by Becca Andre
“Three others, but no one near the kitchen,” he said. The dim light in the kitchen barely escaped the curtained windows, and only one light shone through an upstairs window.
“Housekeeping?”
“Probably.”
The Elements were long gone. A limo had pulled around front and a short time later, driven off. I assumed that had been their ride. Over the next hour, several servants in black livery had left as well. The new gods of the modern world lived a life of ease.
I shrugged off my coat and the branches rustled with the movement. “Look good?” I held out my arms to display my homemade camo.
James cleared his throat. “With or without the Shadow Dust?”
I caught a flash of teeth in the dimness and punched his arm. I’d dusted my black bodysuit with a special powder that enabled it to blend better with the shadows. It wasn’t invisibility—that took a lot longer to brew—but it would conceal me well enough, as long as there were shadows.
James pulled off his shoes and wiggled his bare toes. “Wait by those bushes by the door.” He slipped off his jacket. “I’ll let you in in a moment.”
“How exactly are you going to get inside? That last guy to leave locked the door behind him.”
He hesitated with his hands on the hem of his sweatshirt. “Leave me a few secrets, Addie.”
I sighed. “Fine. I’ll go be curious by the door.”
He chuckled as I crept out of our thicket. I stuck to the shadows and squeezed in behind a pine shrub. The coarse needles poked through my bodysuit. I squirmed to get comfortable, stirring up musty pine scent from the old needles beneath my feet. Suddenly the back door swung open and I froze.
“Well?” James whispered from within.
I barely heard the soft word over my thundering pulse. I got to my feet and discovered him leaning around the open door. Holy crap. “How did you—”
“Just get inside.” He ducked back behind the door.
I hurried inside, and when I turned to face James, a giant black hellhound stood wagging at me. Wow. I didn’t realize he could shift that fast. But how had he gotten inside? More questions for later.
He sat down and his tongue rolled out in a doggy grin. I knew what he wanted, but I didn’t need him to stay and watch over me.
“No, we’ve been over this.” I held open the door. “Get dressed and bring the car around.”
He gave me a low growl.
I rubbed my arms to dispel the goosebumps. “As disturbing as that is, forget it. Stick to the plan. I can handle the cleaning staff if it comes to that.” I patted the slim black fanny pack strapped around my waist. “Go on, Fido.”
He snorted, amused with the nickname, and a moment later, trotted outside. I closed the door, careful not to let it slam. Taking a deep breath, I waited for my nerves to settle. A few secrets? The boy seemed to be nothing but. I shook my head. That mystery would have to wait. Right now, I needed to find the Flame Lord’s glassware. I’d developed a concentrated liquid version of my Perfect Assistant Dust. A drop or two from the vial in my pouch and tomorrow’s audience would go much more to my liking.
A single light shone over the commercial-grade range, leaving most of the room in shadow. A curtained doorway stood opposite the stove, and I checked it first, hoping to find the table service closet.
The closet turned out to be a food pantry. I hurried out and began a closer inspection of the dozens of cabinets scattered around the room. I found three separate sets of tableware, as well as a wide assortment of linens and two different collections of silver cutlery. Did four people really need all this? I hadn’t expected a scavenger hunt. Maybe I should have told James to give me twenty minutes instead of fifteen.
A cabinet beside the sink finally yielded what I sought: several glasses with either a stylized wave or flame, a swirling gust of wind, or a trio of mountains. Water, fire, air, and earth. How cute. I began pulling the flame patterned glasses from the cabinet and set them on the counter. I reached for another and the latch on the interior door clicked open. I dived under the island opposite the sink, unable to get to the pantry quick enough.
A light flicked on across the room, and I sank back into the shadows. At least it wasn’t the fluorescent bulbs overhead.
A man walked into the room, and I got a glimpse of his dark gray slacks and black loafers. He moved to the far end of the counter, and I noted the untucked shirt and rumpled brown hair. Apparently, the servants didn’t bother with livery after hours.
His back to my hiding place, he set a tray on the counter and gathered the dirty dishes in his hands. He started to step away and hesitated. Crap. He’d seen the glasses.
He moved closer, limiting my view to his legs once more. The dishes clattered as he set them in the sink. “Hello?” I didn’t expect such a deep voice. “I know you’re in here.”
He turned to face the island and stopped in front of my hiding place. His black loafers had a gold band adorning the strap that ran across the tongue. I could just make out the stylized flame engraved on it. Wow, the Elements didn’t skimp on the details.
He took another step, moving on down the counter away from me. I began to release a silent breath when he spun and squatted right in front of me. Laughing gray eyes met mine, and I gasped, jerking back so quickly I smacked my head on the counter above me.
“Get lost from the tour?” he asked and held out a hand. His smile crinkled a few faint laugh lines at the corner of each eye. “Come on,” he said, still holding out a hand. “I won’t bite.”
He thought I was a child. Well, he wouldn’t think that for long. Now what? Trapped beneath the counter, I didn’t have a clear shot for the Knockout Powder, not to mention, it wouldn’t be the best of strategies to leave an unconscious man lying on the kitchen floor. But I didn’t want to end up in jail either. I needed to think. I took his hand and let him help me up.
I watched his face and caught his surprised expression. “Not who you expected?” I had to crane my neck as he straightened. He topped six feet by several inches—a good foot taller than me. If it came down to the Knockout Powder, it’d be a challenge to get a full dose in his face.
He eyed my cat burglar suit. “I think I would have remembered you.” The corner of his mouth twitched as if he tried not to smile. “What are you doing in here?”
Not the reaction I expected. Shouldn’t he be threatening to call the cops? Sneaking around in the dark and dressed like this, I must have looked like a thief—or an inept girl in black spandex. That would explain his smile. I got an idea. If I could convince him this was a prank, maybe he would let me go. No unconscious servant, no cops. Of course, I’d have to revise my plan for tomorrow, but I could do that.
I took a step closer and lowered my voice. “Promise not to tell?”
“That depends on your answer.”
I chewed my lower lip in what I hoped looked like indecision and then continued in my best conspiratorial whisper. “I was dared.”
“Dared?” He lifted a dark brow, but his smile encouraged me to continue.
“To break in and steal one of the Flame Lord’s glasses.”
He glanced over at the cluttered counter. “Ah.” His attention returned to me. “This is a rather significant risk for a dare.” His eyes narrowed, watching me.
Apparently, I didn’t do inept very well. I’d have to try harder.
“I guess I failed.” I looked up and gave him a tentative smile. “Unless you let me take one.” I raised my brows in question. Come on buddy, cut me some slack.
“Well…”
Yes. I flashed him a grin and moved closer to the counter.
“I haven’t said yes yet.”
I turned to face him. “Yet?”
“This exchange seems a bit one-sided.” He crossed his arms and leaned against the island.
Now what? I didn’t ha
ve anything on me of value. “You can have a glass, too. I don’t mind.”
He snorted. “No, I’m sure you don’t.” He still looked like he wanted to laugh. I didn’t get what was so funny.
“What?” I asked.
“You really are a little dense.”
A little dense! “Excuse me?” I flexed my wrist, adjusting the tube of Knockout Powder.
He straightened and closed the distance between us. “It’s simple. Offer me a kiss for the glass.”
I blinked. “You want me to kiss you?”
“Don’t give me that. You’ve been flirting with me since I pulled you out from beneath that island.”
I might have flunked inept, but this guy did clueless with style.
A protest rose to my lips, but I hesitated. Here was a way out. I glanced at the clock on the microwave. If I didn’t meet James as we’d planned, he’d come looking for me. And he’d probably be furry. I doubted that the man would mention tricking a kiss out of an intruder, but he’d definitely tell his master about meeting a hellhound in the kitchen.
I looked up at my current obstacle. Damn, his height had me at a disadvantage. If this scenario failed, I’d need that Knockout Powder. I hopped up on the counter beside the glasses. “If we’re going to see eye-to-eye on this, I want to be eye-to-eye.”
Speaking of eyes, his were interesting. Pale gray near the pupils shaded to a rich charcoal around the perimeter. They once more twinkled with amusement.
“Wouldn’t want you uncomfortable.” He leaned over and picked up a glass, turning it so I could see the etched flame. “Do we have an agreement?” He rolled the glass between his fingers, and the crystal bent the low light into rainbows.
“It’s just a glass.” My voice came out in a shaky whisper, and I became aware of a quiver in my joints. Strange. I hadn’t been remotely nervous until now. I gripped the edge of the cool granite counter in an effort to steady myself.
“A rather fancy glass,” his eyes dipped to the crystal, “with the flame and all.”
“Pretentious as hell.” I caught my lip between my teeth, but it was too late to call back the words. Damn, I blew it.
“You think?” The laugh lines made another appearance.
“You don’t?”
He turned the glass and studied it. “Maybe a bit.” He met my eyes, waiting for my answer.
“Okay.” I gave him an exaggerated sigh. “For the glass.” I leaned up and pressed my lips to his. I squeezed my eyes shut, aware of his warm mouth moving against mine. What a bizarre turn of events—almost as weird as meeting the necromancer outside the Alchemica. Who knew I’d end my day kissing a complete stranger in the Elements’ kitchen? At least he smelled better than the zombie.
“Mmm, not bad,” he said when I leaned back. “But this isn’t an ordinary glass. For sheer pretentiousness alone, I’m going to have to ask for more.”
“You said a kiss. As in one.” I held up a finger for emphasis.
“That barely qualified.”
Oh for heaven’s sake. I didn’t have time for this. “Fine.” I looped my arms around his shoulders and gave him an encore. I took my time, exploring his mouth as he explored mine. He braced his hands on the counter to either side of my hips and leaned into me. I had to admit, the man could kiss. Should I be noticing that? And how did I know? Did I have a boyfriend? A lover? Oh God, what if I was married?
I pulled away with a gasp.
He leaned back. “What is it?”
I didn’t have an answer. My heart pounded and I had to get out of here. “Do I get the glass?”
He smirked. “And if I said no?”
“Then I’ll leave without it.”
He studied my face, trying to gauge my truthfulness, and then straightened with a sigh. He held out the glass. I wrapped my hand around it, but he didn’t let go. “What’s your name?”
Good question. I couldn’t answer that either. “Addie.” He couldn’t trace that name to the Alchemica. But then, why would he even think to? Lord, he had me rattled.
“Addie?” He paused, waiting for me to offer more. “That’s it?”
“That’s it.”
He released the glass and stepped back, allowing me to slide from the counter. “And you are?” I had no plans for the information, but I’d be foolish not to get his name.
He watched me intently, and I began to wonder if he’d answer. “Rowan.”
“That’s it?”
He smiled. “That’s it, unless you’d like to meet again sometime. Perhaps we could haggle over a dinner plate or a piece of cutlery.”
The heat rose in my cheeks. “I figured you’d suggest a whole place setting.”
He leaned against the counter eying me. “I’d like that.”
I was pretty sure I would, too. Not the dinnerware, the haggling. This scheme had taken a turn I hadn’t anticipated. Time to go. “It was nice meeting you, Rowan.”
I turned away, expecting him to say something, but the only noise in the kitchen was the sound of my footsteps. I stopped with my hand on the doorknob and glanced over my shoulder. He still stood where I’d left him, watching me.
“If you change your mind, you know where to find me.” He left the room without a backward glance. Cocky bastard. Guess being the personal servant of the most feared guy in the Midwest made him think he was something special.
I looked at the glasses still on the counter and considered finishing what I’d started. No. I’d better not press my luck. Time for plan B.
Chapter
5
“This is completely insane,” James whispered as soon as we were alone. We stood in a small, but expensively furnished waiting room just off the foyer in the Elemental Offices. Morning sunlight shone through sheer, floor-length curtains and gave the room a warm, soft glow. I eyed the half-dozen leather chairs arranged in pairs around the room, but made no move to sit in one. In minutes, my audience with the Flame Lord would begin.
“Explain to me why you chose to wear that.” James gestured, not at my cloak, but at what I wore underneath: the black, slit-sleeved robes of an Alchemica Master. The same robes he’d found me in—except they smelled of fabric softener now instead of smoke.
“We’ve been over this.” And over it, but he couldn’t dissuade me. I wanted the Flame Lord to know how easily I could get to him. Last night’s slip-up had become an opportunity. “The interrogation loses its punch otherwise.”
“This isn’t an interrogation.” James leaned closer. “Come on, this is the Lord of Flames.”
“Is the fancy title supposed to impress me? His Grace, Archbishop of Radiant Matter and Lord of Flames.” I rolled my eyes. “Some newsman came up with the archbishop thing as a joke. He thought radiant matter sounded like a religious term.” I snorted.
“Radiant matter?”
“The original name for the plasma phenomena.”
James frowned at me. “You have no respect for the powerful.”
His comment sent of bolt of fury right through me. “Because I’m a magicless human?”
“That’s not what I meant. Don’t put words in my mouth.” He ran a hand over his face. “The point is the guy can ignite anything—you included. If he’s responsible for the Alchemica’s destruction, he’s not going to be pleased to see you.”
“I’ve got it covered.” Through the door, I caught a glimpse of a man in black livery moving our way. “Trust me.” I gripped his forearm and gave it a squeeze.
James didn’t look convinced, but he’d run out of time to argue. The servant stepped into the room and gestured for us to follow. I stood straighter, my pulse accelerating in anticipation of the coming confrontation. Alchemist versus Element. Maybe I did lack the sense to respect power. We’d see.
The servant led us down a long corridor decorated in gray banners. Each banner bore its corre
sponding symbol in red, blue, yellow, and green—like the designs on the glasses. Tacky. The oak-paneled walls and stone-tiled floors needed no further embellishment to declare the Elements a class above the rest of us.
The servant opened a set of double doors and stepped inside. Double doors? I glanced up at James and rolled my eyes. It wasn’t like the Flame Lord couldn’t fit through a regular door. I knew that much about the man. Though, that’s where my knowledge ended. The guy went around cloaked in those robes, hood up and face in shadow. Photographers always swarmed whenever he made an appearance, hoping for a shot of his face. But two could play that game. My hood hid my features. A subtle jab at His Grace, but also a precaution against running into Rowan, his friendly servant from the night before.
“Your Grace?” The servant stopped a few paces inside the door. “The last petitioners of the morning.” He gestured at James and me.
I stopped beside the servant, my eyes riveted on familiar gray robes hemmed in black triangles. I didn’t hear the Flame Lord answer the man. I lay in the smoldering ruins of the Alchemica again, watching those robes in the flickering light of my burning home.
The doors closed with a click, and I realized the Flame Lord had dismissed his servant. I pulled myself back from the night I lost everything and focused on the man who might be responsible.
He stood before one of several bookcases in the room, an open book in his hands. The room looked more like a library than an office. I’d expected a massive desk, but found an oblong table instead. Several high-backed chairs were arranged around the polished expanse of oak. The Flame Lord stopped beside the chair at the head of the table and laid his book beside it.
“What can I do for you?” He gestured at the other chairs, inviting us to sit.
I took a deep breath. Time to see if I could play with the big boys. “I have a few questions.” I closed the distance between us. “And a gesture of good will.” I could almost hear James groaning behind me. I’d told him about the servant and the glass. Well, not all the details, but enough.
I hadn’t been able to spike the Flame Lord’s glasses the night before, but I now had evidence that I could get close to him. He’d have to respect that.
