by Erin R Flynn
“Thank you for answering,” that elder said gently when everyone was quiet, seeming to not know what to say.
I nodded and went back to my original explanation. “The veil is in trouble. When people die, the souls are meant to travel through the veil and end up on either the plane that is thought of as heaven or the one that is referred to as hell. Don’t ask me about that part, I don’t know it and I don’t want to. What I do know is there are too many souls on this side of the veil, and that throws off the balance.
“It makes it easier for demons to travel back and forth or be called here with less power. It makes it easier for any psychic to call more and more souls here or even grief stoked by evil to prevent others from leaving.” I gestured to the first circle. “This is a basic banishing circle with a few tweaks to send more than one soul at a time. It is only for souls who were called here and need to go back.”
“And there are millions and trillions and more of them,” the angel interjected. “Thousands of years of this person or another calling souls to your plane along with other forces like grief and problems dragging them back from their peaceful afterlife.”
“Unless they’re in the hell plane,” someone snickered.
The angel smirked at the group. “Yes, but well, I’m from the other plane, so I wouldn’t know much about how that works. I, and my siblings, speak for the veil and our plane.”
“I tied several power sources to this circle.”
“What sort of power sources?” Cameron asked, staring at the jars. “I’ve seen chi jars before.”
“Yes, I used those, and we’ll get to that, as that’s the other bad situation,” I admitted, taking a long sip of my scotch. “The other circle is more complicated, and Kate is a genius to have unlocked the code so to speak. She figured out a way to trick souls into finding peace. Hollywood does get it right that some souls never leave. They can’t let go because of revenge or an array of reasons.
“This banishing circle has a spell in it that makes the soul think they’ve accomplished whatever they needed to find peace. But only if it cannot be done. So say the soul stayed to get revenge on his cheating wife. Well, she’s long dead, so he can’t. This circle entwined with the spell will make him believe he did what he needed to and now can find peace.”
“Shit, how many trillions like that have been hanging around since the start of time?” Sangria asked, giving me a worried look.
I held up my hand to the angel when he opened his mouth. “Don’t answer. I don’t need that pressure. I’m helping, and this is a good start. Don’t add to the reasons I can’t sleep at night.”
“I understand,” he accepted after a moment. “A lot. There are a lot, and this is a very, very, very tiny first step in patching up the gushing and broken dam.”
“That was still answering,” I hissed at him. Even if he didn’t give a number, I saw all the auras light up with fear.
Along with my own.
Next, I brought everyone to the secret meeting place of the corrupt government officials we’d found. I left Hunt out of it but told them how we’d found out and then let Tommy show the footage we’d recorded for the hospital. It took a while, and I went for several more bottles of booze, switching us to tequila when I saw how hard it was hitting everyone.
“This is the missing plane thing?” Cameron asked in between clips.
I shared a glance with Tommy who nodded. “I believe it’s been found now. The crash site.”
“But really you’re using them to battery the circles helping restore balance?” she checked.
“No, we needed their bodies, so they were used for other things first. It was a painful way to go, but it didn’t draw it out as we have with others.” I shrugged. “I would have loved to make them suffer forever, as they were at the top of all of this, but they were too visible. Magic can only do so much, and technology does too much sometimes, so it was smarter to use their bodies for real and unaltered.”
“What do you mean by that?” someone else asked.
“I asked the nest of ancients to help me make the bad guys into bigger batteries.”
Bacchus figured out what I meant first, cursing up a storm. “Soraya, you are off your rocker to get involved with ancients. I’m a vampire elder, and I avoid them like the plague. They are dangerous.”
I snorted. “Darling, so am I.” I waved off what he would say next. “Bacchus, I know them better than I do you, and we’re friends. They wanted to help, and I gave them a way. The veil needs the help, or we will have demons all over us, and the humans will put us in the same category as them. You know they will. ‘Not human’ is all they will see, and we will be in trouble.”
After they were caught up and saw the video, I told them we had the remains and files of those we couldn’t save and I hoped they would handle that. Everyone promised, not one looking anything other than heartbroken. But they’d had their fill. I brought them back to Chicago, and they made the arrangements before everyone took the time for tea, needing the rest.
Though I would guess a lot spiked their tea after what I’d showed them.
I however headed to Victor’s nest and sent more evil humans to underwater graves, using their new fledgling energy until it ran out… And I no longer felt bad to do it. The reports I was getting from the interrogations made it clear that torturing and killing paranormals was not all they had been up to.
I hoped they fried in Hades for all eternity too.
5
Others had gotten the chance to rest and have tea while I’d popped all around and used more magic to help my coven and supes. Which was why I was pretty keyed up when it was time to get ready. I gave glances to Hunt that practically dared him to fuck me when I joined them in the lobby.
He looked ready to accept once he saw what I was wearing.
I had a blue two piece dress, the top a crop halter and covering not much of anything. The skirt was ultra low cut and hung off my hips to show almost something indecent but not quite. It was tight on me though because the train was weight and if it had been too loose I could have a wardrobe malfunction. The design was gorgeous, and the blue matched them.
Hunt and Brax were wearing tuxes and ties that matched my dress. Brax also had a vest to show we were more together somehow. I thought it was a bit much to assume that, but fashion made statements, and this would say one was my date and the other my pet.
Both men tried to greet me first, which was amusing, but Hunt stepped aside as he should have. Brax teased a curl of my hair that was all pinned up and then traced his finger along my cheek before cupping my chin and kissing me.
“Can I eat you for dinner instead of attending this thing?” he asked quietly.
“Umm, tempting, but I suggest you skip the elder fun,” I chuckled, accepting his arm when he offered it. “You are an angel after all. We wouldn’t want to dirty your clean aura too much.”
“What will happen?” he asked, shooting me a curious look.
“I’m sure you’ll find out.” I gave him a wink. It wasn’t like he couldn’t read minds after all.
He led me to the ballroom, and I was glad everything seemed to be ready. The shifters we’d hired were serving trays of drinks or appetizers. The men had on only dress slacks so their necks and upper bodies were bare. And the women had a variety of black dresses that were off the shoulder or of the tube variety so their necks and shoulders were bare. Most had hair up, but I knew vamps that liked to hold a handful when they drank, so down was fine too.
A very handsome bear shifter approached us first, his eyes on me as he offered drinks. Brax and I took them, Hunt acting as security and pet. The bear shot Hunt a look before focusing back on me. “Anything else I can get you, Enchantress?”
“What would you like to give me?” I purred, knowing exactly what he meant. I took in a slow breath as I eyed him over. “You are rather lovely.”
He glanced at Brax before meeting my eyes. “And bisexual. I would give you anything you wanted, Ench
antress.”
“Maybe this weekend when we have fun by the pool,” I murmured, moving closer and running my fingers over his perfect abs. “It’s been a while since I’ve played with a bear. You guys are always so inventive and virile.”
He opened his mouth to show me his tongue piercing, and I swallowed a moan, too wound up to ignore the implication… Even if he was a plant by his elders to get on my good side.
I crooked my finger at him until he leaned down. I pressed my lips against his ear. “I will ride your face until you get your fill of Enchantress pussy, and then we’ll see how well you can keep up.”
He let out a whimper, nodding before walking off to serve more drinks while hard as a rock.
“You know, right?” Brax checked.
“Yes, most are always sent to bed me and earn my favor,” I told him, glancing back at Hunt when I felt his confusion. “He’s a plant. His elders who aren’t here got him in with the group we hired with the purpose to fuck me, tempt me to be nicer to the bears and maybe ignore this and that they do that annoys me. Why try for a normal sit down and reach out to be friends when they can manipulate me?”
“You’ll still sleep with him though?” he asked, glancing from me to the guy who was across the ballroom now.
I shrugged, sipping my wine. “If people are willing to whore themselves for whatever purpose, I will absolutely enjoy it and when they fail. It normally backs the elders off of me for a while.” I saw the confusion and disapproval in his eyes and realized what he was missing. “The guy is willing, Hunt. I don’t do it if anyone’s ordered. I start shit if they are. The guy is willing because he wants to be the Enchantress’s bear pet with all the perks.”
He opened his mouth and then closed it, shaking his head. “I’m sorry. I would have realized that after I thought about it some more. I didn’t realize it was truly like this for you.”
“I warned you,” I reminded him as I focused on the ballroom. “Think like a cop. I have vast wealth and power. People would do just about anything to get it or at it.” I gave him a look that the conversation was over, and he dropped it, probably knowing I had too much on my plate already and such a distressing topic was not what I should be talking about. Certainly not there.
The appetizers were great and a wide selection of meat and cheese heavy options given we were having all sorts of sushi for dinner. The whole time I flirted with Brax and taunted Hunt, both of them as wound up as I was by dinner.
Brax and I sat as Hunt took up a security position. I accepted more wine from the server who was now diligently tending to me like a puppy hoping for a treat. Brax sat on my right, and his left hand rarely left me. He was constantly touching my naked back or thigh or just anywhere I would let him that was polite.
The human performer was amazing, and so was all the ultra fresh sushi. Everyone seemed to be thrilled at the level of party we were throwing, knowing it was only the first night so there was more fun to come.
After the first song was over, I saw Bacchus stand first and head towards one of the private lounges. I about vibrated with anticipation as I leaned in and kissed Brax, giving him a look that he shouldn’t follow. He still stood when I did, and a few feet from the table Hunt joined me, understanding it was elder fun I would want my pet for when several others headed for the same lounge.
“The food was fantastic, and the entertainment—how did you even get him?” Bacchus asked when I closed the door behind me.
“I’m me, darling,” I chuckled as I led Hunt over to the table. I nodded for him to sit first and plopped on his lap, shivering when his hands immediately touched my naked skin. “You were quick to start the elder fun.”
“I’m surprised I lasted so long,” Bacchus chuckled, giving me an amused look.
“You have something in mind,” I accused, not needing to ask when I knew him so well.
“Yes, well, my consort convinced me of an idea.” He smirked at me. Oh, I bet she convinced him during dinner.
“And what does she want?”
“You know.”
I tilted my neck and kissed Hunt. I actually turned a bit on his lap so I could get more of him. “Pet, do you want to play?”
“Yes, always, Elder,” he moaned, kissing me again.
I smiled at him before looking over Bacchus’s consort. She was pretty and acted the part, but I saw it in her aura, her gaze even. She thought she was better than me and maybe more of us. She was no one but thought that a mistake in life and the first step in validating her pride was to show my pet how good she was.
How much better she was than me.
I didn’t acknowledge it, as I was an elder and above that. In theory. In reality, I was a woman and I hated this shit, but I would absolutely enjoy fucking with her and giving my pet a treat.
“Fine, he can fuck the bitch,” I answered, smirking at her when anger filled her eyes. “On your knees. If you suck him for me to watch and enjoy, as I don’t do that for him, I’ll let you taste my pet.”
“Thank you, Enchantress,” she said, dipping her head to me even if both of us knew that wasn’t what she wanted to say or do.
“You’re serious?” Hunt checked.
I nodded, smirking at him. “Make me wet, pet. Give us a show. I know you’re wound up with all the magic I used and how I teased you. She’ll suck you, and then drill her like you do me. Show them why I picked you as my first and only pet.”
His eyes filled with heat at what I said and a bit of worry, as he didn’t understand all that was going on.
“Can I taste you after? Please?”
“Good boy,” I praised, glad he showed them that I would be the real treat and pleasing me was better than fucking her. I stood and moved my hand over his groin when he stood. “Give us a show, and we’ll give them another one when you’re done.”
He nodded and moved to where I’d have the best view, clearly saying it was about me even if she was blowing him. She dropped to her knees and gave a good performance. Hunt liked it, but it was clear it wasn’t the same as when I touched him. Hell, his orgasm didn’t seem as good as the last hand job I’d given him.
Well, that was one way to boost my ego.
“Would you rather have her do that again or kiss me?” I asked him when he was done.
He gave me a look like I was daft. “Kiss you, of course.”
She couldn’t hide her reaction she was so shocked, her eyes going wide before schooling it. She stood and slid off her dress, sitting on a table near Bacchus who gave her an appreciative leer. So did a few others, but Hunt barely noted her.
“Show them why I picked you,” I challenged.
He nodded, still hard and ready as he stepped over to her. He gave her a look but then flipped her over so she was lying down on the table. She looked like she might complain but only moaned when he slammed into her. He started hard and fast, plowing her hard enough that the table moved up and down with his thrusts. She was thrilled with what he was giving her, but I knew something the others didn’t.
He wasn’t acting like he did with me.
My gaze never left his as I watched, both of us eye fucking the other while he was banging some vampire. It was hot as hell, and I decided to show the others.
“She’s me, Remy. See me before you,” I muttered, chanting the spell to cloak her.
He looked and growled. “Soraya.” He grabbed her hair to turn her and kissed her as his attention to her went up five fold at least. He fisted her breasts and screwed her silly, going like the Energizer bunny as she had orgasm after orgasm. When it got to be too much, she passed out before he even finished again. She changed back to her, and he blinked up at me.
“Did she not satisfy you, pet?” I purred, crooking a finger at him. “What a bitch. Let me tend to you.” He pulled out of her, not even bothering to check or cover her up before coming over to me. Hunt knelt, and I saw in his eyes he’d already figured out what I’d done.
Yes, when I’d kissed him, I’d messed with his colla
r so he only came from the blow job. They wanted to know why I picked him, and I would give them a good fucking reason.
I altered the collar and stroked him, smirking at the elders when he immediately came with a deep groan. “Good pet.”
“Thank you,” he panted, staring at me with hope for more but also to give him some sort of signal.
“Did you prefer her? Did you enjoy her more than me?”
He snorted. “No. I only enjoyed it because you watched and really when I thought it was you.”
“Good boy. Have your treat,” I offered, uncrossing my legs. He moved over a bit and leaned in, eating me out for all of them to watch. We couldn’t be gone too long since it was still dinner, so someone else took a turn trading pets as I enjoyed Hunt. After several orgasms, we fixed our clothes and I went back to sitting on his lap as the others finished up. I noticed Bacchus’s consort was gone but didn’t care enough to see where.
“I’m still hungry,” Hunt grumbled when we headed back to our seats, amusing Bacchus and the other elders to no end.
“Make sure to disinfect your dick before you even think of putting it in me,” I warned him. “And make damn sure next time you’re protected because if you knock up some bitch while at my side, I’ll cut it off.”
He opened his mouth but then closed it, giving me a worried look. “I’m… I didn’t think. I assumed—I just trusted you. That—I shouldn’t have put that on you.” He tried to apologize again but the color still wouldn’t let him.
I nodded, getting it was all confusing and he’d handled it well so he was focused otherwise. “I always protect myself. Would you like the same for the collar?”
“Yes please, I would,” he muttered as he moved closer. “I won’t be with anyone but you unless we’re playing, but I’m new to this and I could make a mistake like this. Please just make sure.”
