A Warlock's Secrets

by Tena Stetler

  Swords still at the ready, the angel replied, I’m Nathanial Cross, the legion commander. “What happened here?”

  Easing his stance, Tristian lowered his arms. “Not sure. But apparently, your boy was attacked before we arrived. If we’d arrived a split second later, he’d be singing to the choir, so the speak.” Tristian smirked, knowing he was out of line but didn’t really care. “What the hell were you doing leaving one man alone? These highlands reek of magic and time spinner spells.” He straightened his black duster and brushed his hands together, his dark gaze demanding an answer.

  “This sector was cleared several hours ago, and Caden was left to wait for your entourage’s arrival.” The commander shot back glancing around warily. “Wasn’t there supposed to be an envoy from the Vampire Council with you?”

  Tristian shrugged and glanced around. “I’m sure he’s around here somewhere. Never misses a chance to…”

  A tall figure, with long black hair, stepped out of the trees, dressed in a full-length black duster. “That would be me. Stefan Talltree, assassin for the Vampire Council.” He swung out of his coat a long handled, jewel encrusted, double headed ax and leaned on it. “Looked like the warlock and his team had things in hand when I arrived. So, I waited.” He nodded to Tristian. “Nice job.”

  “Nice choice of apparel,” Tristian snarked.

  “Yeah, handy for carrying concealed weapons. Don’t you think?”

  “If you two are finished with the mutual admiration society.” Nathanial frowned and glanced at his men. “Catrell, take Caden above, have someone tend to his wounds. Meanwhile, the rest of you with me.”

  “Wait a minute. My orders are to observe unless needed. Are you calling us to action?”

  “No. I hope not. But as you encountered, it’s been a difficult battle over the past few months. I hope this is the final confrontation. My other warriors are just mopping up what I thought was the last of ’em. They’re battle weary and ready for some well-deserved R&R.”

  “Huh…missed one,” Tristian chided. He immediately held his hand palm up in a gesture of surrender. “Sorry, it’s the adrenalin still talking.”

  “Your boss told me you could be difficult, but that you were the best,” Nathaniel said.

  Tristian opened his mouth, then closed it again. Stefan smirked and stepped beside Tristian. “What will you have us do?”

  The legion commander gave a wave of his arm and they all found themselves on a smoking blackened stretch of land covered in piles of ash and the stench of death all around.”

  “Okay then,” Tristian said glancing around uneasily as the mist closed in. “Don’t like being out in the open like this.”

  “Blend into the background. Use your magic ability to sense if there are any other dark demons lurking around. I believe we are done here. But…as you aptly put it—we missed one.” The commander grimaced.

  “When we first arrived, there were traces of time spinner magic, protection, and anti-detection spells. But here,” Tristian paused for a minute then shook his head slowly, “I don’t detect any magic other than what you’re using to keep the time spinner magic at bay.” He turned to his team loosely gathered in a semicircle around him. “Do any of you?”

  The men shook their heads. “Not here. But they could have escaped—wait—didn’t you say in our briefing that these guys…” Ruben glanced at the commander and his warriors. “The time spinner magic of the highland mists had been closed down, and we were to back up that magic to make sure it held?”

  “Yes, insofar as I know, the magic held,” Nathanial said thoughtfully. “I guess only time will tell for sure.”

  “Do you have a divine clean up team?” Tristian snickered under his breath. Somehow, the thought of a person cleaning up the black and gray ash reminded him of a child’s movie Angie used to love to watch. I’m losing it. He shook his head, took a step back, and met the commander’s icy stare. “Or do you want us to magically clean up this mess?” Tristian spread his arms wide and turned in a three-hundred-sixty-degree circle. “Can’t leave it this way, even in magic infused Scotland.”

  “I’d appreciate your assistance. Dispatching a team to clean up takes more time than we have. Our legions are spread thin with the condition the world is in right now.”

  “I can arrange that, but you’ll need to stay and cover our backs while we infuse our magic with your residual magic, and that of the land, to mop up this mess.”

  “Understood.”

  “When we are finished—there will be a debt to be repaid.”

  The legion commander raised an eyebrow, frowned, opened his mouth as if to say something.

  “Or we can leave and let you arrange your own cleanup crew,” Tristian said shrugging.

  Chapter Twenty

  Work Will Take Your Mind off the Worry—Not

  A large travel mug of tea sloshed in one hand, a backpack full of files and notebooks slung over her shoulder, Hannah rushed out the door of her cottage, tossed the pack on the back seat, and climbed into the SUV. Last night had been a nightmare of gargantuan proportions, codes on the latest security patch failed on customer accounts. She needed another pair of eyes to review the programming, and there were none to spare. Half the team was in Colorado reviewing the needs of the new building. The other half had gone out for a drink or home, and she didn’t have the heart to call them back in. After a jog around the building’s perimeter despite it was after midnight, she’d finally cleared her head. Upon her return to the building, she’d found the glaring code error, corrected it, and ran another test which was successful. In the wee hours of the morning, she’d driven home in a fog and stumbled into bed, failing to set the alarm.

  Jerking straight up in bed, she stared at the clock in horror. She was late for work, no time for breakfast, and she’d not heard a word from Tristian since before he left for his assignment. Tired, irritable and worried didn’t look good on her, as she glanced in the rear-view mirror. She froze, taking another peek in the mirror. Shit. A pale face with a sprinkling of freckles across her nose and high cheekbones, barely visible light red eyelashes and pouty lips with little color stared back at her. She’d failed to put any makeup on this morning and looked like a corpse.

  Tires squealed as she turned into the parking lot of Shadow Hawk Cyber, jammed on the brakes, and coasted into a space. She grabbed her purse and spilled the contents on the passenger seat. Her cell phone clattered to the floorboard while she searched for mascara, at least. A sigh of relief passed her lips as an almost empty bottle of foundation, black mascara, her favorite shades of blue eyeshadow pack, rose lip gloss, and powder blush tumbled onto the seat.

  She dabbed on foundation to cover the freckles she’d disliked as a kid, hated as an adult. One more glance in the mirror and she applied light blue eyeshadow, carelessly swiped on black mascara to long thick lashes, brushed on lip-gloss and a bit of blush. Hurriedly, she stuffed everything back in her purse.

  Leaning across the seat, she stretched out and scooped up the phone, accidentally touching the screen, which lit up with a missed call from an unknown number at four this morning. Telemarketers are out of control. Before she hit the delete button on her phone, she paused, it was a D.C. number, and they’d left a message. Curiosity got the better of her, and she retrieved the message. Tristian’s deep resounding voice comforted her frazzled nerves. “See you soon. Take care.” He was all right. At least he was at four this morning.

  Pressed back against the seat, she blew out a breath. I can’t do this. Work these ungodly hours, and… Her determination not to worry about him had failed miserably. Even though he’d survived all this time and was one of the best in his field, adding her to his equation changed everything, and she knew it. Thinking like this was not helping.

  She blew several strands of hair from her face, grabbed her stuff, strode into her office, and closed the door. Almost immediately, a soft knock sounded on the door as she dropped her backpack and purse on the desktop.

/>   “Come in,” she said irritably, slid open a drawer, and shoved her purse inside. Dumping the files from her backpack to the top of the desk, she divided them into two neat piles. She pursed her lips and peered at the intruder.

  A short wisp of a woman with dark brown hair and huge brown eyes, hidden behind wire-rim glasses peeked in, a steaming mug of coffee in hand. “Hey, don’t bite the messenger. Sorry, we kinda abandoned you last night. Boss reamed us all this morning. You didn’t leave here until three a.m.? At least that was the last swipe of your card in the security system.”

  “Sounds about right,” Hannah said her words clipped. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to take out my mood on you. Rough night and woke up late, lots to do.”

  “It’s all good.” She smiled. “Boss said your work last night was ingenious. The team had spent several days trying to work out the bug before he laid it on your desk.”

  Clearing his throat, a slight built man dressed in a red-striped polo shirt, board shorts, and high top sneakers peered over the woman’s head. “Good job, Shaughnessy. Transfer your remaining files to the team. They can handle things until you return.”

  “But I’m not scheduled to leave for a couple more days,” Hannah protested fearing he was going to let her go.

  “I know, but—” He glanced at Shelia then out into the common area where several people were chatting and drinking coffee. “The time off is well-deserved. All I ask is that you check in periodically in case we have a problem these geniuses can’t solve.” He said sardonically jamming his thumb over his shoulder. “When you return, I have a new government R&D project I want you to head up.”

  “But I’m working on the civilian side. I have several customers depending on…”

  “Your top security clearance came through. You’ve been promoted and will be relocating to Colorado in the next eighteen months,” he said, a smile curving the corner of his mouth. “Congrats.” With a wave, he turned on his heel, shoes squeaking, and sauntered into the common area. In a flurry of activity, the others picked up their cups and headed to their offices.

  Hannah plopped down in her chair and stared at Sheila who still stood in the doorway, holding her mug.

  “Well, he kinda spoiled my moment.” She pouted. “Anyway, there’s an email on your computer with all the details. Congratulations Hannah. Have a good time on vacation.” She gulped down her coffee. “I’ll be in my office if you need anything.” Sheila turned to leave and paused. “Oh, if you don’t mind, could you make notes on each of the files and bring them into my office before you leave. I’ll distribute them.”

  Nodding, Hannah signed into the computer, clicked on the email icon, scrolled to an email marked private, opened it and read—and reread the communication. A wide smile spread across her lips as she pumped a fist in the air. “Yeah.”

  She knew Sheila would sift through the files and take the premiere accounts for herself, though she lacked the drive and talent others on the team possessed. Then she’d dole out the rest of the files. But Hannah didn’t care, she’d been promoted to her dream job with a salary to match.

  Her first inclination was to call Tristian, but he wasn’t reachable. So she dove into her work, making careful notes on each file. By the time she reached the last file, she looked up and pinched the bridge of her nose. The sun was sinking behind the hills. Coworkers laughed and talked as they passed through the common area outside her office. Getting to her feet, she stretched her arms above her head and rolled her shoulders. “I’m out of here,” she declared to no one in particular.

  Picking up the stack of files, she pushed through her office door, stopped, and called out to the others, hoisting the pile in her arms a bit higher. “These are my remaining customer files. I’ll just put them on Sheila’s desk, and you can take your pick. When she headed toward the woman’s office, several team members followed her murmuring thanks and well wishes. With a flourish, she set the files on Sheila’s desk and turned to face everyone except Sheila. “See you when I get back. Danny has my cell number, and I’ll be checking in on a regular basis if you need something.” With a wave of her hand, she returned to her office, gathered her things, and nearly skipped out to the parking lot.

  Inside her vehicle, she pulled her phone out of the bag. “Call Brandy.” After several beeps, the phone rang, then went straight to voice mail. “Hey, sis. Got a promotion, will be definitely moving to Colorado in the next eighteen months. Going to meet the hot guy’s family. Will talk at you later. Tell Ma and Da I’m fine, and we’ll talk soon.”

  She breathed a sigh of relief. Her first spontaneous thought was to call her sister, as it had always been. But as the phone rang, misgivings of the info her sister had a way of wheedling out of her kicked in, so leaving a message was exactly right.

  She drove directly to Tristian’s home, parked in the driveway, hopped out of the vehicle, and paused for a beat at the bottom of the stairs leading to his house. Then she turned and sprinted to the Coppervale’s yard where Freesia was kneeling on the ground weeding her garden. The older woman glanced up, her lips twitched as Hannah skidded to a stop a few feet away.

  “Well, that’s some entrance. You look like you are about to burst.” Laughing Freesia pushed to her feet, she brushed her hands together removing most of the dirt and straightened making sure her wings were tucked. “Spill it.”

  She snickered at Freesia’s movements. There was no one around to see, even if her wings weren’t tucked. “I’ve been promoted and allowed to leave early on vacation.” Out of breath, she gulped in air and couldn’t wipe the smile from her face.

  “That’s wonderful.” She paused almost putting her finger to her lips, then yanked it away. “I’ll have Birch call Bruce and see if he’ll send the jet earlier.”

  “Have Birch do what?” The door banged behind her husband who sauntered down the path to where they were standing.

  “I’ve been granted leave early, and I got a promotion,” Hannah crowed. “I will be going to Colorado, to head a team for R & D on the government contract for Shadow Hawk Cyber.”

  “That’s great.” Freesia hugged her, while giving Birch a sideways glance. “Your sister lives in Montana, right?” He returned her look, a little crease dug its way across his forehead.

  “Yes, I tried to call her, but it went to voicemail, so I left a message that I would call her later.” She whirled around heading back toward her SUV. “I’m going to run home and pack, in case we are able to leave early.”

  Birch took his phone from his belt clip, touched the screen, and peered at Hannah. “I’ll call Bruce and let you know—”

  Freesia interrupted, “When you return for dinner tonight.” She picked up her gardening tools and put them in the basket resting on the lawn.

  Glaring at his wife, he nodded. “It might be best for you to pack, then plan on spending the night at Tristian’s place since Bruce usually makes decisions and acts on them rather quickly. No guarantees.” He waggled a finger at Hannah then walked a short distance away.

  “Sounds like a plan. I’ll be back in time for dinner.” She stopped to call over her shoulder. “Oh, by the way, what time is dinner?”

  “Whenever you get here, dear,” Freesia said with a twinkle in her eye.

  Sitting in her vehicle seat, Hannah watched the two faeries glide across the grass hand in hand, in serious conversation. They looked back over their shoulders at her a couple times then gave a wave before Birch opened the door and followed Freesia inside the house.

  She settled back in the seat and started the engine. Then it hit her, what would Tristian think about me moving to Colorado? Long distance relationships were difficult at best, with Tristian… Oh god…” As that thought circled through her mind, the cell phone in her bag rang. She yanked the device out of her purse resting on the passenger seat and checked caller ID. Sucking in a long breath, she blew it out slowly and touched the screen putting the phone to her ear. “Hi, sis.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

 
; A Surprise Compromise Leads to Confessions of the Heart

  Tristian stepped out of the portal into the basement of the Salon and heaved a heavy sigh. Pausing he waved his hand to close and conceal the portal entrance. He surveyed the updated furnishing and aesthetics in the room, then relaxed into the nearest lounge chair and stretched his legs out in front of him, rubbed his eyes with thumb and forefinger.

  The rest of his team had ported to Shaughnessy’s in Ireland, a favorite watering hole with his men. They’d have twenty-four hours before he required them to report and take on the wedding assignments. On previous assignments, he would have relished the time at Shaughnessy’s, but today the meeting with Bruce hung over his head. He wasn’t in the mood. The R & R offered by pubs didn’t interest him since Hannah had strolled into his life. Sure a brew or socializing with his team had its benefits, but again, not in the mood. He pulled his phone out of his pocket, texted “Done.” And laid his head back on the chair and closed his eyes. I’ll call Hannah in a minute…

  Footfalls on the stairs had Tristian jerking straight up in the chair.

  “There you are.” A soft lilting voice crooned. “I felt you arrive a couple hours ago, but when you didn’t appear upstairs, thought I’d better check things out.” Angie’s gaze floated over him. “Rough assignment?”

  “Naw—I’ve had worse—didn’t go exactly as planned.”

  “Bruce is waiting in his office for you. He was on the phone when I left to check on The Krystal Unicorn, then make a detour here.”

  “I’m going to head over to the hotel, get some shut eye before meeting with Bruce. We don’t seem to see eye-to-eye lately, and I don’t want to say something, I won’t regret. So best to take my tired ass to the hotel, adjust my attitude before embarking on a war of words with your mate.”

  His sister eyed him with amusement, then speculation. “I’m not sure that’s an option, with the wedding and all.”

  “I’m sure Terra has everything handled.”