He smiled back at her. “No reason to make Leon jealous. He won’t be able to see Lisanna until this is all over.”
“They’re an item?” she asked with a grin.
He nodded. “He’s had his eyes on her for a long time, but she still has issues, even a century later. She doesn’t want to feel like she belongs to someone, even if belonging to Leon would be very different than belonging to Remus.” He gritted his teeth and looked away. “I won’t let you fall into his hands.”
“I know you won’t. Come on.” Isa stood and nodded toward the exit, they were the only two left on the plane.
Sammy took her hand as she climbed down the stairs. “You stay safe, princess. I’ll see you again real soon.”
“I’ll look forward to it.”
“Me too,” Morrigan answered with a salacious smile at the satyr who was wearing normal pants, and glamoured to appear human. “Though you’ll be in my hotel tonight, if you know what’s good for you.”
“Yes ma’am,” Sammy answered as he backed toward the plane with a huge grin.
Scotty pulled up in his SUV. Leon nodded to the vehicle, “That’s your ride, Isa and Toryn. I’ll take Morrigan and Sammy to the hotel.”
Isa hugged Leon. “You still going to come up often?”
He nodded. “I’m opening the same type of gym up here as I own down in San Francisco, and I have a friend in Edenton who recently opened her own. I’ll be around more often than not. Lisanna will be too, once you all deal with Remus.”
“Then I’ll see you around.”
“You’re a good friend,” Toryn said, giving Leon a hug. “I truly appreciate everything you’ve done.”
“Come on, you two,” Scotty called as he climbed out to open the passenger door.
“I’ll be right there,” Toryn said, and then turned to whisper to his mother.
Isa smiled as she walked around Scotty’s car. “Thank you for picking us up.” She climbed into the front.
“Hey, anything for my two favorite fae.” He gave her a squeeze. “Now, how did it all go down?”
Even though she knew what he referred to, she asked, “What are you talking about?”
His brow arched. “Who made the first move?”
She licked her lips as she looked out at Toryn who was still whispering with his mother and Sammy. “Me,” she answered conspiratorially. Toryn’s eyes never left her.
Scotty looked out. “Told you. See the way he’s looking at you? He’s always looked at you like that.”
Isa sat back and tried to think of what to say. She remembered the way Scotty used to look at Saressa, the very same way Toryn looked at her, and vice versa. All from her aunt’s point of view.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
She shook her head, not wanting to bring up something he was likely to never get over. The woman had tried to twist and manipulate Scotty into something he could never be. Now he was forever bound to a woman who despised him as much as she loved him.
Toryn finally climbed into the back seat behind Isa. “Sorry, it took a moment. I wanted to understand what Morrigan’s plans were.”
“Don’t apologize.” Isa smiled back at him.
“Whose house?” Scotty asked.
“Up to you, Isa,” Toryn offered.
“Mine. I should see how it looks,” she answered grimly.
“Should look exactly the same. Lonny worked a pretty cool spell to put it all back together. That’s why I’m certain they didn’t take anything.”
“There wasn’t anything to take,” Isa said lightly.
He looked over at her and his brow arched. “You are wearing the only two things they would be interested in.”
“Yeah, I know about the thing on my arm, but what else?”
Scotty gave Toryn a long look. “Tell me you knew what that necklace was when you gave it to her?”
“What is it?” Isa asked, quiet but firm.
Toryn shook his head. “I only know it belonged to Reance.”
“It will summon a fire dragon to do the wielder’s bidding.”
Isa closed her eyes, and tried to access the memory. She found her father staring at Alenathos as he cast the spell that pulled a fire dragon into this realm.
With a gasp, her eyes opened. Her hand flew to her chest. “Shit, okay, that makes sense.”
“Aeryana only told me I would know who to give it to and when. I don’t know why, but I was compelled to give it to Isa.”
Scotty half-nodded, half shook his head as he pulled onto the street and started for Isa’s. “Fair warning, Remus is becoming impatient, claiming he needs to check in with Henroyld once he makes sure Isadora is safe, and there isn’t some planned coup.”
“Oh, there will be.” Isa sighed. “Only not the way he thinks. We need evidence first, and then we need to set up a meeting with Aeryana and Henroyld. Would be best if Remus is there as well.”
“We don’t have everything we need yet.”
“I have a feeling Alenathos will bring what we need.”
She noticed Scotty stiffen beside her. Last thing she wanted was to remind him about anything to do with Saressa, but the dragon was, tied to the bitch.
Isa reached over and squeezed Scotty’s arm. “Sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”
“You know?” he asked, his voice full of pain.
“I know. I saw through the memories.”
“She’s why I’m here, and not there. She can’t get into my head here. I’m not forced to turn on the people I care about. I may be bound to her, but I won’t be the monster she wants me to be.”
Isa nodded. She had a feeling the only way to end Scotty’s pain was to end Saressa’s life. In that moment, she couldn’t think of a single reason to keep her alive.
The ride was silent. Scotty was lost in thought as he weaved through traffic to get her home during rush hour. Toryn was brooding over something she planned to pry out of him as soon as they were safely in her apartment.
* * * *
Toryn took the bags as he climbed out of the car. Isa stepped onto the curb before he could open her door. Frowning, he scoured the area. He felt something off, but couldn’t place what.
He whispered low, “Careful, and stay with me, Princess.”
Her eyes cut up to him with a single arched brow, but she didn’t say a word.
Someone was watching and he couldn’t exactly tell her on the street. He had a feeling it might be the dragon, but he couldn’t find any signs. His instinct was pinging off the charts though.
He wound his arm around her waist and led her to the doors. Once inside, they went straight for the stairs. Still, he kept quiet, wanting to wait until they were behind the wards.
“What is it?” she asked under her breath.
“Soon,” he breathed.
Her eyes narrowed and she hurried her pace. She got her door open and stepped inside, only to spin around and pin him with a glare.
As soon as he had the door shut, locked, and dead bolted, he faced her.
Her hands were on her hips. “Spill it,” she demanded.
“Check out your place first. Make sure everything is where you want it.”
She sighed, but did as he asked. He set the bags down and surveyed the wards. There hadn’t been any pings on them since Lonny reworked them the other night.
Toryn had a feeling that would change once the dragon started coming around. He still didn’t trust Alenathos, probably never would. The way he looked at Isadora made his skin crawl. It was more than the fact she could save him from Saressa’s grasp, he clearly lusted after Isa. After what Alenathos did with Saressa, Toryn had his doubts.
Isa came back with her arms crossed under her breasts as she leaned against the wall. “Come on. I want to know what has you so tense.”
“Alenathos. Aeremaius. Even Saressa. There are others, Isadora. Once everyone realizes you are not only the princess of the Air Realm, but a Storm Mistress, you will be in even more danger.”
�
�Even if I stay here? Without going back to Faerie? I really don’t want to go to Faerie.”
Toryn pushed his fingers through his hair. He knew one day they would go back, and make a home there. There was no telling how far down the road that was though, or what might happen to change Isadora’s mind.
“We’ll do what you want, Isa. Always, what you want. However, the time may come when you choose to go back on your own.”
She nodded but looked away. “Not worth thinking about right now. We have other problems to solve. Like seeing if we can get Remus to come around, try to catch him in the act.” She winced. “I don’t like that he’s hurting someone I know, even if I don’t like her very much.”
“That ends tonight. We already have someone set to pick her up before her shift ends. Aeremaius will only know that the Silver Council is investigating her.”
“And he won’t immediately be taken in?” She frowned and closed her eyes. “Right, we need him free for now.”
“Can you live with that?” Toryn asked softly. He was torn himself. Sleeping with Tiffany had been a mistake, but he wouldn’t wish her any harm.
“We can nail him harder if we wait. The Silver Council wouldn’t be able to do anything but hold him for what he did to one human unless we can prove more.”
He nodded. “Exactly. He needs to be dealt with by the fae, and the Silver Council has never been known for sending our own back to Faerie.”
“Does this mean you’re going to go all security guard on me? Or will it be the same as always?”
“I’ve always been on the bodyguard side of things where you’re concerned. I was able to hide it more because you weren’t aware.”
“I guess I’m pretty stupid,” she muttered.
He closed the distance and took her face in his hands as he peered into her eyes. “No, you aren’t stupid. You were caught up in life, and being you. You didn’t notice the danger because you weren’t looking for it. Now you know it’s there, and you’ll likely realize over time I’m doing everything the same, but you notice it because you know I’m looking out for you.”
She grinned. “See, my knight. I love you. You know that, right?”
He nodded, the corner of his mouth lifting. “I do now.”
“Don’t ever forget it.” She pushed up on her toes to take his mouth in a heated kiss.
He gave in to temptation and pressed her back against the wall to better taste her. Her hands delved under his shirt and skated up his torso, eliciting a growl from his lips.
Breaking the kiss, he pushed back from the wall. “I wish we didn’t have to do this now.”
“We should go, if we don’t, I’m going to start and I won’t be stopping until long after the bar closes.”
“Mmm,” he took three big steps back and readjusted himself. “It’s only five, Princess. That’s an awfully long time.”
“I know, but I won’t have to worry about what your mother might say if she walks in on us again.”
“Your neighbors might hear us.”
“You can teach me that sound spell,” she winked and nodded toward the door. “However, we should take care of business first.”
“Let’s go then, before I change my mind.”
Chapter 39
“You really want to walk?” Toryn asked as they stepped outside.
She nodded. “It’s not far, and I miss walking in Seattle.”
He looked up, his eyes twinkling. “In the rain, no less.” He produced an umbrella from nowhere.
“Show off,” she teased.
“Nah, but I don’t want you soaked when we walk in.” He pulled her closer and they walked the few blocks to Shenanigans.
Laying her head on his shoulder, she murmured, “I missed this. Having the freedom to move about as we please. And I have a feeling I’m not going to have much of that for a while.”
“I’ll do everything I can to keep your freedom you so love, but there will be times we have to be on high-alert.”
“I know. I get it. Hate it, but I do understand.” She ran her fingers through the ends of her hair. “I already hate being a princess.”
“My Princess,” he replied, a saucy smile on his lips. “Remember, don’t let me out of your sight until we are back home. Remus might attempt to look like me.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be beside you every second tonight.”
She shivered, and looked behind her to find the familiar blue-eyed, pale-skinned man with long deep black hair that looked blue. Or maybe it was so blue it was almost black.
He winked back, his eyes shifting to lizard-like for a second before he held up a single finger to his mouth.
She briefly considered pointing out a dragon was following her, but held off for the moment. Later, when they were alone, she would mention she had seen Alenathos countless times over the years. While potentially proof of his good intentions, it might not go over well.
Toryn turned her toward the door and she saw Alenathos slide away. He whispered against her ear, “Alen was following, wasn’t he?”
Well, there goes that discussion. She nodded. “I’ve seen him countless times in that guise. How did you know?”
“Caught his reflection in someone’s glasses, and you stiffened when you spotted him. We can talk about that later.”
Oh fun. She smiled and moved through the crowd to take a seat at the bar where Lana grinned at her.
“See, now that looks right,” Lana enthused.
“Feels right, too,” Isa answered immediately.
Tiffany came around the corner with a smile that didn’t reach her soulless eyes. “Good, you two are together.” Her voice even sounded hollow. When she moved, Isa caught the edge of a dark bruise under her collar.
Toryn nodded, and squeezed Isa tighter. “We are.”
“How’s training going?” Isa managed.
“Very well, I think.” She looked over at Lana.
Nodding, Lana looked back at Isa with slightly widened eyes, as if she was catching on to something. Like a champ, probably expecting answers later, she chimed in with, “What are you drinking tonight?”
“Loves, both of us.” Toryn replied in a husky tone before nibbling Isa’s ear.
She leaned into him, savoring the sensation, letting him distract her. “Sounds good to me,” was her response.
Isa noticed Tiffany sneak off down the hall as she pulled out her phone.
Lana giggled, as she started to mix the drinks.
“I’m guessing you’re not ready to come back to work yet?” Lana asked mischievously.
“Nope, haven’t made up for ten years of pent-up sexual frustration. I only came by to check-in.” Isa pulled back from Toryn with a smirk. “Neither of us have gotten much out of our systems.”
“I’ll never have you out of my system, Princess.”
“Aww, you two are cute,” Lana grinned as she slid the drinks their way.
* * * *
Remus answered his phone on the first ring. “You have good news, I presume?”
“They’re here.” Tiffany’s voice was bland and empty.
Unfortunately, she’d be no use if he let her retain the memories of the pain he inflicted on her. Tonight, he wouldn’t have to shut her down to the zombie-like state and leave her mindless.
“Thank you. I’ll be down shortly.”
He hung up before considering giving in to temptation to release the threads keeping her time with him firmly locked into the deepest darkest recesses of her mind, but that would cause too many problems. A certain mage was still snooping around, and he had plans for him, especially after doing some digging into his background.
There was a possible link to Toryn. One he needed solid proof on. If his suspicions were correct, he may have ammo to drive a wedge between Isa and Toryn, as well as ruin the mage.
First, he needed to see his niece, to decide if it was possible she was actually at Underhill while Zamal was there. Zamal certainly pissed someone off, but the story he relayed m
ade it hard to believe the male was Toryn. The bastard had been Isadora’s protector for as long as he’d known her and wouldn’t behave how Zamal described.
He grabbed his phone and wallet, and started for the door.
* * * *
Toryn scanned the building for the millionth time since he sat down. He spotted Mike as he walked in. A niggle of doubt tried to wiggle its way through him.
He saw Mike’s face fall when he noticed who Isadora was with. It didn’t help.
Isa caught Toryn’s chin and brought his gaze back to hers. “What is it?” she whispered.
He swallowed. “Mike.”
She didn’t look away. Instead she leaned in and kissed him slowly and thoroughly. When she pulled back she stared deep into his eyes. “Stop stressing. I’m all yours.”
He took a full breath and the doubt left. “I love you,” he whispered.
Her smile brightened. “That’s better.”
Mike stepped up next to them. “Hey, Isa, Toryn.” His attention locked on Isa, the pain clear in his expression. “How’s your friend?”
Isa smiled. “Sammy is doing great. His recovery is phenomenal. It was touch and go in the beginning, but he’s doing amazing now.”
Toryn wasn’t sure he’d ever get over how easily Isa lied. He always knew, but no one else seemed to.
Mike nodded. “That’s good. I was worried about how you were doing, but it looks like Toryn kept you company.”
Isa nodded. “Yeah. It was good to have a friend.”
“And now you two are together?” Mike prodded.
Isa nodded. “I’m sorry, Mike, but yes.”
Mike’s shoulders slumped. “Good. I’m happy for you.” He looked to Toryn. “Both of you.” He took a step away. “You two fit together beautifully.”
“Thank you,” Isa squeezed Mike’s arm before he disappeared into the crowd. Turning back to Toryn, she shrugged. “Even he knows we belong together.”
“He’s not going to be over you that quickly,” Toryn warned.
Storm Mistress Page 28
