Outfoxing Mysta

by Selena Illyria

  At first he did nothing. Then he slipped over her and onto his side leaving a foot of empty space between them. She was torn all over again. History seemed to be repeating itself.

  “Why are you so scared of me, honey?” There was a tenderness in his tone. Just the sound of it tugged at the tatters of her heart.

  The weight of his gaze pressed against her like a thick sweater, one she couldn’t just strip off. For a moment she didn’t think she could answer. How to explain to him? “Because my siblings need me to honor my position. Through me they can rise to prestige and receive the attention our branch of the family hasn’t had for decades. I can’t afford to look bad even if I’m paired up with Bridget. Not when my sister Karoline is going through the process right now, and my younger brother Evan may have two possible matches. My parents don’t have to worry about bills anymore. Money is coming. They can even fix up the house. It’s a lot of responsibility, but I accept it.”

  “So you’re scared I’ll distract you from your duty to Bridget?” His tone was careful and curious.

  “It’s already affecting me,” she confessed. “And I don’t need distractions right now. I’m dealing with a lot. I have my friend Sera’s half-sister Vivi, staying with me. Don’t tell anyone I said that.” She sighed. “I just… No commotions. I already have more than I need right now.”

  “So I was distracting you from your studies back then?” Again a careful tenor.

  “Yes and no. To a point I could focus, but I began to want to spend more and more time with you. I needed to study, to learn my craft and my abilities, to strengthen my power.” The past rose up like a dust cloud consuming her. She remembered all the nights she stayed up talking to her mother while Viktor worked at his second job as a warehouse security guard. “My parents did have their doubts about us.”

  He made a disgusted sound.

  She ignored it. “I didn’t think we had a future, and I still don’t.”

  “Why?” He was on his feet in a flash, anger written in every angle of his face. “Why do you have such little faith in me? In us?”

  He began to pace.

  She sat up, pulled her legs to her chest, and rested her chin on her knees, debating how to proceed with this next confession. It was clear he wasn’t grasping the picture she was painting for him. When he’d decided they would be together nothing stopped him and nothing dissuaded him, not the differences in species or her magical abilities. He didn’t understand the responsibility she was under since he wasn’t a familiar himself, nor did he come from a family of them.

  He stopped pacing and lowered himself until he was crouched before her and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Mys, I’m lost, honey.”

  “I know.” She met his gaze head-on. No masks or shields, hoping he could see what she was trying to say without her having to utter the words.

  The loud, shrill sound of a phone ringing from the back office interrupted the moment.

  Viktor’s head jerked around. Panic filled his features. A second ring sounded, and he exhaled. “Whew, just the phone. Shevon doesn’t have an answering machine anymore. Stay here. I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere, promise me?” He rose and went over to his pile of clothing. With easy movement he pulled on his jeans, socks and shoes—but not his shirt—and left her to go take care of whatever it was.

  The peridot ring surfaced in her mind once more and the urge to flee assailed her.

  She grabbed her clothes and got dressed as fast as she could, nearly falling a few times as she pulled on her jeans and her boots. Her preternatural hearing caught the murmured tones of Viktor’s voice drifting toward her through the hushed atmosphere. It sounded like he was arguing with someone.

  When she finished dressing, she checked her watch. Viktor had been gone for fifteen minutes.

  She glanced around the Earth section. The area was a mess of discarded glasses, bottles of wine, vodka, and Guinness in various stages of emptiness, and scattered pillows. The part of her that hated a mess reared its ugly head. As fast as she could she cleared up all the trash, then rushed to her table in the back and grabbed her research materials, writing implements, and notebooks. She didn’t want anyone, especially Shevon, to guess what had happened.

  Twenty-five minutes had passed, and Viktor was still on the phone. She risked writing out a quick note to Shevon about the books she borrowed. He still hadn’t gotten off the phone.

  She left through a side exit door to avoid any meeting with Shevon or any other library attendants. Viktor was still engaged on that call even though he’d been talking for twenty-nine minutes. She felt like a bandit who’d gotten away scot-free.

  The light of dawn hit her as soon as she stepped outside. She sniffed the air. Her snake’s preternatural senses told her it was almost four in the morning. The sun wasn’t quite high enough in the sky. She rounded the corner and started speed walking, not wanting to have a confrontation should Viktor get off the phone and realize she’d pulled a runner. Plus, she wanted to make it home in time to grab at least two hours of sleep.

  “Mornin’,” Malcolm called out.

  Shit. Mysta whirled around to find Malcolm leaning against the brick edifice of the library. He was eating an apple and looked so at ease one would never guess he had a buildup of magic inside of him or much to her annoyance that he’d just had sex. Fresh as a daisy, making her feel grubby.

  “Morning.” She started to walk again, hoping he’d get the hint and not interact with her.

  He fell into step with her, keeping up with her quick gait. “Don’t be like that. You and I are friends now, right? We’ve just had sex…”

  She glanced all around praying no one had heard him. “Shut up,” she hissed.

  “So, running away are we? You know Viktor really believes that mate crap.”

  “You don’t believe in mates?” She gave him a sideways peek.

  “Nope. Hellhounds work too damn hard to settle down. Look, there’s something I wanted to ask you. It’s a bit awkward as we’ve just met, but got an extra bed I could crash in until this whole familiar business is settled? Can’t sleep at Vik’s. Too quiet.” The crunch of the apple, his footsteps, the ping and clang of glass bottles and cans being thrown out, the light tread of the cleaning crew’s feet and the crinkle of wrappers, and the thud of refuse hitting the inside of the garbage truck were the only noises she heard. Cleaning crews moved around, picking up the debris and toilet paper strewn on front lawns and trees. A wide trail of ooze coated the cobblestone streets, and the distinct smell of sulfur clung to the magic and sweetness in the crisp morning air. It looked as if those teenagers had discarded their failed defense slug and it had grown and was loose somewhere in the town. She didn’t bother to tell the men and women scrubbing up the filth. They’d find out soon enough. She just hoped they had enough salt.

  They passed The Java Demon. The lights were on and there was movement in front of the windows but no flashy cars from either Carver or Thorn parked out in front.

  “So you want to sleep at my place? I’m telling you now, I have a guest. I will skin you alive if you do anything to her.”

  “I’ll be on my best behavior, promise. ’Sides, I’m not looking for anyone. You helped me out, not only with the power exchange but also with the sex. You know, I understand why you keep leaving. Not just this time, after the sex, but yeah, I get it.” Malcolm pressed on before she could get in a word. “I don’t believe in mates either, but then again I’m a hellhound. Seen a lot of the shitty things people do to each other. Take me for example. Think I ended up a familiar cause I was born this way?”

  He paused to take a bite of his apple and chew.

  Mysta turned over the question in her brain, accessing all of the knowledge she’s learned through time and study. “Cursed?”

  “Yup. Some witch thought I needed a lesson, so, here I am, hellhound turned familiar, and now I need to find a witch or wizard I’m compatible with. Vik’s been great. Don’t ask about the witch. I doubt
you’ll be able to find out who did this to me even with a bit of fancy magic work. A bit of honesty here. I was the one that told him you were here. I owed him one for that Halloween last year, and I knew how much he wanted to find you. Don’t hold it against him or me, please.”

  She digested the news. “He would’ve found me regardless of whether you helped him or not. He’s that stubborn. This won’t stop me from letting you stay at my place or helping you.”

  “Thanks, I really appreciate it, especially after…”

  He had to stop talking. Mysta didn’t pause to think about what she was doing. She paused, grabbed his hand, and this time propelled her energy to cascade over him like a fall of air from a large draft in a window. Her magic sought out all the cracks, dents, and scratches in the spell that had been put on Malcolm. Nothing. It was perfectly sealed and no signature to tell her who had done this to him.

  “Wow. You were right. I have no clue who did this to you. Do you know who did this to you?” She wondered if Bridget had heard something about this. A spell or ritual similar to this would’ve caused major ripples in the magical community, and witches would be scared of this person.

  “I know who it is all right. Vik doesn’t know this is a curse. If I could exact my revenge I would, but I don’t know if my ideas would work, so in the meantime I’ll find a witch or wizard to bind myself to.” Malcolm shrugged and pulled his hand away. “Don’t think I don’t know why you did that. Distract me, and I’ll stop mentioning the sex. No need to be ashamed, love. It happens. Sometimes with more than one person.” He gave her a wink.

  “Do you understand once this starts it can’t be stopped or broken? You’re a familiar now. You may not have been born one of us but now you are. You can’t just switch it on and off like a light. And I wasn’t trying to stop you from talking.” Mysta knew she was laying it on a bit thick, but he had to understand, and if he couldn’t, there was no way she—or Bridget—could help him. She also knew she was lying. This was a small town and word traveled fast. Within hours everyone could know.

  “Yeah, yeah, I get it. I’m stuck like this. I actually like having some magic to use, and it works well with my hell-given abilities.” He grinned. “Okay, okay, I’ll shut up.”

  She doubted it but didn’t press him on.

  She broke the connection between them. The energy rebounded, hitting her in the chest. The spot where her magic landed stung. She reached up and rubbed it, not caring who saw. Witches and their familiars acted weird all the time and in public no less. This wouldn’t be any different.

  “So what do you want in a witch or wizard?” Sometimes, in magic, if you were specific in your desires you could get what you wanted, and other times the goddess had a sense of humor.

  “Curvy, like your Bridget, only with a bit more meat on her bones, nice dark eyes you could fall into, sexy voice, dark hair. I prefer brunettes and naughty, wicked—”

  She cut him off. “I was asking what you wanted in a witch, not your perfect one-night stand.” She grumbled about horny dogs under her breath.

  “I was just describing my ideal witch slash person that I’m going to be stuck with forever. If I’m going to be tied down might as well do it with someone I can fuck and I’m attracted to.” Malcolm kicked a pebble.

  Mysta rolled her eyes. “Hellhounds. Okay, I’m sure Bridget knows some witches who will meet your description, but you know it has to work both ways. She has to be pulled toward you.”

  “Yeah, I do. Like I said, I know how it works.” He threw the apple core into a trash can. They walked past several small cafés and corner stores, passing party revelers who hadn’t gone to bed yet, then took a right and headed west of Main Street. Pastel-and-white-colored Victorian mini mansions, St. Anne, and Tudor houses decorated for Halloween, lined both sides of the street. Toilet paper waved at them from bushes, lawns, and trees. Birds chirped from the branches overhead. Their footsteps echoed back at them. She led the way, taking another turn down a dead end street where the forests rose up and log cabin houses could be seen in the distance.

  “Cozy,” Malcolm called out from behind her.

  “Private,” Mysta retorted. In the distance she could see the four brownstone houses that Bridget owned.

  “Good defensive place. Nowhere your enemies can really hide. You can see them coming and have the advantage of time to prepare. I approve.”

  “Bridget doesn’t have enemies.” Mysta gritted out the answer.

  “So you said, but, I can appreciate the location.”

  She didn’t respond. Once they were a few yards away she glanced over the brownstones she, Sera, Lana, and Bridget lived in. Wide swathes of lawn surrounded each one. The windows were dark, and nothing was moving except for the early-morning animals and insects. She unlocked the door and headed in.

  Vivi sat at the breakfast counter with a mug of coffee in one hand, a plate of toast in front of her, and a newspaper in the other. A carryon bag leaned against the stool. As Mysta walked in, Vivi put down her reading material to stare behind Mysta.

  “Vivi, this is—”

  Malcolm brushed past Mysta, much to her annoyance. “Hey, Vivi, I’m Malcolm. Don’t worry, Mysta only told me your name. I’m crashing here for a while.” Malcolm grinned and held out his hand.

  Her eyes were wide. She returned his handshake with hesitation. “Hi, Malcolm,” she whispered in a rough, husky voice. “I made coffee.”

  Malcolm bowed over her hand and kissed her knuckles. Mysta rolled her eyes. “Lay off, Romeo. Your room is third door on the left. You have your own bathroom.”

  “Thanks. I’ll see you around, Vivi.” Malcolm left the room, heading upstairs before either of them could stop him.

  Tension Mysta hadn’t realized was there slid out of her. She exhaled and leaned a hip against the counter. “Thanks for making coffee. Viv, you’re not eating just that. I may not cook a lot, but I can whip up omelets for the both of us. Hellhound can get his own.” She grinned.

  Vivi shook her head. “Nope, it’s all I can get down. Mom stopped by while you were out.” She pressed her lips together. Tension lines bracketed her eyes. “Words were said and well… I’m going back home today.”

  Mysta opened her mouth to speak.

  Vivi held up her hand. “With all the drama going on in the leap right now, Mom is trying to force me into an arranged marriage. I just can’t deal with more stress. And I won’t go into it, not when Sera doesn’t know the whole story.” A plea showed in her dark brown eyes.

  Mysta gritted her teeth, then reluctantly nodded. She hated keeping things from Sera. But more than that, she loathed Francine for putting Vivi and Sera in this position to begin with.

  “I have to go back to make peace before I get my own place. I need to do it for myself. Anyway, thank you so much for letting me stay.” Vivi grabbed her bag and headed to the door.

  “Vivi, wait.” Mysta followed the younger shifter and placed a hand on Vivi’s shoulder. The half calico, half black panther shifter tensed up. “You’re my friend. You’re welcome and safe here.”

  Vivi’s body sagged under the weight of Mysta’s touch. “Mom was pissed. Sera had to go and help Bridget. I couldn’t stay there and cause trouble. I know trouble is brewing between them and Mom, Sera, and the leap. I’ve heard the rumors, read the tea leaves. I have to separate myself from both of them, find my own way. Besides I have to talk to my mom, again.” Vivi rolled her eyes. “Get her to understand some of what I want, and if she lets me, is it okay if I come back here? Besides, I think Sera is hooking up with Carver and Thorn. I don’t want to cramp her style, you know?” Vivi drew in a huge breath.

  Mysta laughed and ruffled the young woman’s hair. “Of course it is. Does this have to do with those yummy dragon brothers you’re friends with?”

  “Lunar Lust does not make for a good environment. I need to figure out how to handle it when I’m around them. They offered me a room in their flat. Not free, gotta pay rent and chip in for groceries,
but it’s still a roof over my head.”

  “And a buffet of male gorgeousness. I hear they rarely wear clothing much less shirts unless they have to. Are you sure your delicate kitty sensibilities can handle it?” Mysta teased.

  “I think so. Not sure around the full moon though.” Vivi gave a shaky laugh. Twin crimson spots appeared on her cheeks.

  “That bad, huh? Do you need something? I can whip up a quick potion for you. If it gets bad I’m sure Bridget can help. We’re all here for you, babe, you know that right?” Mysta gave Vivi a hug. Vivi reminded her of her younger sister Karolina. Both Vivi and Karolina were sweet and filled with good intentions. Exhaustion tugged at her. The sex, her new situation with Malcolm, and now Vivi’s issues with her mother were depleting what little energy she had left.

  “I’ll tell you if I need your help. Thanks for offering.” Vivi stepped back, grabbed her jacket from the rack near the door, and left.

  With a sigh, Mysta shrugged out of her coat and hung it up, then returned to the kitchen to clean up Vivi’s plate and mug of coffee. A minute later, Malcolm came down the stairs.

  “Nice kid, not my type, not enough curves and too young. Like ’em mature.”

  “Ugh, you’re starting to make me wonder which you’re after, a witch or a lay.” She poured herself a cup of coffee. “What are you doing up? Aren’t you tired?” Aches and pains pinged around her body with each step.

  “I didn’t say that. I took the bedroom in the corner, by the way. I hope you don’t mind.” He came forward and poked around the counter.

  “I told you—”

  “I know what you told me, but I’m too set in my ways to pick a room where I don’t have a way to defend myself properly in. Hellhound remember? We make enemies like people breathe.”

  Mysta’s stomach lurched. “Why would you—”

  “Old habits die hard. Now, got any bacon? You know it makes everything better, right?” He grinned and opened up the fridge and took out a slab of Canadian from her Bacon of the Month club offering.

  She gritted her teeth. “You’re going to be a headache, aren’t you?”