By Fairy Means or Foul: A Starfig Investigations Novel

by Meghan Maslow

  “Twig, I expect you to be responsible for him. Any indiscretion—I mean, any—and we’ll be having another talk. We clear?”

  I nodded, clenching my teeth not to say something sarcastic to the man who sired me, but who seemed only to care how he could use me to consolidate his power base.

  “And demon . . .” My father’s mouth drew back in a snarl. “We aren’t done yet. You took my son from me. I won’t forget.”

  With no good-byes, my father disappeared.

  “Your dad’s a bit . . . intense,” Bill said.

  “That’s one way to put it.” I called toward the kitchen. “You can come out now, ‘Quinn, the Craven’ and ‘Pie the Yellow-Bellied.’ He’s gone.”

  “Good one.” Quinn poked his head in the doorway. “You guys ready to eat?”

  I’d lost my appetite, but I didn’t want to let a good meal go to waste. As I entered to grab a plate of food, Quinn wrapped his arms around me.

  “You did an amazing thing, Twig.” He squeezed me tight and, funny enough, it released all the tension I’d been holding. Bill then wrapped us both in his arms.

  “You gentlemen are the best friends a demon could hope for.”

  “Too tight,” Quinn gasped.

  I laughed. It felt good.

  25

  We made arrangements to meet with Brandsome the following afternoon. Bill agreed he’d give me the horn to return to its rightful owner when the time came. It made me nervous not having it in my hands, but I had to trust him to do the right thing.

  Not like I had another choice anyway. I couldn’t really blame him for not wanting to hand over the one thing that could put him in my power. And it’s not like we had a long history together. No, in his place I wouldn’t give it up until I needed to, either. Still chapped my ass, though.

  Quinn and I explored each other’s bodies late into the night. At one point Bill called through the wall, “Maybe they should call you, ‘Quinn, the Noisy.’” I guffawed, and got an elbow for my trouble.

  Afterward, I wanted to melt into a puddle of uni-gecko goo, only Quinn was stressed. He wasn’t convinced Brandsome would sell me his contract, but refused to talk about it. I wasn’t worried. Greed had a funny way of making anything possible. And I could pay the unicorn more than he ever expected. It hurt to lose part of my hoard, but the thought of losing Quinn hurt a lot more.

  Quinn and I fucked like there was no tomorrow. He scratched and bit and did anything he could to leave marks all over my body. I approved. I liked that he was as possessive as I was. I hadn’t expected that in a human. But my Quinn was full of surprises.

  When he finally fell into a restless sleep, I snuck out and visited one of my larger hoards. If I intended to buy out his contract I wanted to make sure I kept enough gold dypari on hand to pay for him on the spot. I wasn’t giving Brandsome time to back out.

  Once I returned, I couldn’t sleep. My dragon urged me to mate Quinn like now, now, NOW. His pull was almost too much to resist.

  Yet I held back. I was pretty sure he’d say yes if Brandsome wasn’t an issue. After all, we were already bonded as wizard-familiar, so becoming mates wasn’t such a large step, right? He’d never be able to leave me and he’d have a much longer life span. My moods would affect him more, the way his already did mine because of the bond. So, if anything, it would put us on more equal footing. It did mean neither of us would ever fuck another. Mated pairs simply didn’t . . . as far as I knew, couldn’t sleep with anyone else.

  Before meeting Quinn, I would have been appalled at the idea of only sleeping with one person for the rest of my very, very long life. Not now. Now, my dragon couldn’t imagine anything it would like more, and neither could I. Thinking Quinn and I were going to be eaten by a Red Fury definitely put things in perspective.

  Mating still made me ill at ease, though. Probably more of a knee-jerk reaction at this point, because I definitely wanted to spend my life with Quinn. I’d broach the topic once I released him from his contract. I wanted him to have free choice in this—he’d already been forced into so many things. I wouldn’t coerce him into this decision.

  Besides, I wanted to make sure I owned his contract first, because if Brandsome tried to keep Quinn from me once we were mates, contract or no with Alphae, I would tear Brandsome apart. Which meant I'd have to abandon the life I built here in the Elder just so Quinn and I could stay together.

  The next morning was tense. Quinn was jumpy and quick tempered. He and Bill retreated to a quiet corner, a pile of books between them, looking for ways to mute the wizard-familiar bond. Sometime later, when Bill shook his head, Quinn snapped, “I know. I know.” Then he chucked one of his spell books against the wall.

  After that, his irritation only increased and his humming filled the space. I thought he was overreacting. We just needed to hide the bond while I negotiated with Brandsome. Once I owned Quinn it wouldn’t matter anymore. In the meantime, Bill, Pie, and I all walked on eggshells around him. Pie had the right idea and flew the coop at the first opportunity. Supposedly to explore his new surroundings. We knew better. He was avoiding Quinn and his foul mood.

  “So, Boss,” Bill said at one point. “As you know, I took the liberty of reading up on dragons’ and witches’ abilities. I see why you locate treasures for others, but I really think you could expand your business to include private investigations. Between a dragon, a wizard, and a demon, I bet lots of people would hire us.”

  “I don’t know about that.” I said. “Dragons aren’t known for their subtlety, and I’m afraid the types of cases we’d get would be ones where the client wanted us to intimidate another party. I don’t really want to be in that kind of business. And having a demon on staff . . . I’m pretty sure we’d attract the wrong sort real quick.”

  “Because I’m violent and untrustworthy.” Bill frowned, his claws scratching across my dining table.

  “Because that’s what others would think. Obviously Quinn and I know differently.” I pointed to my table. “Do you mind?”

  He’d left furrows in the wood. Since he was red anyway I couldn’t be positive, but I’m pretty sure Bill blushed. “Oops. Sorry.”

  Quinn muttered a few choice words under his breath, shot us both a dirty look. With a sharp flick of his wrist the damage disappeared. Huh. I should ask him the extent of his powers. I know there wasn’t enough fairy magic in me to fix the table. But Quinn’s body language clued me in that now was not the time to ask.

  Bill and I shrugged.

  The day passed slowly. At least for me. Bill was excited to get started and spent the morning filing. It’s amazing how much of a paper trail my cases left behind.

  Quinn hardly looked at me, wouldn’t even make eye contact. What was his deal?

  “You sure you’re all right?” I asked for the hundredth time.

  “Would you stop asking me that? Blood and tears! What’s a wizard got to do to get some peace and quiet? Between you hassling me and that big oaf rustling all those papers, a guy can’t get a moment to think.”

  “That hurts my feelings, Quinn. I know when I’m not wanted.” Bill gathered up the current stack he was sorting and stomped into the front office, doing a bang-up impersonation of a princess in a snit. The door slammed behind him.

  I sighed, rubbed my forehead. “Nice job. Piss off the Red Fury. That will go well.”

  “I can’t help it if he files loudly.” Quinn’s shoulders were so tense that they practically touched his ears.

  “You sure you don’t want to talk about it?”

  He stared at me for a moment before bowing his head. “Twig, there’s something I need to tell you. Please don’t hate me—”

  A knock at the door cut off his answer.

  “Come in,” I called.

  Brandsome stepped into the room as if he was coming off a modeling gig. Maybe he was. His hair shimmered and his violet eyes were as beautiful as I remembered. He oozed sex appeal in his turquoise leather pants and sheer white top. His magic
caressed me, tried to lure me in. My bond to Quinn must have given me partial immunity because while I could acknowledge his beauty and the strength of his magic, I didn’t really feel anything but annoyed that Quinn and I weren’t able to finish our conversation. The meadowmint I was currently chewing also helped.

  Brandsome gave me a smile that in the past would have hardened my cock and made my knees weak. Not now, though. In fact my dragon rumbled angrily. It definitely viewed the unicorn as enemy numero uno at the moment. We were in accord on that.

  Instead of letting my anger show, I returned Brandsome's smile, then turned to look at Quinn and gave him a wink as he moved to my side. Practically sprinted, actually. Must be worried I’d fall for Brandsome’s magic again. No chance with Quinn in the room. He really was the only one I saw.

  When I turned my attention back to Brandsome, his eyes were narrowed and he considered me closely. He all but ignored Quinn.

  “So nice to see you again,” I forced myself to say. “You look as beautiful as ever.”

  Batting his eyelashes, he practically purred. “You’re a big flatterer, Mr. Starfling.”

  He ran a finger across my bicep. While his touch had sent a charge of lust through me previously, now I only felt a slight tingle. Nothing like when Quinn touched me. Just thinking about the way he’d clung to me last night as I set a grueling rhythm caused my cock to harden.

  Quinn all but vibrated in anger, while Brandsome tittered. Fuck, they both assumed I was reacting to Brandsome’s proximity. I couldn’t exactly say any different at the moment, but I’d disabuse Quinn of that the moment we were alone.

  “I understand you successfully retrieved my horn. I’m ever so grateful.” More eyelash batting and he reached out to touch me again. It took all my control to keep myself from jerking away.

  “Please sit, and I’ll get your horn.” I hurried from the room, my skin crawling from Brandsome’s touch, and looked around the front office. No sign of Bill or the horn. Shit. “Bill?” I whispered. “Bill, get your ass in here.”

  A second later Bill materialized. I practically jumped out of my skin, my claws shooting from my fingers. “For the love of all that is sacred, would you please stop doing that? Can’t you make a noise or something? The silence is creepy.”

  He grinned, a sheepish expression so at odds with his fierce visage. “Sorry, Boss. I freaked when the unicorn”—he sighed like a love-struck youth—“came in. I wasn’t expecting him to be that . . . magnificent.”

  I rolled my eyes. I couldn’t really blame him for his crush, though I hadn’t thought unicorn magic would affect a demon like him. “He’s not a nice guy.” I kept my voice low so only Bill heard.

  “I know.” He sighed again, a strangely wistful sound. “He’s awful.”

  “Yes, exactly.”

  “But Twig, you realize I’m a demon, right? I mean, I try to behave in civilized company. Only, when it comes down to it, I’m still what I was made to be. And that part of me recognizes the horribleness in the unicorn . . . and likes it.” He waggled his eyebrows.

  “That’s fucked up.”

  “Yep. Royally.” His expression went dreamy.

  “Okaaay. Well, I’m not your therapist, so I’m just gonna let you work that one out.” I snapped my fingers in front of his face to get his attention. “Hey, don’t float away. I need the horn.”

  “Oh, right! Sorry.” Bill felt around on his body, his hand seeming to pass through different body parts until he pulled the horn out. “Here you go. You’ll understand if I don’t bring it to him in person.”

  “You still think I’d use it against you?”

  He chuckled. “No, not really. You’ve been nothing but decent to me. We both know the unicorn wouldn’t be the same. He’d exploit every bit of his magic to get my name. That’s the kind of bastard he is.” He sighed again, paused for only a second before handing me the horn.

  No accounting for taste, I guess. I nodded my thanks, relieved to have the horn finally in my possession. Returning to the room, I held up the horn so Brandsome could see it. His face lit up.

  “I was hoping we could conclude our business today.” I circled around my desk to avoid any contact. He clearly thought I was playing hard to get, trying to keep my head clear from his influence, but I just didn’t want him to touch me. My dragon didn’t like it one bit, and I needed to keep my cool if I wanted to negotiate for Quinn’s contract.

  “So, you did manage to retrieve it. Juicy jellybeans, I knew I was right to put faith in you.” Brandsome shifted the chair closer and leaned toward me. Quinn stood at attention behind his chair, his expression thunderous.

  “It wasn’t easy, but that’s a long, boring story I’m sure you don’t have time for.”

  “Quite right.” Brandsome glanced over his shoulder at Quinn. His frown said he didn’t like what he saw. Turning back to me he said, “I see you let my pet become slovenly.” He sighed. “I guess I’ll need to take him to a groomer when we get home and reapply everything. He’s really rather plain without all his enhancements.”

  I ground my back teeth together, keeping my expression blank. There was nothing plain about Quinn Broomsparkle. Clenching my fists in my lap, I forced my claws to stay in. I wanted to rip him apart for even hinting that Quinn wasn’t perfect. I took a harsh breath through my nose. Brandsome seemed to think I was trying to breathe his scent. Hardly. But I managed not to say that. Before I could defend Quinn’s honor, Quinn hummed a few bars of a sweet lullaby. He cut off abruptly and our eyes locked, his round and startled.

  “Pet, I see you’ve developed many bad habits in Mr. Starfinger’s company.” Brandsome sighed, long suffering. “I’m sorry for that,” he said to me. “Dreadful screeching, I know. I probably should have had his voice box removed when it became clear he couldn’t control his sounds.”

  For a moment, my vision went red and claws began to push through the ends of my fingers. Took everything I had to clear my vision and retract my claws, while keeping a snarl off my face. I cleared my throat, trying to regain control.

  “About that . . .” Now or never. Amazing that my voice sounded so nonchalant, like I wasn’t bargaining for our future. “I’d like to buy his contract. He seems as if he’s been nothing but trouble and I’d be willing to keep him. He was . . . uh, good at office work.” It sounded lame even to my own ears. Quinn rolled his eyes skyward.

  Brandsome raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. “Interesting.” He looked between the two of us. “I wouldn’t mind discussing this more. Say, over dinner.”

  “Dinner?”

  “Yes, you know the meal you eat at the day’s end? You, me, some good food and some . . . dessert.” Brandsome’s voice dropped into a sensual lilt. “If you like, I can keep my pet around so he can watch. I bet you like an audience, a big, strong dragon like you.” I didn’t have to read Quinn’s thoughts to know he was furious. I managed not to twist my lips in distaste. Now that Brandsome’s magic didn’t affect me so strongly, I easily saw how ugly he was underneath the physical perfection.

  “Unfortunately, I have plans tonight. But I’m prepared to offer you a generous sum for Quinn’s services.”

  Brandsome’s smile was sly and I got the feeling I wasn’t going to like his answer. He craned his neck so he could see Quinn.

  “So, pet, I see you’ve enamored the dragon. Just like I taught you. Good boy. Did you successfully mate with him, too? Hmm?”

  “No, sir.” Quinn went so white he could be a crew member on Pie’s ghost ship. His posture couldn’t be any stiffer, but a slight tremble in his limbs told me that cost him a lot.

  “I told you to mate him, did I not?”

  My eyes shot to Quinn. He swallowed convulsively. “Yes, sir.”

  “Didn’t you use the pheromone sprays I gave you?”

  “He didn’t like them.”

  “So you failed?”

  “Yes. I’m afraid I did . . . sir.”

  “You remember the punishment for failure, swee
tness?”

  “Yes, sir.” His gaze dropped to the floor.

  “You told him to mate with me?” What the fuck was this? Steam rolled from my nose, my patience quickly coming to an end.

  Brandsome smiled, his teeth shiny white. “Yes, of course.”

  “Why would you do that?” But I was pretty sure I knew the answer.

  “Why, power, of course. Your father is influential on the High Council and you’re a one-of-a-kind creature. If you’d mated my pet, you’d essentially be mine.” He shrugged. “Can’t blame a unicorn for trying.”

  I sure could. And Quinn, too, for not telling me. I didn’t waste my time glaring at Brandsome, instead focusing on Quinn’s face. Quinn met my gaze and his jaw worked, but nothing came out.

  “Is this true, Quinn? You were supposed to lure me into mating with you?”

  He nodded. “But I couldn’t go through with it, even with the compelling magic—”

  Brandsome hopped to his feet and backhanded Quinn. Quinn wasn’t expecting the blow so hadn’t braced for it. He fell, striking his head on the floor.

  Before I even knew what I was doing, I hurtled my desk, a roar tearing from my throat, claws extending from my fingers. I knocked Brandsome across my office. Thudding loudly, he hit a sturdy filing cabinet. But my eyes were on Quinn. I knelt down next to him, forcing my claws down. “You okay, sweetheart?” I asked.

  “You shouldn’t have done that.” Quinn groaned and sat up. I reached around to feel the back of his head. A large lump had formed. He winced when I touched it.

  “No, you really shouldn’t have.”

  I spun around to see Brandsome, his fist wrapped around the horn, pointing it in my direction. What in the lower realms was he up to? His hair for once wasn’t in place and I could tell by the way he hunched over he’d come out the loser with the file cabinet. I would have smirked, but the look on his face was truly frightening. He snarled, his features harsh with his anger.

  The horn began to glow and a thin beam of light streaked from it, hitting me in the chest. It didn’t hurt exactly. My body lit up and my cock hardened in record time. I smelled my own arousal and before I could stop it, I groaned. I needed to fuck. Now.