Chapter 4

4

C onsciousness came slowly to Sofia. Her body still pulsed, aftershocks of pleasure streaking outward from her pussy.

The hard desk beneath her was the first thing she registered. Then the cold air on her thighs.

Holy shit. She wasn't wearing pants. She called her wand from the aether and waved it over her legs. Jeans appeared.

She turned to see Malcolm leaning against a bookshelf, a glass of whisky in his hand. His golden gaze met hers, his face impassive.

Reality crashed back.

Holy shit. She'd let him take her pants off and now he watched her like he didn't give a shit. Of course he didn't give a shit. He never really had.

But she did. Her heart pounded and her breath came short. She felt like she couldn't get enough air through the panic that welled in her chest. The hurt .

She still cared way too much. She'd never been any good at casual sex. She wouldn't have let him do those things to her if she didn't still care for him.

Of course she still cared. The way her heart felt like it was tearing in two confirmed that.

Rage and pain lit a fire in her chest that threatened to consume her. She looked at the blazing hearth and realized one very important thing.

She couldn't stay here. She couldn't be around him, not when she still felt this way and he so clearly did not.

And it didn't even matter if he cared. He was a fucking warlock! He could love her to the ends of the earth and fate would conspire to tear them apart. He'd chosen that for them.

Even if no one in her village was strong enough to help her get the Grimoire, she could find someone. It wasn't as hopeless as he said. She could definitely get the book.

"You know what, Malcolm? Forget it. I don't need your help. Thanks for the orgasm, but I'm out." She just had to find Kitty and scram.

Malcolm surged away from the bookshelves he'd been leaning against, his glare ominous. "The hell you are."

"This was a mistake. It was supposed to be just a kiss and it turned into a hell of a lot more." Like me with no pants.

"You wanted it."

She growled. Cocky bastard. "Fuck. You. You're not the most powerful person I know. I can get help elsewhere."

She turned and stalked to the door. Kitty appeared in the doorway a second later and trotted over to her. Once Kitty had leaned up against her side, Sofia closed her eyes and focused on her home.

Within a second, she felt the familiar tug of the aether .

Home, here I come.

Then it stopped. Like a wall had shot up.

Her eyes flared open and darted to Malcolm. "What the hell are you doing?"

"Blocking the aether. You're not leaving."

"What the hell do you mean, I'm not leaving?"

"Exactly what it sounds like." He strode toward her, his gaze intense and his dark hair falling over his brow. So damned handsome.

And she hated him.

Fates, what had she gotten herself into?

"You're staying with me. At least until this is all over." His voice was rough, possessive.

Fuck that shit! She drew her wand from the aether and flung her arm out toward him, sending a lightning bolt into his chest.

He stumbled backward, then growled and surged forward, grasping her wrist and lowering it.

So freaking strong! His magic and his body. She didn't stand a chance against him.

Malcolm pulled her toward him, looming over her. Her heart threatened to break her ribs.

"You can't just kidnap me!"

"I think I have."

She struggled to break free, but he held her firm. "Fuck you, Malcolm. You don't even seem to give a shit!" Her breath was heaving and she knew she had crazy eyes. She didn't care. He freaking deserved it.

"Don't give a shit? Of course I care. Of course I want you. "

She almost growled at him. "Kidnapping isn't a great way to woo a girl."

He shrugged one big shoulder. "Maybe. But it's the best weapon in my arsenal, so I'll use it."

"Bastard. So suppose I stay here, trapped in your creepy castle—" It actually wasn't that creepy, but she was pissed. "—what happens to my village? You help me save it?"

He nodded. "For a price."

"What? You were just trying to convince me that I needed your help."

"And you thought I'd offer it for free? I'm a mercenary, Sofia. I have been for nearly four hundred years. Of course my help isn't free."

She seethed, grinding her teeth until she thought they might crack. Bastard. Every awful thing he did now made her realize how stupid she'd been to ever be hurt by him. He deserved her rage, not her tears.

"You need my help," he said. "And you're trapped here, by the way."

"I could fight you." She gripped her wand tight.

"You'd lose. Right now, I'm your best bet. Agree to another favor, and I'll help you save your village."

"Favor? Another kiss?"

"No."

"More?" Her mind raced. She hated the idea. And loved it, just a little bit. The anger only stoked her desire. She was sick.

"Maybe. You liked the first favor."

"Bastard!"

He shrugged .

"Let go of my arm." Her whole body vibrated with anger. She couldn't stand next to him for another second.

He dropped his hand. She stalked to the other side of the room and turned her back to him, gazing out one of the big windows. Her reflection stared back. The color in her cheeks was high, her gaze bright. Kitty pressed herself against Sofia's calf, her presence warm and comforting.

What the hell was she going to do?

She tried to aetherwalk one more time, straining to send herself home.

Nothing.

She'd never known anyone to be able to block another from aetherwalking. It was possible, of course, but took great power.

Which Malcolm had. There was no disputing that he was strong. And ruthless. He was willing to help—for a price.

But in return… Could she grant the favor? Something physical, she was sure.

The years had left Malcolm cold, selfish, and damaged. One minute he looked at her like he couldn't get enough of her, the next, his gaze was arctic. Calculating. What had his life been like, that he'd turned into this?

Dark and lonely, no doubt. Power couldn't keep one warm. He'd had centuries to learn that.

Sofia squeezed her wand tight. She wouldn't feel bad for him. He'd chosen this life. She'd tried to offer him the opposite. Love. Partnership.

He'd chosen power and become a cold, broken beast.

But he'd thrown himself in front of the High Witch's lightning for her. That had been…unexpected. He would pr otect her, which meant that even if he'd kidnapped her, at least he didn't intend to harm her.

And he lit her on fire. When he'd been kissing her, he'd wanted her to feel pleasure. No question. He'd liked making her feel good and he'd been immensely skilled. Everything she'd liked, he'd noticed and done more of it.

Maybe it was an ego thing?

Perhaps—and there was no doubt he had a huge ego—but it hadn't felt like that. No one had ever made her come that hard before. Or had made her come without expecting the same in return.

Why?

She drew a blank, then shivered at the idea of staying with him, at the thought of whatever his next favor might be.

Not that she had much choice in whether or not to stay with him. If she fought him with everything she had, he might let her go. A fragment of the old Malcolm had to be inside of him.

But could she risk it?

His help would be invaluable. And though his demand for a favor pissed her the hell off, it intrigued her as well.

A boulder sat on her chest, but the situation was clear. She turned to Malcolm. "Fine. I'll stay without fighting. I'll pay your favor. But in return, you will do everything you can to help me save my village. Everything. "

His gaze lit with satisfaction as he nodded. He didn't vow it or promise to stand by his end of the deal as a normal person might, but that was for the best. A warlock couldn't. Fate would intervene if he did and then it'd all be pointless .

She'd have to trust him. The idea chilled her skin. But it was the best she had right now. "Do you know anyone in Salem we can go to for help?"

"No. First, I think you need to consider moving your village."

She blinked. "Move it? I thought you were going to help me."

"I am. Saving your people is your priority, correct? This ensures the High Witches can never get them. Moving your village might be best. Disbanding, even better."

"So you think you can't get the book?"

"I can get the bloody book. But more than that, I want you to be done with paying tributes to the High Witches. Since I can't break that curse or deal or whatever it is you have worked out with them, removing the reason for your labors seems like the best option."

"No! Never. It's the only all-Mythean town in South America. And Central America. Mytheans need it! The ones who can pass for human could go elsewhere, maybe, but it would destroy their livelihoods. But the ones who can't pass? They'd be screwed. There aren't enough all-Mythean settlements. There's no way we can move. The magic that hides the village is too ancient and too great to recreate. The village would be completely destroyed, my people scattered. Many of them have been there for generations. They helped build the town and they would die before leaving." Tremors shook her as she considered his words. Kitty pressed up against her leg, purring like a motor boat.

"Shhh, calm yourself. Everything is all right." Malcolm's voice was soothing. He stepped toward her and she immediately stepped backward. He pulled to a stop .

Why was he suddenly being so kind? His voice had completely changed. Did he still care for her a bit? Or was he working another angle? Trying to lure her with the promise of help and kindness?

"We'll find the information we need to get the Grimoire," Malcolm said. "That shan't be a problem."

She nodded, forcing away her speculation. Salem was like Edinburgh and Cartagena. There was a huge Mythean population living secretly amongst mortals. They'd be able to find info about the Salem Coven and where they lived and worked. They just had to be clever about it.

"It's too late to go now," he said. "Nearly two and you're tired. We'll go in the morning."

She frowned. She itched to get started, but he was right. She was almost shaking from exhaustion—mostly from the High Witch's lightning but also from what he'd done to her.

"Fine. We leave in eight hours. Where do I sleep?" She gave him a hard look. "Not with you."

"Take your pick of the rooms above."

She nodded and turned from him, desperate to find some quiet and space for herself. His gaze burned into her back as she left, sending unwelcome heat across her skin.

"We sure know how to get into it, huh, Kitty?" she asked as she made her way down the hall. Her mind kept racing with everything that was at stake. Not just her village, but she'd be spending more time with Malcolm.

She'd never anticipated that. She didn't even know how to handle it.

She'd just have to do her best to ignore him. She had a village to save. Her home. She could do this. She had to do this .

Kitty led the way up the sweeping staircase. The wide wooden steps gleamed beneath her feet. Malcolm either employed an army of house elves or he used magic to keep the place clean.

Given the isolation he seemed to bask in, she'd guess the latter.

Sofia reached the top and debated whether to turn left or right. Both hallways were identical, from what she could see. Wide corridors, the walls of each were plastered with priceless art. At least she assumed it was priceless. Art wasn't really her thing. Maybe it would have been if she'd had time to get a hobby, but taking care of Bruxa's Eye occupied all her time.

She shrugged and turned left, choosing the first door. It opened to reveal an opulent sitting room. Green brocade upholstered mahogany settees and chairs.

A door on the left wall of the room stood opened.

A bedroom? She entered and crossed the soft rug. Kitty stopped and dug her claws in, scratching. No doubt it was a priceless antique.

"Good work, Kitty."

Kitty purred and Sofia grinned. Malcolm could afford to fix it. Hell, a wave of his hand and a shot of magic could spiff it right up.

As she'd thought, the door led to a beautifully appointed bedroom. An enormous canopied bed occupied the space, its green silk drapes hung in elegant folds. The fire in the hearth burst to life as soon as she crossed the threshold.

She frowned. What magic could already be here? The fire was enchanted to light, but were there other spells? A spying one, perhaps ?

She raised her wand and spun in a slow circle about the room, removing any spell that might have been placed upon it. The fire died. The room felt different, as well. She didn't know what spell he'd put on the place, but she'd broken it.

Good enough for her. A huge yawn stole over her. Kitty mimicked it.

A second later, she fell into the bed. She barely got the covers up over her head before she passed out.

Malcolm watched Sofia walk out of the room, her little black familiar on her heels. At the door, Kitty turned to glare at him out of her good eye, then flicked her tail and stalked out.

He frowned, then downed the last of his whisky, trying to ease the tightness in his chest. His wolf was restless, as if it sensed something of great value was near but out of reach.

No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get the image of Sofia out of his mind. Images of her from tonight were acceptable. That was about sex. But he kept seeing her as he remembered her, from their first meeting.

So beautiful. Smart and determined, she'd been so quick-witted she made his head spin. He'd first seen her sitting in Corrier's study where they'd had their lessons. Corrier hadn't arrived yet. It had been just them amongst the towering bookshelves stuffed with ancient tomes and trinkets.

He'd walked into the study to find her sitting in front of the fire, Kitty at her feet. The feline had assessed him with her one good eye, but Sofia had ignored him, preferring to spend her energy studying the book in her lap .

He hadn't been able to look away from her. She'd made him feel something he didn't understand. His life had been all work and preparation for becoming a warlock. Life was very staid amongst sorcerers and emotions weren't something his sorcerer kin expressed.

Eventually, she'd glanced up at him, spearing him with her sharp gaze. "Do you need something?"

"Your name," he'd said.

"I'd hardly say you need that."

"But I do."

She shrugged. "Sofia Viera."

Beautiful. Like her. "What are you?"

She raised a brow. "Don't you know that's rude?"

"Is it?" With her, he lost his mind a bit.

Apparently, he still lost his mind when it came to her. He'd only been back with her for a few hours and he was reeling. This wasn't how he'd expected to feel when he'd forced her to come to him. In fairness, when he'd come up with this plan, he hadn't done much thinking about what would occur after he had her here. He'd just known that he was done being without her. For centuries, he'd thought he was fine the way he was. He had as much power and wealth as any Mythean could want.

It wasn't enough.

Now he had to go up against the Salem Coven—and possibly the High Witches if they failed to get the Grimoire—or he'd lose more than Sofia. As much as his ego hated to admit it, they might need help. Not tomorrow. But if everything went to shit, they'd need someone to call on.

He wouldn't risk Sofia's life like that .

Malcolm set the tumbler on the mantle above the blazing hearth and envisioned his brother's home in Iceland. A second later, he stood on the doorstep. Frigid wind whipped off the glacier, freezing his skin. The Aurora Borealis danced overhead—blues and greens lighting up the night and making the snow sparkle.

He knew why his brother had chosen to live on a godforsaken patch of ice in the middle of nowhere, but the Vatnajokull glacier was not where he'd have chosen. He might be a loner, but this was taking it too far.

Malcolm pounded on the heavy wooden door, eyeing the golden glow of the windows to his left. This place always looked like a bloody Christmas card. Pretty cabin, snow-covered eaves, windows lit with warm light. He'd love to just aetherwalk in, but his brother had a new bride and well… Best not to.

At least they appeared to be here. They'd spent the last several months traveling.

Finally, the door swung open to reveal Aurora, his brother's mate. She wore flannel pajamas that were decorated with pumpkins and black cats.

"Malcolm!" Her golden brows rose.

All of Aurora was golden, from her skin to her hair and eyes. She was a soulceress, one of the most despised species among Mytheans because her kind got their magical power by stealing it from the souls of other Mytheans. Whereas all other Mytheans could draw power from the aether using their immortal soul—and that's what actually fueled the unique magic each species was capable of—Soulceresses could not. They took it from others. It made them immensely powerful and equally despised .

It didn't bother Malcolm because he had unlimited access to the power of the aether, so he just let a smile crack his face.

"Aurora." She and Felix would be a great help to them if he needed to call upon them. Neither were as powerful as he—almost no one was, he wasn't too modest to admit—but there was strength in numbers when all else failed.

"Come on in," she stepped back to let him in. The cabin was cozy and warm, the large living room lit by a crackling fire that gleamed on the honey-colored wooden wall. Aurora's familiar, a sleek black cat named Mouse, watched him from the back of the couch. Her golden eyes were luminous, her posture straight.

He recalled that Mouse liked to play. As an afterthought, he waved his hand near the floor and a rat made of smoke darted across the floor. Mouse leapt off the couch and streaked after it.

"You like familiars," Aurora said.

He shrugged and was saved from answering when his brother entered the room.

Felix was as big as he was, though younger. They shared a father—the man who'd given them the wulver half of their soul. Felix's mother had been a timewalker. Time travel was a powerful strength, but Malcolm would take his own mother's powers any day. The sorcerer half of him had given him the magical ability necessary to become a warlock.

A twinge of regret streaked through him.

Regret? No. Definitely not. He pushed the strange feeling aside and greeted his brother.

"Good to have you visit," Felix said, glancing at the clock. "At two in the morning."

"Sorry about that. "

Felix joined Aurora and wrapped an arm around her waist. He leaned down to press a kiss to her head.

A jolt of jealousy shot through Malcolm. He swallowed it down.

That right there—seeing his brother so bloody happy with Aurora—was the reason he'd finally caved and sought out Sofia.

Their happiness shined a light on the great, gaping hole in his life. Maybe he'd always known it was there. Maybe not.

But he knew now and was unable to ignore it any longer.

"You remember the dagger I brought you? The one that returned Aurora's soul to her body?"

Felix nodded, rubbing Aurora's shoulder. Her gaze had grown dark, no doubt recalling the horror of learning that a huge part of her soul had been stolen by an old enemy. Mouse appeared at her side, leaning against her shin. The smoke rat had been abandoned in favor of comforting her mistress.

"I didn't return it. On purpose, but now I could be in a bit of a bind."

"What do you need?" Felix asked.

"I'm going to Salem to retrieve the Salem Coven's Grimoire."

"Oh shit," Aurora said, her eyes bright. "You sure you want to do that?"

"Yes. If I fail, I'll have a problem with the High Witches."

"Double shit," Aurora said.

"Do you want help in Salem?" Felix asked.

"No. Stealth is the only way to get the book and I should be able to get it. But in the unlikely event that we fail, the High Witches will destroy my friend's village." He didn't like calling Sofia his friend. He wanted to call her something more than that.

Soon.

"Can't they move?" Felix asked.

"I asked. Not possible. I'm going to Salem tomorrow to retrieve the Grimoire. If I don't have it within a week, we're going to need help with the High Witches. A lot of help."

"Not a problem," Felix said.

"I'll get my sister, Esha. And her best friend is Andrasta, Celtic goddess of war. For that matter, Logan and Sylvi might step in as well, as they did when I was in a bind. And we can put the word out at the university. This is right up their alley."

"Thank you." He'd worked at the university for a few decades, though it was easier to come to his brother for help. The Immortal University, as it was called, was located in Edinburgh. It was more of a governmental organization than a learning institution, dedicated to maintaining the order and secrecy of British Mytheans. Sofia had no ties with them—they normally didn't operate outside of Europe—but at Aurora's request, they would.

"I'll leave you then," he said.

"Can't you stay for a drink?" Felix asked.

Malcolm shook his head, though he wanted to nod. While he'd managed to stay in his brother's life, it'd been at the periphery since he'd become a warlock. He'd helped Felix after he'd been captured by a sadistic seer three centuries ago, and again with saving Aurora, but for the most part, Malcolm had had to stay scarce. He loved his brother. Only by keeping himself scarce could he help mitigate the risk .

"I'll let you know how we get on in Salem," Malcolm said. "Thank you."

"Good luck," Aurora said.

Malcolm nodded, then aetherwalked home.

He found Kitty standing at the base of the stairs, staring at him. Glaring, more like. Familiars were notoriously loyal. Kitty might like his wolf, but she didn't trust him.

"Did you miss me?"

Kitty just stared.

"I went for backup."

The cat bobbed its head.

"Good night, Kitty." Malcolm passed by the familiar and climbed the stairs, stopping just briefly at the closed door to the room Sofia had chosen.

He pressed a hand to the door, then shook his head and continued on.