Concealed Influence (The Magic Sanctuary Trilogy Book 3)

by V. M. Marsh

  Kicking off my shoes, I strolled across the light hardwood floor to lie on the couch. After flopping my head on a fluffy light yellow pillow, I closed my eyes and willed a vision to come. I hadn't seen anything in weeks. Not since Bradley had escaped the M.E.A., and I'd called Scarlet to warn her.

  I had hoped she would answer, but she didn't. I was crushed, but it was still too soon for her, I guess. I left her a message and couldn't help adding a reminder of what she meant to me. Maybe one day she would believe me again.

  Although, I don't know why she would or should. I'd still be lying to her. I'd always have to lie to her, and there was no way around that. Yes, she knew about my visions now, but there were still things she'd never be able to know.

  Sitting up in frustration, I launched off the couch. I had to get out of here. It was too quiet, and I was too alone with my thoughts.

  Sliding my black flats on, I raced out the door and jogged down the long path from my cabin to the lodge. When lights reached me from the floor to ceiling windows of the lodge restaurant and bar, I slowed to a walk. I couldn't let the employees see me running around the resort while freaking out.

  Pulling open the heavy door, I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw Zoey sitting at the bar. Pain zinged my heart at the reminder of Scarlet. Quickly pushing the pain away before anyone noticed, I lit up with my bright public smile.

  “Hello there, Zoey.” I greeted her cheerily. I was usually a pretty happy person, but my public persona was over-the-top. It needed to be to throw people off and make it easier to influence them when needed.

  Since my public persona was only a few notches perkier than my normal, it was usually fine to play the role. However, other times, like tonight, it was utterly exhausting to be so “on.” It was times like these I really wished I could be myself.

  “Oh, hi Emma.” Zoey replied. She was incredibly quiet and shy.

  We couldn't be more different, which I loved. Same thing with Scarlet; I loved how unlike me she was. I needed people to balance out the perkiness of my public persona. It made me feel a little more normal, a little more me.

  “Could I get a beer please, Charlie?” I asked my friend, the bartender.

  He cocked a brow. Damn it. I was really off my game today. Public Emma was more sparkly than beer, which was my drink of choice at home. Well, that and wine. I could get away with a glass of that.

  “Just kidding. Can I have a glass of Merlot, please?” I giggled and inwardly cringed. I really wanted that beer.

  “So, what have you been up to, Zoey? How has summer vacation been going?” I tried to distract myself.

  She sighed. “Kind of boring, actually. I really miss the kids, and I've already completed my summer to do list.”

  I nodded. Zoey was a kindergarten teacher, which was perfect for her sweet disposition. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Charlie keeping an ear towards us as he poured my wine. That gave me an idea.

  “Bored, huh? You know, we're short staffed since Scarlet left to be with your brother. What do you think about spending the rest of the summer taking her place as a resort hiking guide? I know how much you love hiking, and we could use the help. Please?”

  Surprise crossed her face, but I saw how she glanced at Charlie as he struggled not to look at her. With tense shoulders, he deposited my wine before me. However, he remained close by as he pretended to wipe down the bar top.

  Disappointment shadowed her face before she wiped it off and turned to me brightly. “Sure. I would love that.”

  “Yes! Thanks, Zoey. You can have Scarlet's employee apartment too, so you don't have to make the long commute from your house on workdays if you want.”

  “That would be great! And it would be like I got a free stay at a resort. This is going to be amazing. Thank you, Emma.”

  She hugged me tightly, and I squeezed her back. I think the two of us needed each other more than we realized. We should hang out more often.

  “Speaking of Scarlet, how are Cade and she doing?” I asked casually when we pulled apart. Sipping my wine, I discretely tapped my foot as I waited for her reply.

  “Oh, they're great. Scarlet is still looking for a job, but Cade seems to enjoy having her around all the time. She's getting restless from what I hear, though.” She paused.

  “I still don't understand what your falling out was about and why you can't ask her these things yourself.” Her face scrunched up, puzzled.

  “It's nothing. It's all just a misunderstanding that I hope we can clear up soon.” I laughed awkwardly.

  She frowned. “I suppose. Scarlet seems like a grudge holder, but I hope it works out in your favor.”

  “Me too.” We both drank our wine in uncomfortable silence until Charlie sauntered over.

  “If I overheard correctly, it seems like we'll be seeing a lot of you around here, Zoey. This place will get more out of that deal than you will, I'm afraid. Glad you'll be putting up with so much of us.”

  Zoey giggled and peered at him from beneath her lashes. They had it bad, and I would do whatever I could to push them together. They were so cute, and I wanted someone around here to be happy. Still, loneliness stung my heart as I watched them flirt.

  Chapter Two

  “Sir, our concierge located down the hall can assist you in scheduling a 'special' outdoor adventure. I'd offer to walk you down, but I need to man the phones. Let me call him to escort you to his office.” I told the giant standing on the other side of my large oak desk.

  Working the lodge reception desk as usual, I picked up the phone and dialed an extension. “Hi, Corey. It's Emma. Could you come to the lobby, please? We have a guest in need of a specialty.”

  “Sure thing, Emma. I'll be right down.” After Corey's reply, I gently replaced the phone in its cradle.

  “He's on his way, sir. Why don't you have a seat near the fireplace while you wait?” I gestured to the chocolate granite hearth blazing with a welcoming fire even in the middle of summer.

  We had spells on the lobby to create sensations of comfort and ideal temperatures year-round. All the chairs and couches, including the ones circling granite coffee tables opposite of the fireplace, had relaxation spells to make people want to sit and chat or read a book. Or space out or whatever.

  When the man strolled to the fireplace, I returned my attention to the computers. Corey was the concierge, but I always double checked his plans, especially since I did the scheduling when he was unavailable. It looked like he had three “specialties,” also known as magic adventures, down for today.

  I nodded when I noticed Polly would be leading them. She was a strong plant mage with a good head on her shoulders. She would keep them safe and make sure they had fun.

  Since my parents had stepped back to run things behind the scenes, I had become the face of the lodge. I didn't usually mind the extra responsibility, and they still helped enough with the day-to-day workings, so I rarely felt overwhelmed. Besides, managing the lodge made sense for my public persona.

  The swish of heavy wooden doors automatically sliding open at the lobby entrance made me glance up with a professional smile of greeting. As I took in the shoulder length wavy blond hair, the tall stocky build, and the tattooed sleeves, my smile slipped. Choking on air, I finally dared to look at his face.

  It was him. My breath rushed from my lungs and stars danced before my eyes as the edges of my vision darkened. I was going to pass out if I didn't start breathing again soon. Falling back a step, my hand flew to my chest.

  “Careful there, Emma. Breathe.” He told me.

  My breath hitched in my chest as I struggled to comply. Gasping for air, I hyperventilated while slinking away.

  It was no use. He matched me step for step.

  “It's just me. It's okay.” He chuckled. “Breathe, Emma, just breathe.”

  Backing into a wall, my gaze darted about, like a trapped wild animal. “What are you doing here?”

  “I need sanctuary.”

  “No. We don't wan
t your trouble following you here. You can't stay.”

  “Sure, I can. And trouble won't follow me. That's what the wards are for, to keep away those meaning harm to the ones protected by the Sanctuary, remember?”

  I frantically shook my head. “You still can't stay. All the rooms and cabins are booked. They have been for months. It's summer.”

  “I'm sure you could find something for me, even if it's just an employee apartment.”

  Again, I furiously shook my head while my heart hammered in my chest. “Nope. Everything is taken.”

  “Then let me stay with you. For old time's sake.” He paused. “We meant something to each other once, doesn't that mean anything?”

  My breath caught again while my heart thumped frantically against my ribs. I really hoped he couldn't hear it.

  I cleared my throat. “That was a long time ago, Lars. We may have been high school sweethearts of a sort, but I haven't seen you in years. Why are you here?”

  Leaning closer, he smiled at me. “You know, I never stopped thinking about you all these years. We had some good times, didn't we? Well, until you dumped me, anyway.”

  I cringed. “Yeah. Sorry about that, but it was necessary.”

  “You never did give me a reason. As you said, it's been years. Maybe you could fill me in now.” I could hear the underlying tension edging the good-natured, easy-going vibe he was going for.

  My heart fractured, again. I could never tell him the true reason for our break up. He could never know it was the last thing I'd ever wanted. He could never find out how much it tore me apart and crushed me the entire time he’d been gone.

  I had actually just started to get over him. Or so I kept trying to convince myself.

  “I told you why I had to end things. You are too much of a bad boy for me. I need to be with someone more stable and reliable.”

  He laughed harshly. “Those things never bothered you while we were together. I've never believed that excuse for even one minute.”

  I gasped. “It's not an excuse. I grew up one day and realized I needed a responsible partner.”

  His smoldering glower made me shiver. Taking a deep breath, I attempted to squash to the low burning coals in my abdomen. His smile turned seductive when he noticed my involuntary shudder.

  “Come on, Emma. Let me stay here. If there really isn’t anything available, let me stay with you. You must have your own place by now with extra rooms.”

  “No. You can't remain here, and you most certainly can't live with me. I'd never survive it.”

  Surprise covered both our faces as his eyes shot to mine. He leaned towards me until we mere inches apart, and his breathe tickled my lips. Desire roared to life warring with the nerves dancing in my stomach.

  I pushed passed him to scramble back to my desk. “You can't be here. Please leave.”

  Sauntering up behind me, he whispered in my ear. “Give me sanctuary. Please.”

  I blacked out. I knew I was still standing behind my desk, but I could no longer see or respond. Wandering through the darkness in my head, I searched for the speck of light I knew awaited me.

  Finally locating and moving towards it, the light grew in size and brightness. It swallowed me whole until it was just me and the light.

  Then I was on the other side of it. Before me was a city alley distorted by a dreamlike haze. A man in rags huddled on the ground as Bradley drained him of his magic, his essence, his very soul. Power Thief. I cried knowing the man would be left as a listless shell, barely living anymore.

  The scene shifted and Bradley walked along the sidewalk of a different city. As he passed a store front, I recognized the Sweet Shoppe. Crap. He was in Wildwood or would be soon.

  Again, the scene dissolved and a new one emerged. In this one, Bradley fought someone. It was dark, so I couldn't determine the location.

  However, I would recognize that build and those features anywhere. Bradley was fighting Lars in hand to hand combat.

  Lars struck out with a dagger, and Bradley fell, holding his neck as blood spurted from between his fingers. Lars must have severed an artery. Bradley bled out on the floor and began to turn gray while Lars stood over him still holding his bloody dagger.

  As the haziness and scene receded, I froze in shock while still standing behind my desk. Lars was whispering something to me, but I couldn't register his words. Turning to him with a mixture of horror and admiration across my face, I pushed him aside.

  I heard him calling my name, but I didn't respond as I fled the lodge. I had to get to the Circle.

  Running through the forest, I rubbed the invisible tattoo on the inside of my wrist and infused it with magic until it glowed. That would call them. I jumped over a small bush and dodged a low-lying branch.

  Why the hell did everything have to be away from the trails? They were cleared of this crap wide enough for a person to traverse it easily for a reason: for people to use them. I cursed as I skirted a prickly shrub only to miss another low branch, which used the opportunity to smack me in the face.

  Bruise, scratched, and thoroughly annoyed, I stumbled out of the brush into the clearing, which was ironically, circular. Soft grass tickled my legs as I made my way to the center.

  Since it was magically created, its unnatural shape blended into the landscape to look natural. Not that it mattered. You had to have a tattoo or be with someone who did to access this place.

  Sitting in the tall grass while absently stroking the silky petals of nearby marigolds, I impatiently waited for the others. It shouldn't take them long since they would be able to feel the urgency of my call. I shivered, glad not to be experiencing it this time.

  An old man with gray whiskers and long unkempt hair was the first to arrive. Taking a seat beside me near a group of violets, we waited in silence for the others. Luckily, they soon began to scurry into the meadow from the forest. Some came alone while others, like my parents, arrived in pairs.

  When the last of us spilled into the clearing, everyone stood. Forming a circle within the circular meadow, I took in their worried faces. Once our Circle was complete, I nodded to each member while they waited for me to explain my summons.

  “Thank you for coming so quickly. I called you because I finally had a vision of how to defeat the Power Thief.”

  Excited low murmurs broke out as members whispered to each other. The old man held up a hand until silence descended once more.

  “Thank you, Mage Elder.” I bowed my head in respect before continuing. “Lars Thorn has returned. He may be the one to succeed where Scarlet failed. I have seen no other solutions.”

  Gasps of shock and outrage filled the Circle. However, a booming voice rose above the others. “Lars Thorn is a thug and not to be trusted. I've heard rumors of the illicit activities he's been part of since leaving Wildwood. We can't afford to leave the fate of all magic kind in his hands.”

  A chorus of voices rang out.

  “Here, hear.”

  “He's as bad as the Power Thief.”

  “Not to be trusted.”

  Spotting my parents, my heart sunk to see even they shook their heads sadly at me. I shrugged. That vision wasn't my choice.

  I wanted Lars out of here as much as the rest of them. I agreed-Lars was dangerous. But not the way they meant.

  Sure, I thought he would be a formidable opponent, but when it came down to it, he had a good heart. He wouldn't hurt these people or let evil win. I was sure of it.

  The only peril I saw was for myself. We couldn't be together, which made him dangerous for my heart and well-being. I'd only just started getting over him.

  My gaze flew across faces pinched and red with anger until it landed on a tall slender man sending me a soft supportive smile. I returned it as gratefulness mixed with guilt in my heart.

  I could always count on Jace. If only I could love him the way I loved Lars.

  Mage Elder held up his hand again, but this time, he was ignored until a loud whistle pierced the discord. Si
lence fell as all heads swung with wide eyes to Shifter Elder.

  “I believe Mage Elder has called for silence. I know we're all scared and upset, but please be respectful.” He growled. Then he bowed slightly while sweeping a hand towards Mage Elder.

  “Thank you, Shifter Elder.” Mage Elder returned the slight bow. “I agree. Emotions are running high right now, but we cannot let them rule us. We need to give this careful consideration. All of magic and magic kind is at stake here.”

  He turned to me. “Are you sure there is no other way?”

  “Not that I have seen.” I paused. “We cannot afford to wait. It's only a matter of time before the Power Thief has gathered enough magic to be unstoppable. We must utilize any advantage we have, and we must do it now.”

  Low hums of quiet agreement and disapproval spread through the Circle, like wildfire.

  “He comes from that family. You know the one. They have never been allowed in the Circle.” I heard someone say.

  The person next to him agreed. “His family is trash. They live in the worst part of town and none of them have had magic in decades. I couldn't have been more surprised when it turned out he'd gotten a dash of magic.”

  Fury spread through me until I vibrated. I wanted to defend him. I hated people spreading rumors and saying such horrible things about him.

  The only thing that stopped me was the worried expressions on my parents' faces. I couldn't let them know how much I still cared.

  “None of us likes this.” Mage Elder yelled over the noise. “But Emma is right. We can't wait, especially when there is no guarantee another option will be revealed. Time is of the essence.”

  Pausing, Mage Elder glanced at Shifter Elder and Brownie Elder. After a brief nod from them, he stared at me. “Emma. You are the only one here who knows Lars more than in passing. It will be your job to get him to agree and to make sure he is prepared for the task ahead.”

  “What? No!” I cried out as my parents and Jace shouted disapproval.

  “I do not want him around my daughter. She's not safe with him, in more ways than one.” He side-eyed Jace as others around him nodded in agreement.