few of them proposition you anyway.” She ruffled her short, red hair. “The bouncers are earning their pay.”
“Here.” I passed her my martini.
She raised an eyebrow. “You didn’t like the pear-melon flavors with Tabasco?”
“It’s not that. I’m having to be more careful with Jinn magic under the influence.”
Jack looked around the room. “Did you do anything weird to this place?”
“Weird is a relative term. And I’m just a little jumpy. Y’know, since you both called me and have yet to explain why.”
Jack grinned. “Delayed gratification is good for the soul.”
“Delayed torture, you mean.”
“Torture is something very different. I would know. Personal experience.”
“Oh. Right.”
“Changing the subject.” Jack and Theiya exchanged glances.
“About your business venture,” Theiya said. “For the last four years, you’ve worked at Momoru Investigations under Jack and assisted in some police work as well. But the way you’ve explained this new venture of yours, romantic consulting as another method of investigation, is an angle that the police don’t currently cover.”
“I do want to do actual matchmaking as well,” I put in. “Part of solving the problem is helping people get into good relationships.”
“Also legitimate.” Theiya took a sip of her beer.
“Anyway,” Jack said. “Instead of bringing you back as an employee, I’d like to propose a collaboration. I’ve mentioned before that I want to do more hunting and tracking of the monster variety, which means more interpersonal work can go to you.”
I pressed my lips together. “I don’t think Momoru Investigations will look good on a matchmaking brand. And I’m already partnering with Cendric.”
“Oh, the collaboration can be on the back end of things, just between us two passing information back and forth. You go launch your business, offer your homemade potions and cleaning supplies plus romantic consulting and the rest. Matthias talked to Asher Blackleaf, the guy who owns the building, and he’s willing to give you a good deal on renting the storefront on the other side of the coffee shop. Right now it’s being used for storage since the pizza and sub shop closed. It’s a small place, but there’s a kitchen, storeroom, and a bit of front display area.”
My mind spun. “Wow. That would be incredible.”
“What you’re doing is incredible.” For a moment, Jack dropped the cocky attitude. “I wish I’d had someone looking out for romantic crimes when Iverdryne almost died.”
Theiya nodded grimly, although she offered no further information. I didn’t blame her. Her single parent situation was due to her husband, a royal, being convicted of some terrible crime and executed in front of the Fae court. It was in Fae historical records from thirteen years ago. “The Fae court doesn’t acknowledge the validity of relational aspects of investigations. I think they realized they would have to convict too many of their own.”
“What about Cid?” I asked. “He said blood binders have to cover relational as well as interracial stuff. All to stop another Blood War.”
“Theoretically. But others in the court have blocked his advocacy work before. Your involvement will be a great boon.”
“Huh, okay.” A storefront. A business. A partnership with Jack and Theiya, as well as wo
rking with Cid. My heart felt like it would burst. “I don’t know how to thank you both.”
Jack grinned. “Just keep kicking ass, and don’t turn evil. Well, not really evil. And don’t forget to clean up for the health inspectors, since it won’t be you and Gideon cooking up things in your apartment anymore. Keeping everything kosher is on you.”
“We’ll do everything we need to.”
My phone buzzed again. I checked it. Two messages. I opened the first and read if u want, u can stay. Stay as long as u want, ur so hot and I herd what happen. so brave. Glad 2 help. I miss u…thingz r crazee, n I dont knoooow. Mother is doin thinz…trid to help u…need u.
“What does it feel like to need something, Kir?” My finger hovered over the delete button. “I’m not dealing with this when you’re drunk.”
Theiya looked at the phone. “Kiran?”
“Yeah. Must’ve gotten dumped and heard about my curse-mark being broken. He’s probably in rebound mode. Maybe he hasn’t heard about Cid and me. Although he sounds really upset about his mom.”
“With Lady Malda, who wouldn’t be upset?” Theiya asked. “I’m surprised her people haven’t tracked you down now that you aren’t cursed.”
“Oh, I think they’re waiting for me to explode and come crawling to them.”
I checked my other message. There was Cendric’s response. As your legal counsel, I strongly advise against burning the dress. At least until I have a chance to see you wearing it in person.
I’ll take that under consideration. You could always meet me at the club or the coffee shop later.
Good incentive. Three hours.
Three hours? The meeting wouldn’t end until 11 pm? I shook my head. I was still getting used to Cendric’s law firm running on vampire hours. Although at least it meant I wouldn’t have to get up early myself, since Gideon and I had mutually decided a swing shift schedule worked great for his music career and my strong desire not to get up before 9 am.
If Wishes Were Curses Page 23
