Green Mage, page 28
part #2 of Mackenzie Green Series
“You have terrible timing.”
His words caused a smile to creep to my face.
“Good thing we have time.”
I noticed Saber had taken up a guard position as we slipped back out of the shadows and faced the hoards.
“Thank you,” I said to him. Grateful that he had my back.
“I like him, and you have made me happy. You deserve some happiness for yourself,” he replied, then went back to scanning the area.
Crystal and Holden were the first to greet us. Both blinked hard at the sight of my monster cat with a pretty bow around his neck. They didn’t get a chance to meet him the previous evening, having rushed out of the room with Ruban once the fighting had slowed.
“Ruban was worried about a secondary attack and took us along in case some of the civilians were in danger,” Crystal said after she had introduced herself to my familiar.
“That makes sense, he doesn’t strike me as someone who would up and abandon a fight.”
“We wanted to thank you for everything you did. Last night would have been much worse without you there. And a lot of people in that room owe you their lives. Not that you’ll get so much as a thanks out of most of them,” Holden chimed in.
“I don’t need thanks, though it rankles a bit that Lucan isn’t getting the recognition he deserves.” My words were all true but had the secondary effect of being what a doting girlfriend would say.
“Yes, well, why should the Triad thank us for doing the jobs we were born to do?” A heavy dose of sarcasm coated Crystal’s words and I snickered.
We parted with the pair and continued to mingle around the room. Some of the people who had been present last night offered Lucan their congratulations on his foresight, others gave him sharp remarks, thinking he should have done more to prevent the damages. I mentally rolled my eyes at both. The one thing both sets had in common was they ignored me altogether. I wasn’t offended. I preferred being overlooked.
On our second circuit, the Triad approached.
“Lucan.” The cultured tone of the Gryphos Head crooned. Vivian was elegant in her raven gown, her white hair pulled up into a neat bun. Her face was a mask of neutrality, but the laugh lines around her golden-bronze eyes spoke of the woman within.
Lucan inclined his head to Vivian and Ruban, the Stone Head, and gave a more profound bow to the Dragon Head. Jasper nodded in return.
“Triad. You are looking well. I hope there were no lasting injuries from last night.”
Wow, the Dragon Protector could talk the talk. Impressive.
“Your forethought and planning ensured that the might of the Mythos Clan prevailed. If only others had your steadfastness.”
I resisted the urge to snort. Lucan had gone to them, and they’d shooed him away like an errant child. How he put up with this bullshit, I’d never know.
Lucan said nothing. The way the Triad was posturing, a reply clearly wasn’t expected.
The Stone Head gave a curious glance to Saber, but his gaze didn’t linger. Quickly, he turned to look at me.
“The vines that you used to subdue the Dragon Enforcer are unique. I would be glad to meet you away from this place to discuss them. Many may benefit if caught in time.”
I hid the panic fluttering in my chest. “I’m not sure I can help. I’m a simple plant mage. My power is limited. If the ball performed well, it was probably a fluke.”
With my hand on Lucan’s arm, I kept my voice low with a hint of shyness. No sense inviting the Triad’s interest more. Saber mimicked my posture and somehow made himself look smaller and less threatening. He was learning how to blend in quickly.
“Of course, if you wish, I can tell you how I make them. It would be good to help others.”
Ruban nodded and shifted his attention to Lucan. Dismissed, the muscles in my chest loosened.
Lucan glanced at me out of the corner of his eye. A frown marred the corner of his lips, gone so fast, I wasn’t sure if the Triad had seen it. I resisted the urge to smile at his confusion. He wasn’t used to seeing me in this shy, timid persona. It was one I only pulled out when influential people were starting to get too interested in me. They may have watched me in action last night, but with all the adrenalin rushing around, I’d have been the last person on their mind. Now that they’d met me and seen that I was no threat, I was far less attractive.
People in power feared strong, confident individuals. Now, the Triad was sure they could manipulate or scare me into doing what they wanted. It gave me breathing room and time to plan.
Vivian glanced at me out of the corner of her eye. “We have to discuss private matters with the Protector. Why don’t you grab a drink and a snack from the table? He will find you when we are finished.”
What happened next in my head vastly differed from reality.
Mentally, I shot the Triad the finger. Then, I went on a verbal tirade, reminding the pompous shifters that last night would have had a lot more blood and actual deaths without me.
But as satisfying as that would have been, I kept those thoughts to myself. Instead, I gave a short curtsy, and with Saber still at my side, stalked over to the refreshments.
My good intentions lasted about halfway. When I looked over, the Triad had their backs to me, but Lucan met my gaze. One finger pulling down the skin under my right eye, I stuck out my tongue. Childish, sure, but it made me feel better. Saber gave his version of a feline laugh, but Lucan didn’t blink. However, the distinct impression of amusement brushed against my shield. Good. They were assholes to him. He needed a funny memory to get him through his conversation.
I placed some delicious-looking pastries onto my plate, slipping Saber any treat he showed interest in, then wandered over to the drink table. Pouring over my options, I bumped the man standing next to me. I turned to apologize.
“I’m so…”
“Mackenzie?” Brown eyes stared into mine. Nick was looking at me with unconcealed amusement.
“Senior Patrolman. It’s good to see you.” I was stunned to see him. Tonight's event was about shifters and vampires, hence only the most influential humans had attended.
My confusion must have been present on my face.
“Nick, please. A few of the city wardens are here for security. The word is, there was an incident last night. It’s put the higher-ups on edge.”
His eyes twinkled. Even dedicated to his work, there was a playfulness to the warden.
“Nick then. How’s the rookie doing?” I figured work questions were safe enough.
A dramatic sigh exited the dark man. “Someone higher-up guaranteed him a lieutenant position already. Nepotism at its finest. Ellison is under the impression he doesn’t need to do the work.” Nick rolled his eyes. “As long as he makes the motions and puts the time in, he assumes he’s golden.” The twinkle returned. “What he doesn’t know is that his position is contingent on completing his training, of which I am in charge. It will be interesting to see how long it takes him to figure it out.”
I couldn’t help the laugh that burst out of me, easily able to picture the look on the young man’s face when he realized his fate was in another man's hands. Nick’s smile widened.
“I should have told you earlier how lovely you look.” There was male appreciation in his eyes, but it wasn’t lude and didn’t make me feel uncomfortable.
“You clean up nicely yourself.” His dress uniform was a cerulean blue against dark gray. Gold accents provided the necessary bling for an upscale event.
“This old thing? I’ve had it for ages.”
That sparked another laugh. Nick was easy to talk with, to be around. He didn’t take himself too seriously, but his eyes never stopped moving. Even while he was talking to me, he was completely aware of everything going on around him.
“So, what’s a girl like you doing in a place like this?”
I shot him a grin. “My date asked me to come.” Lucan hadn’t changed our contract, and I wouldn’t break character.
A playful frown turned down the corners of his lips. “Already taken? Damn. Well, if you have time next week, I would love to meet up for lunch. Maybe take a walk.”
I froze. He was asking me out. Why the hell is he asking me out? I just alluded to having a boyfriend.
A crackle of energy and the smell of ozone coated me. I didn’t need Nick's widening eyes to tell me that Lucan had finished his conversation and was now standing behind me.
“I’m guessing there’s a grumpy dragon at my back with glowing blue eyes.” My deadpan words slapped Nick in the face. He nodded.
“Senior Patrolman, Nick. Lucan, the Dragon Protector.”
Lucan moved alongside me and offered the warden a hand.
“Her date.” Lucan’s voice rumbled out of his chest.
Nick, now over his shock, stepped forward and took Lucan’s hand. He even had the grit not to wince when Lucan squeezed his hand hard enough for his dark skin to turn white. I elbowed the dragon next to me and shot him a ‘be nice’ look.
“It was nice to meet you, but I have to steal Mackenzie for a moment.” Lucan rested a hand just above the curve of my bum.
His haughty response and the possessive touch made me want to jab him again. It took a lot of inner strength, but I refrained.
“I’m sorry, Nick, I have to go.”
The warden nodded. “You have my number. The ball’s in your court.”
With that, he moved over to one wall and took up a sentinel position—eyes scanning, face serious.
“Come.”
I bristled at the order, but I was on the job. If Lucan wanted to go all caveman, I would grit my teeth and bear it. To a point. I looked around, ready to invite Saber to join the joke, only to find he’d disappeared. Meh, he’d find us at need.
“Yes, master.”
I kept my tone dull and laced with sarcasm. Impish delight coursed through me. If Lucan wanted mindless, I could pretend to give it to him.
Lucan scowled at my tone. “You’re not acting very professional.” I could just catch the humor he was trying to hide.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t know it was unprofessional to chat with one of the only people I know at this snazzy event,” I said. A smile on my face.
Lucan’s tone took on the cant of a haughty noble, but his eyes twinkled with mirth. “I’m not paying you to chat with other men, you are supposed to attend to me, and me alone.” A laugh escaped me, and I continued to play along.
“You paid for my services, not my servitude. I’m sure there are plenty of women here who would give their right tit to be your slave. Enjoy.” I waved my hand in a dismissing gesture. Lucan's focus on me sharpened.
“I don’t want them.”
My spine tensed. There was no humor in that statement. His eyes locked on mine. There was no way I could brush off that declaration, but I slammed my mouth shut when the Dragon Head came into view. The man moved with determination as he approached. I sighed and schooled my face. I had a feeling I wasn’t going to enjoy this conversation.
Chapter 33
Jasper made it to us, two hulking figures at his back—guards. I tucked myself into Lucan’s side and lowered my eyes, my shy, submissive shell locking into place.
“Lucan, I didn’t have much time to talk with you and your guest before the other Heads shooed her away.” He turned towards me and smiled. “It would be remiss of me not to make the acquaintance of my Protector’s date.”
A shiver ran up my spine. Outwardly, Jasper was nothing but polite, but when I snuck a look at his aura using my web, I could see his normally plum-colored haze that glittered with sparkles and wisps of white—the color of spirit magic—was shot through with black.
I murmured a quiet greeting. “Dragon Head, lovely to meet you.”
“And I you, young lady.”
I held in a snort. Jasper couldn't have been more than ten years my senior.
“I wanted to discuss the magic you used to bind Toban. It was truly remarkable.” There was a glint of something in his eyes. He knew more than he was saying.
“It was nothing really,” I replied modestly. “I was tinkering with different plants for my job and stumbled across the combination.”
I could see the wheels in Lucan's head turning. I would have to explain my actions when we were alone. I’d run out of time to confirm my suspicion.
“I think you are far more talented than you let people believe,” Jasper said smoothly, an oddly familiar, if frustratingly out of reach, inflection in his voice.
Ice shot through me. He had to be guessing, fishing. My brain replayed all my public actions for the last six months. There were some small incidents where I’d used magic above what I claimed, but there should have been no reason for Jasper to take notice.
I didn’t reply. My mind was unable to make up a convincing lie.
I opened my mouth to respond, not even sure what words would come out of my mouth when my phone chirped. Seconds later, Lucan’s pinged as well. Saved by the damn bell. Literally.
“Please excuse us. I have to take this.” Lucan expertly maneuvered us away from the Head and over a shadowed pillar. Saber appeared at my side.
“That man is dangerous,” he said, including both of us in his simple statement. I nodded my head in agreement and Lucan frowned.
“What was that all about?” Lucan asked me.
I sighed. “I have my suspicions that Jasper may be one of the frontrunners of the Purity Movement.”
Lucan didn’t immediately jump to his boss's defense, but I could see the skepticism in his eyes. “Jasper isn’t the best leader, but he is far more accepting than that.’
Despite his words, he was giving me a chance to explain my side. And with that move, he’d just earned another chunk of my trust.
“It was something Clare said while she was doing her whole supervillain monologue thing. She implied that Jasper was the driving force behind the movement, and he had the means to force bonds between individuals who weren’t mates.” I shuffled my feet. “I didn’t bring it up before because I haven’t had time to dig into it and see if her accusations have merit. All the easily accessible information paints Jasper as squeaky clean.”
Lucan nodded. “It was one of the reasons he became the Head. No skeletons in his closet,” he replied.
“I know, but I have a feeling he’s hiding something. I can’t explain it more than that.”
I could see that Lucan wasn’t ready to agree with me quite yet, but he wasn’t condemning me either. I would take the silent support for now.
“Who was your message from?” I asked. There was nothing more to discuss about Jasper right now.
“My contact. You?” I checked my phone. Saber kept an eye out and would warn us if anyone got too close.
“Same. One sec.” Both of us spent the next few minutes reading through the information we’d received.
When I met Lucan's eyes a moment later, his feral smile matched the one I knew I was wearing. It was time to put the pigeon among the cats.
Chapter 34
I glanced down at the information Chase sent. The accompanying photos cinched it. On my left, Lucan was studying his information carefully. With a glance around the room, I found Master Dagmar. I had made a promise to him, and now it was time to deliver.
Lucan tilted his head towards me. “What did you get?” His voice was low, pitched so that only I could hear.
“It’s confirmation of my theory. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you more until I talk to Master Dagmar.” I gave an apologetic shrug of my shoulders. Lucan glared at me, trying to wear me down. “The light show won't work. I made a promise.”
I held his gaze for a few moments, then with slow deliberation, I turned away. Never show weakness to a predator.
I crooked a finger over my shoulder at the irate dragon. “Come if you want, he may let you stay.” I didn’t need to look behind me to know that Lucan would follow.
I did start when he laid a hand on my back. I hadn’t been expecting his touch.
“We will talk about you making promises to other men later.” There was a teasing warning and a promise in his tone. I let it slip from my mind. I didn’t have the brainpower right now to analyze that statement.
We reached Master Dagmar as he wrapped up his conversation with Archmage Thadius. I waited patiently for the two to say their goodbyes before delicately clearing my throat. Both turned to face me, and Thadius reached out a hand.
“Mackenzie, how lovely to see you.” He glanced to my side. “And Saber, how are you faring in her care?” I appreciated the genuine concern the Archmage had for my familiar.
“Hello, Archmage Thadius, it’s nice to see you too,” I said.
“Greetings Archmage. I am doing well. Mackenzie and her family have been very welcoming and have seen to expanding my education of the outside world as well as my own abilities.”
From the looks on all their faces, Saber had managed to project his thoughts to all four of us without strain. He was improving.
“That’s good to hear, Saber. I confess, I was going to send someone around to the guild next week to check on you. I’ll sleep better knowing you are well cared for. But if you’ll excuse me, I need to speak to someone, and they’ve just become free.” He waved goodbye and took off into the crowd.
“Miss Green, I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of meeting your new friend.” Master Dagmar’s eyes were on my cat.
“Master Dagmar, this is Saber.” I motioned between the two. “Saber, Nickoli Dagmar, Master Vampire and Council member. His territory extends under the Working District.”
Saber inched his nose forward and Master Dagmar held out a hand. After giving it a quick sniff, Saber sneezed and gave the feline version of a shrug.
“Interesting creature. I would very much like to hear the tale of how you two met.” It was a good story, unfortunately, we didn’t have time to indulge.
“Another time perhaps, I have more pressing matters to discuss with you right now.” There. Vague enough to satisfy our agreement from earlier.
