Double Alchemy: Climax (30 page)

“So…you’re going up to Scotland when?” He looked at Cade questioningly.

“The idea is to leave on the twentieth of August in a couple of weeks and the latest we’ll be back is the nineteenth of September. That should give us time to do all the interviews, look at all the material the chaps up there have and compare some notes so we can finish this dissertation.”

Quinn nodded but wasn’t particularly thrilled with the news. Having Cade out of his life for a month wasn’t a great prospect.

His fiancé saw his face and chuckled. “I’ve got one of the cottages on the Loch up there in Crieff all to myself. That’s our base of operations to do the research. My idea was that you invoke that Withinner of yours and come and visit me
very
often for a booty call.” He grinned. “I insisted on having my own place before I even agreed I’d go. It was one of the conditions.”

Quinn’s spirits lifted at Cade’s words. “Really? You’re sure you don’t want to be left alone to do your thing without me interfering?”

Cade reached over and caressed his cheek gently. “Don’t be daft. You being there isn’t interfering. I’m going to miss you, make no mistake. I’m also going to get just as horny as you. We just have to make sure no one sees you, of course. That would take a bit of explaining.” He scowled. “And as long as you can tell Taliesin to let you revoke him when you want to. If I thought he’d behave I’d love to pick his brains about what he knows about the Picts. I’m sure he could tell me a lot about them.”

Cade looked at Quinn hopefully and he shook his head vehemently.

“I’m not sure there’s any chance of that, Cade. I don’t want another episode like the last one. And with your increased Fey attraction I’m not even willing to chance it.” Quinn said grimly, hoping his Withinner was listening. Taliesin remained silent.

Cade shrugged. “Well, what with you being able to sense me all the time and the ability to appear in my bedroom basically whenever you fancy, I don’t think I’ll be giving Cooper a good time so you needn’t worry about that.”

He chuckled loudly at Quinn’s black expression.

“Don’t even joke about that,” Quinn said silkily, pulling Cade to him possessively and holding him tightly in his arms. “I’m not likely to appreciate it and Cooper could find himself joining Nessie in the Loch.”

“Nessie doesn’t live in this particular loch. But I get your point.”

Cade snuggled into Quinn’s open arms and Quinn kissed him softly on his almond-scented hair.

“Do you feel better now?” Cade murmured as he nibbled his ear. “The fact you can visit me whenever you want to, within reason of course.”

“Define ‘within reason.’” Quinn closed his eyes, enjoying the feel of Cade’s teeth slowly teasing his ear. He heard Cade’s soft chuckle as his warm breath caressed his cheek.

“Oh, I don’t know. Perhaps we should agree on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Four nights a week should keep us going.”

Quinn laughed. “I’ll take that under advisement with the man downstairs. If he feels that’s enough, well, we can do that. But if he gets a little tetchy I reserve the right to call ahead before I appear in your bedroom. Deal?”

“God, you are such a needy sod. Okay, it’s a deal. Ditto my side if I feel I need a sudden shagging.”

Quinn chuckled at Cade’s words as he reached over and kissed him, feeling his warm lips against his, revelling in the fact that this man was all his. Cade tasted of wine and cherries for some reason, and as his tongue slid softly into his mouth, Quinn wanted for nothing more.

*****

A few days later Quinn got the break he was waiting for. His mobile rang in the early hours of Tuesday afternoon.

It was Percy. “I’ve got some news for you on that Collector.”

Quinn was immediately alert. “Tell me. Have you found him?”

Percy’s voice was grim. “Her. It’s a woman. She’s a witch, believe it or not. We managed to track her down a few days ago but I wanted to make sure she was the one we were looking for before I told you. She’s been watching Cade for about two weeks now. There’s photos of Cade all over her house in Richmond, along with other various magyck paraphernalia which doesn’t look as it’s meant to do good. What do you want me to do?”

Quinn wanted nothing better than to get down to wherever this Collector was and sort the problem out personally. But he had a partner now for this sort of thing. He sighed heavily.

“It’s a witch. If I do anything, Valensia will kill me.” He looked up as Cade walked into the room, raising his eyebrows at his last comment. “Send me what you’ve got and I’ll ask her to sort it out. This is her bailiwick. She’ll want to handle it herself.”

“I’ll get it all emailed over to you. Tell Valensia this is one of the nasty little buggers, the ones who don’t give a damn about the Fey they take the powers from. It’s been a long while since we saw one of these, so I imagine she’ll want to make an example of this one.” Percy’s voice was grim.

Quinn nodded. “I’ll let her know. She can be pretty…inventive…when she wants to be.”

Quinn. I am glad you found the person who wished to hurt Cade.

Quinn thought his Withinner sounded tired.

“Where’ve you been, Taliesin?” he murmured as Cade watched him talk to himself. “You’ve been very quiet. I was actually worried about you.”

I had a few things to resolve of my own. There has been some trouble this side. But I am unharmed and managed to keep you away from it all. You did not need the distraction.

Quinn frowned. “Withinner, that sounds a bit ominous. Is everything taken care of now?”

Everything is fine. Do not worry.

“Good, I’m glad you’re all right. But you really need to talk to me if you need anything. Think about it.” He put down his mobile and looked across at Cade. “We found that Collector we think was stalking you. I’m going to ask Valensia to deal with it as it’s a witch involved and it’s more than my life’s worth to rain on Valensia’s parade.”

Cade looked at him with narrowed eyes. “Will it be over then? Once Valensia’s ‘handled’ the situation?”

Quinn sighed. “For now, at least until another one rears its head. But to be honest, they aren’t very prolific; it takes a lot of time to become a collector and we know about most of them anyway and watch them, the ones who don’t maim their victims. So we’ll just have to keep an eye on things.”

He sat down at his computer and checked his email. Percy’s message had come through so he forwarded it to Valensia’s email address. He picked up his phone and dialled Valensia’s number. It rang a few times then he heard her curt voice answer.

“Valensia? It’s Quinn.”

“Darling, to what do I owe the pleasure of you calling me for a change?”

Quinn rolled his eyes at Cade. “I have some information to share with you. I thought you’d rather manage it instead of me doing something about it. We’ve found the Collector—but she’s a witch.”

Valensia was silent on the other end of the phone. Quinn waited for her to respond. When she did he could hear the fierce determination in her voice. Knowing Valensia, he pitied the Collector.

“Have you got the evidence? Knowing you, I imagine you have empirical proof that this person is who you think she is. Can you send it to me and I’ll take care of it?”

“I emailed it before I called. It should be in your inbox as we speak. Can you let me know when you’ve dealt with the situation so I can tell Cade for sure that there’s no more danger?”

“I’ll be in touch.” The witch rang off.

Quinn looked at his fiancé. “Well, I think I can safely say that little problem will be resolved. You should feel a little safer now.”

Cade nodded but Quinn saw the slight trepidation in his eyes. He reached over and took Cade’s hands in his. “Relax. I won’t let anything happen to you. Never again, I promise.”

Cade nodded. “I trust you. It’s just it seems to be one thing after another with us, doesn’t it?”

Quinn grinned. “Life has certainly become more interesting for you since you met me.”

Cade smiled. “I wouldn’t have it any other way, but sometimes the nice quiet life seems very attractive.” He turned and walked out of the study. “I have some swimming to do. I’m off to the pond.”

“Be careful, please.” Quinn still had hidden fears about Cade at the pond, that one day he might not come back after swimming if the Sprites decided they needed him more than he did, which to him was inconceivable.

“I will make sure my spidery senses are on full alert. I’ll see you later.”

Cade disappeared down the staircase. Quinn turned his attention to his computer. He had a catch-up with Jomo later by video conference and still had a lot to prepare.

Quinn. I have thought about it. May I speak with you?

Quinn frowned. Taliesin asking permission to speak was a new one.

“Of course.” He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. “Is anything wrong? It’s very unlike you to ask permission to talk rather than just putting your piece in.”

There have been some happenings this side which have taken up a lot of my time lately. There was an uprising here in the villa—just a small, insignificant battle—and I needed to protect the community. You may have felt some strange feelings as I have been doing much magyck.

“I thought something was afoot. I’ve been feeling pretty strange this side. Is everything back to normal now? You weren’t injured? I still seem to be in one piece.” He grinned.

I am uninjured. Others were not. I had a lot of work to heal the wounded and we had many dead. Some good friends. I needed some solace time. I am sorry if I neglected you and Cade.

“Hell, you deserve any time you need. I’m sorry to hear about the troubles. Do you need anything from me in this time? Do you need medicines, herbs or anything from here? If you do, tell me and I’ll invoke you.”

Thank you. But I have no need of anything at the moment. Perhaps in a little time I will take you up on your offer.

“Anything you need, old friend. Just let me know.” He frowned. “You heard we found the Collector?”

I heard. I believe Valensia will do justice to her promise to deal with the situation. But you know that when one is destroyed, another one takes it place. It may take time but it will happen.

“I know, Withinner. It’s the story of our lives.” Quinn sighed. “But we can only deal with them one at a time.”

Cade is much stronger than you think. He is formidable. You are a very lucky man.

“Talking of getting lucky, you seem to have had your fair share.” Quinn chuckled. “I try and blot it out but with the regularity you seem to be getting some, it’s getting a little difficult. I woke up the other night feeling extremely horny and had to stop myself ravishing Cade whilst he slept. He wouldn’t have appreciated that.”

He frowned slightly. “At least I don’t think he would.” He thought he might pursue that avenue at a later stage. He quite liked the idea of starting something whilst Cade was asleep with a view to waking him up and carrying on with his warm and willing body.

I do seem to have found myself a lady friend. She is most…accommodating. And buxom. With long dark hair and legs that are more than willing to wrap themselves around me.

Taliesin’s voice was satisfied and smug. Quinn laughed loudly.

“I am glad to hear you’re getting your itch scratched often. I can see I’m going to have to concentrate a little harder keeping your urges at bay.”

You are getting more than enough of your own that I can feel,
came his Withinner’s dry response.

I have been looking at the oddity of your eyes changing. I know it has happened since you were a boy but it is happening more often, especially when your emotions run deep. I believe it is simply something that has manifested itself more since the Unity we shared. It is a slight change in your body chemistry and will not harm you.

Quinn sighed. “Rowan Kirkpatrick’s eyes changed in a similar fashion and Percy said it was because of some herbs he was taking.” He smiled softly. “Cade likes it, anyway; it turns him on and that’s good enough for me. I’m not really fussed about the why. It just makes things look different, that’s all, like auras around everything, in different colours.”

Then it is of no consequence.

Taliesin was quiet for a while then spoke suddenly.

I am being summoned by the lady. I shall no doubt be “getting lucky” again. You may want to block it out.

Quinn chuckled loudly at his Withinner’s words. He was relieved that everything was all right. He had been a little worried.

And have no fear that, if you need to invoke me to see Cade when he is away, that I will do anything untoward. I give you my word that I will not do anything to disappoint you again.

“I appreciate that, old friend. Now go and get your leg over. It’s rude to keep a lady waiting.”

Quinn grinned to himself at the conversation with his Withinner.

“One day, mate, you’ll get caught talking to yourself like this and the men in white coats will definitely arrive to take you away.”

He sat down at his desk and about twenty minutes later the door bell rang. He frowned as he stood up to answer the door. He saw the broad figure of his friend even before he opened it.

“Jomo, since when do you ring the bell? Haven’t you still got your key?” His words were teasing and Jomo grinned faintly.

“I was not sure whether I still had that privilege, old friend, after everything that has happened.” He stepped inside and Quinn moved forward to clasp his friend’s shoulder tightly.

“I know it’s been a little crazy, but you are always welcome here, you know that. This door is always open to you. Come on in, let me make you some coffee and we can talk.”

The two men went through to the kitchen and Jomo sat down on a bar stool at the island as Quinn made coffee in the machine. Once everything was bubbling and the strong smell of roasted coffee drifted through the air, Quinn sat himself down beside his friend and partner and regarded him thoughtfully.

“I didn’t realise you were coming over today. But I’m very glad you did. I know we’ve talked and I’ve apologised to you about the state I got into when Cade left me.” He felt very uncomfortable saying these words—one, because it was a lie, two, because it dented his pride a little telling people Cade had left him, even though he knew it was the only option, and three, Jomo’s face looked as if he didn’t believe a word of Quinn’s story.