Storm Mistress

by Rivers, Brandy L

  Scotty gave a covert nod toward Remus when Isa stole a peek at who was setting up. Something was going on but he couldn’t leave Isa to drag Scotty away for an answer. If he could, he always kept her from being alone with Remus.

  Isa sank into the velvet loveseat with a grin. “So, who all is playing tonight? I see Lunar Storm, but Mike would have told me if Nights Embrace was going to play.”

  Lonny looked to Scotty, then back to Isa. “Roxy is busy with something tonight, so her band isn’t here.”

  A frown played across her face as she turned to watch Lunar Storm’s first song.

  Remus chimed in with, “You’ll love Nymphatic. They’ll enthrall you, Isa.”

  Toryn managed to ignore that comment, but only because he already knew Isa was immune to any magical form of persuasion. Thankfully. His job would be a lot harder in ways, but perhaps easier in others, if that wasn’t the case.

  Isa didn’t bother to look. “Never heard of them. And that name… Really?” Her face twisted into a grimace as she shuddered.

  “I noticed their lead singer already has an obsession with you, after meeting you yesterday.”

  Her head whipped around, and Remus flinched at her death glare. “Yesterday?”

  Toryn had a few questions himself. He’d suspected the slimy prick was plotting something.

  Remus’ smile was cold. “The guy who was kissing on you all last night. Long blond hair, dark eyes. Ring a bell?”

  Rolling her eyes, she looked away. “Oh, never caught his name.” She wore a bored look, but Toryn could feel the anger rolling off her. “I was hoping I wouldn’t run into him again.”

  Remus frowned in disappointment, which was unsettling. “Why is that? He seemed to think you two were getting along quite well.”

  Toryn desperately wanted to shake answers out of Remus but he really couldn’t risk it. The asshole knew she couldn’t sleep with another fae, and clearly sex had been Evanastie’s goal.

  Isa glared back at him. “Then he’s delusional. I ditched his ass at last call.”

  “Interesting. I saw you two at the bar last night. Was hoping to ask you to dance, but I saw you with an old friend and decided to let him have his shot. I’m not going anywhere, so there isn’t a rush.”

  Isa seethed, “You filthy bastard.” Her tone had Toryn settling his arm around her waist to keep her seated.

  “Oh. Don’t be like that,” Remus leered at her. “I didn’t mean to imply you are a common whore. However, you have been known to see a man a time or two and then act as if nothing ever happened.”

  “For the record,” her tone was acidic as the air charged around them, “you will never have a shot.” She stood and strode over to the balcony before he could reply.

  Toryn moved with her, ready to calm her down if possible. Until her awakening, she was no match for the twisted piece of shit. He, however, would gladly take Remus down, regardless of his fucking orders.

  Her laugh was bitter as she stared down at the band below. “It would make things a hell of a lot easier if you and I hooked up permanently.” Her eyes rounded and she hastily added, “Too bad you prefer men and I’m such a mess.”

  Toryn was momentarily stunned. There was hope mixed with her warring emotions. He still didn’t dare believe she meant it.

  She didn’t look at him, only stood there. He felt the chasm between them, and wanted to close it, to tell her everything that had been on his mind for years.

  “Fuck,” she muttered and started for the stairs.

  Shaking himself out of his silent reverie, he caught up with her. “Time for another drink?” Toryn suggested.

  “Indeed. You want another Love?”

  He smiled sadly. “I suppose I’m in the mood.”

  Once they sat down, she turned to study him. He had a hard time hiding his true feelings where she was concerned. Yet, somehow she didn’t see his love.

  For the best, you old fool.

  When she turned back to Toryn, she frowned. “Sorry I get so bitchy around Remus. I don’t know what it is about him, but he irritates the fuck out of me.”

  “He’s lower than slime,” Toryn offered and ordered another round of Loves.

  Toryn watched as Isa scanned the club, obviously looking for Mike. It hurt when her face lit up, but a few seconds later the smile was gone.

  “Fuck me,” she whispered harshly.

  Toryn turned to take a look himself. Mike was making his way from the front entrance, while Blondy was heading down the balcony stairs.

  “I’ll distract lover-boy, you go flirt with Mike.” He winked and went to intercept the asshole.

  Walking quickly, Toryn stepped into Evanastie’s path. “What are you doing here?”

  “Why do you care?” he challenged.

  “I think Isadora made it perfectly clear last night that she wasn’t interested. Left without you, didn’t she?”

  “I’m sure you convinced her to leave. Why is that errand boy? She’s not meant for you.”

  “Nor is she meant for you. She isn’t interested, so keep your distance. You do not want to piss me off, and hurting her will do exactly that.”

  “I don’t want to hurt her. I want to fuck her until she’s screaming my name.” Evanastie was so blunt Toryn had a hard time not clocking him.

  “You won’t touch her if you know what’s good for you. She’s already with someone else, so leave her the fuck alone.”

  “Don’t you think that should be her call?” Still, he turned and headed down the hall toward backstage.

  * * * *

  “Hello, sexy,” Mike purred as Isadora stepped into the circle of his arms.

  “Hey you,” she responded, warmer than she felt. A part of her wanted to escape.

  His eyes bore into her, silently begging for more than she could give. He took a kiss but she felt none of the passion they used to share.

  Unfazed, he leaned back and asked, “How’ve you been?”

  She bit back a sad laugh before it could escape and skipped the question altogether.

  “Let’s dance.” Isa prayed Mike could take her mind off everything for a while. Maybe she could be with him one last time before ending things for good.

  He took her into the crowd, and wrapped her in his embrace. Their bodies moved to the beat but she felt trapped. She knew she wasn’t going to be able to use him again.

  Hopefully Blondy would only stay long enough to see her with Mike and leave, then she could come clean and finally end things with Mike.

  She glanced over Mike’s shoulder. In her boots, she was a tiny bit shorter than him. She saw Blondy and Toryn glaring at each other, and they both looked ticked.

  Mike’s hand tangled in her hair and pulled her attention to him. Then he took her mouth in a bruising kiss.

  And… still nothing.

  So, she faked the passion that was missing.

  Maybe I’m broken? Or maybe I can’t keep lying to myself?

  The music stopped and the second band started to set up. Pulling back, she smiled at him and nodded toward the bar. He nodded back. Toryn met them halfway, with Mike’s favorite beer and another Love for her.

  She drank it down without hesitation.

  Toryn warned Mike. “Keep an eye on the blond asshole. He’s got it real bad for Isa, and I don’t like his determination.”

  “What the fuck is his problem?” Isa snapped.

  Anger flashed across Toryn’s perfect features. “He’s on a mission to bed you.” That was a hell of a way to put it, but it made her stomach turn all the same.

  Mike perked up curiously. “What? Who are we talking about?”

  Toryn pointed Blondy out for Mike. “That’s the guy I was distracting so Isa could come find you. He’s bad news and will try to sweep Isadora away from you.”

  Mike gave her a puzzled look.

  “Don’t worry, I’m not leaving with him.” She didn’t have the heart to admit she was going home alone.

  He honestly pouted. “I
can’t take you home tonight, I’m leaving right after the show. Roxy’s wedding is tomorrow. Don’t you remember?”

  Shit, that was right. He asked her to go a week ago and she told him she had to work. It damn near scared her to death when he asked her to go for the whole weekend. “Oh yeah, sorry,” she muttered, feeling stupid.

  Now she couldn’t end things tonight. Not before his sister’s wedding. At least Toryn was going to also be bored without his boytoy and could keep her mind occupied.

  Mike shrugged. “It’s all right. I really should have left already, but I figured I would ride with Trevor and the guys if I couldn’t convince you to come with me after all.” He gave her great big puppy dog eyes.

  Yeah… not happening. “Sorry, I really do have to work in the morning, bright and early.” Ten in the morning, which was early for Isa, who never went to bed before four. She wished she could fall for Mike, but something was missing between them. Until a few months ago, he seemed to enjoy their casual arrangement as much as she did. Now, it clearly was one-sided and no longer working.

  He sighed. “It’s all right. Rox wants me to settle down. She’s convinced you are too wild for me.”

  Isa couldn’t help the wicked grin. “She doesn’t know you too well then. You aren’t exactly tame.”

  Toryn rolled his eyes and started for the stairs with a salacious grin. She really wanted to know what he was thinking.

  Mike leaned against the wall and pulled her against his body. She leaned into him, more out of habit, than any real desire. It felt nice against his big strong chest, but something wasn’t right. Guilt is finally catching up with me.

  The next band started and the music seemed wild and disjointed. It was truly jarring. Then Blondy, who introduced himself as Evan, started singing in an eerily beautiful voice. It felt like he was calling to her, but the lyrics seemed to slip past her, grating her nerves.

  The song reminded her of the time she went to the fair and the hypnotist picked her. Poor guy couldn’t get her to go under to save his life. She thought maybe everyone was faking it.

  The more he sang, the more it pulled, but the music didn’t have any real hold. The urge to get away increased.

  Mike groaned, “Oh my god, they’re terrible.” He dragged her back to the bar for another drink.

  She grabbed another for Toryn and herself before heading up to sit with the band. Toryn grinned when she handed over the Love.

  Isa glared at Remus. “You do hear them, right? They are fucking terrible. I’m surprised my ears aren’t bleeding.”

  He sneered back. “I find that hard to believe. They sound amazing.”

  “What planet are you from?” she asked in disgust.

  Scotty burst out laughing so hard he turned red. Then he glanced at his phone. “Well, looks like we’re up. The third band was cancelled and they can’t find anyone to fill the spot.”

  With everyone booing, Isa snorted. “I’m surprised they haven’t cut the power to the stage.”

  Scotty winked as the music abruptly ended. Looks like we’re up sooner than expected. Let’s get ready.”

  Her eyebrow rose as she challenged Remus, “Everyone else agrees with me.”

  She hopped up and dragged Mike with her.

  Remus threw a disgruntled sneer her way before they started down the stairs.

  Trying to forget Remus, she told Mike, “It’s too bad you aren’t playing tonight. You always put on a good show, and I do love to watch you play.”

  Mike shrugged. “With the wedding, it’s going to be a while before we perform again. Lunar Storm too. Roxy and Trevor are going to honeymoon in Ireland for an entire month.”

  The thing Isa didn’t understand was why the wedding was happening in Astoria. Maybe it was to keep Roxy’s ex and their drummer out of the picture. Jordan seemed to finally be getting his shit together, but he’d been a real asshole in the past.

  Toryn and the guys were setting up by the time Isa and Mike edged their way to the front of the stage. Though Toryn kept glaring daggers at Remus.

  Mike wrapped his arms around Isa, pulling her back into his chest and placing his chin on her shoulder. “You know, you could still come with me. I’m sure Lana would cover your shift and I’d bring you back right after the wedding.”

  “I really can’t, Mike. I’m sorry,” she answered, feigning sadness when she really wanted to smack him for being so damned persistent. With the wedding, it was better to wait until after to break the news their arrangement had come to an end. “Besides, what happened to that girl you were dating?”

  In the years Isa had known Mike, he really hadn’t done the whole dating thing. Something to do with his first love screwing him over. Kara lasted a few weeks, but last she heard, they parted ways.

  He sighed, his hold loosening as if offended. “Things were getting way too serious, way too fast. She wanted me to go back east to meet her family. I didn’t feel comfortable moving our relationship to that level. Plus, my sister sprung the wedding on me.”

  Which was why he asked her—to a wedding of all things. “Sorry.” She closed her eyes, feeling guilty for throwing it in his face.

  The music started, and Toryn gave her a sexy grin before his voice drowned out the rest of her thoughts. He opened with the song he wrote after one crazy night at Snoqualmie Falls. They were both drunk and amped up one birthday, so they celebrated.

  They talked about some of the strangest things while drinking down on the rocks a few feet from the falls. At least until the cops showed up and they had to find another way back up the hill to her car. Isadora lost herself in the song, and the memories always made her smile. It was so easy and natural to be around Toryn. They had fun doing some of the dumbest things. No wonder she’d fallen in love with him.

  Arms slid around her. She leaned back into an unfamiliar embrace thinking it was Mike, but froze.

  Toryn looked like he was about to jump off the stage and start something.

  She whirled around to find Blondy leering at her as he reached for her waist. Anger pushing adrenaline, she shoved him away and into the people behind her.

  Quickly rebounding, he held out his hand with a pleasant smile. “I’m Evan. And you are?” The cocky bastard was so damned confident, even after the way she ditched him the night before.

  Without taking his hand, she crossed her arms over her chest and glared back. “Isa.”

  “I’m sorry I startled you. We were so close last night, I didn’t think you’d mind my company.”

  Her tone was ice cold. “I was drunk and not thinking clearly. You are way out of line if you think you can touch me because of last night. So keep your hands to yourself, or you will lose them.”

  His smile brightened, but there was fiery determination in his eyes. Her skin crawled, and her stomach twisted.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he rumbled as if she hadn’t denied him. “Come dance with me.”

  “No thanks, I’m with someone.”

  Mike rushed back and slipped a protective arm around her. “She’s with me tonight.”

  “Disappointing as that is, I was hoping she might give me another chance.” He seemed to believe it was a possibility.

  Hell, she considered taking Mike up on the trip to the wedding, to drive the point home to Evan.

  “No, not going to happen. You are too fucking grabby and I’m not in the mood to be molested.”

  At least the dipshit took the hint because he turned and walked away with a confused frown. Like no one had ever turned him down before.

  Looking down, she noticed sparks dancing at the end of her fingertips. That was a bad sign. This happened every time she was in danger, and she couldn’t control the results.

  Isa carefully took the glass without touching Mike and wrapped both hands around it trying to hide the magic.

  Mike put an arm around her and asked, “What’s with that guy?”

  “I honestly don’t know. Thanks for coming to my rescue, though.” She br
ushed her lips across his before draining her glass.

  Chapter 5

  Toryn couldn’t believe the fucktwit, Evanastie, tried to put his hands on Isa. And worse, that he wouldn’t back off when she told him to get lost, because he knew she did.

  Bastard was still hanging out in the corner, waiting to make his move. He could kill Remus for springing this bullshit job on him at the last fucking minute. The insufferable asshole did it on purpose.

  He had to wonder if Remus was the one who put Evan up to awakening Isa.

  Remus smiled cruelly. “You’re the only one the client will speak to.”

  Toryn desperately wanted to shove Remus into a deep fryer. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

  “Got a text while we were playing. I couldn’t exactly interrupt you.”

  “And you can’t go?” Toryn asked through gritted teeth.

  “You were requested. Besides, I have a meeting with Henroyld in an hour. I can’t keep him waiting. You know how these things go.” The bastard had a point. Fucking asshole likely set the whole the thing up. First he’d deal with business, then he’d get to the bottom of whatever Remus was plotting.

  Isadora looked so lost even though she sat at the bar with her favorite boytoy. Something was bothering her, and had been for some time. She still enjoyed flirting, but anything more serious and she started backing off the guy. Even harmless Mike, who was totally in love with her and would do any damned thing she wanted.

  Toryn didn’t want to leave her to fend for herself, so he turned on his heel and pulled Scotty aside. Once they were out of range of Remus, he whispered, “I need a favor, man.”

  “Let me guess… get Isadora home?” Scotty grinned, “You know that isn’t a problem. I saw that piece of shit come on to her. I still don’t know what he’s doing out here, but Remus claiming to know him worries me. Do you think he could have put Evanastie up to seducing Isadora?”

  “I certainly think so, but I know he wants her for himself. Too many questions and not enough damned answers. I need to get to the bottom of whatever Remus is scheming, but first I have to take care of this job.”