Sinjin

  Bryn, stop! that irritating voice sounded up within me again. You’re going to regret this!

  I won’t regret it, I thought back. How could I regret something that feels so…good?

  Closing my eyes again, I arched against him, and moaned when I felt his lips on mine. I could mentally see the fourth vial was now filled and capped. My job here was done. I’d managed to capture the magic that would aid me in my ultimate plan. But I still didn’t open my eyes. I allowed the fae king to kiss my lips and when his tongue entered my mouth, I eagerly welcomed it.

  EIGHT

  I managed to sleep off the effects of the charmed mead during the rest of the day. After our kiss, Odran (somewhat reluctantly) disentangled himself from me, muttering something that barely resembled an apology. He then seemed uncomfortable with everything that had transpired between us as he led me out of the land of the fae and back to Kinloch Kirk.

  Upon reaching my former accommodations, I retreated to the confines of my bedroom prison while Odran busied himself in the living room by watching the television. (I could have sworn he was watching The Price Is Right—which struck me as odd). Even though I was slightly surprised Odran was the one to end our romantic tryst in Fairyland, looking back on it, I was beyond grateful because I certainly was in no state of mind to call it quits. And calling it quits was exactly what I should have done. Of course, there was no use crying over failed sexual affairs now. The past was exactly that, the past.

  As soon as the charmed mead started to wear off, a raging sense of anger took its place. At first, my anger lay with Odran because it was becoming more than obvious that his only reason for taking me to the land of the fae was to get me drunk on mead before drilling me for any information while he took advantage of my (ahem) traitorous, and very willing, body. However, the longer I thought about it, the more I could understand Odran’s actions, which really weren’t so outrageous—he didn’t trust me and he wanted to find out what I was up to. So, of course, it made perfect sense that he would resort to any tricks up his sleeve that might prod me to spill my guts. Any way I looked at it, I couldn’t blame him for trying. Were I in his shoes, I would have done exactly the same thing. It wasn’t as though Odran owed me anything. No. Because I was his enemy.

  Well, ultimately, the joke was on me because I’d fallen right into his plan as pretty as you please! ’Course, on the flipside, I had managed to steal his magic, so the visit wasn’t a total failure.

  My anger was still doing a masterful job at souring my stomach, but the truth of the matter was: my upset wasn’t so much with Odran as it was with myself. After my intoxication wore off, I endured the bitter realization that not only had I basically made out with Odran, but I’d also allowed him to feel me up! And, what was worse, I’d acted like a complete and utter strumpet since I’d encouraged him! As much as it pained me now to admit the truth, I couldn’t deny that I’d enjoyed every second of my brief tryst with the fae king.

  But, you were also out of your mind from the charmed mead, I argued mentally, searching for any excuse that would allow me to save some face.

  You know it wasn’t just the mead! I retorted. I couldn’t let myself off the hook so easily. I knew my magic was strong enough to disarm the charmed mead. No, there was definitely a disloyal and traitorous part of me that not only enjoyed the physical aspect of everything that happened between Odran and me but, worst of all, that same part of me hadn’t wanted Odran’s attentions to stop! And that thought bothered me… alot.

  I didn’t like the fact that I wasn’t accustomed to dealing with my blossoming sexual feelings because I viewed them as a weakness, and a dangerous one at that. It seemed like lately I was on the verge of completely losing control of my lustful urges. Between Sinjin’s advances, and my less-than-convincing rebuttals, to this most recent situation with Odran, I was starting to wonder if my libido had gone amok and was now hopelessly out of control. And out of control was not a term I was accustomed to being.

  Of course, it wasn’t as though I’d never felt sexual stirrings before. I’d felt them regularly over the years, but in training camp, we’d learned to force those feelings into dormancy rather than trying to deal with them head on. Furthermore, I wasn’t exactly used to being surrounded by such primitive men either. The men of my tribe were civilized and managed to control their baser tendencies rather than flaunting them. They were so unlike the men of the Underworld, who seemed to pride themselves on their insatiable lustful appetites. I’d been raised to recognize that any feelings of sexuality had to be quashed for the greater good of the tribe. Our primary goal, contrastingly, was always centered on combat, rather than useless pursuits like love and sexual gratification. Actually, the concept of “love” didn’t even exist in my world. Being an emotion, of which all were prohibited, it wasn’t based on logic, but rather on frivolity.

  As far as relationships between Elemental men and women were concerned, the only time sexuality was accepted was between pair bonds. Pair bonds were two Elementals, hand selected by Luce, who were chosen to procreate and, thereby, provide the tribe with future tribespeople. Having never been selected for a pair bond, I’d never experienced anything even remotely sexual. My lack of experience in that realm never bothered me though, because I was always, first and foremost, a warrior. And the achievement of becoming an accomplished warrior was the highest office anyone could hold in my tribe.

  Yeah, great warrior you turned out to be! I chided myself. If it had been left up to you, you would have allowed the fae king to deflower you while you were back in Fairyland! I continued my taunt as I sat up in my bed and looked out my window, observing that the sun was now starting to set. The setting sun meant one thing—time for me to start rolling out my plan for escape. And that escape plan definitely didn’t include arguing with myself, so I forcibly shoved the subjects of Odran, sex and the charmed mead to the back of my mind, with a sound resolution to never revisit them.

  Glancing out my window again, I studied the sky. I had maybe ten minutes remaining before Odran would abandon his post as babysitter to Sinjin. Ten minutes was scarcely enough time for everything that still needed to be done. Yep, I had to get a move on.

  Magic vials reveal yourselves, I said in my mind as I closed my eyes. The images of the four vials of magic that I’d filled during my rendezvous with Odran instantly appeared. I pictured the cork of the first vial popping open, allowing the opaline powder that filled the vial to escape into the air surrounding me. Opening my eyes, in the low light of the room, I could barely see the glint of the translucent particles as they rained down around me.

  Inhaling deeply, I imagined taking all the escaped magic into myself. I could feel the hum of energy as it invaded me, strengthening the magic I already possessed. I could only hope that my magic in combination with the “borrowed” fae magic would be strong enough to persuade Odran to perform my wishes. It was also crucially important for my magic to overcome and neutralize any wards that might have been placed within the house, the sole purpose of which would be to prevent me from using my own powers.

  Once I gathered all the escaped magic into my body, I squeezed my eyes shut tightly and concentrated on destroying any wards in the immediate vicinity. It surprised me to find that either there weren’t any there, or if there were, they had to be pretty chintzy because the magic inside me didn’t have any issue depleting whatever wards may have existed in the house. Or maybe the blend of my magic and the fae magic was just that strong? I didn’t know, so I moved on to the next hurdle: Odran. Envisioning the fae king in my mind’s eye, I held my hands out in the direction of the living room, allowing the magic to roll out of me and surround Odran, without his knowledge, of course.

  Odran, I command you to see the darkness of night now, I ordered him in my mind. As far as you are aware, night has fallen; and it is time for you to cede your control to Sinjin. It is time for you to return to the main house, Odran. Your job here is finished for the day.

  From my bedroo
m, I could hear the sound of Odran turning off the television after he stood up from where he’d been sitting on the couch. Then he made his way across the hardwood floors, and the sounds of his footsteps grew more distant as he approached the front door. I glanced outside my window again and watched as the color of the sky began fading from the orange of late day into the light blue of dusk. I had barely another five minutes before Sinjin would fully awaken from his day-long sleep. In order for my plan to work, Sinjin had to be in that middle land that only exists between waking and dreaming.

  Odran, you believe that darkness has already fallen, so your job here is done, I continued, sending my commands to Odran subliminally. When I heard the sound of the door opening and closing, I realized the first part of my plan was successful.

  Now for part two …

  Clenching my eyes shut tightly again, I summoned the image of the second vial of magic I’d borrowed from Odran’s Fairyland. I watched as the cork popped off the top of the vial and the magic escaped into the air, falling around me in specks of glittery power. I inhaled deeply, again, taking the magic into myself while focusing my mind on my sister. I concentrated on delineating her face as if I were drawing it from memory. Once I felt as if I had the contours of her face and hair down pat, I turned to her clothing. I imagined the pink sweatshirt and matching sweatpants she offered to let me borrow when I first arrived here.

  Become her, become your sister, I whispered the words to myself before bringing my hands down the front of my body and opening my eyes. I watched my black sports bra and training pants disappear into pink terry cloth that, moments later, formed into a hoodie and matching sweatpants. I turned to face the mirror and noticed that my formerly long, honey brown hair was now platinum blonde and fell to my shoulders instead of my elbows. My face was still my own, but softer and rounder. I smiled and admired my handiwork. I was now my sister. I was now Jolie—well, at least, on the outside anyway.

  Approaching the bedside table, I opened the top drawer where I’d left my dagger. It was the same one with which Sinjin had entrusted me. The vampire had made the fatal mistake of allowing me to keep the dagger in my possession, which only hinted to his complacency and arrogance in the first place. He was so convinced of his own defensive skills that he didn’t bother with protective wards, or going to the trouble of ensuring his prisoner wasn’t armed. Well, this was one lesson he would have to learn the hard way.

  Palming the dagger, I pushed it into the back of the waistline of my pants, where I could easily grab it when the time came. With another look outside, I realized night was approaching fast. I immediately closed my eyes and imagined the third vial of pilfered magic. Once I saw the vial in my mind’s eye, I popped the cork open and threw the contents into the air, opening my eyes and inhaling the magic all over again. I loved the sensation when the magical energy coursed through me. I couldn’t remember feeling more alive before, or so strong and powerful. It almost seemed as if my magic was nourished by the fae magic, and vice versa, like they were designed to be joined.

  Opening my eyes, I unlocked my bedroom door with just a thought and tiptoed to the threshold of the hallway. Sinjin’s bedroom was across the hallway from mine and his door was closed. But that was of little interest to me because I could already see Sinjin in my mind’s eye. Zeroing in on him, I could see him where he lay, asleep on his bed. He slept on top of the duvet cover, flat on his back, with his hands clasped together neatly over his chest. He was clad only in a pair of black silk boxer shorts.

  I held my hands out in his direction, allowing my magic to move through my fingers and enter the hallway, moving right through the closed door and into Sinjin’s room. I imagined my power encircling him, building its dynamic momentum before finally colliding with him and forcing him to do my bidding.

  You believe it is still daylight, Sinjin, I told the vampire. You do not realize darkness has now fallen. You are still in that land where sleep hasn’t quite become reality and you don’t know if you’re still dreaming or if you’re awake.

  Taking a deep breath, I exhaled before I began working on the second phase of my plan, keeping my eye on the time. I started forward, padding my steps with magic so as not to make a sound as I traversed the short expanse of hardwood floor that separated my room from Sinjin’s. When I reached Sinjin’s door, I held my palms up, willing my magic to rotate the doorknob and open the door. I immediately saw Sinjin where he lay, supine on the bed, looking exactly the same as he had in my mind’s rendition of him. And, yes, he was clad only in his black silk boxer shorts. His body looked as deliciously sinful as I remembered it, and I had to repeatedly remind myself to stay focused on my mission.

  I entered his room and approached the bed, scanning his face for any signs that he was close to waking. But it didn’t appear that he was. His eyes remained closed, and his long, thick, black lashes dusted the tops of his cheekbones. In repose, he appeared startlingly perfect and seemed so peaceful and serene, I was suddenly stricken with feelings of overbearing melancholy for what I was about to do.

  Don’t allow emotions to cloud your judgment, Bryn! I reprimanded myself. Do what you came here to do and get out! This is your one chance to escape; so don’t screw it up!

  I nodded as I took another deep breath and tried to convince myself that the actions I intended to take were the right ones. Stupidly, I made the mistake of looking down at the beautiful man lying before me and my heart nearly broke.

  Sinjin means nothing to you! I reiterated. He’s a vampire! He’s your enemy!

  But…

  No! You’ve hated vampires you’re entire life. He’s no different than any other bloodsucker out there. The sooner you realize that, the better!

  Palming the dagger, I approached the bed, but my movements were so slow, it felt like I was wading through molasses. My heartbeat thundered through me and just as my knee made contact with the mattress, Sinjin’s eyes fluttered open. The intensity of his ice blue gaze took me by surprise and neither of us said anything for a few seconds. I didn’t breathe, or even dare to blink as I stared at Sinjin. Somehow, I managed to release my grip on the dagger, where it was still tucked into my waistline. With both of my hands in front of me, I kneeled on the bed beside him.

  “Poppet?” Sinjin asked in a somewhat confused tone, his voice still heavy with sleep. He rubbed his eyes and confronted me with visible doubt lacing his expression.

  I immediately remembered my appearance, that I looked like my sister. As such, I had to throw myself into the part. I wasn’t Bryn. I was Jolie. “Shhh, Sinjin,” I whispered, using my heightened magic to make my voice sound exactly like my sister’s. I could only hope he wasn’t awake enough to glance down at my stomach which was…flat.

  “Why are you here?” the vampire inquired, his tone of voice more curious than suspicious. He leaned up onto his elbows, and the muscles in his chest and abdomen flexed with his movements. At that moment, I had to admit that Sinjin Sinclair was easily the most stunning and beautiful man I had ever laid eyes on.

  Stop it, Bryn! I yelled at myself. Stop it right now! Do what you came here to do! Remember the warrior Luce trained you to be! Now!

  Sinjin would be completely awake and powerful in a matter of only a few minutes. Whatever I intended to do, I had to move quickly. I had to stick to my plan. And that plan had been to look the part of my sister so that if Sinjin did happen to wake up before I expected, I could pretend to be her, attempt to seduce him and, in the process, use my dagger to take him completely unawares.

  “I had to see you,” I whispered before crawling closer to him on the bed. My heartbeat was so loud, it nearly hindered me. I straddled his legs and stared down at him, smiling when I saw the surprise that registered in his eyes. Not only surprise, there was also something else simmering just beneath the surface. Lust. I recognized it as surely as I recognized my own response. It flared up as soon as I sat down on top of him, right over his boxer shorts.

  “Why did you have to see me, love???
? Sinjin asked as he studied me with a lascivious smile and his eyes narrowed over my face before falling onto my breasts.

  “I missed you,” I said in a soft voice before biting my lower lip. I was trying to play the role of coquette, but was unsure if I were succeeding or not. This would definitely prove to be one of the hardest things I’d ever attempted because I had no previous experience playing a femme fatale. I had no clue about what I was doing, but being very desperate to escape, I became a quick learner. “I needed to see … you. I needed to … be close to you.”

  I continued to move up his body until our faces were opposite each other. I could feel something stirring beneath his shorts. The concept of what that something was not only startled, but also intimidated me and I felt the need to get away from it.

  Remember to stay in character, Bryn! I told myself as soon as I started to doubt whether or not I was doing a good job. I wondered how in the world I could seduce the master of seduction, himself. Don’t let your fear consume you! You can do this!

  I leaned down and allowed my hair to fall on his face. He closed his eyes and opened his mouth, inhaling the air and smelling me. I dropped my head down to his ear and leaned into him, trailing a line of kisses from his earlobe to his neck. His spicy, clean, masculine scent hit me like an anvil dropping on my head and I couldn’t help closing my eyes and inhaling deeply.

  Remember yourself! A shrill voice suddenly reminded me of the reason I was here. You have to kill him, Bryn. Don’t get attached. He’s nothing more than a leech. He’s nothing to you!

  I reached behind my back and palmed the dagger tucked into my waistline.

  “Poppet, you wicked girl,” Sinjin whispered. Knowing he thought I was my sister suddenly cut me to the core.

  Of course he thinks you’re Jolie, stupid! I railed in my head. You look just like her!