living covenant 03 - eternal covenant (17 page)

“Okay.” I wasn’t convinced.

“Would you like to see me make out with another man?” Aric asked. “I didn’t think so.”

“You didn’t give me a chance to answer,” I protested.

“If you have an answer other than ‘no’ we’re going to have a problem.”

“I’ve had a few dreams about you and Rafael over the years,” I volunteered, enjoying the way Aric shifted in his seat. “I’ll share those with you one night.”

“I will smother you if you try.”

“Oh, come on,” I said. “Think about how hot that would be.”

“We’re through,” Aric muttered, leaning forward as the two blondes exited Pemberley’s store. “Come on. We have some chatting to do with our little friend. Don’t even think of trying to get me to … flirt … with him for information.”

“I would never.”

“I’ll cry if you do,” Aric said, pushing open his door. “We’re not talking little tears either. They will be big ones.”

“I’ve been duly warned,” I said, hopping out of the truck and hitting the pavement. “Would it be okay if I imagined you with a movie star?”

“You’re one of my least favorite people in the world right now,” Aric said. “I just … march, woman!”

Pemberley’s back was to the door when we entered, a bell jingling to signify our entrance. He didn’t bother turning around. “I’ll be right with you.”

Aric grabbed my hand as we moved closer to the flamboyant wedding coordinator. He wasn’t thrilled, I’m sure, but there was nothing a little fake fantasy could do to derail our relationship.

“How can I help you?” Pemberley asked, swiveling. He had a broad smile on his face until he saw us. The smile slipped slightly, but Pemberley recovered quickly. “Zoe and Aric! I had no idea you guys were visiting this afternoon. To what do I owe the honor of your visit?”

“I want to know if you’re an evil being trying to steal my magic, or a horny guy out to steal my soon-to-be husband,” I announced.

Aric’s mouth dropped open. “I … what … you … Zoe!”

I shrugged. “What? I’m not pussyfooting around this guy,” I said. “I want to know what’s going on, and I want to know right now. I’ve waited too long to marry you. I’m not going to let him ruin something I’ve looked forward to for such a long time.”

“That was almost a beautiful sentiment, baby,” Aric said, his expression softening. “It would’ve been nicer if you hadn’t said the other stuff first – and had it follow your little fantasy about Rafael and me.”

“Don’t worry about that,” I scoffed, waving my hand. “That never really happened.”

“It didn’t?” Aric looked relieved.

“Not for me,” I clarified. “Paris and Kelsey have had that fantasy since junior year, though. They told me all about it.”

“They’re banned from our house.”

“Whatever,” I said, turning back to Pemberley. He had the grace to look confused, although it was clearly an act. “So, what is it? Are you evil and looking for power, or needy and looking for a good man?”

Pemberley gave us a palms-up shrug. “Would you be angry if I said both?”

“Yes,” Aric said.

“I’m on the fence,” I said. “What’s your deal? Why have you been poisoning me?”

Pemberley knit his eyebrows. “I haven’t been poisoning you! Why would you think that?”

“Because I don’t get sick unless it’s from alcohol, and I’ve been violently ill twice after you delivered food to our house,” I replied. “Now … spill.”

“First, I have no need to poison you,” Pemberley said. “No matter how attractive I find your fiancé, I’m not an idiot. It’s clear he’s besotted with you … and then some. Secondly, even if I thought I had a chance, I wouldn’t poison you. I’d cast a spell on you and make you leave him.”

I stilled, surprised by the admission. “Are you a witch?”

“That’s a little stereotypical,” Pemberley said, crossing his arms over his chest. “Do I look like a witch?”

The bottom of his pants were wide enough to suggest a dress if I used my imagination. I got what he was saying, though. “Oh, I’m sorry, what’s a male witch called?” I asked. “A warlock. Are you a warlock?”

“I don’t mean the word ‘witch’ is stereotypical,” Pemberley shot back. “I mean that you would naturally assume I was a witch. Witches are so … pedestrian. I’m much more than a witch.”

“Is that good or bad?” I asked, confused.

“I have no idea,” Aric replied.

“Let’s have a chat, shall we?” Pemberley said, directing us toward the round couch. “I think we need to clear the air.”

“That sounds great.”

“Would anyone like some tea?” Pemberley frowned at our twin looks of disgust. “I guess that’s a no since you think I’m poisoning you. Okay. No tea.”

Everyone sat on the couch, Aric putting himself between Pemberley and me in case the man made a move. I was more worried about him making a move on Aric, but I wisely kept that tidbit to myself.

“For starters, I didn’t realize you were magical until I met you,” Pemberley said, choosing his words carefully. “When Helen and Nancy came into the shop, I realized Helen was a wolf right away. There was something … different … about Nancy. I couldn’t put my finger on what, though.”

“So you know about the paranormal world?” Aric asked. “How?”

“I’m a sprite.”

He said that as though it should mean something. “Well, I know you’re not a can of soda,” I said. “Isn’t a sprite like a … .” I muted the end of the sentence. I’m pretty sure I wasn’t allowed to say “fairy” given the overarching scenario.

“I’m a fairy,” Pemberley announced.

Whew! I’m glad he said it. Now I won’t look like such a troll when I repeat it. “You’re a fairy? Where are your wings?”

“Zoe,” Aric warned, his voice low. “I don’t think you’re supposed to say things like that.”

I snorted. “When has that ever stopped me?”

“You have a point,” Aric said, resigned. “Where are your wings?”

“They’re here,” Pemberley said, shifting his back. “You can’t see them because I’m from another plane of existence. The wings aren’t visible here.”

“If you’re from another plane, what are you doing here?” Aric asked. “How did you even get here?”

“There are numerous portals from one plane to the next,” Pemberley explained. “I used one five years ago after a visit from my cousins. They came to this world years ago and loved it. They spoke about endless possibilities over here, and I was dying to leave my world.”

“I’ll bet it’s boring if you have nothing to do but live in a mushroom,” I said.

“Zoe!” Aric shook his head. “That’s just … .”

“I didn’t live in a mushroom,” Pemberley said, smirking. “I lived in a house. It was surrounded by mushrooms, though.”

Something occurred to me. “Fairy rings. You lived in a fairy ring. That’s the portal you used, isn’t it?”

“How do you know about fairy rings?” Pemberley asked, surprised.

“I … ran into a guy once who sucked me through one,” I answered. “His name was … Bob.”

“Was that his real name?” Pemberley was dubious.

“No, but I can’t remember his real name for anything, so I called him Bob.”

“I’m sure he was thrilled with that,” Pemberley said, chuckling. “In my world fairy rings are used for transport, and we have to maintain them. My cousins, Naida and Nixie, moved between worlds quite often before relocating to this one permanently. They had such wonderful stories that I couldn’t help but want to visit.”

That was interesting.

“When I realized that I could be more than a fairy ring warden over here, I decided to move,” Pemberley continued. “Nixie and Naida helped me open my shop. I’ve always been enamored with the idea of love, so starting my own wedding consulting business seemed a good fit. I’ve been here ever since.”

“Are you trapped here?” I asked.

Pemberley shook his head. “I can go back if I wish, but I don’t wish it. My mother comes to visit once a year. That’s quite enough home for me.”

“I hear that,” I said. I was completely and utterly fascinated. “When did you realize what I was?”

“When you zapped the wolf with your magic,” Pemberley replied. “Actually, it was about an hour after that. I was confused when that happened. I knew what I saw, but you seemed adamant about keeping it quiet. Then I remembered a story I heard about a magical mage and her soul mate, who happened to be a wolf. The paranormal world is atwitter with gossip about you, young lady. When I saw your abilities, I figured you were the source of the rumors.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?” Aric asked. “If we knew you were magical, it would have saved us a lot of crap.”

“I wasn’t sure how you would take it,” Pemberley answered. “You seemed uncomfortable with my … attention.”

“That’s because I’m not gay,” Aric charged.

“In my world there is no such thing as gay or straight,” Pemberley explained. “There is only love and attraction. You’re a beautiful specimen of the human form. I couldn’t help but be … intrigued.”

“Ha, ha,” I said, laughing. “You are a beautiful specimen, though.” It took me a moment to realize what Pemberley hadn’t said. “Hey, wait a second. Does that mean I’m not a beautiful specimen?”

“On the contrary, you’re quite lovely,” Pemberley said. “You’re not my type, though. You’re also mouthy as hell and hate the finer things in life. Your idea of a wedding, my dear, is nothing short of a travesty. You’ll break both of your mothers’ hearts if you’re not careful.”

“What about my heart?” I challenged. “I am the bride, after all.”

“You have a point,” Pemberley conceded. “I didn’t mean to trample your feelings. I thought for sure you would embrace the new wedding ideas. I think I was probably wrong on that front. You’re lovely … and complicated.”

“She’s definitely that,” Aric said. “If you haven’t been poisoning Zoe – and you’re not out to get her powers – why has she been getting sick?”

“I can’t answer that question,” Pemberley said. “I would suggest it’s her eating habits, but that didn’t go over well last time.”

“What about the three wolves running around the area?” I asked. I wasn’t quite ready to dismiss him as a suspect. “Are you in cahoots with them?”

“My dear, I am not interested in the politics of wolf or man,” Pemberley said. “I’m happiest here, making dreams come true.”

“But … .” That couldn’t be it. We were missing something. “Why did I get sick after you fed me?”

“I honestly don’t know,” Pemberley said. “I can feel danger circling the two of you, but it’s not close yet. I keep trying to pinpoint it, but whatever stalks you is evasive. I even put up a barrier to track people coming and going in your yard, but whoever took it down is powerful.”

Oh, whoops! That explained a few things. “I took it down,” I admitted.

“Why?”

“We didn’t know what it was,” Aric answered. “We thought someone was trying to track us so they could isolate us in the woods. We didn’t realize it was you.”

“How did you even discover it?” Pemberley asked. “It was barely in this world. You shouldn’t have been able to see it.”

“Paris felt it first,” I answered. “When she told us where it was we knew where to look. I kind of messed around with it and it blew.”

“You are extraordinary,” Pemberley said, shaking his head. “I doubt even you realize how powerful you are. The barrier was merely an alarm system. It wasn’t meant to cause harm. I feel something hiding in the shadows, but I can’t figure out what it is. It feels bigger than it should, as if it’s more than one person.”

“So you don’t want to hurt us?” I asked.

“I want you to have the happiest day of your life,” Pemberley answered. “That’s my purpose in this world. That’s all I want.”

I glanced at Aric. “Do you believe him?”

“That’s a better question for you,” Aric said. “Can you sense whether he’s lying to us?”

I shook my head. “He doesn’t feel like a liar.”

“I’m not,” Pemberley said. “Other than hiding my identity, I’ve never told a lie.”

“Well, I guess we’ll let you live then,” Aric said, tugging his hand through his hair. “Dammit! I thought we were finally getting somewhere. We still don’t know why you’ve been getting sick.”

“What about the totem?” I asked. “Did you put the totem up by the river?”

“I have no need for a totem,” Pemberley responded. “That’s not how my magic works.”

“That has to be the wolves,” I said. “They’re working with someone else magical. We just don’t know who yet.”

“Would you be able to recognize another magical being if you saw them in person?” Aric asked.

Pemberley nodded. “I recognized your friend Paris as a witch. I recognized James as a wolf and Ted as a fallen mage. Ted and Nancy have very little power, but remnants remain. They were harder for me to figure out, but I’ve met full mages before so it eventually clicked.”

“I think we should keep him on the wedding,” I said, tapping my chin as my mind worked overtime. “He might be able to help us.”

“Are you sure?” Aric asked. “He’s been ruining everything. What if you’re getting sick because you’re so upset about the wedding changes?”

The thought hadn’t occurred to me. “Well, I guess we’ll have to take it one step at a time,” I said. “Now that everyone has laid their cards on the table, I have an idea about how to fix all of that.”

“And what is that?” Pemberley asked.

The smile I graced him with was mischievous.

“Oh, I’m afraid,” Aric said, shaking his head. “That smile cannot mean good things.”

He had no idea.

18

Eighteen

^“
I’m so glad everything worked out,” Helen said, beaming at Pemberley as we walked across the open expanse of the back yard. It was dark, but the flood lights Aric insisted on installing for my safety illuminated almost everything. “I knew you couldn’t be evil.”

“I’m definitely not evil,” Pemberley said, winking at me. “I’m a lover, not a fighter.”

“Don’t look at me when you say things like that,” Aric ordered. “I don’t like it.”

“You’ll live, handsome,” Pemberley said, unperturbed by Aric’s attitude. “So, I was thinking we could have magical table settings. Since everything is out in the open now, I think we can go for broke on this wedding and set up something that will make everyone happy.”