Magic, New Mexico: Tainted Magic (Kindle Worlds Novella) Read online

  “You said to come see Maggie?”

  The energy that had sparked between them before was being held in check, but it was there. She was keeping it buried under the surface. His wolf paced, wanted her to come out and play.

  “She’s gone for the day. Didn’t like my mood when I arrived.”

  “Something put you off?” She wore the hint of a smile, and had an accent he couldn’t quite place. He liked it. A lot.

  He closed the distance between them in an instant. She smelled good. Really good. And he could sense her essence now. How the hell had he’d missed it before? “Never been mistaken for a human. Vampire once, never human.”

  “Except by human women.”

  “Goes without saying.”

  “So I’m a first for you.” There was a light in those emerald eyes.

  “You could say that. Who knows, maybe it will be the first of many firsts between us.”

  She cleared her throat and stepped back. “Those are beautiful.” She nodded toward the photos and walked over to the largest.

  That was his pride and joy. His most elaborate project to date. “It’s a hunting lodge. Belongs to Zeke Digger.”

  “The Zeke Digger? Of Wild and Torn fame?”

  “The one and only.”

  “Their music is excellent. He’s easy on the eyes, too.”

  His wolf bared its teeth.

  “Do you know him?”

  “I’d better. I designed and built that place.”

  She studied the photo closer, her face reflecting in the glass. “Impressive. So that’s what you do?”

  “Among other things. I have many talents.”

  Her energy spiked before she could reign it in. In a fluid motion he stood before her, his free hand around the nape of her neck. Her skin was smooth as silk, and his wolf growled with desire to taste. Her scent blended with that of his bourbon. It was a heady mix.

  She remained ramrod straight. “I didn’t know wolves were that fast. Always assumed that was a vamp trait.”

  He stroked his thumb along her jawline. “Don’t know much about us, do you, sugar?”

  She tried to pull away, but he wasn’t letting go. “What are you doing?” Her energy was pinging off the charts. Whatever this was between them, she was fighting it.

  “Why are you keeping your energies in check. I liked it earlier; so did you.” He leaned in. A taste wouldn’t hurt. Maybe crack through that shell she’d erected.

  Inches from her shoulder, she vanished in a green wisp of smoke and the scent of honeysuckle. Sweet, like sugar.

  He smiled. Now he knew her essence. He waited a moment to see if she’d return, then went back to his office. She wanted him as much as he wanted her. He was going to get to the bottom of this. Find out what held her back, then figure out a way around.

  Chapter 2

  Arabella rode the thermals with her wings spread. The valley below was a stunning contrast of greens and browns, and her eagle form reveled in the wind caressing her feathers.

  Dante wasn’t wrong. Since the moment they'd met, she’d been fighting her energies. What had started as an interesting phenomenon had turned into a serious problem. She’d assumed the thing between them consisted of basic chemistry, but it wasn’t. Dante was affecting her entire being, both physical and spiritual. Back in the annex, she’d had her psychic shields firmly engaged, only to have them slip the moment she’d lost focus. The situation was untenable.

  Her coven was the last of the pure witches and warlocks. It was their creed. Their motto. Their golden rule. That which had kept them invisible and safe during the dark ages.

  The High Priest and Priestess would never allow otherwise. The fact that she was even thinking along those lines shook her.

  A potentially married wolf shifter. What on earth was wrong with her? She closed her eyes and centered herself. Her essence sparked with brilliant bands of energy. There was no sign of a spell or external influence of any kind. It was all her. For the first time since leaving Edinburgh, fear slid its icy fingers around her heart. All because of a shifter that did things to her she didn’t understand and couldn’t control.

  She needed to talk to someone, but who? Livy said Magic was full of paranormals. Surly it held a coven. She could request an audience with their Priest or Priestess. There had to be something about wolves she wasn't aware of. Something she could protect against.

  She sighed a breath of relief. She had a plan. Plans were good.

  Now to find Magic. She flew in an ever-increasing circle. Three quarters of the way around the second time, she found it. A wave of Wiccan and other paranormal influence was emanating from below. Tightening her radius, she descended with caution. Caution and excitement. An entire enclave of mixed paranormals. She’d never experienced such a thing. The town lay shrouded in spells. Humans wouldn’t be able to perceive it if they didn’t know how to get in.

  She landed in a small clearing near the most concentrated Wiccan influence. The town was a bit farther to the north, so perhaps another day. She shifted back to her human form. Taking a step, she stopped at a jangling sound from her feet. “Oh for crying out loud.” She knelt down and fastened the buckles on her calf-high boots. Her jeans were tucked inside and she loved the edgy look. She was seriously distracted if she was transforming with bits undone. That was basic witchcraft. She knew better.

  Perhaps she should just pack up and leave Haven?

  We don’t run from our fears or our troubles. We face them. Every. Single. Time.

  She smiled. Her mother would be thrilled to know she was the voice in her head. Hers and Grandmother’s. The women in her life were forces to be reckoned with, and she wasn’t going to be any different. She straightened her shoulders.

  This was a problem. And problems were simply opportunities. Each had a solution. She would find this one.

  The Wiccan essence grew stronger as she approached the stately Victorian structure. It was out of place here in the deserts of New Mexico, and yet it fit perfectly.

  The front door opened before she'd reached the top step of the porch. A woman in a full-length gown of amber and gold eyed her with curiosity. Her hair was nearly white and her skin pale. She was beautiful. Her essence shone with a radiance that only a Priestess could posses.

  Arabella bowed her head in respect and greeting. “I am Arabella Visante, from the coven Starfall in Edinburgh.”

  Her eyebrows rose. “Edinburgh? Ah, yes. You’re a long way from home, little one.”

  “It is my desire to learn first hand. To experience the people and places of our world.”

  “You are welcome here, Arabella. I am Circe. High Priestess of The Magic Circle coven. Come inside and tell me why you have sought our council.” She turned and glided back indoors.

  Statues and figurines from around the globe filled the interior. Masks and paintings adorned the walls. It was a comfortable space with high energy. “You share my love of travel.”

  “I’m convinced wanderlust is a genetic trait. My husband shares this passion, which is why he is not here now.” She led the way into a large kitchen. The slate floors and granite counter tops with silver appliances were completely at odds with the rest of the house, but once again, it worked.

  She sat on a barstool at the island while Circe made tea. The woman’s company was comfortable, familiar.

  Once the brew was ready, Circe set the service on a platter next to a plate of biscuits and small sandwiches.

  “Thank you.” Arabella selected a finger sandwich and fixed her tea with the right amount of sugar and milk.

  Once they were both sorted, Circe turned to her. “Now, what is troubling you, little one?”

  For a moment she was hesitant to explain, but that was childish. She wasn’t a child any longer. “I’m having a problem with a wolf shifter. One I don’t understand.”

  “You don't understand the wolf or the problem?”

  “Both, I suppose.” She ran her finger along the rim of the delicate cu
p.

  “Are they threatening you?”

  “No, not really. I don’t know. I can’t seem to…" She blew out a breath and tried to corral her thoughts. "He’s affecting my energies.”

  “Is this darkness?”

  “No. Quite the opposite.” She felt the flush of her cheeks spread down her neck. Just thinking about him had her riled.

  Circe gave her a knowing look. “Ah. That kind of problem.”

  “Are you familiar with our coven?”

  “Child, every witch is familiar with Starfall.”

  “Then you see my conundrum. My being attracted so to a wolf is absurd. He must be using a spell, some magic, to influence me in such a way, but I have virtually no knowledge of the beasts.”

  Circe winced at the term.

  “I meant no disrespect.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  Circe leaned forward and searched Arabella’s eyes. “Your problem is not with the wolf. He possesses no such magic. Your problem is how he makes you feel.”

  “Yes. Precisely. It cannot be authentic.”

  Circe leaned back and smiled. “Can’t it?”

  This was not helpful at all. Clearly, the witch didn’t understand.

  “Oh, I understand your predicament perfectly. Your coven would not approve.”

  Before Arabella could explain, there was a ripple in the energies and a woman stood next to Circe. She had flaming pink hair and a devious grin on her face.

  “Topper, so lovely to see you.” Circe rose and embraced the visitor. “What brings you here this afternoon?”

  “The Fates.” Topper turned to Arabella. “Apparently this one here is going to make some waves in our world.”

  Arabella huffed and stood. Perhaps coming here had been a mistake. “You were with the Fates?”

  Topper waved her hand. “I’m glad they sent me. Not a big fan of Vegas myself, but they do so love the energy of that place.”

  “You have a message for our little one?” Circe asked.

  “Of a sort. You know how the Fates work. They told me to tell Arabella here that her path is yet to be determined, but her destiny is fixed. You should take comfort in their words.”

  Arabella snatched a biscuit off the plate and bit it in half, leaning against the counter. “What am I supposed to do with that?”

  “How should I know?” Topper said, helping herself.

  “Come now,” Circe said. “It isn’t everyone who gets a message from the Fates.”

  That was true. She finished the sweet and washed it down with tea. “I don’t suppose they’d care to expand upon their message?”

  Topper and Circe laughed.

  She shrugged. “Doesn’t hurt to ask.”

  Circe came over and wrapped her arms around Arabella. Nothing like a well-timed hug.

  She squeezed back. “Thank you for seeing me.”

  “Any time. I mean that. The door is open.”

  She took another biscuit before leaving. They were exceptionally good. “These are delicious.”

  “Thank you,” Topper said.

  “It’s her recipe,” Circe laughed. “Arabella? I suggest you follow your heart.”

  Fear’s grip on her tightened. She knew what her heart wanted, but her head said never, and rightly so.

  Outside, the sun was dipping below the horizon and there was bite in the air. She shivered, then shifted back into eagle form, launching into the sky.

  She was less than a mile from the Inn when she spotted a black wolf running in the forest.

  Dante. She sensed him on a level that was pure energy. Goddess help her, she’d never been so lost.

  Arabella woke the next morning to a thud against her door. A moment later, clicking on tile and hissing sounded on the floor by her bed. Before she could register what was happening, two small bodies were scurrying over her.

  She rolled onto her back and Jinx settled on her chest. Lido sidled into the crook of her arm and laid his neck across hers. “Good morning, boys.” She finished on a yawn and stroked their warm and silky forms.

  Footsteps sounded on the stairs down the hall and both animals wormed their way under the covers on either side of her, turning so their little faces peeked out from underneath. It was the cutest thing.

  Livy appeared in the doorway a moment later. “Oh, sorry dear. Didn’t mean to catch you in bed. Have you seen those two scallions?”

  “Hide please.” She wasn’t sure which one it came from.

  “Um, no?”

  The Inn's owner frowned. “I suppose you just slept all night with the door open?”

  “I like fresh air?” She winked. “Tell you what. I’ll get dressed and help you look for them, how’s that?”

  Returning her smile, Livy shook her head. “Their breakfast is ready downstairs. Five minutes and it’s going out to the pigs.”

  Lido started to come out, but Jinx jumped across Arabella’s stomach and pinned the duck down.

  Livy burst out laughing. “Might want to lock up at night. Jinx is a master of knobs. Don’t know how he does it.” She closed the door behind her.

  “You two don’t waste any time getting into mischief, do you?” She sat up, glad she preferred to sleep in a tee-shirt and underwear. Not that it would matter with a shifter. They were used to periods of nudity. Witches were a more private bunch.

  “Happy.” That was Jinx for sure.

  “Off!”

  “You’re squishing Lido.” Arabella flipped the covers back and grabbed the cub by the scruff of his neck. She brought him to her face and nuzzled his cheek.

  Lido stood and shook his body with a resounding quack. She set Jinx down and picked up Lido, pressing him against her chest and snuggling his duck face. “You two are the best. Can’t wait to see what you look like in your human form. Now, you need to get downstairs before Livy makes good on her threat.”

  Jinx jumped off the bed without a sound, and Lido flapped his wings in an awkward dismount.

  She padded across the carpeted floor and opened the door for them. They scampered out and down the hall in a flurry of fur and feathers.

  Arabella showered and dressed in jeans and a soft sweater that matched the green of her eyes. Pulling on her boots, her mind wandered to Dante. A thrill shot through her at the though of his powerful build and compelling essence. “He’s a shifter.” And possibly married. Shifter not warlock, shifter not warlock… She kept the mantra going while she applied a smidgen of eye shadow and mascara before brushing her teeth.

  When she got downstairs, Jinx and Lido were scurrying out the back door of the kitchen.

  “There you are,” Livy said. “Eggs and bacon are ready to go. I can whip up some waffles if you’d like.”

  “Don't bother. This is perfect.”

  “Couldn’t agree more.”

  Her energies pinged as Dante entered the room.

  “Good morning.” She tried to keep her cool, but it was a losing battle and they both knew it.

  “‘Morning, sugar.”

  She hated that she loved it when he called her that. “Do you eat here every day?”

  “When I don’t feel like cooking. Or just have an interest in the current guests.” Sparks of mirth flashed in his eyes.

  “He’s here most days.” Livy plucked a plate from the counter and piled it high with eggs, bacon, fruit and muffins before handing it to Dante.

  He kissed her on the cheek and took the food. “What would I do without you?”

  “Starve, probably. Now, shoo.”

  Dante nodded toward the door to the dining room. “Join me.” It wasn’t a question, and he didn’t wait for a response.

  If he was married, there was certainly no sign of a wife. And why the devil was she even thinking that?

  She couldn’t help but watch him leave. That was one fine rear end. When she turned back to Livy, the woman wore a knowing smirk.

  “Nice to look at, isn’t he?”

  “Mmm. H
e is that.” No sense in denying it. She took a plate and dished out less than a third of what Dante had taken. “Is there coffee?”

  “In the carafe out on the table. Cream and sugar too. Enjoy.” She sang the last word.

  Arabella worried her lower lip as she made her way to the dining room. It was empty except for Dante, who sat pouring a cup of what she needed. “How do you like it?”

  Everything the man said sounded like a double entendre.

  She couldn’t help but play along. “I like both.”

  “Really?” that sexy eyebrow quirked up.

  Their energies were mingling and goddess help her, she didn’t want it to stop.

  Setting her plate down, she bit her lower lip to keep the smile from her face. “Really.”

  “So, both cream and sugar?”

  She couldn’t stop the laugh. She leaned on her elbows, resting her chin on her interlaced fingers. "Yes, please. But not too sweet. I like a little bite.”

  His laughter echoed through the empty space. “Oh, sugar, where have you been?”

  In Edinburgh. Daughter to the High Priestess in the last remaining clan of pureblood witches.

  The thought put a wet rag on her energies.

  His eyes narrowed slightly as he picked up his fork and attacked his food.

  They ate in silence until he was nearly done. She’d only made it through a portion of hers, her appetite muted.

  “So.” He folded his napkin next to the plate. “Where have you been?”

  Before she could answer, Livy walked in from the kitchen with a frown on her face. “We have a new dragon in the area.”

  “Sure it’s not Aiden Silver?”

  “Positive. This one’s a female. Just saw her heading up-river.”

  “If she’s anything like Aiden, she’s heading to the pools.”

  Arabella was intrigued, she’d never met a dragon before. “Is it a shifter?”

  “Aiden is. Finish up and we’ll go check it out.”

  “Why?”

  “Need to make sure it’s not got any nefarious deeds in mind. Those things could do some serious damage if they were inclined.”

  She shouldn’t go. Shouldn’t spend more time alone with him. But she wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to see, or maybe even meet, a dragon. “I’m in.”