Magic in His Touch

by Trinity Blacio

  What she saw had her grinning from ear to ear. Nava had told her what her soon-to-be sister-in-law had done for her, and it looked like Elf had gotten the same gift. “Thank you, Storm,” she whispered, walking into the closet, staring in disbelief at the beautiful clothes before her.

  Tears ran down her cheeks. “I’ve never had anything new,” Elf whispered, running her fingers over the clothes.

  “My gift to you. I also have some clothes over here for your little girl.” Storm flew by her, pointing to the corner. “I even did a couple of daughter-and-mom outfits if you’re into to that.” Storm smiled.

  “You don’t know how much this means to me. I’ve never had new clothes.” Elf smiled. “Maybe you can help me. We’re supposed to go out to the ice cream place with my brother and Kayden, who says he’s my mate...” Elf waved her hand. “But would love something casual but maybe a little teasing?” she said, looking at Storm, who smiled.

  “When are you going? Do you want your daughter to match?” Storm asked, flying around her, and Elf swore she could see steam coming out of her head.

  “I knew I’d catch you in here. Isn’t she great,” Nava said, coming to join her in the closet.

  “She’s amazing. I’ve asked her to help me with my first outing. Kayden is taking all of us for ice cream later. I’d like to walk around town, and maybe, we can stop by Storm’s shop. I’d like to see the part we’d change into an office. I don’t mean to be ungrateful, but it might be wise to have the office somewhere else, because you know they’re going to come after us, and I don’t want Storm’s place ruined in the crossfire.”

  Storm shifted to her full size, frowning at Elf. “One, our building is protected not only from me, but also from the local witches in town. They were lucky at the dinner, we weren’t expecting a full out attack like we got. So, Topper and her sisters all went through the town protecting it. If that isn’t enough, do you really think Drake is going to allow anything to happen to the three of us, not to mention our mates.”

  Elf moaned. “Please, don’t say that; I’m certainly not ready yet for Kayden’s claim. Plus, some things need to be done before I’d feel safe to, well, you know,” Elf said, looking at her friend. “So, where are our little girls?”

  Nava reached over and twined her fingers into Elf’s. “We’re safe here, Elf.”

  “Not yet, there are others, Nava. Ones you didn’t see, traitors, who helped these men. Willow is daughter to one of them. I need to find out if he’s the one who took her.”

  “Is he the one who hurt you?” Nava asked.

  “They all hurt me, Nava, but yes, he was one of the ones who raped me. Guess I was his kept prize until he found out that the humans were going to double cross him. Six of their men died, and Tormac disappeared.”

  The growl behind her had Elf jumping along with Nava and Storm. In the doorway, Drake and Kayden stood, behind them, her brothers and Saxon. “Tormac from the North?”

  “I have no idea where he’s from.” She rubbed her arms, just thinking of the man.

  “He was in my home, ate at my table, and he betrayed us? We need names, Elf.” Drake demanded.

  “Knock it off!” Darla said, pushing through the men—two stepped in front of them—and pointing with her finger. “Get out of here now. You don’t come in here and demand a damn thing. I don’t know what bug crawled up your butt, but you will not act like a damn idiot,” Darla hissed.

  “Mother, it’s okay. I was going to talk to them anyway,” Elf said.

  “No, it’s not okay. You haven’t even had a day to rest. So back the hell out of here, now.” Darla growled, shocking her and even her husband, who stepped forward.

  “Darla, calm down. No one is going to hurt Elf, I promise.” Drake inched closer to her, earning a growl, which had Elf inching up and looking at her mom.

  Her eyes were red, fangs long and very close to losing it from what Elf could see. “Mom, did you know Storm was going to help me get ready for my very first date?” Elf said, trying to calm her mother. “I kind of had to ask her with clothes since, well, you know, I never had anything new. Want to help?” she asked, placing her hand on her arm, seeing Darla was trying very hard to pull the control back in.

  Darla reached over and covered Elf’s hand with hers. “And who is the lucky man that is escorting you out? Don’t you think it’s a little too soon?” Darla asked, turning her focus to her, and Elf could have sworn everyone released the breath they had been holding, well except for one, Kayden.

  She took a peek over her shoulder at him and smiled. “It seems I have a mate, or at least, this is what I’ve been told. He’d like to take the children and me out for ice cream,” Elf said, smiling, looking back at her mother, who was frowning, staring at Kayden.

  “I know your kind does not make mistakes about mates, but you’ll give my daughter the time she needs,” Darla said, giving him the eye.

  “He will, or I’ll put some buckshot in his ass,” Calamity Jane said, appearing next to Nava.

  “Wait, I have an idea,” Darla said and pulled out her phone.

  “Darla, what are you doing?” Drake asked.

  “Last-minute party. Hello, Lanny, have a question for you. How would you like to rent out your store for an old fashion Ice Cream Social this afternoon? Drake and I would be glad to pay you.” Darla glanced at Drake. “Get your checkbook out, honey, we have money to spend for Ice Cream Social for our residents. We can have the sheriff block off Main Street, maybe even have your friend set up a band.”

  Elf watched a play of emotions run across his face, but he nodded. “Kayden, Saxon, get your men on security and call the sheriff make sure the posse is out scouting. When you’re done with that call, you might want to contact Topper and see if she can get her family on decorating the streets. If you’ll excuse me, I have a man to start to track down.” Drake stepped up to her, and Darla stopped talking, watching her husband.

  “I’m sorry if I scared you.” Drake grinned and reached out. pulling her into his arms. “I have a feeling you are bonding with our daughter. You had the same reaction with Ringo and the one nurse.” He placed a kiss on her cheek. “Let me know the damage.”

  “Are we having a party?” Ana asked, pushing her way into the closet with Maranda. “Never been to a party.”

  Darla knelt down in front of the two girls. “I’m planning one right now for this afternoon, an ice cream one. We can all get dressed up and have some fun.”

  Maranda looked at Elf. “We going?”

  Elf knelt down and brushed Maranda’s hair back. “Yep. We’re going with that man behind you. His name is Kayden, and he’s asked to escort us there.” Elf leaned over and whispered, “We even have new dresses, too.”

  Maranda’s eyes got big. “Really?” she asked, all excited. “Do we have hats, too?”

  Elf smiled and looked back at Storm. “This is going to be your aunt, Maranda. Her name is Storm, and she has designed all these pretty clothes for us. I’m sure we can get some hats, too?” Elf looked at Storm, who nodded.

  “I can even make one for him,” Storm said as a big woman’s hat appeared on Kayden’s head, making everyone laugh and him groan.

  “Really, I thought my color was purple?” Kayden said, winking at Maranda, making her giggle.

  “Well, I was thinking a nice suit for the men, nothing fancy. I do believe Kayden would look handsome in a dark gray pinstripe suit. What do you think, Storm, Elf? Yes, I think all the men should be in pinstripe suits,” Darla said before following her husband out of the closet followed by Ana and Nava but not before Nava stopped in front of Kayden.

  “You hurt her, you’ll be crispy bacon,” Nava said, just as casual as ever, but Elf and Kayden knew she was dead serious.

  Elf took her daughter’s hand, hearing her son starting to stir in the other room. “Come, Malcom is waking. We’ll put you in the tub, while I feed the little guy. Storm, thanks for the clothes; I can’t wait to tr
y them all on. I hope you and Matty will be coming to the ice cream party?”

  Kayden stepped aside, allowing her and Storm to move into the main living quarters when Elf hear Storm snort. “I haven’t spoken with Matty in three days.” Storm frowned and looked toward the door. “I don’t know what’s wrong. One minute we were talking, and now, if he keeps this up, I’m done. I can’t keep the rollercoaster ride up much more.” Storm turned and smiled down at Maranda. “Even if he is my mate.”

  “Do you want me to speak with him,” Kayden growled. “I can show him his errors.”

  “No, no more help. I’ll be back in two hours to help with your outfits,” Storm said, disappearing.

  “Okay, remind me to punch my brother,” Elf said, earning a laugh from her daughter.

  “Not before I do. I better go help with security. Three okay?” he asked her, placing a kiss on her cheek and kneeling down, doing the same to her daughter. “I can’t wait to see you in your pretty dress,” he told Maranda, who smiled. “Be safe, you two lovely ladies,” Kayden said, giving her a heated look before spinning around and heading toward the door.

  “Be careful, Kayden, Tormac does not fight fair if he’s around,” she said, heading to her son.

  Chapter Three

  Kayden moved toward Drake’s office, knowing that Saxon would be in there with Drake working on security. But upon stepping into the office, a free target stood there listening to Drake talking.

  Not waiting, Kayden tapped Matty on the shoulder, waiting for him to turn around, drawing everyone’s attention. Matty had no warning as his fist connected with him in an uppercut, sending him across Drake’s desk.

  “What the hell?” he growled, getting up and ready to come across the desk at him when Drake slapped his hand on the desk, stopping all movement.

  “You want to tell me why you just hit my son?” Drake growled.

  “Because I just saw his mate with tears in her eyes. If he doesn’t do something, I don’t know what Strom will do. She’s fed up, Drake, and I mean fed up. I swear I’ve never seen her so sad,” he growled.

  Drake turned his glare on his son. “Kayden is right; this has gone on long enough. I thought you two were working it out?”

  “Stay out of it, Dad. I had to check something out, and I just got back. I’ll let that one slide because I had it coming, but don’t interfere, any of you,” Matty growled, leaving the room.

  Drake sat down in his seat, shaking his head. “He’s going to lose that girl, and I have no idea why? Saxon, you’re best friends with him; anything?” Drake asked his friend and commander.

  Saxon shook his head. “They were doing really good until he got a call two days ago. None of us saw him again. I hate to say it, but Nava’s ready to fry his ass. Storm even closed down her store yesterday. She was gone all day. Nava was having a fit she was so worried, and I have to say so was I. I’ve never known Storm to close her store.”

  “This is not good at all. Is Storm planning on going today?” Drake looked at him.

  “I don’t know. I know she’ll be helping Elf and her daughter get ready in a few hours,” Kayden said.

  Drake smiled, and it wasn’t a good one as he reached over and picked up the phone, covering the one end with his hand as he said, “It’s time I took matters into my own hands. Saxon, I’ve already called the brothers in. And, my general, they will meet you at the square to discuss security. I want this town sealed. These children need to be able to relax and not worry.”

  “It will be done.” Saxon nodded and went to leave. “Come on; let’s get our men moving. We still don’t know who the damn traitor is, so I want everyone on alert. I hate this not knowing, looking at people I’ve known all my life wondering if they are the one,” Saxon said, glancing at him. “Did Elf tell you any more about the traitors?”

  Kayden shook his head. “No, I don’t know if she isn’t sleeping or if this Tormac has Elf so wound up and careful that she keeps to herself. Today was the first day since her arriving here that she’s actually come out of her room, except for meals.”

  “What’s your gut telling you about this Tormac?” Saxon asked as they moved down the tunnels to the middle of town.

  “He hurt Elf somehow, and if he’s as possessive as I feel right now, he’s close, waiting for his chance.” Kayden growled, the beast itching to come out and search for the man but had no clue on whom and what this man was. “Would like your permission to have Dagr to run a check on him.”

  Saxon stopped and looked at him. “You know we’re treading on Drake’s territory?”

  “I know, but I have no choice. I need this information if I’m going to keep her and our babies safe.” Kayden clenched his fists, needing to find this threat to his mate and destroy it or rip it apart, which he’d prefer.

  “There is no need; I can tell you what you need to know,” Matty said, coming toward them from behind. “But first, thank you. I didn’t realize Storm was so upset.”

  “You’ve spoken with her?” Kayden asked.

  “I hope she listened. I’ve asked her to the Ice Cream Social. There’s so much I need to share with her...” Matty closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

  Kayden reached over and squeezed his shoulder. “From what I could see, she’s hurt and scared.”

  “Scared? Of what?” Matty growled.

  “That you will have to find out, but be warned, parents sometimes take things into their own hands,” Saxon told Matty. “But for now, tell us what we need to know about this Tormac.”

  “Tormac runs, well, used to run the whole east coast from New York and up. He knows the layout of our home and has been here many times.” Matty glanced at Kayden. “He’s a nasty SOB. I’ve seen him rip apart his own general for making one mistake, and it wasn’t pretty. Even Father had to get on him about it.”

  “Great, just what Elf needs after her,” Kayden growled. “I want guards at the entrance of her rooms and at the end of the wing. We have children up there, including yours, Saxon.”

  “It’s already done. Dad’s asked the Moree brothers to watch your wing. Needless to say, Tormac does not stand a chance. I know I wouldn’t want the Moree brothers after me.”

  Kayden could only nod, agreeing with him, having heard the stories of the brothers long ago. “Wait, does that mean..” Kayden glanced at Saxon, who moaned.

  “Please, don’t tell me the beasts are coming, too?” Saxon questioned him.

  “Afraid so, they go everywhere with Alaster now. It’s the only way they could keep people from getting ripped up trying to get to their home. Believe me, Drake laid into Alaster, one of the only men brave enough to, because I sure wouldn’t.”

  “They better not harm one of the children,” Kayden growled.

  “Relax, Alaster has all of them under control, and even they know better to cross the man, which is totally strange.”

  All three of them stepped out onto the main road as Matty closed the door behind them, the sheriff there waiting for them, with the posse floating around them.

  “So, who are we going to kill,” Calamity Jane asked, appearing next to the sheriff.

  “Bloodthirsty wench, let the man speak,” Flask growled, yanking Jane back up against him as he nodded to them. “We’re all here to help.”

  “Theo, I believe you met Tormac when he paid us a visit the last time?” Matty asked.

  “Son of a bitch! How the hell are we supposed to find him? You know damn well he can change his appearance.” Theo glared at Matty.

  “That’s why all of you will have to use your sense of smell,” Drake said, coming up behind him as if appearing out of thin air. Drake held a large plastic bag with a shirt in it. “I call him here once a year for this purpose. Everyone, make sure you know this scent because this man raped my daughter and might have my granddaughter hidden somewhere.”

  “He what?” Kayden released his demon, taking the bag, making sure that the scent was imprinted on his
brain. This man was a dead man, his time limited on this planet.

  * * * *

  The material was the softest thing Elf had ever felt as she stared in the mirror as Storm flew around her, turning her head from side to side. “Yep, I think this color is perfect for you. The pink is perfect. Do you like it?” Storm asked, shifting and standing next to her.

  “How can I not. I feel like a queen, the dress is so elegant but sexy, and Maranda’s dress... Well, look at her. You even gave Malcom a little suit. Now, tell me what’s going on? I see you are all dressed up. Matty taking you?” she asked.

  “Nope, I’m being escorted by Nolan Moree. You should see the man, hot...” Storm said.

  “You think it’s wise with Matty being around?” Elf asked as her daughter came over smiling.

  “He thinks I’ll just sit here and wait, well I’m not. Twice he’s hurt me; it’s going to take a long time if at all. Plus, Nolan makes me feel safe.” Storm rubbed her arms and looked around.

  “What? Is someone bothering you?” Elf asked, placing her hand on Storm’s arm.

  “It might not be anything. I have to go. I promised to meet Nolan downstairs.” Elf leaned over and place a kiss on her cheek. “Have fun today; you deserve it,” she said and disappeared as Kayden knocked on her door and peeked inside.

  His gaze roamed up and down her body as he stepped inside, shutting the door behind him. “Beautiful, the both of you are amazing. You sure you want to go? Because I don’t think I want to share you just yet,” he grumbled, and she laughed.

  “Too bad, you promised us,” Elf said as Kayden stepped further in.

  “Fine, but don’t blame me if I rip someone’s head off if they get too close. Was Storm here? Matty has been looking all over for her.”

  Elf moved to the crib, picking up her son, trying to calm her hormones. Not only was Kayden handsome, but in the suit, she could stare at him all night. “Storm went to meet her date. Looks like Matty waited a bit too long. Actually, I’m a little bit worried about her. There’s something she’s not sharing, it’s almost...” Elf looked up into Kayden’s gaze. “As if someone is hunting her. I never thought of it, but it could explain why she’d disappear and reappear a few minutes later. Maybe she doesn’t want someone tracking her?” Elf pointed to the closet behind Kayden. “Would you pull out the stroller for me?” she asked, reaching down and lifting her son up. Kissing his belly, her little guy laughed. Elf had been very lucky all her children had been happy babies, even when tensions were high they seemed to know when to be good.