“Why would someone write that to me?” I looked at my boss. My friend.
Biting her lip, Justina looked at the ground. “I wouldn’t right it off as a prank quite yet. Maybe your parents were kidnapped. It sounds like they were involved in something a young girl would never understand.”
Clenching my fists, I gritted my teeth. “If they dared to abandon me…”
The door opened as I tenderly felt my side. It was nowhere near as painful as it had been only moments ago. Gerard sauntered in, a grim look on his face.
“There’s a human hovering outside. She’s approached the door several times but hasn’t knocked. I have a feeling she knows who we are and has something to tell us.”
Rubbing his now healed arm, Gerard slowly came over. His gaze traced me, but he didn’t inquire as to whether I was okay.
“Well, since you didn’t get a chance to interrogate the three witches, I’m going to head to the prison. Gerard, I trust you can take care of a human on your own?”
Reaching out for Justina’s hand before she could rise, I squeezed her fingers. “I’m feeling a lot better. Please don’t make me rest.”
In fact, my wound was tingling, almost pleasantly as I got to my feet. Stretching, I lifted my top to inspect the wad of bandage over my stitches.
“Kurt’s a talented healer, isn’t he?” A proud smile lit Justina’s face as she stood. “You can help Gerard, but no action. If anything goes down, don’t defend him. He’s capable of defending himself.”
“I’m not so sure,” I muttered. “He wouldn’t listen to me tonight. I tried to tell him that I’d trapped the Crawler into the body, but he ignored me.”
My partner’s eyebrows rose as he crossed his arms. “Do I detect a hint of whinging?”
“Right, that’s my cue to get on with it. Just… stay out of trouble, you’re not technically on duty.”
When the door had shut behind Justina, I took a step closer to Gerard. “You owe me your life. I was stabbed because of you.”
Rolling his eyes, Gerard lifted his hands in the air. “You’re infuriating. And… right. I should’ve listened to you.”
A smirk came to my face before he could say anything to wipe it away. I would bask in my victory. He had never admitted that I was right. Of course I was right. It was quite a common occurrence.
“What did that letter say?”
And, there came the question that brought me back to reality. Straightening my clothes, I picked up my phone and dagger, and tucked them away. “Not a lot.”
It was true. My father, if it was his writing, hadn’t said much. There was hardly any point to his letter, unless he thought I would drop to my knees in gratitude because he was alive, when I had believed he was dead.
Gerard’s arm came out as I went to go past him. His fingers brushed my wrist gently, forcing me to stop. He looked down at me sideways, his green gaze searching mine. The intensity of his stare made me look away. Confusion fizzed through me as his fingers moved down and caressed my palm.
“Thank you,” he said, making me look up at him. “…for saving me from what I thought would be a Crawler takeover.”
Yeah, yeah, I was a bloody hero. If only he would’ve listened, I wouldn’t have been stabbed. Not that the pain was bothering me now, but it wasn’t the point.
“Any moment now, Justina is going to call us in and discipline us for our not so professional behaviour. I’m not sure why she’s holding off, considering we caused a scene at the bar last night. And, we’re supposed to be talking to a human right now…”
Gerard’s eyes widened. Letting go of me, he stormed out of the room, leaving me to stare after him. Since when had my life got so wrapped up in my job? We weren’t actually working when we went to see Becky, but we had to protect the reputation of the agency. We weren’t exactly doing a great job.
Following my partner, I swore to myself that I would once again put all my personal business to the side while I was at work. If I wanted to be a successful agent, I had to make sure I was professional on the job. No matter what happened.
The hallway was dim, the darkness outside making it seem even more eerie when Gerard opened the front door. I jogged to catch up with him, slipping out and shutting the door behind me. The pain in my side was almost gone. I would have to speak to Kurt about his remedies. Maybe he had a good one for hangovers.
The Thames was black, the lights from the bridges and buildings the only thing making the slight waves stand out. The street lights were on, yet, there was hardly anyone walking down the walkway.
It was the middle of the night in a place that was a little less touristy than other parts of the riverbank.
“She was just…” Gerard stopped talking when a human woman, about my age, came striding up to us.
Wringing her hands together, she stopped and stared up at Gerard. Her waist length dark blonde hair touched her butt as she bent her head back. She was short, although not quite as small as me. That would take some beating. A fact that I was pretty proud of.
“Are you an agent?”
Her lack of eye contact with me made me bristle. Did she think I was insignificant? Which, obviously, I wasn’t. Otherwise I wouldn’t have come out of the same building as the man in front of her.
“I am. What can I do for you?” Gerard’s warm smile made me narrow my eyes on him.
Was he flirting? I had never seen such a thing. In fact, I hoped he upped his game so I could laugh at him.
“I’m…” The girl looked around, finally acknowledging me with a nod. “I need to talk to someone in confidence.”
Checking that no one was spying on us, I let Gerard take the lead. The girl was pretty in a sweet way. She certainly didn’t look like she had all the flaws that I did. I could fill a room with mine. Not that I would admit that to anyone. Scratch that, I didn’t really admit it to myself.
“Well, I’m sure we can accommodate you. Would you like to tell us your name?” Gerard tucked his hands in his jeans pockets, his demeanour calm and casual.
If he was hoping to give off the impression of not being awkward, he wasn’t doing a very good job. I had never seen him act this way around a pretty girl before. Did he fancy her? Or, was he trying to use his charm to make her feel comfortable? Either way, it wasn’t working. I could tell by the way the girl frowned. Time for plan B.
“My name is Devon,” I said, offering my hand when it looked like she might back away. “This is Gerard.”
The girl nodded, not bothering to take my hand. I didn’t blame her; I knew I could be intimidating. Although, maybe it was just the fact that she was still more interested in Gerard. Whatever.
“I’d rather not give you my name. I know a bit about you. My friend… She knows about you, and she…” Chewing her lip, the human glanced towards the water.
A couple walked past, arm in arm. They giggled together, totally oblivious to the world around them. I’d never had that in my life. I’d had dalliances with a man or two. But, never had I walked along, my senses completely shot because of someone else. It was madness.
“Who is your friend? Does she need help?” Gerard looked down at her, a concerned expression on his face.
Ugh. Why didn’t he just invite her inside for a coffee? Wait, what? Was that…? Did I feel a bit of jealousy? Oh, come on!
“My friend is a witch,” the girl said very quietly. “If she knew I was here, she’d probably kill me herself. She’s friends with a very unsavoury person, but she’s too afraid to come and talk to you. I...” The girl checked over her shoulder, yet again. “I’m afraid for her life.”
Okay, this was serious. If a human was risking her life to come to us, something was wrong. Some witches befriended humans, myself included, but it rarely ended well for them. Case in point: my best friend was a human when I was a teen. I pulled her into my world when she asked too many questions. Ultimately, it led to her death. And, shit, it still hurt like hell when I allowed myself to think about it.
&n
bsp; Rubbing my chest, I stepped forward, nudging Flirty Mac-smarmy out of the way. “I’m glad you’ve come to us. We work to make sure that all witches are safe from harm. Can you give us some information on your friend? We could find her and make sure she’s safe.”
Her eyes widened as she backed away. Gerard pushed me behind him, his deep voice husky when he told her to stay calm. “It’s okay. I promise we won’t let her know that you’ve talked to us.”
Her eyes wide, the girl glanced from me to him. Her hand shook as she pulled a piece of paper from her bag. “I normally wouldn’t go behind my best friend’s back, but she mentioned something about kidnappings. She’s not in a good way. This is my number and her address. At least I can say I tried to help her.”
Shoving the paper into Gerard’s hand, she spun away. Glancing at the note, I noticed that she’d written a number down. An address was also scribbled.
“Wait,” Gerard called. “Who are you?”
Looking over her shoulder, the girl stopped walking. “You don’t need to know. My friend’s name is Lucia, and if you don’t help her, she’s going to die.”
Chapter Ten
“I don’t think I’ve ever been invited to this many people’s houses… ever.”
Flicking my hair over my shoulder, I smiled when Gerard eyed me sideways. We were in the cool agency van, driven by Kurt. Justina had insisted that we all visit the witch, just in case it was a trap. We would then make an excursion to the prison to see the three witches we had captured at the hotel.
Lilia, the witch who had helped us find the guilty witches, was tending to those we had rescued. She spent most days visiting them in their new safe house. We’d had to put them in protective custody to keep them away from the head kidnapper. It was a slave ring, alright, but someone would be the lead instigator.
“You’re not technically invited.” Loading his gun, he frowned when I reached out for it. “No, you don’t get to touch this. This…” He gestured to the handgun. “…is a very dangerous weapon. Only those who are trained are allowed to lay a finger on it. You…” He pointed at me. “…are not a shooter.”
Digging my dagger out of my pocket, I almost dropped it on the floor. A chuckle rumbled up his chest, making me want to take aim at his throat. Shooty Mac-hotty wasn’t helping my mood. I had to stay focused.
“Have you drained some magic today?” he asked, suddenly turning serious.
Tilting my head to the side, I ignored him as I clung to the handle. Closing my eyes, I allowed my warlock magic to pour through me. A burning sensation filtered over my skin. Gritting my teeth, I let the power go as soon as enough had gone into the dagger.
Tucking the weapon away, I smiled to myself when the van lurched to a halt. I was about to comment on Kurt’s reckless driving when he started to shout. Justina was in the front with him, but we couldn’t see them from the back.
“Looks like we have trouble,” Gerard said, jumping up from his seat and kicking open the back doors.
Pulling on the pure magic of the earth, I balanced my two sides out. The seer had said that she might be able to help me stay both a witch and a warlock. I hadn’t even had five minutes to work out if that was what I wanted.
“Come on.” Gerard’s demand was urgent.
The shouting around the front of the vehicle was louder now. Justina’s voice had joined in whatever conversation they were trying to have. Launching to a stand, my boots smacked on the concrete as I jumped off the van and ran around to the front.
“Stay back!” A woman stood in the middle of the road, holding out her hand.
We were outside her house. The address had been accurate if the threat was anything to go by. Her long dark hair was curled at the ends, her tanned skin perfectly smooth and clear. How typical. The Italian woman was gorgeous, if a little crazy.
“What’s going on?” I whispered to Justina.
“I’ll tell you what’s going on,” Lucia called, flicking her hand.
Pain exploded through my head as she cast a spell on me. The other three were also crippled by pain as Lucia squeezed our brains. Bitch.
“My friend had good intentions, but I know who you are. You killed my brother!”
Releasing the spell, Lucia stood with her hands on her hips, waiting for us to recover. I’d managed to get away with not being hurt when we’d caught the other witches, but now that I had more pure magic, other witches were able to harm me.
Glancing around, I clocked the suburban houses. The street was in London, but it was a council estate, tucked away in a nicer part of the city. People’s curtains were twitching, but they wouldn’t call the police. Humans and witches lived side by side, yet, the humans had no idea that magic was being used in their vicinity.
“I killed your brother,” Gerard confessed, stepping in front of us. “It’s me you should take it out on.”
Lucia tucked her long well-groomed hair behind her ear. Now, she was a girl that Gerard was allowed to fancy. Her perfect figure was tall and confident. Her power was quite enhanced, which meant only one thing. She was somehow involved in the kidnappings, like her brother.
“He wasn’t a bad man,” Lucia said, her lip wobbling. “He was all I had.”
“He kidnapped witches and drained them of their magic. After that, he sold them on as slaves. If that’s your definition of a good man…” Gerard shrugged, his facial expression blank.
Justina stepped forward when Lucia held her hand in the air. “Ignore him, he’s a stupid witch. They get roped into things sometimes, don’t they?”
Ah, the diplomacy police had arrived. I smiled briefly as I glanced at Kurt. He rolled his eyes as his hand hovered near his pocket. He was ready to draw his weapon, just like the rest of us. I sometimes wondered if he allowed Justina to have her way to placate her. Or, did he also believe that diplomacy was the best way to handle criminals?
“Exactly,” Lucia spat, keeping her gaze steady on Justina as she moved in front of Gerard. “He didn’t want to do those things, he didn’t have a choice.”
My whole body was tense as I waited to see what would happen. The street was empty, not even a car in sight. The energy in the air pulsed, too much magic in one place. Too many people on edge.
“I understand. Lucia, what those people did to your brother was wrong.”
Justina somehow managed to tell the lie smoothly. Oh, I was liking my diplomatic boss this way. She loathed Luis Camos, yet, she was acting her part perfectly. This was the best training I could ever get.
“They… they’re powerful.” Lucia’s hands shook by her side.
She was petrified of those who were running the slave ring. If she dared to say anything to us, they would probably hunt her down and kill her.
“We can help you. Please, let us-”
My hand was in my pocket, my dagger drawn before Justina had even finished the last part of her first sentence.
Lucia had moved her mouth, obviously whispering a spell. The others dropped to their knees. My heart beat in my head so loudly, I almost couldn’t see. It was as if Lucia was making my eyes vibrate in my skull.
Her power hadn’t quite got me as badly as last time. Which meant the warlock power in my dagger was filtering back into me. I was the only one able to bring her down. The others were in too much pain to do anything.
Seeing that I was still standing, albeit, only just, Lucia spun on her heel and started to run. My legs automatically followed her, my dagger in my hand as my arms pumped by my side. I would not let our only lead get away, if I could help it.
“Leave me alone!” Lucia shouted, throwing up her arm.
A kid’s bicycle that had been laying on the side of the road came flying at me. I dodged it, swearing when the wheel missed my head by less than an inch. Okay, no more diplomacy.
The houses were still quiet as I raised my hand, envisioning a ball of flames. It formed instantly, the darker magic hot on my skin. Throwing it forward, I grunted as it left my palm.
“Shi
t!” Lucia yelled when it collided with her calf.
My feet slowed as she started to fall. And, yet, just as she was about to hit the ground, she propelled up, steady on her feet again. Little witch.
Huffing, I sped up, but it was too late. Lucia was obviously an Olympic runner, because her legs took her around the end of the road and out of sight. By the time another ball of magic was in my palm, she was gone.
“Devon, stop!” Justina’s voice rang out behind me.
She wanted me to give up? No way. Although… My feet skidded to a halt, my leather boots scraping the ground. I had to listen to my boss. She was… well, the boss. It was tempting to defy her, but it would not help our already rocky relationship. Respect, Devon. I had to respect her wishes, even if they were diplomatic. Ugh.
Staring at the place where Lucia had disappeared, I got my breath back, waiting to compose myself before I faced the others.
“You just fired warlock magic at a witness. You’re an idiot.” Kurt clapped me on the back. “Shame it didn’t stop her.”
The man was an enigma. His bluntness, his praise. I never knew which one was good, which one was bad. But, I liked him. Not in a sexy way, I respected that he was Justina’s man. Not only that, I had my own Dreamy Mac-annoying to contend with. Not that anything was happening between us… yet.
“Diplomacy didn’t work in this case,” I said to Kurt, laughing along with him.
Justina approached, her eyebrows raised. Her body was clad in a leather suit, her big boobs not moving at all. Yes, that’s how tight it was. Sometimes I wondered whether I’d pull off an outfit like that, but quickly realised that peeing must be a pain in the arse, so it put me off.
“Nice try,” she said, pointing at a house. “Go search with Gerard.”
Sighing, I dragged my feet as I did as I was told. Was she being sarcastic when she said nice try? Or, had she meant it? This job was so confusing at times.
Frustration ate at me as I headed for the open front door. Unspent magic sizzled in my veins, making me anxious. Pulling a ball into my hand, I launched it at the wall of the house. It exploded against the bricks, marking them red.
Magically Bonded Page 7
