The Bitter Seed of Magic

‘Doesn’t stop her being upset that her son is dead or wanting revenge, does it?’ Fi

Of course, my own magical gag clause was still in effect, so I still couldn’t tell Fi

‘They do have something to do with the curse,’ I said firmly.

‘I believe you, but the police are dealing with it,’ he said, then frowned. ‘They’ve been questioning the herd, for some strange reason’—he shook his head in bewilderment, while The Mother’s gag clause stopped me telling him about the ‘clue’ I’d sent Hugh in my email—‘but whatever it’s about, it’s the coppers’ job to deal with it, not yours.’

Which was what Malik had said to me. But The Mother had told meto stop whoever was killing the faelings, and when it came down to it, I wasn’t going to piss off The Mother Goddess by ignoring her, and that meant no way was I going to leave the police to deal with it. I was going to do all I could to help them—or rather, Hugh, since Witch-bitch Helen wouldn’t have anything to do with me. I was still going to visit the ravens, and I’d do anything else it took. But it didn’t look like Fi

Tavish’s handprint spell on my stomach.

‘Can you show me?’ he asked, frowning in concern.

‘Yep,’ I said, and undid my jeans, leaned back along the bench seat and managed to reveal most of the black handprint without losing too much modesty.

Fi

‘Ah.’ I pulled a face. ‘I ran into a bit of a problem last night.’

‘A bitof a problem?’

‘You should see the other guy,’ I quipped, thinking that while Mad Max hadn’t personally injured me, he was ultimately responsible. I was pretty sure that despite being a vamp he looked worse than me right now. ‘Hey, and painkillers work wonders.’

‘What other guy?’ A muscle in Fi

So much for keeping things light. ‘No.’ I pulled my top down over my unzipped jeans. ‘He helped’—mostly—‘and I’m fine.’ I caught his hand. Time for a truth he didn’t want to hear—and one I hated to admit. ‘Fi

He gave me a long, considering look, then pulled his hand from mine. ‘I’m sorry, Gen, but I’m not sure it is okay. I need to know what “being part of your life” means. I’m not prepared to share, so you need to know that. And if that’s not what you want, then there isn’t any future for us, curse or no curse.’

My heart stalled, then thumped fast in sudden fear. I swallowed, my hands curling against my thighs. Did he mean he’d walk away? I suddenly realised how much I didn’t want to lose him, both as a friend, or maybe more. ‘I don’t know what to tell you,’ I said, the words catching in my throat.

‘Are you sleeping with him?’

‘No.’ I paused, then a niggle of magic made me add, ‘Not in the way you mean.’

‘Gen—’

‘Fi

Fi

Straight questions are so overrated. I made myself meet his eyes. ‘I don’t know, Fi

He blinked, then a slow smile appeared on his face. ‘Good.’

‘Good?’ I questioned.

‘Yeah.’ His smile widened, a hint of mischief glinting in his eyes. ‘Now how about I check out your new spell?’

Relief bubbled up inside me, making me light-headed. I gave him a cautious smile back. ‘I’m not sure that’s a good idea.’ It sounded more like playing with fire to me. ‘What if the magic decides to take a hand in things?’

‘Up to you, Gen,’ he said, momentarily serious again. ‘But I want to know what spell Tavish and the Morrígan have taggedyou with, even if you don’t.’

I did. ‘Okay, then yes.’

‘Here and now’s as good a place as any.’ He waved at the limo’s plush interior. ‘The car’s private, and after your little mind trick on your solicitor, we’re not likely to be disturbed.’

I checked my watch: there was still plenty of time before I was supposed to meet the ravens, and the limo wasprivate. I narrowed my eyes at him in mock suspicion. ‘Just what sort of checking out did you have in mind, Mr Panos?’

A wicked glint lit his eyes. ‘I think the spell needs a thorough examination, don’t you, Ms Taylor?’

Oh boy.

‘If you’d like to take your jacket off, my lady, it’ll make the … examination easier.’

Air in the car suddenly seemed in short supply. I looked down at the long leather bench seat and back up at Fi

Leaning back I propped myself on my elbows and batted my eyelashes at him. ‘How’s this for easier?’ I said in my best husky voice.

‘Much better, but …’ He stripped out of his own jacket, and folded it inside out behind me. Holding his hands up, he waggled his fingers and flashed me a leering grin. ‘Why don’t you lie back, and let me work my sex-god magic on you, my lady?’

‘Your lines don’t get any better, do they?’ I teased.