Chapter 2

The same sounds awoke me as the day before. Struggling with the crocheted throw and cushions, I began searching for my phone as it abruptly stopped ringing. I continued the fight with the decades-old sofa, when it chimed again. Finally, I located it beneath the couch and pressed the unlock button. 4:30 p.m. How do I keep sleeping away the day? I wonder, thumbing open the text with the G. ‘Hey, hon, feeling better? Dinner’s at 6.’ I thought for a moment. We’d barely seen each other all week. I typed back, ‘Yup, see you then!’ She replied, ‘:)’ I began what was becoming my evening ritual instead of the usual morning. The only difference was my excitement to try on the clothes I had purchased. After a quick shower, I wiped the fog from the mirror and froze. My hair was now completely silver, the stuff girls paid hundreds of dollars for at the salon. Ocean-blue eyes stared back at me. My lashes were fuller and my cheekbones seemed more pronounced. I tried not to be vain, but damn, I looked great! Grinning at my new look, I noticed my teeth even seemed whiter, and my lips were a plump pink. Shrugging it off as a good night’s sleep, I finished getting ready and headed over to Giselle’s house. Even from the entryway of her Spanish-style home, it smelled amazing. I let myself in and hollered a greeting. “Smells awesome, Giselle! I was practically drooling outside!” I rounded the corner as she was coming in from the back deck. “Steaks?” I looked at her plate. Usually, I steered away from red meat, but this looked delicious. The ribeye’s were grilled to perfection. She replied with a hesitant look on her face, “I know you normally don’t go for them, but I got a really good deal for the diner and decided to try them out.” I smiled. “No, they smell great. I’ll try one.” Her face shone as she grinned in approval. Giselle really was beautiful, in that classic Diane Keaton way. Slightly shorter than I, but with curves in all the right places. The regulars at the diner always stared after her when she made her rounds to the tables. Setting the platter down, she grabbed the salt and pepper. “Potatoes and corn are ready. Could you set the places?” “Sure.” I quickly busied myself with the familiar task. My mind kept wandering to the steaks. Goddess, when was the last time I ate? My O’s the day before? I had forgotten everything with all the crazy weirdness going on. No wonder the steaks smelled divine. I was starving. We finally sat down and served each other as we had numerous times in the past few months. She watched me with the expectant look of a mother while I took my first bite. It was rare and still bleeding in the center. I popped it into my mouth and instantly moaned. Her face lit with a million-watt smile. “I hoped you’d like it. That’s it, they’re going on the menu.” I mumbled my approval, too engrossed in shoveling in my meal as fast as possible. It felt like I hadn’t eaten in a month! Using my potatoes to soak up every drop of juice left on the plate, I took my last bite and leaned back with a contented sigh.

“Whoa! Have a drink, dear,” she chided. “You’ll choke.” “That was absolutely amazing. Thank you so much. I didn’t realize how hungry I was. Food has tasted off lately,” I grimaced, thinking about my cereal and forgotten popcorn from the day before. “Well, you look like you’ve lost a few pounds. You’re not dieting, are you? You know you’re gorgeous. All these fads with ‘thin’ these days.” She shook her head in disapproval. I smiled. “No, no dieting. I feel great, better than great actually.” Her frown turned back into a grin. “You do look amazing. Did you change your hair? I’ve never seen it so silver.” “Honestly, no. I’m not quite sure what’s going on with it, but I love it. I was thinking about cutting it last week, but I’m definitely going to keep it now,” I said, running my fingers through the shoulder-length tresses. “I agree.” She beamed. “It’s rather lovely on you.” My cheeks heated. “Thanks.” We continued to make small talk while we cleared the table and did the dishes. Her brows rose as I was getting ready to head out. “Do you have plans tonight?” “I’m not sure. I think maybe I’ll go for a walk on the beach before it gets too late.” She gave me the eye. “Well, you be careful.” Kissing her cheek, I answered, “I will, I will, promise.” She was such a mother hen. We made our usual date for next Wednesday. It was chilly again as I burrowed deeper into my jacket. The Moon shone off the water and highlighted the breaking waves. The ocean smelled so crisp. Sinking my bare toes into the cold sand, I thought over everything that had happened. I needed answers. Grabbing my sandals, I decided to visit my only friend and hit her froyo cafe to do some research. The door chimed overhead as it announced my arrival. Wiping my salty, sandy sandals on the rug, I glanced around. It was closer to nine, closing time, and the place was deserted. Frozen treats on a chilly night just weren’t as enticing as the coffee shop around the corner. Viv popped her head out from behind the counter and yelled over the loud music, “Hey, stranger!” She stood at five foot nothing with her two-inch pink hair spiked out every direction possible. Her tiny figure was lost in the large yellow apron looped twice around her frame. Green eyes sparkling, a devious grin slid over her lips as she scanned me from head to toe. Chucks slapping against the tiled floor, she made her way over and gave me a bone-crushing hug. For a tiny thing, she sure was strong. I grinned down at her. “Hey, what happened to the Rainbow Dash look?” My chin bumped against a pink spike as I released her. “Everyone has blue, purple, and pink these days,” she answered with a disgusted look on her face. Viv always liked to stand out in a crowd. Her hot-magenta lips shifted into a mock pout. “What brings you in? I hardly ever see you anymore unless I come to the diner.” “I know, sorry.” I cringed. “I’ve just been dealing with some family things. Me and all my baggage, right?” My attempt at a smile fell flat. Viv was an orphan; she understood being on your own. Despite losing her parents at a young age, she came back stronger than ever from it. She only knew my parents were gone, not that I was practically a leper among my people. “Well, I have the perfect fix for that.” She smiled, grabbing a paper bowl from the counter. Expertly working the chrome levers on the machine, she poured my usual froyo. “Chocolate fixes everything.” She was infectious. “Of course it does.” “You look good, been working out? I see you’re finally wearing some nice stuff.” She wagged her brows at me. “New boyfriend?” “Yeah, no.” I paused. “Just been trying some new things.” She winked. “Nice. Well, you eat that. I have a few things to do before I can lock up.” Closing consisted of stacking chairs and texting her boyfriend to tell him their plans for the night. I envied her normal life and cheery persona. “Actually, um, could I borrow your laptop?” My brows lifted hopefully. “I have some things I want to research.” “Sure. I’m out of here in thirty minutes though. Is that okay?” “Perfect, thanks.” I sighed in relief and made my way to her office. Shutting the door, I sat in her chair. The Apple computer was already on, so I just popped into the internet search engine and came to an abrupt stop. What the heck was I even supposed to look up? A Clutch? Vampires? Mind control? I typed away, using different searches and keywords before I promptly began to panic. There was nothing. What was I thinking? Sure, there were plenty of fanatic sites. Even blood-drinking ones; but nothing beyond books and folklore. Everything on mind control was layered in psychic crap and the occult. This was a colossal waste of time and my thirty minutes were up. Damn. Clearing the browser history, I got up just as Viv was coming in. She nodded to the computer. “Find what you needed?” “Not really. Just looking up some family stuff.” She frowned in sympathy and looped an arm around my waist. “It gets easier, you know?” I smiled. “I hope so.” “Hey, you didn’t eat your ice cream. Does it taste okay?” She frowned, spooning at the melted brown mess inside the bowl. “It’s fine. I just had a huge dinner with Giselle and don’t have anywhere to put it.” I reached out and pinched her jutting hip bone, with a wink. She giggled. “Okay. Just toss it. Jason will be here in a few. We’re heading out for a couple drinks. Want to come?” Shrugging, I bit my lip. “Thanks, but I have an early shift tomorrow. No rest for the weary.” I hated lying to her. I was scheduled for the lunch shift, not breakfast. If she was going out, I doubted she’d pop in before that. “Do you need any help locking up?” “No, I got it. You’d better get home and get some sleep. Those early hours suck.” She crossed her eyes at the thought of waking before six o’clock. “All right, take care. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” I ****** my hips in a mock dance move. We both cracked up. My moves were nonexistent. I danced like a newborn colt frolicking in a field on shaky legs. As the door closed behind me, and Viv clicked the lock on the other side, a feeling of unease slithered down my spine. I looked around, but only saw a few people with their eyes glued to their phones or engrossed in conversation. The street lights were bright, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. I debated calling a Lyft home, but decided against it. With my tips stolen, I didn’t want to dip any further into my meager savings. As I made my way into the dimmer suburbs, the feeling neither grew stronger nor subsided. Six more blocks to go. Rounding the next corner, I spotted a man on the other side of the street walking in the same direction. It was too dark to make out anything other than his blond hair, but I kept an eye on him in my peripheral vision until he turned at the next street. Relieved, I sighed. I did not need another encounter with a stranger. Lengthening my stride, I picked up my pace to get home. Approaching my studio, I noticed my porch light wasn’t on. It must have burnt out, I thought, climbing the steps. Slipping the key into the lock, I turned the handle, when I was overwhelmed with a dose of adrenaline. Fight or flight. Someone was in my house. I jerked the door open in a panic, but no one was there. Flipping the deadbolt, I quickly checked the bathroom and tiny shower. Nothing. Heart rate calming, I walked back to the kitchen area. Opening the mini fridge, I felt a draft against the nape of my neck. Slowly, I turned. A brick of a man stood in my open entryway. I gasped. Lowering my gaze, I eyed my bat near the door from my last encounter. His lips tilted into a smirk as if daring me to go for it. He had a strong jawline and high cheekbones. Not pretty, but handsome in a bad-boy kind of way. The jacket he wore was open to a dark blue T-shirt. Faded jeans finished the look paired with black combat boots. He stared. I stared. It was like a Wild West standoff. After a moment, I injected feigned confidence into my voice. “Who the hell are you, and what are you doing in my house?” His lips curled into a full devilish smile that dimpled his cheeks. Deep, rich laughter rolled out, immediately pissing me off. Squaring my shoulders, I stalked toward him with a glare. His teeth snapped closed when I was a foot from him… and my weapon. Catching the movement of my eyes, he growled, “I wouldn’t.” Crossing my arms as a barrier, I tried to ignore the fluttering of my stomach. “Answer me!” Inside, a silent demand screamed, Let go. So, I did. Brilliant blue light lit my hands, dancing across my knuckles as I spread each finger. The glow played across the stranger’s face as he stared, completely transfixed by whatever the hell I was doing. This close, I could smell him. Clean and crisp like the ocean, and very similar to my home back in Seattle. Inhaling again, I licked my lips and relaxed into the memory. He flared his nostrils as his gaze tracked the motion. Shock and recognition flashed across his face. “You.” Confusion coursed through me. I didn’t know this mountain of a man that smelled like home. Returning his assessment, I noted how his leather jacket clung to him like a second skin. Focus! Tossing my hair over one shoulder, I asked, “Do I know you?” Stepping back, he overcame his previous emotional slip with the movement. “I’m Blaze, Master of the SoCal Clutch.” One perfect brow rose. “And you are?” I shook out my hands in hopes of extinguishing the flames. As they winked out, I bit out, “Sora,” to cover my surprise. “Sora,” he whispered. The longing in his voice made my heart beat faster. Clearing his throat, he murmured, “Can I come in?” Appalled at my body’s reaction, I snarked, “It’s a little late for pleasantries now, isn’t it? You already manipulated my door and let yourself in. Now you’re asking permission?” “Yes,” he rumbled back, following with a lower, “please.” I debated for a moment. I have magic! Magic… that I didn’t know how to use…. Oh well, fake it ’til you make it. “Fine,” I answered, tipping my head to the couch. He silently strode across the room and settled himself on the sofa like he was afraid to break it. The hide-a-bed groaned a loud complaint, but held. His bulk took up so much space, I remained standing. I crossed my arms again. “What do you want?” He let out a long sigh. “I came to investigate a scent I noticed early last night. I sent two of my best Trackers to hunt down whatever it was, only to have them fail to report back. When I tracked them down, they had no clue of the order I issued. Like their memory was wiped.” He leaned forward, and the couch whined its disdain at the abuse. “Any idea why that is?” My thoughts scrambled as my pulse skyrocketed. His pupils dilated. Tracing the curve of my jaw, they came to rest on my fluttering jugular. My quick intake of breath caused him to look away. Chagrined, he muttered, “Sorry.” Vampire, right. Gulping past the lump in my throat, I debated on the best answer that wouldn’t betray my weird ability. An ability that didn’t seem to work on him. Ignorance was bliss. I quipped, “What are you talking about?” His eyes turned cold as his gaze swung back to mine. “You really want to play that game?” Thick muscles flexed beneath his coat, straining the material in a mesmerizing display of masculinity. The threat was clear in every line of his hard body. My eyes widened as fear shot through me. Drawing in a short burst of air, he seemed to relax. I diverted, “Why do you breathe?” His brow furrowed as if he was thrown by the abrupt change in topic. “To gather scents, speak, and blend in.” Okay… I wonder what he smells? My own senses had increased ever since I cracked my head after the bar… Wait! Curley’s! The blond man with the strong jaw. It was him! “Have I seen you before?” Rolling his shoulders into a shrug, he contemplated my question. “I believe we were at the same establishment the other night.” I threw my arms up in exasperation. “Establishment! Yeah, establishment. Let’s go with that.” His sarcasm matched mine. “You were also there, alone, as I recall. Painting it black, right?” Venomously, I spat, “It’s a classic.” Rising, he towered over me. “You’re stalling. Tell me what I want to know.” Shit, he must be six foot three or more. Never had I felt so crowded by a man that smelled so damned good, in all my life. Noting my reaction, he turned toward the window and addressed my reflection. “Please, just tell me what I want to know.” His sincerity undid me. “Two guys, Von and Jake, broke into my home. I don’t know what they wanted. I had my bat. They left. I don’t know what happened to them after. End of story.” I mentally crossed my fingers for him to believe my edited version of events. His sigh fogged the glass. Holding my breath, I waited. “Fine,” he growled. As he prowled to the door, his shitkickers made hollow noises of displeasure on my thin carpet. Hand on the handle, he glanced back condescendingly. “Know this, Mage: there are others that reside in SoCal that will have caught your unique scent and will come to investigate. Others not so patient as I.” In a move too quick to follow, he tossed a card onto my coffee table. “Call if you require assistance. Good night, Sora.” I blinked. My door was closed and locked as if he’d never been there at all. Blaze Never had he been so frustrated by a female, nor had he been so turned on by scent alone either. Her mint shampoo played nicely to the delicate tones of surf and lavender. That alone was odd; ocean scents usually identified Vampires. Perhaps it was residual from his bite two nights before, or even the Trackers he sent. She certainly wasn’t a Vampire… Mentally, he replayed the toss of her hair… like liquid silver. His hand trembled with the urge to run his fingers through it. “Sora,” he whispered into the wind. The Moon had fully risen by the time he settled in to watch her home from a broken streetlight. Sora What the hell was that? Why couldn’t I control him like the other two? Maybe it was his leadership to their Clutch. He radiated power like most women overused perfume. Picking up the card, I read it while peeking out the window to the street. Deeply engraved in black on thick white paper, it read,

BLAZE

619.440.1667 My thumb rolled over the indentations. Pfft, not even a last name? Weird. Checking the view once more, I moved to the poor hide-a-bed and racked my brain for any memory on warding. Nothing came to mind. That was the trick with magic: you couldn’t learn to use it unless you had it. Why did this have to happen now? Recalling the blue flames, I surmised it had to have been instinctive due to my heightened emotions. Clasping my hands, I closed my lids and searched for the pull I felt earlier. There, near my center, was an azure light. Gently, oh so gently, I coaxed it out and opened my eyes. Holy shit! Surprised, I inspected the bright flames. Would they burn everything? Hesitantly, I touched my hair. Nothing. My palm lowered to the table with the same results. Emboldened, I walked to the door and concentrated on never letting anyone in without permission. Gliding my fingers over the frame and base, I came to rest on the knob itself. Over and over I repeated that no one shall enter without permission. On the third repeat, I felt a shift in my chest. The trim and handle lit with first blue, then white light. It flared once before extinguishing without a mark. Magic! I did a mini dance to mark the occasion. Feeling slightly dizzy, I stumbled over to the couch, pulled a blanket over myself, and fell asleep.

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