Enforcer

by Patti Larsen

  Wasn’t it?

  Still. This was important. And any information I could give Mom would help when we finally talked to Tallah.

  My Steam Union friend was scowling by the time I finished telling him what Shenka told me.

  “I highly doubt anyone from our order would suggest exposing witches or any other magical race to normals,” he said. Stopped. Whistled softly through his teeth. “But I can’t be sure.”

  That was helpful. “Can you poke around for me?”

  Piers didn’t answer right away, and when he did, his voice was distant. “I have some people I can ask,” he said, giving me the impression he was already doing so. The moment passed, his full attention returning. “We’ll know soon enough.”

  Okay then.

  That left me with my other curiosity. “Since you seem to be the go-to guy for answers, what do you know about wild magicks?”

  I might as well have punched him in the stomach. Piers gasped, grasped my upper arms in his hands.

  “Tell me they've returned,” he said.

  Um, wow. Chillax dudilicious. I pulled free of him, scowling.

  “I told you I freed them,” I said. “You didn't seem all that excited before.”

  He shook his head. “I've been doing some research,” he said, backing off a little, though his excitement didn't retreat far. “What happened?”

  I told him while he nodded and grinned at me before hugging me swiftly.

  “This is brilliant,” he said. “Can you summon them?”

  “Maybe if you actually filled me in,” I said, “I'd consider trying.”

  Snap.

  Piers's deep chuckle made me all warm in places I wished it didn't.

  “Here's what I've learned,” he said. “According to Steam Union records, the wild magicks you freed were captured centuries ago by the Brotherhood and enslaved to their use.”

  What else was new? The Brotherhood was great at making slaves.

  “Here's the best part,” he said, eagerness rising. “If you truly did free the full fragments the Brotherhood stole, you now have access to all that power yourself. Power our enemies are now lacking.” He bounced once on his toes, white teeth sparkling as he smiled. “You need to trap them, Syd. So the Brotherhood can't capture them again.”

  A horrible feeling settled in my stomach at the thought of trapping the wild magicks.

  Piers must have seen the resistance in my expression because he calmed a bit, drew a breath. “Everything you've done,” he said, “has reduced the power of the Brotherhood. From forcing them to abandon one of their bases of power,” the mansion Belaisle burned, right, “to breaking their hold over the attack on the Sidhe,” with Ameline's help. Still made me furious to remember. “But by setting free one of their major sources of power, you've crippled them beyond what they expected.”

  I wasn't so sure about that. My mind went to the woman in the rainbow shielding, the one we’d seen when Ameline and I worked together to save the Sidhe realm from Belaisle’s attack, as I spoke. “If so,” I said, “does that mean you think they've gone to ground for good?” I couldn't bring myself to hope I'd done that much damage.

  Had I?

  Piers shook his head. “There's more depth to their power than the wild magicks,” he said. “But if you were to claim them, you would have a distinct advantage.”

  “I'm sure that's true,” I said, skin crawling at the wrongness of the thought as my alter egos prodded me to reject the idea.

  Piers seemed almost desperate for a moment before visibly calming and taking a step away.

  “The Brotherhood can't be allowed to reclaim them,” he said. “Just promise me you'll act if necessary.”

  What, did he think I was an idiot?

  There were times I liked Piers a lot, times I wondered if he'd be a good choice to marry, my partner in crime.

  This wasn't one of those times. In my heart, and in the souls of the powers living inside me, I knew the only place for the wild magicks was out there.

  Free.

  “Syd.” Charlotte waved at me from the entry to the throne room. When I turned back to Piers from her distraction, his ready smile had returned.

  This time when he kissed me, I cut it short, the buzz of anger still humming through my veins.

  He didn't comment, as cocky as ever. “I'll see you tomorrow, gorgeous,” he said. Gestured as a large, black hole formed. Saluted with a wink before disappearing through it.

  I ground my teeth together in a mix of frustration and nerves as I joined Charlotte.

  ***

  Chapter Twelve

  After a quick hello to Oleksander and Raoul, I was off for home again. While I'd thought the king of the werewolves had an important message for me, considering Charlotte's mention he wanted to see me, it turned out to be nothing of the sort.

  “Sydlynn.” The huge were with the iron gray hair and beard engulfed me in his massive arms, crushing me to his broad chest a moment before setting me free. “It is wonderful to see you.”

  Oleksander had blossomed as much as his granddaughter. The pensive, serious werewolf I'd first met was gone, a benevolent monarch left behind. It was clear his people worshipped him by the way the gathered pack members watched him, bowed as he bent to kiss the back of my hand. Good to know the werewolves were in such dependable paws.

  “You too,” I said. “You're coming tomorrow?” Wow, was it really tomorrow? Conclave already. I thought I still had lots of time.

  Not so much.

  “I am.” He reached out for Charlotte, one arm draping around her shoulders as she smiled up at him. “And my delightful granddaughter is joining me.” He bowed his head. “Many thanks to your mother for the invitation. We werewolves understand it is a great risk she takes, bringing us to America for such an important meeting. But her goals to unite all magic races, to create dialogue and partnership where once we all toiled alone, bring me great hope for the future.”

  “We're honored to have you.” Okay, so I was picking up on the diplomacy thing after all. Mom would be impressed.

  “Most excellent.” Oleksander kissed both of my cheeks before clasping his hands behind him. “We will see you then.”

  Um. Great.

  Charlotte escorted me to the front door, giggling.

  “He is so excited,” she said. “And so very proud. You have given him something he's never had before, Syd. A sense of purpose, a reason for being. Our people are his reason, without fear of others trying to control our destiny.” She shrugged. “I know this meeting might not have meant much to you, but he thinks fondly of you, as though you were his granddaughter, too. Forgive an old wolf for wasting your time.”

  I hugged her immediately. “Don't be an idiot,” I said, tears burning my eyes. “Time spent with you and your family, with those I care about, is never wasted.”

  She kissed my cheeks like her grandfather had. “Thank you,” she said.

  I left her on the front step, striding out a few paces before opening the veil. Ahbi embraced me with her power the second I did, but I held off riding just yet.

  “Listen up,” I said. “I realize you're trying to help me choose, just like everyone else.” There was a tint of oops behind her surge of innocence. “But dumping me on Piers was a very bad idea.” Well, not so bad. I was kind of over my snit now and the memory of his kiss went a long way to seal my forgiveness.

  I really had to get a grip on my hormones.

  Ahbi's magic pouted.

  “Thank you,” I said, softening. “But I need to make this decision on my own.”

  Her power slipped around me. No apology, not from Ahbi. Even softened by her connection to the Node keeping Demonicon together, my grandmother was a mistress of manipulation. But I could feel the real caring she had for me, caring she had been unable to show while alive and Ruler of her plane.

  I stepped into the veil and let her take me home at last, stepping out into the still-bright kitchen. Traveling great distances always screwed me
up when it came to time zones and night versus day. Still fighting disorientation, I almost missed the feeling of Enforcer magic in the house.

  Almost. But I knew it wasn't his. Not Quaid's. This power was distinctly feminine.

  Which meant it could only be one person. I went to Gram's room, pushing the already ajar door wide to find Varity Rhodes standing at the end of the bed. The former Enforcer leader looked up as I entered, a deep scowl on her face, gray hair pulled back in a tight bun, black robe hanging from her tall, thin body.

  “She refuses to talk to me.” Varity's deep voice dropped further into disapproval as she went back to glaring down at Gram who still sat on the floor, now in darkness, her friendly sunbeam long gone.

  Gram grunted and swatted at her old friend before crossing her arms over her chest, sullen expression as closed as her door had been lately.

  “She's just cranky,” I said, keeping it light even as my heart twisted inside me. “You know. Typical.”

  Varity snorted a half-laugh though the worry in her face mirrored mine.

  “Whatever,” she said, turning and striding past me out into the hall. “Let her sulk. I have better things to do.”

  I followed her out of the room, reached for the knob. Only to have it slam into my back as Gram's thin remaining power pushed it shut with a bang.

  Varity's face crumpled the moment the door closed, but she didn't say anything until we reached the kitchen.

  “I've never seen her like this.” Varity wrung her thin, wrinkled hands, crisscrossing scars on the backs making me wonder what caused them. “I don't know how to help her.”

  Not much to say. I sat in the same boat.

  “The stubborn old bat.” Varity stomped one booted foot. “I want her to attend conclave with me. Engage her in something else. But she won't even say a word.”

  The door behind me creaked, both of us turning to find Demetrius watching from the top step of the basement. His huge blue eyes brimmed with moisture as he snuffled and wiped his nose with the palm of his hand.

  “Poor Ethie,” he said. “All used up.”

  And whose fault was that?

  “I realize you can't yet,” Varity snarled around her clenched jaw, “but the moment you can kill that little bitch, Ameline, you do it. And give Ethpeal back her power.”

  “On the agenda,” I said.

  Varity nodded once, a sharp tip of her head, before stomping out the front door. I felt her Enforcer magic flare as Shenka pounded down the stairs and rushed into the kitchen, out of breath.

  “What did I miss?” She spotted Demetrius as he pulled out a chair and perched with a hopeful smile on the edge. I'm pretty sure my second's reaction was automatic as she spun and immediately began to fix him something to eat.

  I watched her deft hands make him a giant sandwich.

  “Varity was here,” I said. “Just Gram stuff.”

  Shenka nodded sadly. No explanation required.

  Demetrius's feet swung, a charming grin on his face, ignoring us as Shenka's food prep continued.

  “What did Oleksander want?” Shenka licked a line of mayo from her thumb after cutting the sandwich in quarters and transferring it neatly onto a plate.

  “To hug me,” I said, a grin pulling at my lips. “He's just so happy, you know?”

  She beamed at me as she crossed to Demetrius. The damaged sorcerer clapped his hands as she set the plate in front of him before going to the cupboard again for a glass. Funny how she used her hands when it was one person but her magic for multiples.

  Efficiency, your name is Sashenka Hensley.

  “I told Mom about Tallah,” I blurted. Because blurting things to my friends was the way I rolled.

  The glass she retrieved for Demetrius rattled as it dropped the last inch from her grip, circling on its base a few rotations before settling down.

  “What did she say?” Shenka didn’t meet my eyes as she turned to the fridge and fetched the pitcher of water. I noticed she held it in both hands as she poured, the small fall of liquid shivering from her trembles.

  “We’re going to talk to Tallah tonight,” I said. “It’s going to be okay, Shenka.” I didn’t bother telling her I mentioned it to Piers. Not after my second managed a lip-wavering smile.

  “It’s for the best,” she said, setting down the pitcher, wiping both hands on her thighs. “Does Miriam want me there?”

  “Do you want to be there?” Much better question.

  Shenka nodded. “I do.”

  “Then you’re welcome,” I said.

  Demetrius mowed through his snack as we talked, taking giant bites of bread and meat and veggies, rolling his eyes in bliss as he chewed with his mouth open. Shenka refilled his glass when he emptied most of it into his mouth, ignoring the dribbles trailing down his chin and the front of his spotted t-shirt. She sank down next to me and watched him eat.

  “Found her.” He spit a small piece of sandwich out onto the table. Though I was slightly grossed out, Shenka simply scooped it up and disposed of it with magic as though he were a toddler.

  “Found who, Demetrius?” Because with him, one never knew. We’d been talking about Tallah. Did he think she was missing?

  “The echo,” he said and my heart stood still.

  “You found Alison?” Holy. Crap. I had to destroy her, the taint she stole from the vampires.

  From me.

  Before I could leap to my feet and rush off in a blaze of vengeance, Shenka asked a question.

  “Where is she?”

  Right. Good information to have if I was going to dash off half-cocked.

  He shrugged, stuffed in another bite. “Doesn't matter,” he said through chewing. “She's busy.”

  “With?” I ground my teeth together, hands fisted on the table in front of me as I waited. And waited. While he chewed, swallowed, drank some water. Fixed me with a sweet smile.

  “Demetrius.” My voice came out in a low growl, my demon pushing behind me while my vampire hissed in my head.

  He set down his sandwich, eyes glinting with hints of lucidity. “She's trying to make more,” he said. “Like her.”

  Oh. My. Swearword.

  “We have to stop her.” Didn't we? Why did he look so unconcerned?

  “She'll fail,” he said before picking up his dinner again, examining it carefully for a place to bite. “But she keeps trying, yes indeedy doodle dandy.” He blinked slowly, a demented owl, grinning with bits of food in his teeth. “Keeps her weak and occupied.”

  That might be fine and good in Demetriusland, but I was responsible for her. For the echoes she gathered.

  “Besides,” he said just before taking another calm, massive bite. “She's with the Brotherhood.”

  She was—

  With the—

  “Demetrius!” I slammed both fists down on the table, his plate and glass both jumping in response. “You found them? Where are they?” Now I had a mission, and I'd be damned if his stupid sandwich was getting in the way.

  Belaisle was mine.

  My hitchhikers all roared in agreement, the family magic surging in answer even as the small sorcerer sighed and focused on me.

  “You can't,” he said. “Not without her.”

  We both knew who he meant.

  Ameline.

  Oh, hell no.

  “I don't need anyone,” I snarled.

  He stuffed in the remains of his sandwich while Shenka laid a calming hand on my arm, though her eyes looked a bit wild around the edges.

  I could just imagine how I appeared with Shaylee, my demon, my vampire and the family magic all fighting for freedom and the chance to go after Belaisle.

  “He's using the echo girl,” Demetrius said. “Dear Liander found a way to siphon from her, didn't he?” His blue eyes misted over, hands pressing to his cheeks. “All those poor ghostie mosties, through her, just another means to a power source.”

  I sank back in my seat, horror driving bile to the back of my throat. “That's sick.” Oka
y, this was Belaisle we were talking about. And yes, Alison wasn't the girl I remembered. She’d been corrupted, lost the light of her soul. She had only the dark of her ego left, now tainted by power beyond her. Still, she didn't deserve to be fed on by a pack of leeches.

  Demetrius's feet swung harder, his cherub face full of sadness despite the grin pulling at his mouth. “Yup, yup,” he said, soft and sad.

  But it made me think and remember what I wanted to ask him as my temper cooled and the girls chilled out. “The wild magicks I freed, the ones from the crystals in Miami.” I grasped his hand a moment before letting him go. “The Brotherhood used to control them, used them as a source, correct?”

  He tilted his head to the side, more owlish than ever. “Bingo,” he said. I could feel him slipping away from me, back into insanity. I had to act fast.

  “They've been coming around,” I said, leaning toward him, trying to support him with energy.

  He perked, snapping his fingers and wriggling in his chair. “How are they?”

  Oh boy. I was losing him.

  At least, I thought I was. I watched as he physically grasped hold of his lucidity, black sorcery sliding over his eyes before he shuddered and focused on me again.

  “They must remain free,” he said, voice low and steady. “Protect them, but they need to be wild.”

  “Why?” I thought of Piers, played devil's advocate. “Wouldn't it be better to capture them myself?”

  Even as I said it, I shuddered. He shuddered. The whole world seemed to shift as he grabbed my hand.

  “Light and Dark come together,” he said. “But random wins.”

  He slipped again, shivering with the effort it took to keep himself present and with me.

  “They are trying to tell me something,” I said, desperate to hang on to him. “How do I figure out what it is?”

  He shuddered, pulling me toward him, the black oozing across his eyes one last time as his sorcery butted against mine.

  “Listen,” he said. Blinked and sagged with a goofy smile. “Glisten. Pissing rain, what?” He giggled, high pitched and girly, before shimmying back and forth in his seat. “Sing halleluiah, sisters. Sing it!”