Six Times a Charm

by Deanna Chase

  “Four overly excitable human witches in that bar? There’s nothing but trouble for them to get into.”

  “Sebastian has already agreed to go with them.”

  Cheney shot Sebastian an impatient look, then he glanced back at me. I gave my best expectant smile, and he sighed. “I guess if you’ve already arranged it, but I don’t like it.”

  “Thank goodness you agreed. Devin’s already hot rolling her hair. She would’ve been crushed.”

  ***

  We walked into the club, the girls doing their best not to look like the wide-eyed, big-haired tourists they were. The strange atmosphere and even stranger looking people didn’t ease their mission. Devin was the first one to break free from the pack, walking right up to an extremely pale, blue haired woman.

  “I love your hair. It’s so beautiful,” she said brightly. The woman smiled slightly but seemed a bit taken aback by Devin’s forwardness.

  Katrina grabbed my arm. “Um, are those children smoking and drinking in here?”

  “They’re not kids,” I whispered. “They’re some sort of faery, I think. Don’t stare.” Cheney cleared his throat impatiently. “I have to go. Good luck, girlies.”

  The bar downstairs looked just as it had the night we met Holden and Olivia—right down to Holden sitting by himself in a back booth. His eyes flicked toward us briefly, then away. He wasn’t the friendliest person I’d ever met.

  “So who are we meeting?” I asked Cheney as he handed me a drink.

  “He isn’t here yet.”

  “What time is he supposed to meet us?”

  “We don’t have a meeting per se.”

  “Why not?”

  “Vampires would be reluctant to meet with me, but Paolo sometimes comes here.”

  “Why don’t you ask those vampires over there if he’s coming?”

  Cheney shook his head. “We’ll wait.”

  He saw some elves he knew and went over to say hello while I sat at the bar, looking around the room for any new interesting people. Holden caught my eye and gave me the slightest of nods. I glanced over at Cheney. He was still talking with his elf friends, so I headed over toward Holden, feeling a little like a dead girl walking.

  Holden had the smallest of smiles on his face when I got to his table. “Do I scare you…” his voice faded as if he couldn’t quite remember my name.

  “Selene,” I supplied. “Yes, you do a little.”

  He shook his head. “You have nothing to fear.” Holden’s eyes darted to Cheney. “You’re here to meet with the vampires, yes?”

  I didn’t know how much he knew, but Cheney hadn’t said it was a secret. “Yes.”

  “Getting them on your side is a good plan, but I’m not sure how feasible it is. Paolo hasn’t been in yet tonight. The vampire at that table over there,” he nodded toward a table with two girls and a guy, “is Corbin. He’s Paolo’s second in command. He’d know whether Paolo is coming in tonight, and he’d be good to get on your side as well.” Holden studied me for a moment. “Or you can ask your cousin to call in a favor.”

  “Sy? He knows these people?”

  Holden gave me an appraising look. “You really don’t remember anything, do you? You should talk to Sy.” Holden leaned back in his booth. “My associate Baker will be here soon. He can introduce you to Corbin if you want.”

  “Sure. I’ll tell Cheney.”

  “No. I told you for a reason. Corbin responds best to women and Cheney won’t like that plan.”

  “How do you know?”

  “Because I wouldn’t like that plan if you were Olivia.”

  I nodded. He was probably right. No way would Cheney approve of me talking to vampires alone, but—

  “A pretty girl alone can get a lot further and get a man to listen to her a lot easier than if she’s attached at the hip to another guy.”

  “As soon as I walk over there, it will draw Cheney’s attention. I’m surprised talking to you hasn’t.”

  “He knows you’re here.”

  “How can you tell? He hasn’t looked over even once.”

  “I can feel it in the air, just like your fear. He’s been on edge since you sat down with me.”

  I studied this strange, handsome man. “Huh. Nifty trick.”

  He shrugged as if unimpressed. “Perks of being a jinni.”

  “Someday I want to hear how you ended up with Olivia.”

  Holden’s face softened. “That’s her department, not mine.” He glanced at the door, as a short, heavily muscled man who resembled a boxer entered and headed straight to us.

  “Who’s the fox?” he asked, hitching a thumb in my direction.

  Holden rolled his eyes. “This is Sy’s cousin—Selene—the half-elf we’re helping.”

  Baker shoved his hand toward me, a goofy smile on his face that made him seem a hundred times less threatening. “Hey, baby, so the boss tells me you need to meet a vampire. Let’s get a wiggle on. Holden will take care of your old man.”

  I stared at him, open-mouthed. I thought I understood everything he said, but I wasn’t sure. “How did you know?”

  Baker smiled. “I know people, doll, and word gets around.”

  Holden stood up impatiently. “Enough talking, Baker. Here’s your chance. The Doublemint twins are going to the bathroom. It’s best if Selene goes to him alone.”

  “Why are you helping us?” I asked, still feeling lost.

  “Because Olivia wants me to.” His eyes were honest and clear enough that I believed him. I nodded to him, and Baker went toward the vampire.

  I nervously smoothed my light pink and silver slinky dress that fell softly around me, clinging in just the right spots. “May I have a seat?” I asked, but I didn’t wait for an answer. I sat down, crossing my legs so he’d have a good view of my tanned flesh.

  “Mmm, a half-elf. Exotic,” he said, his voice low with a faint British accent. “My name’s Corbin, and who might you be?”

  “Selene,” I said, offering my hand. He kissed it, his lips lingering, and I felt a pull against me that made my breath catch. It was everything I could do to not run from the table.

  He looked at me with a creepy smile. “Delicious,” he said.

  I smiled back, praying it seemed sincere, and tried not to yank my hand back.

  “So what can I do for you, loveliest Selene?” His black eyes were dazzling. “Quick, pet, before your boyfriend gets past the jinni.” A slight smile curved his sensual mouth, and I couldn’t keep from staring. With his white blond hair falling casually on his forehead and his sharp, angular cheekbones, he was quite handsome.

  “I could use your help.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “Well, I really should be speaking with Paolo, but then I saw you…” I let my voice trail off, licking my lips slowly and twirling a strand of hair.

  “Yes, we could come to an arrangement if I knew what you needed.” He leaned toward me.

  “Well, you see, there are these people who are trying to kill me, and I could use some strong allies. And who’s stronger or more fear-inspiring than vampires?”

  He leaned back in his chair, his black eyes studying me. “Your elf can’t manage?” His gaze flicked to Cheney, who I still hadn’t looked at, afraid my mask of flirtation would falter.

  “There are too many of them.”

  “And just who did you manage to vex, love?”

  “Oh, you know, the rebels, the Erlking, people like that.”

  His laughter was a sly, suggestive thing. “Oh, is that all?”

  “If it were less, would I be seeking outside help?”

  “Is the jinni helping you?”

  “Sort of.”

  He sat inhumanly still for a minute. “Paolo won’t be easy to convince. Your people have already tried.”

  “My people?”

  “Yes, the half-elves. The rebels. How do you think you’ll manage to convince him?”

  “I can be very persuasive.” A slow, lazy smile spread
over my face.

  Again he laughed. “I think your boyfriend would have an easier time of it than you, love.”

  I winked. “He is tempting, isn’t he?”

  Corbin shrugged dismissively. “Too straight-laced for you. I tasted what’s inside.”

  “And what’s that?”

  “Freedom,” he said, leaning in again. “Would you like for me to help you set it free?” He reached toward my face. Something in me screamed yes, I did want that—but the stronger part of me said nothing. Before a finger could touch my skin, Cheney was there, slamming Corbin’s hand to the table.

  Chapter 33

  “You will not touch her again,” he growled.

  Corbin turned his hand and gripped Cheney’s arm. They stared each other down, malice in their eyes. This was going downhill quickly. Holden took a seat next to Corbin and stretched out his legs. Baker plunked down in a chair near me.

  Corbin eyes darted in Holden’s direction. Holden’s smirk practically begged for Corbin to keep going and suffer the consequences. His entire being gave off the confidence that he could kill anyone in the bar before they could blink—and his eyes danced with the anticipation of violence. The air grew thin around us. This was definitely bad.

  Corbin released Cheney’s arm, looking slightly paler than before—maybe having Holden on our side was a really good thing. Corbin sat back, holding his hands in the air. “I won’t touch her unless she wants me to,” he said and winked—but I noticed he still shot cautious glances at Holden.

  Cheney stood behind me and I smiled at him reassuringly. He didn’t return it. “Corbin, this is my husband, Prince Cheney.”

  “You sneaky wench,” he said with a smile. “So you’re the future king of the fae? Selene certainly didn’t tell me that when she said you couldn’t keep her safe.”

  Cheney’s entire body stiffened, but he kept his voice calm. “I am—and you were misinformed. I do not need help protecting my wife. We need help to overthrow the king and defeat the rebels, nothing more.”

  “That’s plenty, mate.”

  “Stop whining, Corbin. In or out?” Baker said in an impatient tone that made the tension drain from the air. Holden did not even bother looking at Corbin. He seemed focused on the door.

  Corbin looked me up and down with undisguised interest. “Sending her over was smart. Your idea?” he asked Baker.

  “Holden’s,” Baker said.

  Corbin sighed. “Yeah, I’m in, but I’m not the one you need to convince. Paolo will take a lot more than a pretty face. And certainly not her face.”

  “Is Paolo coming in tonight?” Cheney asked.

  “No,” Corbin said. “But I’ll arrange a meeting.”

  Cheney nodded, holding out his hand. Corbin plopped a cell phone into his palm. “How about you, love? Do I get your number?”

  I smiled. “Not a chance.”

  “That’s a shame. Here I thought we had something—”

  “You thought wrong,” Cheney snarled, shoving the phone back at him and standing up.

  Corbin shrugged. “What? Was it something I said?”

  Cheney took a couple of long steps, then turned and looked back at me with no expression on his face, anger still radiating from him.

  “I could see you home, love,” Corbin said seeming to forget Holden, enjoying Cheney’s torment.

  “Not on your life,” I said before I realized that might be in bad taste as he’d probably been dead for ages. I stood up. “I would shake your hand, but…”

  “I understand.”

  “It was nice meeting you, Corbin.”

  “Until next time, Selene.”

  Holden and Baker stood up, too, heading back for Holden’s usual table. I stuck out my hand to Holden. “Thank you for your help, Holden. Tell Olivia hi for me. I’m sorry I missed her.”

  He shook my hand in a crushing, cool grip. “She’ll be sorry to have missed you, too. Olivia likes you, and that’s a compliment.”

  “I like her, too. We’ll have to get together sometime after all of this craziness.”

  Holden released my hand. “I’m not getting involved, but talk to Sy about Paolo.”

  Cheney waited, his face still giving nothing away. He held the door open for me, and we made it half up the stairs when he grabbed my arm and pinned me between the wall and his body. I could see him struggling with wanting to touch me and wanting to stay angry. I had no fear. Cheney would never hurt me. Though he held my arm firmly, there was no pain. He was always careful with me.

  “You said we needed their help,” I told him, knowing exactly what he was upset about.

  “So you told him I couldn’t protect you?” he growled into my ear, his eyes wild and breath hot.

  “No. I said we needed a strong ally like them and that there were too many for us to handle alone. All true.” I ran my fingers softly down his cheek in direct counter to his firm grasp on my other arm. “He was trying to upset you.”

  “It worked.” His grip finally loosened, and I wrapped my arm around his waist, pressing myself against him.

  “You have nothing to worry about.” I kissed his neck. His mouth found mine, possessing it fully.

  “Never let a vampire touch you,” he muttered a few minutes later. “Not even a hand shake.”

  “Why?”

  “It’s how they feed, by touch.”

  “So they can’t touch anyone without feeding?”

  “Not necessarily. They feed by choice, but all they need is skin-to-skin contact.”

  “What do they take?”

  “Life force.” I wondered if that was the strange feeling when Corbin shook my hand. He had said “delicious.” I suddenly felt violated. I wanted to go back and slap him. The nerve.

  “That asshole.”

  Cheney laughed, kissing me again. “Let’s check on your friends.”

  I expected to find the girls huddled into a booth, staring at the creatures around them. What we actually found could only be described as an interspecies dance off. The once segregated room was now a melting pot of roaring laughter and crazy dance moves.

  “Are they playing Baby Got Back?” I asked, watching Devin shake her ass on the floor surrounded by a circle of various Abyss creatures.

  “You friends are…popular.” A smirk ticked on Cheney’s face.

  “Where the hell is Sebastian?” I scanned the audience but couldn’t find him anywhere.

  “Probably hiding.” Cheney laughed. “I guarantee you he didn’t expect this when he said he would come with them.”

  “Serves him right for siding against me.”

  “Should we try to get them to leave?”

  “No, let them have fun. If they play Sweet Transvestite, we’ll know Devin has somehow hijacked the sound booth.”

  “Do you want to join them?” he asked, tilting his head in their direction.

  “Not really, do you?”

  Cheney took my hand. “Let’s find Sebastian.”

  We wove our way through the hordes of people. Cheney spotted Sebastian sitting at a booth alone, surrounded by purses and half empty drinks, looking bored.

  He visibly lifted when he saw us approaching. “They took over,” he said with a sheepish expression. “I couldn’t stop them.”

  I laughed. Sebastian was so out of his depth. “They aren’t soldiers. They’re grown women who are used to doing whatever they want. I’d say you’ve done a wonderful job babysitting them.”

  “Selene!” Devin was suddenly at my side, pulling my arm. “You’re back just in time. Carl is going to let us do karaoke. Come on…Shoop.”

  “Oh…I don’t…No, no, not a good idea.” I was not about to rap in front of Cheney, not for anything. “Who is Carl?”

  “The DJ!” Of course. Why didn’t I know that? Silly me. “You have to. Don’t be lame.”

  Cheney grinned. “Don’t look at me. It’s completely up to you.”

  “Fine, let’s do this.”

  I followed her into the crowd
. It didn’t take long to get used to all the different types of people once I was among them and not just looking in from the outside. Moments later a microphone was shoved into my hand, and Devin and I did our best Salt-N-Pepa impersonation.

  I wasn’t sure if the Abyss listened to much human music, but tonight they seemed to be enjoying themselves.

  ***

  The next morning was a lot less happy. Everyone who wasn’t an elf had a hangover and the lazy attitude that came with it. I felt considerably better than the others.

  “You don’t handle alcohol as well as we always thought,” Jessica accused me. “It’s the elf in you. That’s so not fair.”

  I laughed. “Maybe—now I’m going for a run. Who’s with me?” I heard groans and mumbles in return. “If Cheney asks, that’s where I am,” I said, closing the door behind me.

  I walked for a couple minutes, letting my body warm up, then took off at a slow pace. Soon though, I was enjoying the wind in my hair and the emotional release. Something stirred inside me, that feeling that I wanted to run as fast as I could with my arms spread wide, yelling as loud as I could—the feeling that I wanted to escape. It was the same part of me that wanted the vampire to touch me, to free me from the cage.

  “You really shouldn’t be out here alone.”

  I shrugged, warming at the timbre of Cheney’s voice. No one had ever affected me the way he did. This man had some sort of hold over both sides of me. “No one else wanted to come.”

  He kissed my cheek. “You were thinking something.”

  “Who, me? What could I possibly have to think about?”

  “You’re not having second thoughts about our plan, are you?” His voice was light, but there was a trace of something heavier beneath it.

  “No.” He didn’t really need to know about the strange urges to run away. Some things were better kept to myself. I wrapped my arm around his waist. “Has Gram come out of her room yet?”

  “Briefly, but it didn’t last long.”

  Gram and I had never really fought. I always did what she told me to do. I had a feeling the power struggle had just begun. “I don’t know if this is going to work.”

  ”She loves you. I know Edith didn’t make your life easy, but she’ll come around.” He tightened his arms around me.