Page 26 of Tricky Magic
“This isn’t work-related,” he said, reaching out to grab Ros’ forearm. His large hand grasped him gently. Their strength was matched in brute force, but Sam didn’t have the same skills as Ros. “Your powers are churning like a storm under your skin.”
“You don’t need to use your alpha senses on me,” Ros said, pulling his arm away and looking into Sam’s auburn eyes. “It’s nothing.”
Ros knew Sam wouldn’t push. Sam gestured toward the porch for them to sit. The farmhouse was ancient but sturdy. Its white paint was peeling in a few spots, and the boards creaked under their feet as they walked toward the two large chairs on the side of the house.
“So, these vampires? Are they the same as the ones on the border?” Sam asked.
“No, those ones were old and creepy,” he said with a shiver, leaning into the cushioned chair. It was deep and worn, mostly by him. “What is it with old beasts and virgins?”
Sam only sighed. Rouge supernaturals usually fit into two categories: those who liked the old way of doing things—sacrificing virgins, segregation, and feeling superior—and those who refused to follow traditions. They were the worst; unseasoned supernaturals were more likely to cause mass destruction. The creepy old ones picked off their prey in small attacks and stayed mostly under the radar.
Supernaturals and mortals had lived side by side in the states for ages. There was still unrest, especially when mortals started disappearing or a rogue group killed off a whole building of people. The supernaturals had a council, and it worked to keep things in order. Those like Sam, Ros, and others cleaned up the mess. It wasn’t a paying gig, but it helped quell his already damaged soul.
“The ones I watched up north this past week were something else,” Ros said, leaning forward and looking at Sam.
“Virgins or riots?” Sam asked darkly.
“Neither,” Ros said, rubbing his face, guilt washing over him. “Women and children. But what’s weird is that they aren’t butchering them; they’re collecting them and shipping them off somewhere. It reeked of demons too.”
Sam sat up at the mention of demons. “Demons and vamps don’t mix,” he said as his eyes widened. “This can’t be good.”
Ros shook his head. It wasn’t good, and the worst part was he couldn’t take any of them out. “Weylyn has had a few of these groups pop up, but never as large as the one I saw.” Ros sagged back into his seat. “I’ve never been so frustrated. I couldn’t save any of them.”
Sam leaned over and put a hand on Ros’ knee. “We can’t save them all,” he said as his kind eyes searched his face. “This isn’t the first hard mission you’ve had. What else is going on?”
“Fucking fine, you pushy mutt.” Ros dragged his bottom lip across his teeth and huffed a sigh. He didn’t get a chance to say what he meant as Sam’s nostrils flared and his eyes dilated.Fucking dog,he thought.
“You got a chub for”—he sniffed again—“what is that? It smells electric.”
Nothing got past a wolven nose. It was almost as good as Ros’.
“There is a new female in town. She seems to be staying at the seer’s house on my lake. I got close to her at Ag’s before I came here.”
Sam wiggled his eyebrows at his friend. “Tell me everything!” he exclaimed and settled into his chair.
“There is nothing to tell,” Ros said, ignoring the excitement his friend was showing. “She is this short thing, wild gray eyes, and I can’t get a read on her. But this was in the paper.”
He handed him the paper, and Sam quickly read through it. It claimed the man had been attacked in his niece’s home; there were no names, only that the victim was a relative of a council member and no one was pressing charges.
“For some nothing short thing, you’re already getting a hard-on,” Sam said with a huge smile, attempting to flick Ros’ crotch.
Ros batted his hand away and growled. It was fucking confusing; his powers were angry, his dick was at attention, and he didn’t know if he needed to take out the witch.
“So what if I am?” He groaned. “It means nothing, and I need you to keep an eye on her. My powers didn’t like being close to her, and it has been a long time since they did that.”
“Do you think it’s like that one witch?” A grimace spread across Sam’s face, and Ros knew what he was thinking.
“The one that was luring men and chopping their bits off to use as a sacrifice?” They both shivered. “No, I don’t think it’s that. But like I said, something is off, and I could use your help to keep an eye on her. The vampires are enough, especially with my family popping up.”
“Mmm,” Sam said before a smile spread across his face. “Sure, Rosier, I will keep an eye on the short, little something. I might even keep both eyes on her.”
“You’re fucking worse than Ags,” Ros groaned. “Well, this was fun; I’m going to go before you try and flick my balls again.”
“Boo,” Sam said with a dramatic pout. He gave yet another eyebrow wiggle. “You love when I flick your balls, and Devon is still overseas. Stay and entertain me.”
“I am going to skin your eyebrows off if you don’t stop,” Ros said as he stood. He turned and adjusted his pants.
“I saw that!” Sam said, standing and slapping his friend on the shoulder. “Maybe she will still be here for Mabon. Maybe she’ll strip down and dance around that bonfire you’re working so hard on.”
