Your Money's Worth: Seattle Elementals, Book 1

by Connie Suttle

  Your Money's Worth

  Seattle Elementals, Book 1

  Connie Suttle

  SubtleDemon Publishing, LLC

  Copyright (c) 2016 Connie Suttle All rights reserved.

  Published by:

  SubtleDemon Publishing, LLC

  PO Box 95696

  Oklahoma City, OK

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, incidents, and characters are the product of the author's imagination and are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

  eISBN: 139781939759368

  Cover Art by: Renee Barratt @ The Cover Counts

  To Walter, Joe, Sarah, Lee, Larry, Dianne and Mark

  Thank you

  Acknowledgements

  As always, this book is the result of collaboration. If it weren't for the support of my editor, my cover artist and my beta readers, it would be less than it is. All mistakes, as usual, are mine and no other's.

  About the Author:

  Connie Suttle lives in Oklahoma with her husband and a conglomerate of cats. They have finally banded together to make their demands, which has proven disconcerting to all humans involved.

  You may find Connie in the following ways:

  Facebook: Connie Suttle Author

  Twitter: @subtledemon

  Website and Blog: subtledemon.com

  Other books by Connie Suttle:

  Blood Destiny Series:

  Blood Wager

  Blood Passage

  Blood Sense

  Blood Domination

  Blood Royal

  Blood Queen

  Blood Rebellion

  Blood War

  Blood Redemption

  Blood Reunion

  * * *

  Legend of the Ir'Indicti Series:

  Bumble

  Shadowed

  Target

  Vendetta

  Destroyer

  * * *

  High Demon Series:

  Demon Lost

  Demon Revealed

  Demon's King

  Demon's Quest

  Demon's Revenge

  Demon's Dream

  * * *

  God Wars Series:

  Blood Double

  Blood Trouble

  Blood Revolution

  Blood Love

  Blood Finale

  * * *

  Saa Thalarr Series:

  Hope and Vengeance

  Wyvern and Company

  Observe and Protect*

  * * *

  First Ordinance Series:

  Finder

  Keeper

  BlackWing

  SpellBreaker

  WhiteWing*

  * * *

  R-D Series:

  Cloud Dust

  Cloud Invasion

  Cloud Rebel

  * * *

  Latter Day Demons Series:

  Hot Demon in the City

  A Demon's Work is Never Done

  A Demon's Due*

  ***

  Seattle Elementals Series:

  Your Money's Worth

  Worth Your While*

  *Forthcoming

  **Author's Note: The Christmas war referred to in Your Money's Worth is detailed in the short story, A Christmas Feral, which can be found in my anthology, Other Worldly Holidays.

  Contents

  To Walter, Joe, Sarah, Lee, Larry, Dianne and Mark

  Acknowledgements

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 1

  Rock smashes ice.

  Fire melts rock.

  Water quenches fire.

  Ice freezes water.

  —The elemental demon version of rock, paper, scissors

  * * *

  Birmingham, Alabama

  December 18

  Shelbie Foster

  Be smart, Shelbie, I mentally berated myself. It wouldn't do to show how terrified and shaky I was to anyone else. My stalkers were in the grocery store parking lot, waiting. I hoped more weren't inside the store; that could ruin my plan and cause human deaths.

  Stopping at the tiny post office inside the store and struggling to slow my breathing, I parked my shopping cart beside me and pulled the package from the reusable grocery bags I'd brought in. I'd hidden it that way to keep my watchers from knowing it existed.

  "I'd like to mail this, please," I set the package on the counter in front of the clerk, forcing my hands not to shake as I did so. The sealed box didn't weigh more than six pounds.

  "Overnight?" the clerk asked while setting the box on her scale.

  "Oh, no. Cheapest and slowest," I attempted a smile.

  "All right." Postage was printed while I watched, then slapped on a corner of the box. "That'll be ten dollars."

  I handed her a twenty; she gave me change. "Thank you," I said and turned toward my grocery basket. I'd leave with groceries, to make my trip look authentic. In the back of my mind, I knew it wouldn't matter what I purchased. I'd never make it home to eat it anyway.

  * * *

  Los Mochis, Mexico

  January 2

  Dalton King

  "It'll be fine; we've hidden it well enough," I scolded Morton. We'd buried the sealed, metal box of cash on his beach property in Mexico before answering Ruudann's summons.

  "You know the Chancellor's investigators will come for us; I'm surprised we haven't heard anything yet," Morton growled.

  "That's why we're leaving. If Ruudann hadn't issued orders, I'd be on my way to Colombia."

  "Too bad Ross wasn't strong enough to win the war; I hear his entire army was wiped out. That probably pissed Ruudann off plenty," Morton pointed out.

  "Think the rumors are true? That the Chancellor found himself a fire demon?"

  "There's only one fire demon he could find so fast—you know that."

  "Ross fucked up when he let her get away," I snapped. "Who knew she'd finally change?"

  "Ross was pissed about that, too—that she hadn't changed. She was his insurance against Ruudann, if they had a difference of opinion. Ruudann would have killed her himself, I think, if he found out she could change."

  "Then he may get his opportunity, because that's what it looks like, now. Hope that doesn't bother you, since you're her dear old dad."

  "You're her fucking grandfather. It doesn't bother you—it doesn't bother me, either. If Ruudann wants her dead, then she's dead. Come on, let's get out of here." Morton lifted his duffle and slung it over a shoulder. "I don't want those investigators breathing down my neck. I'm getting itchy about that, to be honest."

  "Hmmph," I snorted. "Wait until Black Myth catches up with the Chancellor's bunch. They won't be so eager to hunt our asses after that."

  "That's for damn sure."

  * * *

  Seattle, Washington

  January 4

  Cassie

  "Sweetheart, look at it this way," Parke pleaded with me. "Two semesters, followed by an internship with the law firm and you'll be ready for the bar exam."

  He was doing his best to convince me to return to Tuscaloosa, Alabama and the law school I'd left behind to get away from Ross Diablo.

  "They
say they'll take you back because you were such a good student. I can't even bribe anybody else to get you in until a year from now."

  "You tried to bribe people?" I gasped, horrified.

  "No, but I offered a hefty donation," he muttered, turning away. I watched as he raked well-shaped fingers through thick, dark hair in frustration. Leaving Seattle and going back to Tuscaloosa would feel like a giant step backward to me. It would also separate us.

  Parke had to stay in Seattle, not only to run his law firm, but to fill the positions left open when his erstwhile, evil partners, Annabelle Taylor and Geoffrey Gruber, died during the paranormal war. Everybody in the supernatural community was beginning to call it the Christmas war, but that only dealt with the date and not the cause.

  Besides, Parke was new to the Chancellor's position for all things supernatural. He had to have a steady hand and a clear mind when dealing with all the problems that were bound to crop up. An uncomfortable and paranoid new wife wouldn't help him in the least.

  It didn't matter that we were married for little more than two weeks. Parke had enough to worry about without me adding to his burden. It also didn't matter that spring semester would begin in a few days, or that I wasn't prepared to go back to law school.

  What was I supposed to do—tell my new husband, who was a truth demon and the Chancellor, that I wanted to whine like a baby to stay with him?

  Suck it up, Cassie King-Worth, I scolded myself. He's paying for you to return to college to get your law degree. The least you can do is be grateful.

  "What's your answer?" Parke turned back to me.

  "Uh, roll, tide," I said, my voice sounding weak.

  "You'll be amazing," he pulled me to him and planted a kiss on my mouth.

  I'll be away from you, I thought and wanted to cry. My little sister, Destiny, would get to stay in Seattle and go to school here.

  I wanted to stay in Seattle, too.

  "Baby, the new Prince of Alabama is a reasonable man and he's promised to watch over you. You won't be in danger anymore."

  "Yeah." I pulled away from him. "Guess I ought to start studying so I can get back into my classes."

  "Don't worry," Parke called after me as I walked away from him. "It'll be like you never missed a day of school."

  * * *

  "I can't believe you're leaving." Destiny sat cross-legged on my bed and watched me pack.

  "Not my choice—not if I want to finish law school before I'm eligible for Medicare," I muttered.

  "The only thing I miss is the Mellow Mushroom," Destiny sighed with longing. She'd named our favorite pizza place in Tuscaloosa. Aunt Shelbie would bring Destiny after school and meet me there once a week while I was in law school, so we could have a meal together.

  "I miss the 'shroom, too," I said. "Just not enough to live in Alabama for another year." I didn't say that I missed Aunt Shelbie more. I wanted to curse the ground Ross Diablo died on, because he'd had her killed.

  She'd died protecting Destiny and me—from him.

  "Do you think Parke will go looking for Daddy? To do something about what he did?" Destiny picked at a loose thread on the quilt that covered the bed.

  She'd skirted the truth—that if Parke found our father, he'd be brought up on charges serious enough to forfeit his life.

  Daddy sold me to Ross Diablo, and likely turned his head when our mother was murdered years ago.

  Sad, that one of your own could turn against you like that, and take money to make his life more comfortable on top of it.

  "I don't know, Sissy. He was in Mexico the last I heard, and they don't follow the rules so well down there."

  "I'm really mad at him."

  That makes two of us. I didn't say it aloud, but I wasn't sure what I'd do if I ever saw him again. He'd done nothing to protect us—as a father should.

  Mom and Aunt Shelbie were the ones who looked out for us—until Mom disappeared one night years ago. After that, it was just Aunt Shelbie, making sure we were fed, clothed and cared for while Daddy drank and hung out with his friends.

  Ross paid Daddy a ton of money for me when I turned twenty. I was supposed to be allowed to finish college, but my father disappeared, leaving me in Ross' clutches. After two years of law school, I hid Destiny with some of Shelbie's friends and ran away from Ross. He'd followed me, all while planning to unseat Parke as Chancellor.

  Ross and his bunch were dead after the brief war on Christmas night, during the full moon when everything shifted, including the elemental demons and shape changers.

  I thought I'd have time to get to know my new husband after that.

  It wasn't to be.

  I cursed Geoffrey and Annabelle, too, because they'd allied with Ross and his horde. They'd tried to kill all of us, so Ross could play Chancellor.

  "Make sure Parke picks the right people to take Geoffrey and Annabelle's places," I told Destiny.

  "Like he'd ask me," Destiny grinned. "You'd know better than I would. Kate says she's going to ask an old friend who's an ice demon to teach me three days a week, after school," she added.

  "Then you're a lucky duck," I teased. "I didn't have anybody to help me."

  "I know." Destiny's eyes dropped and she picked at the quilt again. "Louise says we're lucky that you have so much control."

  She'd been discussing me with Parke's mother and sister. I sighed. Yes, they cared and meant well. It just made me uncomfortable, that they'd talked about me like that.

  "I bet you'll miss this house," Destiny offered when her eyes met mine again. "Your dorm room before was too small."

  "Parke says he's getting me an apartment close to campus, and a car." Those things were nice, but I wanted to stay with him. I didn't say that.

  "Maybe I can come visit, then. We could go to the 'shroom."

  "Sure. Any time," I said. "At least the bowl game and championship will be held in another state and I won't have to fight fans for a parking spot when I get there."

  "You won't have to worry about clothes or paying your bills," Destiny pointed out. "Parke will take care of that."

  "I'm looking forward to the day when I can do all that for myself," I said, closing the suitcase and zipping it shut. "I've done it myself for the past year."

  "I know. But you'll be a lawyer, like Parke. And a millionaire."

  I wasn't going to point it out, but my chances of being a millionaire were slim next to Parke's wealth. My little sister had a serious crush on my husband. He, Louise and Daniel had taken time off from busy schedules to play board and video games with her. It was nice to hear her giggling after one of Daniel's jokes or Parke and Louise's stories.

  Kate, Parke's mother, invited me for tea or wine after dinner most nights, while she talked about Parke's father before his untimely death. Annabelle and Geoffrey had been the major players in his murder. I didn't miss either of them.

  "Dinner's ready," Louise poked her head inside the bedroom door. "Parke just got home from the office, too."

  "Cool," Destiny slid off the bed and grabbed my hand. "Let's eat."

  * * *

  Tuscaloosa, Alabama

  Cassie

  "Rent includes the furniture, washer, dryer and dishes," my new landlord showed me the apartment after my arrival in Tuscaloosa. The garage apartment stood behind a large, brick home, which wasn't far from UA. The landlord was also the homeowner; somehow, Parke had pulled strings to get such a nice place for me.

  I imagined that the new Prince was also involved, somehow; he was a Supreme Court Judge for the state of Alabama and probably knew all sorts of well-placed people, human and otherwise.

  "The furniture and other things are great, thank you," I said, pulling out my manners and dusting them off. My landlord, Talbert Cummings, didn't know (and didn't need to know) that I was already homesick for Seattle.

  "You have the printout of the rules?" Talbert's brown eyes were sincere, as if he were putting me out, somehow, by mentioning the rules to begin with.

  "I do. I
promise I won't have much in the way of company; I intend to use all my free time studying, so quiet is always best," I smiled at him.

  "You're married—that was a plus when we accepted your application," Talbert nodded.

  "Yes. I tried to get into a school in Washington State, but there was a long waiting list. That's why I'm back—to finish up my law degree."

  "Well, good luck. If you have questions or need anything, my cell number and my wife's are at the bottom of the printout."

  "Thank you—it's good to know you'll be watching over me."

  "Sure thing." Talbert lifted a hand and headed for the door. Once it was closed behind him and I heard his footsteps on the stairs outside my new apartment, I let the strap of my purse slide off my shoulder before I slumped onto a chair at the small kitchen table.

  How was I going to get through this?

  I missed Destiny, Parke and the others; already it had become a dull ache in my heart.

  * * *

  I'd already started reading my texts for Tax Law and Wills and Trusts, and still had two days before classes started. Therefore, I drove my new hybrid to the grocery store and spent part of my monthly grocery allowance to stock the apartment kitchen.

  Yes, Parke had bought me a car. Yes, he'd given me an allowance—for food, gas and other necessities.

  It was enough to feed a family of four for an entire year, and he'd paid my rent in advance.

  I felt terrible about it.

  A part of me understood that I was his wife; another part—a big part—wanted to be self-sufficient.

  Telling Parke that was like talking to a stubborn rock.

  No surprise, since he was a rock demon, in addition to being a truth demon. First and foremost, however, he was male and wasn't listening to a female for longer than it took to get the words past my lips.

  He'd already made up his mind—about everything.

  At times, a tiny voice said that he'd been anxious to get me out of the way so he could go about his business; ours was a marriage of convenience, after all. Sure, he'd said he loved me.