Page 78 of Wicked Deeds

“Okay. But is it too early for a whiskey?”

“Yes,” he said, “but how about head-banging sex instead?”

“Not while Cassandra is in the house. Thank you, but no.”

“We could make out a little,” he said, stepping into my space.

“That’s the best idea I’ve heard all day,” I said and let his kisses chase the world away.

When we got back to the kitchen, Cassandra was standing by the open French doors, talking softly but fiercely to someone on her datapad. I could smell mint and other things in the airand our largest teapot sat on the counter, steam issuing gently from its spout. Whatever tea Cassandra had made was steeping away. Gwen was still at the table, looking somewhat wild-eyed and nervous, Lianith on her lap. Which meant Cassandra hadn’t banished the nixling from the room.

I waved Damon over to the counter, making gestures I hoped he would correctly interpret as ‘find something to eat with the tea’. When he started rummaging in cabinets, I went to sit with Gwen, wondering what Cassandra had said to her.

“Everything okay?” I asked.

Gwen’s eyes darted in Cassandra’s direction and her fingers stroked Lianith’s fur faster. “She’s very intimidating.” She was nearly whispering.

“Comes with the territory. You don’t get her job without knowing your shit and knowing how not to put up with any. And you’ve dealt with the Cestis in the UK. As long as you’re not committing a crime, their bark is usually worse than their bite.”

Gwen smiled tightly. “Their bark can be unpleasant, though.”

“Something in particular you’re worried about?” I asked.

“She said I’ll need to learn magic, if Jack’s our father. Said I need to control it, even if I don’t use it.” She looked queasy at the thought. Or perhaps ready to run again. Better to nip that idea off at the bud.

“She’s right. You could hurt yourself otherwise. You don’t want that, right?”

She bit her lip. “I don’t know.”

“Basic control shouldn’t take long. You said you learned some magic in the realm.”

“A few charms. Not real magic. Anyone can do a warming charm or freshen a room or clothes.”

Those didn’t sound so basic to me. “Well, if you can do those I’m sure it wouldn’t take you long to get to the point wherethe Cestis are satisfied your shields are adequate and you’re not going to set anything on fire.” Or herself.

“It’s not the same out here, is it? How do we even know if I can learn?”

“You’re half-Fae, half-witch. I think you’ll be okay. The Cestis will help. They want you to do this. Uncontrolled magic is unpredictable.” I didn’t know what Cassandra might have said about learning to shield. “And you can protect yourself, once you know what you’re doing. Stop anyone taking advantage. If you know shields and wards, you won’t have to worry. You don’t have to use magic for anything else.”

If she wanted to stay away from the Fae and away from magic that had to appeal, right?

Her expression turned mulish. “You have shields and wards and you get into trouble.”

“I’m…different,” I said.

“Because of the demon?” Her fingers tightened in Lianith’s fur and the nixling narrowed her eyes at me.

“Not my fault,”I thought at her.

“No speak demons.”Lianith’s tone was adamant.

“She brought it up.”

But Lianith was right. Better to keep Gwen’s thoughts off demons for now. “Because I’ve agreed to help in the magical world. But you don’t have to if you don’t want to. Learn how to protect yourself, and then you can go off to school and find a job and live whatever life you want to live.”

She didn’t look entirely convinced, but she no longer looked as though she wanted to bolt for the door.

An improvement.

---