The Wizards of Venus Book One: Magic Touch

by Dakota Trace

  “Don’t worry about Pati, Wildcat. We’ll find her and return her to Jonathan whole.”

  “I know.” She watched as he disappeared into the bathroom. Gazing at her reflection in the mirror, she was tempted to kick her own ass. Touching the amulet, her tears slid down her face. Why can’t you give him what he wants, Grace Anne? Why do you have to fight him?

  “Quit beating yourself up, Sweetheart. When it’s right the amulet will shorten.

  Until then just be the best wife you can be.”

  “And when Rand becomes a laughing stock when everyone notices that his has shortened and mine hasn’t?”

  “I’ll deal with any man or woman who threatens our claim to each other. It doesn’t matter if it ever shortens, you’re mine either way. Now bring your ass in here with me. I want to wash you.”

  “Go to him. He knows what he wants and quit worrying about it.”

  * * * *

  When Gracie and Rand finally joined Mica and Aria in Jonathan’s suite, she was aghast to see the condition her friend was in. Quickly moving to his side, she sank down on the bed next to him. Taking his hand in hers, she lifted it to her mouth. “From what I’ve been told, Jonathan, you’re going to be my brother and as such I’ll kick your ass if you don’t fight this and get better.” 210

  Jonathan opened his eyes and focused on her. “Pati? Come here. Let me sooth you.” Tugging on her arm with surprising strength, he pulled her across his chest. He frowned when Rand’s amulet hit his chest. “Baby, why’s my amulet lengthened?”

  Gracie’s eyes flew up to meet Rand’s. Even dazed and out of his mind, Jonathan commented on the state of her amulet. “Jonathan, it’s me, Gracie.”

  He frowned and then touched her. “You look like my Pati but there’s no fire. Oh God, Gracie, I’ve got to find Pati. She’s hurting and needs me.” Shoving her off his chest, he tried to roll off the bed, to only stumble and have Rand catch him before he hit the floor.

  “Whoa, cousin. Slow down. We’ll find her. You’re in no shape to be going after her.”

  Using a weak burst of power, he pushed Rand away. “She’s mine - mine to protect!

  Get the hell out of my way before I kick your ass.”

  Gracie's heart went out to him. She could feel his fear and need to reach Pati.

  “Calm down, Jonathan. We’re here to help. I’ve called in an expert at situations like this. He deals specifically in kidnapping. Aric is the illegitimate son of Princess Deanna’s father. Since he hasn’t been able to claim the throne despite his numerous attempts, he’s turned his abilities elsewhere. His insight and guidance in this will be priceless.”

  Mica helped Rand guide Jonathan back to the bed.

  “He will?” Jonathan’s eyes pleaded with his uncle.

  “Of course. We’ll have Pati back at your side by nightfall.”

  “For the love of Mica, I hope so.” Jonathan convulsed as the firestorm hit him once more. He vaguely heard the curses that filled the room while Gracie moaned and sank to her knees and Rand let out a growl of wild need.

  * * * *

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  Pati rolled off the bed as the fire once more consumed her body. Whatever he injected me with has only made it worse.

  “Dear lord, Gracie! You’re feverish and out of your mind. I don’t care what you or Deanna say! You need to see a doctor and now.”

  Harold picked Pati up off the bed and nearly stumbled. She wrapped her arms around him and writhed against his frame. Harold went ramrod straight when she rubbed against him.

  “No, Gracie. This isn’t happening. I can’t make love to you while you’re this sick!”

  “Why am I reacting this way? He’s not Jonathan. Why can’t I control my body?

  “Hang on, Pati! We’re coming!” Jonathan’s whisper sent a flow of relief through her.

  Her chosen was coming, he hadn’t abandoned her!

  * * * *

  Aric watched with cool eyes while Jonathan’s breathing became more ragged. Glancing over at Rand and Gracie, he had to smoother his glee. The drug Brett had injected was working better than he’d ever hoped. With one fell swoop, he’d incapacitated two thirds of the Triad of Fire. And by the distracted look on Mica’s face, he knew it wouldn’t hard to catch the older man off balance. Watching the scenery pass by, he wanted to burst out of his skin when they drew nearer to where Jonathan though Pati was being held. The bond between chosens is truly amazing and I’m quite glad I don’t have one. It’d be disconcerting to know that a woman would be able to touch my mind at will. I 'll never allow another to have that kind of power.

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  “When we arrive at the location, I think it will be best if Dad and I deal with whatever security measures they’ve in place. Jonathan, I want you and Gracie to find Pati and bring her back to the hovercraft.”

  “I think you need to be prepared, Wildcat. When Jonathan and Pati get in the same room, I expect one of two things to happen. Either the need tearing at them will explode and you’re going to get an eyeful, or it may ease. Will you be able to control them until you can get them out of there?”

  Gracie fought down the guilt and anger she felt at his question. His doubt hurt.

  “Yes. I won’t fail you, Rand. If I have to I’ll knock their heads together, I will.” The underlying misery in her voice roused Zara.

  “He’s not doubting your abilities, Sweetheart.”

  Picking up his chosen’s hand, he pressed his mouth to it. “I love you, Wildcat, and after we’re done here, I’m going to take you back to our suite and we’re not leaving until my amulet is where it should be, in the hollow of your throat.”

  Gracie caught her breath. She didn’t know if the sudden arousal was due to Rand’s words or the bleed over from her sister.

  “You’re evil, Randall de Carthwright.”

  “Of course he is, girl. He’s my great grandson.” Ruzac’s voice washed over her.

  Gracie’s hand flew to her mouth to keep her laughter from spilling over. “Oh shut up, Ruzac!”

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  Chapter Twelve

  Pulling up to the house where Jonathan was certain Pati was being kept, they surrounded it. Walking towards the door, Rand used a quick flick of his wrist to blow it off its hinges. Stepping across the threshold, he wasn’t surprised to see half a dozen guards in the living room. There was shouting and yelling as the guards reacted to Rand's presence. When they turned to their weapons, Rand shook his head.

  “I can’t believe you fools are drawing guns on a level ten wizard.”

  The guards looked bewildered at his comment. One stepped forward. “Stop right there!”

  Scowling, he walked further into the room followed by his father. The one who’d decided to be the spokesman visibly trembled as the second part of the Triad of Fire entered the room. Looking wildly from Rand and Mica then to the men behind him, it was obvious he wasn’t prepared to take on the Triad.

  Finally finding his voice, he uttered the word ‘attack’ compelled by an unseen force.

  Horror crossed man’s face when the men behind him surged forward and bullets began to fly. When the bullets hit the shield Rand and Mica had thrown up, the men dropped their guns and rushed the duo.

  While Rand and Mica kept the guards busy, Gracie, Jonathan and Aric slipped in the back door and up the stairs, with Gracie leading the way. When she crept down the hall, she found her sister in a spare bedroom and never saw the look which passed between Aric and Brett who’d been waiting in the room.

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  As soon as Jonathan followed her, the door slammed shut behind them effectively trapping Gracie and Jonathan in the room with Pati and Brett, who was casually cleaning the blade he normally carried.

  * * * *

  Brett smiled in anticipation when he heard the door shut. Glancing over at Pati, he waited for Jonathan to spot his chosen. While those idiots downstairs are ignorant to this world, I’m very aware of the risk we’re taking here. I’d much rather deal w
ith one wizard out of his mind with need and a woman than the other pissed off ‘ two-thirds of the Triad of Fire’. “Pati!” Jonathan’s cry made him smile. Getting up from his chair, he stepped between the bed and Jonathan. He could hear the noises Pati was making in her throat.

  “Grace O’Connor, I wasn’t expecting the pleasure of meeting the Prince’s little slut and I see you brought Jonathan along with you.”

  "Sorry to barge in unannounced, but I believe you’ve my sister. I'd like her back."

  Crossing her arms, she smiled coolly at him. “We can either do this the hard way or the easy. At this point I really don’t care which way, because I’m taking her with me when I go.”

  Brett laughed. He couldn't believe the audacity of this woman. "You're giving me an ultimatum? Surely you jest, woman. I’ve got the oldest of Sandovian blood running through my veins…”

  “I don’t care what kind of blood is running in your veins. If you don’t let me pass, I’ll be more than happy to spill it on the floor and we’ll really see what color your blood is.”

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  Brett laughed even louder. A loud moan of pleasure had Gracie turning towards the bed. While she’d been arguing with Brett, Jonathan had slipped by her and sprung on Pati. The loud moans coming from them made her realize this situation was quickly spiraling out of control.

  "I really don’t have time to deal with this.” Surrounding herself with a shield when she saw him begin motions that precluded his construction of an ‘air’ attack, she realized she was going to have a physical altercation with the moron. “Damnit, Zara. Why does he have to do this the hard way?”

  “Some men are simply like that, Sweetheart. I’m going to slip through your

  bond with Pati and try to bring things under control. Can you handle that arrogant

  ass by yourself?”

  “Of course. If not I’m sure Ruzac will lend a helping hand.”

  “For the love of Mica, don’t call on him for help unless you’re in death’s way.

  His attitude is: ‘ if I can’t fuck it, I’ll destroy it’.”

  Suppressing her laughter, she focused on Brett who was on the verge of releasing his manifestation on her. From one heartbeat to the next he released it. With a flick of her wrist, she sent out a bolt of fire to consume it. With the nature of fire, it absorbed every particle of oxygen in the air and it increased her surge exponentially. She couldn’t feel even a bit of remorse when it broke through his shield and lit him on fire. A scream broke through the room as he stumbled to towards the door, running while the fire continued to lick over his clothing and skin.

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  Shaking her head to free herself from the battle, she turned to find her sister’s legs draped over Jonathan’s shoulders. The rhythmic rocking of the bed left no doubt in her mind to what they were doing.

  “Oh for the love of Mica!” Turning her back on them, she slipped out of the bedroom and gave them privacy to finish their coupling.

  * * * *

  "Pati, please, sweetheart." Jonathan fought to hold on as she arched up into him. Rocking against her, he cursed the clothing separating their bodies.

  "Fuck me!" Burying her fingers in his hair, she nipped his ear. "I need you deep inside me."

  "Hell, yes!" Fumbling with the laces holding his pants closed, he fought to free his aching cock. Her frantic movements were hindering his progress. He nearly exploded when she buried her teeth in his shoulder. “Damnit, Pati. Wait! Let me get my pants unfastened!”

  Pulling back, he used his magic to hold her down before wrenching open his pants, never once thinking of using a spell to make them disappear. Shoving her nightshirt above her hips, he positioned the head of his cock against her opening, and thrust inside her, burying himself to the hilt with one stroke.

  “Yes!” Pati’s scream of pleasure was loud enough to be heard out in the hall.

  * * * *

  Rand’s head flew up as he finished restraining the man. The scream coming from upstairs had him running. He didn’t know if it was his wife or her sister, but he wasn’t going to wait around to find out! 217

  Bounding up the stairs, he met Aric at the top. “Is it Gracie or Pati?”

  “Watch out, boy!”

  Ruzac’s words of warning came too late. Using a contraband black jack which he’d gotten on his last trip to Earth, Aric swung when Rand rushed by him. Hitting the prince squarely on the back of the head, he caught him just before he hit the ground. Using a cloaking spell, he took the prince out the back door they’d come in. Reaching the hovercraft they’d brought, he placed Rand inside before dispatching the driver. Looking back up at the house, he smiled. With Rand completely out of the picture, it wouldn’t matter if Brett were able to subdue Gracie or not. With the oldest boy missing, Mica and Aria would have no other option than to declare their younger son as the heir.

  * * * *

  As soon as the groans and screams from the room ceased, Gracie warily stuck her head inside the room. On the bed, lying in a tangled heap Jonathan and Pati were breathing heavily but finally calm. “Or at least for the moment. Zara, I think it’s time to go home. I’d much rather be at home with Rand before the next wave hits.”

  “We’ve got an issue, Gracie! I can’t reach Ruzac. Something’s wrong!”

  “Rand, what’s going on?”

  When she didn’t receive an answer, fear washed over her. “Come on, Rand, this isn’t funny!”

  “I’ve told you! He’s gone. Why isn’t he answering?”

  Looking over her shoulder, she quickly addressed the couple on the bed. “Get dressed. I’m going to find Rand and then we’re heading back to the palace. You, 218

  Jonathan, are going to make a honest woman out of my sister before this goes any further!”

  “No protests on my part.” Jonathan lifted his head from Pati’s shoulder.

  “Don’t I have a say in this?” Pati’s voice was groggy.

  “Nope. You’re mine, little girl, and we’re getting married as soon as I can arrange it.”

  “Like hell! Get off me, you big lug.” Pushing against his chest, neither one was aware when Gracie left the room.

  “You’re the one who insisted on making love right now.” Pushing her hair out of her eyes, he cradled her in his arms. “I love you, Patience O’Connor. I about died when I realized you were gone. No matter what happens in the future, you’re mine and I’ll never set you aside for any woman, whether she’s the most powerful witch in Venus or the lowest of the ordinary women. One day you’ll believe in that.”

  * * * *

  Stumbling out of the kitchen, Harold tried to comprehend what was going on. Shaking his head, he tried to understand what had happened. The last thing he remembered was leaving Gracie and heading for the kitchen. He drew up short when he saw the King of Venus standing next to the couch. Several of the guards, which Deanna had been so nice to supply, were sitting on the floor, bound and gagged.

  Sinking to the couch, he held his head. “Your Majesty.” His greeting was muffled.

  “Harold, what are you doing here?” Gracie stood in the doorway. “And what the hell have you done with my husband?”

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  “Gracie? But you were upstairs so sick you couldn’t get out of bed. And you’re not married. We left before you married Prince Rand.” Surging to his feet he started to approach her when King Mica stepped between them.

  “Where’s my son?” Mica grabbed Harold’s arm.

  “I don’t know. I don’t remember anything before going into the kitchen. Gracie was so sick. I was going to ask …”

  “You took Patience?” Gracie interrupted him, anger making her voice hostile.

  “Patience? No. I didn’t take Pati. I was told by Mr. Sorin that you wanted to escape your betrothal to Prince Rand and wished to return to Earth with me. He said you arranged a meeting in the Royal Gardens before your ceremony. I waited there and when you showed up, we left.”

  “Harold, Rand and I excha
nged vows hours before the scheduled ceremony and I don’t know a Mr. Sorin.”

  Harold paled, his dreams shattering. “Ask Princess Deanna. He went with me to Sandova and we met with both Prince Charles and Princess Deanna.”

  A look of disbelief passed between Gracie and Mica.

  * * * *

  After dropping Pati and Jonathan off at his apartment at his insistence, Mica, Gracie and Harold headed back to the palace. Sitting between Gracie and King Mica, Harold looked decidedly intimidated. King Mica had to call for another hovercraft when they’d gone outside to discover a very dazed and confused driver leaning against the low retaining wall surrounding the cottage. 220

  “When we return to the palace, Harold, we’re going to try a reverse-erasure spell on you. I do believe Princess Deanna may have used a memory-erasing spell. I’ve seen her use it on her own husband and while I can’t prosecute her for using her magic against her husband, using it on you is a crime punishable by High Venusian Law.”

  Gracie was furious about Deanna once again being at the bottom of the Royal Family’s troubles.

  Looking over at her, Harold swallowed, uncomfortable with the idea someone had tampered with his mind.

  “All right. Will it hurt?”

  Patting his leg, she smiled at him reassuringly. Even without the reverse spell, she knew Harold had been an unwitting pawn in the power struggle going on.

  “Everything will be fine, Harold. I swear.”

  * * * *

  Opening the door to his apartment, Jonathan ushered Pati inside. She seemed to look around warily. Ignoring the flashing light on his communication console, he guided her into the living room and settled her on the couch. “Would you like something to drink, baby?” He was quick to notice the pallor of her skin and the increased rate of breathing.