Grace, Viola - Half Blood Club 1 - Magus Shift

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The Magician

A

being who takes their own destiny into their hands. Someone who makes things happen. They dare to use their powers to shape their environment and circumstances, keeping nothing hidden from the public eye. It is an indicator that one should not wait for fate to decide for you, take the initiative. Use one’s natural abilities to create change. Dazzle others with your education and skills.

To Edward and Teresa, who supported my choice to write with astonishing enthusiasm. A girl couldn’t ask for more understanding siblings.

Prologue

T

he small house on the corner of the street rang with laughter. Inside the warm confines an elf, a mage, a werewolf and a dragon were all having margaritas and chocolate fondue. It was a feminine coalition that would stop at nothing to protect one another from the grip of the mages and dragon councils respectively. It was the bi-weekly meeting of the Half-Blood Club, and all members were in attendance; Hookey, the half elf. Hex, offspring of a magus and a hedge witch. Jinx, the half werewolf, and George, a full-blooded female dragon hiding from the council. The names went back to their meeting as children, when they didn’t want any nosey mages to catch on to whom and what they were. **** With a deep sigh of inevitability, Hookey stood and faced her friends. “I have a rather alarming announcement to make.” The women around the table stopped for a 1

Viola Grace moment and all eyes focused on the speaker. “In two days, I will have to face the High Council and submit to testing to assess my power level. After the tests, I will be put to the Question as to the existence of others like me.” She took a deep breath and flipped her hair over her shoulder with a frustrated motion. “I’m afraid that we’re going to be ‘outed’, ladies.” George eyed her friend dubiously. “Why now? Why, after all these years, are you being tested?” “Apparently my Grandmother has pulled some strings to get me before the council. If I pass the testing, and we all know I will, I get to attend the Winter Ball.” Hookey grinned with pure mischief in her eyes. “I have nothing to wear.” “Are you going to remove the glamour?” George reached for the pitcher of margaritas. “I don’t think I have a choice. The council will be able to see the spell when I undergo the tests,” Hookey shrugged apologetically. “Sorry everybody. I never intended for it to happen this way. If my Grandmother weren’t sleeping with the councilor from the fey contingent they would never have considered letting me be tested.” “Well, it’s not like we didn’t know this day would come,” Hex sighed with her usual practicality. “I guess we just have to make our own moves as fast as we can.” Jinx looked hesitant. “Umm…I haven’t exactly chosen my target yet.” 2

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician Hookey was exasperated, “Why not? It’s not like you didn’t have the opportunity.” “Yeah, at least you have a wide open field of candidates. Not like some of us.” George was disgruntled. “Hey George, lighten up. We all know that you’ve made your choice.” Hex started blushing. “And we all know that you’ve made up your own mind on the matter, Hex. How long have you been working for him now?” George’s voice was sly. “I am not working for him. I am merely subcontracting my services to his company. For the last six months.” She made every effort to sound prim, but she still blushed to her roots as she thought about her target male. “Ok ladies, what I’m getting out of this is that there is no time to waste. George, make your move. I’ll be standing by if you need help.” “Help? What kind of help could I need? I’m just going to fuck him, not let him do my taxes.” George was grinning like a fool as she contemplated jumping the male of her choice. Dragons were occasionally difficult to deal with, but they had frenzied sex drives. She had been fighting her own raging hormones for so long that she was almost snarling at the thought of a good lay. “Never the less, if you do need anything, I’ll be there.” Hex got a far away look in her eyes for a 3

Viola Grace moment then focused back on the women in front of her. “Jinx, you hide.” “Hide where?” “Your father’s mother still owns some property out of town, doesn’t she? Go there.” Hex seemed to be in fine form. Jinx looked surprised, but a pleased expression crossed her face as the logistics worked out in her mind. “That’s a great idea. No one would think to look for me there, the clan doesn’t know about it and mom would never tell.” Relief was evident in her voice. “I’ll head out tomorrow.” “Hookey, you, I’m afraid, are on your own. Your grandmother has someone in mind for you, but I just hope for your sake it is not the council rep she slept with.” Hex stopped to sip her drink. “Ewww, could you imagine? Sharing a guy with your grandmother?” Jinx was horrified. “Hey guys, do you remember the time that my mom and I had a date with the same guy?” George giggled. “He thought we were sisters, and for some reason it seemed to turn him on.” “Until you changed form and stranded him outside the reservoir with a memory wipe.” Jinx snorted. “Not very sporting of you. He never had a chance.” The room collapsed into giggles and anecdotes as the beverages began to disappear. The tension of the tasks looming before them forgotten for a 4

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician few hours as they just enjoyed being with friends who understood what it was like to be a being of magic.

5

Viola Grace

Chapter One

“O

k Hex, how did you know?” George was genuinely curious as she held the cell phone to her ear and swung her free leg off the edge of the bed. “I saw it. I didn’t know exactly when, but I did see you in trouble.” Silence fell. “What do you need?” “I need you to get me the heck out of here.” “Can’t you fly out?” “I can’t transform with this stupid shackle on my leg. He chained me to the bed Hex!” George was furious. “He chained you?” She kept her voice flat, trying not to laugh. “Yep. There is just enough play to let me get to the bathroom and back, but my clothes are no where to be found. I need help here.” “Where is he right now?” “He flew off at dawn, about five minutes after he locked me in place. He said he would be back for lunch.” 6

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician “Is there a large mirror nearby?” “Oh, Of course! Why didn’t I think of that? Yeah, there’s one right across from the bed.” “Touch it and hold on until I come through, ok?” “You bet. I’m on it now.” George reached out to flatten her palm against the cool slick surface of the mirror. Seconds later it began to ripple and shimmer. A hand appeared in the silver pool, then a foot, and seconds later Hex stepped through. “Wow, looks like you had a lot of fun last night.” She surveyed the room. Sconces were askew on the walls, pillows had been disemboweled and the sheets were escaping the confines of the bed. The ambiance of the room was also heavily colored by the scent of sex that hung in the air. Perched on the edge of the bed was her friend Graylin Treel. Known to the half-blood club as George, and also splendidly nude. Black waves of hair partially concealed the love bites and bruises that decorated her golden skin. Her black eyes were tired but shining. “Yeah, it was tons of fun. I just want this damn shackle off so that I can get the hell out of here and contemplate trying it again.” Her left leg lifted slightly and waved in the air to cause a gentle jingling noise. “Uh, why did he shackle you?” Hex knelt down 7

Viola Grace and began to chant in a low tone. Energy built up and surrounded the cuff. “Something about making sure that I was here when he got back.” George watched carefully and sighed. “Dragon tradition apparently. At least in his family.” She shook her head. “Mom never mentioned this. Mind you, when she and Mathias mated, they were in mid-air and she took off before he recovered.” No matter how closely she watched, she would never be able to pull off the spell with as much dexterity as Hex. It did seem a shame that with all of that talent, she would never be acknowledged as one of the greatest powers of the modern age unless she joined the aegis of the high council. With a shimmering pop, the cuff released. “C’mon. I think I hear something.” Hex looked uneasy as she began to feel the presence of power approaching rapidly. “Me too. Let’s go.” George jumped off of the bed and stood next to the mirror. Hex raised her palm to the mirror and began to chant softly once again. The mirror turned into a pool of silver and she reached out to grab George’s hand as she began to enter the pool. “Shit, let’s go!” George shoved Hex into the mirror as Rikard came into the bedroom at a full run. His bellow of rage followed the women through the mirror as they tumbled out the other 8

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician side. Hex waved her hand frantically at the frame in her living room and it became a mirror once again. “That was too close.” Hex slumped onto her couch and flipped an afghan at George. George tucked the blanket around her naked form and scooted onto the other end of the couch. “I am so sorry. I never meant for you to get involved.” “Was that Rikard?” “Yep.” “As in, Dragon Council Rikard?” “Yep.” “As in, not going to stop until he finds you now that he knows you exist, Rikard?” Hex had her eyes closed, her head leaning back onto the couch. “Yep.” “As in, able to call upon the entire High Council for a tracking spell to pinpoint your location at anytime, Rikard?” “Yep.” “Well, you sure can pick ’em.” She sat up and eyed her friend. “How long do you think it will take for him to find you?” “I think I have about a week. After that I’ll need to be ready to move very fast, very suddenly,” George sighed. “Why him?” She was curious. Her own choice had been made for quite some time, but the criteria that drove her friends was a mystery to 9

Viola Grace her. “I needed a dragon, right?” George waited for her nod. “So I did my research. Who was the best looking, who was not my father—that was a big one—and who had the best ratings in bed.” “Whoa, how did you find that last one out?” “I polled his ex-lovers. He likes it a little rough, very fast, and very often.” George blushed, “So do I.” “So, it was good then?” “It was fantastic. I left as many marks on him as he did on me. We started in the main hall and worked our way to the bedroom.” A dreamy smile crept across her face and her eyes fluttered shut at the remembrances. “He may need to have his drywall fixed though, I think we did some damage.” “How long did you say it was going to take him to find you?” Hex’s eyes grew distant as she listened to movement on the astral plane. A pulsing shift of power was drawing near. “At least a week, why?” George sat up and began to look worried. “There’s a dragon coming in for a landing in my back yard as we speak. That’s why.” Hex got up and walked to the patio door. She breathed a sigh of relief. The silvery green dragon was extremely familiar. “It’s your mom.” Hex flipped the lock, swinging the door open in welcome. A minute 10

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician later George’s naked mother was walking quickly across the grass and into the house. “Excuse me for a moment. I’ll be right back with some clothing.” Hex shot up the stairs as quickly as she could. The look in Arabel’s eyes was pure murder. Angry dragons were best avoided. In a tone universal to all races Arabel rounded on her offspring. “Graylin Treel. What the hell do you think you’re doing?” “Whatever do you mean, Mom?” “The entire dragon clan has been alerted to your presence. Rikard himself just sent out an alert to locate you.” “Wow. That was fast. How did he know who I was? I didn’t give him my real name.” “He talked to the Council at dawn this morning. He wanted to know who could possibly have had an unrecorded female birth in the last one hundred years.” “So, no one knows about me. Do they?” “Apparently Mathias had some idea. He immediately mentioned me, had me summoned to the council chambers and they Questioned me.” “Ouch. Are you alright?” Questioning hurt. It forced all information that was requested to be revealed. There was no way to coach an answer when you were put to the Question. “I’m fine. The result of your little interlude however, is not.” Arabel sighed and sat on the 11

Viola Grace couch next to her daughter. They really did look more like sisters than was proper. “Arabel,” Hex began to descend the stairs, “When do you think the council will find her?” “In the next twenty four hours.” Arabel took the pullover dress that was handed to her. “You are not safe either Izzy. You came up in Questioning.” Isobel almost fainted, “How?” She knew it was coming, had steeled herself for it, but the vulnerability she felt was still a shock. It was now public knowledge that Isobel Marlin was a powerful magus and Hex had never been more scared. “I was still under the Question when Rikard felt Graylin call you. He asked me if I knew anyone who could retrieve her from his house. Your name came up. I think they alerted the Warlock council. They may come for you at any time.” “Well then, you had best take your daughter and get the hell out of here.” Hex stood quietly and began to formulate a plan. It would bump up her original time table, but it just might work. Oh, crap. Work. She would definitely be late today. “Go. Both of you, out!” Hex shooed them out of her house and into her back yard. She stood quietly as they removed the borrowed clothes and transformed into great flying beasts. When they had gone she retrieved the clothing and got ready for work. 12

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician

Chapter Two

“M

orning Dave. How was your weekend?” The polite chit-chat was a Monday morning staple. To Isobel it was just one more thing she had to do to fit in. “Fine. The boss wants to see you, first thing.” Dave didn’t even glance up from the code on the screen in front of him. He was too busy looking for bugs. Izzy’s specialty was gremlins, the vicious creatures that fouled the hardware of larger operating systems, destroying data links and crossing wires. “Which boss?” She put as much genuine curiosity into her tone as she was able. Stalling for time was not her favorite thing to do. “The client whose systems we are currently working on. The one who pays our boss so he signs our checks. That boss. Mr. Sterling.” He still did not look up. Just kept scrolling though code, looking for something that should not be there. 13

Viola Grace Izzy sighed and walked down the long halls to the president’s office. The door read James Sterling - President. She took a deep breath and opened the door. “You asked to see me?” She carefully avoided using either his name or title. “Isobel Marlin, daughter of Sirus Marlin. You are quite possibly one of the most powerful mages of our time. And yet here you are fixing my computers. Small world.” His eyes pinned her to the spot as she eased herself into the office. “Close the door Isobel. You and I have something to discuss.” “Is there a problem with the work I’ve been doing for you?” She kept her voice even while she pushed the door shut with her foot. “No. But there are a few things that I need you to attend to, for example. Catch!” With a sudden flip of his wrist a small object came hurtling toward Izzy. “Wha..?” She reached out in reflex and a shower of fine powder exploded as she caught the missile. A solid sneeze and a few seconds later she was unconscious on the floor. **** When she woke a few hours later, she recognized the feeling weighing down her limbs. Pixie dust. He had nailed her with pixie dust. For the next 14

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician two days she would be completely powerless. Her knowledge of the spells and hexes she had learned over the last twenty years would be inaccessible to her memory. She sat up and found herself in a room that was vaguely familiar. It looked like the guest chambers at the High Council Hall. As Izzy took stock of the room around her, the door opened to admit an Acolyte of the High Council. “Ms. Marlin, I’m glad you have woken. Please accompany me.” He gestured to the open doorway and waited for her to rise to her feet. “I don’t suppose you’ll tell me why I’m here, will you?” She gave him a sidelong glance. “No, of course not. Never mind.” The Acolyte probably considered fetching a half-breed mage below him. His face certainly indicated as much. The silence of the halls wrapped around them as they walked to the main chamber. Isobel was unsurprised to find James Sterling waiting for her when they arrived. The sight of her parents however, gave her pause. The expression on their faces was grim and resigned. They were in deep conversation with one of the members of the High Council. Whatever they were discussing was obviously causing them distress. Izzy guessed that she was the topic of conversation. She did not have to wait long to have her suspicion confirmed. 15

Viola Grace “Isobel Marlin, you will present yourself to the High Council for testing. Immediately.” The councilor was grim. Obviously he was not impressed with the situation he found himself mediating. “I have been dosed with pixie dust, councilor. The only test I would be able to take is the balance stone.” Her voice was bland, as she met his implacable gaze. “Ah, yes. I was informed of that. Warlock Sterling was overzealous in his attempt to bring you in at the council’s command. The balance stone will be fine.” He made a smooth gesture with one hand and another acolyte appeared with a chest of a deep purple wood. He opened it to expose the small gray rock that had been polished by centuries of contact with palms. “Please take the stone in your right hand.” He waited for her to comply. “Now place your left over it. Holy Stars!” She had prudently averted her gaze in preparation for the flash of blinding light, flaring from between her hands. As such, she and her parents who had also looked away were the only ones who retained their vision. “Let it go! Drop it!” The councilor was covering his eyes after the initial shock of the stone’s violent response had worn off. “As you wish.” She let the stone clatter to the floor, and the instant that it left her hands it lost its 16

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician luminescence. Izzy did not move from her assigned spot in the council chamber. She waited patiently for the vision of the others in the room to recover. As she met her parent’s mournful gaze, she mouthed, “I’m sorry.” They responded with a silent, “It’s ok.” A few minutes later when the persons in the chamber had successfully regained their vision, Izzy was once again on the spot. “Very impressive Ms. Marlin. How long have you known about your unusual power level?” A council officer was recording the whole interview for the archive. His eyes were blinking furiously to clear out the spots that were still swimming in his vision as his pen scribbled away. “Since I was about ten, or so. The signs were fairly obvious.” She settled onto the comfortable heels she had worn to work that morning. The council was not known for its’ hurry to resolve matters. “Why did your parents not bring you in for assessment and training?” “My father had been disowned by his family and my mother has no status with the High Council. Being a hedge witch and all. They thought it best if I learned at my own pace, away from the stresses of council politics.” Being braced for the inquisition by Hookey’s announcement had been a blessing. “I agreed to learn as much as 17

Viola Grace I could from the grimoires I was able to lay hands on. As far as I knew, every mage could do the same.” “What led you to believe that?” “Since the council did not have any contact with me, my only barometer for power was my parents. My father is a talented magus, my mother a very competent hedge witch. I felt my power was within normal ranges for being born into this family.” Izzy was still calm, but being in her dress shoes and standing in one place was starting to pinch her toes. “The power level you just demonstrated has elevated your father’s clan by several levels. His family owes a debt of honor to another clan. Are you aware of it?” “Yeah, when my dad ran off to marry my mom he was engaged to marry a woman from another family. It was an arranged marriage and dad decided to follow his heart. That was when his family disowned him.” “Well, due to your obvious inheritance of his family’s magic, they have reconsidered. His status as a member of the magus clan of the Marlin family has been re-instated. Your mother has been granted the title of Lady of the family.” “Umm…that’s great. So, what does that have to do with me?” Several scowling faces swiveled to glare in her direction. Elders of many clans and 18

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician representatives from all of the major councils were in attendance. The fey reps were amused, the dragons were stone faced, the werewolves were indifferent to the proceedings, and the magus and witch representatives were the ones who were less than amused by her attitude. “As the obligation was never met, you will now have to carry out the contract between your families.” “Which family?” She was immediately suspicious. Her head swiveled to locate the figure of James Sterling out of the corner of her eye. “The Sterling family of course.” This was the first hint of malice in the councilor’s voice as if he knew something unpleasant. “Is the Sterling family ready to fling one of their own on a half-breed?” Izzy’s true nature began to show itself. She was angry, embarrassed and her grand little plan had been nipped in the bud. She wanted to bring him to herself by choice, not by obligation. James walked calmly forward and eyed her form carefully. “Well, of course we will be willing to honor the contract. But I am afraid that marriage is out of the question for now. We will be hand fasted and see how things go.” His voice dripped with disdain and a certain unwholesome anticipation. His eyes however, were clear with amusement. He was putting on a show for the council. 19

Viola Grace The smarmy councilor smirked at her. “The council accepts your offer. You will have one year to assess your compatibility. Your custody of her begins now.” Izzy was stunned. “Custody…what the hell?” James shot his hand out and wrapped it around hers. A scarlet ribbon was wrapped around their hands and the councilor who was co-coordinating the whole event began to chant a binding spell over them. Although she was temporarily powerless, Isobel recognized the spell. It locked her magic to James’ and barred her from doing harm to him with spells or hexes. She was about to shriek her denial as the flash of power washed over her and the ribbon absorbed into her hand. “You are mine for the next year, Isobel.” His eyes gave her promises that she could not decipher. This was definitely not the way he looked at her when she was giving him a progress report on his computer system. “Not if I can help it.” Izzy gave him her most defiant glare. “You won’t be able to do much until the pixie dust wears off.” He gave her a smirk that made her want to smack him right across the face. But that would wait until later. He turned to face the council, several members of whom were leering at her. “If there are no other questions she needs to answer, we will take our 20

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician leave of you now.” A dragon councilor roared his objection. “One question!” A furious Rikard began to stride across the room. “Where the hell is she?” Rikard approached Izzy at a full run and flung her against the wall, then repeated his demand. “Where the hell is she?” “Do not dare to touch her again.” Light flared from James’ hand and it locked Rikard in place, rooting his feet to the floor. He had begun to lean over Isobel as he reached for her arm to haul her to her feet, he froze in place, fury darkening his eyes. James flicked his wrist, sending Rikard flying into the Dragon contingent of the council. They caught him handily and kept him from charging again. “Keep him under control. We’re leaving.” James was as furious as Rikard had been a few moments earlier. He gently lifted Isobel off her feet and transported them out of the council room.

21

Viola Grace

Chapter Three

H

e took advantage of her disorientation to put her to sleep with a small spell. Gently laying his new prize in his bed, James pondered what he had gotten himself into. Sure, he had to uphold the demands of his family obligation, but to take Izzy by force was never what he had planned. He had had dinner with her scheduled for the last three weeks. He was only waiting for her contract to be up. Dating an employee, even a contract employee, was not something he engaged in. He had been waiting impatiently for her to be available to him, and the discovery that she was a half-mage was astonishing. Her power level was surprising, but not unexpected. She was an extraordinary woman. He was not surprised that she would have extraordinary magical talents. Slowly and carefully, he drew off her clothing. Her pale skin was made paler by the angry marks from her impact with the wall. He folded the 22

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician clothing and put it aside, then viewed his prize in all her naked glory. He let out a long, low whistle. Clothed, she had all the appeal of an angry school teacher, yet still he had not been able to keep her off his mind. Her feisty refusal to back down had caught his interest initially and her ability to foresee problems before they came up had kept her on his radar. The more they met for business, the more he had looked forward to the next meeting. He occasionally called meetings with her team, just to listen to her chew them out. Her body was understated, but fantastic. Silken ivory shoulders led to breasts that astonished him, even with her on her back. He leaned in and lightly cupped one in his hand, feeling the weight and the soft warmth of her skin. He absently stroked her nipple as his gaze trailed to her narrow waist and the curved flare of her hips. Izzy’s legs were fantastic. The skin of her lushly curved thighs was creamy and softer than the silken underwear he had put aside. Her calves and ankles were so delicately assembled that he was amazed she wasn’t a dancer instead of a technician, they should have been displayed at all times. He pictured them draped over his shoulders as he drove himself between her thighs and groaned as his cock began to swell in his trousers. Slowly, he released her breast, and he winced at the pressure at his zipper as he felt the 23

Viola Grace swollen nipple against his fingers. Gods, she was soft. She stirred with a groan, her arms twisting in discomfort. The sounds that she was making brought him back to the incident of her being slammed against the wall. He looked more closely at her left arm and noted a swelling in the bruise. James carefully closed his fingers over her arm and winced when he felt the break. She needed medical help. Right away. He suddenly had an idea, renewed the sleep spell, and transported away from his home. **** Izzy woke to a pounding headache, she could feel magic all around her, but could not channel it. She tried to sit up and was stopped by a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Down, Junior. Just lie still while I finish what I started.” Her mother held her firmly as she finished pouring energy into her daughter. The bones that had been broken were knit, and the bruises that had formed under her skin faded to nothing. “Mom? What are you doing here? And where the hell is here by the way?” She kept still, but couldn’t keep her questions from spilling out. “You are in my home. I brought your mother in to heal you. You were a little battered after being 24

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician tossed around like that.” James was supervising from the other side of the bed, not letting Izzy’s mom be alone with her. “Oh, right. Rikard. Has he found George yet?” Izzy was feeling exceptionally chatty, and knew that it was her mom’s magic. It had always had that effect on her. Her mom had always used her powers to heal and draw the truth out of her daughter. “No, Sweetie, not yet. But he’s really looking.” Her mom had this amused smile on her face that calmed Izzy immediately. “Alright. I’m done.” She withdrew her hands and looked expectantly at James. “May I have a word with my daughter in private?” “No.” Isobel Marlin sighed. This was about what she expected. “Alright, but I’m going to come back in a week to check on her,” her mom declared. “Call me if she needs anything.” With a final brush of soft fingers across her daughter’s forehead, Isobel Marlin Senior disappeared. “Wait, why did she have to go?” Izzy sat up and glared at James, completely unaware that she was nude. “Because, I don’t want her here right now.” He crossed his arms over his chest and scowled down 25

Viola Grace at her. “How are you feeling?” “Fine. But what was she doing? I don’t remember anything…” She trailed off and then, remembered the dragon and being launched into the wall. But that would not explain the sore pulse in her shoulder. “What happened to my shoulder? It didn’t hurt before.” “Ah, that.” He sat next to her on the bed and his large hand lightly drew an intricate design on her shoulder. She shivered under his touch. “You are now wearing a tattoo of the Sterling family. It is a glyph for protection and to keep you from harm.” She reached over her shoulder, trying to touch the sore and delicately throbbing skin that he had just been rubbing his fingers against. “You marked me? Like a brand? Like an animal?” She found the lightly raised flesh and winced at the soreness. She could also feel magic within, but still out of her reach, dammit. “No, no. Nothing like that. The marks are for your own protection. Some members of my clan were not exactly thrilled to have a half-breed join us. This will provide shielding for you and an alarm system should one of them attack.” His large, warm, hand was slowly caressing circles on her back. She shivered again, then looked down. “Hey! I’m naked, you jerk!” She immediately scrambled out of his reach, and was frantically tugging at the blanket on top of the bed. It wouldn’t budge. Well, at least not with his weight 26

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician on it. She finally gave up and scrambled under the covers, tucking them up to her chin. He had been watching the motion of her breasts as she tugged on the bedding, and the pressure behind his zipper was threatening to burst it wide open. “Your clothing had to be removed to ascertain the seriousness of your injuries. And because we are now hand fasted for one year. According to Realm tradition, you have until the waning of the full moon to come to me to consummate the union. After that, I will come to you.” She had a suspicious look on her face, “How long until the waning of the moon?” His eyes lighting with anticipation and the smile on her face confirmed her suspicions. “About four hours. Then you’re mine.” “Like hell.” She scooted up in the bed, and kept the covers to her chin, “This isn’t your company, and you can’t just do something like that. It’s unethical.” The shadow of anger flew across his features as her words struck him. “It may be unethical, but for mages it is quite natural. Either you come to me, or I will come to you. And you will welcome me.” “I don’t think so.” She crossed her arms over her breasts and hugged herself. Suddenly, he leaned toward her and caught her mouth with his own. Without warning, his tongue 27

Viola Grace swept inside to take possession. She moaned as heat flared within her, and her eyes widened as she felt the stirring of magic within her. His magic was pouring into her through his mouth and her body was coming alive. She moaned and was clutching at his shoulders when he pulled back, smiled again, and left the room. In stunned horror at the violent response of her body and the slick wetness she could feel at the top of her thighs, only one thing came to mind. “Oh, shit.”

28

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician

Chapter Four

I

zzy paced for hours, waiting for the simmering in her blood to stop. But with every passing minute, it seemed to grow worse. Her thighs slid against each other with every step, and the sheet that she had wrapped around her was chafing her breasts with every step. Every minute passed with her pulse pounding harder in her veins. She finally sat with her thighs pressed tightly together and her hands wound into her hair. This was ridiculous. She wanted him, and by the feel of his erection against her thigh when they kissed, he wanted her. Taking a deep shuddering breath, she padded out of the room, on silent bare feet. The hall was dim, she could hear no noise in the house, but still, she could feel him. The only noise of her passage was the dragging of the sheets across the floor. It was a light whisper and one that he shouldn’t have been able to hear over the crackle of the fire. But, she saw his 29

Viola Grace head tilt toward her as she walked into the den. The furnishings were black leather. Goosebumps raised on her skin at the thought of being taken on the smooth finish of the couch. She quickly blanked her mind and slowly entered his field of vision. Silence. Then he broke it with, “So, you decided to come to me. Wise choice. So what are you waiting for?” James was ensconced within the embrace of a black leather recliner and showed no interest in getting up to assist her. “So, you just want me to jump you? To get it over with?” She was nervous. Seduction was not her element. She had been willing to make her move on him earlier, but that was before he had found out that she was his equal. Now that the Half-blood club was out in the open, it was all too real. Seducing your boss was so much easier in theory. “Whatever you wish. But I will have my turn, later.” “Ok, how should I start?” “Dropping that sheet might be helpful.” “Oh, right.” She tugged at the smooth cotton fabric and in a moment, it had whispered into a puddle at her feet. “What now?” She was nervous, but starting to relax. He was not going to jump her and force her. But she would let him direct her. “Now, come closer.” The recliner was still 30

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician upright, and his knees were apart. She had an idea where this was going. She stood between his spread knees and noted the swelling behind his zipper. “What next?” “Can’t you guess? I want you to take my cock out and put it in your mouth and suck on it until I’m ready to come. Then stop and wait for further directions.” His eyes closed and he leaned back in the chair. Not having him looking at her was the release she needed. One trembling hand darted out to open his trousers, undoing the button, and carefully lowering the zipper. Izzy slipped one hand into his pants and gently drew out the warm pulsing flesh. He scooted his body forward, to put his cock in line with her mouth, if she were on her knees. So down she went. She dipped her head toward his pulsing cock, and licked gently at the salty precum that was beginning to appear at the flared tip. At the contact of her tongue, she heard him groan, and smiled in response. She continued by dragging her tongue up and down the length of his penis, swirling and dampening every inch that she could reach. Her hand gripped the shaft, and her mouth moved to take him into her damp heat. Slowly, swirling her tongue around him as she went, she pushed him into her, then dragged him out, keeping suction as she drew back. At his groan of approval, she continued. 31

Viola Grace Drawing back and forth until the moist sounds of suction were the only counterpoint to his groans and the crackling of the fire. As she felt his body tense, ready to climax, she withdrew. One of her hands remained on him, stroking gently and keeping at the precipice. Lunging upward, James dragged her down onto him, her breasts crushed against his chest, and his mouth locking on hers. A wave of amusement flowed through her, rippling through her lust as his fingers delved between her thighs to part them and spread the moisture within. She let out a grunt as he thrust two fingers within her, then a third. Her hips flexed against his hand as it plunged between her thighs with rough insistence. With a gasp, she pulled her mouth from his and shuddered as her release broke over her. “That’s cheating, Izzy,” was all that he whispered against her neck as his fingers continued to drive within her, feeling the subtle tug of her inner chamber against his invading digits. “Now I have to start over.” His thumb began to rotate around her clit with the rough pad rasping against the delicate tissue. Swiftly, the fire built within her again, and soon she was bucking against him once more. His fingers withdrew, and drew a line up to her breasts. Leaving a trail of her own juices shining on her flesh. “Now, take me inside you, and fuck 32

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician me.” Both of his hands were on her breasts, learning the textures of her body, as she fumbled with his cock and finally got him lodged in her slick and open flesh. Whimpering gently, she slid down upon him. Only now realizing the exact dimensions that she had been caressing earlier. Her hands braced against his chest as Izzy slowly worked her hips against the shaft impaling her, driving him deeply into her body. As her hips slid up and down on his cock, the image of James, with his head thrown back and the corded muscles of his neck standing out in relief, were burned into her mind. His hands left her breasts and gripped her hips firmly. With a shuddering groan, he slammed her down onto him, her moist flesh pulsing around him as his seed spewed from him. She held onto him firmly as her own release followed hard on the heels of his. James grunted as she pulsed around him, milking him dry. His body arching in a bow as a second wave of cum erupted from his cock, his balls tight against his body. With sweat dripping from her, she slumped down onto his chest, both of their bodies supported by the chair. Izzy felt her heartbeat slow, and with her head on his chest, was soothed by the slowing pace of his as well. Minutes after their orgasms, Izzy lifted her 33

Viola Grace head and met his gaze. Their hearts were now beating in time. James lifted one hand and stroked her hair. She leaned into the caress and her lids drooped in exhaustion. Male satisfaction was stamped on his face, and she felt her cheeks grow hot as her body began to register all of the tiny aches, pains and pulses that they had just generated. “What are you blushing for?” He trailed one hand down her heated cheek moving it across her neck and down to her breasts, where the blush had turned her pale flesh a rosy pink. “Umm…that isn’t a usual activity for me.” “Oh really, which part exactly?” “The part where I, um. The part where you…oh hell.” She ducked her head and began to squirm, seeking her freedom. Unfortunately, she was still impaled on his penis, which began to swell as her hips rocked around it. “No moving. The next time will be of my choosing.” “Wait, you mean to say that I had a choice here? I could have just stayed in my room?” She was astonished. She could have sworn that his magic had drawn her here. “I thought that you said that I only had a few hours to choose you and then you would come for me.” “I lied.” Then something happened that she had never imagined. James began to laugh. 34

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician In all her months of working at his company, being in meetings with him, and watching him as he dealt with his employees, she had never heard him laugh. The low rumble began as a growl then moved on to a short bark, and soon his whole body was convulsing in laughter. The side effect that caught him by surprise was that his firming erection was moving within her in time to his amusement. Each chuckle echoed with a slide of his cock within her and she was moaning and shivering in response. All too soon, he stopped, and she cried out in protest. “No. Please don’t stop.” Tears had formed in the corners of his eyes, evidence of his mirth. Those same eyes widened in surprise as he watched her trembling above him, once again close to the edge. “You are a hot little thing, aren’t you?” “Apparently. Now would you please finish what your hysterics started? Please, James?” Her breasts were flushed and swollen, her hands cupping them gently. She would have raised and lowered her hips, but he had held them from the moment that he began to laugh, to keep him inside her. “Hysterics? That is hardly flattering Isobel.” His hands let her move an inch then held her firm once again. Her eyes were wild as she read the evil intent in his. He was going to let her suffer, twisting for release on his shaft, as he lay there, 35

Viola Grace restricting her movement. “Perhaps, I should send you to your room now.” Horror dawned across her features. “You wouldn’t.” He laughed again. “Just watch me.” And, watch him she did. Magic swirled around them in an instant and transported them both to his bedroom. They arrived with him on his back, in his bed. She blinked in astonishment as she realized that they were still joined.

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Chapter Five

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ow it was her turn to laugh. Giggles erupted from her, causing the firm flesh of her breasts to wobble gently as she struggled to contain her amusement. Then she gave up the battle. Howls of amusement broke through her, he slipped out of her as she rocked back and forth in her paroxysm of laughter. “Hey, no fair! I stayed inside you while I was laughing.” James propped himself up on one elbow and watched her body struggle to cease it’s convulsion. “I…thought…you…were…going…to…leave… me…like…that.” Gasps interspersed her speech, and she began to wind down. Her body was limp on the coverlet, one hand thrown across her belly, rubbing gently at the stitch in her side. “Naw. A nice guy like me would never do something like that. But I might do something like this.” That was all the warning she got. 37

Viola Grace In seconds, she was on her belly with a pillow tucked under her hips, his knees parting her thighs from behind. She felt the warm rough texture of his hands on her ass, kneading the flesh. One hand slid up the graceful line of her spine to cover the tattoo that she still had not seen. She could feel the head of his cock pushing against the opening of her welcoming channel. With his body covering her like this, she was aware of his scent on the bedding beneath her, and the earthy scent of their joining, seeping from her. His hand on her shoulder held her down as he began to enter her, and as he drove forward, she moaned in reaction to the pressure on her swollen tissues. He felt huge! Entering her from this angle, he could go as deep as he wanted, and he wanted to go in all the way. This time, she was completely at his mercy as he drove forward, his balls swinging against her clit with every deep thrust. Her hands gathered the sheets as she tried to brace herself against the rising pounding of her blood. Each stroke was rasping against her g-spot and she was mewling with frustration as her arousal kept building, beyond where she would normally have climaxed. Izzy wasn’t sure why he had his hand on her shoulder, until the power started to flow into her. Magic began to pour into her, every pore of her skin felt electric. She felt that she would fly apart long before he let her come. 38

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician She heard her own voice, low and breathy begging for release. She tried to push herself up on her arms to thrust back against him, but the hand on her shoulder kept her pinned to the bed. Spots of light sparked behind her eyes, and she listened to her own voice keening in desperation. James’ voice was growling, trying to sooth her with words she could no longer understand. The steady flow of power into her had to go somewhere. And finally it broke free. Izzy opened her mouth to scream, but no sound escaped as her body froze, every muscle locked. James found his cock clamped in a velvet vise as her body gripped him in its release. The magic in her body had to go somewhere, and into his shaft it went. Dimly, she felt the rush of power leave her, a river of release exiting through James. Then she heard his shout and felt him pump into her with a violence that widened her eyes. Liquid fire was being spilled inside her. Magic in its purest form. That was the last thought she had for twelve hours. **** “Wake up, sleepyhead.” There was a voice. It was an annoying voice. She decided to ignore it. Izzy turned and snuggled back into the pillow that was under her head. 39

Viola Grace “C’mon Isobel. You can’t stay in bed all day.” The stupid voice was still there. Couldn’t it tell she was happy where she was? “Well, you can. But then I would join you, and I don’t think you are up for another round yet.” The voice now had hands and something was prodding at her backside. Another round? Of what? Memories came flooding back and she shot out of the bed and landed on the floor. Her shaking thighs were unable to support her. She looked up and saw James Sterling’s face. He was smiling. No, laughing. At her. “Do you need help, sweet?” He got off the bed and helped her to stand. The big jerk looked like he was dressed in weekend casual. Jeans and a tshirt. Izzy blinked in astonishment. She had never seen him dressed like that. Last night flooded back, but she had seen him naked, no wait. She had been naked. He had still been clothed. No fair. “No fair.” It came out of her mouth before she could stop it. “What isn’t fair, sweet?” His finger stroked her hair out of her eyes. “I haven’t seen you naked. You’ve seen me twice.” “Three times, including now Izzy. But I think more sex can wait for later. We have a whole year together after all.” His nostrils flared. “Plus, you 40

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician still smell of sex from last night. Let’s get you into a shower.” “And whose fault is that? I don’t give off male pheromones.” She pouted at the embarrassment of the musky odor that she had to admit was coming from her. “And very grateful for that I am, let me tell you.” His hands reached into the shower stall and set the temperature and then he unceremoniously shoved her inside. “Now take a shower. Your mother brought you some clothes. They’re on the bed.” Then he left her. She stood bemused in the torrent of warm water. Mechanically, she reached for the soap and began to lather her shoulders, breasts, belly and crotch. On automatic, she washed her hair, then looked for a conditioner and came up empty. Damn. Her hair wasn’t going to like that. She rinsed herself off, then soaped up her fingers and gently inserted them into her sore and swollen flesh. His enthusiasm from the night before had left her feeling slightly bruised inside, an ache more than a pain. The semen dried between her thighs had come off of her skin relatively easily, and the prospect of pregnancy flitted through her mind. She would have to wait until her power returned to check. Thanks to her mother, it would return faster than anyone had imagined. 41

Viola Grace The hot water pouring down on her had the effect of loosening the tense muscles, and soon she found that she had no more excuses to stay in the shower. Regretfully she turned off the water, and stepped out of the shower stall. The steam from her absorption of the hot water had clouded all the mirrors, and there were several. She took one of the fluffy towels off of the rack next too the shower stall, and wiped off the mirror. Then the one behind her. For the first time, she could see the glyph that he had marked her with. It was a blend of scarlet and gold with a blue crest in the center that marked her as the property of the Sterling clan. She reached over her shoulder with the opposite arm to trace over the design with a fingertip. Magic flared within it at her touch, and the glyph itself was strangely familiar. She made a mental note to have Jinx check it out. Sighing, she toweled herself dry then wrapped it around her, and wandered into the bedroom. On the freshly made bed was her duffle bag. She grinned and imagined James’ look of distaste as he handled it. It had traveled across the country with her and never let her down. It was also always packed for any possible contingency. Izzy dug around in the bag and produced her own set of jeans and t-shirt to wear, along with a perfectly matched bra and panty set in purple silk. She shivered slightly as the silk skimmed her skin 42

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician and then settled into place. The cotton going on over it felt like armor. A side pocket of the duffle yielded her sandals and she finally felt ready to face James. Fully dressed and curious, she began to explore her prison. Well, perhaps not a prison, but he was still holding her here against her will. She wanted him, and had chosen him months ago, but the reality of being given to him was almost unbearable. She was not property to be handed around, which she would make clear to him at her earliest convenience. Out the window, she could see nothing but yard and woods. The yard was clear of any but the sparsest grass, and the woods provided a lush wall to block the view from all highways and passersby. She seemed to be on an upper floor. The bathroom held the shower stall, an enormous tub and a double sink across from the toilet. The entire interior was mirrored. Privacy in the bath was obviously not high on his list of concerns. She smiled. As soon as that damned pixie dust wore off and her powers came back, she would put those mirrors to good use. James would have to get used to houseguests if he planned to keep her for a year. She found his study, and made note of the computer. Hurrah. She could get to her email and contact Jinx. She had a feeling her friend would be 43

Viola Grace panicking by now. The thick carpet beneath her feet made her transit through the house silent. It also kept her from hearing James come up behind her. “You’re going to miss breakfast. Cheeves only makes it once.” The voice sounded behind her and she shrieked and jumped two feet into the air. Somehow, he made it past her sensors. “Holy crap! Don’t sneak up on me like that!” She whirled to confront the arrogant bastard, and found him lounging easily against the wall. He heaved a sigh and picked her up, taking her to breakfast by the simple expedience of carrying her. “It wouldn’t have been necessary to sneak up on you if you had come down for breakfast. The tour can wait. How do you like the house?” His tone was conversational. He was downright chatty this morning. Weird. He was never this sociable. Perhaps it was the company, she thought to herself, and then snuggled more deeply into his embrace. Cheeves was one of the ugliest goblins she had ever seen. He had an odd number of everything. Three eyes, five arms—one sprouting from his back—and a tripod of legs. One nose with only one nostril, was a little hard to look at. Or at least it would have been if Izzy had not met several goblins at her parents’ parties. Although they never traveled to Realm, their stream of magical visitors was never ceasing. 44

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician Although her father’s family had rejected them, the rest of his friends had not. They had provided the tools for her education. Grimoires, scrolls, and charms had been regular birthday gifts. “Good morning Isobel. My name is Cheeves, and I am the housekeeper. Please let me know your food preferences, and I will endeavor to provide them for you.” He shot her a smile that could have curdled cream, half of his jagged razor teeth exposed. “Well, thank you Cheeves. I prefer eggs benedict for breakfast, and meat for any other course that you have. Medium rare. But in a pinch for breakfast, I can make do with anything that isn’t waffles.” Craning her neck around to look directly at him as she spoke was harder than it would seem. “James? Would you put me down please?” She began to squirm restlessly, and tried to throw him off balance. “No. I like you where you are.” He simply sat down. That stopped her squirms, and the plate heaping with eggs, sausage, toast and fresh tomatoes distracted her handily. She was half way through her breakfast, when she noticed a disturbance in the lap beneath her. Her progress on the toast slowed, and then halted as the erection prodding at her got more insistent. She twisted in her ‘seat’ to look James in the face. His own breakfast was untouched. 45

Viola Grace “Why in hell are you getting an erection during breakfast?” Her tone was accusing, more for her delay in eating the fantastic food than anything else. “I have never seen a woman eat like that before. It’s quite a turn on.” His voice was husky, and she could feel it through all parts of their bodies that were in contact. “I would have to concur with that. If my wife started to eat like that, I would be on her in no time.” Cheeves gravelly voice swiveled her head around and her blush began to flood her face as she pushed her food away. “Sorry.” Suddenly a fork was hovering in front of her with a segment of sausage on it. It prodded at her mouth and as she opened, it slid delicately inside. She chewed slowly. The second time the fork hovered in front of her, she kept her mouth closed. “Not until you eat breakfast, James. You start to eat, and I will.” Her arms crossed against her chest, and she shifted her weight on his lap. He groaned as she rubbed against his swollen erection, and reached for his plate. With deliberate focus, he plowed through the food. Satisfied, Isobel opened her mouth and let the hovering fork feed her. The rest of breakfast was quiet and civilized. Cheeves was chuckling to himself as he did the dishes in seconds with a dose of magic and his extra hands. 46

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician She had a feeling that the attentive fork was more the goblin and less the magus, but what the heck. It was as close as his kind would come to a standard human. They found the lack of limbs to be a handicap in bed. She had probably impressed him with her obsession with protein. Goblins loved a good carnivore. James was finished eating, and Izzy was astonished to see that her plate was empty as well. It floated away, heading for the sink, along with the insistent fork. James’ plate and cutlery followed suit. As coffee floated toward them, she sat, bemused by the casual use of magic that Cheeves was using. “James, are we in Realm?” She took what she hoped was a casual sip of coffee, but the grin crossing Cheeves’ face let her know that she had failed miserably. He sipped from his own cup of coffee, “No, we are at my private estate in the country. Why?” “You and Cheeves seem very casual in your use of magic.” She sighed in repletion and leaned more firmly against him, using him as an armchair. “I was taught to never use magic, unless trying to achieve a specific purpose. My parents almost never used domestic spells.” “It must have been due to the slightly unstable nature of your magic. Most magi are fairly relaxed about magic in their own homes. As are the 47

Viola Grace goblins and fairies.” He kept one arm wrapped around her as he finished the coffee. “C’mon now. It is time for a tour of the property. You’ll need to be able to find your way around here.” He stood up, and there went her seat. He kept her close by the expedience of an arm around her waist, and began to steer her out onto the patio. The glass doors opened and then closed automatically. She heard nothing, saw no mechanism, and had to conclude that the door was magically charged, as were some other portions of the house. She shook her head at the waste of energy. It had been one of her family’s strongest rules, no magic without specific need. She was beginning to suspect now, that the rules that her family had set down had more to do with keeping her off the radar, than conserving energy. James had a boyish smile playing across his mouth as he showed her the gardens, the maze, the carefully trimmed hedges, and the expanse of the forest beyond. She gave the appropriate ‘oohs and ahhs’ as they walked along. Every time they stopped he looked at her for approval of his home. She felt vaguely amused, and flattered by his attentive nature. She would never have expected him to be so proud of his home, or that her good opinion was important to him. It was in the maze that she began to sense that 48

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician his attraction to her was not quite as fleeting as one would have imagined it to be, given that he was carrying out a family obligation. “Isobel, this is a maze built to my specifications. I would like to play a small game with you in it.” She was instantly suspicious. “What kind of a game?” “Hide and seek.” His eyes were all innocence. “Only, hide and seek? Nothing weird?” Her arms crossed over her breasts and she arched one brow. “Well, if I catch you. You have to remove a piece of clothing, and if you catch me, I have to do the same.” A small twinkle was creeping into his eyes. “How many times have you played this game?” “This is a first, but it has been on my mind since I saw you crawl under a desk once to reattach some wires. The sight of your perky ass wiggling as you crawled around on the floor, whew. It was all I could do not to haul you out of there, right then.” She blushed as she remembered that particular day. It was his receptionist’s computer, come to think of it; it had come uncoupled several times that week. “Was the disconnection that she kept having a persistent problem, or just a freak occurrence? I noted that it stopped as soon as I started to wear slacks to the office.” 49

Viola Grace “Well, those tight little skirts that you wore were an awfully tempting thing. I almost banned trousers on women after you changed your clothing preference, but realized that it would be impossible to explain that I wanted to toss my computer tech’s skirt over her hips.” “Yikes.” She smoothed her hands down her denim-coated thighs. She tried to divert his attention. “So, uh, how much of a head start will you give me here? And what if I make it through the maze before you?” “I will give you to the count of fifty. That should be enough for you to get good and lost.” He gripped her shoulders and aimed her at the granite pillars that bracketed the maze. “And after I count to fifty, I will be coming after that sweet ass of yours. Mark my word.” Izzy met his gaze, and noted the heat that had been banked since she woke up starting to stir. She ran into the maze.

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Chapter Six counted to fifty faster than he ever had in James his life and moved deliberately into the maze after her. “Caught ya!” Around the first corner, Izzy stood with her arms crossed over her chest. “The shoes Sterling. Take ‘em off.” “What?” “You said that if I caught you, you would remove a piece of clothing, the same for me. So…strip.” An evil grin lit her features as a dawning horror crossed his face. “That isn’t what I meant.” “Tough. You made the rules. Play fair.” “Fine.” With reluctance that was not feigned, he took off his shoes. “Both of them?” “Well, you wouldn’t wear just one, would you?” “Fine.” “Ok, you can count again now.” She smiled and darted away, deep into the maze. 51

Viola Grace He shook his head and counted by tens, then ran after her. He stumbled and fell as her foot protruded from under one of the hedges, tripping him. “Shirt. Off. Now.” She leaped to his back and straddled him. Slowly, she leaned forward and dragged her fabric-covered breasts up his back. Tugging at the fabric without touching him with her hands. He tried to roll, and knocked her onto her side in the lush grass covering the maze. Her hair fell around her and she looked at him through dark lashes. He snarled and stripped off his shirt, leaving the planes of his chest bare. “Your rules. You made them up,” And then she was running through the maze again. Listening to the pounding of his feet behind her. She put extra effort into her speed and leaped, landing on top of one of the hedges. She lay flat and waited. It was seconds after the leaves of the hedge had stopped swaying that he came pounding around the corner. He moved through the clearing and she still waited. Sure enough, he back-tracked and looked through the clearing thoroughly as he sought his mate. She stayed motionless. Each second ticking by was agony. She waited, and he eventually walked through the clearing with a determined look on his face. It would only be a matter of seconds before he used magic to find her. She would have 52

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician to take his jeans and claim her reward first. Lightly and with a great respect for the greenery that was supporting her weight on its slender stems, she moved off the top of the hedge. On silent feet, she stalked him through the maze, each turn a possibility, and then finally she caught sight of him. He stood in the center of the maze, looking into the pool, a pose of reflection and control. Silently she crept up behind him, then announced, “Gotcha. Take ‘em off James.” He jumped and whirled, “How the hell did you do that?” “No excuses. Take them off.” She gestured to his jeans and his hands slowly began to unsnap the button. “How the hell did you sneak up on me?” “I am a talented woman. No stalling.” “I didn’t see you in the vision pool. There was no trace of you in the maze at all.” The zipper was slowly lowering and she was watching with undisguised interest. This was the perfect chance to see him in full daylight, buck-naked. “Oh, I don’t show up in vision devices. It was a spell my parents put on me when I was a baby. Just because the High Council wouldn’t acknowledge me didn’t mean that no one else would be interested in my talents. I register as a rather large shrub.” She shrugged and gestured for him to continue his disrobing. She was betting 53

Viola Grace that he went commando. Oh, she owed herself five bucks. He was gorgeous. “You look much better like this than in a suit. You should run around naked all the time.” She could swear that a blush ran across his face. “Uh, thanks.” She almost laughed out loud. It was a little odd to have him at a disadvantage, but she was going to enjoy it. “Turn around. The view from the front is very impressive, but I want to check out the full package.” Now she knew he was blushing. But he slowly turned at her command, completely caught offguard by her aggression. He was completely bemused, not at all used to having the tables turned on him. She wanted to keep the upper hand. “What the hell is that?” She walked forward as he stood with his back and tight ass facing her. There was a mark over one of his shoulder blades and it looked suspiciously like the one that adorned her shoulder, except it was the Marlin family crest with the glyph over it. “It is your family’s mark. It ties us together for the year of the hand-fasting.” She ran her fingers over it and felt the pulse of magic under her hand. “When did you get the mark? It wasn’t at the ceremony. I would have noticed.” “Your mother planted the marks on both of us, allowing for a true sharing of power once the pixie 54

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician dust wears off.” He was keeping up the conversation rather well, considering his advanced state of arousal. Her fingers trailing across his shoulder was sending tiny pulses through his nerve endings and her scent was flowing around him. “Ah, and that isn’t supposed to be for another day. Right?” Her voice was low as her hands trailed over him and she felt the warmth of the flesh beneath her palms. “Yes, the dust has a lifespan of forty-eight hours.” There was a fine trembling in his muscles beneath her hands. “Well, what would you say if I told you that my mom burned out one day when she healed me?” She had to step back as he whirled to face her. She blinked in surprise as his hands flashed out to grip her arms. “So, right now, you are in full control of your powers?” “Yep.” With a tiny surge and a flick of her fingers she was on her butt on the ground. Not the desired landing, but it proved her point. “So we are meeting now as equals?” “Yes. With everything out in the open.” “Fine. Strip.” “What?” “We are on equal footing right? So strip.” A devilish grin lit her face and she took off her shoes, bending over to give him a fantastic view of her ass. She stood and wriggled out of the jeans, 55

Viola Grace putting a bit more wiggle into it than necessary. The panties were next. The t-shirt had fallen to cover it anyway. Then the shirt was all that she had on. A pearly drop had formed at the end of his cock, and she crossed her arms and inched the shirt up over her hips, then paused. His jaw flexed in frustration as she froze for a moment. Then her short strip-tease continued, drawing the cotton up to below her breasts and then stopping. “Aw, shit,” was all she heard when she paused. So she continued, baring her breasts to the breezes and dropping the shirt to the ground. Of course the delicate bra was still in place, but a flick of her fingers and a shrug of her shoulders had it sliding off in no time. “Are we even now?” There was a distinct slickness between her thighs, she was just as aroused as he was, and one of them would have to make a move. “Yes. We’re equal.” He lifted her in the air and pulled her to his chest. Her legs locked around his waist opening her to him. His first thrust went across her clit and slid through the slick wetness that she was generating. His second found purchase within her and there was no stopping him. Deep punching thrusts rocked her to her core as he drove within her. Positioned as she was, his cock slid across her g-spot with every stroke, 56

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician winding her body tight with sensation. Over and over he pounded into her, her nails digging into his shoulders for balance. Finally she shrieked and climaxed, rippling and pulsing around him. Her eyes blinded by the sparks shooting behind her field of vision. A shuddering groan from the body still pounding into her let her know that James’ own release had claimed him. The other major clue was his legs buckling beneath them to drop him to the grass, her body on his. They stayed like that for hours, until the shifting wind came upon them, waking them from their pleasured stupor. James recovered faster than she did. “You know that we’ll need to have my parents over for dinner this weekend.” “Yes. You have to introduce me to the Sterling Clan.” She grimaced. “I am not looking forward to it, you know.” “I know, but we have to have a sufficient guest list to represent a suitable membership of the clan.” “Fine, I’ll arrange for Mom to send me something to wear.” At his look, she added, “Something appropriate, I swear.”

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Viola Grace

Chapter Seven

“D

oes this look alright?” She turned on her toes and showed off the plunging back of her gown to James. The skin-tight dress left nothing to the imagination. His mouth began to water just looking at her. “Where did that dress come from?” “Morcalla made it for me. She is one of the premier designers for the magic set. If she wasn’t a goblin, she would have taken New York by storm.” “You associate with a spider goblin?” “Yep. I have a lot of weird friends that you have yet to meet.” He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the side of her neck. “I can’t wait.” Her hands wrapped over his arms, prolonging his embrace. “Do we really need to have your family over tonight?” Her eyes met his in the mirror. “Yes, you need to be introduced to the Warlock 58

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician Clan leader as well.” He gave her a squeeze and then snaked one hand around to pat her ass. “After tonight, it will be months before we have to do this again.” “Is it time?” She sighed, letting the construction of the dress contain her cleavage. “It is. Cheeves is showing them in.” His eyes went vague for a moment then he nodded. “They’re all here.” “Do they transport directly into the house?” “No, I have a segregated area for that. No one can come in unannounced except myself, and now you.” “Ah, you had the Warders in?” “Yep, as soon as I had the house built. Anryn Warder came in and had the whole thing done in two days.” “Is it your life that is bonded, or hers?” “Mine. I had to meditate for days, but it is my life force that drives the wards.” While they had this polite conversation, he began to escort her down the stairs. A group of Warlocks was clustered around the base of the stairs, waiting to greet them. At the fourth stair from the bottom they stopped. “Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to present my mate for the next year, Isobel Marlin. Daughter of Isobel and Sirus Marlin, and one of the strongest mages in the modern world.” He held her hand and she curtsied to the crowd. 59

Viola Grace “Mother, Father, please greet my mate.” The split emotions of the couple before them astonished Izzy. He seemed happy for his son’s choice but she looked ready to spit nails. The distinguished man who stepped forward smiled warmly at her, “Pleased to meet you Isobel. My name is Arthur, this is my wife Electra.” The elegant woman at his side had a distinctly unwelcome look to her face. “So, this is the hedge brat who has taken my son.” The room gasped at this, a few titters of amusement rippled through those gathered. Izzy squared her shoulders. “Yes, but don’t worry. I am only trying him on for size.” She smiled archly and brushed her breasts against his arm, “So far, he fits. Shall we go in to dinner?” “Of course, my dear. And thanks for that in front of my grandmother. She was worried I was gay.” James brushed his lips across her forehead and led her into the dining room where he held out her chair for her. “I think my father harbored similar fears,” was whispered into her ear and she had to keep herself from laughing. Before he left her, she gripped his sleeve, “Cheeves made all this, I hope? I don’t fancy being poisoned by your mother.” “Yes, he did. And she would never poison you, she’d use a dagger.” With a saucy wink, he took 60

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician his place at the head of the table and waited for their guests to seat themselves. The dinner itself was conducted in stony silence. There were no other sounds aside from china being struck by metal. Course by course, the dinner continued. Izzy was amazed that she could eat with all of the hostile looks aimed at her over napkins and utensils. With little effort, she plowed through the food set before her by an oddly formal Cheeves. It was his repulsive face that kept her smile on and James’ calm presence that kept her from bolting. It was nearing eleven o’clock by the time the meal concluded. Finally the last dessert dish was cleared and napkins were tossed onto the table. “Shall we adjourn to the parlor?” James stood and came around to move Izzy’s chair for her once again. “Certainly, just let me get my back to the wall.” Her murmur did not go undetected, but the clan leader who heard her only smiled slightly. Once again she was on his arm, walking through some of the most hostile people that she had ever met. She had been at goblin bridal showers that were a lot less hostile, and some of the attendees had been bitten at those events. “So, I hear that your mother works as a vocational nurse.” The hissing tone was unmistakable. James’ mother slunk by with as 61

Viola Grace much noise as a wraith. “Yes she does Electra. She went back for her degree six years ago. As soon as I finished my trade school.” With her back against the wall near the fireplace, Izzy felt confidant that no one could sneak up on her. “So, you completed your education? You are a magus, are you not? Why do you need to work?” Judging by the manicure, the jewelry, and the designer dress, she thought that work was a fourletter word. “Why does your son? It was at his business that I was working when the Council interviewed me.” Her chin jerked up a notch. Magic was being gathered in the room. She could feel it. “Please excuse me.” Izzy left the astonished Electra with her mouth open in retort, and began to wander the room, scanning for the power signature. Suddenly, she didn’t have to look anymore. The power blasted her from behind, throwing her into the startled arms of the Clan representative and burning through her system. The magic burned into her flesh, coiling and seeking to destroy. Then it gathered itself and left her, stunned but alive. A scream rent the air. The Clan rep’s hands clenched on her arms and she stood as quickly as she could. Isobel turned to see a brutal sight. One of the female guests who had not yet bothered to 62

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician introduce herself was smoking and writhing on the ground. Izzy took a deep breath and yelled, “Mom! I need you!” Then knelt at the side of the damaged woman and took her hands in her own, ignoring the smoking flesh. Power flowed through her and into her attacker. It helped the damaged cells and kept her conscious while Izzy waited for her mom. An abrupt knock on the door occurred a few minutes later. James opened it and there stood the Marlins, power bristling around them as they came to their daughter’s defense. “Where is she?” “Trying to save the woman who tried to kill her.” James’ face was a mask. He had kept the other guests at bay as Izzy acted as life support for Indela Morris. “Oh, Junior.” Isobel senior walked swiftly to her daughter’s side and knelt at the head of the charred body on the floor. She knew better than to touch Izzy, but based on the red hands around the room, some of the guests had tried to remove her. “She’s still alive, Mom. Help me.” Tears were tracking down her face as she kept a slow trickle of power running through her hands. The pain that the woman was in was leaking back to her through the link that she had forged. “Please. It hurts.” “I know it does, baby.” Isobel senior looked over to her daughter’s lover. “James, come over here and put your hands on her shoulders. She is 63

Viola Grace going to be providing the energy for the healing, and I don’t want to drain her.” Unhesitating, he placed his hands on Izzy’s shoulders, ignoring the shouts from his parents that he would be burned. Immediately he felt a rush out of his body and into hers. He almost fell. It felt like the rush of energy that they experienced when they climaxed. In a brusque tone, Isobel Senior explained while she set her hands on either side of her patient’s head, careful to avoid contact. “It is the way that the power exchanges the healing for the energy of the bearer. The only way healers can hold a husband, quite frankly. If the powers did not make it pleasurable to share energy, the healer would be drained dry.” He could feel the shift in the energies as Isobel Marlin, the hedge witch, began to take the Warlock away from the edge of death. Her power was a flowing river of cool, soothing warmth that had Indela’s labored breathing eased in no time. Or so it felt to him. Time stilled as the healing continued. At some point, Sirus placed his hands on his wife’s shoulders and she visibly relaxed as his energy bolstered hers. Hours passed. When Isobel Senior took her hands away, Izzy fell forward and James darted in to lift her in his arms. “She just needs rest. Healing is not her forte. Take her upstairs. I will deal with the rest of the 64

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician remainders.” She was referring to the few guests that had not left, his parents and the Clan representative. With her husband’s help, she got to her feet and faced the much smaller crowd. As soon as James had turned the corner at the top of the stairs, she rounded on them. “Alright. Who here is willing to tell me what the hell is going on? Why did that bitch try to kill my little girl?” Her voice dripped ice. There was no avoiding her gaze either, it burned with the magical energy of the enraged witch. Silence reigned for long moments and then Electra could stand it no longer, “Indela was supposed to marry James. It was arranged. And then he had to go and hand fast himself to that little tramp.” “So why did she try to kill her? It would be over in one year.” Sirus’ calm baritone rumbled through the room, his eyes burning with rage that his daughter was coming under attack here, where she was supposed to be safe. “It is an insult to our family to have one of her kind bonded to us.” Electra was sulking. She could not deny the power of Izzy’s mother, or father for that matter. “Isobel is now a Lady of the Marlin Clan. You will show her the proper respect.” The Sterling Clan rep finally stepped forward and made himself known. “Thank you, Dennis. It’s nice to see you again.” 65

Viola Grace Sirus was relaxing as he recognized the powerful warlock. “So, you ended up as the Sterling rep? How fortunate for you.” “Do you acknowledge the attack on my daughter by a member of your Clan?” Isobel was trying not to be shrill, but she knew she failed when Sirus wrapped his arms across her shoulders and squeezed. “Yes, Lady. We do. Indela will be restricted and punished for her actions this evening. She will also be stripped of her powers for the next five years. Does that meet with your approval?” “It will have to do.” She looked over at her patient. “She can be moved now. You had best get her out of here before I reclaim my power.” “Yes, Lady. She will be taken before the High Council, this afternoon.” Isobel looked outside and noted that dawn had arrived. Healing stole time from her that would not be replaced, but she did not regret her choice. Dennis scooped up Ms. Morris and left the house, heading for the transfer point, leaving the Marlins facing the Sterlings. Arthur took over the roll of host and darted into the kitchen for a moment and Electra looked over at Izzy’s parents and flushed in embarrassment. “We weren’t expecting to see you here.” “Yes, I can imagine that you weren’t expecting us.” Sirus wrapped his arms around his wife and 66

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician spoke while resting his chin on her shoulder. He was as exhausted as she was. The woman had almost been dead. It had taken everything that they had in them just to repair her body. Her mind however may never recover.. Isobel took over the conversation. “Yes, but you know how it is. When your child calls, you come running. No matter what.” “Yes, of course.” Her lips were tight and she began to tap her foot in impatience. Where the devil was Arthur?

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Chapter Eight

A

rthur was holed up in the kitchen with Cheeves, trying to get the recalcitrant goblin to prepare some food for the remaining families. It was not going well. “Why won’t you make us some coffee Cheeves?” “Because I don’t work for you. I work for James Sterling, not Arthur and certainly not that bitch Electra.” He hummed to himself and faced the warlock as his arms continued to do the dishes behind his back. In a quiet hiss he begged, “But the Marlins are here as well, we have to make a good impression.” “The Marlins? Izzy’s parents? Why didn’t you say so?” Arthur ducked as a flurry of plates, foods and cutlery began to swarm through the kitchen. “Get out Arthur. Breakfast will be served in the dining room in five minutes. Take your seats.” Blinking in startled amazement, he left the 68

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician kitchen and went back into the parlor where his wife was glaring at one of the most attractive couples he had ever seen. “Breakfast will be served in a moment. Cheeves is preparing it. Shall we adjourn to the dining room?” Sirus met his eyes and nodded. “I think we could all use something after the events of the evening.” Isobel muttered, “And the morning.” But followed the Sterlings into the dining room and took a seat at the table opposite them. “Here ya go, Mr. Marlin.” Cheeves swooped in and gently laid ten plates in front of the Marlins, including napkins and utensils. “Do you need anything else?” Sirus blinked at the goblin and ignored his wife’s smile. “Some coffee would be wonderful. Thank you.” “In a minute, Sir.” And with that he was gone, leaving the Sterlings staring in confusion. “Don’t worry, he’ll get to you. He is just acting on James’ behalf in the goblin manner.” Arthur was curious now, “What do you mean?” “He has to please the female’s parents, so that they won’t reclaim her. In the goblin family, the parents retain all rights to the children and can recall them at any time until a child is produced.” “Oh. How do you know so much about goblins?” 69

Viola Grace Sirus and Isobel smiled in a condescending way, “Just because the Mage and Warlock Council’s refused to acknowledge our union, didn’t mean that everyone did. We have continued a relationship with all non-human members of the Realm councils.” “Sirus’ best man was a goblin. Baktanat and Nerella are two of our best friends.” Electra was surprised, “The Goblin Councilman?” “And his wife. She’s one of the Warders, and Junior’s godmother.” Her voice was weak now, “A Warder? How did she come to marry a goblin?” “He asked her, and you know as well as I do about the Warder’s marriage restrictions. Our daughter was raised with theirs, and she knows the ins and outs of the non-human societies like the back of her hand.” Sirus forked up a bite of the eggs and bacon from his plate. “It could be a useful asset to your son, if he decides to pursue the rank of Clan Leader.” The Sterlings were shocked. It was not common knowledge that they had high political hopes for their son in Realm. Isobel sipped calmly at her coffee, and waited for her husband to fill them in on the Marlin’s exact place in non-human society. “I can see by your faces that you didn’t know that your plans are no longer a secret. It isn’t 70

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician known in Realm, but all of the other magical races have been talking about it for years. If the Warlocks and Mages weren’t so stuck up about mixing bloodlines, they would have known it as well.” Electra looked up to the ceiling with slight hesitation. She was obviously turning the ramifications of having a well-connected daughter in-law, versus the half-breed mage that she had been thinking of, in her mind. “Any plans that you are working out for my daughter will have to go through her. Force won’t work in any way. Nor will blackmail or any other type of coercion. Trust us on this.” Isobel Senior was smiling at the thought of her daughter’s wild childhood. “As one mother to another, I think you know what I mean.” She kept working on her breakfast and eventually Cheeves brought the tray for the Sterlings. After he had served them coffee of course. The rest of the meal went silently, with the Marlins finishing minutes before the Sterlings due to their head start. As Cheeves cleared their plates away, Isobel stood and thanked him. She placed both hands on his upper shoulders and sent a ripple of power through him. He thanked her profusely and stripped off his apron. “My wife is so going to enjoy this,” was his last statement as he left for his home on the rear of the 71

Viola Grace property. “What did you give him?” “Just a bit of healer’s energy. It went straight to his groin, and he left to make full use of it. Goblins are pretty basic that way.” Isobel’s words were matter of fact, as she started to the stairs leading to the bedrooms. **** Apparently, Junior had come to when he brought her upstairs, because their bodies were still twisted together with the scent of sex in the air. He was holding her gently against him, his body covering hers in a protective manner. Isobel turned to leave after feeling the energy flowing between the two. They were well and truly bonded now. They were sharing the energy that he had in his body, to replace hers. Isobel had been ready to supplement them, but it was unnecessary. They were doing fine on their own. She left the room and stopped short at the gathering in the hall. Sirus was blocking the hallway, using his energy to keep the Sterlings at bay. “We need to leave now folks, they just need sleep.” She stepped forward, “And I think that waking would be more pleasant if we weren’t here.” “The house is warded, the estate is gated, and 72

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician the doors lock. They’ll be fine.” Sirus stepped forward and shooed the others down the stairs. “We should go. Now.” And so it was that the Marlins drove the Sterlings from their son’s house and waited until they transported before putting a lock on the house. Only Izzy or James could open it. And Cheeves of course. That would give them time to recover. “Did we do the right thing?” Isobel asked him as they prepared to leave. “We did what we could. He was her choice after all.” And he wrapped his worried wife in his arms and took them home.

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Chapter Nine

I

zzy felt like she had been run over. Every part of her body hurt. Only the gently swirling and retraction of the magical energy within her soothed her frazzled nerves. But the magic felt weird, like it was masculine in nature. Her eyes creaked open and she met James’ concerned gaze with her own bleary one. Her voice was a croak but she cleared it to say, “I choose you, James Sterling. For better, for worse, for beyond the year. I have chosen you.” His eyes widened. “For better, for worse, for the rest of our lives, I choose you Isobel Marlin Junior.” What followed was the sweetest kiss that two half conscious people could have. And then the consciousness left again, only the gentle energy of their vows wrapped around them proved their bond. **** 74

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician

It was afternoon before James raised his head out of the pillows. Isobel was no where to be seen. But based on the trail of clothes from the closet, she had headed down stairs for food. He was on his own. So, completely naked, he left his bedroom and wandered down the stairs. There she was, her back to him, jeans and a tshirt covering the body that he loved. A hand was raised up to give him a backwards wave and she kicked a chair out for him as she continued to eat as if days had passed. Maybe they had, “Cheeves, how long were we out?” “Three days and Izzy, thank your mother for me. Vreda is going to send her a fruit basket, it was the best sex we had had in years.” Cheeves looked tired but happy, all of his eyes glowing with satisfaction. “Uh, I will. You probably deserved it.” After finishing the protein that he had laid out for her, she was starting on the fruit. She knew her priorities. James, meanwhile, had scooted in next to her and was filching pieces of fruit off her place while Cheeves wielded his pans and spatulas with a vengeance. “Izzy, did we wake up and…” “Take life mate vows?” “Yeah. We did.” 75

Viola Grace “Are you surprised?” “Nope, I am not. You?” “No. Surprisingly.” “Oh, James. There is a meeting of the Halfblood club in a few weeks. You might want to leave the house that night. We can get a little rowdy.” “The Half-blood club? What the hell is that?” “George, Hookey, and Jinx. I called them all this morning, and they are making arrangements to be here in two weeks, for a sleep over. Oh, you might have to deal with one werewolf, two elves, and the dragon that you met at the investigation.. Maybe you could form some sort of poker night…?” He sat there for long minutes pondering his fate. This woman was quicksilver. Whenever he thought she was under control, she slipped away. He should just be thankful that she warned him. “Your friends are welcome in our house anytime.” Suddenly he was holding a lap full of mage. “Thank you for that.” “What, the girls night?” “No, the ‘our house’.” She gave him a slow kiss that curled his toes. “It means that I can move my stuff in, and feel at home. And that we are truly bonded, whether we planned it or not.” “So we can skip the girls night?” He looked pathetically hopeful. 76

Magust Shift - Tarot, The Magician She threw her head back and laughed. “Not a chance. Love me, love my friends.” “Well. At least loving you is easy.” He shook his head, then dumped her back on her chair, and ate his breakfast. “Ah, you say that now, but wait until we host the Goblin Birthday Party. I’ll quiz you after that.” She grinned and then started laughing in earnest. Life had turned her plans upside down, and she couldn’t be more pleased. A Magus and a Warlock, who would have thought?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A

compulsive crafter and sucker for a ‘happily ever after’, I spend my time avoiding anything related to housework. My hobbies have included needlework, metalwork, henna tattoos and costume design. Oh yeah, and writing. I love to write. A rabid sci-fi buff and nerd to the core. Visit Viola at: http://www.violagrace.com