TORCH: Underground Encounters 9

by Carlisle, Lisa

  Of course, it was. Why complicate what had turned out to be a phenomenal night? Much better than when she’d run out of Vamps.

  She went to work in her home office, the spare bedroom in her house that she’d converted to a lab and study. The day’s agenda was no different than any other while on summer break—finding the right combination of ingredients that could cure her affliction.

  Near a window, several plants and herbs grew in pots, leaning toward the sunlight. Rachel pulled out test tubes and jars. She glanced at her desk printouts of several recipes she’d found on the Internet. Thus far, none of the so-called elixirs for werewolves were effective. Like many things on the Internet, they were based on crap. But still, she searched in hopes of finding an elusive recipe that had been posted online. Libraries with old texts were more reputable than a random stranger creating a site for fun. But she was desperate. Soon she would try anything.

  She opened a drawer and pulled out the handwritten recipe written on parchment that she’d bought for a hefty sum from Darla. This was the list of ingredients that Darla used to create the potion for Rachel each month. Rachel had attempted to recreate it, but it hadn’t worked. The problem was she could only take so much of it each month as the Wolfsbane contained Aconitine, a toxin.

  “A number of reasons could explain why it didn’t work for you,” Darla had explained. “The time of month, the amount of ingredients, the order of ingredients, and so on. The reason I wait to bring it to you until the night before the full moon is that’s when I can get the potion to reach its highest potency.”

  “I understand. I’ve tried as you have. And, as a chemist, I’m careful with following a formula.”

  Darla had circled her hand with a flourish. “The major difference is magic. Magic runs through my veins. It’s a part of me. I live it, feel it, work with it each day.”

  “You’re saying I need to have magic to make this potion effective?”

  “I’m a witch. We honor and respect the magic in the world. That’s what separates us from others.”

  Shit. Rachel wasn’t a witch and didn’t have any magic flowing through her, but she was a chemist with the knowledge and patience to experiment until she found the right combination. She’d continue to do so until she could find a way to live a normal life once again.

  While she worked, her mind returned to the steamy night with Mattias. The way he’d touched her, the way he’d let her take the lead, that power to control the situation was invigorating. For someone like her who found safety in control, especially as her grasp on her situation slipped out of control, it had brought her a calmness she desperately needed in the simmering chaos.

  But, when he’d brought her to such heights, the wild, primitive reaction was the opposite of controlled. And yet, it was more enthralling than terrifying.

  She returned to her test tubes and experimented with different levels of aconitine in each mix. Aconitine was the alkaloid chemical in plants like Aconitum napellus and Aconitum lycoctonum. The plants were also known as wolfsbane, which was mentioned in several legends. Darla used some in her potion. Rachel attributed her physical discomfort to the toxicity of the plant. She’d studied reports of poison from consumption. When it was ingested, sodium channels opened. It could lead to excitability, nerve paralysis, low blood pressure, and potentially heart failure.

  It explained how her stomach would twist and heart would quicken. Her blood pressure would drop so low that eventually she’d pass out. It was a dangerous chemical to experiment with, but the alternative—no elixir—was worse.

  Rachel had tested a mixture with aconite. She’d then taken Darla’s potion and the excessive toxins had burned her stomach like she’d ingested acid.

  In smaller amounts, it was used in medicine. There had to be a balance in which she could find the right amount that would alleviate the symptoms without poisoning herself.

  The aconite was the most concentrated in the roots and seeds, so she had to adjust her measurements accordingly when she used those parts of the plant. While she cut and measured parts of the plant, her mind wandered to a picture of how the morning might have gone differently. She pictured Mattias and her at a diner ordering breakfast.

  No. That was a picture of a normal couple, something she could never be a part of again.

  Frustrated with her own inability to push him from her mind, she stepped out of the lab. If she’d made a mistake with the aconite due to lack of concentration, it could be fatal. She couldn’t risk being distracted.

  In the living room, she called her sister. “I went on a date last night. And it went well. Very well.”

  “Holy shit,” Kelly replied. “I’m coming over with coffee to hear all the details.”

  “Is it such epic news that you’re going to drop what you’re doing?”

  “Yes,” Kelly replied in a deadpan voice. “I don’t remember the last time you sounded like this.”

  Twenty minutes later, they sat in Rachel’s living room. Kelly leaned forward, eyes sparkling with interest. “Do tell.”

  Since there hadn’t been anyone notable since the divorce, her interest was telling.

  “I met him at the club where I go to pick up the potion.”

  “Ah, hell yeah. So, he must be kind of freaky, eh.” Kelly raised her hand into a fist and bit her lip, moving with some kind of suggestive dance.

  “What are you doing?” Rachel asked.

  “What?” Kelly widened her eyes. “You told me about how wild some of the people there get. Some freaky outfits and all.”

  Rachel let out a sigh. Perhaps she shouldn’t have told Kelly about the club last month. “Mattias is not a freak.”

  “Too bad,” Kelly said. “I don’t even want to ask how long it’s been since...”

  Rachel took a sip of coffee. “Too long. Body parts had been neglected.”

  “I hope he woke them up for you.”

  “Oh yes,” Rachel agreed. When she remembered the way it had felt to touch and kiss him, let her take the lead, her cheeks reddened. “Let’s just leave it at that.”

  “Fine,” Kelly pouted. “Leave out all the good parts. Are you going to see him again?”

  Good question. Rachel bit her lip. “I don’t know.”

  “Why not? You just told me how great the sex was.”

  “Right. I also told him it couldn’t go anywhere beyond this.”

  “Meaning sex?”

  “Well.” Her cheeks burned hotter. “I didn’t technically spell it out that way, but yes.”

  Kelly picked up her cup and held it a moment before drinking some coffee. When she pulled it from her lips, she said, “What’s wrong with being lovers? If he’s on board with it — and let’s face it — most guys would be happier than a pig in shit when a hot woman asks to make him her boy toy. So, you each get what you want.”

  “I’m not trying to make him my boy toy,” Rachel said. “It’s not that easy.”

  “It sounds to me like it is. You had sex. You liked it. You’re overthinking it.”

  Rachel groaned. She was prone to that. Take a simple idea and her mind would spin trying to dissect it from every angle. She didn’t mean to complicate things, she just wanted to fully understand the matter.

  Was she overanalyzing the situation with Mattias? Kelly made it sound so simple. They could be lovers, and she’d retain her space, her private world, her dangerous secret.

  “Rachel? Are you still there?” Kelly waved a hand between them.

  “Yes. Just thinking.”

  Kelly clucked with her tongue. “Exactly what you shouldn’t be doing.”

  “I’m wondering if I can pull it off.”

  “There’s nothing to pull off. You’re not the first person to take on a lover.”

  “True.” She took a deep breath. “Maybe I can go for it.” She pulled at the heat protector covering the cup, twisting the cardboard. “Despite what you say, though, my case is more complicated. I don’t want anyone to get hurt.”


  Mentally or physically.

  Chapter 11

  A day had passed since Mattias had left Rachel’s place. Was it too early to call her?

  Most likely. When he’d asked her to go to breakfast yesterday, she’d brightened, appearing on board. Then she’d snapped her defenses up as quick as if she’d buckled a trench coat around herself. He needed a distraction.

  He glanced at the clock. Marguerite should be home from camp soon. She went to a day camp this week with field trips to wildlife reservations. A witch not only found resources to practice magic out in nature, but also serenity. They were drawn to the outdoors, much like a gargoyle was attracted to the skies.

  A half an hour later, he climbed the stairs and knocked on her door.

  When she opened it, her grin stretched across her face. “Good. You’re still here. I knew you couldn’t leave us!”

  “Hey, let’s not get ahead of ourselves here.”

  She furrowed her brows. “You better not have come here to say goodbye again.”

  Yikes. Did she have to strike him with the question that had poked at him at various times since he’d gone out with Rachel? Sure, he still planned to leave town, but there was no rush. He had to see where this thing would lead with Rachel. Hopefully, it was simply an infatuation and it would burn out soon. Then, he could continue on as he’d planned.

  He couldn’t bring himself to leave without seeing her at least one more time.

  Would she be receptive to that plan? Hopefully, it would be a warmer response than breakfast.

  He’d deal with that later. He was here to get his mind off Rachel, not let her wrap around him again like a warm current on a great summer’s flight.

  “I came to see if you wanted to go to the movies, not have my life choices scrutinized.”

  She smiled. “Of course. Can you tell my dad?”

  As a hybrid and young teen, Marguerite was still developing her abilities—and she’d likely only inherit some from each of her gargoyle and witch sides. She could shift to stone, especially when angry, but thus far, hadn’t developed telepathy or the ability to fly. Not that she wished she had that former skill. She’d joked that her dad would just use it to keep tabs on her.

  Lucan, I’m going to take Marguerite to the movies, okay?

  Only if she’s done her work for her project.

  Mattias relayed the message.

  She rolled her eyes and groaned. “I did most of it earlier. I only have one chapter left to read and can do that after.”

  “I don’t think so. Just do it now and we’ll go to a movie after you’re done.”

  She scowled, but then smiled. “You’re supposed to be the cool uncle.”

  He ignored that and pointed at her book bag. “Come down when you’re finished.”

  An hour later, they walked downtown to the movie theater. They agreed on a superhero film. Mattias’s lips twitched throughout the movie as he watched human interpretations of superpowers. What would they think if they knew species walked among them with the abilities to shapeshift, speak mind to mind, fly, and so on?

  The movie took his thoughts off Rachel—for a short while. After he walked Marguerite home, he shifted to winged form and flew. He remained out all night, shifting to stone form when he needed to rest.

  The morning sun warmed his stone like a soft caress. He flew to his studio and retrieved the phone he rarely used. He’d only gotten the damn thing to be able to communicate with Vamps. They’d often texted him to see if he could cover a shift, help out set up the stage for a performance, and so on. As he cradled it in his hand, he appreciated just how handy it could be. He could reach Rachel in an instant.

  He texted her. How are you?

  Fine. Staying busy. You?

  Right now, I’m thinking about you.

  Oh. Good things, I hope?

  Extraordinary things. Remembering what a night we had.

  It was quite spectacular.

  When can I see you again?

  He waited for the dots to indicate she was typing. Nothing.

  Shit. He’d wanted to see her tonight. Not wanting to push too hard, he suggested, How about tomorrow?

  He took a breath and waited.

  That sounds perfect.

  He exhaled. This time, dinner’s on me. We have plenty of great restaurants here in Salem. Or, if there’s one you like near you, just name the place.

  Salem’s fine. I’d like to try something different.

  His mind leaped to several sexual scenarios. That likely wasn’t what she meant.

  What kind of different?

  The scenery. I haven’t gone out to eat in Salem in a long time.

  Ah, I see. How about seven?

  Good. See you then.

  The next twenty-four hours ticked by like sludge, increasing Mattias’s anxiety. They texted arrangements to each other. She said she’d drive into Salem and would meet him at the restaurant.

  He arrived first. They’d chosen a pub downtown with dark paneling and high booths. Not a restaurant with a romantic vibe that would increase expectations. He ordered an ale while he waited.

  Rachel entered several minutes later, eyes bright and cheeks pink. She wore a royal blue dress with thin shoulder straps. Her dark hair flowed in waves over her shoulders, allowing glimpses of her soft skin. The dress hugged her, from her breasts down to her waist, and then flared out to fall beneath her knees.

  He sucked in a breath. How was it that just seeing her again flooded him with a sense of relief?

  When she spotted him, she smiled and glided over.

  He stood. “You look beautiful.” The blue of her dress set off the darker color of her eyes. He leaned down and kissed her. Sparks traveled from their mouths through his body, flooding him with electric pulses. “I’m glad you made it.”

  “So am I.” She put her purse on the booth and sat. “It’s good to get out of the house.”

  “Many people flock to the beach this time of year. Not you?”

  She scrunched her nose. “I’m not much of a beach person. I’d much prefer to read in the shade in my backyard.” She smiled. “A bonus is that there are no crowds or sand.”

  After their server came and they ordered sandwiches, she asked what he’s been up to. He told her about going to the movie with Marguerite, careful not to reveal too much about how they were connected. A story that involved witches and gargoyles and curses was not typical date talk.

  “You’ve only known her a short while?”

  “Right. My brother Lucan didn’t know about her until Elise brought her from France earlier this year.”

  He remained guarded about what he revealed during dinner, steering the conversation to other topics, like music. That one carried them through most of the meal as they both enjoyed many types. When their plates were clean and glasses were empty, the server asked if they saved room for dessert.

  They both declined, but once they left the restaurant, Rachel said, “I thought we could go for a walk along the ocean. Then maybe we can pick up dessert and take it back to my place.”

  Mattias’s pulse quickened at the return invite. “I couldn’t think of a better way to end the night.”

  * * *

  Rachel smiled to herself far too often the next day. Inviting Mattias to her place for dessert after dinner had been an excellent idea. What could be better than blueberry pie followed by a night with a fantastic lover?

  He’d been just as gentle with her at first, yet when he carried her to her bed, he had an edge of possessiveness in his hold. She kind of liked it.

  No, she definitely liked it.

  For long periods last night, she’d forgotten the reason why they couldn’t be in a relationship. That was still off the table. But, if she could keep what they had going on between them for a little while, nobody would get hurt, right?

  She picked up the phone and called Kelly. “I owe you a thank you.”

  “For what?”“

  “For encouraging me to go out w
ith Mattias. I have to say; this lover thing is pretty great. No emotional strings.”

  “Epic orgasms, I hope,” her sister added.

  Rachel laughed. She rarely spoke about sex, but admitted, “Indeed.” Then she added, “We did more than just have sex. We went out to dinner in Salem and walked along the waterfront. It was nice.”

  “You sound so—happy.”

  Rachel heard it in her tone. She’d be wary and terrified of the implications since she’d been bitten, but there was no doubt a lightness in her voice.

  “You’re right. I feel a lightness inside me that I haven’t felt in—well, years. Not since the early days with Peter. Maybe not even then.”

  “Good. I’m happy for you, Rach. You deserve to be happy.”

  “It’s only been a few dates. And it can’t go any further than what we’ve been doing.”

  Kelly’s doubtful utterance indicated she didn’t agree. “When are you going to see him again?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “How did you leave it this morning?”

  “He kissed me and said I’ll talk to you later.”

  “Vague.”

  “Right.”

  “What do you want?”

  “I’d like to see him again soon. But I don’t want to give the wrong message. Like I’m looking for something more. So, I should probably wait a few days.”

  “Sure, why not. You can keep it casual and enjoy yourself for once.”

  After they finished the call, Rachel repeated those words as a mantra—Keep it casual. Enjoy yourself.

  Mattias called that evening. Upon hearing his deep voice with erotic undertones in that French croon, all her promises to herself about emotional detachment flitted right through the rooftop.

  “How was your day?” he asked.

  “After working in my lab, I pulled some weeds in the garden, and then relaxed with a book. How about you?”

  “Spent time with family. This evening, I’m heading into Vamps to help set up for a show.”

  “Oh.” She swallowed the disappointment and attempted a nonchalant tone. “I thought you didn’t work there anymore.”