Charmed & Ready (19 page)

"Well, Cole, you're a cheery one." Zane laughed. "I don't know about you, but I could use a cup of tea. Too much doom and gloom. Why don't we move our little gathering inside?"

"I should be going." Cole stood. "I've got to look over the evidence from this afternoon."

Simone snorted. "There's nothing left."

Cole smiled. "There usually isn't after Bronwyn gets done with them, but there's enough for us to start tracing."

"Bron." Simone grabbed her bags from our shopping excursion. "I'm heading out. I want to run by the lab. You can catch me on the cell if you need me." She paused mid-step and looked out the windows. The view of the ocean was visible from the entire back of the house.

"Not telling you how to do your job, but put some more wards on the back of the house. Something's out there. I can feel it, but it isn't ready to attack yet."

I never like to delve into Simone's life too far. She doesn't like it, but I had to know. "Wait, what's your deal with Cole?"

Frowning she shook her head. "He saved your life."

"And that's a bad thing?"

"No, idiot, it makes me feel like I owe him something. And I don't like debts of any kind with men."

She turned and walked out the door.

Well, okay.

I'd sensed the same thing she did about the evil, but in a different way. I didn't think it was actually out in the ocean. It was just out there, in the universe somewhere.

After Cole left, I wanted to console Zane, but I didn't know how. He was much more upset than he let on outside. I knew exactly how he felt. When Blackstock had come after me, I didn't even know the warlock had existed. I always have hits on me, but usually it's because I've killed someone they love, or I've thrown a wrench in their dastardly plans to take over the world.

I found Zane in the kitchen. He leaned back against the counter and shook his head. "I don't get it. I always thought the world of magic sounded so exotic. I was jealous that my family seemed sadly lacking. Now I wish I could get as far away from it as possible."

I laughed, but it wasn't a happy sound. "There are times when I wish I could escape it too." I touched his hand and he grabbed hold of mine.

I had a sudden inspiration. "Here, hold on tight, I know something that will make you smile." I zoned in on little Zoë. Said a small chant and opened my eyes.

"Look into my eyes, Zane. This is the good part of magic."

He pulled a little on my hand as if he wanted to get away.

"No, Zane, look."

He must have seen Zoë. "Oh, it's my girl. Look at her, sleeping so peacefully."

I tried not to blink so that he could see her clearly.

Sighing, he squeezed my hand. I closed my eyes.

"Thank you, Bronwyn. I needed to see her. She's safe isn't she?"

"Yes, she's well protected." I moved to the back of the house. "Come on, you can watch me put out the wards. If you're really nice, I'll make you a new amulet for protection. A gorgeous one that matches Zoë's. That way, if either one of you finds yourself in danger your amulets will both glow."

He shook his head and laughed. "I'm glad I have you as my guardian witch, luv."

"Damn right you are."

I threw my hands up and created a small ball of fire in the center of the room. Began the chant to place the wards.

Door to door

Window to window

With this flame I protect all within

Evil shall not pass these borders.

As I will, so mote it be.

The energy spun away from me. It was something you could more feel than see.

"Wow, I'm back to thinking magic is cool." Zane's eyes were huge.

I smiled and patted him on the back.

"Let's go make you a pretty new doodad for your neck."

Thursday, 2 am.

I want to call Sam so bad right now. I woke up in the middle of a dream about him. It wasn't one of those where we shared the excitement.

The dream was about his hands. How he plays my body with perfection every time he touches me. Could feel his hand sliding up my thigh, teasing between my legs and then plunging inside me. Then his lips on me.

God, I woke up in a sweat, needy and body aching.

I need Sam. Dammit. I need him.

This sucks.

I'm going to call him in the morning. I don't care how mad he is at me. I will work this out.

Thursday, 10 A. M.

Malibu, California

Soon to be sassily beautiful witches: 1

Simone just called. Evidently she'd been on patrol last night. She sounded exhausted. I asked her if she'd been after something specific.

"No, not really. Had an idea about something, but it didn't go the way I expected." She yawned.

Of course I yawned right after she did. They are contagious, especially when you've had only three hours of sleep.

"I called to let you know that we have appointments with Sir David at two. We're doing the works this afternoon. I'll pick you up around one. The traffic can be shit coming in from Malibu."

"That sounds like fun, Simone, but I can't leave Zane behind."

"I'm not asking you to. He's the reason David's forgiven me so quickly for missing our last appointment. He can't wait to get his hands on Zane's hair."

"Zane has highlights?"

"Bronwyn, sometimes you are so naive. Do you think blond hair looks like that naturally? This should be a hoot. I can't wait to see what he does for you. Don't forget to be ready at one."

She hung up. I decided to get a couple of hours of sleep. I thought about maybe doing it out by the pool, but it would take too much effort to move.

I'll just snuggle down here, and dream about the beautiful new 'do Sir David will bestow upon me.

Thursday, 3 P. M.

Beverly Hills

Witches hanging with the famous people: 1

I'm so fucking gorgeous. I can't believe it. Simone was right about Sir David, he is the master with hair. We're still here. I have my glass of champagne, my journal and I'm sitting in this massive massage chair while Sasha finishes my pedicure.

The whole place is very modern. White couches, chocolate walls and candles everywhere.

David's doing Simone's auburn highlights now. Of course they aren't called auburn, they're like hot mocha red fudge or something.

Me, I'm chai tea mixed with mango and my hair actually glows.

Zane's in the middle of a facial with Lilly. She's already sucked all the nastiness from my skin. It glows too. I feel like a new woman.

David coerced my waves into spiral curls that fall all over my head. I love
it
. Have no idea how he did it, or if I could ever replicate it, but I'm loving it right now.

David shut down the salon for Zane. The power of celebrity in Los Angeles. I swear. But it's okay because I happened to realize today that I don't mind the star treatment at all. We're his only
clients for this afternoon
.

Cool. It's time for my makeup application with Tara. I can't wait.

Thursday, 6 P.M.

Well, up until five minutes ago we
were three
incredibly beautiful people with nowhere to go. It isn't safe to do much in public, but Zane has a friend at a club who wants us to come to the back room.

"We can eat, dance, whatever we want," Zane said. "And watch everyone below. No one will even know we're there."

I wasn't sure. I didn't the like the idea of us being anywhere innocents could be caught in the crossfire.

"Come on, Bron, a little dancing will do us good." Simone laughed. Her
mood had
lightened since we left Sir David's. Possibly because he'd given her a sleek head of hair that was so shiny I swear I could see myself in it.

They both stared at me across the seat of the limo. "Fine," I sighed. "But the first hint of trouble and we are out of there."

We've come all the way back to the Malibu house to change. Zane's need for a change of venue hasn't been the most economical in the way of time. We also have to stop at the Staples Center to see how the stage is going for his concert. There were problems with some lift at the rehearsals in London, so they want to make sure all is well.

It's funny. I sometimes forget he's one of the most famous faces in the world. As campy and silly as he can be at times, he's "just another bloke." His words, not mine.

Now, what to wear?

2 A. M.

The club was called Mac's. Doesn't sound like much, and didn't look like much from the outside. Of course we were coming in from the back.

Inside it was a different story. We walked up the back stairs to the second floor, it's on the side of the normal VIP room where most of the A-list celebrities hang out. This room was for even more special guests. Thank you, Zane.

The windows were mirrored on the other side, so no one could see us. Security stayed outside the door, and Zane, Simone and myself had a dining area and dance floor to ourselves. There was also a bank of televisions on one wall so we could see all the dancers up close.

"Oh yes, look at this one." Zane used the remote to focus in on a young woman in a yellow T-shirt and short black leather mini. She didn't wear a bra and was at least a D cup. Her breasts were bobbing to the music in a hypnotic rhythm.

"This is so wrong." I moved to the large window across the main wall. "We can watch them from here, without spying on them so close."

"Oh geez, Bron, get a grip." Simone grabbed the remote. "Now there, my friends, that's something worthy of a close-up."

She pushed the button so that the camera zoned in on a pair of jeans. I couldn't see the guy's face, but he was obviously excited by the girl next to him. His dick was hard against the fabric of his too-tight jeans and it had to be at least nine inches long.

I crossed my legs. Blowing out a breath, I grabbed Zane's hand. "Let's dance."

He laughed. "Oh baby." He gyrated his hips up and down.

"No." I pushed him about two feet away from me. "I'll dance here and you dance there."

Simone had been nibbling on the last of the sushi they'd brought up. I don't mind the tuna, shrimp and avocado rolls, but the rest—well, it made me hungry for Lulu's fried chicken. I bet if Zane ever tried Lulu's he'd get off this healthy eating kick. Of course, it would ruin him for life.

Thinking of Lulu's made me think of home. And Sam. I wondered what he was doing right now. I had dialed his number this morning, but I never pushed Send. I did take my picture with my glorious new hair and saved it on my phone. I may send it later.

Zane was doing his best to distract me and it almost worked. He and Simone had moved into a clinch and were doing some warped version of the tango. She had a daisy in her teeth, and he twirled her out and then tight against his body.

Their dancing did make me forget about Sam for a moment, but that's also when I felt a twinge of something. Simone must have noticed too. I saw her stiffen and look at the wall of televisions.

We both tried to see what we felt, but none of the faces gave me anything. I sent my mind out, and let me tell you, half-naked people in a club think some raunchy crap. I saw three-ways, four-ways and some bondage ideas. Wow, that one was interesting.

But as hard as I tried, I couldn't find whoever it was in the mass of humanity.

"Zane, we need to go. Whoever is down there probably doesn't mean us harm, but we can't chance getting caught here with so many innocent bystanders." I'd read their minds, and they weren't so innocent. But I didn't think any of them had plans to die tonight.

"What's wrong?" Zane went on alert.

"Someone's here and I can't get into their head, so it's best if we go."

Simone grabbed Zane's leather jacket from the chair and pushed him to the door. "I'm going downstairs to see if I can locate him. If he's a demon or warlock, I should be able to sense him—or her, if it's a witch."

I took one last look out the window. A dark-haired man with beautiful brown eyes looked at me from the corner by the large center bar. He smiled.

But I knew he couldn't see me. Then he disappeared.

"That's it, we're outta here." I shoved Zane to the door.

"I saw him, Simone, but he's vanished. If he can do that… Let's just go."

We took the back stairs and I loaded Zane in the limo. More than anything I wanted to stay and investigate, but I couldn't take the chance that this might be a trap. Many times bad warlocks have tried to lure me away from my charges. I also didn't want to chance Simone getting hurt, though I'd never tell her that.

"Simone, if they attack us in transit I'm going to need you with us."

She hesitated a moment outside the car and then jumped in.

Zane laughed, but I could see his hands shaking. "You girls certainly know how to add some excitement to a night."

I smiled at Simone. "Yep, we're just two hot chicks who know how to party."

Simone pulled out a bottle of champagne from the limo fridge and popped the cork. "That's right." She did all of this while keeping an eye on the road searching for anyone who might follow.