Dust

By Ger Conlan

The Fates have tasked Jess Darrows with one mission: Code the next beast to be expulsed from Heaven. Jess feels they’ve made a huge mistake, given she still stands amongst the emotional rubble of losing everything she owned. As far as she’s concerned, all life, both human and Otherworlder, is doomed if she doesn’t find someone more competent for the job.
Zeke, owner of The Yards – a shifter territory in the town of Bayside – convinces Jess to return to the community that branded her a murderer. Cautiously optimistic and with judicial release in hand, she goes back to find peace may have been restored, but her newly purported innocence doesn’t hold much weight when vulnerable Fae members are reported missing
With a beast to code, a vampire to restrain, and Fae folk to find, Jess finds herself flung into a world of supernatural drama and spirit realm machinations that will lead to betrayal, deception, and death.
There’s a second coming alright, but it ain’t no messiah.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ger Conlan
• Release date: Feb 9, 2022
• ISBN: 9780995988859

Book preview

Dust

By

Ger Conlan

Copyright 2022 Ger Conlan

https://twitter.com/gerconln

First Edition

License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only and may not be re-sold or given away to other people. This work may not be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you want to share it with. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, and incidents are either products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Dust is an adult paranormal fantasy story blending fast-paced action, intrigue and a little romance. It is recommended that Stained be read first as Dust is not a stand-alone novel.

Cover and illustration by Zheng Han Lai

https://www.instagram.com/77tsutsu/

Also by Ger Conlan:

Stained

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1045338

Death’s Door

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/793402

Under the willow tree

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/456647

Harvest

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/614567

Untold Rage

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/249711

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Epilogue

Acknowledgements

Also by Ger Conlan

Chapter 1

I placed my knapsack and duffle bag in the cab of the old blue Ford pick-up truck, my mind rearranging a lengthy to-do list that I’d shuffled about more often than a Rubik’s cube. To ensure I wouldn’t forget anything, I kept it to a top-four priority; wallet, proof of judicial release, snacks for the road, and the urn. Check.

Now for the hardest part, saying my goodbyes. I turned to head inside, but the deep orange and crimson hues of the setting sun that emblazoned the sky over The Hills Academy & Orphanage were too beautiful to ignore. It had been a rare cloudless and balmy day, one I’d spent in the library pouring over ancient tomes. I would’ve loved to have done my research on a deck chair in the garden, but I couldn’t tote the books outside like any dog-eared paperback. No, those babies were on loan from a private collector and were precious treasures that required wearing special gloves to handle. Not that the work amounted to anything. It had been another fruitless search to find any archival documents relating to ink mages, specifically, whoever tattooed Lucifer’s forehead and sent him to Hell. You’d think whoever accomplished such a task would have had their name plastered on every papyrus and parchment from here to the Dead Sea. Instead, it seemed, their identity had been completely lost to the sands of time. Which begged the question, how come the coding of the beast had made it into the bible, but not the coder’s identity?

Humans were terrible at safe-keeping their ancient records, but not Otherworlders. We had Scriveners who chronicled historical events through memories passed on in Scrivener’s DNA, which they accessed through visions released by time cells in their bodies. Their accuracy rate had been tested against eye-witness accounts and was deemed, irrefutably, on point. But, so far, the Otherworlder records I’d scrutinized had turned up nothing. Maybe the last mage purposefully remained anonymous. Or, perhaps his exploits were recorded in great detail, but I just wasn’t looking in the right place.

A soft breeze lifted my hair like a warm caress, and I closed my eyes, wishing for the millionth time that I could go back to being the old me - Jess Darrows, alchemist witch and magical ink maker - not Jess Darrows, ink mage and future beast coder. Ugh

Ink mages came into existence for the sole purpose of etching a code into the skin of an entity expulsed from Heaven to banish them to another realm. The assumption was a great energy shift was coming, and I’d have a similar task to accomplish. Given how my life skills were so bad, I couldn’t even hold on to my roach-infested studio in a high-crime neighbourhood - demonic branding felt way out of my league. And truth be told, the stress of it all kept me up at night. I wanted out. I wanted someone else to take on this job or, Otherworlders and humanity were doomed.

That’s why, for the past couple of weeks, I’d been doggedly researching for any information on my predecessor, as well as a spell that would get me out of this situation. I was pretty sure some other sorceress or wizard was far more qualified and would be only too happy to have this job. It seemed only logical that the second ink mage to emerge in a couple of millennia should be a towering Viking-type with anger issues, not a five-foot-two insecure witch with no fixed address.

My phone dinged intrusively, pulling me away from the magnificent fire in the sky. I removed the device from my pocket and swiped the screen. The text message was my cue to leave.

Jess? Parsons interrupted hoarsely. His stooped frame shuffled forward with difficulty, his gnarled hands leaning heavily on the newly-acquired walker. White tufts of hair jutted out in soft peaks, but dark circles contoured his eyes, and his cheeks lacked their usual rosy glow.

Parsons! What are you doing out of bed? I admonished gently while rushing to meet him. I was just coming to see you. Glancing about, I added, and Mrs. Bantry will be so mad if she catches you out here.

I have no doubt, he chuckled.

His frail voice made my heart pinch. He hadn’t fully recuperated from being brutally attacked two weeks earlier. He’d been the ultimate hero and magically changed his appearance to mirror mine and saved my life. In doing so, he’d suffered injuries that, at first, went unnoticed. He’d downplayed his condition, focusing more on my transformation to a mage, until one morning, he just collapsed. Seeing him pale as a ghost and bed-bound, I’d been terrified to lose him, so I stayed close by his side, hoping beyond hope that this wasn’t the end. Turns out, he’d severely damaged a hip and was scheduled for an operation in a fortnight. He was also suffering from exhaustion and slept for lengthy periods each day, which was when I’d slip out to the library. Over the past few days, he’d improved quite a bit, especially his mobility.

Knowing he didn’t come out on a whim but not wanting to dismiss his need for fresh air, I leaned in and whispered conspiratorially. You want me to hide you while you chill out here? Or you want to make a break for it, and we hit the road together?

His hearty laugh shook his entire frame. I have no doubt you’d do both in a heartbeat. His smile stayed for a long moment before his expression turned serious. Have you received the drop-off notice?

Just now. They sent a text with the time and location. It’s behind Pete’s, just as you predicted.

Tread carefully while you’re there. They cannot be trusted.

No worries, I reassured him. Well, I’d better get going if I don’t want to be late.

Before you leave, there’s something I must ask of you, he frowned momentarily, seemingly uncomfortable. I know your plate is full, and I don’t want to add to your burdens, but I’m afraid I’m out of options.

Since the day I’d been dumped on the steps of the orphanage, Parsons had provided, shelter, guidance, and a sense of home. In twenty-three years, he’d never once asked anything of me, and had always been there, even in my darkest times. He was the father I never had and the only person who represented family. If he needed help, it was already a done deal in my mind. Absolutely. Whatever it is, I’ll do it. I replied with conviction.

But you don’t even know what I need. That’s not very prudent of you.

Parsons, I couldn’t help but smile, tell me.

He nodded solemnly then whistled lowly toward the tall grass bordering the grounds. I’ve exhausted all other avenues.

Oh. Sweet. Goddess.

A massive black wolf slinked warily toward us. Bright amber eyes held mine in a piercing gaze. Instinctively, I moved in front of Parsons, blocking him from the colossal predator, fully aware well it could chew me up and spit me out in the blink of an eye.

Have no fear.Nudging me aside, he beckoned the wolf closer with words of reassurance. Sitting down, the animal was the same height as the elderly man. Jess, meet Eli, my wonderful, magical conundrum.

Parsons was no ordinary custodian. He could’ve been principal of the academy if he’d so wished, but he’d always preferred to stay in the background, discreetly assisting the kids when needed. With a gentle nudge of wisdom enrobed in guidance magic, setbacks and obstacles were no longer seen as such, or new career ideas would emerge, even the biting sting of adoption-day rejections were soothed. A few months ago, he began individualised training for a new arrival experiencing some integration difficulties. Most of their sessions had been held outdoors and at night. Parsons had only ever referred to the student as his conundrum, but he appeared to be a regular shifter.

Hello Eli, I nodded respectfully without lowering my gaze. Wolves treated you differently depending on how long you maintained eye contact. When he finally glanced at Parsons, I relaxed a little. Why is he an enigma? He’s definitely an Otherworlder, but how come I’m not sensing his wolf?

One of many questions I have asked myself, Parsons replied with a resigned tone. Eli is part wolf, part human, and something else I haven’t managed to decipher. Whatever it is, it’s masked deep within. And, contrary to all lycans, he cannot shift at will. He only becomes human at the full moon. Furthermore, after each lunar cycle, I found he’d matured abnormally fast for his species. That has stabilised now that he’s an adult, but he has aged beyond the time permitted to remain here. I reached out to several shifter packs around the country to see if they would admit him but wasn’t successful. They cited the usual incompatibility reasons.

Most shifter packs were extremely selective about who joined their ranks. Having a problematic band member would be seen as a liability to their collective. When he was human, during the full-moon phase, did he tell you anything about himself?

Nothing, I’m afraid, he shook his head as his palm gently smoothed the wolf’s fur. He cannot speak, and he does not seem to understand the concept of writing.

The poor wolf must feel so rejected and isolated. I couldn’t help but wonder if the shifting impairment was there since birth, or did it come about through neglect or abuse?

Jess, I’ve no choice but to ask if you’ll take him under your protection. It would mean swearing an oath, so it’s official with the Magistrar’s office.

S-sworn protection, I stuttered, feeling the colour drain from my face. In Otherworlder terms, this was equivalent to adopting a child on the spot, and I was in no position to care for another being. Refusing Parsons wasn’t an option, especially when I’d already agreed to this favour. Nudging his huge head against Parsons’ shoulder, the wolf whined sorrowfully. Clearly, he loved the custodian and didn’t want to leave him. It seemed like neither the shifter nor I were keen to be together. Is that what Eli wants?

Probably not. He’s thrived since he arrived, and I would love nothing more than to make this his home, but my hands are tied. The Magistrar’s office will soon be sending an inspector around for the annual evaluation, and that won’t bode well for Eli. I can’t get him accepted into a pack, and going rogue will get him killed. Parsons sighed heavily. He’s no longer a child, but he is still vulnerable.

Parsons was right. My plate was full, so becoming a guardian was piling it high with even more responsibility. Still, I couldn’t risk the authorities getting their hands on Eli. They’d probably end up throwing him in one of those atrocious holding facilities. Dozens of panic-inducing questions about how I’d even manage to care for a wolf raced through my mind, but I pushed them away for now and observed Eli. His life here was structured, predictable, and tranquil. Being with me would be very different, and I needed to be upfront about my situation.

Full disclosure, Eli, my life is..... Where did I even begin? So much crap had hit the fan in the past year, it would take me hours to relate everything. Well, in a nutshell, it’s a bit unstable. I’ve been in a lot of hot water recently, both legally and financially, plus I wouldn’t win any popularity contests either.

Eli whined questioningly at Parsons. All will be well, son, he assured him. I promise you’ll be in good hands. To me, he said, Best make it official, Jess.

The wolf and I shared a long look. This is your call, Eli. I want to help Parsons, but I’d never force a bond on you. You’re still welcome to come with me. It won’t be a legally binding stewardship, but it will give you some measure of protection. And I’ll do my damndest to find you a pack, somewhere you can call home.

He shuffled nervously as his eyes shifted once again to Parsons for guidance. I couldn’t blame him for hesitating. Compared to his circumstances here, what I could offer held as much appeal as an invitation to reside with the Dursleys. No, it was worse than that because I didn’t even have a home, much less a closet to offer him. Plus, right now, he was probably picking up on my pounding heart together with my raging anxiety as the weight of this fosterage settled on my shoulders. If the roles were reversed, I wouldn’t want to be with me either. I’d have taken my chances and gone rogue.

Leaning his forearms against the frame of his walker, Parsons cupped the wolf’s massive head and smiled. I would trust her with my life. Lowering his eyes for a moment, the shifter released a pronounced sigh, then placed a massive paw on my hand, confirming his agreement.

You made the right decision, Eli, Parsons commended; his unusual jubilance was indicative of his deep concern for the wolf. I’m very much aware of Jess’ time constraints, so I’ll need to swear you in now.

Again, Eli and I exchanged an intense look before he huffed his accord. I inhaled sharply, steeling myself for whatever effects the ceremony would incur. Okay. Let’s do this.

Repeat after me, Parsons instructed, emotion choking his words. Knowing how invested and attached he was to every orphan who spent time at the Hills, he probably felt he was abandoning one of his own children.

Eli Black Wolf, I solemnly recited Parsons’ words while holding Eli’s gaze. I take the Oath Of The Moon and swear to value, safe-guard, respect, and provide for you forever, or until such time as you join your own pack. Until that day, loyalty and respect shall bind our union. This is my truth, so mote it be.

As Eli pushed his heavy paw into my hand, magical obsidian and silver ribbons suddenly appeared, fluttering airily about in unison, dancing to music only they could hear. The streamers wrapped around our conjoined hand and paw, squeezing painfully just before disappearing. And while we could no longer see them, the connection they’d created between us was tangible.

Are you both feeling alright? Parsons inquired. Eli immediately buried his head in the custodian’s hands. I was sure he was sobbing inwardly.

Mmmhhmm, good, I nodded with a tight smile. Emotionally, I felt like I’d just made a marriage vow with a complete stranger. That got me thinking about what day-to-day life with a wolf would entail? Would he be vocal and dramatic like a husky? As a pack animal, would he expect to share my bed? Would he slobber? Would I have to pick up his poop?

Jess, I left Eli’s documents on the kitchen table along with some personal belongings. Would you take him with you to retrieve them, please?

As we covered the short distance to the house, I thought it best to help us acclimate to the situation by being upfront. Ahhmm, Eli…maybe we should set a couple of ground rules before we get settled somewhere. I know you can’t tell me yours right now, but if you can communicate them at the next full moon, that’d be cool. He huffed again, which I came to realize was his way of saying yes. So… I guess mine are…we each sleep in our own bed, you do your toilet business outdoors and if I do something wrong that upsets you….try not to bite me? He stopped in his tracks and responded just as a husky would, vocally and obviously miffed. I fluffed his head affectionately. Glad we cleared that up.

We returned with Eli’s belongings, which fit in a small shopping bag. I think we’ve everything.

Right then, I best let you get going, you’ve a long drive ahead. Parsons’ voice was raw with emotion.

I took his hand in mine because hugs weren’t his thing and squeezed it gently. Call me after your surgery, okay?

It’s only a minor operation. There are still many years left in me, young lady.

Not if you stay out here much longer! Mrs. Bantry, the loving, no-nonsense nurse, chided while approaching with determined strides. She wrapped a shawl over his thin shoulders, tutting with concern. You’re impossible.

Yes, dear, he agreed, assuaging her well-intentioned fussing. She shook her head and went to steer him back inside. Parsons waved one last time. Drive safely, and let me know when you get to The Yards.

I promise, I called out then settled Eli into my truck and drove off into the night.

Your order’s gonna take a few minutes, hon, the cheery lady sang through the drive-thru window. Just park in spot number one and we’ll have that right on over in a jiffy.

I thanked her and paid up. The rest area was flanked by a large copse of trees and a well-kept green space complete with picnic tables. Apart from a few cars parked closer to the highway, there was nobody around. I pulled into the first space, killed the engine, and turned to Eli who was taking up ninety percent of the bench seat.

Is that okay food-wise? Bright amber eyes glanced my way as his long tongue liberally licked his snout. I’ll take that as a yes, then. I pocketed my pouch of powdered ink, grabbed my knapsack, then got out and held the door open. We’ve loads of time to eat before I make the delivery. The wolf huffed then quickly bounded from the cab before disappearing into the woods. I closed the door and stretched my legs.

We’d left The Academy four hours ago and still had another couple to go until we reached The Yards. It had been two weeks since I’d seen Zeke. Things were slow to recover in his community after his sister, Katy, had murdered a few people and almost succeeded in pinning it on me. Her motive? She wanted to siphon Zeke’s magic, kill him and take over as the Opilio – a sort of shepherd to his flock. But when I thwarted her coup, she showed her appreciation by trying to murder Parsons then me. While she was pummelling my head with a rock and trying to fast track me to meet my maker, some weird stuff went down, and my blood merged with my ink. That activated an ancient journal defining me as an ink mage. The details on why or how that had happened were about as clear as a pint of Guinness. I was hoping the cursed section of the Thaumaturgical Treasury’s Library might hold some answers because the journal was filled with hieroglyphic-like symbols, which were impossible to decipher. Initially, Parsons mentioned an ink master would show up to train the mage but later recanted, saying he wasn’t sure if that was fact or fiction.

I placed my bag on a picnic table under the branches of a gnarly oak tree, offering up a prayer to the Goddess for help. I’d been doing a lot of that lately, but she never answered. I suspected she’d deleted me as a contact. Still, I couldn’t bring myself to stop praying because it was the only thing keeping me grounded. I threw a guilty glance toward Eli. As his ward, I really hoped I wouldn’t screw things up for him.

Order’s up, M’am, a man announced, pulling me out of my reverie.

Recognizing the voice, I whipped around to find Semyon Iamia, ancient vampire and global celebrity, approaching with our food. He carefully juggled the multiple cardboard trays of greasy goodness away from his tailored-to-perfection designer suit, hugging his toned form. He had a Messiah-like following on various social media platforms, but I’d never understood the hype. Sure, he was handsome, but he registered very low on my chemistry meter and high on my cheater meter.

Lovely to see you again, Jessica. You’re smelling lovely as always. He didn’t mean my citrusy shower gel but my blood. He said it made him have control issues. I had the same problem with chocolate.

The only reason we’d had any dealings in the past was that he bailed me out of jail and procured a truth serum to prove my innocence. The hefty price of that transaction was, I owed him a favour of his choosing. In retrospect, I should have renegotiated the terms, but I’d been desperate at the time. In the end, I hadn’t even used the potion but still owed him that favour, which was, no doubt, the only reason he was here. It certainly wasn’t because he’d gotten a job at Pete’s Pit-Stop & Drive-Thru.

Finally found your calling in life? I quipped while taking our meal and setting it on the table. I was famished and needed sustenance, stat. Eli loped from the trees, taking up position beside me. I laid out his food, but he ignored it; instead, his stance became rigid, monitoring Semyon intensely.

Ah, you’ve a new four-legged friend, I see, his burgundy eyes flashing predatorily.

He’s under my protection, I added firmly, making sure the vamp understood Eli wasn’t some stray I’d picked up.

Bracing his elbows on the table, swirls of black, silky curls cascaded onto broad muscled shoulders. Zeke doesn’t strike me as the type of man to share his woman.

I’m not Zeke’s woman. We’d just started to date, although, technically, we hadn’t even had one date yet. But, I wanted to see where our budding romance would go; because when I was with him, I felt a spark kindling my torpid heart, coaxing me to explore our connection. Now, things certainly weren’t like that to begin with. We’d gotten off to a rocky start because he thought I was killing his people and trusted me about as much as a social media profile pic.

Good to know I may still have a chance with you then, Semyon stated roguishly while stroking his beard. I can assure you, I’d be a very vigorous partner.

My rolled my eyes hard enough they almost got stuck in the back of my head. He only persisted in flirting with me because I didn’t fall for his phoney charm, something that bruised his over-extended ego. I told you before, I’m not interested. That hasn’t changed.

I’d love to see your Opilio’s face when you show up bound to a shifter he’s never met before. He inhaled at length, his pupils dilating with hunger. Hmmmm, not just a wolf either, he smirked. Oh, now this is very intriguing.

The vampire had a sense of smell like no other and made a lucrative living finding the missing, dead, or alive. He didn’t discriminate between Otherworlder and human either and had no problem charging exorbitant fees from those desperate for closure. Judging by his shit-eating grin, whatever scent he’d picked up was unusual. That worried me, but I feigned a casual shrug as if his comment hadn’t elicited my interest. Eli’s throat rumbled in discontent, so I gently patted the thick fur on his neck, hopefully conveying I wasn’t going to discuss our business with anyone.

Semyon inhaled again, his smile stretching wide. Hmmm…oh yes. I most definitely detect an odour of The Evenfall Estate, he continued blithely.

I exchanged a brief, albeit loaded, glance with my wolf. Eli might have Elvin blood? I’d never heard of a shifter-elf mix and didn’t think it was even biologically possible. I mean, shifters inter-mixed all the time, but never elves; something to do with their immune system. Was Eli the first-ever wolf-elf child? Could that be why he was abandoned at The Hills? I felt the urge to call Parsons and tell him the news, but I had no proof per se.

Shall I continue? I sense I’ve piqued your curiosity, he added glibly, ignoring Eli’s ominous growl and bared teeth. Your wolf is definitely not an alpha or he’d have tried to rip me to shreds by now, so I’d say he’s nothing more than an oversized Omega.

That’s enough! I exclaimed, just as Eli lunged, tearing into the vamp’s trouser leg. Eli, no! But it was too late. He was already prancing back into the woods, tail strung high and a one-of-a-kind patch of cloth dangling from his clenched jaw. Happy now? I scowled. You’ve always got to be riling someone up.

My sincerest apologies, he offered spuriously. Still, I could see his hand tremble slightly. He hadn’t anticipated such a reaction. I didn’t realize his scent was such a touchy subject.

Is that why you came here, to sniff a wolf? Is business really that bad?

I doubt you’re in a position to evaluate my business acumen when yours failed because your ink put a man in the ground.

That wasn’t my fault, and you know it. Katy tainted the ink.

But your name hasn’t been cleared yet, right? He grinned like a Cheshire cat. Nonetheless, it’s good to see all those legal woes haven’t dampened that fiery spirit."

I ignored the jab at the judicial nightmare I was sifting through and shrugged as if I could care less. Katy may have been found guilty on all counts of murder, but the Magistrar’s office had yet to declare me innocent or even erase any of the charges on file. When I pushed for closure, all they did was send me a judicial release in case I got pulled over by the authorities. I found that unacceptable and sent them a notice of Service to Process, making me the first solitary witch to sue the Magistrar’s office. I’d been told I hadn’t a hope in hell of winning.

Hell seemed to be the figurative location for a lot of my issues right now, and I had no doubt Semyon’s favour would also cross into that territory. That repayment was the only thing that brought him to a greasy dive at one in the morning. I took a large bite out of my breakfast sandwich, making sure to stuff some hash browns in my mouth as well. Get to the point. How do I clear this debt?

His regard was intense, hawkish even before shaking his head in dismay. How is it every time I see you, you’re in some state of starvation?

The vamp didn’t like displays of bad manners, so I made sure to chew with my mouth open, if for nothing else than to be rid of him as quickly as possible. I’m fine, I garbled through a mouthful. Want some?

He sighed dramatically. Very well, Jessica. I can see you are not in the mood to be cordial, so yes, I am here to settle our affairs as agreed upon in a prior engagement.

Whoop-de-doo, I dead-panned through a half-masticated mouthful. Shoot.

So primitive, he remarked with a hint of disgust. Look, I know you’ve an appointment with the Fae queen’s attendants in, he checked his watch, eleven minutes.

I eyed my knapsack containing the minuscule urn. How could you possibly know that? Only three people knew I was returning the remains of the fairy to her final resting place. And I’d only been texted the location just before leaving the orphanage.

I have my sources inside the realm, he replied smugly. Apparently, you’re responsible for her death too.

He was trying to push all my buttons, but I wouldn’t rise to the bait. Her death was accidental, I replied evenly. She’d been glamoured to resemble a warlock who was harming someone very dear to me. The Fae authorities are well aware of the whole story. They know it was unintentional.

I’d felt devastated seeing the tiny fairy dead at my feet. She’d obviously suffered immensely at the hands of the warlock. That same warlock had been torturing my best friend, Jimmy the jinn. I was trying to trap and kill him in order to free her but failed.

Well, this is not about your taradiddles, my dear. He patted my hand patronizingly, but I whipped it away. When you enter Faerie, you are to take this to the queen and have her confirm or deny its authenticity.

He pushed a sepia envelope toward me. A circular black wax seal, embossed with a curious symbol caught my eye. What’s that?

His smirk was one of the cat that got the cream. A certificate of great importance. I want the queen to validate the information within.

But my appointment is only with the delivery clerk, not the queen.

His smug expression conveyed a level of pompousness associated with someone who holds more power than they should. I’ve had that modified. You’ll be meeting Her Majesty at my behest.

Goddess! That must mean he knew the queen intimately, no doubt. The vamp always had a hidden agenda, and this, I was sure, was no different. Semyon, what’s really going on here? My tone brooked no argument.

His haughty demeanour momentarily changed to barely-veiled frustration before a smile curved his lips. It’s your chance at a claim to fame. How many people can say they’ve had a private audience with Queen Oxana Tulipa.

The fact that he wouldn’t answer my question confirmed he definitely had ulterior motives. I’m not looking to claim anything except that our business is concluded. I lifted up a napkin, wiping the corners of my mouth. And you could’ve asked any number of Fae to authenticate whatever that document is. So, tell me why I’m really doing this.

Very well, seeing as you insist on prying into my personal affairs. He flipped his hair over his shoulder, his expression petulant. Everyone who has an audience with the queen is given a parting gift of their choice. I would like you to bring me back a special souvenir. But before we get into the particulars, let’s make our deal official, shall we. He didn’t wait for me to respond, just cleared his throat and straightened his spine while pulling on the hem of his waistcoat. Jessica Darrows, I claim my favour in payment of the Weirheid potion I obtained for you last month. I request you have this document authenticated and procure a gift of Elvin blood from Faerie.

My brows furrowed in confusion. This was about blood? But you could go down to Snake Bite Tavern right now and get the blood of ten elves if you wanted to.

So astute, my little witch. His lips tilted upwards in a suppressed smile. I need the blood of a Kott Elf, more specifically from those living in the Arvunn Mountains. Oh, and make it extra special by requesting it be ritualized.

The food tumbled from my hands, my mind conjuring hundreds of questions in a mere second. Are you kidding me? My raised voice brought Eli to my side, but I calmly patted his flank so he wouldn’t make off with more of the vamp’s pants. My phone chimed with an incoming text, but I ignored it. You want me to meet the queen to get you rare elf-blood in exchange for a potion I never even used? The disbelief sent my voice an octave higher.

It’s not my problem that you didn’t use the product, Jessica. I’m not a customer service department. I don’t do returns. Now, you agreed to this, so you must adhere to the conditions of the transaction. It is the law. He glanced at his Rolex, six minutes remaining.

You’re insane.

What’s the problem? his palms spread outward in feigned confusion. This is an easy thing to do.

First of all, blood from the Kotts is like napalm on the flesh. You know that, right?

Come, come, Jessica, Semyon chided. No need to be irate. I brought herbs to accelerate healing, if necessary.

You don’t get it, I pushed. Even touching the container holding their blood will result in a third-degree burn. So unless you’ve got Kott-proof gloves or a really strong local anaesthetic, I’ll be in agony the entire time. And I’m sure it’s not going to be any better for the poor Kott elf.

Then just drink my blood, and you won’t feel it burn so much.

The bastard was trying to ensnare me in every way possible. You seem to be forgetting some details in our agreement. I clearly stated that there was to be no harm, no pets, no sex, and no tricks. Holding Kott is harmful. Drinking your blood is like being your sexual pet, and this, I gestured at the envelope, I’m sure is very much a trick, so our contract is null and void.

If I recall, you said you would not harm others, he replied smoothly. And drinking my blood once will not make you my pet. That role is clearly more… he bit his bottom lip lustfully …involved.

Ugh! I groaned in frustration. You’re a jerk!

The insult didn’t seem to bother him if his leer was anything to go by. He shuddered momentarily as his fangs descended – the vamp equivalent of an erection. I loffe thah fire wivin you.

Put away those fangs, I ground out, my gaze dropping with embarrassment while he adjusted the dental protrusions. And you can forget about getting anything from Faerie. I’m delivering the ashes as planned, nothing more.

His expression turned serious, deadly even. Are you denying my request? I will not tolerate reneging on what is my due, Jessica. I order you to comply with our accord. Failure to do so means I can request a much larger payment of my choosing. His chin lifted defiantly. This is your final chance.

Dammit, he was right. I could end up with a much bigger debt. I’d no choice but to get the blood. Fine! I barked, standing up and leaning over the table. He flinched ever so slightly, but I’d caught the movement. I grabbed the parchment and slung the knapsack over my shoulder. Where’s the blasted entrance?

Just then, his fancy watch chimed. Her majesty will provide that imminently.

C’mon Eli, I said to the wolf whose menacing stance promised more fabric alterations to the vamp’s attire.

Perhaps it’s best the animal doesn’t accompany you. You say he has no ties to the elves, but I wouldn’t risk it. The queen still feuds with Evenfall. He can wait with me, at least until sunrise.

I muttered a few curses in Semyon’s direction, then bent down to Eli’s ear and spoke lowly. "Stay here