episode 5

Blaze

He waited outside the door until her cries quieted and her breathing evened out. What was he going to do? She probably despised him now. The look of hurt on her face when he admitted his guilt...

Shaking himself, he vowed he would win her over. She was a rare gem, one he couldn't let anyone else have. Her power alone marked her as a threat to the entire supernatural world. She would be systematically broken down and abused if caught; bent toward someone else's will or worse; killed.

Even her own people would covet her power.

He refused to allow it. She was his Firestarter...

Sora

Rolling over, I languidly stretched. Reaching to the side table for my phone, I checked the time. It'd been a couple hours.

Padding to the bathroom to take care of the necessities, I pondered my power and the harm it could cause. Shooting fire when my emotions got the best of me wasn't an option. I needed practice.

Thank the Goddess Blaze wasn't hurt. Although it wouldn't have been a bad idea to singe him a bit. After all, this crap started with him.

My mind rebelled at placing all the blame squarely at his feet. True, I wasn't exactly being

fair. Sure, if he'd have kept his damned fangs to

himself, I might have lived for a while longer in

my bland little bubble. If he really sniffed me out at the bar, it was probably only a matter of time before someone or something else would have too.

Was this why I hadn't been eating? The only thing that tasted good at all was rare, bloody meat. I had to get more answers.

Splashing water onto my face, I tugged out my braid. Finger-combing the tresses, I froze. He'd kissed me. During my entire pity party, I had forgotten the kiss. Just a brush of his lips... I traced where his been, and they tingled with the remembered sensation. Was it to shock me back into the present? Did it mean anything? I replayed the moment in my mind. "Call it back, Love. Call the flames back to you." He'd called me love. What did that mean?

There was one thing I could actually do something about. I was starving. After a detour for some food, I would hunt down everything related to magic.

The sound of dishes clacked in my ears as I approached the smaller of the two kitchens. As I hesitated at the door, the smells of cooked meat swirled through the air. Savoring the aroma, I pushed through the swinging panel.

Julian stood front and center, seemingly aware of every task the two women were undertaking. He addressed a short female with cropped hair chopping something green. "Georgia, no. You must dice the celery to achieve the proper texture."

Sauntering over to Georgia, a heavy-set woman with a brown bun pulled the knife from her grasp. "Like this."

Julian nodded. "Yes." Noticing me, he turned with a half bow. "Ah, Miss Sora. What can we do for you?"

My lashes fluttered. "Hey, Julian. Just Sora, please."

"As you wish."

Hopefully, I asked, "Um, do you have any more

of that delicious ribeye from earlier?"

Without taking his gaze from mine, he smiled. "Julie, could you be a dear and grab the rare steak you just finished searing?"

Julie quickly pulled open the oven. Using a towel, she removed a steaming plated steak and handed it to him.

He tipped his head graciously. "Thank you." "Miss, er, hmm," he stuttered, grabbing a tray setting off the sideboard, "Sora, would you like to take this in the formal dining room?"

Blushing, I pointed to a stainless-steel bar with two matching wooden stools just out of the way of the chefs. "Um, could I take it at that spot over there?"

He paused for a moment. "Of course."

Judging by his reaction, this definitely wasn't the norm for guests. My brows lifted. "Are you sure?" I didn't want to get him into trouble.

"Yes, yes. Absolutely fine. Would you care for a

drink? Wine, perhaps?" Hungry as I was, I didn't want to risk any alcohol. "Yes, please. Ice water is fine, thank you."

As I perched on the stool, the kitchen continued to bustle around me. Julian placed the setting in front of me, and I almost swooned at the sight. Cutting off a bite, I noted its red juicy perfection. Popping it into my mouth, I sighed. Pure Heaven. I barely noticed the water as he set it beside my elbow.

Using the last few morsels to soak up as much blood as I could, I pushed the plate away. Goddess, that was simply amazing.

Georgia snatched the plate up on her way to the dishwashing station.

I called after her, "Thank you."

A bob of her head was the only acknowledgement I received.

Okay...

As I hopped up, the kitchen was strangely empty. Shrugging, I made my way to the library.

I had gone through ten more tomes before he appeared.

Hesitating at the end of the closest stack, he rumbled, "Hey."

Throwing him a frustrated glare, I snapped, "What?"

He stepped back at my tone.

"Sorry," I mumbled. "I'm just irritated. Nothing in these books even comes close to what I've done with my power." Tipping my head back onto the plush chair, I pinched the bridge of my nose. Peeking at him beneath a fan of lashes, I watched him stare at my exposed throat.

Gulping, he cleared his throat. "I could help, if you want. My manipulation of magic is different than yours, but I'm sure between the two of us, we can figure something out." Smirking internally at his reaction, I nodded.

"That would probably be best."

"Perhaps, we could go to the courtyard? It would be..." he paused as if choosing his words carefully "...less traumatic for my Menagerie." Now the silence in the kitchen made sense.

They had probably heard all about my near miss with their, I mentally air quoted, "Master." Disappointed in myself and my own lack of

information, I muttered, "Sure."

Navigating the hallways leading to the courtyard, I couldn't help but admire the view. His black shitkickers made absolutely no sound. Defining the round globes of his flawless rear, the fabric of his faded jeans bunched and released with each step. The black tee he wore rippled, highlighting every muscle as his thickly corded arms swung with the momentum.

Why did he have to look like walking sin?

Focus!

Finally, we reached our destination. The blooms seemed to smell sweeter in the predawn hours. Looking up at the slowly lightening sky, he rumbled, "We don't have much time."

Where were we, exactly? I could see each star, something not visible in PB due to San Diego's light pollution.

He shifted toward me, and his face was nearly indistinguishable in the gloom. "Light your fire."

Closing my eyes, I focused my attention on the well of energy inside my chest. A ping answered. I flipped my lids open, and my hands illuminated with flickering flames. Shadows danced along the foliage from their bright light.

"Good. Focus on the fire. Feel your magic, manipulate it. Use your will to cast an image into the air, anything you'd like to see."

Doin as he asked, I conjured an image of the beach. I could hear the roar of the waves cresting and slapping against each other. Palms swayed in the breeze. Children laughed as they happily played in the wet sand.

Blaze's sharp inhale drew my attention. Like a motion picture drawn with the ember of a smoking campfire stick, every detail I imagined glowed with starlight. The children buried one another in the sand. A breeze swept through the courtyard, teasing my hair as it shook the palm fronds. Ocean waves crested with an audible crack of thunder somewhere in the distance.

Startled by the sound, the leash on my power slipped.

Water leapt from the infinity pool in a live wave, instantly soaking my Chucks. With the cool sensation seeping into my socks, I released the tether completely. The picture continued for a beat, paused, then snapped in a shower of sparkling fairy dust.

Slightly dizzy, I sat down. My grey jeggings soaked up the liquid like a sponge, and I didn't care. I did it! Excited, I grinned up to Blaze's hulking figure. "Like that?"

Mouth hanging open in awe, he turned. "I think that was a little different," he said, his thumb and forefinger pinched together, "than I imagined." I giggled. "Me too, but super amazing, right?"

Staring where the image had been, he

questioned, "Was it a memory?"

The smile slid off my face. "Yes. I saw it from my hotel window in Cancun. My family had business there. I was stuck inside reading about magic I didn't have. It looked like so much fun to just play in the surf."

Thunder crackled again overhead as the cloudy

sky opened. Rain began to pour, further soaking us.

Walking over to a switch on the wall, Blaze closed the retractable roof. "How do you feel?" Listening to the soft whir of the motor, I took

inventory. Other than the quickly passing dizziness, I felt good. Giddy even.

"I was dizzy, but now I feel great."

As the metal plates closed, Blaze squished his way over and sat beside me. "That's good. You ate before though, right?"

"Yes."

"Your magic needs fuel, or it will use your body as a source. Have you-" he paused "-had any strange cravings?"

Blushing, I tucked my chin and hid behind the

curtain of my damp hair. "Yes. Nothing tastes

right. The only thing I seem to crave is rare meat."

Reaching out, he tucked my tresses behind one ear. He traced the curve of my jaw with his thumb, and his eyes sparkled like sapphire gems in the near darkness. "It's okay." Expression shuttering, he dropped his hand. "I think you need blood." My mouth opened in repulsion.

Jerking his head, he rushed out, "I think you're some kind of hybrid. A Mage and a Dhampir. It makes sense if your powers are tied to certain cravings. It's not so bad, really. If you're not ready, we can try other things." Earnestly, he added, "Keep it in mind, please?"

Gross... but if he was right... I nodded. "Okay. What now?"

Listening to the rain hit the steel roof, he sighed. "Well, obviously you have an affinity for weather. A thunderstorm wasn't forecasted." I laughed, then guffawed.

His wide shoulders shook. Was he having fun too? A loud snort from his direction confirmed it.

Teasingly, I whispered, "Nice." He sobered. "Water as well, judging by my half drained pool. I felt the breeze also."

"So that leaves Earth, right?"

"Yes. I think we should try for that tomorrow

night though," he chuckled. "I don't want to take a mud bath." I sniggered. "Afraid of some dirt?" "No. I don't want to push you too hard, too fast." His tone lowered. "We need to talk about something." Reluctantly, the grin slid off my face. I was actually enjoying the banter; it felt good. "What now?"

Eyeing me, he stated in a factual tone, "I've never seen what you have done so far. Fire, Water, weather, and Air. Even now you are incredibly powerful. Like a mini sun, I can sense your well of magic as it calls to my own. You can control Vampires, something only a Master can do. These things alone will make you highly sought after. If you can also control Earth, there won't be a limit to what you can do. I've also never seen a Mage wield magic like you. They use spells, rituals, and the like. You would be the ultimate weapon."

His words slowly sunk in as my good mood soured. A weapon? The way I wield magic from my well? The questions swirled through my mind in an unending loop. "If I'm a weapon, what do you want out of this?"

Open and honest, he met my gaze. "I am partially responsible for your state. Had I not attacked you, this may never have happened. To make amends for my acts, I want to help you. Once you can defend yourself, you can do as you wish. Until that time, you are vulnerable. The Pack already has your scent. It's not safe for you to be anywhere else."

I debated the sincerity of his words for a moment. He had helped me so far, albeit in a creepy way. Then he'd given me a haven from the Shifters after my warding accident... He seemed genuine. Plus, he hadn't intentionally harmed me since he lost control after the bar. The strange looks from almost every human I encountered since his bite flitted past. "What happened to my scent when you bit me? All the humans, except for Giselle and my friend, got a bit weird. Some just stared; others made googly eyes. I even got a fewbdirty looks from a couple of women." "It's the pheromones. Vampires have an innate ability in their scent." He paused. "It puts most humans into what we call thrall, and it makes them easier to compel." Lifting a finger at my horrified expression, he continued, "Let me finish. New Vampires learn to control it fairly early after being turned. Giselle and your friend are probably immune to your pheromones because they've been near you for so long."

I pondered that for a moment. "So, I can control it?"

His shoulder lifted. "Yes, with a bit of practice it should fade."

"Why aren't Julian or the kitchen staff affected?"

"Practice. They live with Vampires. We can't hold someone in thrall indefinitely." He stood. "It's mainly used to help us feed."

My nose wrinkled. Man, the hits just kept on coming. Shaking my head, I pushed off the muddy ground and stepped beside him. Dusting chunks of mud and grass off my ***, I made my decision. "I will stay, for a while." Somberly, I added, "I don't have anywhere else to go anyway."

His face softened. "I'm so sorry, Sora."

Lifting a shoulder into a half shrug, I squished my way to the door. "I figure it probably would have happened sooner or later. Then, I'd probably be dead."

Blaze

As she walked back into the house, he shuddered. Thinking of her dead left him feeling ill. He quickly caught up to her in the hall as she headed back to her room. Curiously, she asked, "Where do you sleep?"

Slowing his pace, he watched the sway of her silver hair as it waved against her back. "On the main floor since you took over my suite."

He smirked at the thought of her in his bed. "Ha, funny," she snarked.

Furrowing his brows, he asked, "Would you like

a different room?"

Hand on the handle, she turned with an incredulous expression. "Are you kidding? That shower is the best thing on Earth." She stuck out her tongue. "This room is now mine, buddy." She chuckled, but then the playfulness went out of her eyes.

His hackles rose. "What is it?"

"Well, um," she murmured. Blushing, she waved down the corridor. "I was wondering, could you stay in a room up here?" Ah. Yes, a new house full of strangers would be hard for her. Especially after her encounter with his brother. He should have thought of that sooner. Nodding, he lifted his arm to the door beside hers. "As you wish. I'll be just there. Rest well, Sora." "You too." She smiled and closed the door.

Pleased that she felt more comfortable with him near, he went off in search of Julian to move his accommodations.

Blaze found him in the pantry taking inventory.

At his approach, Julian paused.

Bowing once, he straightened. "Yes, Master

Blaze. What might I assist you with?"

"Good morning, Julian. I need one of the

Menagerie to move my accommodations to the

room beside Sora's."

Nodding, he smiled. "Ah, yes. It will be done.

How is Miss Sora settling in?"

"Better, it seems. She is magnificent. Her powers might even exceed my own." Boyishly, he grinned. "I hope she stays."

Julian's eyes sparkled. "We will do all we can to

make her feel welcome. I will have your room

ready within the hour. Will there be anything

else? Sustenance, perhaps?" His stomach rolled at the thought of taking any vein other than Sora's "No, that's fine. Thank you, Julian."

"Of course, Master." Issuing another half bow, Julian reached for his phone.

Satisfied, Blaze zipped to the rec room for a

drink.

Approaching the bar, he snagged a bottle of

whiskey when his brother arrived through the sidebhallway. His large hand tightened on the neck so hard it almost cracked. Mine, his mind screamed.

Snatching a rocks glass, he tried for a neutral

tone as he poured. "Jackson."

Jackson smirked. "Blaze."

Remembering Sora's commands to respect her,

he decided a test was in order. Taking a sip, he

inquired, "So, have you met Sora?"

Jackson's eyes glazed over. "Yes, she's a very

nice girl."

He baited, "Yes, she is. Have you noticed the

delicate notes of her scent?"

Face scrunching in confusion, Jackson slowly

replied, "No. I mean, she smelled pleasant."

Not wanting to push her compulsion too far, he

eased off. "What are you up to so early in the

morning?"

Jackson shrugged. "Just came in for a nightcap."

Grabbing another cup, he poured a few fingers.

Sliding it across the polished oak, he asked,

"How's the perimeter?"

Jackson squinted. "A few extra Shifters were

scented, but nothing too abnormal."

Blaze's face turned to stone. They'd followed.

Damn, he hoped he'd lost them. That was a

foolhardy thought. A gift like Sora would

definitely be worth pursuing for the Pack.

Mine, his mind whispered more insistently.

He drain his glass and then spoke, his voice

sounding like tumbled stones. "Increase sentries, day and night. Move the majority of Feline Shifters to the day shift with the Protectors." Jackson barely blinked. "Consider it done. Care to tell me why?"

Pouring another drink, Blaze debated on how much he could tell him. Jackson was his brother, best friend, and second in command. He'd also lusted after Sora's blood... then again, so had Blaze. Decision made, he knocked his knuckles on the bar for luck. "Sora-" he hesitated, knowing the words he spoke would cement what he had known all along "-she's a strong Mage, the strongest I've ever seen... and she's... my Mate."

Jackson barked a quick laugh. Looking at Blaze's deadpan expression, he immediately sobered. "You're serious, aren't you?" His eyes widened. "You are. Do you know how rare a female Vampire is?" Doubt colored his words. "Let alone to find one and have her be your Mate?" "Yes," Blaze growled in disapproval, "I am aware." "Wait. You said Mage. When did you have the time to turn her? I've never heard of a Vampire Mage." Sighing, Blaze shook his head. This was the crux of it all. Looking Jackson straight in the eye, he lowered his voice. "I didn't. She's still in her first life. She's a Dhampir Mage Hybrid."

The words dropped like bombs in the quiet

room.

Jackson's pupils dilated as his mouth opened

and closed like a fish out of water.

Baring all his secrets, Blaze continued, "Her

mother was bitten while she was in the womb by that psychotic Master Vampire in Seattle. Hernparents are the most powerful Mages in the Supernatural Community. Something happened, I don't know what." Waving his hands at the situation, he added, "Then I fed on her."

Jackson gasped.

Frustrated with himself, Blaze began whisper

yelling. "I lost control, Jackson! I haven't done

that since I was a Fledgling!" Taking a deep breath, he calmed. "My venom awoke her powers. She had none beforehand."

Understanding dawned on Jackson's face. "Who else knows this?"

Worry creased lines into the shape of a v

between Blaze's brows. "A Shifter caught her

scent. He visited her home."

A deranged laugh escaped him as he filled

Jackson in on the charred Wolf flying from Sora's landing and skidding through the grass.

Jackson sniggered. "So, you brought her

home?"

"She called me. An accident, she said.

Regardless, the fool shouldn't have tried to enter her home. I believe he was testing her powers and literally bit off more than he could chew."

Jackson was a quick study. His expression lit

with suspicion. "What are you leaving out? How

did she have your number?"

Blaze wasn't prepared to air all of Sora's secrets.

He didn't want his Clutch to know she also

exhibited a Master's powers, and label her as a

threat. It was a delicate balance, swearing fealty tobanother Vampire. He'd never had to place a compulsion on any member of his Clutch, and hoped to keep it that In a tone that brooked no argument, he replied, "It's not relevant to thebmatter at hand."

"Okaaay," Jackson drew out with a shrug

"What happened next?"

"It was close." Blaze ran his hands through his

hair. "Once she told me the Wolf was Mel, I

convinced her of the danger and made her pack a bag "Mel. Mel, the Alpha Mel?" Jackson asked, flabbergasted.

"Yes. Sora wouldn't leave without making sure

the woman who had taken her in was safe." He

threw his arms wide open. "She made a type of

ward I have never seen, without uttering a singlebword. It covered an unattached garage, the yard, and a two-story home." Dropping his arms, he continued in an awed voice, "She was glorious."

Jackson snapped his fingers and waved his hand in a hurry-up gesture.

Gravely, Blaze continued, "The expenditure of

power overtaxed her body and caused her to

collapse. As I settled her and her belongings in my arms, I heard the first yip. It seems Mel really wanted her. I parsed no less than twenty scents as I zigzagged through Pacific Beach for over an hour to lose them." Pouring another shot, he quickly downed it before lifting his arm in a sweeping gesture. "Here we are."

Jackson gulped his drink and set the empty glass on the bar. "Here we are." Stuffing his hands inside his pockets, he turned toward the entryway. "Seems I have a while yet before I can rest. I'll have a full report compiled by this evening." Unimpressed with the situation, he clomped his boots through the hallway.

Alone with his thoughts, Blaze mentally went through the security of his compound. The Feline Shifters were excellent guards. Taking them into his Clutch had been one of his better decisions. He still couldn't believe Mel refused to let them join his Pack. Then again, the old adage of cats and dogs rang true.

The Protectors were also exceptional day guards. By regularly drinking Vampire blood, they were far stronger and faster than any normal human. They trained with military-like precision and were more familiar with technological security than any other member of his Clutch.

Mind swirling with scenarios, he made his way to back to the second floor to sleep.

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