Hari has tried to avenge her past and strike a balance for her future. Time will judge her success.

Born to an unusual combination of extranaturals, Hari is duped into filling a space for a ritual at the governor’s mansion. A night of horror, death, and panic burned her soul. Hari spent the next night being punished for simply being chosen, though the prior events stopped any possible pursuit of that choice.

Unable to shake off the spectre of that night, she continues to move forward in life until unruly vampires in the strip club summon her from her domain, and she is forced to enforce the defense of her business. The governor’s assistant arrives, and the governor is on his heels. They subdue the vampires, and the reunion is undeniable.

Time, revenge, and life in the dream realm all come to a head as Hari finally agrees that Zerul is her destiny and she can learn to be the lady of the manor as long as she doesn’t raise her voice.

The characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

Shattered Magic

Copyright © 2024 by Viola Grace

ISBN: 978-1-990635-58-8

©Cover art by Angela Waters

All rights reserved. With the exception of review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the express permission of the publisher.

Published by Viola Grace

Look for me online at violagrace.com and other e-book sellers.

Shattered Magic

An Obscure City, Book 4

By

Viola Grace

Chapter One

Hari watched herself in the mirror as Serel zipped the designer gown. “Are you sure you want me to wear this? To do this?”

Serel smiled. “We have to make up the numbers. Besides, this dress doesn’t fit me. It was designed for a more... exaggerated figure.”

Hari looked at her body in the strapless dress. The structure showed off her narrow waist, supported her full bust, and encased her hips.

She moved in the gown and watched the glittering gems catch the light. It cost more than her parents made in half a year. “Why do you have it if it doesn’t suit you?”

Serel picked out a set of shoes that matched the dress. “You know me. I love shopping.”

Hari looked at herself in the mirror. Her makeup was dramatic, her hair was swept up to cascade down over a shoulder, and the dress was exceptionally flattering. The midnight blue suited her.

She got her shoes on and put the wrap on. Hari was nervous. The other ladies were all debutants out to catch a man at the governor’s court. He was rising tonight, as he did every five years. From what she had heard in high school, he was looking for a proper consort. The city’s elite sent their daughters there to tempt him. Ten was the required number, and they had been one woman down.

Since high school, Hari had been Serel’s friend of last resort. Hari was quiet, studious, and did not come from money. Scholarships paved the way, and she was in her fourth year of university but hadn’t been out much. Library sciences students had a very niche social circle.

Serel was a sociology major.

“Right, Hari, let’s get going. This is going to be quite the party.”

Hari smiled and filed out with her friend in the glowing white gown. How bad could the evening possibly be?

“I found her!” The voice rang in the marbled hall and echoed back to Hari.

She heard the call and stopped her stunned shuffle.

Hari stood with the blood staining the front of the dress, splashed up over her neck.

“Miss. Where are you... oh fuck.” A man with a security coil in his ear walked around her to stand in front of her.

He reached for her, and she stared into his eyes. “No. No one touches me.”

He paused and nodded. “Please. We need to get you back to the ballroom. There have to be ten.”

She looked at him and laughed harshly. “Fine. Can I get a ride home after that?”

“Yes, miss. Where do you need to go? Hospital?”

Hari turned. “No. This isn’t my blood.” Her body had healed. That was what it did. Speed healing. Well, it did other things, as the golden jackass had found.

She walked slowly to the ballroom. The blood covering the gown made it stiff, and she had lost her shoes somewhere. The laughing and flirting came to a halt. Everyone stared at her. She walked to one of the inlaid marks on the floor and stood there.

The other women raced around and got into position.

Serel was looking at her with a vicious sneer. Hari’s tentative hope that she had a friend was over. Serel just wanted her here as a body. Fun was never on the agenda.

The man with the gong striker paused. “Mr. Eberhart isn’t here.”

One of the men who had found her in the hall went up to him and whispered in his ear. He jolted in surprise and struck the gong.

Hari stood still while a few of the other girls tried to ask what had happened.

Serel had been talking to the man and had introduced them. One moment, Hari was shaking his hand, and the next, she had been picking chunks of his skull out of her hair while her body healed from the assault.

She had been wandering down the hall with her mind blank when they had found her.

The floor didn’t rise as she had expected, but a door opened behind the throne, and the governor walked out. Hari did not expect the ram-style horns on the side of his head. She hoped that his selection process was quick. She was pretty sure there was a chunk of ear in her cleavage.

The ladies were sighing in admiration. He was very pretty. The guy she was wearing was pretty as well. She was over this evening and just wanted a shower.

Hari was in the final position, and she watched the vampire move from lady to lady, doing some kind of analysis. One by one, he spoke quietly, and Serel swayed toward him when it was her turn.

Hari waited, and when he got to her, he stared down her bodice. “What happened?”

She didn’t speak. Didn’t say a thing. She looked up at him and met his red and gold eyes. He touched her bloody cheek, and she felt the rush of pain and panic. She stepped back, and he grabbed her arm. The restraint was too much. She lifted her head and screamed toward the ceiling as images of what had occurred were pulled from her mind.

Glass shattered all over the room. The governor released her, and she stepped back. She closed her mouth and lowered her chin.

“Remain here. We will take care of this.” He gestured toward her gown.

“Not necessary. I am unsuitable for anyone, which was the intent.”

He blinked, and his head cocked. “Not exactly. Repairs can be made.”

“Well, I simply wish to leave this disaster, and I have been promised a ride home.”

He paused. “I will make sure that you are taken care of. This should not have happened.”

“You are right. It shouldn’t. Enjoy your nap.”

“Enjoy your dreams.” He smiled and walked to the deputy governor, speaking softly to him before returning to his quarters.

When the door shut, Hari turned on her heel and left across the broken glass. Her body healed and was damaged with every step she took. She was quite sure that she was leaving a bloody trail, but she didn’t care. She just wanted to go home.

* * * *

Five years later...

Hari moved calmly around the kitchen while flames flared, and her staff moved like clockwork. Swearing clockwork.

The strip club was riotously busy, and it was after three. The murmurs and laughter of patrons were barely audible, as was the pulsing of the music. The kitchen was separate and rather soundproofed. It made it easier to work while the ladies bumped and ground against the patrons. They made more than Hari did, but that was a temporary situation. Hell, everyone here took home more than she did.

After the night at the governor’s mansion, she had been sued for the price of the dress and shoes. The fifty-thousand-dollar bill for the lawsuit and the items had knocked Hari out of school. Well, if she was honest, the manslaughter charge in self-defense had been a contributing factor.

Hari plated thin slices of steak with vegetables and a light sauce, and she rang for service.

Tiffy swept by in her skimpy costume and smiled. “Thanks, Hari.”

Hari smiled and got back to the next order. The flow was slow and steady until four, when the kitchen closed. They had finished the cleanup when Hari heard her name being called.

“Hari! Help!”

Hari held her hand out, and the silver frying pan she kept on the wall lifted off the hook and smacked into her palm. She had no idea who had sent her the pan, but it was excellent for deterring certain supernaturals. It also came when she called, so that was nice.

She left the kitchen, her legs making long strides. The issue was obvious. A dancer was bent back over a vampire’s lap, and he had already bitten her arm.

Hari asked as she approached, “Cinnamon, consent?”

“No, Hari!” Cinnamon whimpered as the man got closer.

Hari struck, the vampire’s head snapped to the side, and his laughing companions stilled.

The vampire dropped, Cinnamon was helped up, and Hari looked at the others. “Leave now. Your patronage is no longer required.”

There was blood on her frying pan, and she grimaced and wiped it on her victim’s thigh.

One of the vampires, who looked the same age as Hari, glared at her. “You don’t know what you have done. We are apprentices of the governor. You will be punished.”

“Bring it, bitch.”

His eyes flared in outrage, and she waited for the indicator. His teeth flashed, and he lunged, only to clang into her frying pan. He staggered back and fell on his ass.

“Margo, call the governor’s office. Let them know we have some strays who have been drinking from the unwilling. Consent has been denied and recorded.” She looked at the other two. “Any other takers?”

The other two shook their heads and looked at Margo as she called the hotline to the governor’s office.

One looked like he was going to make a move for the phone, and Hari said, “Don’t even try it. If I use the edge, I can cave your skull in. It isn’t a pleasant experience.”

They sat, and her two targets clutched their heads.

One of the others hissed, “You will be punished for this.”

“That depends on who shows up to collect you.”

She stood there in her black kitchen uniform. Her hair was up and in a hair net, her nails were cropped short, and her face was devoid of makeup. She didn’t look like any of the other ladies here. She barely looked like a lady at all.

Hari remained on guard and shifted to block any moves the vampires tried. Her reflexes were exceptional. They always had been.

The deputy governor walked in with Serel holding onto his arm.

Prolen looked at the four vampires and bowed to Margo. “My apologies to you and the good people of your establishment. We will compensate any injured staff. What happened to my men?”

Hari looked at him. “I did, Deputy Governor. How are you keeping?”

“Hari? You are still in town?” His eyes were wide, and Serel pulled at him.

“Honey, you said we could go for a late breakfast. Don’t talk to that poor slut.”

Prolen looked down at his mistress. “Why are you so insulting? She has defended her own against four of ours.”

Serel paled. “She owes me money.”

Hari smiled softly. “No, I don’t. The last payment was the previous paycheque. You are paid in full for the dress, the shoes, and your legal fees.”

Prolen frowned. “What dress? What shoes?”

Serel scowled. “The ones she wore to the choosing five years ago. She destroyed them.”

Hari shrugged. “They were destroyed, but she invited me and just happened to have a dress in my size. I was bait. Oh, how is the new consort? I have heard that the governor has announced he has found his partner.”

Prolen nodded. “Yes, he has announced it.”

“Too bad. Your mistress really thought she had a chance.”

Serel snorted. “I am Prolen’s consort.”

“No, you aren’t. You don’t even want to know how I know.” She chuckled. “You are a plain and replaceable mistress, just like half the dancers here.”

She saw a figure walking in, and when she saw the silhouette of the head, she sing-songed, “Somebody’s in trouble.”

Governor Zerul walked into the space, and several of the dancers gasped. “It seems that the new apprentices of my house require correction.”

One of the unscathed men jumped up and ran to the governor, kneeling at his feet. “Master, she attacked us with a weapon, unprovoked.”

Serel sidled toward him. “Master, Hari is unpredictable. You remember five years ago.”

Zerul was looking at Hari with a slight smile. “The service industry?”

“I had bills to pay. They are done now, so I am free to leave the city.”

“That would be most inconvenient. Having a consort outside my sphere of influence would be awkward. I would constantly be at war.” He moved in a flicker and was directly in front of her.

The other vampire who hadn’t joined the fight asked in a strangled voice, “She is your consort, Master?”

“Yes, Kyle. She is.” Zerul smiled, slowly raising a hand to caress her cheek. “We simply have not explored the details.”

Serel gasped. “Bitch!”

Zerul turned his horned head slowly. He flicked his fingers, and even the gasping sounds from her were silenced. Serel went crazy and clawed at her throat.

The deputy governor’s eyes widened. “I am sorry, Zerul. She’s impulsive. Still so young.”

Zerul gestured to Hari. “Anhara here is a year younger and charges at vampires to help others. Stupid vampires who are going to be punished for insulting my household.”

The two healthy and two slowly healing men looked nervous.

Hari said calmly, “I am more insulted by the fact that they believed the office of the governor would allow them to drink from the unwilling just because they paid for a lap dance.”

Zerul looked down at her hand. “I see you still have my gift.”

“It hangs on the wall of the kitchen and comes when I call. Thank you.” She lifted the bloody silver frying pan. “Fortunate shape as well. It is very appropriate for me to have it in the kitchen.”

He smiled and stroked her cheek. “How was therapy this week?”

“Good. He’s excited that I am at the end of my payments to the court.”

“Are you going to tell me what that was about?”

She looked at Serel. “She can. I was never quite able to grasp her logic.”

Serel cringed against Prolen as Zerul turned his head to look at her. He nodded. “I will question her another day. I believe that Prolen can benefit from the silence.”

Prolen cleared his throat. “Zerul, she has not mentioned any issues with your consort. I didn’t know that you had chosen one.”

“I chose one five years ago, and she walked out of my home covered in blood. Eberhart wrecked my chance at meeting her then, but he paid a lesser price than what I would have put him through.” His smile showed his predator teeth. “I still hope that his soul flits my way in the halls. So far, he has avoided me.”

Serel blinked in surprise.

Zerul looked at her. “Oh, yes. All souls in my hall remain. If they die there, they stay there until I let them go. I will find him eventually.”

Serel looked ill.

Hari shrugged. “Well, you all have this in hand, so I am going to finish cleanup and get out of here.”

The manager came over and gave a memory stick to Prolen. “Here are details of the attack and the response. Hari restrained herself, as always.”

Prolen smiled. “Thank you. The information is helpful.”

Hari looked at him. “And the file has been sent to the local police detachment.”

He quirked a brow. “I see. Thank you.”

“Yes, well, I would hate for justice to slip through the cracks. Vampires are tricky to deal with.”

Zerul looked at her. “They will be punished. I swear.”

“I also want it on their record that they drink from unwilling donors.” She looked at him and gestured to the others. “And that they assisted.”

“Why is it so important?” Prolen frowned. “The governor has stated he will take care of it.”

“I was charged with defending myself. Put on probation and kept from learning and finishing my degree. I was held back from everything I wanted for my life. I can kill them now if you would like just to wait until I am done. I am tired of you bastards taking what you want and trying to walk away.” She lifted the frying pan again.

Prolen held his hands up. “No need. They will have criminal records after this night.”

Police came in and froze. Zerul directed them to the arrests, that Cinnamon should be directed to victim’s services, and that Prolen should take custody of the accessories to the crime. The perpetrator and the man who tried to assault Hari were arrested for blood assault and common assault.

The police put on the cuffs, and an ogre and a werewolf escorted out the bloodied men. One of the officers came forward and interviewed her.

“So, Hari, what did you see?”

“We were finishing cleanup, and I heard my name screamed. Normally, that costs extra, so I grabbed my pan and headed for the club. I saw Cinnamon bent backward, and the vampire that had her already had blood on his teeth. I asked her if she had consented. She said no. I stopped him with the frying pan from going in for a more devastating bite. His buddy got up to defend him, and he also could not bite through metal. So that is when the manager confirmed her call to the governor’s office, and the other two remained in place. The deputy governor and his mistress arrived, followed by the governor. Then you. And here we are.”

The officer nodded. “And both of your physical interactions were restrained, so no need for an arrest.”

“It’s fine. I can come in to be printed.” She shrugged. “Do you want to take my weapon?” She lifted the pan by the handle.

“Yes, please. They seem to be wearing the embossing on the side of the pan.” He held out an evidence bag, and she slipped the pan into it.

“I will be in touch to see when I can get that back. I will also have to use my skills to defend those around me.”

He looked at her warily. “We will just confirm blood and give you a call.”

“Great. Thanks for coming out, Lorence.”

He smiled. “Thanks for being calm, Hari.”

“No problem.”

“You hitting the gym later?”

“Of course. I didn’t properly hit anything today.” She looked over at Zerul, and he smiled slightly.

Lorry leaned in. “I haven’t seen him out... ever. Why is he here?”

“You know that frying pan?”

He lifted the object in the bag. “Yeah.”

“He gave it to me. You see the embossed word?”

“Treasure.”

“That’s me.”

“Oh. Well. Right. I am going to get this into evidence and processed as quickly as possible.”

“Quick and efficient. I used it, and I will take the blame.”

“There isn’t any blame. The guys in the transport are confessing non-stop.” Lorry’s pointed ears twitched.

“Good. Do you want me to sign a statement?”

“Come by tomorrow before work.”

“I am off tomorrow, but I will be by around eighteen hundred. Please have it ready.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Lorry grinned. “It will be ready.”

“You have my number?”

“I do.”

“Have a good evening.” Lorry reached out to pat her on the shoulder.

There was a blur, and Zerul was there and holding his wrist. “No contact, please.”

Lorry stared at him. “Right. Of course. Good evening, Hari. Sir.”

Hari nodded, and Zerul let him go.

She looked up at him. “You know, if you hadn’t been creeping into my dreams for five years, I would be out the door by now.”

“Well, it is good that I am fed from your sleeping thoughts.”

“I thought you looked perky.”

He grinned and stroked her jaw. She blushed. “Not in the waking world, Zerul.”

His eyes showed delight. “You have kept your memories.”

“Yes, well. Shut up.”

He laughed and hugged her carefully.

She smelled him, and without her being covered in blood, he smelled nice. She remained in his embrace until he released her.

“So, you have figured out what you are?”

“Sure. It was pretty easy.” She smiled. “The hybrid aspect was the difficult part.”

“It is a good weapon. I am glad you have it. If it can’t defend, it can punish.”

She leaned back. “So, I thought you were getting ready for the big party this weekend.”

He snorted. “I felt the pan leave the wall.”

“Oh. Yeah. That is sensible.”

“You are going to the gym?”

“I am. I need to work some tension out. I really wanted to beat them into paste.”

“Of course you did. I expect nothing less, Anhara.”

“So, you are planning the party again?”

His lips quirked. “Yes. I do hope you are coming.”

“Sorry. I think I work that day. I certainly don’t want to get a gown or accept one. I have learned my lesson.”

“What if I promise you that there is no chance of a repeat of the previous events?”

“Still don’t have an interest in going. Nothing to wear. That kind of outfit is a waste of money.” She shrugged. “Useless, and the blood doesn’t come out.”

He grimaced. “You looked lovely in it.”

“You have strange taste.”

“I never thought I would be so attracted to a woman in a hair net.”

“But blood and brains didn’t bother you?”

“You were gorgeous no matter what was on you, as you are now.”

“Right. Well, have your party. Take some pictures. Share with social media. I will send you a congratulatory message during my break.” She smiled. “Have fun. I have a project I have been waiting to play with.”

“We will discuss this later.” He rubbed her arm.

“Much later. You had better go and deal with those bystanders.”

“You are dismissing me?” He cocked his head.

“Oh. Yeah. I have things to do.” She smiled brightly and watched him look suspicious.

“I will see you on the ritual day.”

She shrugged. “Only if I make the news. You like them younger anyway.”

“I like you. I have since we first met. I will not force you into anything physical, but we are linked. You stood on the sacrificial stone, dripping in blood. There has never been a more perfect sacrifice.”

“Flattering. Well, I am out of here. Enjoy your interrogation and torture session.” Hari smiled brightly. She patted his hand and returned to her kitchen.

She washed the blood off her hands, went to the change room, and got into her gym clothing. Unwinding at the gym was a habit that she was glad she had acquired.

She walked the block to the gym and swiped her card against the lock. When it opened, she stepped inside and went to her locker. She stowed her wallet, got her water bottle, wraps, and gloves, then filled the bottle up at the cooler and headed to the floor.

It was time to hit something properly.

Chapter Two

Covered in sweat, she moved to a bench, pulled off her gloves, and grabbed her bottle. Hari felt better.

Lorry came in and settled near her. “So, the governor?”

“Yup. Five years ago, I stood in his ballroom covered in blood. Today, he showed up at the bar because I hit a vampire with a frying pan.” More water went down her throat.

“Was that a smart idea?”

“They were going to eat Cinnamon. The girls don’t call me unless they have to. When they do, I bring the pan.”

He smiled. “And get us on the line.”

“Yup. The manager doesn’t hesitate anymore.”

The half-elf smiled. “Which is good. We are much more effective if we are actually there.”

“Yeah. That was my point.”

Lorry nodded. “So, now, why is the governor sniffing after you? He doesn’t do that. He never does that.”

She chuckled. “Once upon a time, he chose me, but I was in rough shape and left before anything could be finalized. Then he retreated, and the lawsuits started.”

“Right. So, it’s over?”

She grinned. “Yeah. Now I can get a little of my own back.”

“That isn’t a good look. Does the governor know you are doing it?”

“Nope. None of his business.”

“So, you are just going to pretend that he doesn’t consider you his consort?”

“Absolutely.” She grinned and unwrapped her hands. “He won’t touch me until I okay it, and I have shit to do. Plus, there is another issue that I have that requires some negotiation, and it isn’t a simple fix. He isn’t going to want to deal with it.”

Lorry chugged some water and then said, “What does it entail?”

“An opener with heavy binding capabilities.”

“Oh. Damn.”

“Yeah, it isn’t just my hands and feet that heal.” She got up, stretched, and nodded. “I am going to send a few messages and get some rest. I am going to have to explain myself a little, but that will wait until I am asleep.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You don’t have to.” She smiled and gathered her things. She said, “Have a nice day. Don’t forget that report.”

“It’s done.”

“Excellent. I will take all my donut-scarfing comments back. See you later.”

He chuckled, and she headed to the lockers, got her stuff, and used her key to head upstairs to her apartment. She was within walking distance of work and right above her favourite place to hang out.

She showered, got her clothes ready for the next day, and crawled into bed. Despite the curtailed adrenaline of the evening, she yawned as she settled on her pillow. She debated taking a sedative to curtail the conversation she was about to have, but she didn’t run from things.

Hari sat up and looked around her, surprised as always when he directed her to his bedroom. “Boy, are you optimistic.”

Zerul was sitting in his chair and looking at her with a smile. “Always. Has your rage subsided?”

“Yes. No. I was able to work it out.”

He held out his hand, and she walked toward him. It had taken years for him to build trust in her, even in the dreamscape. She was wearing a silk nighty with cropped-out sides, and he was wearing silk trousers. Even in the dreamscape, the texture of the fabric was always exact.

“I do appreciate the strength you possess, Anhara.” His fingers closed around hers and pulled her onto his lap.

When he lowered his head to hers, she kissed him softly. He smiled and leaned back. “We have much to discuss.”

Hari sighed. “You won’t be distracted?”

“No. You have an appointment with an opener the day after my party.”

She paused. “You are kidding. I thought you couldn’t find one.”

“The one most suitable has retired, but the second stringer is now coming here for the honour of getting your body to hold.”

“This is embarrassing.”

“No, it is necessary, or you will be uncomfortable when we come together. I do not want that. When it comes to having you in my arms, I want you relaxed and not anticipating pain.”

His hand slipped into the cutout in her nighty and rubbed her back.

“Hm. So, how long are you going to keep Serel silent?”

“Until you ask her to speak. You will control her access to her voice.”

“Well, that will go down well in court.”

“You are taking her to court?”

“Oh, yes. There is no statute of limitations on sexual assault, and I am going to sue her in civil court as it is obvious to even the blindest person that the dress from that night was bought for me, the shoes were for me, and she spoke to Eberhart on the day, and he was known for forced sex.”

“I should have kept a closer eye on the court.”

“You didn’t have the energy to stay awake. But now that you are up and around, keep a tighter leash on your psychic drinkers.”

“That has been in effect for years. No one even tries to feed from a partner under my roof without asking permission.”

“That sounds so odd.”

He grinned and chuckled. “They caught on quickly.”

She saw an image of Prolen feeding from Serel and Zerul’s hands pulling his deputy off his mistress. Prolen hit the wall with a thud, and Serel sobbed and covered the bite wound as it seeped blood. She whined and crawled toward Zerul, but he kept out of her grasp.

The demonstration had been done while everyone was in the same salon in the mansion. Couples sprang apart, bowed, and left his home.

Hari looked up at him. “That’s pretty harsh.”

“If I can’t have my consort, no one can. I am petty like that.” He curled a finger through her hair and smiled. “That little imp, in particular, kept me from you, and that, I will not forgive. As soon as you are installed, she is banned from the premises and possibly the city. I will leave that up to you.”

“Oh, I have my own plans for her. She should be finding out by the end of the day.”

“Anhara, what are you doing?”

“Suing her within an inch of her life. I have a lawyer, and she doesn’t particularly care for Serel either.”

“I see. What are you suing for?”

“The dress. The lost wages. The shoes. The social stigma. She meant for me to be there and directed that bastard straight at me. She is an accessory to his death after the fact.”

“Interesting. I had not thought of it that way.”

“My lawyer and I brainstormed. The district attorney has been approached, and proof has been presented. He will proceed if we win our case.” She knew her face was taking on a sinister cast.

“Shall I help?”

“Did you know that Eberhart was rapey?”

“Predatory, yes. It was considered a bonus to have him in the ranks. He scared off other predators.”

“Then, you might get your ass sued as well.”

He nuzzled her cheek. “My ass can take it.”

She snorted and slapped his chest.

His laugh was wicked. “Yours can, too, if memory serves me.”

“Perv.”

“Well, we slowly went through all things that triggered you, and then we went through them spontaneously, and then we got a little freaky. I appreciate your sense of adventure.”

“If we were face-to-face, I would never have even let you touch me.”

He sighed. “I know, but you have.”

“What?”

“You have let me touch you. Even a small kiss.”

“Damn.”

“Well, it is only mid-morning. What shall we do with the rest of your sleeping time?”

“Don’t you have to sleep?” She had asked the question before but could not remember the answer.

He nuzzled her neck. “Some days I do, some days I don’t.”

She gasped and turned her head. “So, what are you anyway? You aren’t a demon. They feel different.”

He chuckled and kissed her deeply, his tongue teasing as he tasted her and coaxed her into participating.

By the time she straddled him, she forgot all questions and just closed her eyes to feel.

Hari jerked awake and coughed. Smoke. So much smoke in her apartment.

She grabbed a tee and shorts from her clean gym bag and dialled her phone. “Emergency, how can I help you?”

“Hi. My name is Anhara Venker, and my apartment is full of smoke. The door is hot, and the smoke is thickening. My address is Nineteen Lever Avenue. I am in the apartment upstairs.” She coughed and talked to the speaker as she got dressed. “It’s getting hot in here, and the urge to open the window is becoming overwhelming.”

“Don’t. The fire department is on its way. Stay away from your door and keep low to the ground. Can you see the fire anywhere?”

“No, just a lot of smoke. It seems like they lit the gym beneath me on fire.”

“Keep low and keep talking to me.”

“I am going to wet a towel and put it over my mouth.”

“As long as you don’t get closer to the smoke or fire.”

She got to her knees, grabbed a tea towel, and turned on the tap. Green fire shot out of her faucet. She shouted and tried to turn the flow off, but the fire was filling her sink.

“Oh, shit. This is mage fire. It’s filling my sink and coming toward me. I am about to backdraft the shit out of this place.”

“Miss, please. Stay calm. The fire engine is there.”

Hari grabbed the fire blanket and lined up with the window. “I am calm. There is about to be broken glass and a projectile on fire. I am coming out.”

She inhaled through the tea towel while the dispatcher was trying to tell her that she needed to stay still. The fire was spilling toward her, seeking her out. Fuck that.

She focused and screamed at the window, watching it crack and shatter as she came flying out through the shards. Her room exploded in a ball of green flame behind her.

She fell. Arms caught her and moved her to the ambulance. Hari looked left and right to find the man she was looking for.

“Easy, miss. That is quite the blaze.”

She was sucking air in and coughing wildly. The medic gave her an oxygen mask, and the second one checked her skin and body. There was a clip on her finger, and she sat in the shadow of the vehicles while everything she owned burned with eerie green flames.

She looked around and hummed. She rasped out, “Do you have any isopropyl alcohol?”

One of the medics paused. “Why?”

“Pour it on the ground. About a cup should do.”

The medic went into the truck and brought out the bottle. He poured half of it on the ground. The pool waved and flickered, and then the vapour caught light with the eerie green flame. The flame traced to a man who appeared to be in his mid-twenties, who was staring at the blaze.

One of the firefighters was on the ball and jumped the mage and pounded him into the pavement.

Hari looked at the apartment, and the fire died out. “Damn it.”

She coughed, and the mask was pressed onto her face.

The medics urged her into the ambulance as her hair crumbled around her. Her skin was showing signs of heat exposure. She was blistering. Delightful.

Hari settled in the ambulance, and as the door closed, she saw a dark car pull up. She chuckled. “You might want to get going.”

The medic who was stabilizing her paused. “We will. The governor came to inspect the scene. He hasn’t been out in ages.”

The door to the ambulance was wrenched open, and Zerul, wearing a three-piece suit and dark glasses, was staring at her. She lifted a hand in greeting and kept breathing through the mask. “Hey. You are up early, Zerul.”

“Our dream was cut off, and then I was told about the fire. Why aren’t you healing?”

“I am. It’s just slow. Mage fire sucks.”

The medic spoke in a strangled voice. “You know the governor?”

He smirked. “Intimately. She’s my consort. Take her to the hospital and have her checked out. I will be there within the hour. Make sure she is well-treated, and you will be rewarded.”

Her skin had ceased burning and was repairing itself slowly, but she was pretty sure she looked like scorched hell.

The medic stammered assurances and strapped her down as the door closed, and the ambulance pulled away with sirens shrieking.

She mumbled, “I wondered how his sunglasses go over his ears and under his horns.”

The medic stared at her. “You are his consort?”

“He keeps saying it. Maybe it’s a manifestation thing.” She coughed and tried to curl up, but she was strapped down.

“Lay still. What is happening to your skin?”

“I am healing myself. It’s a thing that I do.” She coughed. “This damage should take about six hours, but my hair is going to stay fucked.”

The medic frowned and made some notes.

They arrived at the hospital four minutes later, and the paramedic spoke to the admitting nurse for a few moments after the gurney was down. She was wheeled through to an elevator and up for a few floors. There was security greeting the elevator, and nurses in expensive-looking scrubs intercepted her, wheeling her to a private room.

The oxygen mask was removed, a cannula was put into her nostrils, and the tests began.

“Aren’t I supposed to get assessed before being put in a room?”

One of the nurses smiled. “Not when you are the governor’s consort. What’s he like?”

“Ask him yourself. He’s right behind you.” She sighed.

Zerul walked to her side and held her left hand, kissing the inside of her wrist. “That was very clever.”

“Jumping out the window and frying myself?”

“No, the alcohol to find the mage. One of the firemen is a half-ogre, and he detained the attacker. All roads are leading to Serel.”

She smirked. “I read a lot, and I am not surprised. She freaked when she saw you at the club.”

The nurse paused and finally blurted out, “We need to take X-rays.”

Zerul shrugged. “So, take them.”

“Oh, yes, sir.”

He remained in the room while her lungs were scanned with the portable X-ray.

The doctor and tech looked at the scans and spoke to Zerul. “There is some smoke damage, but she appears to be healing.”

“She is good at it.” Zerul smiled.

“Your consort appears quite fit, and her skin is changing to a healthy appearance rather quickly.”

Zerul took her hand. “She has skills.”

Hari snorted. “Yeah, but my hair is still fucked up, so it isn’t like I get out of this unscathed.”

Zerul smiled. “It is an easy fix to the right mage.”

“I only know alternative mages.” She snorted and then coughed. “No one specializes in hair.”

“You would be surprised.”

“Yeah, I will be.” She looked at him. “Is there a police report?”

“Yes.”

“Good. I need to go to the bank and get some funds out to get a hotel room, as well as apply for a new license and other cards.”

“You can rest for a day.”

She snarled. “I am not going to pause my life because someone hired a fire mage to take out both the gym and my apartment.”

Zerul lifted her, careful of her IV, and set her on his lap. “May I interest you in a cozy, twenty-room historical structure with updated plumbing? There is a gym and a pool.”

She grimaced. “I am not sure that the roommates would be up to my standards.”

He began running his fingers through her hair, crackling a mess on the ground. “We can work out a roommate agreement and a consort contract.”

“So, it’s a temporary thing?” She looked up at him hopefully.

“No. It is a lifelong commitment, but there are things you can request or demand from me that I will be obligated to provide.

“Oh. Obligation. Sexy.” She snorted. He sat so her back was to him, and he continued to work on her hair.

“You are a conundrum, Anhara.”

“You are the only person who calls me that.” She sighed as he ran his fingertips along her scalp. The slow massage was relaxing as her skin moved through black, red, pink, and to her standard white-blue skin.

“I know, you have mentioned it before. You screamed yourself out?”

“Yeah. I opened the tap, and fire came through. It kept coming after me, so I knew what would happen next.” She shivered and softly sighed as he continued the slow caress of each inch of her scalp. He was working slowly, and her bones were turning to warm jelly.

“This isn’t fair. How do you know how to do that?”

“You may not remember it all, but I have been trying to figure you out for the last five years.” He whispered in her ear, “I am confident I have found a few things that you like.”

“Why don’t you find a nice little twit and make them your consort?”

“I don’t want a twit. I want a woman with intelligence, savagery, and a sense of humour. Also, your energy signature tastes like sex, and that keeps me coming back.”

She tried to move her head, but he kept massaging her scalp. “Well, after a while, you will get tired of it.”

He chuckled. “I won’t. Just being around you satisfies and wakes me in ways I have not previously experienced.”

Being around him put sex first and foremost in her mind. There was something about the horns. He wasn’t a demon, but she didn’t know what he was, and that bit of mystery kept her interested.

“Hm. Can I borrow a hundred bucks so I can get something to wear?”

His chuckle was wicked. “While I despise the circumstances, I am revelling in the chance to dress you. It is an interesting instinct. It is battling with the compulsion to have you naked.”

There was a gasp, and Hari saw a nurse coming in with folded fabric, standing inside the door.

“Is it because I am sitting on him? Trust me, he’s into it.” Hari coughed softly.

“Your skin, Miss Anhara.” The nurse stared.

Hari looked at her arm, and she was pink fading to white-blue. “Faster than normal. Excellent. I can get out of here and try to figure the next few days out.”

“Stay with me. We will get your paperwork settled and get your wardrobe refilled.”

“I don’t have a wardrobe. I have a charred husk of a room. And my favourite place to spend my mornings is gone.”

“It will be fixed. The gym was evacuated when the fire started. You were the only serious casualty.” Zerul murmured in her ear, “As soon as you are comfortable and resting, I will see to getting reconstruction mages to work. I don’t want your attention off me, so your friends and favourite places are safe.”

“That sounds a little narcissistic.”

“I am concerned with your pleasure because it will determine mine. Whether you know it or not, you have been feeding me for the last five years without the benefit of a contract, so I could not reward you properly.” He bent and kissed her neck. “Don’t worry. I have acted in good faith.”

“How?”

“You will see at the party. Oh, you will need a dress.” The chuckle against her skin was wicked.

She sighed. “Are you going to continue to try to get your way?”

“Yes. It’s fun. I expect you to do the same whenever the opportunity arises.” He licked her neck. “You taste like a toasted marshmallow.”

She snorted and looked down at her scorched clothes. There were quite a few holes, and the leggings were only slightly more intact than the shirt.

She relaxed in his arms. “Fine. You can dress me. Once.”

He chuckled. “I will take it. Now, we will just get the doctor’s authorization, and my car will pick us up.”

“Fine. Let’s go.”

Chapter Three

Hari sent messages to her friends on the new phone that Zerul had provided. The trunk was loaded with bags. Zerul had simply ordered a bunch of clothing from different designers and had the driver pick them up while Hari picked out a new sweatsuit and some underwear.

“Have you notified everyone?”

“Yup. Even my lawyer. Serel was served at lunch just an hour before my place exploded in flames.”

“I see. Prolen will be mildly inconvenienced, but he will get over it.”

“He needs a new mistress that he can chew on? I know some ladies at the club who wouldn’t mind the gig.”

Zerul chuckled. “I will mention it to him.”

She stared as they drove through the gates of the governor’s mansion, and her stomach churned.

Zerul took her hand. “It’s all right, my treasure. Your last time here was horror. I intend for the rest of your life here to be a fantasy.”

“You know my kind of manifestation will be around for a really long time.” She looked at him. “You don’t know what you are in for. I will last a really, really long time.”

He laughed. “You are the first everborn that I have ever seen. I was delighted to have found you.”

“You are a vampire king without being a vampire. I am just fricking confused by your logistics.”

“Well, I drink blood and prefer the nightlife, so it wasn’t a stretch. I also consume sexual energy, so that is also something many vampires are familiar with.”

“Oh, great. You also mess around with memories.”

“I dabble.” He lifted her hand to his lips.

She snorted and saw something unexpected. “Is that an XIA vehicle?”

He smirked. “They came to deal with the fire mage. He is wanted in Redbird City.”

“Lovely.”

“It is convenient. I will log his testimony for who hired him to kill you, and then the team can take him away.”

“How did you get a team here so fast?”

“They were returning home, and their mayor asked me to take care of them for a few nights. It has been a difficult journey for them.” He kissed her knuckles. “He is going to be here for the party with his assistant. It should be interesting.”

She paused. “Isn’t the mayor of Redbird a vampire?”

“Oh, yes. One of the oldest, if not the oldest. He comes here every ten years or so, and his arrival keeps the vampires in line, so I don’t have to.”

“You have known him a while?”

“You could say that.”

The car door opened, and he exited, pulling her gently by his grip on her hand.

She was tired. Exhausted, but she lifted her chin and walked out with him.

Prolen met them inside the doors. “Miss, I am glad to see you alive.”

“Me, too.”

“Serel is being questioned regarding her involvement.”

“Good. My guess is that she was pissed about the lawsuit. She will be so happy that charges of attempted murder, destruction of property, and interference in commerce will be added to the list.” She smiled. “And since her father is bankrolling her hiring of the assassin, he gets to be charged as well.”

Prolen nodded. “As you should. She was offered, and I accepted, but I hear that you have more agreeable ladies to which I could be exposed.”

“I don’t have them, but I can ask them. They just want a bit of money and some fun nights out. Sex is also pretty important to most of them.”

Prolen grinned. “Good to know. Sir, your guests are in the main dining room having a meal. The food you ordered for Miss is separate and waiting.”

Hari nodded. “Good. He wouldn’t let me have food at the hospital.”

“I want you eating under my roof.”

“Controlling. Bastard.” She spoke slowly.

Zerul chuckled. “Correct. We have discussed this.”

She huffed, and he guided her deeper into the mansion.

They passed the ballroom, and she felt a twinge of fury. It faded as they continued toward the large dining room.

The quartet sitting together and laughing smiled as they entered the room, and the woman with long brown hair and brilliant green eyes came forward. “Lord Zerul, thank you for hosting us. Your city is extremely expensive, and the XIA and Mage Guild are cheap.”

“When Matthias asked me to host you, it was my pleasure. This is my consort, Anhara. Anhara, this is Beneficia.”

The woman stuck out her hand with a grin. “Benny.”

“Hari.”

Benny’s hair ruffled and rippled in a puff of air that didn’t have any discernable origin.

Benny looked at her. “Wow. You have an interesting lineage.”

“I will trust you on that. I ignore most of the things I have found out about my family.”

“Can you ask your parents?”

“Nope. Dad is dead, and Mom took off when I was two.”

“Grandparents? Aunts or uncles?”

“Nope.”

“Damn. Would you let me to an analysis while we are here?”

“Not today. I haven’t eaten today, and it was a helluva wakeup.”

“Oh, shit. Come and sit down.”

Zerul smiled. “Food is being held for her. I will return in a moment.” He paused and looked at Benny. “Don’t let her run.”

“Yes, Governor.” Benny smiled, and when he was gone, she asked, “You are planning on running?”

“No. He’s spent five years courting and helping me in the dreamscape. It’s time to surrender to the inevitable.”

“How romantic.” Benny chortled and walked over to the three men sitting at the table. Two out of three were eating. The vampire was reading his phone. “These agents are Argyle, Smith, and Tremble. My partners and mates.”

Hari nodded. “Hiya.”

Argyle inclined his head. The crimson-maned vampire smiled. “So, you are the one that Zerul has been lusting after for the last four years.”

Hari looked at him. “Did you know Eberhart?”

Argyle grimaced. “Only by reputation.”

“It took me a while to get him out of my hair and off my skin. But his last was definitely his last.” She inclined her head.

Benny grinned. “Don’t worry, Argyle. If you tick her off, I can restore you.”

Zerul walked in with a tray in his hands. “You can restore paste? There was nothing left of Eberhart larger than an inch. Bone, muscle, and skin... shattered.”

Zerul shifted the tray to one hand and pulled out a chair for Hari. “Sit, Treasure.”

She walked over and sat down a few seats away from the shapeshifter. The meal was warm, and it was huge.

He kissed the crown of her head and sat between her and the XIA team. Benny was staring at him and then started to chuckle. “Oh, I get it now.”

Zerul looked at her. “What?”

“You two are the same. Same energy, same vibe, same general genetic background. Sorry. Genealogy is my hobby.”

Tremble chuckled. “She’s made of everything. Apparently, Lady Anhara has her own blend that is throwing Benny for a loop.”

“Not a loop but really old straight lines.” Benny sipped at her drink.

Hari looked at her meal and picked up her fork and knife. She took some of the super soft beef in gravy, some mashed potato, and vegetables. It was pretty good, but it could be better.

She stood up. “Which way is the kitchen?”

Zerul put a hand on her shoulder and pressed her to sit down. “You can terrify my chef later. Right now, you are going to replace some of what you burned healing yourself.”

She shrugged and said, “A sprig of rosemary in the sauce would have added an acidic twist. The gravy is particularly rich.”

Zerul rubbed her back. “Eat. That’s an order.”

“Under any other circumstances, something would get bitten off.” She speared a carrot and snapped at it with her teeth.

“Noted, now eat.”

He turned and spoke to the others while Hari ate. There was a silver cloche that hid a giant creampuff. She picked it up and took a huge bite. She paused as the distinct flavours of chocolate, raspberry, and strawberry exploded. She wanted to moan but kept it to herself. The mains were good but could be better, but the dessert was amazing.

She savoured the creampuff and made her way through it.

She felt sad but satisfied when it was gone.

The coffee and water went down next. She was panting and exhausted when Zerul stopped his conversation and smiled at her. “Ready for a nap, treasure?”

She nodded. “Yeah. That would be good. Where am I going?”

He got to his feet and picked her up. She was nodding off. He carried her through the halls, and she muttered, “What was dosed?”

“The water. The doctor ordered sleep, and I knew you wouldn’t go through it lightly. It is just some melatonin. You will be back to yourself in an hour and can easily wake up if you need to.”

He walked up a set of stairs, and she dozed in and out. When he paused and doors opened for them, she mumbled, “You said I would have my own room.”

“You will. It isn’t ready yet. It was being readied for the party.”

“Oh. You have an extra bed in here?”

He smiled. “I am not going to tangle my body with yours until after the opener arrives. I want to make sure you don’t need to experience repeat discomfort.”

She blinked. “Shit. You figured that out.”

“Your body returns to its original state. The right opener can keep your body in a formation that won’t cause you injury if things get a little enthusiastic.”

“That is very thoughtful.”

“I am very thoughtful, and this benefits both of us.” He settled her on a bed that gave her the feeling of being on a sports field.

He settled her on a pillow, and a throw was pulled over her. No tucking in, no sudden nudity.

He stroked her hair. “I am going to make a few calls. You rest. Come find me when you are awake and alert.”

She nodded and grabbed the pillow, pulling it against her and burying her head in the fabric that smelled like him. He smelled good.

* * * *

Zerul looked at his found treasure and smiled. She was out. Her body had grabbed the excuse to relax, and she would be sleeping for a few hours.

He headed to his office and found the hair restoration specialist. He called and spoke to the man who would help the blue mane return to its former glory.

When he hung up from that call, he checked his messages, and the opener was running ahead of schedule. He would arrive that evening and be at their disposal until the contract was complete.

Anhara’s body wanted to return to its natural state, and if she tensed up, her sexual interactions would be painful, would heal, and then she would be wary with every subsequent encounter. He was not into trauma. He wanted her to come to him with enthusiasm and challenge in her eyes. Zeral wanted to see her sleepy in the morning as they went to sleep, outraged and charging into action when she woke in the evening.

The opener just wanted to be addressed as Opener when he arrived. It was a little antisocial but fine. It was assured that he could manage the spellwork required to manage opening an everborn.

Anhara would be handled with care. It was in the contract.

His mind felt the touch of hers on the dreamscape. Since the night they had first met, where he had seen the horrific experience she had been through, they had been bonded. It had been in his own best interest to make sure that she went through therapy and recovered from that evening. She had forbidden him from interfering in her life, as they had no connection aside from their time in the dreamscape. He was slowly crossing that divide, but he had to be careful. She had been betrayed frequently by those she trusted. He was not going to join that club.

He had waited for the slow caress in his mind that Anhara brought to him. Part of him was desperate to know where she had come from, but if her parents were gone, it would be difficult. For now, he had to be satisfied that his consort was perfect in all ways that mattered.

* * * *

Hari got up and stretched, feeling rested, and no more hot spots taunted her skin.

She was still wearing her shoes and felt horrible about being on the bed fully clothed.

She rubbed her eyes and looked around the room. Gold, blue, and magenta were the colours that he favoured. She looked at her hair and shrugged. Well, she was one of his favourite colours.

Hari stood and stretched again. She saw a collection of sticky notes near a door and wandered over.

Anhara, we are having guests for dinner, so please wear the dress hanging in the bathroom. Take your time. Freshen up, and dinner will be at seven. Snacks will be served in the ballroom.

Each of the sticky notes had a few words, and she crouched to read the last. Her stomach rumbled, and she looked into the bathroom.

The dress hanging there was a soft gold. Hari guessed that it was cocktail-style. She examined it and then headed into the shower, where she became an instant fan of his shower heads. They hit every spot just with a little effort.

She turned off the heads and wrung out her hair before using the thick and fluffy towels to dry off.

Upon investigating, there was underwear to match the gold dress hanging in a bag behind it, complete with shoes. She brushed her hair and flipped it behind her then got dressed. Her stomach was rumbling, and she straightened her shoulders and grabbed her phone. She smiled and answered Livia’s text as she walked down the stairs. She said that she was fine, recovered, and probably going to be calling the governor’s mansion home. She wondered what that would do for her work schedule.

Livia replied that Stuben had been asked to come in for the next few weeks. Livia had heard that the governor had shown up, and she had guessed that Hari would be out of commission until the ball, at least. She was doing damage control like she always did.

Hari smiled. It was a bit of a relief to have friends that she could count on. Liv’s story ran parallel to Hari’s, and they had similar physical characteristics. Liv was married, but she hadn’t met her husband. It was a proxy thing. The situation was weird, but Hari couldn’t throw stones.

Curious, she passed the ballroom and followed the liveried staff to the kitchen. The scents and sounds made her smile. She tucked herself into a corner and watched.

Hari smiled as there was cursing and slamming, but courses were still prepped and set to hold until service was ready.

When her stomach roared, it quieted the kitchen. Hari blushed. “Sorry. I will just go and find the snacks. Have a great night, everybody.”

She left and headed to the ballroom. Zerul looked up when she walked into the opulent space, and he separated from his conversational partner to come to her. “Hello, Anhara. You look rested and stunning.”

“You have a comfortable bed, and I was alone in my dreams, so it was restful.” She smiled at him.

“You were not alone, but I am glad they were restful.” He kissed her knuckles.

“You mentioned snacks?” She tilted her head at him.

He led her to the covered dishes and flicked them open with his fingers. The covers rolled back on tracks and showed a delightful arrangement of hot treats in a variety of proteins. She got a tiny plate and heaped it high before nibbling.

“Come. I want you to meet someone, treasure.” He smiled and slid an arm around her.

“I am not letting go of my plate to shake hands,” she mumbled.

He chuckled. “That’s fine. Your hands are not their concern.”

She walked with him and met the first set of people there for the cocktail hour. More people were arriving, and Anhara recognized a few who had frequented the club.

She met Prolen again, and he smiled at her. “I hear you have some friends who don’t have pending charges against them.”

“This is true. They also have souls, so much better all the way around.”

He nodded. “Well, if any of them have an evening off, they are welcome.”

She turned to Zerul. “Can I invite people?”

He grinned. “Of course. I am interested to meet your friends.”

“Thanks. I am feeling outnumbered.” She picked up the phone, tapped at it, got confirmations, and grinned. “Now, do I tell security that I have friends coming?”

“I will do it. What are their names?” Prolen smiled.

“Livia is my friend, then Sura and Minnie for you.” She blushed a little. “Oh, that sounds bad. They are both very agreeable with interesting hobbies. I had to guess at your personal interests.”

Prolen smiled. “I am certain you will choose appropriate candidates to replace Serel.”

“Well, some of the ladies have a thing for vampires, and others are terrified, so I went for the not-terrified ones.”

His eyes crinkled as he smiled. “Wise choice.”

She smiled and checked her phone. “They will be here in an hour.”

Zerul frowned. “Who is Livia?”

“She’s my friend. She doesn’t show up on scans, and I am guessing that she stays out of my dreams. She would think it was invasive anyway. We were roommates back at the time of the last party. She helped me clean up and get my feet under me and kept me going when my life went to hell. She wasn’t much better, but together, we had each other’s back, and we built ourselves up from nothing.”

“You don’t understand. There is no trace of her in your mind when you sleep.”

“I know. She thinks it’s messy to leave traces of herself around, so she doesn’t.” Hari smiled. “I don’t know how she does it, but she disappears from my life the moment I fall asleep and returns when I wake up.”

“Are you sure she’s real?”

“You will see her in an hour. She’s never late.” Hari smiled. “She said she had something to wear, and I am curious to find out what she looks like dressed up.”

Zerul kept his arm around her. “I look forward to meeting your friends.”

“You keep that thought.” She smirked.

Chapter Four

Hari felt the energy brightening the air when Livia showed up. The trio walked in, dressed in cocktail dresses, and the gathered men and women paused and stared at them.

Hari grinned and excused herself from her conversation with Benny. “My friend Livia is here.”

She walked herself over, beckoned to Prolen, and he came to them. She made the introductions, he offered to take the ladies on a tour of the party, and Livia smiled at Hari. “You seem rested, Hari.”

“I am. How are the guys, Livia? They suffering from the lack of the gym?”

“Not yet. Everyone is just glad that you made it. Mage fire is no joke.”

“No, it isn’t. Do you have a repair estimate yet?”

“Yes and no. The governor has already sent a mage to the site to estimate reconstruction costs. I think they are going to use it as a teaching moment.”

“Nice. He seems very eager to keep me unbothered by my actual life.”

“I can see he has improved your wardrobe. So, that is a point in his favour. What’s this party?”

“I think he has some folks in from out of town and since Benny comes from a fairly impressive family. Wanna meet her and her guys?”

“If you think she’s worth meeting, yes.”

Livia was wearing a discreet black dress. Her pale blonde hair was loose and cascading down her back, hiding the same small scars that Hari had on hers. It was a species-specific thing, but Hari had no idea where hers had come from, let alone Livia’s.

They linked arms and walked toward Benny, and Benny’s eyes widened when she shook hands with Livia. “Wow. So, you have the same species in you as Hari does.”

“Yes. We know.” Livia smiled. “And you have one of mine.”

Benny cocked her head. “Elf?”

“It doesn’t show, but yes.” Livia smiled. “Well-spotted.”

“But the signature is so faint. How many generations back is it?”

“One. There have been complic—” Livia turned and stared at a gorgeous dark green man who was coming in with two young women holding onto his arms.

She casually reached into her purse and took out a small device.

Hari asked, “Livia, what’s wrong?”

“Until I tell you otherwise, my name will be Jill for the rest of the night. Please?” Livia looked at Benny and then at Hari. Both of them nodded.

Hari nodded. “Zerul knows your name, though.”

Benny smiled. “I can keep it from being spoken for the next hour. Is that enough?”

Livia smiled. “Perfect.”

They gathered around Benny, and there was a slight flare around her fingers as she cast the spell. Jill it would be.

Hari smiled and took her friend’s hand as Zerul brought the newcomers over.

Orvuul was the green man whose dominion was the great forest to the north. The two girls were Beth and Mary. They were plain humans and constant companions to the stunning elder male.

Orvuul looked the introduced Jill over when it was made clear that she didn’t have a male companion at the event. He offered to show her some of the mansion and return before the dinner.

To Hari’s shock, Jill walked off with him, giggling sweetly.

Zerul must have seen her shocked expression as she watched her friend. “Does she not normally walk off with strange men?”

“No. That is definitely not something she engages in.”

The two loose ladies had found their way over to Prolen, and he was having a very good night.

Orvuul had his hand on Jill’s lower back as they walked toward a statue garden or something.

Hari frowned. “I don’t know what is going on here, but it is not standard.”

Zerul asked, “Is she in danger?”

“I have no idea. I guess we’ll find out in an hour.”

“What happens then?”

“I am sure that she will let me know.”

Zerul wrapped her in his arms. “It seems that Prolen is getting some of the affection previously denied him.”

“Well, he seems like a standup guy for a vampire, so it is better that he isn’t stuck with Serel. Pretty sure she was a bitch since she came out of the womb.”

“I have a few others that I would like to introduce you to. Will you come with me?”

“Sure. No problem. It’s what I am here for.”

They made their rounds, and it wasn’t until Orvuul and Jill returned that Hari could breathe easy again.

Jill separated and walked over to Hari, pulling her phone out and beginning to swipe in earnest. The name Livia returned to Hari’s mind as the buffet was fully populated, and music began to play softly in the background.

Livia smiled while everyone else was eating. She walked over to the sound system and plugged her phone in.

“I, Orvuul of the great forest, reject my wife, Livia. Our bond is broken, and our union complete.” The voice was definitely that of the forest god.

Orvuul screamed, “No!”

Livia unplugged her phone and tucked it back into her purse.

Her husband ran up to her, and he fell to his knees. “Please. No. Livia. I am sorry.”

“Left alone while you stole my life and beauty. Woman after woman paraded in front of me because you would not sully me? Seriously? I wanted to be sullied by you. I wanted a life with my mate. You pissed all over it. So, enjoy being the grubby forest troll that I was bonded to. You are god of all you survey, after all. Enjoy it.”

She turned toward Hari and walked over. With every step, she changed but only on the surface. Her blonde hair turned into a magnificent pink opal tone. Her skin gleamed in a bluish frost tone. Her ears pointed, and she got a few inches taller.

Hari smiled. “Now I know why I always thought you needed more.”

“Check him out.”

Hari looked, and Orvuul was turning grey and sobbing on the ground.

Zerul asked, “What happened to his compulsion and charm?”

Livia held up her hand, took in a deep breath, and huge avian wings sprang from her back, glowing and glittering. “The wings impart that, but we were bound before they emerged, so...”

The entire room was still.

Zerul inhaled. “Ah, that is what it is.”

“Yeah. I am half-elf, and Hari is half-waterfolk. The other half is self-evident.” She flexed her wings and flapped slowly before folding the wings in and letting them fade into sparkles. “I am glad to have those finally. When the proxy kicked in, he took all the energy that made me pretty and powerful. Now I finally feel like the me I was supposed to be.” She smiled at Hari. “Thanks for inviting me.”

Hari looked at her friend and saw the woman she leaned on in times of need under the glowing exterior. Livia looked peaceful, which was a feat when Orvuul was still wailing.

Hari turned to Zerul. “Can you take care of him? He doesn’t look like he is going to calm down soon.”

Zerul nodded and looked to Prolen. The man extricated himself from the ladies and walked over to Orvuul, picking him up and hauling him out of the ballroom. His ladies looked confused and trailed after him.

Hari looked at her friend. “What is happening?”

“He’s returning to whence he came. He was a grey-skinned forest man. Short, hunch-backed, and powerful but unpleasant. My family signed me over to him when I was fourteen. I never even met him.”

Hari blinked. “You never mentioned that you were married.”

“There was no point. Orvuul wouldn’t even meet with me when I turned eighteen. The union was never consummated, so the declaration in front of witnesses was good enough to break our bond. My aunt is going to be pissed, but tough. She will have to do without the forest god’s blessing for her hobby farm.”

“So, folk will be angry that you are now free?”

“Yeah, but they can suck it or find another maiden with power for him to leech off.”

“Maiden?” Hari blinked. “Wow. I never thought that you would be a maiden.”

“Yeah, because of our link, I couldn’t find a lover. He didn’t have that problem, the cheating bastard.” Livia grimaced. “Eventually, I recognized the distinct feel of him drawing extra energy from me that indicated that he was out screwing around. I got migraines.” Livia rolled her neck. “Now I feel good for the first time in sixteen years.”

Hari looked at her friend and hugged her. “I am sorry you went through that.”

“It’s done. He’s rejected me. It took me a while to come up with the plan, but I am delighted that it worked.” Livia grinned. “Tech for the win.” She paused. “Do I look weird?”

“You are you, just more sparkly.”

Livia beamed. “Thank you. That’s reassuring.”

Hari cocked her head. “You are going to need to change your makeup. You are a little more glowy now.”

Livia smiled. “Thanks. I knew I could.”

Zerul frowned. “You were bound to him?”

“Yeah. His pretty appearance was my energy filtered through his body.” Livia smiled. “It makes me glad I am sure as to my orientation. The ladies flocked to him, and I don’t want the same. They are cute and all, but I have seen enough ladies naked in my lifetime.”

Hari laughed.

Zerul cocked his head, and then understanding lit in his eyes. “You work at the strip club.”

“Upper management and accountant.”

“And... Anhara is the head chef.”

Livia’s eyes were sparkling. “Correct.”

“Any others?”

Hari chuckled. “One or two.”

Zerul cleared his throat. “It isn’t like me to ask this, but where were you all spawned?”

Livia snorted. “Ah, that. We have already had this conversation. The Norwell Gateway. I am guessing that is where you trotted into the human world.”

Zerul grinned. “I haven’t had hooves for years.”

Livia smiled at him. “Good for you.”

Hari paused. “Hooves?”

“It appears that your friend recognizes me or, at least, my kind.” He chuckled. “I was hoping to conceal it for a little longer.”

“I have not said what, and you mentioned the hooves.”

Zerul blinked. “Ah, just so. You are dangerous.”

“Truth surrounds me. That didn’t change.” Livia smiled.

Hari smiled. “So, what is he?”

“That is a very personal question. He will tell you, but your curiosity indicates interest, and he is enjoying that interest.”

Hari looked at Zerul. “Oh. Right. So, what is going to happen to Orvuul?”

Zerul shrugged. “He will be taken back to his forest, where he will wait for another bride or a power donor.”

Livia sighed. “What will happen to the ladies he brought?”

“The girls will be returned to their home communities.” He frowned. “I am not quite sure why he was here tonight anyway.”

Livia frowned. Hari frowned, and as understanding hit, she looked at her friend. They spoke in unison. “Eon.”

Zerul paused. “Eon?”

Hari sighed. “She was the bouncer when we started and then went into maintenance at the club. She does the banking and payroll, too.”

Zerul paused. “Wait. Do you own the strip club?”

Livia laughed. “Yes. Yes, we do. We are a corporation with a long and annoying number. Eon was originally handy at getting us the location and the permits. Whatever we needed, she was there, and we just had good luck at getting the right thing at the right time.”

Hari smiled. “Life got so much easier when she ran into us at that coffee shop.”

Zerul cleared his throat. “Is she available to join us this evening?”

“Would you like me to check?”

“Please. I am always fascinated by those who can move through the world and shape it as they go.”

“Hm. Okay. I will send her a text and see what she’s up to.” Hari smiled and sent the text. A response came back, and Hari laughed. “Wow. She and Vega just left a movie. They are willing to come by.”

“Who is Vega?”

Hari smiled. “Our truly silent partner. She put up the funding for the club. All of it. She’s also possessed, but he keeps to himself for the most part.”

“Possessed?”

“Yeah. Vega has funny luck. She found an artifact five years ago, and now, there is someone inside her. No mages have been able to dislodge him, so she is resigned to a singular life.”

“I will make certain that she is well-received.” Zerul beckoned to one of the security men discreetly spotted around the room and explained that two more ladies were coming who may not be dressed appropriately. They were to be brought in immediately.

Hari chuckled. “This is actually turning into a fun party for me.”

Livia smiled and walked over to Benny and her crew. Tremble inclined his head to her, and Livia smiled at the other elf. Hari smiled at Livia easily settling.

Zerul smiled. “I am glad for it. Oh, look. Officer Lonny and your weapon of choice.”

The officer looked a little nervous as he walked in and had the distinct shape of the frying pan in a bag. Hari walked over to him and smiled. “Hey, Lonny. Sorry that I wasn’t able to pick up the pan. It’s been a day.”

“You are okay? I heard about the fire.”

“I wasn’t, but I am now. Fast metabolism.” She smiled.

He held her wrapped pan out to her. “Here it is, as promised. Oh, Serel is in custody and being held without bail. She’s pissed.”

“Good.”

“You are really the governor’s consort?”

“Most likely. I have a few issues that have to be worked out.”

Lonny smiled. “Got it. Hey, Livia is here? Who is watching the bar?”

“The standard staff. Today was my day off anyway. I am not sure how my week is shaking out.” She slid the wrap off her frying pan and checked out the edge. “Not even a dent.”

Lonny grinned. “Quality workmanship.”

Zerul’s voice said smoothly, “Thank you.”

Hari felt the hand slowly wrapping around her abdomen and pulling her back against him.

Lonny blinked, and his smile got even wider. “Good evening, sir.”

“Good evening, officer.”

“I will be on my way.”

Zerul pressed a kiss to Hari’s temple. “Solid idea. She will see you soon.”

Lonny nodded. “Have a nice time, Hari.”

“I probably will, but the night is young.”

Zerul squeezed her gently.

Lonny chuckled and left the party. As he was leaving, Eon and Vega walked in, dressed appropriately for the event. Both were wearing grey and dark bronze cocktail dresses, respectively.

Vega’s bronze dress gleamed, and her black hair was twisted over one shoulder to cascade down to her waist. Eon wore short, cropped hair and a grey dress. They smiled at Hari and walked over, ignoring the attention that they were gathering as they moved through the crowd of fifty extranaturals and local dignitaries.

Livia turned and walked toward them in her ivory dress, and when they all stood with Hari, she could swear she heard a gong ringing somewhere in the dream realm.

Benny was whispering to her companions, and all of them looked excited.

Hari looked around, saw her friends, and whispered, “What just happened?”

Zerul whispered in her ear, “The first demi-goddess council has convened.”

Vega snorted. “Not fucking likely.”

The others laughed. Hari was content to agree. How likely was it that they had come together because Zerul insisted on a consort?

Chapter Five

Hari got free of Zerul and hugged her friends. “So, Livia got a makeover.”

Livia flared her wings out, and Eon grinned and clapped her hands. Vega smiled and inclined her head. “You look lovely, Livia. But that is the way I have always seen you.”

Livia smiled. “But you aren’t looking through his eyes right now.”

“No. Just mine. He’s in here somewhere. There’s a body he wants to jump, so I am going to go for a walk to see if he can negotiate for possession.” Vega quirked her lips. “Fingers crossed that this bugger gets out of here.”

Eon smiled. “Will you miss the money?”

“No. I have enough to coast on until I figure out who I am again. Ta-ta.” She wiggled her fingers and turned toward the door that Orvuul had been dragged through.

Livia covered her mouth, and Hari watched Vega go.

Hari whistled softly. “Well, Orvuul can contain power.”

Livia nodded. “If not, he will explode like the others.”

Zerul asked, “What?”

“Oh, whatever is inside Vega tries to find a body now and then. He gets a volunteer and leaves Vega for a minute, and then the possible host explodes, and he returns to her.”

Zerul paused. “The host explodes?”

Eon nodded. “Oh, yeah. Kaboom!” She flexed her fingers in an outward burst. “It’s messy, and then they just disappear.”

He asked, “How many times has it happened?”

Livia shrugged. “Six times, I think?”

Zerul muttered, “Fuck. I will be back.”

He strode toward the hall, and Hari looked at her friends. “So, we aren’t just going to stay here, right?”

They all followed the governor into his home and through the halls. Figures were ahead of them in a glass room that was filled with plants.

Vega was crouched in front of the forest god. Her eyes were glowing bright gold. Prolen was in the background, starting at Vega and Orvuul.

Zerul arrived at their side and asked Orvuul, “Are you sure about this?”

Orvuul nodded. “He says he can make me strong and beautiful. I can have women who come to me freely.”

Vega held up her hand, and her voice was incredibly deep. “Not really. You can have a woman of my choosing. I need your body so that I can find a mate and to have little ones.”

Hari muttered to Eon, “I bet Vega is in there and having kittens right now.”

Eon nodded. “We will know how much he shared by how fast she runs this time. She drove, so I will need to get a car home.”

They watched as Vega removed the pendant that was hidden under the dress and handed it to Orvuul. He took in a deep breath and put it on.

Hari watched Vega glow, and energy streamed from her mouth, nose, and eyes. Orvuul took the power into him and began to swirl as the power settled in.

Vega slumped, straightened, and ran for it. She sprinted past Hari and Eon while Livia got out of the way.

Hari murmured, “How long was he in there?”

“Five years. When she went hiking near the Gateway.” Eon listened to the thud of heels get quieter.

Orvuul was still swirling with power as he got taller and broader, and his hair blew wild in the wind. Dark gold eyes began to search the area, and a slight smile came to his silvery green skin. “She’s gone.”

Zerul nodded. “She is.”

He looked past Zerul, and Hari met his gaze as he stared at them. “Where is she?”

Eon stepped forward. “She’s putting as much space between you two as she can.”

He sighed and rubbed his forehead. “I was really hoping to get her opinion of this form.”

Livia smirked. “It’s much better than his original form.”

“Thank you. Do you know where Vega is?”

Eon moved behind Hari, and the man moved to face her. “Short and tall, where is she?”

Eon sighed. “Where is she? She’s probably going to rest and then do some of the things that you have micromanaged over the last five years.”

He sighed. “Where would that be?”

“I don’t know. She’s figured out that you would try and find her, so this part of her plan I don’t get to know where she is until she calls me.” Eon shrugged. “Sorry.”

He growled, and Zerul grabbed his arm. “This is not the place for it. There is a party going on, so if you could join us, it would be appreciated.”

Hari watched as the power flared and then contained in the body. Yikes. Seeing Vega handle it effortlessly for years made it strange to see that a demigod was having trouble managing.

Hari asked, “Is Orvuul still in there?”

The man shook his dark mane of deep blue hair. “For now.”

Hari looked at the shirtless man in wide-legged pants. He was barefoot, and it looked completely natural on him. “Why do you want to find Vega so quickly?”

“So that she isn’t hurt. She’s been fighting my occupation of her for the last few months.”

Hari paused. “Wait. Just the last few months?”

Eon stepped over and whispered in her ear. Hari’s eyes got wide. “Oh, damn. Yeah, that would do it.”

He frowned at her. “What? She has been upset since her sister’s party.”

Livia asked, “The baby shower?”

Hari gave a short nod. “That would do it.”

The man frowned. “What do you mean?”

Eon scowled. “You were there.”

“It was a women’s event. I kept back.” He looked at the ladies who were looking back. “What was it?”

Hari sighed. “It was a women’s event. Her little sister was achieving a milestone that was out of Vega’s reach... because of you.”

He frowned. “I don’t understand.”

“You don’t have to. You are no longer inside her, so her body may resume natural functions now. I think she wants to jump into normal activities and events now that she’s free.”

He growled and stepped toward her, but Zerul stepped between them and said, “Don’t take another step.”

“They keep saying she’s free. She isn’t free. I made this body for her.” He flicked his hand down past his obvious musculature and thick arms.

Zerul sighed. “Take it up with Vega.”

“I can’t. She isn’t here.”

Zerul patted him on the shoulder. “I am sure you will have your chance.” He led the other man back to the ballroom.

Hari looked at him, and her jaw dropped. “Oh, wow. AI night. Holy crap.”

Eon smirked. “Well, she was interested in that physique the most. And long hair. And the lack of a shirt.”

Livia snickered.

The guys were walking far ahead, and Hari sighed. “This is going to be awkward for Vega. Where do you think she is?”

Eon said, “I can make a few guesses, and I don’t know if it is a nap, hot wings, or shooter night.” She winced. “Or trying to get laid.”

Livia hissed. “Oh, no. You don’t think?”

“It is in the realm of possibilities.”

Hari sighed. “Damn.”

They got back to the ballroom and raided the buffet. Zerul and the new Orvuul were in deep conversation, their voices rumbling through the space. Ladies who had gotten free of their escorts were gathered around the two men. They weren’t paying attention. Hari smiled at that.

When the dessert bar came out, they turned as one and were enjoying the selections, and Hari had no complaints. Desserts were not her forte.

They were sitting around and groaning with tiny glasses of dessert wine when Eon’s phone rang.

She answered, paled, and got to her feet. Hari watched her hands shaking as she brought up a car share app. “What is it?”

“Vega chose alcohol. She’s at the hospital. I am her emergency person.” Eon’s hands were fumbling with the app.

Hari said, “Hang on.”

She went over to the governor and whispered in his ear. He nodded and beckoned to one of the security guards, and when he explained the destination to them, they nodded.

Hari nodded to Eon and pointed to the thirty-something male heading for the door.

Eon was followed closely by Vega’s previous occupant.

Zerul sighed. “I hope she doesn’t fight him on that. He’s... concerned.”

“I bet. Vega just tried to drink herself to death.”

“Did she? Are you sure she didn’t just want to silence the echo of him in her mind?”

Hari paused and blinked. “I only did that once.”

“I know, but you did do it.”

“He used his compulsion to hold me down. I felt that for a long time.”

Zerul took her hand and nodded. “I know.”

She sighed and looked toward the door, biting her lip. “I want to check on her when she is out of the ER.”

“Of course. I will have Prolen keep tabs on her stay. Does she have an apartment that hasn’t gone up in mage fire today?”

“She does. She has a penthouse downtown.”

“Good.”

“What do you think that guy is going to do?”

“Arkus? He is going to be pissed off and hold her hand.”

“Good.” Hari looked around. “Successful party?”

“Very. The dignitaries have found the activities fascinating.” He nodded over to where all her partners were feeding Benny desserts.

“They do seem to be having a nice time.” Hari nodded. “That reminds me of college... before that night.”

“You had three men at a time feeding you cream puffs?”

“No. I had two getting me soft serve ice cream so I would help them on an exam.” She chuckled.

“Vanilla?”

“Swirl.”

“Adventurous.”

“Back then, yes.” She smiled. “That changed fast.”

“Anhara, you have recovered well, and now I am finding out that you own the club?”

“Part owner. I have fifteen percent, as do Eon and Livia. Vega owns fifty-five percent. She put up the money when we went to open the club. We were also the first four dancers. That was fun and strange. She had to stop dancing when Arkus came in.”

Zerul chuckled. “I can see that it would be an issue. Why did you dance?”

“We needed to build up profits and pay off the last of the expenses for the building. When we were all set in our little corporation, we started to branch out into other businesses.”

“So, you just paid off the lawsuit?”

“And started one of my own. This time, I have a solid legal team and friends with me. It was Vega who told me about the ways I could get back at Serel in a ladylike manner.”

“By suing her ass off.” He chuckled.

“That would be easy. She’s flat as hell.” She smiled. “No, I want to make her actions public. All of them. I want to expose her family for being culpable in her twisted actions and the stream of victims in her wake. That shit is going to stop now.”

“Well, her attempt to immolate you is not going to win her any friends. The fire mage is babbling about every contract he has been paid for in the last five years. There is a stack of information, and when the team leaves, he will be with them and registered for distance testimony in this case.”

“Right. Well, if he gets loose, I have people I can call now.”

He grinned. “You do?”

“Sure. Folks are very loyal to their dancers, even if we did have an obscuring spell at the entryway.”

“Ah. Smart.”

“Thanks. I have my moments.”

He took her hands and pulled her to him. “I know.”

She was just leaning against him when her phone went off.

“Don’t answer it.”

“It’s probably Vega.” She got her phone out and answered it. “Hello?”

“Vega was dosed. Someone dumped enough aphrodisiac into her shots to make an ogre horny. She felt it and went for help. Arkus is tracking down the man with the drugs. You may want to have someone sent over to the club. Shit’s going to go down.”

“Right. I will call Lonny.”

Zerul asked, “What is going on?”

“Vega was dosed. She didn’t get blind drunk. Someone drugged her, and Arkus is going to find them.”

“Ah. Yes, call the good officer.”

A few minutes later, she got a text from the officer that after finding Arkus, they had located the poisoner who had gotten Vega. It had taken some quick negotiation, but Arkus agreed to leave the man to them and return to Vega’s side.

That last bit was surprising, but it had been handled.

“Well, that was quick.” Zerul was amused.

“Yeah. I guess Arkus has tracking capabilities.” She looked around and found Livia talking with a sandy-haired man in a dark costume with oddly familiar glyphs.

“He has many skills. Would you like to update Livia?”

“Yes.”

They walked over to the table where Livia was chatting with the newcomer, and Hari said, “Eon called. Vega was dosed with an aphrodisiac and got herself help. Arkus found the guy, and Lonny picked him up. Sorry to interrupt, but I thought you would want to know.”

“It’s no problem. Steerik and I went to a college course together. We were just catching up. Oh, he’s your opener.” Livia smiled.

The man sighed and shook his head. “You just had to throw that in there.”

Livia nodded. “Yes. Yes, I did.”

He got to his feet, and Hari blushed as he took her hand and bent over her knuckles. “At your service lady. Everborn seem to be more common around this area than I imagined.”

“What course did you share with Livia?”

“Biology.”

Hari chuckled. “That is surprising.”

Livia shrugged. “Even if I couldn’t use my body, I wanted to know how it worked.”

Steerik smirked. “She got a seventy-two.”

“Fine. I wasn’t very successful in figuring it out.” She chuckled. “Now that I have ditched Orvuul, I will put some effort into figuring it out.”

Steerik chuckled. “If you need some technical advice, text me.”

Livia snorted. “I never cheated off you in class, and I won’t start now.”

Hari looked at Zerul. “Can I go check on Vega?”

“No. Your other friend and Arkus are with her. They will keep you informed.”

She sighed and sent a message to Eon. She received a message, “No problem. She’s working through the hormones, and they have her on a light sedative. Arkus is curled up next to her, and she’s biting the hell out of him. Who knew?”

The picture that followed showed a teary Vega biting the forearm of Arkus. She was obviously very emotional, but Arkus didn’t seem to mind. He was stroking Vega’s hair.

“Huh. I had forgotten that she had fangs.”

Livia sighed. “Only when she’s in heat. It’s been a while, so she’s probably miserable right now.”

Steerik asked, “Why has it been a while?”

Hari said, “Her body has been disrupted for a few years. Now the disruption is gone, so I am guessing her system has kicked in.”

Livia looked at Steerik. “What do you think would cause that kind of disruption, Mr. Ninety-eight percent?”

“I would need more information.”

Hari yawned and excused herself. “Sorry. Weirdly long day.”

Zerul said, “Why don’t you head to bed, and I will have a conversation with the opener.”

The man sighed. “Call me Steerik.”

“Steerik then.” Zerul nodded. “Good night, Anhara.”

Livia grinned. “I think he just sent you to bed.”

Hari looked at Zerul. “Is the guestroom ready yet?”

“Tomorrow.”

She snorted and took her tired self back to bed, waving at the XIA folk and noting that Prolen was gone with his companions. He must have been hungry or something.

Hari sent a good wish to Vega and Eon and headed to bed. Livia was on her own.

* * * *

Zerul spoke to Steerik, and when they had exchanged pleasantries, they retreated to his office to discuss the particulars.

“So, I will take on your appearance completely. I will get Anhara to sign an agreement to a contact contract, which acknowledges that I will engage in the act of opening her.”

“For how long?”

“As long as it takes to set the spells that will allow her to heal in the configuration necessary and without injury.”

Zerul nodded. “It won’t hurt her?”

“It may be uncomfortable for a while, but it will not hurt.”

“You are aware that she has been assaulted previously?”

Steerik paused. “It was mentioned. How serious was it?”

“It has kept her out of my bed for five years. I consider it very serious.”

The opener nodded. “Understood. I will gain consent at every turn. When do you wish me to proceed?”

“Tomorrow. I will run it past Anhara, and we will complete the process.”

“She knows?”

Zerul nodded. “She does, and she knows why.”

“That will be helpful. I do have a question for you.”

“Please. If I can answer, I will.”

“How is it that I have seen three everborn here today?”

“Because the fourth is in hospital.” Zerul smiled. “They were all born and raised around the Gateway. Their backgrounds opened the door for them to become everborn.”

Zerul looked out the window and said, “It was in the wake of a small wave. The Gateway widened, and energy seeped out. It sought out infants to remake in the ancient patterns with ancient skills. Now, I have a question for you. Why did an archmage decide to become an opener?”

Steerik ran a hand through his hair. “It was a compulsion. I couldn’t ignore it. To date, I have had fifty clients in different cities, and I know I will have twenty-seven more before I retire. To be honest, I thought you would be a vampire.”

“No, though I am not averse to tasting her.” He chuckled. “I am not averse to anything she will let me put in my mouth.”

“You sound like you are lovers.”

“My kind is at home on the dream plane, as is hers.”

Steerik stared. “Oh, so you two are not unknown to each other. That will make this easier and more difficult all at once.”

“Why more difficult?”

“I won’t move the way you do. The appearance is skin deep so that you will fit and she will be familiarized with you. The most important thing will be the spell casting. So, I will get that over with as expeditiously as possible and then leave the room.”

“Thank you. I am trying to avoid causing her stress.”

Zerul felt her on the dream plane, and he joined her while he discussed additional details with the opener, who would let him claim his consort once and for all.

Chapter Six

Vega heard people moving in the hall, and the cannula in her nose itched. She tried to lift her hand to paw at the tube, but someone held her down. She opened her eyes and tensed as a gold gaze stared into her soul.

Vega looked around wildly for Eon, but she was gone.

“She is going to get something to eat. She has been with you for hours. Someone poisoned you.”

Vega closed her eyes and remembered ordering two shooters, being distracted by a man who was asking her about the dancer on stage. When Arkus had been occupying her, she hadn’t gotten any attention, so she thought the question was genuine. Now, she felt like an idiot.

“Yes. I remember the shots, and then everything went black.” She wiggled her fingers slowly, but he didn’t let go. She met his gaze again. “Why are you here?”

“You ran, and I found you. I understand your upset, but this form was chosen with you in mind. I recall that you found it pleasing.” He smiled.

Her stomach flipped. That night, she had been playing with AI and the ladies had been choosing their perfect guys. He was currently wearing the skin of the fantasy figure. Her body’s reaction had been violent and unmistakable. She hadn’t gotten aroused since Arkus took possession of her, so her reaction had been noticed.

She swallowed. “It is a very nice form.” There was no denying it. Her blood was still on fire from what she had been dosed with. She could smell her own heat.

“Thank you. You have had a rough night.”

“Yeah. Any idea when I can get out of here?”

“After Eon returns, they will tell you. Your body did not like the substance in your drinks.”

“Serves me right for trying for five minutes of freedom.” Vega tried to get her fingers free again, but he was holding the hand with the IV.

“I understood the impulse.” He smiled, and it was a stunning smile. “You did not know what picking up that charm would do.”

“Having it absorb into my skin was a bit of a surprise.”

He kissed her hand. “I know. I felt it when I rushed into you.”

She swallowed and whispered, “You have a great new body. He can handle your energy. Women will be falling over themselves to be with you. Why not just go and do that?”

“I have lived a life and sought pleasure, sought adoration, and sought companionship. It gets boring. I am seeking a partner, and I am seeing you.”

Vega felt a wave of sadness flow over her. “I can’t.”

He was undeterred. “Why not?”

“I am supposed to fulfill a family duty very soon. I am not going to be around very long.” She blinked away tears. “No sense in starting a future when you don’t have one.”

He kissed her hand. “I don’t understand.”

“My appearance is an anomaly. When the first child of my family is ready to be born, the anomaly must sacrifice itself hopefully to purge our line of the situation.” She used her free hand and found the bed control. She slowly sat up.

“There will be no sacrifice.” He continued to hold her hand, but the frown on his face was intense.

“Sure, there will. If I don’t, I will miss being included in the life-song of my new niece or nephew.”

He blinked. “Life-song? You are a dwarf?” He looked her up and down.

“You were in my head. I thought you knew.”

“Your people here are average-sized.”

“My family is either pleased to have me or not at all. Since you were inside me, they began reacting strangely to me. You never noticed?”

“No. I allowed you privacy with your family.”

“How generous of you. Well, yes. I am the only average-sized person in my family and my community, so I live in town and just send funds home.” She looked at him. “The shower was the first time I had actually been home in four years.”

“I didn’t realize.”

“Yeah, well, because things were going the way they were, I have been setting up my businesses and investments to continue on after my death.”

“Why death?”

“My continued health is an affront to the community. I can’t continue to have health and wealth away from the community. It takes away from them somehow.”

He nodded. “Or the average community members brought attention to them, which made them vulnerable.”

“Yes, well, this is a tradition that my family has asked me to uphold, and I said yes.”

“Why?” His stroking fingers moved up the inside of her arm, caressing her between elbow and wrist.

Vega looked at him. “You know why.”

He looked at her seriously and continued to stroke her skin. “Because of me.”

She nodded. “Yeah. You were driving me crazy. Literally. When they offered me the chance to die, I agreed to take it.”

He looked at her in shock. “You didn’t give any indication of being despondent.”

“I couldn’t. You immediately took over, and we went out to do something fun.” She shrugged. “Anytime I went quiet, you took over. I was exhausted.”

“I looked for a new body.”

“I know. But five years of my life were gone. Five years where I could have found someone or even just figured out dating. The only thing that made it bearable was that my friends were with me. Now that Livia is free and Hari is with the governor, it is just me and Eon, and she can have a guy whenever she wants. You got a new body, and now I am on my own.” She smiled sadly. “Don’t get a swelled head, but I feel hollow.”

He held her hand tightly. “Anything I can say will sound lewd.”

She chuckled. “I know. Anyway, the sacrifice is soon, and I have everything arranged. You even have a starter fund set up on the off chance we could find you a body. Don’t worry. I wasn’t counting on you getting the form of a forest god.”

He blinked. “You put aside provisions for me?”

“Sure. My family has enough. My friends are taken care of. I may as well make sure you are set up for whatever you are doing next.” She smiled. “Eon has luck; I have money.”

“When are you doing the ritual?”

“What day is today?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know.”

She blinked. “Get a nurse?”

He reached out and pushed a button next to her shoulder. A nurse came in with a flush to her cheeks, and she said, “Yes?”

Vega smiled slightly. “What day is today, please?”

“Wednesday the sixth. How are you feeling?”

“Like I have been paved, and my bones have been replaced with ribbons. I am also rather thirsty.”

The nurse smirked. “Didn’t you get enough to drink last night?”

Vega blinked and tried not to tear up. “I had two drugged shots. Two drinks in five fucking years.”

The nurse grabbed the chart off the bed, blinked, and said, “I’ll get you something to drink.”

Vega blinked and thumbed away her tears with her unencumbered hand. “So, everybody thinks that I just got alcohol poisoning last night?”

Arkus shook his head. “No. She must have just come on shift.”

He stood up, walked around, and joined her on the bed, cuddling around her. Vega started crying when she felt how good it was to be held. Wednesday. It was Wednesday. Tomorrow, she was going to do what her community demanded. Tomorrow, she was going to jump into the earth.

They were curled together when a different person came in with a jug and a cup with a straw. “Here you go, miss. I don’t know why it wasn’t here to start with.”

Vega sniffled. “Thank you.”

Arkus smoothed her hair from her forehead and kissed the top of her ear.

She whispered, “Why did you pick that form, and where the hell is Eon?”

“You know why I chose it. You reacted very strongly, and after I came to understand that it wasn’t an actual being that I could take over, I made plans to remake someone.”

“Why?”

“You know why.” He exhaled softly near her ear, and there was a rumble like a diesel engine that ran through every place they touched.

“What is that?” Her eyes were wide as she tried to ease away from him.

“You like cats, so I am purring.” He chuckled.

“I... that was one story, and he wasn’t really a cat.”

“I am not really a human. It is all fine. I never dreamed of insight into my mate.”

“Not your mate,” she mumbled. She was exhausted after the emotional outburst, and he was so warm that he wasn’t helping her ability to stay awake.

He leaned over her, picked up the cup with the straw, and held it to her lips.

She sipped the cool water, and when he put it on the table, she said, “You didn’t know any of this stuff when I picked up that stupid shiny thing.”

“I know, but I learned. I watched every book, movie, and meeting that I could. I was with you for five years, and aside from leaving you to your family and friends, I watched everything.”

Vega sighed. “I figured it out and stopped a few things.”

“It was disappointing, but I noticed that as well.” He hugged her. “You must be frustrated.”

“No, that was the first thing I did when you weren’t behind my eyes. The shots were the second.”

He chuckled. “I am sorry that I missed it. So, when do you head home to your family?”

“Tomorrow.”

He froze. “What? What kind of ritual is this?”

“I hike up a hill and jump off a cliff. The landing area guarantees a lack of survival options. Spikey rocks and flowing water.”

“What is the purpose of it?”

“Well, if I am to survive, our god will catch me and save me from myself. He has yet to show up.”

He held her close. “What is his name?”

“The priests don’t tell us.”

“Of course not.” He was tense. “So, you are going to die for a nameless god?”

“I am going to die for my family so that my sister’s child has a better position in their society.”

“Does it have to be tomorrow?”

“Yes. Why?”

He pressed his lips to her temple, and she felt a wave of power go through her, and then everything faded to black.

Vega pressed a hand to her forehead, and she felt tabs and wires connected to her scalp with more on her chest. Eon was sitting next to her with a worried expression.

“What happened?”

“You started seizing. They said it was a reaction to the drugs.” Eon looked like she wasn’t convinced. “You seem to be stable, but you were out for quite a while.”

“What day is it?”

“Friday. Why?”

“Where is my phone?”

“I just finished charging it. I kept it off. It was going crazy yesterday.” Eon got up and delivered it.

Vega held the phone, and tears hit the screen. “Oh.”

“Arkus said he had things to do today, but the staff said that if you remained stable and the last bloodwork came out clean, I could take you home today.” Eon smiled. “It’s been a few hours, so the results should be here shortly. I will see if I can get someone to remove the leads.”

Eon left, and Vega watched her phone cycle on, and the messages were in alarming, and her voice mail was full. She set her phone to speaker and listened to her sister sobbing at the curse that had been put on the unborn. Her mother cursed at her. The village head called her a disgrace. Friends from childhood called her a coward.

She sat and let the tears fall as everyone in her hometown took turns calling her a pathetic and useless coward.

Eon came in and stared at her as the screaming and invectives were playing out through the phone.

It continued until the final message. “Uh, Vega. We are all very sorry for the messages we have left. Please accept our apologies for the phone calls.” The village leader’s voice was strangled.

Vega stared at the phone, and then she started scrolling through the vile and vitriolic emails that also came to a sudden halt at seven in the morning on Friday.

Eon asked, “Vega, what happened?”

“I was supposed to participate in a religious event yesterday, and instead, I was twitching and foaming in here. My family and their friends were... upset.” She set her phone down and started clawing at her leads to get them off.

The door burst open, and Vega’s wrists ended up cuffed to the rails on the bed. She was screaming and fighting against the restraints.

Hands held her arm, and an injection sent cold-hot through her veins, and she slumped, still sobbing. Eon came up to her and wiped her eyes and cheeks with a wet cloth.

“Is this because you no longer have him in your head?”

Vega sobbed. “No. I was supposed to die yesterday for the betterment of the community.”

Eon paused. “What?”

“I am the abnormal one in the community, so when the next baby is getting ready to be born, I have to die so that the child can be brought into a homogenous community without knowing that the world is different until much later.” Vega dragged in a calming breath. The drug was rolling through her system, and she felt dazed and sluggish. “What did they give me?”

“I don’t know. Why?”

“There are things that dwarfs are allergic to, and my skin feels hot, cold, and prickly all at once. Looks like I might end here after all.” Her vision was blurry, and she saw Eon slam the button as she started yelling as Vega’s throat started closing, and lights sparked behind her lids as her instincts fought to get air into her lungs.

There was more shouting, more injections, and then a period of stillness when she finally was able to take a whole breath.

Panting came next, and her skin was covered in hives when she was able to see her arms again. There was an oxygen mask on her face, and the cuffs had been removed.

Vega was soaked in sweat, and she looked at her friend. “So, I am thinking that keeping him in might have been the safer option.”

Eon stroked her hair in concern. “He’s on his way back.”

“Fucking hell. I wonder what’s going to happen next. I think I am just going to burst into fucking flames.”

The doctor next to her bed said, “Why didn’t you mention that you were born a dwarf?”

“No one has spoken to me. It’s in my insurance file, my medical histories, and I am pretty sure it is on the bracelet on my fucking wrist.”

The medical staff looked stunned, and in her swollen skin on her wrist, there was the icon of the dwarf nation, even clear to Vega’s blurry eyes.

Vega pointed at her neck with sausage fingers. “Oh, and the mark on my neck.”

One of the nurses muttered, “I thought it was a partner tattoo.”

The doctor growled. “Not on the right side. Partners go on the left for every registered species.”

Vega muttered, “Student?”

The doctor shook his head. “No, just an idiot who doesn’t realize that three percent of the dwarf community is of average size.”

Eon asked, “What happens to that three percent?”

A new voice spoke from the doorway. “Adoptive parents are found in the average human community where the children thrive. When they are teens, they are put back in touch with their community. Vega was one of the few we could not find a placement for.”

Vega’s blurry eyes made out the distinctive shape of the village elder. She looked at her, and through her raw voice, she said, “Get out, Elder.”

There was a harumph, and the elder ignored her and walked into the room to stand next to her. “So, they tried a hypnotic.”

Vega kept her mouth shut, and the doctor chipped in, “Yes, ma’am. We had no idea that she was dwarf-born.”

Vega turned her head and said to the medical staff, “You do not have my permission to speak about any medical issues to anyone here but me. Fuck it, I am getting out of here.”

The doctor said, “That will be against medical advice.”

“What? You haven’t given me the plague yet? Is that next on the dance card?” She pulled off her mask and fought for air again. She put the mask back on and said, “Have the paperwork for me in an hour.”

The doctor stared at her. “You really need to have more tests run.”

“Listen, the entire building is full of things that are poison to me. I don’t want to be here. I also don’t want visitors that aren’t Eon.”

A low rumble from the door said, “Not even me?”

“Fuck off, Arkus. Don’t think that I don’t know that it is you who shorted me out for a day and a half.”

He walked in and gripped her hand. She yelped and flinched. He asked, “What did they do to you?”

The elder said, “They gave her a hypnotic. We don’t do well with them.”

She looked to the side, and everyone was busy staring at Arkus.

That was it. She wrenched her arm away, climbed over the railing, and as a last act, she pulled off her mask and removed the IV. Everyone watched her as she staggered for the door.

There was a roaring in her ears as she pulled the door open, and when it closed behind her and she was looking for the elevator, her absence seemed to have spurred them to action.

Arkus picked her up and carried her back to the bed. He continued to hold her, and to her surprise, the elder was stripping the bed.

Eon brought bedding in from somewhere, and the elder moved rapidly around the bed. When it was made, Arkus settled her and kissed her softly. “What happened to your everborn skills?”

She spoke in a strangled tone. “They attached to you and left when you did.”

The elder asked, “So, you knew you were a dwarf-born human, and you were going to jump?”

“Sure. I mean. If you hand me my phone, you can see how much my community wanted me to.”

“A few of our more zealous members mention contacting you.”

“Nearly a dozen voicemails and over a hundred and twenty emails. I haven’t checked the texts.”

The elder stared at the phone. “Open it for me, Vega. I am sorry for my earlier message, but I was under stress.”

Vega sighed and used her thumb. The elder began to flick through the emails.

Arkus put the oxygen mask on her again. “Why did you give it to me?”

“I thought you could use it.” She sighed. “I thought I could just be normal now.”

“I am more than capable of keeping myself alive, and you have never been normal.”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought, and look at me now.” She waved at her body while the elder’s features got darker and darker as she went through the emails.

Her hives were settling into a surface mottling that looked gross. Being everborn had kept her from being affected by that kind of thing until now. It was a sudden thud to the ground for her ego now that she lacked protection. She was going to have to adapt to her new life quickly. She now had a normal life and death ahead of her.

Arkus looked her over, nodded, and slid a hand behind her neck, removing the oxygen mask.

Vega was shocked when he lifted her for a kiss, and she saw light flare between them. Her birthright returned to her with a soft stroke of his tongue, and he slowly let her settle back against the pillow.

She felt her own energy settling inside her again, and her skin began to feel normal almost instantly. She blinked. “You didn’t have to do that. I had a plan.”

Arkus’s hand remained on her neck. “I didn’t like your plan, Vega. I prefer mine.”

The elder murmured, “Agree to him, Vega. It’s for the best.”

Vega turned to her grandmother. “You have no pull with me. Not after what you said. As you stated when I was growing up, you have to watch your words because they will burrow in memory.”

Arkus sighed. “It will take time for the wounds to heal.”

“Knowing your entire community of family, friends, and people you grew up with want you dead is humbling, and having many expose how much they hate you is infuriating.”

Her grandmother looked at her and sighed. “They were scared. Scared for your sister, scared for our future children. The power in your body was supposed to be returned to the village.”

“You would have all been blown open if this happened five days ago.”

Her grandmother nodded. “I know, Vega.”

Vega flinched. Not once had she gotten the title her sister had. Granddaughter. “Why are you here, Elder?”

“Because words were said, and Arkusarian explained who you are to him. I wanted to make amends, Vega.”

“Great. Consider the message delivered.” Vega rubbed her forehead. “Will this make it easier?”

She focused, and the mark of the village burned and then disappeared from her neck. “Now it is no longer a concern.”

Arkus murmured, “Vega.”

“What? They were concerned because I was part of the village and I was making them look bad in your eyes, and now that is no longer an issue.” She stroked her neck. “All gone.”

Her grandmother paled. “Vega, you didn’t need to do that.”

“I think I did. When you blame my mother and console your other granddaughter, remember that I have no family titles, allegiances, or friends among your family and people.”

Her grandmother reached out for her hand. “Vega. We need you.”

“The trusts for education and development are in place and will continue for a few generations. By then, another one of my kind will probably have appeared. If I am still around, I will adopt them to keep them free of you. Your society may remain pure. Miners and craftsmen to the end.”

The elder stepped back. “Vega.”

“Have I ever been your granddaughter? I just need to know before you leave.”

Arkus looked at her and then at the elder. “Ah. This explains so much.”

“Vega.”

“Elder. I believe your work here is done. Please hand me my phone.”

Arkus nodded. “We will speak later, Iony.”

The elder left, and Vega sighed, rubbing her forehead and looking at her phone. All the vicious messages had been deleted, and her trash had been emptied. It was a good thing she had forwarded them to her other account then. It was handy to keep track of those who wished you dead, raped, and tortured.

Arkus exhaled. “I am sorry I brought her. Can you rest?”

“Yeah.”

“When you wake, we will leave and have a much-needed conversation. Zerul has connected me with a car service.”

She looked at him. “I don’t want to stay here. Bad things happen here. I want to go home.”

Eon opened the door. “I’ve got the paperwork.”

Arkus asked, “Did you get any clothing for her?”

“The bag by the door.”

Vega nodded. “Thanks, Eon.”

Arkus handed her the bag, and she stripped down and then pulled on the sweatsuit and sneakers. Vega was dressed when the nurse came in, and she signed off on her medical care.

She took the purse she had come in with that Eon had kept close. She hugged her friend and then headed for the door. She was done with this place. She wanted to be home. Her home. Her place. Her sanctuary.

Arkus offered her his arm, and she held it as their trio left the hospital and went their separate ways. A car pulled up, and Arkus put her inside before climbing in next to her. They were soon on their way to the apartment. She wanted to sleep in her own bed and wake up without anything weird happening. She felt it was a small ask.

Chapter Seven

Hari exhaled slowly and cursed softly. Zerul looked at her from across his desk. “What is it?”

“Vega is out of the hospital and has rejected her family. Arkus is with her, and Eon is worried. Eon is never worried.”

Zerul asked, “What is she worried about?”

“That Vega will be untethered now. She isn’t one to not have a focus.”

“What was her focus previously?”

“Her family and her village. The dwarf village in the foothills.”

“Yup. The artisans, historians, and miners. They are all in that protected space.” Hari sighed. “It’s stupid, as many members of their population were born human, just like Vega was. The wave doesn’t discriminate, but they do.”

“Anhara, would you like to visit her?”

“Yes, but I am going to send her an invitation to dinner and see if she answers. I am guessing that she would be a little weak after the hospital. Eon told me that it wasn’t a simple thing.”

“I see. Send the invitation. I also want to speak with the village. This is sitting wrong with me.” Zerul frowned. “It is on the edge of my influence, but I think I can still make an impact.”

“Impact?”

“If your friend has rejected her birthplace, they had to have done something wrong. Your associates are remarkably even-tempered.”

“Yeah, and Vega is really good with money. Snappy dancer, too.” She smiled and typed a text and followed it up with an email.

Zerul checked his schedule, his horns gleaming in the light of the office lamp. “We can go now if you like.”

“Wait. We?”

“You are officially my consort two days from now. I think it’s time for you to get used to the position.”

“I thought that is what Steerik was for?”

“Funny.” Zerul grunted.

“I thought so.” Going to sleep next to him and waking up in his arms had done wonders for her confidence. She just wanted to get the opening over and done with. Steerik had briefed her on what would happen, that he would look like Zerul during all activities, and while pleasure would be a side effect, the set spell was the goal.

To her surprise, she got a response from Vega. Dinner with you two sounds good. Carvados?

Definitely. Eight? Should I make a reservation?

Hari smiled and was honest. Please. They like you better.

Okay. I will confirm with you in a few. It will be for four.

The long sigh of relief got Zerul’s attention. “Is it all good?”

“It is. We are going for dinner at eight with either her and Arkus, or her and Eon.”

Zerul chuckled. “Ah. Didn’t want to ask?”

“Nope. Either way, we need to look nice. Vega has been worried about my public image. Oh, Serel is trying to fight the civil suit.”

“I know. Do you want my lawyer?”

“No. Mine is good and looking forward to this fight. She’s even giving me a discount. Serel was particularly mean to her sister in university.”

Zerul sighed. “I can’t believe that Prolen thought it was proper to have that viper here.”

“He was horny, she was willing, and her father is a political booster. So, it made sense. I get it. It’s why I offered so many options.”

“The dancers.”

“Correct. A few of them have dated vampires in the past, so it was fine. No one came under duress.”

He smirked. “You aren’t familiar with Prolen’s intimate habits. Occasionally, duress is involved.”

“Ah. Well, things I don’t need to know.”

“Would you have anyone in mind as a more permanent partner for him? I am feeling that he needs someone on a steadier basis.”

Hari winced. “I do, but he would have to do all the work. All I can do is put them in the same room. I also have no idea how she would react to his enthusiasm for multiple partners. I know she’s had a few cheaters in her life. She’s a fan of monogamy, and since the ladies like to gossip, she might class that as cheating.”

“Complicated. She has been damaged?”

“Yes. She’s a mage in a master ranking, but when she was an apprentice, she was dating, and it didn’t end well, nor did the next and the next. After that, she gave up and settled for setting up security systems at my businesses.”

Zerul blinked. “She does security?”

“Yes. She has a small shop and does spellwork, including surveillance.”

“Interesting.”

“It is. Oh, here is the confirmation text. Vega knows everybody, and Eon always is at the right place at the right time.” She checked her watch. “And I have two hours to get pretty.”

“You are stunning.”

“Yes, but I have to be stunning in public. It’s easy in a closed room with one audience.” She smirked. “This is sort of like stretching before a run.”

She got up and was about to leave when he cleared his throat and extended his hand. She sighed and returned to him for a kiss.

He had started it in the dreamscape and continued it during the previous day. Whenever she left the room, she had to kiss him goodbye.

She walked over to him, took his hand, and let him reel her in. He was still seated, so she only had to bend slightly to meet his mouth. He was smiling slightly, which made the kiss weird at first, but soon, she was tasting the green tea he favoured and the drop of honey he had put in.

In the dream realm, she would already be in his lap, and he would be inside her, but it was because of their experience in dreams that he had sought out the opener. He wasn’t going to get in without injuring her, and the experience would repeat if that happened.

When she lifted her head, she blinked. “What was I doing?”

“Going to get something to wear to dinner.” His smirk was gentle.

“Right. Can I have my hand back?”

He looked at his grip on her fingers. “Temporarily.” He let her go, and she wiggled her fingers in his face as she left.

It was time to go into the forbidden closet and find something for dinner.

When they pulled up in front of the restaurant, she was nervous. Hari hadn’t been out in a proper girly outfit just for fun in years. Even the cocktail dress from a few nights ago had been less feminine than the outfit she was currently in.

Hari could only describe the dress as a structured nighty. She had been going to pick something more rigid when Zerul had picked this one instead, saying that he liked the way it set off her eyes.

Zerul offered her his arm as they left the car to cross the sidewalk. Personnel opened and held the restaurant doors as they approached.

Hari smiled at the discreetly dressed hostess. “Reservations for Vega.”

The hostess smiled. “Of course, miss. Please come this way.”

The hostess led them to a table in a quiet area of the restaurant, and Hari saw a pale but relaxed Vega sitting next to the man who had taken over Orvuul.

Vega got to her feet and smiled. “Hari. Thank you for mentioning it. Dinner out is just what I need.”

Arkus moved around to hold Vega’s chair. “It is good to see any of Vega’s friends again.”

Hari looked at Vega’s hair and gasped when she saw her bare neck. “Your mark is gone.”

Vega shrugged. “It’s simpler this way. They don’t bother me; I won’t bother them.”

Hari was concerned. “Your family mark?”

“Yes. My grandmother came to the hospital, and I am not certain why. I mean, I know why Arkus brought her. I just don’t know why she came.”

Zerul murmured as he held Hari’s chair. “She came because she wanted to please her deity.”

Arkus sighed. “An error on my part. I hadn’t thought that they would become so insular. When I was formed as one of them, they were kind and open, accepting new members of their community, and the average-sized folk who were born in the village were helpful and trusted. Yes, they left to find suitable partners if they couldn’t find one in the village, but this contempt for all things external to the ideal of the community has caused those born there to be exiled.” He grunted. “It’s a mess.”

Vega smiled and sipped at her water. “Your mess, not mine. Have fun.”

Arkus sighed again. “You could help?”

“What? Stand next to you while they threw stuff at me? They are miners; they throw rocks. If I didn’t regenerate like I do, that would have made a permanent dent in my skull. That was the point where I was emancipated and sent on my way.”

Hari blinked. “I didn’t know you were emancipated.”

Vega sat back. “Yes, I got an early start to my career.”

Zerul frowned. “You make money?”

Hari kicked him under the table. “Hush.”

He raised his brows in surprise. “What?”

Vega chuckled. “I don’t mind. Yes, I make money. That is the one skill that I have under my control at all times.”

Hari blinked. “I hadn’t thought about it like it was an extranatural skill.”

“I know. Most don’t, but I can also shape metal with my fingertips if that makes you feel better.” Vega smiled.

Arkus smiled, and Hari looked at the two. They looked right together, but there was a bit of distance. Vega was keeping herself away from the creature who used to occupy her body.

Zerul asked, “Arkus, how have you been enjoying time in the modern world?”

Arkus smiled slightly. “I very much miss being inside Vega, but she is happy and reclaiming her freedom, so that is lovely to watch.”

Vega sighed. “Don’t talk about me like I’m not here. And definitely don’t mention being inside me again.”

He smiled and innocently sipped at his water. “Yes, dear.”

Hari blinked and covered her mouth with her hand. Her smile was uncomfortably wide.

She felt a hand on her knee that began a slow travel up her thigh. Zerul was looking at her with an innocent expression. She glared at him. “Knock it off.”

He squeezed her thigh and smiled at her. “Yes, dear.”

Vega snorted, and the server arrived. Drinks were ordered, and Zerul asked, “How did you get in here? My connections could only get me in tomorrow.”

“Oh, I am one of the owners. I am an investor or part owner of over a dozen businesses in town and several in other cities.” Vega looked at him from above the menu. “It is an exhausting manifestation.”

Zerul nodded. “How did you meet Eon? It seems unlikely that you would collide.”

“Oh, her sister is the manager here. Eon came to check on Asta one day, and I met her then. Eon and I became fast friends because we are both driven by compulsion.”

Hari blinked. “She has a sister?”

Zerul smiled. “You didn’t know?”

“No.”

Vega smiled. “She works a lot. She’s working now actually. Would you like to meet her?”

Hari thought about it. “Yes, please. If she has time.”

Zerul grinned.

Vega tapped on her phone and continued to peruse the menu. When the server came over, they asked for a few minutes, and as the young woman was about to leave, a gorgeous woman with soft silver hair that cascaded down to her hips came over. “I have it, Daniette. Go and check on table seventeen. I will answer any questions and take the order.”

The woman’s voice was the smoothest sound that Hari had ever heard. It was soothing and relaxing and made everyone at the table smile slightly.

Vega smiled. “Asta, this is Anhara or Hari. You know Zerul, and Arkus has been with me but unseen for the last five years. He isn’t leaving.”

Asta inclined her head. “Welcome to those who have not been here before today. Was there anything in particular you enjoy having?”

The innuendo was extreme, but her tone was helpful and innocent, and her silver eyes were huge and liquid. She smiled brightly at Hari. “It is good to see you finally, Hari.”

Hari felt like she had been given a gift. Her mind relaxed, and her soul was warmed by that bright smile.

Zerul blinked. “You are Eon’s sister? The silver hair, sure, but the rest of you...”

“Well, Governor, I don’t need to call the earth to my aid. I was structured differently.” She smiled. “The salmon is amazing tonight. The tenderloin is a little weak, but the porterhouse is on point. Today, they are going lowbrow with a baked potato, beer, and cheddar soup. It is lovely and very warming.”

Vega smiled. “I didn’t bring you here to take the order. Hari wasn’t convinced that Eon had a sibling. She doesn’t give off big sister vibes.”

Asta smiled. “That is because she is the little sister.”

Vega blinked. “I did not know that.”

“No one asks. I am in my mid-thirties, but no one remembers.” She smiled. “Now, what is everyone in the mood for?” She looked to Hari. “Our chef was one of your instructors, so she should be up to your standards.”

Hari grinned. “Excellent. Zerul’s chef is good, but there is just something missing.”

Asta inclined her head. “We will strive to do better.”

Vega sighed happily. “I love coming here.”

Arkus nodded. “She really does. They make her special donuts.”

Vega muttered, “Squealer.”

Asta smiled. “Will you leave the dessert to me?”

Hari nodded. “Sure. I trust you.”

“It’s a side effect of my effect. Very handy in hospitality.” Asta winked.

Hari asked, “What are you, exactly?”

Asta smiled. “If you haven’t figured it out by dessert, I will tell you. Now, who would like what?”

They gave her their order, and she glided away in her gauzy black dress with deep cleavage and her incredibly high heels.

Hari stared as she went, and Zerul asked, “Do I have competition?”

“No, she is just... wow. Eon doesn’t present in a particularly feminine way. This is surprising.”

He laughed. “She is an excellent manifestation of a fertility deity.”

Vega blinked. “Really?”

Hari thought about it but couldn’t pinpoint the type.

“Zerul, do you know what she is?”

“No, but I recognize the burn of her energy. She’s a low fire but very hot. Her body is a steady burn. That’s why she is so comforting to hang around. You feel warm being next to her.”

Hari blinked. “Wait, that’s what I feel around you.”

He chuckled. “I know.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Vega, do you know what she is?”

Vega shook her head. “No. It was none of my business.”

Arkus chuckled. “I confess to curiosity, but Vega refused to be curious.”

Vega shrugged. “My people had lives before I met them and will have lives after we part ways. If they want me to know, I will know. She cleared the security check. That’s all I needed to know.”

Zerul raised his brows. “You run checks on your staff?”

“Of course. You don’t need a clean record to work here, but it helps if we can keep it from becoming a blackmailing point. We pay very well, and jealously sometimes crops up.” Vega shrugged and took a sip of her mocktail.

Hari cocked her head. “Why are you drinking that?”

“I am done with alcohol for quite a while until I can pour it myself in the quiet of my own home. That was a helluva trip.”

Hari was concerned. “Are you doing well?”

“Yes. Rash is gone, and being home is helpful. I think I was jonesing for my computer.” Vega smiled.

Hari grinned. “How is it living with Arkus?”

Arkus grunted. “I am dealing with the village and trying hard to get the point across that their alienation of those who didn’t manifest into their people is short-sighted. They have spent so much time reinforcing their insular practices that they have made it law and partially religion. It is difficult to shake that sort of thing.”

Hari stared. “So, you really are an ancient god.”

Vega rolled her eyes and took another sip.

“Sort of. My original form was different, not shaped like this. The icon that I was trapped in was confining, but it was my original form.”

Vega spluttered and pulled her drink away. “You have got to be kidding.”

Arkus grinned and leaned in to blot her lips with a napkin. “But I like this form very much, indeed.”

Chapter Eight

“Vega, you have to give me a hint.” Hari smiled.

Arkus chuckled. “Three words—claws, tail, wings.”

Hari blinked. “Really? I thought your kind were extinct.”

“We were vulnerable to a specific type of attack, and I am guessing that the wave has not seen fit to bring my people back into the world at large.”

Vega snorted. “It must have been an extranatural skill wielded by a woman.”

“It was. How did you know?”

“Flash them a pretty face, and they will let you walk right up to them.” Vega snorted.

Arkus shrugged. “And then all I had to do was remain locked in the metal and spellwork until a woman of silent power picked me up and held me.”

Vega snorted. “You make it sound like I didn’t trip and find you in a stream then dried the amulet on my shirt.”

“And while her power is silent, her mouth didn’t have to be.” Arkus grinned.

Hari blinked. “I always wondered what happened to Vega that day. She never said.”

Arkus shrugged. “I spent the first week getting into every cell, every pore. I just kept her from talking about it. In the first few days, I could have been removed or expelled.”

Vega snorted. “You are admitting to being a parasite.”

He shrugged. “I don’t care.”

Zerul chuckled.

Hari blinked and stared at the dragon who had sculpted himself into Vega’s ideal man. “Oh, wow.” The magnitude of the situation suddenly hit her.

Several discrete servers came out and settled their appetizers down on the table. Asta had a bit of colour to her cheeks as she directed the others with soft words.

She smiled, inclined her head, and was turning when Vega said, “Asta, is something wrong?”

“No, Vega. I was just caught off-guard.”

“That doesn’t happen.”

Asta shrugged. “Not often. I will check on your meals.”

Vega smiled, and as soon as Asta was out of sight, she shot to her feet. Arkus blinked.

Hari got up and grinned. “Little girl’s room?”

“Yeah, by way of the XIA table. Excuse us.”

Zerul blinked. “But the food.”

“Mine is cold.”

Arkus smiled. “I can heat anything up if necessary.”

Hari followed Vega through the tables until they found the XIA group, and Benny grinned with a cheerful wave. “Hey, guys!”

Hari looked at Steerik and the hot blush on his cheeks. “Oh. Wow.”

Steerik cleared his throat. “Miss Hari. Good evening.”

Vega blinked. “Oh, he’s the—”

“Yeah.”

“So, he and Asta...”

Steerik chuckled. “A flirtation, nothing more.”

Tremble chuckled. “Yeah, Benny nearly melted just watching.”

Smith smirked. “Part of her did.”

Hari smirked. “Ah, well, mystery solved.”

Vega nodded. “Yes, now I know what put the colour in her cheeks. She never gets colour in her cheeks.”

Steerik paused and then nodded. “Interesting.”

Vega paused. “Well, I don’t want to intrude, and I am recovering from a harrowing experience, and he’s waiting at our table.”

Benny chuckled. “Well, then, thanks for stopping by. The food is fantastic.”

Vega smiled. “I am glad to hear it.”

Hari nodded and asked, “How long are you staying?”

“Until the governor’s ball. The guys are dying to get into ballgowns.”

Three grimacing expressions focused on her, and she shrugged. “Fine, they are looking forward to seeing me in an evening gown, and they all like dressing up and undressing afterward.”

Hari blinked. “Right.” A slow blush crept up her cheeks. She was going to be busy for most of the ball, and it wasn’t going to have anything to do with dancing. Zerul had already warned her that the moment he chose her, she was going to be in his arms, and he was leaving the party with her. At that point, Steerik’s work had better be as good as advertised because it was going to be tested. And considering how long Hari had been waiting for him, it was going to be tested a lot.

Vega grabbed her hand and led her to the ladies’ room. “I don’t like lying, and I can always do with washing my hands.”

Hari laughed and did the same. They returned to the table, and after her chair was held for her, she asked Zerul, “Will Steerik leave right after the contract?”

“Probably. I have invited him to the party, but he declined.”

“May I invite Asta?” Hari tilted her head.

“Of course. You can invite anyone you like.” Zerul smiled.

“Nice. When she comes back, I am going to ask her. We technically need ten ladies, right?”

“No, but there are still ten icons on the floor.”

She turned to him. “I thought you had to choose a consort.”

“I did, five years ago.”

“Aw. That’s rather sweet.”

“But we can still have the lineup if you like.”

“Not really. I would rather not remember things that way.”

“Then, when I call you, please come.”

“That’s a little advanced for me right now. I will work on it.”

He snorted and leaned over to kiss her. Hari kissed him back, and the slow and thorough meeting was soon interrupted by someone saying, “If you don’t like your appetizer, I can offer you something else.”

Asta’s tone was amused.

Hari started to back off, but Zerul held the back of her neck with his palm. Their kiss continued for another thirty seconds before he leaned back.

Hari blinked. “I’m good.”

Zerul grinned. “Eat your food. I need you in top form.”

She sat back and faced her food. “I didn’t peg you for a bottom.” The moment it was out of her mouth, she heard it. “Uh, never mind.”

Zerul chuckled. “We may get to that, but in general, I am not a bottom.”

“Uh, right.” She stuffed one of the appetizers in her mouth and mumbled, “Good to know.”

“There will be a mutual exchange of information over time. I will find out what you like, and you will learn what I enjoy.”

Vega was laughing, and Hari’s face was on fire.

When their table was cleared of appetizers, Asta came by to brush the crumbs away, and then their meals began arriving.

Vega smiled. “Too bad Asta’s blush faded. I am guessing that the XIA have left the building.”

Asta supervised the final touches on the food and said, “They have not, but Steerik had to go and meditate. He has to focus to take on Zerul’s form tomorrow.”

Hari blinked. “Thanks for just announcing that.”

Zerul sighed. “It is common knowledge.”

Arkus smiled. “Not that common.”

Asta blinked. “Oh, I am sorry. I didn’t mean to...”

Zerul grinned. “Don’t worry about it. I am sure he would have told you all his secrets if you had simply asked.”

“Of course. Is there anything else?” She was back to business.

“Thank you, no.” Zerul nodded, and Asta walked away with that graceful sway of hers.

Hari watched her go and saw the others watching as well. “Right? How can anyone walk that way? It’s lovely. I have never managed to look half that good walking away.”

Zerul smiled. “It’s pretty close.”

Hari sighed and began to dig in. The food was amazing.

Plates emptied, and staff removed them. Asta reappeared and smiled. “So, everyone have room for dessert?”

Vega nodded. “Bring us the entire lineup twice and put it in the centre of the table.”

“Of course, Vega. A few minutes away. Hot coffee, tea, or cocktails for anyone?”

Hari ordered a coffee, and the others asked for a variety of beverages. Asta nodded and swayed away.

By the time the desserts had been demolished, Hari was limp and warm from her bones outward. “Is food drunk a thing?”

Vega smiled and nodded. “It is, and when Asta is on duty, it is pretty common. Any night she works, tips for regular servers and orders increase by about twenty percent. She makes people hungry.”

Arkus nodded. “I can see that. It is a good thing to have in the service industry.”

Vega nodded. “She’s one of the reasons that this place is packed night after night. We love her.”

“Does Eon come in?” Hari debated unzipping her dress to get comfortable.

Vega chortled. “Yes, but she pays full price.”

“Oh, we get a discount?”

“For the governor and his consort, of course.” Vega winked. “A small discount.”

Zerul nodded. “Worth every cent.”

The server brought the bill, and Vega took it before anyone else could grab it. “My treat. I have been worrying for the last few days. This is my apology.”

Hari shook her head. “No reason for apologies. What you can do is hand the bill to Zerul. He can deduct it. Oh, and get Asta here. She hasn’t told us the answer to the mystery.”

As if summoned, the graceful woman glided toward them. “So, are you all still curious?”

Zerul nodded. “Your energy signature is familiar.”

Asta smiled. “I am a moon rabbit. Normally, they are men, but I am obviously not.”

Hari blinked. “What’s a moon rabbit?”

Zerul spoke slowly, “A very powerful avatar of an immutable power.”

Asta nodded. “This area attracts that energy, and Zerul is in charge of us. Poor bastard.” Her wide eyes were sparkling.

Zerul inclined his head. “Allow me to acknowledge you, lady.”

She waved her hand. “I enjoy being hospitality. Folks like cuddling up to me, and since they feel good, the groping is few and far between. Thank you for coming, and enjoy the rest of the night.” She bowed to them all and returned to the restaurant.

Hari smiled. “I think we have been dismissed. Vega, call me if you need anything at all.”

“The same to you, Hari. Just call me if you need anything.”

“I will.”

Arkus looked to Zerul and said, “It’s like we aren’t sitting here.”

Zerul shrugged and grabbed the bill. “They have fended for themselves until now, so they know what they need. We are new in the equation.”

Hari smiled. “You are not wrong.”

The bill was paid, and Zerul held her chair as she stood. Arkus did the same for Vega, and they slowly made their way to the front of the building. Hari was surprised when Vega hugged her, but as they parted ways, she smiled. Arkus put his hand at the base of Vega’s spine as they walked away.

Zerul looked at her with amusement. “Matchmaking?”

“No, it is just nice to see what growing affection looks like.”

“I hope you will soon find it in a mirror.”

She smiled, he tucked her into his car, and they headed home. She nodded off twice, full, warm, and happy.

Zerul carried her through his residence when she began to focus again. “I can walk.”

“I didn’t want to wait.”

She sighed and waved at the few staff she saw in the hallway.

Zerul headed to his bedroom and set her on the bed, lowering the zipper as he faced her. “Are you awake enough to get ready for bed?”

She yawned and nodded. “Sure.”

He laughed. “I will help.”

She struggled out of her dress and got up to watch it slip to the floor.

She walked to the bathroom, scrubbed the makeup off her face, brushed her hair, and used the facilities. When she was done, she headed back to the bedroom, where a nightgown was waiting for her.

Hari removed her underwear, put on the gown, and crawled into the welcoming bed. Zerul took his turn in the bathroom and emerged wearing silky boxers.

He flipped his bedding back and wiggled toward her. After a few nights, she was used to it. She moved to him, and he wrapped her in his arms.

“So, that was a nice dinner,” he murmured.

She chuckled and looked up at him. “It was. Vega looks good, considering what has happened.”

“She does. Arkus was panicked by events but now seems to be settling in.”

“I thought he was free now. He can run around where he likes or go to the forest where a line of women is probably willing to welcome him into the modern era.”

“He can. He just chooses Vega.”

“Just. That is putting it mildly.” She huffed and lowered her head to press her forehead against his chest.

He stroked her back, and she felt him tracing what she now knew were wing marks. “You are relaxed.”

“Yeah. I started feeling relaxed when Asta arrived. She’s lovely.”

“A moon rabbit. They are usually male and serve the moon goddess. It stands to reason that she’s exceptional.” He murmured, “I am wondering if the reaction to Steerik is indicative.”

“Probably just the collision of two fertility-based magics.” She smiled and burrowed into him.

“Possibly. Are you sleepy?”

“Relaxed, not sleepy.”

“May I call Steerik?”

She looked up at him. “Today?”

“Yes. Do you mind?”

“Do you think he will be up for it?”

“Let’s find out.” He kissed her forehead and sat up, reaching for his phone on the charging station.

He sat with his elbows on his knees, looking completely at ease as he got in touch with the opener. He smiled. “He’s up. He’s playing poker with the XIA.”

Hari sat up, and her palms sweated. “Ah, right. So, now?”

“In an hour. Would you prefer it occur here?”

“Um. Yeah. Unless you ever got that invisible guestroom ready for me.”

He grinned. “I am so proud of you for figuring that out, Anhara.”

Hari laughed and swatted his shoulder. “Despite appearances, I do have rudimentary intelligence.”

“And yet, you are here with me. I am lucky that you have a blind spot when it comes to me.” He rubbed her cheek with the back of his knuckles.

“Yeah. How did that happen?”

“You and I are compatible on every plane of existence. That has extended to our familiarity.”

Hari leaned into his touch and sighed. “So, what do we do for an hour?”

Zerul smiled. “What about a warm-up? It might help you get in the mood for Steerik.”

“That is not what I am getting in the mood for. I am getting in the mood to get the spell over with. The means of application are what they are.” She shrugged. “But I am always up for a make-out session. With you.”

He scooted back against the headboard and pulled her onto his lap. His erection was being kept under control by his boxers, and her thighs helped weigh him down.

She squirmed a bit and slid a hand up his neck.

“Are you taunting me?”

“You have lived in my dreams for five years. What do you think?”

He smiled slowly and dipped his head, brushing his lips against hers until she leaned up to him.

The kiss was slow and slick, and tongues met and tangled. Hari’s body warmed quickly, and despite the deliberate contact, she just breathed faster and continued the kiss at Zerul’s pace. If he sped up, things often got out of control.

Her body was hot, and her lips were tingling when the soft knock on the door woke her from her warm, comfy state.

Zerul lifted his head. “Come in.”

Steerik came in and turned into Zerul when he crossed the threshold. Hari looked toward him and back at the original. “You tried this once on the dream realm, and it didn’t end well.”

He chuckled. “I am here for support, not interaction.”

She sighed. “You are here, so you can get in and stay in as long as you like without blood being an issue.”

“Ah, yes. That would be helpful.”

Steerik-Zerul was approaching and stripping.

“I mean, we could just fuck on the dream plain in perpetuity.”

Zerul grunted and lifted her off his lap, holding her out toward Steerik. “You are my love and a wonder, but I enjoy the feel of you too much to remain platonic in the physical world.”

She blinked as she was handed to the now-naked version of him.

Fingers slid against her folds and into her sex. The familiar face quirked a smile, and he arranged her on her belly and slid inside.

She blinked. “That is so weird.”

He chuckled and began to move his hips, getting wider and pressing against her with every stroke. He gripped her hips and moved harder as he got thicker and thicker. She clutched at the bedding and focused on the feeling as her body was worked to a mechanically induced orgasm. Friction at its best.

She heard the muttering and felt the spell taking hold as she got to the edge, and as she gasped, there was a strange snapping feeling in her sex followed by numbness. Her body fluttered around his cock, he completed his chanting, and the numbness faded.

Hari felt a slow stroke down her spine, and then he withdrew.

Not a word had been spoken.

Zerul pulled her onto his lap and cuddled her. “How are you feeling, Anhara?”

“It feels weird.”

“It?”

“You know what I am referring to.”

He chuckled and nodded. “I know. How do you feel?”

“Like I just had an internal exam.” She grimaced.

Steerik was dressed and chuckled. “Let me know if you need anything else. If not, I am on my way tomorrow.”

Zerul cuddled her against him. “Thank you, Steerik.”

When he left the room and they were alone again, she looked at Zerul. “That was so odd.”

“Odd?”

“Well, it wasn’t fun, but it wasn’t not fun. I was aroused by cuddling with you, but it didn’t increase with him inside me. I came, but it was from friction, like when you stroke yourself. So, weird.” She yawned.

He chuckled. “Well, let’s crawl back into bed, and you can get some rest.”

She nodded, and he tucked them both into bed with her curled up on his chest.

She yawned and was on the edge of nodding off when she heard herself mutter, “Told you, you were a bottom.”

He casually straightened her hair with slow strokes of his fingers. “You are going to pay for that, Anhara.”

“You know where to find me.” She chuckled and slept, his chest rising and falling under her, his breath against her ear.

Chapter Nine

Eon sat up and ran a hand through her hair. “Hello?”

“Mage Eon? This is Mage Guide Leader Thea Breatah. We need help.” A howling wind nearly drowned out the young woman’s voice.

“What is wrong?”

“We are camping on Tellcraft Mountain, and one of the girls decided to try a spell. It worked, and we loosed the wind.”

Eon was wide awake. “Which wind?”

“The north wind. The spell was for the north wind. It is circling us, and there is screaming in the stone around us. We’re scared.”

“Right. I am on my way.”

“You are coming?” The hope was audible.

“With help. We will get you home safe.” Eon was pulling her jeans on while she spoke. “We will be there within the hour, just stay together and stay safe.” She hung up and paused, stripping and pulling on her adaptable clothing.

She called Asta, but her sister didn’t answer, so she dialled Genifel and got an answer. “Gen, I need help.”

“Just tell me when and where.”

“Tellcraft Mountain and right fucking now. There are some mage guides who summoned a wind spirit up on that mountain. He’s probably working up the nerve to knock them off.”

“Right. Putting on something stretchy. Those wind spirits cause me to bloat something fierce.” Gen could be heard rummaging. “You still driving that silver SUV?”

“Yup.”

“I will be looking for you. See you soon.” Gen hung up, and Eon sighed in relief.

Gen was reliable and could get the job done. It would have been easier to use Asta as bait, but Eon would take what she could.

Right now, there were some girls stuck on a mountainside.

* * * *

Asta rolled over and checked her phone. “Oh dear.”

Steerik stroked her shoulder. “What is it?”

“Eon called me. My sister never calls outside of waking hours unless it’s urgent.”

“I am sure it’s fine.”

She turned her head and looked at him, happily sprawled out in her bed. “I am sure it isn’t. I have to go.”

She got out of bed and stalked to the bathroom to clean up while calling her sister and finally got an answer. Eon filled her in, and Asta blinked. “I am on my way.”

“Gen is coming, but backup would be appreciated.”

“I am on my way, sis.” She twisted her hair into a ponytail and headed to the bedroom where Steerik was sitting up.

“I am guessing that our tryst is over?”

“Yup. You can stay as long as you like, but there are some mage guides stuck on a mountainside, and I am an emergency responder, as is my friend Gen.” She got dressed as she spoke, and by the time Steerik got out of bed, she was grabbing her keys.

She walked over to him and beckoned for him to bring his head down. She kissed him when he obliged and smiled. “Thanks.”

“I usually get paid if there are thanks.”

Asta paused and frowned. “I can pay you. It was a nice first time, considering that you were tired from work.”

Steerik blinked. “First time?”

She blushed and headed for the door. “I... never mind. Text me your rate, and I will send it to you. No problem.” She smiled and shrugged. “Good night, and drive safe.”

She left her apartment and headed to her car. She got in and got on the road. The last few hours had been pleasant, but she had to focus.

Asta focused on the drive and went as fast as her car would allow. When she arrived at the outlook near the mountain, Gen and Eon were waiting. They both smiled at her, and together, they made a plan to deal with the maelstrom that was swirling above.

Gen looked calm and sombre, ready to take action. Asta was ready to act as bait, and Eon was ready to snag the girls and get them to safety while Gen worked on confinement.

They did their thing away from the convoy of parent vehicles who were trying to call in air support to rescue their girls.

Asta watched as Eon walked to the overlook and stepped over the safety rail. She started to grow and let her legs dangle while getting over a hundred feet tall.

Gen and Asta jumped onto her shoulders, and Eon climbed out of the ravine and began to jog along toward the mountain, growing as she went.

Eon moved carefully across the plain to the foothills.

Asta turned on her glow to get the spirit’s attention. There was something wrong with the aura of the wild energy swirling above.

“Gen!”

“Yeah?”

“Not a spirit! That is Borealis.”

“Aw, fuck. If I had known, I would have skipped dinner.” Gen nodded. “Right, Eon’s gathering them. Can you call him over?”

Gen stood on Eon’s shoulder and got her wings out. Thick, leathery wings emerged, and Gen crouched.

Asta pulled on the spirit’s energy and got his attention. Lust flared along their connection, and she grimaced as he darted toward her. “Now!”

Gen jumped into his path and flew into the path of the wind with her mouth wide, inhaling the elemental god. She closed her mouth with a snap and turned to fly back to the cars. Gen never hung around after she ate something or someone.

Asta held onto Eon as she turned back to the parked families, and her long legs got them there in two minutes. The guides were gently placed with their families, the grimoire they had used was confiscated, and Eon shifted and shrank down to her normal height as she and Asta made their way back to their cars.

Gen was kneeling next to her car, and as Asta watched, she vomited a swirling grey sphere. She panted and looked up at him. “I hate eating gods.”

Asta looked at the sphere. “Is that him?”

“Yeah, don’t get too close. He has a thing for recent maidens.”

Eon’s head whipped toward Asta. “Recent maiden? When did that happen?”

“Uh, tonight. It’s fine. It was casual. No promises, no affection.”

Eon blinked. “Aw, I wished for more for you.”

“It was fine.” Asta shrugged, and she blushed. “He was kind.”

Eon hugged her. “Right. You waited so long I thought it would be lights and sirens.”

Asta shrugged. “That was never my ideal situation. I settled for mutual attraction.”

“But tons of guys are attracted to you.”

“And I am not attracted to them. It was a pretty simple equation. He finished work, and I invited him over.” Asta looked at Gen. “Are you okay?”

“Great.” Gen opened her car door, grabbed a canister, and popped the sphere into it. “I have to call around to see if I can find a home for this twit. I am going back to bed.”

Asta nodded. “Excellent idea.”

Eon looked at her. “Are you okay?”

“I am. I feel fine. A few aches and pains, but no blood, so that is something.” She smiled. “Thanks for answering when I called.”

“Thanks for calling me back.”

They hugged and parted. Eon hesitated and then said, “Call me if you need anything.”

“I will.”

“Do you want to go for pancakes?”

“No.” Asta laughed. “But thanks, sis.”

Asta hugged her younger sister again and got into her vehicle to drive home.

Walking into her house, everything was tidy, and she knew she was alone. She felt a pang of loneliness but went to her pantry and got a packet of cookies. Losing one’s virginity felt like it called for a high-calorie snack as a reward or consolation.

She wandered into her bedroom and flicked on the light. Her bed was made. Clean sheets had been put on, and there was a note on the pillow.

Asta walked to the head of the bed and picked up the note. Call me for anything, any time. And his number followed.

She picked up her phone and put the number in. He had met her at the restaurant, so an exchange of numbers hadn’t been necessary.

Sadly, she wouldn’t need to call him. She almost wished she would, but nothing ever happened that required an assist.

Her life was usually very boring.

* * * *

Hari woke up to gentle kisses and stroking hands. Dawn hadn’t arrived yet, but Zerul was nuzzling at her neck, and the dream shifted to reality with startling ease. She murmured sleepily, “Oh, hi.”

He chuckled. “Hi.”

“So, you are wanting to try this in person?” She wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Oh, yes. How do you feel about it?”

She slid her leg against his. “Pretty good so far.”

He grinned. “Good. May I continue?”

“Oh, sure.”

“Thank you.” He kissed her until she clutched at him, sliding her hands into his hair. It was awkward to get around his horns, but she managed to flex her fingers against his scalp with the silk of his hair around them.

She tried to match him with every move he made, but just as she caught up, he moved on. Hari softly whined as he broke off, moving down to kiss and nip at her neck with his extremely sharp teeth.

The sharp blades were carefully wielded as he moved to lie with his head between her breasts, and a steady snuffling came to her ears. “What are you doing?”

“Memorizing you. There are no scents in the dream realm.”

“Oh, can that wait?” Hari muttered.

He chuckled with his nose pressed against her sternum. “No.”

“Oh.” The heavy ram’s horns on his head took up most of this angle, and he was snugly situated between her breasts until he moved his head to kiss and bite his way up one breast, flicking her nipple with his tongue and then over to the other.

Whichever creator linked the nipples to the clit needed to answer for their joke. Her thighs jerked with every flick.

She felt his teeth and knew he was smiling. He moved to her left side, and it caused her to squirm a little. The sensations were different. Her body was a fan of the left.

He sucked with slow, long draws, and her sex slicked. The physical world was definitely different.

Zerul slid his hand up her thigh to her hip and rocked her against him. Hari gasped and squeaked because his teeth carefully held her nipple as he moved the rest of her.

When he released his teeth from around her, she whimpered, and he continued to move lower until his head was wedged between her thighs.

Her hands slammed onto his horns as he pressed his lips and jaw into her. His tongue snaked into her, and one hand stroked her lower belly while his thumb rocked against her clit.

Hari’s mind scrambled to hold onto her thoughts, but her sex felt tense, tenser, and then slow flutters deep inside filled her with relaxed satisfaction.

His tongue teased her opening a few times, and when she flexed her thighs around him, he raised his head, licking his lips.

His tongue was longer than she was used to seeing, and she let out a strangled, “Where did that come from?”

“Anhara, I keep it for special occasions.” He chuckled and moved up her body, sliding the pointed head of his cock against her opening. “I will stop at any time.”

She focused on his glowing eyes, the silhouette of horns and the pinkish light of dawn colouring his shoulders. She nodded. “You had better.”

He smiled and pressed into her.

She arched when there was the feeling of intense pressure, and she doubted Steerik’s work, but then he continued until he was pressed into her all the way.

Hari exhaled slowly, and Zerul looked at her with concern. “All is good?”

“Yeah. You fit. No pain.”

“No panic?”

“None. So, do you have a thing for soaking?” She smiled at him.

He grinned. “Yes, but now is not the time for that. My compliments on your knowledge base.”

“Those who can’t do, study.”

He leaned down and kissed her as he started to move inside her. It was a slow caress, and he shifted his hips to change angles, and each thrust made the pleasure brighter.

She lifted her hips to meet his and wrapped a leg around his thighs.

He asked softly, “Can I move you?”

She blinked and nodded. He withdrew, and she whined. He was so warm. He flipped her to her belly and licked the marks on her back where the wings should be.

The sound that came out of her mouth wasn’t something she had heard before, but the bed vibrated with the energy she had expended. He slid into her again and groaned when he was in to the hilt, his belly pressing against her ass.

He leaned over her, weighing her down and whispering in her ear, “Now, Anhara, let’s find out what my teeth do.”

His thrusts picked up speed, and he moved her hair out of the way and bit the nape of her neck. The pain seared through her and ran down her fingers and toes, focused in her back, and then she felt the surge of energy as her wings bloomed outward. She felt them having sex, felt her wings stretch out, and then she shuddered as another orgasm pulsed through her.

Zerul groaned and pushed deep, holding himself inside her and between her wings. He released her neck and licked at the wounds. He sighed softly, “All better.”

She grunted. His body was keeping her new wings out at her sides, but it felt like doing unexpected splits in the middle of her back.

Hari whispered, “Off. Please.”

He grunted and withdrew, backing away.

She got her hands under her and pushed up, folding her wings and then flexing them again.

Hari folded her wings in and carefully turned around to face Zerul. He had backed up so she wouldn’t clip him with her feathers.

She stared at him naked. Physically, he was different. Psychically, they had been ideal with the edges blurred and their senses were projections and memories of touch, not the real thing.

He was gold and tanned, his horns were shiny, his eyes gleamed, and his lips had a light staining of her blood.

His voice was rich when he said, “There you are, Anhara.”

“And there you are, Zerul. I wouldn’t have guessed at that freckle on your hip.” She smiled.

He lifted her jaw on two fingers. “I would never have guessed at your wingspan. I am glad my boost could bring them out.”

“Oh, that’s what the bite is for.”

“Of course. It’s hard to get energy into a self-healing body. The bite is the best way.” He smiled. “Plus, it is rather fun.”

She rotated her head and tested the healing on her neck. “And it’s healed.”

“I know. And I get to do it over and over again.” He chuckled.

Hari looked down and said, “Where did my nightgown go?”

He shrugged. “You were naked when I woke up.”

“Well, I don’t like wearing anything to sleep.”

“Yes, that must have been it.” He winked.

She flexed her wings, and they arced upward and swept down. She hopped over Zerul to land behind him. “Okay, that’s fun. Now I know why Livia is so happy about hers coming out.”

“She doesn’t have a partner?” He turned slowly.

“No. Not yet. Don’t worry about Steerik. He’s just a buddy, and if she says so, it’s true.” She flexed her wings. “I really want to take these suckers for a test flight.”

“Pace yourself. There will be plenty of time after tomorrow’s party.” He reached out and took her hands. “I am thinking something backless.”

“Oh, I can wear my wings out?”

“I think it would be quite impactful. Mind you, I am only going to declare you as my consort, and then I am going to flick you over my shoulder and carry you into my abode.” He wagged his eyebrows.

“That’s it? All this fanfare for a few minutes of excitement...” She paused and tapped her lips with one finger. “Wait a minute. That’s familiar.”

He snorted. “When we are free to spend all day in bed, things will be a little different.”

“Why, Governor, you can do that?” She chuckled. “I just get Sundays and Mondays off.”

“Would you be willing to take on a different role?” He moved closer to her and stroked her arms.

“Like what?”

“Wife. First lady. Partner?” His brows rose as he locked gazes with her. “Think about it.”

“Isn’t that what a consort is?”

“Yes, but a formal agreement will knock Serel’s family back on their asses.”

“What an enticement.” She smiled.

“Free clothes? Nice place to live since yours was mage-scorched.”

“Ah. Right.” He had moved closer to her, and her breasts now touched his chest. “That had slipped my mind. So, you are already giving me a wardrobe and a place to live.”

He smiled. “I would like to offer you more, but you might take offense to it.”

“For now, I accept the position of consort. Wife would involve a bit of planning, right?”

“A little. Nothing untoward. Prolen is very good at that sort of thing.”

“What would I have to do?”

“Show up and make sure that there are nine other women there. As the consort, you are in charge of upholding the optics of the ritual.”

“Wait, so I have to find nine other women willing to line up and be ogled by the guys at the party?”

“Correct. They will be protected, but they are necessary. Women with power would be preferred.”

Hari blinked. “You are serious.”

“I am. They do not have to be maidens, but they should technically be single.”

“Right. So, an entire bank of strippers.”

He grinned. “If necessary and as long as they have power at their disposal.”

“Why? Serel didn’t have any, nor did half of the ladies with her.”

“Because you have power, a lot of it. The balance would be out.” He stepped to her so they were pressed together. “This one matters, Anhara.”

She smiled and looked at him. “Yeah, it does.”

He kissed her, and she stretched her wings before bringing them in and letting them fade. When she leaned back, she whispered, “It feels weird to be up during daylight hours.”

“I don’t sleep often, so you will be my cue for rest.”

“I will add it to the list of duties you want me to have.” She wrinkled her nose. Mentally, she was counting ladies that she knew that weren’t dancers.

Chapter Ten

Eating breakfast across from Zerul, Hari said, “I think I can think of five. Maybe they know someone.”

“Who are the five?”

She ticked them off on her fingers. “Livia, Vega, Eon, Asta, and Gen. So, I think I could ask them to find four more.”

“Who’s Gen?”

“She’s involved in the mage guides. She’s an eater by designation.” Hari paused. “I don’t think Benny would be able to do it with a straight face.”

“An eater?”

“Yes, generally the kind of mage that compressed Arkus into that icon that Vega found. I think Gen makes orbs out of what she eats.”

He looked up from his tablet. “I think I have a report of three of your friends last night. Some teenagers summoned a north wind, but they got the north wind. A giant rescued the teens, one of the women distracted the wind, and the third jumped at the column of wind and inhaled it. She was reported to have bat wings. Then they delivered the teens, got in their cars, and left.”

Hari spread jam on her toast. “You are right. That does sound like them. Eon should be happy. It’s one of her only chances to stretch her legs.”

“So, you have met Asta before?”

“No, but Eon has mentioned her big sister, and of course, I have bumped into Gen. She works for my accountant.”

“She has bat wings?”

“Yeah, her mother is a bat shifter.”

“And her father?”

“He’s a mage with a thing for numbers.” She smiled. “Her aunt is my lawyer.”

“How is the lawsuit going?”

“Pretty good. Serel’s lawyer is scrambling for a settlement. There is way too much evidence and far too many witnesses. Plus, there is my own criminal case for reference and plenty of witnesses for that.”

She took a bite of the toast. “As soon as the panic settles, I am handing the information over to the prosecutor.”

His eyes widened. “Who will have to file the very public assault on what is about to be a very public person.”

“Yup. Well, you aside, I was going to do this since she thought it would be funny to drag me to court to pay for the dress I was raped in.” She looked at him, and he was startled by what he saw in her eyes. “I am going to make this public and painful, and when she has nothing, she can sell herself to make ends meet.” She smiled brightly. “Pass the coffee?”

He blinked. “So, you are scarier than I thought. Excellent.”

She chuckled. “Yeah, I really hate her, and she is going to feel it every moment from this day forward.”

“That’s lovely. Keep it in our vows.”

“How good is your legal team?”

“The best in the city.”

“Good. If she comes after me, I am not going to hold back, and I am going to scream her head into a shattered mess.”

“So, still angry?”

“Still furious. At her urging, he sedated and assaulted me. She has not once apologized.”

Zerul sat back with a glass of orange juice in his long fingers. “So, it is what is referred to as a justice boner.”

“Oh, yeah. She could have just apologized before the shock wore off. She didn’t, and here I am.” She raised her cup of coffee to him.

Her phone rang as if conjured. “Oh, look. It’s my lawyer.”

She answered. “Hey, Rayna.”

“They want to settle. They really want to settle.”

“Great. You know the terms at which I will settle.”

“They won’t go for it.”

“I know. That’s the fun part. Return of all funds, including interest, and public apology read at a press conference. One narcissistic comment, and the deal is cancelled. Off to court.”

“I will send the message and let you know.”

“Thanks, Rayna. Hugs to the mister.” She hung up.

Zerul blinked. “That’s fast.”

“We had all the paperwork ready to go. The lawsuit was geared up, and a clerk who hates her family stamped and expedited it. It has gone off like clockwork.”

He grinned and beckoned to her. “May I have a hug?”

She got up, brushed the crumbs off, and walked to sit on his lap. They cuddled together with occasional kisses until Prolen arrived with the day’s activities for Zerul.

Hari started texting her friends and asked them if they knew four females for the following evening. They lived in an area where rituals popped up randomly, which was an important one to control the surrounding areas.

Prolen paused as he spoke to Zerul. “Mattias is arriving with his assistant, and there is an unexpected guest coming in tomorrow. Regick and his mate, Zora, are coming. They wish to talk to Arkus about his territory.”

Zerul cocked his head. “They wish to establish a presence in the city?”

“I believe they wish to help you with the vampires in the city. There is going to be a meeting that no one has anticipated.” Prolen smiled, showing his teeth. “I am going to have to wear my best suit.”

Zerul nodded. “Interesting. Since the demigods in this region are populating heavily, the vampires have limited meals available. It means that your species makes stupid choices.”

Prolen shrugged. “You aren’t wrong. The ladies that your consort recommended to me are quite satisfying.”

Hari chuckled. “But I can’t pimp out the whole city. Those two have a particular interest in what you have to offer. What’s this about demigods?”

“Ah, the last wave cracked the space where the gods retreated. Their energy has been leaking out for decades, and you are one of the results, as am I. The transformations into recognizable species, his morphing into something else.” Zerul stroked her back. “Isn’t that fun?”

“Oh, I see you have your own brand of crazy, Governor.” She snorted and leaned her head against his shoulder.

Her friends got back to her with a list of names. She cross-referenced them and came up with four names. Two were siblings, so it made it easier. She sent texts and emails to the ladies on the list, keeping one extra just in case.

“There. Now I wait for strangers to agree to stand here in an evening gown while you look them over like a piece of meat and choose a consort.”

Zerul murmured, “There will be snacks.”

“Oh. That’s a selling point. I should have led with that.”

He kissed her temple. “You can’t think of everything.”

She smiled. “Well, I have to go to the club to check inventory today.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Take someone.”

“Like who? Prolen isn’t going to be enjoying daylight.”

“I can come with you once I have finished my more emergent tasks.”

“The club isn’t as fun during daylight hours.”

“I know, but I don’t want you alone, considering the events of the last week.”

Hari huffed, but she wasn’t stupid. He also wasn’t wrong. She pursed her lips. “Fine. Let me know when you are ready to go. I have to do an inventory and health standards check.”

“You do that once a week?”

“Oh, yeah. Health inspectors hold strip clubs to a higher standard. It is far too common for men who overextend their wallets to try and call in complaints.”

“Only men?”

“Yeah. The ladies who come watch their wallets, so if they are cheating on their significant others, they keep their budgets separate.”

“Interesting.”

“Same goal, different approaches.” She shrugged.

He smiled at her. “Well, I will have to get to my office and get to work so that I can accompany you.”

“Fine.” She stood up. “Go do your thing while I check on one of the ladies who got back to me.”

“Which one?”

“The one with a sister.”

“Well, that’s two down.”

“They need dresses in very different sizes.”

“No problem.” Prolen smiled. “We can accommodate a zero all the way up to ice giant.”

“Oh. Nice. A little weird for you guys to have that kind of a ladies’ wardrobe.”

Prolen smirked. “Some of the ladies get a little messy at dinner.”

She wrinkled her nose. “Ew.”

“Sorry.” He shrugged. “Vampire facts.”

She sighed. “Of course.”

Zerul got to his feet and took her hand. “Keep me company?”

“Sure. Ignore any giggly girl calls you hear.”

“It will be difficult. I don’t really remember you being girly yet. So, this will be interesting.” He slid his arm around her back, and they headed to his office.

She wrinkled her nose and called the younger of the two ladies back, “Hey, Stella. My name is Hari. Zerul is choosing his consort tomorrow, and we need more women of power. Eon identified you as a likely lady to come to the governor’s ball tomorrow.”

“So, this isn’t a joke. You really just want us to show up?”

“Yup. Apparently, there are gowns here for the party. You are allowed to defend yourselves as you like.”

“Oh, geez. Luna will love that. What time do you need us there, and will there be food?”

“There will be food.”

Zerul was chortling at his desk as he went through documents.

“Cool.”

“Uh, show up at sunset.”

“Nice. We will be there.”

“Do you need to converse with your sister?”

“No, she won’t let me go alone.” Stella snickered. “So, you can count on both of us.”

“Oh. Okay. I will see you then.”

“Yup. Luna’s a big eater, so prepare for that.” Stella laughed.

“There will be plenty. Thank you, and text me if you want a car to pick you up.”

Zerul nodded in confirmation.

“That would be great. Thanks.”

Stella hung up.

Hari called Eon and spoke to her for a moment to understand the dynamic that she was dealing with. Luna was in charge of Stella with eight years between them, and Stella was twenty-five. It was fucked up, but they were both strong extranaturals.

Hari thanked Eon, congratulated her on the rescue the previous night, and they hung up.

She stared at her phone and bit her lip. When she got a note from Asta, she blinked in surprise. She called and said, “Hey, Asta. How are you doing?”

“Great. I heard you need ladies for the lineup?”

“Yes, please. Do you know anyone?”

“Yes. I have two friends who meet the criteria of female and powered and available tomorrow night.”

“Really? Thank you. You spoke to them already?”

“Yes, we get breakfast together before work. I thought I would ask. They are up to play dress-up. They just wanted to know if they should do their own makeup.”

“Please. I don’t think that all skin tones can be accounted for sight unseen.”

“Good point. I will be there as well.”

“Thanks, now do you think I should try and find a few more?”

“Two more might be safe. Maybe Gen has an idea. Eon is closer to her than I am, so it might be a good way to get cooperation.”

“Should I contact your friends?”

“Sure, or I can put you on speakerphone.”

“Oh, please.”

The two soft and pleasant voices made Hari smile. That had to be the most relaxed gathering ever. She didn’t care what they looked like; they were going to chill out the entire group the following night.

She got in touch with Eon and got a spare lady for the evening, and when it was done, it was noon. Zerul smiled. “Do you want to head to the club now?”

“Sure. I will make us something to eat. I have been jonesing to get into the kitchen, but I always run into scowls and flapping hands here.”

They headed to the club, and she opened it, keying in the passcode and flicking on the lights in the kitchen.

She printed out the list and put it on her clipboard. She took out two steaks, set them on the thawing plate, and marked them off the list.

“Salad or fries?”

“How good are your fries?”

She grinned. “Pretty damn good.”

“Fries then.”

She turned the oil on.

He smiled, and she took the next hour to take the inventory and place the order. After that, she fired up the grill and got to work, getting the steaks just underdone and on plates to rest while the fries went in for their second round.

It was fun to sit in the silent club and share a meal. He also saw that she committed the sacrilege of steak sauce for her steak. She swore him to secrecy, and he laughed.

Hari looked around the clean and polished club. “This place has been home to me. Well, this place and the gym.”

“It’s charming and surprisingly clean.”

She laughed. “Women run it. We are fussy about scents and jizz.”

He cocked his head. “Do you have that problem frequently?”

“Not enough to be a concern but frequently enough to keep a lot of bouncers on site.” She smiled. “Two at the door and six working the club.”

“That’s quite a few.”

“Yes, considering the clientele, it is better safe than stupid. The ogres send their convention goers here. We bulk up for special events.”

He nodded. “If you ever have need of sudden guards, I can arrange something.”

“I will keep that in mind. Thanks. Well, I am just going to get these dishes cleaned, and then we can go wherever you like.”

“You do your own dishes?”

“Sure, when there is no one here to do it for me. They are not my favourite thing to do.” She collected the plates and cutlery and headed to the kitchen.

She washed and scrubbed everything in nearly scalding water, lining them up on a rack. Her hands recovered as she drained the sink and towelled them dry.

She left everything tidy and verified that the food orders had been put through, checked the supplies, and placed that order, and while she was doing that, Zerul was slowly spinning on the forward pole on stage.

Hari finished her tasks and grinned as she watched him slowly move. She pulled out her phone and started some music.

He paused and smiled. “Ah, I am guessing you can do this better?”

“I certainly have more practice.”

He looked innocently at her. “If you have time.”

She laughed and flapped her hands at him until he stepped out of her rotational reach.

She changed the song, took off her jacket, and reached high as she took a few steps, launched herself upward, and began a simple routine that ended up with her on the floor, head back, and heels touching the back of her skull. The song shifted, and she got to her feet, straightening her dress and putting her jacket back on.

Zerul was staring at her. “That was... If I installed one of those at the mansion, would you do that again?”

She smirked. “That costs extra.”

“I will pay.”

Hari held up her hands. “I am kidding. You can get portable ones. Look for an exercise pole. This sucker is anchored in concrete, and when I get a good head of steam, I can feel it rocking.”

Zerul nodded. “I will take that under advisement. I know that you have excellent muscular development, and now, I know why.”

She wiggled her skirt back into normal lines and smiled. “Well, there are going to be plenty of ladies to stand on the spots tomorrow. There are far more extranatural ladies of higher power levels around here than I thought.”

“We are close to the rift, and energy courses through it, seeking hosts. Babies are excellent receptacles. Extranatural babies are little sponges.”

“So, there is a reason I am an everborn.”

“Correct. Also, the same reason I was born with horns and certain urges.”

“Urges?”

“My sex drive can be extreme. I needed to seek out a partner who could be a partner and not a victim.”

Hari cocked her head. “It wasn’t extreme.”

“We were together for three hours. It was fairly rough for someone with standard biology.” He smiled.

“Really? It didn’t feel like any time at all.” She looked into his eyes.

“I will endeavour to exhaust you at the first opportunity, but I believe some of my guests are coming this evening, so dinner will be the priority.”

“Oh, well, have fun.”

He smiled and held out his hand to her. She slipped her fingers along his, and he bent over her knuckles to kiss her hand. “You are going to be acting as the lady of the manor.”

“Lady?”

“Of course. I am the elected governor, and you are my lady.” He stood straight and smiled at her.

“So, what are the pointy teeth for, aside from holding me in place while you fuck me?”

“A little of this and a little of that.” He smiled. “I can only guess at their intent, but they did put me in charge of the vampires.”

“Your teeth did?”

“Of course. They won’t submit if you can’t bite.”

She blinked. “Right. Well, the frying pan helped considerably.”

“I am glad you found a use for it. You were never injured?”

“No. They didn’t come near me.”

“Good.”

“Have you had to argue with them before?”

He shrugged and pulled her into a hug. “A few times, but apparently, that was enough. I haven’t had to fight in the last ten years. Prolen doesn’t even catch any flack for that. While I have separated myself from daily activities, everything has gone smoothly.”

Zerul pressed his lips to her neck and started to lick lightly at her skin. “You got sweaty.”

She shivered and tried to back away in embarrassment. “Yeah. I did.”

“Would you be willing to come back to the residence with me so I could find out where you gather your scent?”

“Wait. What?”

He leaned in and whispered in her ear. She blushed and looked at him. “So, this is a frequent thing?”

“Yes.”

“And I thought your guests were coming tomorrow.”

“They sent notices that they were arriving a day early to enjoy the city. There are also a few vampires that have requested healing from Regick’s mate. So, she has agreed, as they will be in town anyway.”

“She can heal vampires?”

“Yes, it is a particular skill of hers.”

“What about Matthias and his assistant?”

“They are coming because there are some art installations at our local museums that Matthias is donating to. It is easier to communicate with them and inspect the facilities during daylight hours.”

She nodded. “Ah. So, you need a hostess.”

“That is part of it. Mainly, I need you. Just as we discussed years ago, we resonate.”

“Yeah. The dreams definitely proved that.”

“Shall we return home?”

“To work off some of your intensity?”

“Yes. Please.” He stepped back and offered her his arm.

She looked around, made sure she had done everything, and then nodded. “Okay, let’s go.”

She took his arm, and they walked through the silent club. She locked up, and his driver opened the door. Paparazzi took photos of them as he helped her into the car and then slid in after her.

“Is that going to be a problem?”

He chuckled. “No. It is just an introduction for you into the city’s consciousness as my consort.”

“Uh-huh. Well, better than the whore and murderer from your last event.” She sighed. “If he hadn’t been a vampire, it would have been so much worse. I would have felt guilty. As it was, I was very grateful for the gift of the frying pan. It made dealing with the subsequent vampires earlier, including the stalking.”

He frowned and kissed her hand as the car started moving. “I wasn’t aware that you were stalked.”

“It wasn’t so much stalking as ambushing. They waited outside the club and tried to get me between the building and car. That is when the bouncers had to step in.” She smiled. “I really like Eon. She’s always ready to throw down for friends.”

“She defended you?”

“Several times.”

“I will keep that in mind if she ever needs anything.”

She chuckled. “You don’t have to bribe my friends. We went all in together.”

“It isn’t a bribe; it’s a thank you for helping you when you were in their sight.”

Hari smiled. “They might accept that.”

“I look forward to getting to know them better.”

Hari laughed. “Be careful what you wish for.”

“You would be appalled at what I had wished for.”

She blushed. “I seem to remember some discussion on the dream realm, but it is a little fuzzy.”

“I will refresh your memory. Later.” He smiled.

She shrugged. “I won’t remind you if you don’t.”

He stroked her neck as they returned to the mansion. Things were calm as they got out, and Prolen gave him an update about the stuff that needed his attention.

Hari would have escaped, but he had hold of her hand with a light grip, and it wouldn’t do to break that minimal contact.

They walked to his office, and when he closed the door, he turned, lifted her, and pressed her against the wall. The kiss was blatantly carnal, and his hands pushed her skirt up over her hips. When he lifted his head, she gasped. “Oh, you meant now.”

“Yes, now.” His voice was rough.

She blinked as a hand pulled her panties aside, his fingers slid into her as his kiss returned to her lips, and her body started to tingle.

The tingling increased when he lifted her higher and sucked on her breasts through her dress. The sound of his fingers moving got distinctly louder, and when the slipping began to include her clit, she shook and whimpered as her heated bud was overstimulated and electricity struck her. Slow, heavy throbbing took over her sex, and he pressed into her while the pulsing was rapid.

He thrust into her, pressing her to the wall as his hips kept her pinned. His palms gripped her wrists and raised her hands above her head.

Hari stared at him and tried to focus on one sensation, but her body was hot and tingling once again. He shifted his grip to hold her wrists together and reached between them to rub at her clit as he stroked deep.

She stared into his eyes and blinked for a moment, and then his mind linked to hers in the dream realm. They joined in both realms, and when she came, he was with her.

Chapter Eleven

The air was fragrant, and Hari sighed. “I hadn’t associated scents with sex before.”

Zerul kissed her neck and stroked her back. They were at his desk, and she was straddling him in his chair. “How did we get here?”

He threaded his fingers through her hair. “You made my knees weak, so I decided the chair was a safe place to recover. That scent is mostly me with the sweet overlay of you.”

She wrinkled her nose. “It’s distinct.”

He laughed. “My scent is stronger because I am in rut. That is why the search for a consort occurs every five years. It’s my cycle.”

“Seriously?” She raised her head. “So, it’s that time of the half-decade?”

“Yes.”

“So, you have to be able to find more partners.”

He slid his hand into her hair and kissed her. “I wanted someone like you. A partner for me.”

She pressed her lips against his, flexing against the elegant curve and teasing him with her tongue. His hand clenched against her scalp, and he took over. Inside her, she could feel him expanding and stretching her once again.

They were still tangled in the dream realm, and she moved her hips on him, around him. The light circle motion came naturally, and he pressed a hand to her lower back and kept her rhythm to his.

She paused and felt the ache in her body fade as her repair talent did what it always did. “So, is this going to be a constant?”

Her body felt warm and lazy. Zerul’s hand was inside her dress and stroking her spine.

“Not constant. A few days, maybe a week. I have never had to deal with it longer than a week.” He chuckled and kissed her head. “You have gotten the hang of it.”

“What happened to my underwear?”

His voice denoted his laughter. “It’s a question for the ages.”

She lifted her head and sighed. “How long until dinner?”

His eyes were heavy-lidded, and he looked like he had just eaten a hefty dessert. “We have time for a shower.”

“So, we have to sprint through the halls like this?”

He chuckled and said, “I will slowly walk through the private hall with you.”

“My legs are still recovering.”

He kissed her softly. “I will do the walking. You hang on.”

She yelped as he shifted and slowly got to his feet. Hari clung to him and buried her face against him as his slow and steady steps caused him to fill her again. He opened a hidden panel behind his desk and walked through a clean but tight hallway. She wrapped her legs around him and held on while the friction and slow action aroused her again.

He paused in the hall and shuddered into her again. “Damn, I thought I would make it.”

“I am sure there will be other events in this snug passage.”

He chuckled. “I certainly hope so.” He recovered and started to walk again.

She sighed and held on as he moved in short thrusts inside her. Friction wasn’t an issue, as she was excessively slick.

He opened another panel, and they were in his bedroom. He continued on to his bathroom and started the shower. He calmly removed both of their shoes and stepped under the spray with both of them fully dressed. He had set his jacket aside at some point during the frolicking.

He undressed her and eased her off him. She understood the shower as a steady stream of semen made its way down her inner thigh.

“How were you able to hold it all in?” He circled a hand on her back as he undressed her.

“Uh, I believed I was plugged at the time.”

He grinned and removed her wet clothing, kicking it aside in the tiled space. When she was steady, he quickly removed his own clothing and kicked it to the side as well.

She wobbled a little and said, “Phones?”

“In my office.” He grinned. “Now, let’s get my mate tidy so that the vampires don’t pass out.”

“Huh?”

“You smell very hot right now, and there is no doubt who your partner is.” He chuckled.

“You scent-marked me?” She was slow to form a thought.

“Most definitely.” He rubbed his hands over her back and down to her waist. “Us base-instinct extranaturals use scent to do business and for all interpersonal relationships. That’s how I knew you were the right person for me, despite circumstances.” He pulled her in close. “So, I waited.”

“You waited very well.” She smiled and held onto him.

“Thank you. I am glad you kept yourself busy. How is your lawsuit?”

“Doing well. Waiting for Serel to figure out if her dignity is worth facing criminal charges. I am guessing she is going to refuse the confession. It’s okay. I have plenty of evidence. Now that I am free of the court-mandated debt and have documentation to prove the discharge of obligation, she can’t have me arrested for contempt of court. So, she has had her attack, and now, I start mine.”

“What’s your plan?”

“Oh, I have documentation that she was planning this whole thing, the dress, the assault, everything. She just didn’t expect me to do what I did. My manifestation blew a hole in her plans.”

“Luckily, it did.”

“Well, unluckily for him. If he hadn’t glamoured me, there would have been more of a fight and less of an explosion.” She felt his fingers massaging her neck. “I don’t respond well to coercion.”

He sighed. “No. Let me know if I ever push you too far.”

“You will know.” She chuckled.

“That is what I am wary of.”

The rest of the shower was businesslike, including him sliding his fingers into her to rinse her lightly. It wouldn’t do to have her dripping during dinner.

She wrapped herself in a towel and rubbed at her hair.

He came out and swiped her hair towel, buffing his horns and otherwise naked.

She got the brush out of his vanity, took care of her hair, then reached up and brushed his hair.

He smiled, and she reached up to fluff up his golden locks, grinning when a cowlick made itself known just over one horn. “When did the horns come in?”

“When I was thirteen.” He smiled. “It was quite the dramatic entrance to puberty.”

“Yeah, but I am guessing that the horns turned some heads.”

“Past is the past.”

She smirked. “Right, so what am I supposed to wear?”

“I have a few things that are suitable for evening wear for you.” He smiled.

He dried off, and they both walked into his room and headed to the wardrobe that had been stocked for her. He hummed and pulled out some dresses that were quite pretty and would make her look like a cross between an ancient priestess and a cuddly toy.

After she made her selection, she got dressed. She was wearing a bra, and the elegantly cut black dress ended just above her knees. It looked modest, but it wasn’t.

She stepped into the heeled pumps and fluffed her hair out. She wandered to the bathroom and pinned her hair up in a loose twist. Hari was adjusting her hair when Zerul came up to her with a dress in each hand. He stood behind her and put the first in front of her. “This one is subdued but pretty, and I like this one for planning the rest of our night.”

One was a matte black dress, and the other was lined silk with a slit up one thigh. “Matthias is here?”

“Yes.”

“He brought his assistant?”

“Yes.”

“I will wear the silk.”

He grinned. “I knew you liked me.”

“I am also wearing my wings.”

“You really, really like me.” He wagged his brows at her in the mirror.

She snorted and took the dress from him. “The food had better be good, or I am going in to do it myself, wings and all.”

“It will be. Reyna has pulled out all the stops once she realized you were moving in.”

“Yeah, I have noticed an uptick in quality.”

He kissed her shoulder and returned to the wardrobe in the main bedroom. She put on the dress and looked at her reflection. He walked back to her and handed her the shoes that matched the clothes she was wearing.

When the shoes were on, she focused on letting her wings out, and when they floofed out, she tucked them against her back and left the bathroom.

Zerul was fastening his cuffs and slowly smiled as she walked toward him. He put on his jacket and offered her his arm.

“So, now?”

“Now. The guests are waiting.”

They headed into the manor and walked through the halls until they went into the receiving room and met with the vampire king and his assistant.

It was an interesting and very long evening.

* * * *

Benny got into her evening gown and smiled. “This is going to be fun. We rarely have a chance to play this variety of dress-up.”

Tremble zipped up the back of her dress and kissed her shoulder. “You look stunning.”

“Thank you. You look like you should be scampering through trees.”

He grinned and straightened his formal tunic. “I will save the scampering for after the ceremony.”

Smith and Argyle were brushing their formal suits into pristine arrangements.

“So, have any of you been to something like this before?”

Tremble shrugged. “The wedding of a demigod? No. This is going to be a very specific event for the history books.”

“I didn’t think that they were allowed on this realm,” Benny mentioned.

“And yet, here we are. They are more benign than demons, so I believe there has not been a reason to fight them. Plus, many of them have taken up a position in the mage guild. That is probably having some effect.” Smith smirked.

Benny checked her makeup and turned back to her partners. “So, are we ready to raid the buffet?”

Argyle chuckled. “We are. It was very nice of Zerul to put us up in the mansion.”

Benny led the way to the door. “Yeah. It was very nice of him. We must have caught him at a weak moment.”

Smith smiled. “He was definitely distracted.”

They laughed together on their way through the hall to the ballroom. It was going to be quite the party.

* * * *

Hari was getting dressed with the other ladies, and looking around, she smirked. “This looks like a nymph convention.”

Asta chuckled. “I believe that was the idea. I also saw a reveal orb getting set up by the local mages. So, we are going to see our power signatures overlaid on our bodies.”

Eon chuckled. “Glad the ballroom has high ceilings.”

They chuckled at that. Twelve women in total were smiling in long Greek-style gowns wrapped with gold cords and made of different shades of silk.

To Hari’s eyes, they looked more like a bridal party than offerings. “Well, the dresses explain why no one was worried about the fit of these outfits.”

Gen chuckled. “They do tend to fit any size, and a light fold can accommodate any height.”

They were all wearing sandals with kitten heels, and Hari smiled at the new faces that friends had recruited in the group. Everyone met the criteria for the evening, and they all had an amused expression as they looked at the other ladies, all knowing that Zerul was already taken.

Hari led the way to the ballroom with her wings out and stared at the mix of males whom the governor had invited. Arkus was watching intently for Vega’s appearance, and he didn’t relax when he saw her. He tensed up.

Hari made her way to the spot on the floor that held the mix of memories. She stood as the other ladies took their positions and softly laughed as Arkus diverted Vega from her position. One of the backups took the spot.

There was a chime, and Zerul’s door opened. He stepped out in a formal black suit, and his horns had obviously been polished.

He walked toward the first in line, which was Livia with her wings out. Then, there was a pulse of energy from the crowd, and the ladies changed. Asta’s long ponytails were soft grey bunny ears, one of the other ladies had delicate doe horns, and Eon looked very tall. Gen had her bat wings. One of the ladies had gleaming scales, and another was made of stone. The woman in white flames was a surprise, as was the jackalope and the lady just glowing softly as the spare.

He spoke softly to each of them until he got to Hari. He smiled slowly. “Anhara, my consort. A woman of cunning, patience, and stamina.” He went down on one knee and pulled a ring from his pocket. “My dearest mate, will you be my partner, my consort, and my own from now until the day we mutually part this coil.”

Hari looked down at him and stared.

He grinned. “Do you have an answer?”

“My answer is yes, but I was wondering about looking down at the top of your horns and calculating forever.” She felt the flush in her cheeks.

He grinned and slid the engagement ring onto her finger. “I wonder what position would engender that angle?”

Her face got hotter.

He chuckled and got up for a congratulatory kiss. “It looks like your bridesmaids are already dressed. Come with me.” He looked at the others and nodded. “Ladies, this way.”

Hari took his hand, and they walked out of the ballroom and onto the grounds. She covered her mouth in astonishment. Flowers everywhere. An arbour covered with flowers was set, and the happy exclamations behind them showed that the ladies were just as affected.

Zerul looked pleased with himself as they walked to where Matthias and his assistant were waiting. Leo was in a lovely gown of rose pink, and she stood at Matthias’s side.

Zerul turned to face her. Matthias said something about love and Zerul setting a high bar for future arrangements.

Hari looked into Zerul’s eyes, and when she was prompted, she repeated after the vampire king. More rings appeared from somewhere, and Hari put a ring on Zerul’s finger, and he did the same to her.

The kiss blanked her mind, but she started laughing when Zerul flipped her over his shoulder and ordered everyone to enjoy the reception.

Inside the manor, she stated, “I can’t believe I am missing my own reception.”

“I will make it up to you. I promise.” He chuckled and ran his hand up her thigh. It wouldn’t have been disturbing, except it was under the dress.

He got to his private rooms, locked the door, and walked to the bed with her still draped over him, her wings lazily opening and closing behind her.

Zerul set her on her feet, turned her, and hugged her. “Wife.”

“Husband?”

He chuckled. “You don’t sound sure.”

“You don’t feel like the take-out-the-garbage type.”

“I promise to make myself useful. It was in my vows.”

“I didn’t really hear them. My pulse was pounding in my ears.”

His hands moved over her back, around her wings. “I have had something added to our bedroom.”

She snorted. “Really? Is it tacos? I could go for tacos.”

He grinned. “Speaking of. Raise your hands above your head.”

She did and looked up. There were soft loops of material hanging from the ceiling. He reached up and guided her hands through the loops, and then there was a distant soft whirring that pulled her off her feet.

She went higher and higher until she was hanging with her groin at his head level. She snorted. “I see what you did there. Taco.”

He laughed and winked. He reached under her dress and removed her skimpy underwear then pushed the skirt out of the way, and there was no other word for it; he dove in.

Zerul was insistent and soon learned what made her shiver and what made her moan. The rings were tight on her hands when she clenched on the straps suspending her as her wings flapped as an outlet to her body’s overwhelmed senses.

She hung there and eventually screamed as she bucked against him. He gave her sex a soft kiss before she was lowered, and he turned her to lie on the bedding.

It was the beginning of a wave of energetic coupling that didn’t end until the following morning.

Preparing to doze off, she muttered, “Who were all the guys?”

“The most powerful extranaturals who could be here in a day and were single and looking for a female. You brought the ladies; I brought the gentlemen. I am hoping that a few matches were struck.” He stroked her back where her wings had been.

“So, what now?” She was sleepy the moment that the aches had healed.

“Now, we live happily ever after. We sort your legal issues, you decide how much time you want to spend at the club, and we sleep like this every night, morning, or whenever. I am not sure, but we will work it out.” He sighed happily. “Now, we have all the time in the world.”

“You aren’t worried about me using the scream?”

“No, I am making it my duty to stand between you and anyone who will trigger it.”

“More like a weird hobby.” She rubbed her cheek against his chest. She was nearly asleep when she muttered, “Why did we get married?”

“Because, as we have discussed in the dream realm, I am for you, and you are for me, and I want you to know that I am at your back every moment that I am not with you, and I want others to know it, too.”

“Aw. Bully.”

He chuckled and said, “See you in your dreams, Anhara.”

She let herself drift off, and he was there to hold her again.

Epilogue

Livia was sitting with her feet up on one of the cocktail tables when Hari and Zerul emerged later that day. Livia smiled. “Congratulations, newlyweds.”

Hari looked at the devastation, the blood, wine, and other dried fluids, flowers, and the occasional smashed pastry. “What did we miss?”

Livia chuckled. “One helluva party.”

Zerul looked at the marble floor. “Are those tire tracks?”

“Those? No. There was a contained tornado.” Livia chortled. “Asta saw more, but she was under the weather.” Livia cackled.

“So, there was a party.”

“Party, riot, international incident. A bit of a fistfight between the bridesmaids. Best. Night. Ever.” Livia grinned. She got to her feet and wobbled off.

Zerul asked, “You didn’t pair off?”

“I just got single. I want to stay that way for a while more. There were offers, but last night was not the night.” Livia walked up to Hari and hugged her. “Congratulations, Hari. You look super happy.”

Zerul looked around. “Where are the staff?”

“Coming back after dark. They wanted to make sure most of your guests were gone. They scattered around eleven.”

He asked, “Who took care of it?”

“Me, Asta, and Vega. It’s what we do, after all.” Livia patted Hari’s arm. “Well, I was just staying up to give you guys the briefing. I am going to call a car and head home.”

Zerul frowned. “The room you were assigned here isn’t appropriate?”

“There are so many of us here, I don’t know which rooms are available. I will come back after I get some sleep and get my purse and clothes.”

Zerul thumbed his phone and spoke softly. “My car is waiting for you. It will take you home.”

“Thanks. I think my phone had too much to drink.” Livia smiled. “Congratulations. Now we just need a post-wedding bridal shower, and all of us ladies want details on how you can mess around that long without even coming up for air.”

Zerul shrugged. “It was messy but not unexpected. The rest was just practice.”

Hari grinned. “By that, he means in the dream realm.”

Livia nodded. “Sure he does. Well, I am heading to bed.”

Hari and Zerul walked her wobbling friend to the entrance, where a line of cars showed the spare rooms were occupied. The owners had to be inside.

The low, sleek car was waiting with the driver, and Hari kissed Livia on the cheek before watching her carefully sent away.

Hari turned to Zerul, “I am going to make breakfast. Come with me and wash dishes.”

He blinked, and a slow smile crossed his lips. “Yes, wife.”

“So, how long have we actually been married?”

“You know those documents for the court you signed last week?”

“Yes.”

“Since then. All safe and secure.” He kissed her forehead. “Right where you are supposed to be.”

“Maybe we should send Serel a thank you card.”

They both chuckled at the absurdity and relaxed into the moment. There would be stressors, and there would be enemies, but Hari was no longer hesitant at defending herself. She was confident that they would manage whatever came their way.

Hari smirked. She really wished she had video of that reception, though.

Author’s Note

This one... sorry that I have planted so many possibilities for the next story. Once I put ten women in the roster, I knew I had to revisit it. So, once my brain stops swirling... back I go.

Thanks for reading,

Viola Grace

About the Author

Viola Grace is a Canadian author who immerses herself in Fantasy, Paranormal, Sci-Fi, and graphic novels (that’s new). Writing for a few decades, she has spanned short stories, novellas, novels, and the occasional collaboration with the result being an astonishingly large backlist.

Focusing her work on humour, lightness of spirit, and now and then a heat level to scorch the pages, she leaves the dark and depressing to others. Happily ever afters are guaranteed.

The crafts she has accrued over her lifetime regularly work their way into her books with a variety of results for the characters.

When she’s at home, she is usually hiding indoors with felines of various sizes. The bees come in one size, and their speed is usually fast. When she is outdoors, she takes pictures of the stunning skies above her home and the wildness of nature that surrounds her, imagining fantastical worlds hiding in everything around her.