Outfox: Spellslingers Academy of Magic (Sentry of the South Book 2)

by Annabel Chase

  I nodded. “You’re right. It’s already late.” Perfect for a vampire but not so great for a lingerie shop. Plus, I was more tired than I cared to admit. It felt like a weakness.

  Peter stopped stirring his drink to scrutinize me. “Are you hurt?”

  I held out my arms and noticed a few angry, red scrapes and soreness on my thigh that would definitely result in a bruise by morning. “Not really.”

  “Liar,” he said, stepping out from behind the bar. “It’s okay to admit you’re hurt.”

  I raised my chin a fraction. “Not for me. Pain and injury are signs of weakness.”

  He laughed in my face. “What? You’re a robot now?” He pinched the skin on my arm. “You’re flesh and bone and blood, same as me. You can be hurt, Dani. Hell, you can be killed. You’re neither invincible nor immortal, and that’s not an insult. That’s just a fact.” He stroked his chin. “Several facts.”

  My gaze lowered. “I’m fine.”

  He brushed my cheek with his thumb. “You really were a sight to behold out there. I can’t decide if I want to run screaming from you or have my way with you.”

  “Your way, huh?” I said. “Fair warning, that decision needs to be mutual or you lose an important body part.”

  He planted a gentle kiss on my forehead. “Always.”

  “I’m not sure why you bother sticking around here when Darla is clearly waiting for you back at the casino,” I said. “You should make the most of it. We’re leaving tomorrow after we speak to Lady G.”

  Peter gaped at me. “Are you kidding? Darla’s not even on my radar.”

  “She was very much on your radar the last time you visited,” I pointed out. “What’s the problem? You don’t like her haircut now?” Men could be so weird about women’s hair.

  “I know what this is,” Peter said.

  I blinked. “What what is?”

  “You’re jealous!” he said triumphantly. “You’re worried that I actually like Darla.”

  I bristled. “I’m not worried. You have every right to enjoy the attention of attractive females, however emaciated they appear. It has nothing to do with me.”

  He wrapped his fingers around my wrist and pulled me toward him. “The fact that I am not with Darla right now has everything to do with you. I don’t have any interest in other attractive females.” He wore a vague smile. “There’s only one fiery woman I have eyes for and she’s scowling right in front of me.”

  I tried to relax my features. “I’m not scowling.”

  “Are too.” His lips hovered dangerously close to mine. If I just leaned forward that little bit…

  “Why do you persist?” I asked, trying to break his hold on me. Then again, I didn’t resist when he slipped an arm around my waist.

  “Because I know how great we’d be together,” he said. “You have this passion inside you. It speaks to me.” He paused. “Yells at me, most of the time. Very bossy passion.”

  I gave his arm a playful smack, though, oddly, I understood. There was something about Peter that spoke to me, too.

  “Just because we feel something doesn’t mean we have to act on it,” I said.

  “But why not?” he pressed. “Why not give in? I’d never hurt you, Dani.”

  “You already have,” I said softly. “You lied to me….”

  He drew back slightly. “You know why I hid my Death Bringer side. I thought we’d moved past that.”

  “I’m not upset anymore, but it’s still a mark against you.”

  “A mark against me? You’re keeping score?” He sounded wounded.

  I rested my forehead against his chest. “I’m sorry, Peter. I know I shouldn’t. I want to trust you again.”

  He held me close. “Then do it. Nothing’s stopping you except you.”

  “I feel like I need to stay focused,” I said. “Everything other than the academy is a distraction.”

  He stroked my arm. “So you can be the new face of the Degraff family? You think your good deeds will erase your grandmother’s years of damage?”

  “Yes,” I said. “I do. My family is counting on it.”

  “Why doesn’t your family support you living a life of your own terms?” he asked.

  “Is that why you carry the staff around like a little toothpick behind your ear?” I asked. “Because you live life on your own terms? Because your father was supportive of your desire to have nothing to do with being a Death Bringer?”

  Peter lifted my chin and met my steely gaze. “This is not how I wanted the evening to go.”

  He looked so disappointed, I wanted to hug him. “How did you want it to go?” I asked, feeling emboldened. “Show me.”

  “No,” he said, slightly obstinate.

  “Like this?” I looped my arms around his neck and pressed against the length of him. It was the only encouragement he needed. That quickly, his lips were on mine, desperate and searching.

  “Now this is how I wanted the evening to go,” he murmured.

  I broke away, afraid of losing myself completely. “You still taste like Valhalla Vino. How is that possible? Did you forget to brush your teeth?”

  He kissed me again. “So do you,” he said, his breathing ragged. “It’s delicious. You’re delicious.”

  “You really only want to be with me?” I asked.

  “Only you,” he whispered. His lips migrated to my neck and then my collarbone. My body was on fire and, this time, it wasn’t from magic.

  “You should find someone who can give all of herself to you,” I said, struggling to speak. I wanted to throw him down on the bed. On the floor. Anywhere really.

  “I’d take a sliver of you over all of anyone else,” he replied. And I knew he meant it. I felt it in every fiber of my being.

  Finally, I managed to collect myself and placed my hands firmly on his chest. “This is going to get out of hand too quickly. We need to stop.”

  He snuck another quick kiss before nodding. “You’re right. We do.” He paused. “Why, exactly?”

  “Because we need to go see an ancient vampire about a hired assassin,” I reminded him.

  “That old excuse,” Peter said, with a dismissive wave of his hand. “Some girls will say anything to avoid kissing me.”

  Chapter Ten

  The Globetrotter was a sleek and modern hotel with a red and black color scheme. Go figure.

  An aging fairy with bluish-silver hair greeted us from behind a long, shiny black counter. She wore a red blouse with black polka dots and glasses that hung on a chain around her neck.

  “Is this a Terrene hotel or a paranormal one?” I whispered.

  “It’s both, dear,” the elderly fairy replied. Nothing wrong with her hearing then. “The hotel is spelled to make our kind appear human to outsiders. People aren’t all that perceptive, so it isn’t hard to deceive them.”

  “Technically, we’re the outsiders here,” I said. “We’re in Vegas.”

  The elderly fairy turned up her perky nose. “I think you’ll find this is Meth’s town.”

  “We’d like to see Meth, if he’s available,” Peter said.

  Her lips puckered. “For what purpose?”

  “We need to ask him a few questions about a personal issue,” Peter said. “We’ve been told he might be able to help.”

  The elderly fairy held up her glasses and peered at us. “You’re not here to steal, are you? Can’t let you in if you plan to take anything that doesn’t belong to you.”

  “Are you sure?” Peter asked. “Because I’d be more than happy to steal your heart away.”

  The fairy’s gravelly voice lightened to a girlish squeak. “Your name? Let me guess. It’s Prince Charming, isn’t it?”

  Peter bowed with a flourish. “My reputation precedes me, I see.”

  It took all my strength not to roll my eyes. I may have even invoked a little magic.

  “You are a cute one, aren’t you?” the fairy said. She tilted her head to scowl at me. “And you are?”

&nb
sp; “Princess Danielle,” Peter answered for me. “She’s as royal as they come.” He winked at me.

  “I’ll see if my master is available.” She turned away from the counter and hit a button.

  “Her master?” I mouthed to Peter.

  “He’s an old school vampire,” Peter whispered. “Try to use those Degraff manners of yours. He’ll like that.”

  The fairy slowly turned back to us, her glasses dangling. “Go on up. Top floor. Can’t miss it.” She glanced at Peter. “Try not to steal anything else.”

  “It’s like she knows you,” I said on our way to the elevator.

  “Considering where she works and who she works for, it’s no surprise that she’s insightful,” Peter said.

  “Have you ever met Meth before?” I asked.

  “No, I just know him by reputation,” Peter replied. He hit the button for the top floor and the doors closed. We were the only ones in the elevator.

  “How scary is he on a scale of one to positively frightening?”

  Peter appeared thoughtful. “The dude’s old as dirt and super powerful. Those facts alone are scary enough.”

  “Why does he live in Terrene? And how is he allowed to stay here?” It seemed to violate several rules and regulations.

  “Like I said—old and powerful,” Peter replied. “You’d be surprised how many rules you can break with those two qualities.”

  The doors opened and the elevator spit us straight into the penthouse. The first thing I noticed was the view. The entire top floor seemed to be made of glass so that we could see the lights of the city all around us. I went to the closest spot and pressed my hands against the glass. Somewhere in the background, I heard music playing.

  “This is breathtaking,” I said, admiring the landscape below. Three hundred and sixty degrees of Las Vegas. For a brief moment, I forgot the purpose of our visit.

  Peter joined me in front of the pane. “It’s the little things, isn’t it? I like a good view anywhere. Terrene. Top of the Jade Pool Mountains. It doesn’t matter. It never disappoints.”

  “He must feel like the king of Las Vegas up here,” I said. It would be difficult not to feel like anything else. The penthouse was like Zeus gazing down from the peak of Mount Olympus.

  “Did you get lost?” a voice called. “It isn’t difficult, you know. The top floor pretty much says it all.” A figure shuffled over to us. He was a slight man with a pronounced lisp.

  “No, just enjoying the view from on high,” I said, offering a polite smile. “This place is incredible.” I extended a hand. “Dani Degraff. It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Meth. Do I call you Mister?”

  The man squinted at me. “Glory be to the underworld. I’m not Meth. I’m his assistant, Gavin.”

  “Oh, sorry.” Well, that was a relief. I couldn’t believe this unimpressive man was a feared and ancient vampire.

  “Pleased to meet you, Gavin,” Peter said. “I’m Peter Zilla.”

  “Yes, we’re aware of you, Mr. Zilla,” Gavin said.

  Aware of him? What did that mean?

  We followed Gavin to another section of the penthouse where the feared and ancient vampire was…

  Singing?

  That was the music I’d heard. Meth stood on a slightly raised platform, singing enthusiastically into a microphone. When he spotted us, he raised a finger and continued his performance. I watched him gyrate in a wide-collared, white jumpsuit. His dark hair was surprisingly puffy for a formidable vampire. Even more surprising was his deep tan. How did he manage that?

  Meth finished his song with a flourish and hopped off the stage to greet us. “I simply love, love, love karaoke, don’t you? It’s a great way to unwind after a long day of criminal masterminding.”

  Gavin cleared his throat. “Master, need I remind you about your admissions of guilt? They can carry consequences.”

  “Not with these two,” Meth said, gesturing to us. “I can tell they’re good sports. Look at them. Gorgeous. You’re a couple, right? Please tell me you’re a couple because, otherwise, it’s a waste of two beauties.”

  Peter reached for my hand. “We’re a couple.”

  “Phew.” Meth wiped his brow. “Now that we’ve established that, I won’t hit on either one of you.” He paused. “Well, I might, but I won’t be insulted if you rebuff me because I see what’s waiting for you at the end of the night.”

  I shot a quick glance at Peter. I had no idea how to respond. This was the feared vampire kingpin?

  Meth snapped his fingers and Gavin produced a hand towel for Meth to wipe the sweat off his face in a move that reminded me of the exercising norn. Karaoke was apparently somewhat of a workout for him.

  “If I may ask,” I began, “what’s the secret to your amazing skin?”

  Meth opened the top of his jumpsuit to show off his bronzed chest. “It is impressive, isn’t it? Thank you for noticing. Gavin arranges for me to use fairy tanning beds in the spa here at the Globetrotter. It’s a big draw for vampires, as I’m sure you can understand.” When he flashed a smile, I noticed one of his fangs was made of gold.

  “I’m digging your taste in music,” Peter said. “Is that why you chose to live here? You’re a big Elvis fan?”

  Meth lit up. “You know Elvis?” He clapped his hands giddily. “I love meeting other paranormals with exquisite taste, don’t I, Gavin?”

  “You do love it, master,” Gavin said.

  “What’s an Elvis?” I asked.

  Meth sucked in a breath. Loudly. “She doesn’t know Elvis?” He eyed at Peter. “What kind of relationship do you two have that you’ve failed to introduce her?”

  “It’s a mistake I hope to remedy while we’re in Vegas,” Peter said. “But business is first.”

  “Ah, business,” Meth said. He crooked a finger, indicating that we should follow him to a conference table. On our way over, I glimpsed the view from this side of the room and it was equally impressive.

  “Sit, sit,” Meth said. “Gavin will ply us with alcohol until we vomit. Right, Gavin?”

  “Whatever you desire, master,” Gavin said. “I have several buckets available.”

  “The gold one?” Meth asked. “I only like to puke in the gold one.”

  “I know, master. That one is reserved for you.”

  I raised my hand. “Um, I’m not interested in vomiting this evening, but…thank you?”

  “How much alcohol do you have to drink to make you puke?” Peter asked, seemingly fascinated. “I mean, you’re an ancient vampire. It would take all night to drink enough, right?”

  Meth wagged a finger at him. “You’re up for it, aren’t you? I can tell. Druids are a saucy bunch.” He hesitated. “What else do I sense in you?” He leaned back in his chair to look at Gavin. “Do you sense it? No, of course not. You’re not a vampire.” He shrugged at us. “I’ve offered to turn him, but he says no every time. I mean, who doesn’t want immortality. Am I right?”

  “I’m fond of being a werefox, master,” Gavin said.

  “Sure, so you say.” Meth returned his attention to Peter. “You’ve got the druid skills, I bet. Shifting. Healing. What else can you do?”

  I kept my face expressionless, not wanting to give Peter away. His Death Bringer side was dangerous because of the power he wielded. He much preferred that others underestimate him.

  “I can tap dance,” Peter said, “but the lady here doesn’t find that sexy, so I tend to stick to other moves.”

  Meth laughed. “Tap dancing is a lost art. Not as lost as telling a story with hieroglyphics, but still.” The vampire spread his arms wide. “So? Any special cocktail requests? Gavin can make anything. That’s half the reason I keep him around.”

  “I’m very handy with a cocktail shaker,” Gavin agreed.

  “I’ll take a rum runner,” Peter said. “Can you make one of those?”

  Meth gave him an appraising look. “A rum runner, eh? Tropical Terrene drink. Interesting choice.” He faced me. “And you, ridiculously att
ractive witch? What’s your name?”

  “Dani,” I said.

  “Dani.” He smiled at me, flashing that gold fang again. “You don’t want one of my favorites because they all involve a shot of blood, but I can recommend plenty of cocktails. It’s one of my favorite pastimes.”

  “I get that impression,” I said.

  “I’m itching to sing again,” Meth said. “We need to hurry this along.” He snapped his fingers again. “An Aperol spritz for my new friend.”

  Gavin bowed before heading over to the bar.

  Meth drummed his fingers on the table and I noticed the length of his fingernails. Yuck. At least they were painted, even if he’d chosen black polish. “So, tell me, what prompted your visit?”

  I nudged Peter with my thigh to let him know I’d speak first. “We were attacked earlier by a banshee called Mandy.”

  Meth’s mouth formed a shocked ‘o.’ “Mandy, huh? And yet here you sit. Good luck or good fighting skills?” He studied us. “You seem too good-looking to fight well. Life isn’t that fair.”

  Gavin placed our drinks on the table in front of us. “That’s kind of insulting,” I said.

  “Insulting?” Meth repeated. “I tell you how gorgeous you are and that’s insulting?”

  “I’d rather be admired for my ability,” I replied simply.

  He slapped his thigh and laughed. “You’re adorable.” He peered at Peter. “Is she always like this?”

  “Pretty much,” Peter said, and I smacked his leg. “I mean, she’s right. She can fight and be beautiful at the same time. One doesn’t preclude the other.”

  “Well, that’s true,” Meth said. “Look at me. I’m proof of that.” He took a long drink. “Karaoke makes me thirsty.”

  “You’re a good fighter?” I queried.

  The look the vampire gave me nearly stopped my heart. “You don’t get to live as long as I have without being a good fighter, Dani. Don’t let the puffy hair fool you.”

  My involuntary shiver told me that I believed him. “So you didn’t hire Mandy to kill us or make us forget the sword?” I waited until Peter drank from his glass to drink from mine. I knew he wouldn’t let me drink if he thought it was unsafe.