 
### Smoke and Magic

Blood and Gold: Book One

Patti Larsen

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2012 by Patti Larsen

Find out more about Patti Larsen at

<http://www.pattilarsen.com/>

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Original Photography by Brian Sharp. All rights reserved.

Model Shania MacPhail

Cover art (copyright) by Stephanie Mooney. All rights reserved.

<http://www.stephaniemooney.blogspot.com/>

Edited by Annetta Ribken, freelance Goddess. You can find her at <http://www.wordwebbing.com/>

***
Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Amazon.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

***

# Chapter One

I leaned over the railing of the steam powered vessel for my first look at London, even as the sun set behind me, casting the towering buildings and arching bridge in shades of orange and red. My sturdy travel case stood by my feet, my silver Persian in his wicker carrier. I could hear him snarling and grumbling to himself and suppressed a grin, knowing he would make me pay for stuffing him into his prison as soon as we arrived at our destination.

But that was for later. Right now I focused on the deepening shadows filling in the cobbled streets and stretching long shadows down the rippling waters of the Thames. Smaller vessels bobbed past us, looking worn and miniscule in comparison. I drew a breath, so accustomed to the piercing clarity of sea air by now, I came close to gagging over the side as the taint of rot rising from the river assaulted my nostrils.

But even the rising stink of dead fish and worse did little to dampen my enthusiasm. It was the first time in my four-week trip across the Atlantic that I had something new and exciting to focus on and I wasn't about to miss a moment of it.

"Miss Burdie?" Mr. O'Brien, my over eager porter, smiled his easy smile, the one I'm sure he thought made him irresistible. I'd found it easy enough to resist him, thank you. "A shame about the view. We're almost twelve hours early, makes for a dark entry into the harbor."

"Does that happen often?" I did my best to be polite despite my discomfort. His eyes wandered downward and I knew he wasn't examining the buttons on my new black velvet shortcoat. I gritted my teeth and thought of my mother. She would be very disappointed in me if I turned him into something I could squash with my heel.

Being a witch had its benefits, but not when it came to punishing normals for nasty behavior.

"Not often," he continued our conversation, heavy Irish accent making him difficult to understand. "You'll not have a chance to see the city like this again, more's the pity."

I didn't bother to tell him I'd be leaving the way I came and would have ample opportunity. My temper was known to get the better of me more often than I'd like and this boy was only making things worse.

Choosing to ignore him and his apparent desire for more conversation, I stepped away from the rail, the odor finally getting to me. How could my mood alter so quickly? I was suddenly feeling as sour as the air. The Thames stank like a cesspool and I began to wonder how Londoners could stand it.

Not that my native New York was perfect, by any means. But I didn't recall our harbor smelling like this. My feelings of charity toward the old world and my trip here slid back into the gloom plaguing me the entire voyage—that I had been, in effect, shipped off to jolly old England when I should, in fact, have been home helping my parents with the transition of our coven.

Our present leader's power was waning and quickly, the coven suffering from her lack of ability and her increasing dementia. And while my mother, Thaddea, was certain the takeover of power would transition smoothly from one family to the next, she wasn't willing to offer anyone an opportunity to end our family's control after only one generation. The moment the coven elected her as successor, she set in motion her plan to promptly remove me from harm's way.

I stomped my way across the deck toward the gangway as the ship eased into dock, my thoughts as dark as the evening sky. I understood why Mum and Da sent me away. As the only female Hayle, I was next in line after my mother. And while they hoped the acquisition of the family power from the Tremere's would go smoothly, Mum wasn't taking any chances.

It just wasn't fair. My brothers, Damon and Pharo, had been permitted to remain behind. Not for the first time, I railed at the fact I was a girl, and the youngest at sixteen. Da always indulged me, at least according to Mum and the coven, but I agreed with him and often argued the point with my mother. Coven leaders must be strong and fearless, capable of controlling the kind of power that came with such a great responsibility.

And since I knew Gramps had taught her to ride a horse in trousers, Mum had very little she could say in the matter.

I was the first in line to disembark. My feet itched to set foot on soil again, to still the constant roll permeating everything about sea travel. I conveniently forgot the two days I'd spent during heavy seas disgorging the contents of my unhappy innards into the lavatory. I was sure it happened to everyone.

I strode down the ramp, bag in one hand, cat in the other, eyes roving the dock for my greeting party. As I set foot on the glorious ground, I felt my whole world shift sideways and had to catch myself from falling. If the roll of the ship was bad, this sudden heaving was worse, as though the very earth shook beneath me.

"Allow me." A hand met my elbow and O'Brien was there, holding me steady. I glanced up, knowing my shock showed on my face and hating the weakness behind it, especially in his eyes. But he made no effort to take advantage and simply smiled, dark hair falling over even darker eyes. "Rather disconcerting, isn't it?"

I merely nodded, feeling the sway of the ground lessen as a few moments passed. "Whatever is it?"

"Merely your body adjusting to the stillness of land again," he said, letting me go slowly to assure I was still upright and not about to collapse on him out of the blue. How hideously embarrassing. And, for the moment, I feared I'd misjudged him. "You'll adjust again, soon enough, I wager."

Already feeling better, the vague, nauseated feeling I remembered from my two days of sickness lingering with unhappy clarity, I reclaimed my balance on my own and offered my hand.

"My thanks," I said. "For all the courtesies you showed me on board." I swallowed my pride and tried a smile. "I know I wasn't the most genial of passengers."

"Not at all, Miss Burdie. It was surely a pleasure." He really was much kinder than I'd given him credit for and my good feelings toward him grew. And then he went and ruined it all again by looking at my chest. Anger surged within me. I was no object to be admired, but a power to be feared. When he asked, "May I escort you?" my first reaction was cold arrogance.

"Thank you, but I have an escort."

His eyes flew wide, cheeks red under the lamplight. "My apologies for being so forward." He retreated with a bow and I instantly regretted my anger. "Have a safe and pleasant visit to London."

As O'Brien retreated back up the gangway, my anger went with him. I sighed at my own foolishness. I could at least have made sure he secured my baggage for me while I waited for my escort to arrive. My eyes scanned the hansoms lined up near the dock, searching for some indication that one of them was for me.

Then, like a ton of bricks falling from the sky, it hit me. What had O'Brien said? We were half a day early. Which meant no one even knew I was in London yet.

I could have used O'Brien's offer of escort after all.

Not to be undone by a simple matter of time, I shuffled myself off to one side out of the jolting pile of people and dug into my bag. Fortunately, I retained my mother's correspondence with my hosts here. Neatly printed on the crisp envelope was the address I needed.

I marched purposely to a hansom and nodded to the black-clad driver. "Have you been hired, good sir?"

He immediately took my bag, smiling and bowing, teeth yellow from an excess of tobacco, breath vile but face kind. "My pleasure to drive you, lady," he said. My bag quickly found the top of the carriage as I handed him my baggage claim. The door closed beside me. I settled into the cracked leather seat, my blanket over my knees, wicker cat basket on the opposite bench.

Within moments the hansom rocked, once then twice. My driver's face appeared at the window, the soft harbor breeze carrying both the scent of his smoke laden breath and the stench of the quayside into the carriage, enough to make me momentarily dizzy.

I quickly told him the address in question and, to my great relief, he disappeared from my window and mounted the front of the hansom, clucking to his horses and we were away.

Perhaps it was merely paranoia, from being in a new place all alone, but I was certain for a moment a figure in a hooded black cloak watched me from beneath the glow of a gas lit lamp post, head turning as we drove by. Surely it was my overactive imagination and my need for some small comfort, so far from home.

I shrugged it off, certain I was mistaken. And it wasn't as if I were in any sort of danger. Instead, I gave one last look back toward the ship that brought me to London, wishing suddenly I could simply buy passage back to New York and my family. The jab of homesickness was unexpected and made tears rise in my eyes. I firmly grasped my welling emotions. It would not do for the daughter of Thaddea Hayle to show such pathetic sorrow in the face of an adventure.

I turned around and squared myself for the journey ahead, a ride that had nothing to do with the hansom.

***

# Chapter Two

The moment we were alone, Sassafras started his usual complaints.

"You could at least hold me in your lap so I could look out the window. But no, you don't think of things that help others, do you, Auburdeen? You are the most selfish witch I've ever had the misfortune to be stuck with."

Even though I hated it when he used my full first name, I still snickered at my silver Persian and leaned forward to tap the edge of his cage with one hand. "You were the one who backed Mum on this particular adventure, I seem to recall. No complaining allowed, cat."

Amber eyes glowed briefly as the demon soul within him showed his anger. "Not fair," he grumbled.

I reached through the slats and gave his left cheek a good rub. "Life's not, is it, Sass?" I sighed, feeling very much at that moment that he was, indeed, correct. In a fair world, I would still be in New York at my mother's side, standing up against the Tremere's, assisting in the coven takeover. But no use dwelling further.

"We simply have to make the best of this," I said. "Both of us." I glanced out the window at the shining electric lights. "We are in London, after all. Surely there's something to do here that won't bore us to tears."

"Bore _you_ , you mean," he shot back, pink tongue just visible in the passing light as he reflexively groomed one spotless paw. "I fully intend to take advantage of this little vacation and catch up on my rest."

"You already sleep most of the day," I laughed at him, tapping his cage again and winning a hiss of displeasure. "How much more rest do you need?"

"I'll have you know," he sniffed with clear indignation, "I've been assisting your mother with the power fluctuations Olive has been allowing through the family magic."

I knew it wasn't greed driving Mum toward leadership of the coven. In fact, she tried to step aside for another to take control, but no one would listen to her. And Sass was right—as amazing as our power was, it was equally as dangerous to have a declining witch at the reins of so much energy, especially when she lost control of said energy on a regular basis, forcing the rest of us to cover her tracks.

"I just wish I was there to help." A sudden surge of protective anxiety rose inside me, forcing my hands to clench in my lap to keep them from shaking.

"I know," Sass said in his soft, velvet voice. "So do I. But your safety is the most important thing right now. Thaddea has all the support she needs and I know Marcus won't allow anything to happen to your mother." Da was quite the knight in shining armor when Mum was at any kind of risk. "This was the best choice."

Not that they had given me a choice. But I stayed quiet. This conversation had happened far too many times in the transatlantic voyage, in a variety of emotional forms, for me to desire to cover it once more.

At least I had Sass with me to not only keep me company and, in his mind, protect me, but also as a magic connection between my family and myself. While I was perfectly capable of contacting them, the amount of power required to handle that much air magic was daunting and would leave me exhausted after only a short transfer. Sassafras's demon origin allowed him access to different levels of power and an alternate way to communicate he always refused in his obtuse and arrogant way to explain.

My mind couldn't help but go to my family, my mother and her long red hair, the source of my own thick auburn locks, Da, tall and broad, so handsome some of my dearest girlfriends blushed when he walked in the room. It didn't help my two brothers shared his good looks. I adored them and they me, though Damon, Pharo and I had shared enough battles over the years. I knew they too would look out for Mum when the time came.

And whether she wanted me out of it or not, I would have no choice when the power built and the takeover happened. Every living member of the coven would be drawn in for the final transfer.

Thinking of them naturally took my thoughts in the direction of my host family. I felt an uncharacteristic jolt of nerves and wondered whatever was becoming of me that I was suddenly turning into such a coward.

I hadn't really expressed any interest in the Brindle family since Mum shoved the letter from her friend Georgina in my hand and told me her diabolical plan.

"I love you," she said, "and I wish it could be otherwise. But you are too important to risk in this nonsense." Nonsense, she called it. Mum was wonderful at understatement. Only she would call the fight brewing in the core of our family nonsense.

But it was Da who convinced me. Sneaky bugger. "Your Mum, she can't concentrate if you're here and at risk," he said in his deep voice, using his very best father persuasion to win me over. "If you're off, safe and sound in England, she can put all of her energy into the coven."

I wanted to argue. Until he twisted the final screw. "The faster you go," he said, "the faster this can be resolved and the faster you can come home to us." Though neither he nor Mum knew how long things would take, not for certain. I was sure this was no casual jaunt across the Atlantic. My whole summer would be spent here, minus my brothers, my horses and my favorite freedoms.

Completely unfair. In the interim of sulking—yes I could admit that to myself—and complaining about my lot, I'd failed to really wonder at all about my final destination.

"Have you met them?" I sat back against the stiff seat, releasing the scent of old leather and pipe tobacco. "The Brindles, I mean?"

"Finally curious, are you?" Sass loved to be superior and this time was no different.

"Just tell me what you know." I glared at him as he glared right back. "Please." A concession which irked me, but it worked.

"Yes, I've met Georgina." Sass's tail slid out from between two slats, the end twitching in his continued irritation. "She's... very nice. A little backward."

"Backward how?" If Sass was criticizing her it either meant she insulted him somehow or there was something very wrong with her.

"You'll see." What was this need he had to be so cryptic? It was the bane of our relationship and one of these days I would do something about it, by force or magic if necessary.

"Very well then." I could be just as stubborn. I looked away, trying to recall what Mum told me. How she and Georgina attended college together, shared their witch's training here in England. 'Dear old George' had been Thaddea's very best of friends. And that said 'dear old George' was the head of her very own coven, a quiet and peaceful group who would make the perfect guardians for me during the event of the takeover.

"Bloody hell," I whispered into the street, barely heard over the clopping of the horse's hooves and the creak of the old hansom.

"Now that is exactly the kind of behavior your mother is hoping you'll watch while you're here." Sass's tail gave an irritated thrash. "You know how Thaddea feels about making a good impression, Burdie."

I rolled my eyes. "As much as Mum would like me to be different," I said, "she can either have a lady or a future coven leader, but she can't have both."

"Just mind your manners for once, would you? It's important for the Brindles to remain friends with our coven. Important to your mother. Besides, you're here for your own protection. I'm not in the mood to rescue you from some childish scrape or another you might find yourself in."

I knew he was only baiting me. He was a master of dancing along every one of my nerves. Even so, it made my blood boil and my temper rise to the surface.

"Childish!" I'd had just about enough of that.

"Auburdeen Perneila Hayle," he hissed, the amber glow from his eyes growing until the front of the wicker cage shone with it, "you will do whatever you can to behave yourself, to not embarrass me or your mother and to absolutely under every circumstance maintain a firm hand on your horrid temper."

My anger simmered. Yes, I had a temper. And yes, it had taken me into situations in the past that perhaps I shouldn't have been part of, situations that usually devolved into fistfights and incoherent yelling at the offender. Sassafras should be grateful I always kept control of myself enough my magic never came into play. Except that one time. But it wasn't my fault. Not really. And the offender recovered. Eventually.

Mostly.

I struggled to come up with a coherent and calm reply, but before I was able to arrange my thoughts in a more acceptable manner, the hansom suddenly and abruptly jerked to a halt. I heard the driver shout and I reached for Sass and his cage on instinct, but wasn't quite fast enough. His wicker prison crashed next to my feet, drawing out a sharp grunt of his unhappiness.

I retrieved him immediately, holding the cage up so I could see him. He looked ruffled, but unhurt.

"What happened?" He shook himself with little room to spare inside the confines of the cage. "I'm not thinking much of the driver you chose."

Before I could yell at the man, he called back to us. "Apologies, lady," he said. "Bit of a roadblock ahead. Won't be long."

I leaned out the window to have a look for myself. I saw a narrow street, the building next to me only a few feet away, but enough for a person to pass. Ahead were at least three other hansoms, all halted, and a handful of what looked like policemen milling about.

"Any idea what's happening up there?" Not that it really mattered to me. But I was beginning to develop a headache, tired from all the travel and ready to finally reach the Brindle's home.

"Shouldn't be long, lady," the driver repeated then ignored me.

I settled Sassafras on the opposite bench before sitting back again, arms crossing over my chest, not caring I was probably wrinkling the lovely new velvet of my coat. "Police for some reason," I murmured to Sass, keeping my voice down now that we were stopped and no longer had the noise of the ride to hide his voice.

Sass nodded and settled his head in his paws with a sigh.

I was about to hop out and find out for myself what was going on when the door to my hansom eased open and a dark shape snuck in, pulling it shut behind. I caught one glimpse of blue eyes and a mop of unruly hair when I heard the tap of shoe leather on cobbles and the sound of a policeman saying, "Need to search the cab."

Those blue eyes filled with fear. It was then I understood—here was the reason for the roadblock. And he chose my hansom in which to hide.

***

# Chapter Three

My first reaction was the one I went with. I instantly lifted my blanket and offered the dark space beneath it as a hiding place. There was obvious surprise and gratitude in those blue eyes as the young man in question quickly ducked underneath, crouching at my feet. I flipped the edge of the quilt over him just as a face appeared in my window.

The officer looked young and wore those horribly popular muttonchop sideburns the men were all so fond of these days. I personally found them hideous and imagined they looked much like rodents attached to the cheeks rather than facial hair. He smiled at me as he realized I was a single girl alone in the hansom, his chaotically arranged front teeth crumpled together like a patch of unruly softwoods.

"Evening, miss," he said with a very strong accent and a wash of body odor as he craned his neck to see further inside the cab. "Ask you to step out, if you would."

That simply wouldn't do, not if I was to keep my new fugitive friend safe. Perhaps it occurred to me this was the wrong thing to do. It was likely I harbored some kind of criminal under my blanket. But if those thoughts did pass through my mental process, they were fleeting and ignored. I barely even noticed the hiss of anger Sass released when I allowed my face to settle into my best arrogant expression and raised one eyebrow.

"I beg your pardon," I said, adding a thread of earth magic to my words, satisfied when I saw him tremble slightly from the force of my power. "You surely did not just ask me to leave my hansom for your convenience."

He flushed red. "Forgive me, miss," he said. "It's a matter of some importance."

I fed him a little more magic while Sass's hiss turned to a deep humming growl of discontent. "You're disturbing me and my cat," I said, shoving against the officer's will with my power, subtle enough I knew no one would notice, but just hard enough to break him.

He finally bobbed his head, sweat popping out on his forehead under the peak of his dark blue helmet. "How rude of me," he muttered.

"Very." I sniffed and looked away from him. "We'll be leaving now."

"Excellent, miss." He backed out of the window and vanished from view. The blanket twitched and I looked down. My new friend grinned up at me like it was funny and I couldn't resist grinning back even while I pulled the quilt over his head and gave him a good tap on the top of it for good measure.

Within moments the hansom jerked forward and we were on our way again. I glanced out at the small group of officers, seeing the slightly dazed look on the bobby's face as another spoke to him with some heat. But before anyone could stop us again we were on our way.

I waited a block before sliding the quilt free. Blue eyes waited for me. He eased out of his crouch, peeking out the window, before turning to me with a thankful smile. There was nothing at all about him that made me doubt I'd done the right thing. He was well dressed, if dirty as though from some kind of fight, and a large bruise marked his right cheek. But his face was open and his smile genuine so I found myself yet again smiling back before opening my mouth to ask him what was going on.

He beat me to it. "I'm not sure how you managed it," he said in a soft, deep voice and in that precise British way, "but I am forever grateful."

"Maybe if you tell me why they want you so badly, I can help you." I had no idea if that was the case, but there was something about him that drew me to him and wanted him to stay.

"I have no answers for you, lady," he said, "and even if I did, I wouldn't share them. This is no fight of yours to be dragged into, not for so fine a lady as you." He leaned away from me, looking out the window on the other side of the hansom. "You'd be best to forget this ever happened, truth be told."

Heat rose in my cheeks. "I'll have you know I'm more than capable of handling whatever it is you might have done and can assure you the likelihood of me forgetting any of this is slim. Nor do I take such instruction from fugitives."

Instead of being upset by my tempered tirade he just smiled at me again, leaned close and kissed my cheek. I noted the softness of his lips and the fact he smelled of fresh earth and cinnamon just as a zing of power passed between us.

He paled, eyes growing wide. "I'll remember that," he said. The hansom leaned hard to the left as the driver took us around the corner. My new friend chose that moment to open the door of the cab and slip out into the night with a concerned look back. I caught the latch and leaned far over to pull it closed, seeing him dart across the cobbles and into an alley thick with darkness.

I closed the door and turned back, my cheek burning from his touch and the remains of my temper.

"Just what do you think you're doing?" Sass spared no lost moment to harangue me over my apparent lawlessness. "You know it's against the rules to use your magic on mortals."

"Whatever they think this boy did, they are wrong." That sounded foolish even to me. What was I thinking? The more I turned it over in my mind, the more I realized I'd acted impulsively and with great risk to both Sassafras and I. And yet, I knew in my heart I was right about our departed guest.

"This is exactly the kind of thing I warned you about." Sass was so angry every word he spoke spit out of him with great heat. "Of all that is good and wise, Burdie, what were you thinking?"

There was no way I would admit to him I hadn't thought, only acted. It would just make matters worse. Instead, I let Sass carry on and on for the remainder of the ride, barely hearing his chastisement, my mind on a pair of lovely blue eyes.

***

# Chapter Four

Sassafras only fell silent after the hansom came to a second halt, this one more orderly. My door opened before I had a chance to reach for it, my quilt folded over my arm and my cat's cage in my free hand as I alighted to the ground. I heard the solid thud of a door being thrown open and the tapping of running feet as I ignored the driver's offer of aid. The moment my foot touched the ground, I found myself enveloped in the arms of a very enthusiastic woman.

"Auburdeen!" Her squeal very nearly pierced my eardrums, let loose as it was near my right ear. Her firm little hands gripped my shoulders and pushed me away, her rounded, beaming face gazing up at me, flushed in the cheeks. I caught a glimpse of perfectly sculpted blonde hair and very generous cleavage before being pulled forward yet again into another tight embrace. "You're early!"

I gently extracted myself from her grasp, Sass rattling around inside his cage as I did so, the thud of my luggage hitting the pavement behind me registering in the soles of my boots. A dark haired man, also smiling, his round glass lenses sparkling in the electric light, handed the driver his payment. It all happened so fast I didn't have a chance to thank the man before he was back in his seat and sending his horses on their way.

Georgina Brindle's forehead barely reached my jaw, but she vibrated with so much energy she seemed much taller. Her ample body was sheathed in layers of lace and crinoline, satin and boning. Jewelry flashed from her neck and fingers, but there was so much joy and happiness in her face I hardly noticed any of those details. The biggest impression she made on me was the enthusiasm of her welcome.

Her little hands went right to her face, two tears standing in her light green eyes. "Oh my dear," she said, "you are the very image of my darling Thad."

I'd heard that many times before and I had learned to accept it as truth. "Thank you, Countess." I said, remembering her title just in time and that I should probably use it. She was, after all, royalty.

The delightful lady snorted. "That will be enough of such nonsense from you, my dear. Your mother was never required to address me with a title and neither are you." Her eyes brimmed as she gazed at me. "So beautiful," she fairly gushed, her hands falling to clasp over the frothing lace barely containing her very large chest. "How I longed for hair like that when I was your age. And so tall and with such perfect skin." She sighed deeply, dress and body heaving in such a way I feared for her modesty. "And I dare say you have your mother's temper as well."

What was this? "Do tell," I said with a grin.

Georgina winked at me, one arm hooking through mine as she led me toward the house. A fine iron gate stood open, a pathway of interlocked stones leading to an imposing front door. I looked up only to notice the man who paid the driver was gone and several servants were disappearing through the front door with my luggage. The house towered over me, three massive stories of elegance and charm. "So many tales," my hostess said. "You must tell me how your mother is. I've missed her so." An embroidered handkerchief emerged from her sleeve, used to dab at the threatening tears. "It's been so very long since we've seen each other."

I was about to answer when I was swept forward into the foyer of the large house and came face to face with three other people. One of them was the man with the glasses who still smiled his gentle smile. He was as small in stature as Georgina and about her age so I wasn't the least surprised when she introduced him.

"My darling husband," Georgina said. "Bernard."

"Thank you for hosting me, my lord." I had some manners after all. I hoped Sassafras was listening.

The master of the house widened his smile, soft voice squeaky when he spoke. "Please, my dear. Bernard. And you are very welcome here."

Georgina physically turned me toward the blushing girl next in line. "My sweet daughter, Katherine."

She was slim and trim, more conservatively dressed and considerably less endowed than her mother, her taffeta gown a soft golden brown almost the same color as her hair. She dimpled sweetly and bobbed a little curtsy though I wondered why she felt the need to do so.

"Kate, please, Auburdeen," she said, her voice as soft and lovely as she was.

"Burdie," I said, feeling suddenly like an uncultured clod next to her, as though my taller body was somehow unnatural, my normally loud voice overpowering and abrasive. I automatically spoke more quietly though I didn't attempt the curtsy back.

"And our son, Hugh." His parents hadn't passed on their looks to him as they had with Kate. Though he was taller than both of them, the stretching of his figure did little to improve him. He appeared all gangly arms and legs, with a protruding Adam's apple and eyes, hair a dull brown. He bowed and smiled at me very kindly however, so I smiled back.

"My poor darling," Georgina gushed as she dragged me toward the sweeping staircase on the right side of the foyer. I barely had time to look around before she pulled me with great insistence up the wide steps. "You must be simply exhausted from your travels. Was it terribly hideous?" She paled in the light of the electric lamps. I was happy to note they didn't use candles or gaslight, but real electricity in their home.

"It was," I said, "if you find boredom hideous." I smiled to take the sting from my words. We made the landing, moving quickly down the ornate hall past door after elaborately carved door. I looked around, catching only a few details, stunning paintings, tall ceilings and the feel of the smooth marble under my boots.

"Oh no," Georgina said in a breathy whisper. "Boredom I can handle. It's all that dreadful water. Going on and on forever like that. Were you terribly afraid?"

I honestly hadn't even thought about it and found myself wondering what in the world my mother saw in the woman who clutched my arm so tight. "Not terribly," I said.

A servant saw us coming and stepped aside from a wide open door. I entered beside Georgina into a massive room with an incredibly high ceiling and a large, decorative fireplace on one wall, a gigantic dark wood four-poster bed on the other.

"It's been my greatest fear," the woman admitted to me, the kerchief dangling from her clenched fingers pressed to her heart, "that I would drown on such a voyage." She shuddered, her skin rippling under her dress. "How I would love to visit my dear Thad, but the ocean keeps us apart."

It amazed me that a coven leader would be afraid of anything, but I did my best to keep the flash of contempt I felt from showing on my face. "Maybe Mum could come visit you again." The likelihood of such a visit rapidly receded with the advancing succession, but I wanted to soothe Georgina's feelings. I must have succeeded because she smiled and squeezed my arm before letting me go.

"Until then," she beamed at me, "I'll just have to make do with you." She looked at me with so much adoration for so long I grew embarrassed by the attention.

"Perhaps we should allow Burdie to settle herself before dinner?" I hadn't even noticed Kate joined us, but felt a surge of gratitude so strong I turned and grinned at her.

"Of course, what was I going on about?" Georgina laughed a little and patted my hand. "You make yourself at home here, my dear. If there is anything at all you need, please, do not hesitate. We want you to feel as though Brindle House is your home for the duration of your stay."

It was outside my character to willingly hug another, but I couldn't resist her infectious joy. I embraced her and kissed her cheek gently.

"Thank you, George," I whispered.

She giggled. "George. Your mother's been telling stories as well, I see." Her green eyes twinkled. "I'll have to repay her tenfold."

I loved the wickedness in her smile and wondered if perhaps I'd worried for no reason. From the sounds of things, Georgina and Mum had their own adventures when they were my age. I might have fun here after all.

"Dear Kate, will you help Burdie with her things?" Georgina swept toward the doorway. "I must see to dinner. We're not usually this late, but coven business kept me."

"We'll be fine, Mother." Kate gently closed the door on Georgina and leaned back against it. She giggled as her mother retreated down the hall, footsteps finally growing faint.

I sank to my bed, fingers going to the buttons of my coat. A long, deep sigh overtook me, weariness catching up at last.

"That's just typical," Sassafras muttered from his cage. "Just leave me in here and go off to dinner. I'll be fine, really."

I laughed at him, but Kate let out a low cry and pounced on the wicker basket. She quickly undid the lid and lifted the fat Persian into her arms where she stroked his ruffled mane and nuzzled her face in his cheek.

"Burdie," she breathed into his fur, "he's so beautiful!"

I rolled my eyes while Sass purred. "Thank you."

Kate blushed. "Forgive me," she said. "I meant to say, you are so handsome. Mother told me about you, Sassafras. I've been so eager to meet you."

He gently licked her nose, his purr increasing. "And I you," he said. "It's lovely to see your mother again." His tail thrashed once. "Or would have been, if someone had let me out."

The edge was gone from his voice at least, and I had Kate to thank. She immediately sat and gave him some wonderful scratches which had him rolled over on his back within seconds.

As for me, I had no idea where to start with unpacking so I did what usually worked for me and ignored the problem. Surely one of Georgina's maids would have a clue what to do with everything.

"Please consider this your own home now," Kate said. She ruffled Sass's ears. "Both of you. Nowhere is off limits and your magic is welcome."

"Thank you," he said, rolling over into a sitting position best designed for attentive grooming which he began immediately.

Kate rose, brushing stray fur from the front of her gown before neatly folding her hands in front of her, a small, sweet smile on her face. "If you'll follow me," she said, "I can show you around."

Since I simply wanted to collapse into the feather stuffed mattress and close my eyes, the idea of a tour seemed unwelcome. But a glare from Sass was enough to change my mind. I was up and moving before I knew he'd coupled the look with a shot of demon magic.

I made a rude face at him on the way out and left him there, cleaning his spotless silver fur, following Kate out of my new room and into the hall.

As I left, I heard his voice in my head.

Temper, Burdie. Decorum. Poise. You're not only here for your protection, but as a representative of what will soon be the Hayle coven. Act the part, please.

_Bloody hell_ , I shot back.

***

# Chapter Five

It wasn't until I started down the hall on Kate's heels that I felt the brush of Sassafras against my leg. He took her at her word, it seemed, prepared to follow us around and indeed make himself comfortable in his new home away from home. He ignored me, obviously still miffed by the imagined slight I'd given him. I had to admit to myself being trapped inside a wicker cage for hours on end and treated like a common animal, which he most certainly was not, must have been irritating and uncomfortable for him.

I would apologize later. Perhaps.

"I'll show you everything tomorrow," Kate told us, immediately including Sass in the conversation. "For now, the lavatory is here," she showed us a well-appointed room with its own indoor plumbing that even contained a lovely large bathtub I instantly craved the moment I spotted it. "It's only we ladies in this wing, so you don't have to worry."

The thought hadn't occurred to me. How proper these British people were.

We arrived back at the staircase we'd only recently ascended, meeting up with a black and white clad maid with a plain but honest face, who curtsied better than I could ever manage.

"Dinner, ma'am," she said.

"Thank you, Clara."

At the bottom of the steps, Kate led us to the right, Clara trailing along behind. We didn't have servants in New York so having the girl there felt odd. We didn't have royalty or titles either. Still, I supposed I'd get used to it—either that or I'd be back home in plenty of time I wouldn't need to acclimatize.

In the foyer, Kate paused and pointed directly beneath the stairs to a corridor leading to the left. "To the kitchens and the stables," she said. "The ballroom and side parlor are this way," pointing to the right, "and this," she gestured for me to precede her through a double set of already open doors, "is the dining room."

Just as massive, it had ceilings that seemed to go up forever. A huge table sat in the center, easily big enough for thirty or so, surrounded by incredible carved chairs, heavy and obviously old. A beautifully woven carpet quieted the tread of my boots as I transitioned from the polished marble. Georgina and Bernard were already seated, Hugh speaking to his mother as we arrived. The Brindles were on their feet and smiling the moment they spotted us.

Georgina came forward, letting out a delighted squeal as she bent and retrieved Sass from the floor, snuggling him to her chest. He purred for her immediately.

"Oh, Sassafras," she said, stroking his fur, "I didn't realize that was you with Burdie when you arrived. Forgive me, dear."

"Lovely to see you, George," he said.

She giggled and tapped his nose with one finger. "Dear Sassy," she said. "I've missed you, too." Again the tears welled. I wondered how the woman survived with her emotions as volatile as all that. But she smiled through it, practically beaming at me, so I could only assume it worked for her.

"Please," she said, turning toward the table, "join us, won't you?"

She set Sass on the table at his own place setting with a lovely red velvet pillow for his seat. He preened himself carefully, every hair in place before settling to wait for his dinner.

Meanwhile, I was guided to the chair next to Georgina who sat at the head of the table, directly across from Bernard. Hugh slid into his chair beside his father while Kate joined me on my side of the table.

The moment we were seated, the food began to arrive. The Brindles ignored their servants, Clara among them, Georgina instead leaning toward me and taking my hand. "You can't imagine how thrilled I am to have you here, dear."

Rather than answer, I reached into my small bag and retrieved the letter Mum gave me for Georgina. I'd read it a number of times on my long journey to England, not just because I wanted to know what was in it, but due to the fact my mother embedded air magic in the pages, so the reader instantly experienced the lovely scent of Mum's perfume and caught a whisper of her laughter every time the pages unfolded. I knew them so well by now, I would be able to time the expressions on Georgina's face as she read.

Instead of keeping it to herself however, she eagerly flipped open the envelope and began to read, out loud.

My dear, dear George,

Forgive me—it's been so long since my last letter, I'm ashamed to think about it. That being said, a much longer one than this shall follow shortly, once the coven power succession is completed.

Let me now express my gratitude to you and Bernard for your kind offer to foster my dear Auburdeen. She is the light of our hearts and the next generation in what will soon be the Hayle coven dynasty. I know you will treat her as if she were your own. That being said, please feel free to act as you deem necessary when it comes to discipline and matters of deportment. My daughter is already aware that she is to treat your instruction as if it came directly from me.

Georgina looked up from reading, her kerchief in her hand, waving at the tears in her eyes, two bright spots of emotion lighting her cheeks.

"Oh dear," she whispered. "I do miss your mother, Burdie."

Bernard patted her shoulder awkwardly, but it made the woman smile at least.

"There, there, dear," Bernard said. "We have Auburdeen to fill that void, now."

Her emotion was contagious. I felt my own throat tightening as she went on.

I've sent Sassafras with Burdie to assist in communication between our covens. Please do not hesitate to contact me if required.

I know you will adore my daughter as much as we adored each other. And I'm thrilled your own dear girl, Katherine, is near the same age as Burdie. We had always intended that our two sweethearts meet at some point, and this seems the perfect opportunity for the next generation to become good friends.

I glanced sideways at Kate who blushed and smiled. I wasn't so sure this quiet girl was exactly my type of friend, but I was at least willing to give it a go. Considering my choices seemed limited at the moment to Kate and her awkward brother whom I caught staring at me only to have him look away in haste.

Georgina finished the letter as my mother's voice softly repeated the last two lines, her magic wrapping around me in a warm hug.

All my love,

Your Thad.

Georgina's hand dropped to the table for a moment, the pages fluttering, almost landing in her soup as Clara set it before her. Georgina didn't notice at all, forcing the girl to slide the bowl out of the way with some haste.

"Oh my dear," my hostess said to me, gesturing with both her handkerchief and the vibrating letter as she used them for emphasis. "I just know we're going to get along splendidly. And your mother is right. Did you know you and Katherine were born exactly one year apart?" Georgina let out a gusty sigh, sitting back, the magic letter pressed against her. "I felt Thad with me the entire time, you know. I knew when you were born. Both of you are so special, so dear." She smiled at Kate. "Every coven leader's dream is to have a girl of her own, to carry on the name and the family magic." My eyes caught a flicker of something and went immediately to Hugh. He scowled in his soup, one hand clenching around his napkin. When he noticed me watching, his expression smoothed out, but he seemed embarrassed, redness climbing from the collar of his crisp white shirt.

I considered his obvious unhappiness while I devoured my soup, only half listening to Georgina as she went on and on about how happy she was I was there through slurps of her own first course. It made me wonder if Damon and Pharo were jealous of me and the potential power I would one day wield over them.

I loved my mother and would never want anything to happen to her, but to be honest, I was excited to lead my coven and when the day came for me to take her place, I'd be more than up for the task.

***

# Chapter Six

The rest of our dinner was mostly dominated by Georgina talking and the rest of us listening to her talk. She went on and on about Mum, how delighted she'd been when my mother came for her schooling in England, how despite the fact Mum was common they'd hit it off absolutely immediately, the pair of them inseparable from the moment Mum arrived. Georgina waxed teary eyed over the four years they'd spent in witch's college together before Mum returned to America. I found it intensely amusing at first, but by the time my dessert course was set before me, some kind of chocolate concoction smelling divine and tempting me to take just one more bite, I was too tired and my patience with her worn thin.

I'd learned a great deal from the one-sided conversation, regardless of the enjoyment aspect.

"You're so fortunate," Georgina told me through a mouthful of mousse. "Once the transfer of power is complete, you will be heir to one of the most influential and magic-rich covens in the New World. And I'm hardly surprised your coven elected your mother to take power. I always knew, despite her common blood, she was destined for greatness." I ignored the caveat. Clearly titles were of great importance here in England. Georgina waved her fork at Kate. "Sweet darling here will be taking on far less when I pass, poor dear."

Kate made a soft sound of denial, but Georgina just barreled on past her. "Our coven is very old, been around for generations, but I'm afraid our magic has diminished over the years." It happened. As members left, at least those in good standing, they took tiny parts of the family magic with them until there was only so much left behind. It usually took centuries for such a weakening. Georgina went on. "There's always been a strong line of inheritance, unlike Olivia and the Tremere's lack of female issue. But with the expansion of New England and the pull of adventure, all of our young people seem to be leaving us."

"You've done your best, my dear," Bernard said with clear but quiet pride. I had the impression the small man with the round glasses spent most of his time putting his boisterous wife on a pedestal. "Everyone loves you and your leadership."

Georgina waved off his attempt at making her feel better. "It started long before I took over as coven leader."

"We have a fine, strong coven, Mother," Kate said.

Georgina smiled at her. "Of course we do, my darling."

"And you are the finest leader we've had in generations," Bernard jumped in to support her.

A brief flicker of bitterness twisted Hugh's expression. It surprised me, but came and went so fast I doubted myself immediately.

"At least we're well protected," Georgina said. "This house has been in our coven's possession for generations, and the wards on it have been reinforced with each coven leader's ascension. You won't find a more protected spot in all of London."

That sounded like the walls of a prison rising around me, not the reassurance I'm certain Georgina intended. I resisted allowing my magic to reach out and explore the edges of the wards, now fully aware of the muffled feeling around me. In my weariness I'd mistaken it for my own lack of energy. Now I understood, however. I wasn't just sent here to be watched over, but to be cosseted and enveloped in a blanket of so much protective magic I might as well have been cushioned by my own private, impenetrable keep.

The sudden awareness of the confines made me want to scream, fading quickly to a heavy feeling of acceptance weighing on me. Maybe tomorrow, with the new day, I'd be more like myself, but at the time I couldn't manage to muster enough caring to act out.

"To be completely honest," Georgina cut through my dazed disappointment, "I'm not sure I'd want all the responsibility a coven your size would bring." She fanned her face with one hand, rolling her eyes. "It's a good thing Thad was always the brave one of our little pair. Your mother is in for a great deal of bother, my dear."

"How many in your coven?" I might as well pretend to be engaged while my heart shrank with the knowledge it was very likely nothing fun or exciting was going to happen for the duration of my stay.

"Perhaps three dozen?" She glanced at Bernard who smiled and nodded, obviously fine with the fact his wife did all the talking. And talking. And... well. "Mostly our age, I'm afraid. Kate is our youngest member."

Again a twitch from Hugh. I found it slightly odd how his family ignored him and wondered about the dynamics, feeling suddenly and passionately sorry for him. It drove me to speak up.

"What of you, Hugh?" I smiled at him, purposely engaging him in the conversation. The poor bugger flushed as red as the skin of an apple, lips quivering as he smiled in return. Was he really that grateful just to be acknowledged? A surge of anger touched my heart. No one would treat my brothers like extras or hangers-on.

Before he could open his mouth to answer me, struggling clearly for something to say, Georgina spoke for him. "Our Hugh knows his place. Don't you, darling?"

Was I the only one to see his jaw tighten? The coldness that fell over him? It was the most emasculating moment I'd ever witnessed and it left me gaping.

Georgina didn't seem to care or pay attention, and to my dismay, neither did Bernard or Kate. "He's a great support to his sister," she said.

I took a drink of my water to hide how appalled I was at the casual way she dismissed him. His eyes met mine and for a moment I saw his gratitude. But it left him just as quickly, buried under resentment and hurt carefully disguised as a lack of caring.

"That being said," Georgina told me, "remind me I must link you to the magic inside the house. The wards are keyed to ours only. You will be able to summon your power here, but the protections will prevent you from using it."

I took a small bite of the melting chocolate concoction before me as Georgina finally ran down.

"Listen to me," she said, a rim of cocoa around her lips, "carrying on as if you didn't just have the most amazing adventure. Tell us, dear Burdie, all about your trip."

Normally being the center of attention wouldn't have bothered me in the slightest, but for some reason in that moment I hesitated. Leaving the conversation wide open for Sassafras to interject.

"It was perfectly civilized," he said. "The ship was a marvel of steam and steel."

"I understand they've stopped using sails at all," Bernard said as if that were the most amazing thing in the world.

"Indeed," Sass licked delicately at his own dessert. I almost took it from him, knowing how ill chocolate made him, but he was on the other side of Kate and too far for me to reach without causing a scene. "Most modern. Our suite was sumptuous, the dining delightful. In fact, the entire trip was wonderful." He glared at me, a point of fire erupting in each amber eye as he went on. "That is, until one of our party decided to aid and abet a criminal."

Georgina gasped, eyes wide and glued to me. Kate dropped her fork, flushing, one hand covering mine. I glared back at the fur-clad demon, furious at his attempt to get me into early trouble.

"It was nothing," I said. "Really."

"Burdie, whatever happened?" Kate's voice was soft, breathy. Georgina looked about ready to lap up every word I said. Rather than dig me into harm, Sass had merely opened a doorway to a story I could tell was ripe to please these two clearly sheltered ladies.

I spun it out as best I could, under the circumstances. As tired as I was, I found myself actually enjoying the whole thing, the tale growing into an elaborate story involving a score of policemen, me fighting them off single-handed after a passionate kiss for the boy I rescued. His blue eyes lingered in my memory as I completed my tale, wishing suddenly I'd had more time to explore just how soft his lips actually were. I found myself flushing slightly, reaching for my water glass to cool the flush of heat raised by the romantic thought and hide it from the others. After all, I had won a kiss of sorts.

And he really had been quite attractive.

Georgina sat back with a dazed but happy expression while Kate blushed so red I feared for her. Sass snorted and grumbled to himself even while Bernard smiled at me. And winked. I winked back easily. At least one of the Brindles had a sense of humor. Hugh just glared at his plate as if the doing of it would make it shatter or, at the very least, go away.

His eyes lifted to mine, a stern look drawing his thin lips to practical invisibility. "As a man of honor," he said as his voice cracked then returned to a softened tenor, "I would have demanded satisfaction of the rogue for daring to touch you."

I shrugged and tried to soften him with a smile, amazed he found the courage to speak up at all. "I'm sure you would have."

"Well," Georgina set down her napkin and fixed me with an attempt at a motherly expression now that she regained her composure, "we'll be sure to guard you more carefully than that from now on. Imagine if our dear Thad knew what an atrocious thing happened, and you only here a matter of moments!"

I realized then my attempt at humor may have been too much and might come back to haunt me. "I'm completely fine," I assured her.

"Even so," she said, "a lady of your breeding and talents shouldn't be forced to deal with such churlish behavior." She patted my hand while Sass's complaining turned to a snort of humor. "I don't want you to even for a moment think you'll be in one bit of harm's way while you're here with us. I fully intend to send you back to your mother rested, relaxed and with no more stories to tell than what delightful new things you bought and the sights you visited while here in London."

Sass actually laughed out loud when she finished.

To me, it sounded more like the slamming of a prison cell.

***

# Chapter Seven

It seemed I'd barely fallen into bed when someone was opening my curtains, flooding the room with too much light to allow sleep to continue. I attempted to simply bury my head under my pillow, but a large weight landed on my chest, sharp claws alternately kneading me through the thin fabric of my nightgown.

"Don't even think you're going to sleep in," Sassafras told me with a hint of evil in his voice. "Georgina has very big plans for you today."

I groaned and shoved him away only to have him pounce on me again with great enthusiasm. "Leave off, pesky cat," I said through a layer of feathers and cotton.

"I overheard the maids," he said, voice full of terrible glee. "You have an appointment this morning."

I cracked open one eye and met his amber gaze. "Whatever are you talking about?"

He hopped free of me as Clara came to my bedside and curtsied. "Good morning, ma'am," she said. "Breakfast shortly, may I help you dress?"

Indeed not. I shooed her off. "I'm quite capable," I said before jerking the quilt over my face.

"Breakfast, ma'am," she said with some firmness, my grip on the coverlet not nearly strong enough as she freed it from my fingers and folded it back. "The mistress was quite insistent, she was."

I sighed out of sheer exasperation. "It can't possibly be morning."

"All of six and a half, ma'am," Clara assured me as she continued to resolutely fold back the warm covers, exposing me to the very early morning chill.

Was she daft? Half six? A set of claws sent me scooting out of bed and onto the rug. At least the tight weave saved my poor feet from the chill of the marble floor.

I had barely a half hour to the stroke of seven to get myself ordered and made presentable before I was hurried down the stairs to the dining room by the very anxious Clara. I wondered if the poor girl had been put on permanent assignment to me and, if so, felt horribly guilty for my normal habits.

I don't think I'd ever been up so early.

I entered the room in a rush, my split skirt rustling, boots ringing in a most satisfying way on the floor. I plastered on a smile, knowing I really had to try my best. Of all the things Sass told me, this one was the absolute truth. I was to be coven leader one day and that meant putting on a good show.

The room was already full when I swept in, my best cheerful expression pulling my face tight. I felt a momentary surge of disappointment when I realized Georgina hadn't been teasing the night before. As she stood and came to grip my hands, I did everything I could to keep my smile genuine in the face of twenty-five or so very mature witches.

And when I say mature, I mean it. Not one of the coven members were under the age of forty at the very youngest, aside from Hugh, Kate and myself, with the majority well into their fifties and sixties. Mostly women, all either smiling back at me with soft murmurs of delight or nodding over their morning tea.

"My dear coven," Georgina pulled me forcefully forward by her iron grip on my hands, "may I present to you Miss Auburdeen Pernelia Hayle."

You'd think I was a member of the royal family, the way they ooh'd and ahh'd. I maintained my absolute genial expression and managed a sort of half bow, half curtsy drawing more than one titter of amusement.

From that moment I might as well have been a new toy or plaything. I was led from seat to seat, touched, kissed, hugged and oogled by every single person in the room. By the time I reached my place I was near fatigued from the sheer weight of their attention. My attempts to block some of their energy failed as I recalled I had as yet to be linked with the Brindle family magic, thus rendering my own inert while inside the walls of the house. I fanned myself as secretly as possible with my napkin while everyone settled in again, finding myself in the same chair as the night before at least, bracketed by Georgina and Kate.

Sassafras was conspicuously absent and I wished I could have gone to join him wherever he hid.

"We're so delighted to have you here, dear," a witch about Georgina's age gushed, perched on the edge of her seat next to a very pale Hugh. "You must tell us everything about the Colonies."

"They aren't colonies any longer." Hugh sounded about as annoyed as I felt. We shared a secret eye roll that actually made me grin.

"No?" Her wide eyes still stared when I met her gaze again. "When did that happen?"

I choked on my tea and decided not to bother informing the woman about the War of Independence fought almost a century before. Or bring up the fact we'd recently been through a civil war since then as well. She obviously wasn't up on current affairs.

"It's lovely there," I said, drawing all eyes. "The cities are nothing like here, very little stone work, mostly brick and wood. We have more and more people arriving every day, immigrants from all over Europe, with plenty of room to spare. There is land as rich as any in the world stretching on and on."

I had no idea I felt so patriotic about my home until I experienced a sudden rush of pride at my words. Common or not, we were building something great across the Atlantic and I loved every moment of it.

Another woman sat back with a huff of breath. "I think it would be dreadful," she said. "I hear there are all sorts of bandits and criminals. Sent from our own prisons."

"That would be Australia," Hugh said and not too kindly. I caught the look of anger his mother leveled and him and again felt a surge of resentment about the treatment of the Brindle's only son.

"Oh heaven's me," the plump witch let out a hideous cackling laugh, "how silly. Of course."

Hugh's eyes lifted and caught my gaze. I let him see my approval and amusement. An actual smile quirked the corner of his mouth.

"Tell us," the first witch said, dipping a scone in her tea, "what of the succession? It must be terribly difficult on your poor mother, having to expend all that magic."

Witch number two chuffed a breath around her own breakfast. "Indeed. Imagine not stepping aside when it's for the good of your coven. How completely uncivilized."

I couldn't argue with them on that note, not when I agreed completely. "My mother is a powerful and capable witch," I assured them, adding another lump of sugar to my tea. "I have no doubt she will bring this to a satisfactory end for all involved."

"Will the Tremere's be exiled, do you think?" Witch number one spewed a few crumbs as she leaned toward me across the table, Hugh flinching away from her.

"That will be up to my mother," I said. "And to them. According to coven law."

They all nodded as one, humming and rocking as they bobbed their heads, murmuring to each other that was indeed the way of the coven. Georgina patted my knee under the table and smiled as if to tell me I was doing well.

It made me uncomfortable for some reason. Especially when I saw Hugh swallow hard and look away from his mother's delighted expression.

Breakfast couldn't end fast enough. It seemed to drag on forever, but the huge clock in the foyer only chimed eight times before Georgina called an end to the meal. The witches filed out, muttering their welcomes all over again, repeating the need to touch and kiss me. I allowed it for the second time, not sure how to say no and not wanting to insult anyone. But by the time the last of them had gone, I was ready to wash my face and hands and change my clothing to banish their powdered scent.

And yet, the sun I'd seen through my windows and from the welcoming front door called to my adventurous side. Perhaps a walk about the city would be enough to clear my head and my nose? I turned to Georgina to suggest just such an outing when she clasped me in her arms and hugged me hard.

"Oh my dear," she said, "you were just splendid." She leaned away, hands retreating to clap a few times in childlike delight under her chin. "They adore you, the entire lot of them. How I envy you and your mother the poise you share."

I felt heat rise in my cheeks, embarrassed and wishing she wouldn't go on so. "Thank you," I said. "It was a pleasure." A small lie, but it served to make her happy so I didn't feel all that guilty for it.

Even Kate smiled at me, a sort of soft adoration on her face. It made me nervous, frankly. The girl was obviously heavily sheltered and the last thing I needed was to either corrupt her with my ways or have her trail around after me like a puppy looking for attention. Not very charitable of me, I'm well aware. And yet, there it was.

"Now," Georgina took my hand and led me to the stairs, "off with you for your outdoor things."

Had she read my mind? No such luck, it turned out.

"We have a very important assignment this morning," Georgian hooked her arm through Kate's.

"Dress shopping." Kate's dimples appeared as she smiled up at me. "Of course, Mother. What a brilliant idea."

I'm sure neither of them understood the look of total horror on my face, if they even saw it at all. They were already heading for the front door, whispering between them while Clara hurried to me and draped my shortcoat around my shoulders.

Dress shopping. I'd rather die.

***

# Chapter Eight

I was hustled into a waiting hansom and the door closed firmly behind me. Georgina sat on one side, her knees touching mine while Kate held herself very still and stiff on my left side.

"I really don't think this is necessary," I said, searching for a way to save myself from the upcoming horror. I generally wore skirts divided for riding or was allowed trousers on the rare occasions Mum wasn't home to catch me. I adored crisp white blouses and nice vests of velvet and satin. But the very idea of boning and lace made my stomach clench and my teeth ache from grinding them together.

"Oh, but it is, my dear," Georgina said. "You've arrived just in time."

"It's ball season." Kate's smile was shy but sweet. "How very exciting for you, Burdie."

"Indeed." Georgina's eyes narrowed as she considered my hair. "You're just sixteen, old enough for your coming out. Absolutely delightful! The fun Jacques will have with that color." She sighed dramatically. "I have never been more jealous."

I still reeled from the idea. "Ball season? Coming out?"

Kate's fingers fidgeted slightly inside her black leather gloves. "It starts with minor lords, of course," she said. "But once the first week or so is out of the way, they become larger and more grand."

"Culminating in the coveted Prince's Ball," Georgina said. "And while it's true you've missed most of this year's parties," she made a false frown face before going on, "the very best are yet to come."

"Mother has invitations." Kate actually vibrated.

"This will be Katherine's first year attending the Prince's Ball, only a fortnight from now." Georgina smiled at her daughter with such fondness I found myself smiling despite the circumstance. "Even though she's not quite sixteen, I'm allowing her to attend. To prepare her for next year and her own coming out." Kate flushed though she was clearly excited at the prospect. "And what a delight to have you here to join us!"

My mind went to the large trunk in my room and the two gowns Mum insisted I bring. She'd known. And hadn't told me. Left me to assume I'd not need the horrid things.

She had more and more to answer for, did my mother.

"The next one is tomorrow night," Kate said. "We don't have much time if we're to have you properly outfitted."

"I think Mum may have had some inkling of what I was heading for." I told Georgina about the trunk.

She laughed. "Of course, dear Thad would remember. What fun we had when we were your age." She looked back and forth between us, a rather naughty look on her face. I found myself blushing for some reason, wondering then just what Mum had gotten into while living in England. "We shall have a peek when we return. Knowing your mother, they are both brilliant and unusual enough to catch everyone's attention. That means our hurry for tomorrow is gone. But we are out now, and in the meantime you must allow me to gift you a gown to suit your standing."

"And my coming out, as you call it?" I'd of course heard the term at home, but had never quite understood the appeal. It wasn't as if the ruling class of New York didn't know me already. This reveal in a ball gown seemed unnecessary and awkward.

"For most, the goal is, of course, a husband." I gasped in shock at Georgina as she spoke. She giggled, Kate too. "Why, my very dear," the amused woman said, "what other purpose would there be?" She patted her daughter's knee. "Were you mine, Auburdeen, I'd make you the very best match the English royal class had to offer." She sighed, sitting back. "Instead, I'll have to wait for Kate and next year."

The very thought was appalling. Mum insisted I have my choice of mates and always had. The idea this woman might try to influence that choice... I suppressed a shudder and felt horribly for Kate despite the fact she seemed fine with the coming arrangement.

"Of course," Georgina said, a sly smile spreading, "there is always the obvious answer. After all, our families are compatible in many ways. Perhaps some kind of match between us would serve to strengthen the bond."

I had no idea if she referred to myself and Hugh or Kate and one of my brothers, but the thought of either scenario was just too outrageous and terrifying to process.

Nor was there much I could say in answer to it that wouldn't end in me shouting or laughing in her face. I sat back and wondered if I could possibly get away with faking ill and avoiding the entire mess all together. Not likely in a whole coven of witches.

Instead I found myself spending the entire day fussed over by Jacques the dressmaker, with his tiny hands and his sharp French accent, the way he condescended me with his eyes while smiling at Georgina. I'd had about enough of him within the first five minutes or so.

"Such hair," he said yet again as he jerked tight the bodice form he'd carefully constructed for me while he fussed with fabrics and different types of lace. "Such eyes. Surely this will be my crowning masterpiece."

I gasped out the last of the air in my lungs. Only then did he seem satisfied, tying off the bindings and leaving me there on the pedestal in my bloomers, gasping for breath and terrified my more than ample endowment would end up spilling completely out over the edges of the bustier.

Kate and Georgina, meanwhile, snacked on tiny sandwiches and tea while my stomach growled.

When he finally released me from my prison of boning and muslin, I dressed with so much haste I almost passed out as all the blood rushed back to the core of my body.

"Madame," Jacque kissed both of Georgina's cheeks, "a few days."

I felt permanently bruised and thanked my parents silently for the comfort they allowed me my entire life. The idea of being sick the night of the ball seemed far more attractive than ever.

I glanced up, hearing Kate and Georgina's chatter, only to notice we weren't returning the way we came, but heading further into the city.

"I simply can't resist the opportunity to show you off." Georgina patted my knee. "Tea with some friends for both of you. But, bear in mind," she waggled one finger at us, "these are normal friends, not a witch among them. Mind your manners." She laughed. "Not that I need to tell either of you."

Another uncomfortable hour. Another dose of curiosity, this time from aristocratic ladies who alternated between arrogant superiority and outright need for New World gossip. I'm not sure if they even noticed I failed to answer most of their questions. As it turned out, Georgina was more than eager to fill in all the blanks so I rarely had the chance to open my mouth even if that had been my desire.

I was never so happy to be ushered back outside into the cooling air and loaded into a hansom. It was as if Georgina was determined to wring me dry from the very first day and keep me that way so my odds of finding anything even remotely fun to do would be kept to the barest minimum.

Perhaps I was being uncharitable, but I needed time to myself. I was accustomed to being allowed my freedom to roam as I chose. This type of life was so new to me, I wasn't sure I'd survive it much longer.

Georgina led us into the house, calling for Clara as she went. The young maid appeared almost instantly, taking coats and gloves as they were shed and dumped on her. Kate was much more thoughtful than her mother, I noticed, where I simply held onto mine with a firm shake of my head. I was perfectly capable, thank you.

Besides, I wasn't certain where the girl would run off to with my shortcoat and I'd be needing it again very soon. I hurried upstairs to my room and checked for Sass. Wherever he was, it wasn't my room thankfully. I didn't need him lecturing me on what I should and shouldn't do. I quickly changed out of the confines of the split skirt and into a pair of black trousers. My riding boots followed. I slid my hair free of the torture of its pins and bound it back at the nape of my neck in a simple knot. My top hat in hand, I returned to my door and listened for activity.

The hall was quiet. I swore softly to myself that I had as yet the opportunity to key my magic to the house so any powered aid in my escape was out of the question. I would just have to risk it.

I made it to the top of the stairs, spotting Georgina and Bernard just in time as they left the house, Kate standing forlorn in the foyer as she watched them go. I hesitated. This was a bit of luck, for certain. I wouldn't have to explain to my hostess why I needed so badly to escape her house. But Kate was almost as much of an obstacle. Not that I thought the girl might try to stop me. Only that I didn't think I could bear to hurt her feelings.

"Going somewhere?" Sassafras made his appearance, hopping onto the top of the wide railing to glare at me with his glowing amber eyes.

"Mind yours," I snapped back. "You've not endured the day I have. I need some air."

He hummed a growl at me. "No need to be cranky about it." He shook himself, silver fur rustling. "Tell me you're not going alone."

I rolled my eyes and slapped the rim of my hat against my leg. "I'm hardly a child."

"No," he said, "not anymore. But you're in a new city far from home. A guide might be in order." His gaze drifted to Kate who seemed sad and at a loss for something to do. "You could be kind," he said softly, "and take her with you."

Hateful demon cat. But he was right.

"Fine," I said, stomping my way down the stairs. "Kate!"

She spun, eyes wide and growing wider as she recognized how I was dressed. I watched her blush creep up her neck and light her cheeks. "Burdie," she said. "Whatever are you wearing?"

"I'm going out for a walk," I said. "Care to join me?"

Aghast hardly described her expression. "This late? Why, it's almost dark."

I shot Sass a glare over my shoulder. I'd tried.

"Very well," I said, heading for the door. "I'll see you presently."

"Wait!" She rushed forward, bottom lip between her teeth as her hand settled on my arm. "I'll fetch my coat."

She had more nerve than I'd given her credit for, it seemed. Kate hurried off in search of her outdoor things, leaving me to fume at the door.

"Burdie?" Hugh came down the stairs, frowning at me. He stumbled on the last step, shattering any level of authority his look had gained him. "Where are you going?"

I was almost rude. How tempting. But I really had to learn to control my temper and this was a prime opportunity with the one person in the house who deserved my kindness.

"A stroll," I said in as pleasant a tone as possible. "Around the block or so. I've only seen London through the window of a hansom and crave some fresh air."

Kate returned, head down, refusing to look at her brother as she hastily buttoned up her coat. It was clear they had little in the way of a relationship whatsoever. I felt a twinge of sadness for them, knowing how close I was to Damon and Pharo. Hugh glanced at Kate with the same scowl he'd tried on me. "You two can't go out there without a proper escort." He called for Clara who came running with his cloak and hat. "I wouldn't dream of letting you walk through London without my protection."

This excursion of mine was beginning to appeal less and less. And yet, it was a chance to escape and go outside.

"After you," I said.

***

# Chapter Nine

Hugh's insistence I precede him out the door set the tone for the evening. We were barely out the door when I realized things weren't going to go as I hoped. Kate walked like a girl, for one, barely striding at all and despite my need to stretch my legs I knew it would be the epitome of rudeness to abandon her to her brother. Even though I wanted to do just that.

Hugh on the other hand made horrid attempts at small talk that made the back of my neck itch with the ineffectualness of it. I wondered early on if my kindness had given him the wrong impression, my mind going to Georgina's marriage hints, but didn't have the heart to be cruel.

"Pleasant evening," was one of his favorites, followed by a big inhale of air. "Most pleasant."

To which Kate would answer, "Yes, most pleasant."

Could the pair of them be more uncomfortable together? Or less at ease with the outdoors? I swear Hugh said it over and over again, Kate promptly answering as if she'd been wound up like a doll. If this was the life I'd been consigned to for the duration of the succession, I prayed my mother not be so kind and make it happen swiftly so I could escape the utter boredom I was sure to expire from at any moment.

We walked, or minced, rather, with Kate in the middle of us, myself squashed on the inside where Hugh could keep me safe. It made the whole affair even more awkwardly uncomfortable when he finally attempted to speak to me around his sister.

"Are you enjoying your visit so far?"

What was I to say? That anywhere but there would be preferred? "It's fine," I managed.

"I understand you'll be accompanying us tomorrow evening." Was his voice shaking? I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing at the way it warbled between boyish soprano and a more mature tenor. He didn't need me squashing his attempt at conversation.

My amusement died the moment I thought of all that boning once again coming in contact with my skin. "So I've been told," I said.

Someone shouted in the distance, making Kate start so violently I actually grabbed her arm to support her.

"What's wrong?" My magic was instantly ready, the earth grounded through the soles of my boots. I looked around with some concern, but aside from the odd hansom and a couple strolling by on the opposite side of the street, there were no apparent threats around us.

"N-nothing." Kate dabbed at her upper lip with her kerchief, blushing in the wavering light of the streetlamp. "That sound startled me, is all. Please, continue."

I was unable to control the sudden surge of annoyance that reached my mouth before my mind could put a stop to it. "What are you possibly afraid of?" I admit my voice sounded on the snappish side which I immediately regretted. "You're a witch, Kate. You have more power to protect yourself than any thug or threat could possibly compete against."

Kate looked away from me, so hurt I wished I'd managed to keep my tongue in my head. And yet, I wanted to just shake some sense into her. How could anyone live a life filled with so much fear when she had that much magic at her disposal?

Unless... I hadn't considered the fact perhaps Kate was powerless. It happened from time to time, no matter the family. But that couldn't be it. Georgina already told me Kate was the heir to the Brindle coven and only a full witch could take such a position.

Before I had a chance to talk to her about it further, Hugh spoke up. I almost lost my good nature toward him when I caught him smirking at her.

"It grows late," he said. "Perhaps we should head back."

Kate turned immediately and only then did I see the sparkle of tears on her cheeks. She hastily wiped them away, but that did little to lift the guilt from my heart.

I was reaching for her elbow when I heard a second shout, this one closer. Kate jumped again, letting out a soft squeal of fear while Hugh turned with his back to us. I could see his shoulders shook despite his brave front.

Just across from us was a narrow alley, barely lit by the gaslight on the corner, enough illumination available I was able to make out a few details. A single figure raced for the end of the narrow track with two large ones behind. Just as the first made it to the edge of the light, he was caught and dragged back into the darkness. I heard the familiar grunts and sounds of blows I'd grown accustomed to. I did have two brothers, after all, and had learned to take a few punches myself as well as give them.

I think my poor heart was so desperate for something, anything to happen, it set my body in motion before I could second guess what I was up to. But even had I the chance to think things through, I know I still would have acted. Two large against one small equaled odds I needed in all honor to even up.

I heard Hugh shout my name, Kate's quavering cry almost lost in his, but I was already running and, within moments, in the very center of the scene of action. And though I had no idea which side was the right, I automatically chose for the young man who suffered the beating.

I admit I used magic, but to my credit most of my success came from the fact that Damon and Pharo, my most industrious of brothers, had taken it upon themselves to teach me everything they knew. While the two large men had strength on their side, I was faster and more agile. And the techniques our new Asian friend, Chong Wa taught us seemed to fare me very well.

It was dark and everything happened so quickly. When I finally realized I should have accessed my superior nighttime vision, the fight was already over. The young man to whose aid I'd come rallied himself and stood beside me over the prone bodies of the two bullies.

I turned with the inevitable grin of victory on my face and received a shock. I knew him. He'd shared my hansom with me once under sort of similar circumstances.

He in turn stared back at me with something akin to horror on his face. His rather bloody face. I reached out and stroked his cheek, using a thread of magic to heal the cut to his temple. The moment I did, I felt a thrill of connection between us and a stirring inside me I did not recognize. He himself cried out and clutched his eye as if I had harmed him instead of healing him.

"Of all the horrid luck." He backed away from me as if I was the one who he needed to fear.

"You're very welcome indeed," I snapped back. "Perhaps I should have left you to be torn in two by these." I prodded one of the large men with the toe of my boot.

"You need to get away from me." He staggered away another step, deeper into the alley, acting nothing as he had when we'd met prior. Gone was his good-natured smile and the gratitude I'd won. Annoyed at his reaction, I followed him, naturally. No one told Burdie Hayle what to do.

"If you would just allow me," I said, knowing now he was a witch himself, though wondering why he hadn't used his magic to save himself, "I have access to a safe haven for our kind. You would be welcome there, I'm certain." I wasn't though, not really. In fact, I was only remotely sure Georgina would allow it.

"Just leave me be." He was almost to the other end of the alley. I picked up my own pace, pausing momentarily at the sound of a policeman's whistle coming from the other direction, the dull echoing of Hugh and Kate calling for me to come back.

I surged after the ungrateful wretch, reaching for him as we emerged into the street. This side was darker and seemed somehow more sinister, if only in my imagination. My fingers locked on his jacket and pulled him back, his damaged state making it hard for him to fight me off.

"If you're in trouble with law enforcement, I have friends of considerable influence." Why was I trying so hard? He obviously didn't want me around. It took me a shameful moment to admit I didn't want the excitement to end. If I turned around now and went back to the young Brindle's, only boredom awaited. Here at least was a mystery I could amuse myself with for a time.

Oh Burdie. How shallow, my dear.

He tried to pull away from me, fabric slipping through my fingers until our hands met and I yet again felt the power open between us. For some reason, however, this felt entirely alien and yet as natural as ever, with a new component added to my magic I'd never been aware of before.

He gasped and staggered, face twisting in pain. "Please," he whispered.

I released him immediately, feeling a pang of nausea twist my stomach as I did.

"Who are you?"

He didn't get the chance to answer. A pair of horses raced around the corner, a black hansom rattling behind. The horses thundered to a halt next to us, their breath snorting white vapor into the chilling air. The door of the carriage opened and a tall, slim blonde woman leapt out, her movements so graceful I gaped at her. She grabbed my companion and smoothly tossed him inside before turning to me. Her blue eyes met mine for a single heartbeat before her small but powerful hands latched onto me and propelled me forward and into the hansom.

I heard Hugh's voice calling for me, getting closer, backed by the sound of pounding feet and the toot of a whistle. I cast one look outside the carriage, seeing a figure in a black robe, hooded and silent, watching the entire spectacle. It took me a moment to connect the recollection, an instant of recognition. I couldn't be certain, but I was indeed. This was the same watcher from the night of my arrival at the London dock.

I absorbed all of this in a heartbeat, just before the hansom door slammed shut, blacked out windows leaving us in total darkness.

This adventure of mine had gone far enough. I gathered my magic to strike back only to feel something inside me shift and shudder. Before I could sort out what was happening to me, cool fingers pressed into my temples and I knew no more.

***

# Chapter Ten

When I woke, it was from the pit of black unconsciousness to instantly alert. I found myself on my feet, my power gathering around me as I sought out whoever thought they could get away with my kidnapping.

"My apologies," a deep, velvet voice said from somewhere to my right. I spun toward the sound, knees impacting the well-stuffed sofa I'd been resting on. "It was never my intention that a stranger be drawn into this... situation."

The man lounged against a huge black desk, dressed formally if at ease, his white shirt rolled twice at the cuffs and unbuttoned at the throat, bow tie ends dangling with casual nonchalance. His ebony embroidered vest hung open, a red kerchief peeking out from a tiny inner pocket. My eyes took in his raven hair, swept most attractively to the side, thick and well groomed. His eyes were as black as his hair, framed with heavy brows only adding to his mystery. His wide jaw, cleft chin, perfect teeth, and the barest shadow of beard growth gave him a rugged and dangerous edge.

I adored him immediately.

"I'm sure it was all a misunderstanding." Now that I had my power back under control I felt more at ease. They had no idea who they were dealing with. I shot the tall blonde a glare as she smiled at me from her place at my host's side.

Someone groaned close to me. I allowed a quick look over my shoulder. The couch was curved and took up a large part of the room's center. Just down from where I'd taken my own repose was the young man I'd rescued.

"I take it he was the target and I'm the innocent bystander." That much was obvious.

The man at the desk winked. "How clever," he said.

"Not at all," I answered. "It so happens I've had a previous encounter with this same individual and I'm willing to admit the circumstances weren't so much in his favor then, either."

My host laughed, a deep and rumbling sound, though he was no taller than I and very slim. It was a cultured laugh, designed and polished with time.

"Delightful," he said. "If only we'd met under different circumstances."

I'd been taking in my surroundings as he spoke, the colorful paintings lining the place, the luxurious rugs over polished wood floors, a giant tapestry covering one wall. Even the chandelier was tasteful if slightly sparkly for my liking.

"No matter," I said as the blonde woman moved toward me in that slow, silky way of hers. "We've met now. Only not officially."

He immediately straightened and offered a deep bow, as polished as his laugh. "I am honored, dear lady," he said, "to present myself, The Great All Seeing Eye!"

From the way he said it I assumed I was to be impressed by this revelation.

"Auburdeen Hayle," I said. He strode forward and seized my hand, kissing the back of it with the barest touch. I felt a zing, a touch of power. But this time I understood what it meant.

"Charmed," he said, eyes lifting to mine, his amusement fading. "I had no idea we were dealing with your kind."

"My kind?" If my power hadn't been still humming around me, I'm sure I would have missed the whisper of his own magic as it drifted over me. "Don't you mean our kind?"

He laughed again, only this time there was a coarseness to it that wasn't so pleasant. "Not precisely," he said.

"You're a witch." My kidnapping companion had finally woken and decided to join the conversation. I turned to see him sit up, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand as he spoke. "He's a magician."

A magician? Like a performer? Of course, the paintings, clearly theatrical in nature, some sort of overpaid advertisements of our host hovering over a top hat and a crystal ball They made sense to me now. As did the name he'd offered up.

"I sense power in you," I countered.

He bowed again, but not as deeply. "Our magic is far more subtle."

I wasn't sure if that was an insult or not.

"Are you mad, Vasek?" The young man stood beside me now, ignoring the blonde though I knew if he made any threat she would be on him faster than I could use magic. "What were you thinking, bringing me here?"

The magician shrugged his lean shoulders, a casual gesture. "I feel a certain level of responsibility to you, my dear Jack. I had no idea where this was going and now... I wished to do my part in your protection."

I looked back and forth between them, lost but with more information than I'd had.

"You have no idea what you've done." Jack shook, his whole body taken by it.

"Rescued you from the Brotherhood," Vasek answered. "You're welcome for that."

Excuse me? "As it so happens," I cut in with some heat, "I was the one doing the rescuing before your Amazon over there," I gestured at the blonde who smiled at me, "interfered."

Vasek stared at me, face unreadable. "Is that the case?"

Something about him made me pause. "It is," I said. "In fact, the two men were incapacitated and the police on their way when we were abducted."

The blonde laughed, a silvery peal of pure delight. Vasek smiled at me, an indulgent expression making my blood boil.

"The police, you say." He chuckled. "Well, they didn't need us after all, did they Stella my dear?" The blonde didn't say a word, but she didn't have to. Her expression did the work for her. "My apologies."

He was taunting me, that much was obvious. And, when I thought about it a moment, I realized why. Hadn't Jack been running from the police the first night we'd met?

And was that only last night?

"I don't need your help," Jack jabbed his index finger toward Vasek, "or yours," he pointed at me. "You need to stay away from me, as far as you can." His eyes locked on mine. "I can't have the complications of witchcraft making things worse." Jack spun back to Vasek. "And as for you, feel free to dispense with any misplaced guilt you may be feeling. This was my choice and it's mine to deal with."

Vasek clasped his hands behind his back, nodding slowly. "If that's what you really want."

Jack relaxed slightly. "It is." He let out a large sigh, as if all the tension in his body came from that breath of air. "Once I find the cure, I'll disappear and this will all be over."

He didn't look ill. But he did react oddly when I tried to heal him in the alleyway. "Cure for what?" There was far too much going on around me for which I had no answers and the not knowing was driving me to distraction.

"I told you to stay out of it." Jack didn't even look at me. What happened to the sweet young man I'd allowed under my blanket, the one who kissed my cheek and smiled at me? I did recall the initial feel of him when he'd done so, the magical connection, and his clear concern as he left me. And yet, I'd done him another solid favor. So much for gratitude. It riled my temper further.

"I suppose I should have just left you there to have your head beaten in," I snapped. "Or better yet, told the policeman you were in my hansom."

He flinched as though I'd slapped him. "Perhaps you should have."

Vasek laughed, snapping my anger tighter. I wasn't the only one. Jack's face turned crimson and he spun on his heel, heading for the polished black door on the other side of the room. He glared at the magician as he pulled it open, already half way through. "Stay out of my business from now on, Vasek," he said. "And keep Stella away from me."

The heavy door slammed shut behind him. I stood there a flabbergasted moment, fighting my own temper when I finally realized I was alone with the two people who kidnapped me.

Vasek shook his head at me, black eyes bright with amusement. "Perhaps you should pursue him? That boy has more nerve than sense."

"I'm free to go?" It seemed impossible.

"Naturally. I've already told you, you weren't the intended target."

"But I know who you are," I looked back and forth between them. "Aren't you concerned I'll contact Scotland Yard?"

"And tell them what, exactly?" Vasek glided forward and guided me to the door. He had it open and was gently shoving me out before I could protest. "A pleasure, Miss Hayle."

The portal firmly closed on me and I was left standing alone in a dark hallway. I would perhaps have been at a loss for what to do had I not heard a soft curse from farther down the corridor and recognized it as Jack.

I went after him, moving much more quickly than he in his damaged state, reaching the outer door he exited just as it swung shut behind him. I caught up with him in a dank alley behind the building, my shoes squelching over refuse and a thin film of filthy water that stank of rot.

"Jack, wait." I caught his arm, turned him around. He glared at me, but there was little conviction in it.

"Please," he said. "Please just leave me alone."

"Why won't you let anyone help you?" I let him go. "If you're sick... I know people who could heal you."

"I'm sorry you were caught up in this. And that I was mean to you." He rubbed his face with his hands, looking more tired now than angry. "I'm sorry I chose your hansom, and I'm sorry you were the one who had to rescue me." He shook his head, a bit of the young man I remembered returning to his face as he looked down the alley. "But I just can't have you involved. It's bad enough Vasek knows, that a magician is tied up in this. But to add witchcraft to the bloody mess... I just can't risk it."

"You'd better be on the wary for vampires and weres as well then, hadn't you?" I was in no mood to be kind. "And the Sidhe. Demon folk. You're surrounded by power, Jack. If your problem is based in magic, you're bound to attract attention from others."

I didn't know that for certain, mind you. But from the stricken look on his face I didn't think he'd considered it.

"Bloody hell," he whispered.

"I can help, despite what you might think." I crossed my arms over my chest, determined now. Burdie Hayle did not abandon someone in need. Especially when I didn't know near enough to satisfy my curiosity. "Who are you, exactly? And what do you mean, sorcerers?"

He backed away from me, further down the alley. "Thank you for your help, Miss Hayle," he said as he retreated. "But you'd do well to forget you ever met Jack Bishop."

I stood there fuming. Didn't want my help? Fine then. I'd find another source to give me the information I was looking for. Instead of following him, I turned and went back to the door I'd exited.

Locked. Naturally. I tapped into my magic to change that only to feel a surge of disorientation much like I had when I'd been kidnapped. My power flow was unsteady, coming in surges and patches and making my knees weak.

I leaned against the door for support and tried to sort myself out. Whatever was happening, it wasn't going away. I needed answers now more than ever.

I spent the next few minutes circling the building, looking for an entrance. But the only two doors into the establishment were firmly barred. I looked up at the sign above the front entrance. The Conjury. I'd make sure to remember this place.

Time to go back to the Brindles and see if there was another way to uncover the truth about Jack.

It was only then I realized I was without money, lost in a part of London I'd never seen before without a hansom in sight to hire. A heartbeat of panic gripped me. Sassafras always warned me there would be a time I'd finally get in over my head. I was thinking perhaps I'd finally found that time.

I reached out with my magic, tentatively, worried about the unsteadiness I'd felt. It had faded somewhat, enough I was able to locate the powerful wards surrounding the Brindle house. Perfect directions.

I considered trying the locked doors again, but settled on a furious and undignified retreat.

***

# Chapter Eleven

It was a considerable walk from The Conjury to the Brindle house, though I admit despite being worn out by it, at least the time it took and the energy expended wore down my anger enough that I was less likely to explode at the mere mention of my adventure.

And good thing, knowing what I was likely to face the moment I walked through the front door. That thought actually made things slightly worse as I stomped my way through the dark and quiet back streets of London, the ringing sound of my boots doing little to satisfy my need to harm something. It's probable I expelled magic energy as well, since even through the late hour I was unaccosted or even approached by some of the seedier residents I happened upon. Part of me wished for just such a dust up with a tyrant or two, but my logical side knew better.

I kept my eyes open, consciously searching for the black cloaked watcher, certain I was correct and that whomever hid beneath that hood had something to do with Jack and the mess I'd stumbled on. But despite my eagerness to find my observer, only terrible intentions in mind, I saw no one who fit the description and again wondered if perhaps I'd only overacted in a moment of excitement.

By the time I rounded the last corner and spotted the familiar front of the Brindle house, the muffled wards as clear a beacon as I'd ever encountered, my feet were aching, my calves crying foul and my temper spent to the point of mere annoyance. And though my irritation could still be biting, I at least was back in control of myself.

The house was well lit despite the late hour. Which precluded any possibility I could simply go upstairs to bed and forget my need for excitement and the trouble it brought me. I squared my shoulders as I mounted the steps on the other side of the wrought iron gate and reached for the doorknob. I felt the wards envelop me in a shroud of stillness as the front door gave way easily.

Georgina and family were already in the foyer. She spun instantly with a gasp of relief and ran to me, embracing me so hard I could barely draw breath.

"Auburdeen, my very dear," she said through a voice hoarse and thick, "we have been so worried."

She drew back, eyes rimmed red, the tip of her nose practically glowing from her distress. Her embroidered handkerchief was quite wet and my guilt rose up to shove aside the last of my anger.

"I'm sorry," I said. "It's been quite an evening."

She tittered a small, nervous laugh, one hand still gripping my sleeve. I looked up, caught Kate's distressed face, Hugh's concern. Even mild Bernard looked as though he'd witnessed the near death of his beloved.

"Katherine and Hugh have been home for hours." Georgina patted my arm over and over as if to assure herself I was indeed real and in her presence. "Escorted by the police, no less." A half sob, half gasp escaped her as her round face crumpled with emotion. "They said you'd been kidnapped by some unknown bandit and were searching for you." She hiccupped softly before going on. "Your mother will never, ever forgive me for this."

"Now, Georgina," a new voice interrupted. I glanced away from her and to the shadows that fell near the staircase. I'd missed him standing there in his black cloak and top hat, with his polished black and silver cane in his hand. He towered over Bernard and Hugh, an imposing figure as he stepped forward with a small smile for me.

For some reason I could not explain, his smile made me feel uncomfortable.

"Auburdeen, dear," Georgina turned toward the stranger, "may I introduce my brother, Lord Samuel Brindle." She waved her damp kerchief at him. "We are so fortunate to have his assistance tonight."

"My pleasure, sister dear." Samuel parted the small crowd without trying and bent to kiss my hand. As he did, a shining gold medallion swung forward, glinting in the light. The pattern on it was so unusual it caught my attention, but only for a moment. His glove was cold, but his lips as they brushed my skin almost hot, distracting me. Again I felt that jolt of something, the same something I'd connected to with Jack and wondered what it meant. His pale green eyes widened just slightly as he, too, seemed to feel it, but he covered it with a quick smile. "I am at your disposal."

"Samuel is with Scotland Yard," Georgina told me in a half whisper.

Why did that make me immediately nervous? Perhaps because Jack had been wanted by the police? Or because of what Vasek said. At any rate, I hoped to not have any further contact with either of them or any need to further require the assistance of the constabulary, so I let it go.

"You must tell us what happened." Why did Samuel's concern seem so false, like a mask he wore?

I told them everything, though found myself editing for content as I went. Instead of mentioning anything about Jack, I claimed it was a girl being attacked. Since Hugh and Kate had been too far away to contradict me, I was safe in the lie. And as for Stella and Vasek, I assumed involving them would only bring me more trouble. Seeing how Vasek himself seemed unconcerned and had kindly let me go, I felt I owed him my silence. Yes, he had abandoned me to my own devices afterward, but the alternative could have been much worse.

Instead, I concocted a fantastic tale of breaking free of the carriage while in truth keeping it far simpler. Damon and Pharo always told me the more outlandish the lie, the more easily it was uncovered.

"I don't know who kidnapped us," I said, "only that I passed out and woke in an alleyway on the other side of the city. Why they took me, I can't say, nor why they released me." Truth. "So, I simply made my way back here on foot."

Samuel watched me closely as I spoke. His expression didn't change, but I knew he had his doubts, could feel it from him. Still, he'd be unlikely to challenge me in front of his sister, especially considering I'd broken no laws nor done anything that would prompt further investigation.

"We're just so happy you're back, safe and sound." Georgina hugged me again. "And that those ruffians saw fit to let you go."

"Indeed." Samuel's lips curled into a deeper smile and my discomfort rose with them. "Very fortunate. I shall look into the matter further, but no harm appears to have been done. I might suggest you be more careful in the future, Miss Hayle?"

He swept out as I sagged a little, my weariness catching up with me.

"Oh my dear," Georgina started to guide me to the stairs the moment she noticed my weakness, "you must be the very epitome of exhausted." She shooed off Kate and Hugh and brushed past Bernard who offered me a gentle pat on the back on my way by. "Clara! Run a bath immediately."

Despite the late hour, I thoroughly enjoyed my soak in the hot tub and even allowed Clara to wash my hair rather than doing it myself. It wasn't long before I was tucked into the large four-poster, Georgina gently kissing my forehead goodnight as though I were but a child.

The door closed softly behind her as she retreated. I sighed deeply, eyes drifting closed, my tired body settling into the feather mattress with great pleasure.

Something heavy landed on my chest and hissed. I jumped, dumping Sassafras on the coverlet with a hoarse and muffled shout.

"Away with you, cat!" I swatted at him with a pillow, but he stood his ground, glowing eyes to baleful amber lights piercing the dark of the room.

"Don't you ever," he swatted at my hand, "ever," he smacked me again, claws extended this time, making me hiss and suck the blood from the scratch he left, "do anything so utterly stupid ever again. Do you hear me, Auburdeen?"

He shook so violently the bed trembled and regardless of the sting of the scratches I felt my guilt return.

"I'm sorry." I reached for him, heard his growl of warning, but ignored it, pulling him to my chest and holding him tight. He squirmed slightly, body rigid. "I really am. I didn't know all this would come from trying to be a Good Samaritan."

"You don't think," he said softly, body relaxing just a bit. "You never do. Everything is one big reaction to you. Sometimes the bad things happening around you are none of your business. Have you considered that?"

I sighed and set him in my lap, stroking his fur. He bent his head and gently licked the scratch on my hand, a thread of demon magic sliding over my skin to heal it. "I know," I said. "I really am sorry, Sass. But the boy..."

"I thought you said it was a girl." He looked up at me. "What boy?"

Naturally he'd been listening. I snuggled down and, in whispers, told him everything. His tail thrashed a few times as I explained what really happened. Instead of becoming enraged as I assumed he would, Sass simply sighed when I was done, head falling to his paws.

"It never rains but it pours with you, girl child." His tail thrashed one last time before falling still. "Are you going to do as you're told and mind your own business?"

"Absolutely." I rolled over onto my back, fingers stroking his ears and cheeks, bringing out the deep, rumbling purr telling me he'd forgiven me. "That young fool is on his own."

Sass muttered something under his breath I didn't catch, but could probably take a good guess at before curling up against me and falling asleep. And even though I'd had one of the most interesting and tiring days of my life, I had a very hard time quieting my mind.

It's difficult to find peace after so blatantly lying to one's demon cat.

***

# Chapter Twelve

I knew I was in for a severe case of mothering and henning, but I had no idea just how protective Georgina could be. From the moment I was woken by Clara the next day, I was followed by either her or Kate, or even Bernard, kept under careful eye. Even Sassafras seemed to be a part of the conspiracy to protect me from anything remotely resembling harm.

My irritation rose rapidly, from the stodgy breakfast where Georgina alternated between patting my hand and hiccupping her way through a bout of crying, to Kate's hurt and hollow expression indicating I'd damaged her already frail self-worth, perhaps irreparably, to the way Hugh watched me from the moment I entered a room until I left it and even feeling him follow me after that.

I was not some fragile china doll to shatter at a mere breeze. What, did they think I attracted danger? That somehow leaving me alone for even a moment would put me at risk of a horrible fate pursuing me everywhere I went?

My final retreat to my room to sulk finally granted me some peace. Sass remained as my companion, but I was accustomed to him so it didn't bother me so much.

When Clara delivered my lunch, Georgina was with her. The sweet lady sat next to me on the bench under the window, gripping my hands in hers. She seemed to have gotten over her tears at least. I did my best to be charitable about it.

"Oh my dear," she said, "with all the excitement I completely forgot tonight's engagement." Concern shone in her eyes. "Do you think you're up to attending?"

I had a way out. All I needed to do was play the wilting flower to be spared an evening in an uncomfortable gown surrounded by people I couldn't care less about and I'm sure felt the same for me.

But the stubborn part of me won out. I refused to be coddled, even if it meant my own comfort. Well aware of how contrary I was being, I forced a smile and squeezed her hand.

"I wouldn't dream to miss it."

It was the right thing to say. Georgina's mood shifted instantly from fearful to flat-out excitement. She clapped her little hands like a child and leaned forward to hug me.

"Then there is no time to waste." She lunged to her feet and clapped again, this time louder. Clara was already there hovering, but the sound brought Kate running. She didn't meet my eyes, but seemed less anxious herself.

"Yes, Mother?"

"We need to sort out what Burdie is wearing this evening." Georgina hustled to my wardrobe and jerked the doors wide. Inside were two frothing gowns I only knew from a peek in the trunk Mum sent with me. Georgina went into immediate raptures over both of them and, as she pulled the first one out, I had to admit it was lovely.

"Blue, yes, brilliant." The satin shone in the sunlight, a deep, rich color reminding me of deep pools of water in full summer. "With your red hair and those gray eyes..." Georgina squinted at me as if trying to imagine the final picture. She beamed, then and slid the dress back into the wardrobe. "Perhaps this one." The second was a pale green, almost silvery in its lightness. "Stunning." She swirled the thing around like it was a person. I eyed the neckline with some concern and wondered what Mum was thinking.

In the end, Georgina decided on the blue after all. Once that choice was made, the preparations for the evening were underway.

I'd attended functions with my mother, rather fancy ones, or so I'd thought at the time. I'd even allowed her to do my hair up beyond the usual bun I typically wore just to keep her happy. But this process was totally foreign to me and had me so overwhelmed with the vast scale of it I didn't have the wherewithal to protest.

For the next four hours I was powdered, primped, dressed, undressed for alterations, made up with cosmetics, had my hair done, my nails polished to a high shine, redressed, the gown adjusted yet again. And beside me the entire time was Kate, undergoing the same process.

At one point, knowing I needed to patch up the rift I'd created between us, I winked at her and rolled my eyes. She giggled, hiding the small sound in her hands. When she smiled at me it reached her eyes and I knew she had forgiven me already.

Georgina vanished at some point, obviously to undergo her own preparations. I tried to hold still as Clara wrestled with my thick red hair, but it seemed every time she pinned a piece in place it encountered my scalp. No amount of complaining made a bit of difference so, to take my mind off of it and the low, dull headache I was acquiring from the attention, I turned to Kate who was having her feet buffed.

"It was kind of your uncle to see to my safety personally." I wasn't above digging for information in the guise of friendship and knew it meant I would be damned for eternity. But I found it odd he was such a man of prominence. In America, witches were forbidden from any kind of public office.

Kate's dimples showed up right away. "Uncle Samuel is a dear," she said. "And quite powerful these days, since he went out on his own."

"Why ever would he leave the coven?" The very idea was so alien to me I could hardly imagine it.

She glanced sideways at Clara then back at me. When she spoke, her voice was barely above a whisper. "He is shorn," she said.

I held back my wince only because I knew she was wrong. If he was shorn, born into a witch family with no magic of his own, why then did he feel like power?

"He's your mother's brother?" In coven tradition, the female surname told the family history, not the male.

Kate nodded. "When he discovered he was powerless, he left us. Mother says he was only eighteen, but already driven to make something of himself. He's always been ambitious from what I know, apprenticed to a banker. He climbed rapidly until he was admitted to the House of Lords. Since then he's held many positions with great honor and only recently took on the oversight of Scotland Yard." She sighed softly. "He's quite wonderful, isn't he?"

Indeed. But I wondered if he was as honorable as she thought. "Tell me about the party." I had to admit the further along Clara went with my hair, the more nervous I became. It was a monstrous pile of curls that seemed taller than I was. Surely this was some kind of error?

Kate's enthusiasm grew even further. "You'll so enjoy it, Burdie," she said. "With all the fine young lords and their lovely suits, the beautiful ladies. There is usually entertainment, and dancing, always. And the food is divine."

Clara stepped back from me with a chuff of air, arms dropping to her sides. "There you are, Miss Burdie," she said. "Gorgeous."

That couldn't be my hair, the twisted, curled and polished pile of dark red confection. I looked like a polished hard rock candy, the swirls and ropes of my auburn locks meshed together in a heaping, rounded sculpture of perfection.

I could picture Damon and Pharo were they with me. My brothers would think it hilarious, unable to breathe from laughing so before torturing me until my dying day with the memory of it.

It was almost enough to drive me to stay behind but there was no further time for chitchat. It seemed the closer we came to our final dressing the more frenzied the activity became. My heart was actually beating a little fast from the anxiety in the air by the time Clara at last buttoned up the bodice of my dress. It wasn't as tight and uncomfortable as the one I'd been squeezed into by that hideous Jacques. In fact, it fit me so well I could even breathe despite the boning.

Clara opened a large velvet box, the same color as my dress, and showed me the contents.

"These this evening, Miss Burdie?"

I actually gasped. A large sapphire pendant, near the size of a silver dollar, winked back at me. It seemed to glimmer with its own inner fire. Nestled next to it was a pair of matching earrings, all set in glowing silver.

"Mum," I whispered. "You idiot."

Clara helped me with the clasps before standing aside and allowing me a look in the full-length mirror.

I'd always known I was attractive. I'd heard it my whole life. I come from a beautiful family, with two parents who drew attention with their appearance as much as my stunning brothers. But I'd never seen myself this way before and, for a long moment, I had absolutely nothing to say.

"Well done, Auburdeen Hayle." Sassafras lifted his head, eyes sparkling with amusement.

That was enough to bring me crashing to reality. "Bloody hell, cat."

He snickered and went back to his pretend sleep. I turned from the mirror to see Kate staring at me with her hands clasped to her chest and a wistful smile on her face.

"You are so beautiful," she said.

"So are you." I meant it. Her brown hair was even more intricate than mine, the cosmetics giving her some glow to her pale skin. The dark rim Clara lined her eyes with made them huge and doe-like. Her dress was a deep maroon and worked very well for her.

I glanced down at my cleavage and sighed. Not as bad as I'd first feared, but bad enough. Still, any higher and my new necklace wouldn't be showcased as nicely.

Only then did I admit my everlasting vanity.

***

# Chapter Thirteen

Now that I was ready, I felt at a loss. But not for long. Within moments of stepping into my elaborate shoes, Clara swung the door open and ushered us both out.

Kate and the maids left before me. I held back, wanting a moment alone with Sass before I exited. I softly closed the door behind the chattering women and turned toward the bed. He was up, watching me, tail twitching slightly where it curled around his front paws.

"There's something not right about Samuel." It was still troubling me and I needed someone to talk it out with. "I'm sure I felt power from him last night and yet Kate claims he has none."

Sassafras shook his head, silver fur shimmering in the sunlight. "Burdie," he said. "Go to the party. Have some fun. Come back. That's your evening. End of discussion."

He drove me to such fury I wanted to attack him with a pillow. "Did you hear me?" I suddenly felt very ineffectual dressed as I was. I, for one, would never take anyone in this elaborate garb seriously. I could hardly blame Sassafras. "Sass, the warnings about the police. Now Samuel and his supposed lack of power. What if he's involved with whatever Jack is running from?"

"You are grasping for trouble where none exists." He sighed and turned his back on me. "Just go. And whatever you do, please, please, stay out of trouble."

He curled up again, patently ignoring me further. I fumed, certain my face was at least the color of my hair by the time I spun on my fancy heel and marched to the door. I jerked it wide and gasped out loud, my anger replaced by shock.

Hugh stood on the other side, looking very pale and a little shaky. "Forgive me," he said, voice squeaking. He cleared his throat with much discomfort. "Are you all right?"

I must have looked odd with the last of my temper draining from my face and my mouth hanging open from the start he'd given me.

"Fine, thank you." I wanted to exit, but he simply stood there, watching me, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed once, twice. "Was there something?"

He started himself as if I'd prodded him with something sharp. "You look beautiful."

I flushed slowly, hating that I found his awkwardness so embarrassing and hoping he didn't take the blush the wrong way. "I feel ridiculous."

He shook his head in haste. "No, not at all." He swallowed again, fine beads of sweat standing out on his forehead. He dabbed at them with a glove, staring again.

Before I could be rude, which seemed the next logical step in this conversation, he blurted, "Please save me a dance," before spinning and half running down the hall to the stairs. He tripped part way, swore softly, before disappearing around the corner.

I sighed and leaned against the door jam.

I heard an echoing one from behind me. "Oh dear."

I didn't bother looking back at Sassafras, but I agreed with him completely. I was right. My little bits of kindness had been enough to convince him I might feel more than I did. How was I to convince him otherwise without hurting him just like his own family did?

"Just be nice," Sass said as I forced myself to leave the room. "And try not to trample all over the poor boy's heart if you can manage it."

"Bloody hell," I shot back.

The walk to the staircase felt like a death march. I reached the top of the stairs and glanced down with growing trepidation but, to my relief, Hugh wasn't there. Georgina spotted me and waved me on.

"Oh my dear." She hugged and kissed me before twirling me around to have a look. "You are the very vision of your mother, only more beautiful, if that is possible." She sighed happily and kissed my cheek again. "Now, we must hurry. Bernard and Hugh have already gone on in the first hansom. We don't want to be too far behind them."

Relief then, and a reprieve if only for the time it took us to reach our destination. I vowed to find a corner in which to hide and avoid Hugh at all costs if only to spare the both of us the discomfort of his inevitable disappointment.

The carriage ride was vocal for my hostess and near silent for Kate and I as Georgina rambled on and on about her days with my mother and all the parties they attended together.

"Thad had the most outrageous sense of humor," Georgina giggled. "Always teasing the fellows, inviting them into our hansom only to grill them on politics while flirting until they blushed." Georgina's chest jiggled up and down, straining against her bodice, as she laughed silently, fighting for air.

I found myself quite amused and often snorted at some of her admissions, filing them away for later conversations with Mum.

Georgina finally smiled at Kate and patted her hand. "I was lucky enough to meet my husband at the Prince's Ball," she said. "Bernard was quite smitten from the moment his eyes fell on me, from what he says. I can only hope my dear Kate can find a suitable match to advance her own station."

That surprised me. "What marriage could possibly advance her station beyond coven leader?" I tried to grasp the importance of it and failed miserably.

Georgina tittered a little laugh. "Social standing, Burdie, dear. Not coven standing."

I felt Kate flinch next to me and wondered if the girl agreed with her mother.

Naturally, it annoyed the hell out of me and I found myself speaking when I should have kept my mouth shut. "Is it not more important to become educated, to further the family magic and find an equal in power for balance in the coven?"

Georgina laughed and patted my knee. "You sound just like Thaddea," she said.

"Is Bernard not a witch?" I'd felt his magic, was sure he had power.

"Oh yes, of course, dear," Georgina said. "But he's also a count. I was but a lady and held the family title. That fell to Samuel when I married Bernard. An excellent trade."

My stomach rolled over. The calculated coldness of it left me ill. "What about the royal family?" I obviously knew far less than I thought. "Are they witches as well?"

"Heavens, no." Georgina looked at me as if it was the very worse thing that could ever possibly happen.

Kate's quiet voice interrupted. "They do know of us, though," she said. "And it's been our task for centuries to protect them. The Inquisition did their part to try to put an end to our influence with the monarchs and nobility, but we were too well-sheltered."

I shuddered and hugged myself. The Salem witch trials happened on my continent during that horrible time. And the fall of the Inquisition itself was only half a century ago. All witches feared the return of such persecution.

"However did we get onto such a terrible topic?" Georgina waved her hands as if her magic could clear the dark cloud hovering over us. Oddly, it worked. "Katherine darling, I hope you'll take Burdie under your wing and introduce her to your friends."

Kate didn't hesitate, rushing to speak. "Of course, Mother."

The hansom slowed, stopped. I looked out the window, spotted a stunning mansion at the top of a rise, the gate we were just passing through. A long line of carriages slowly fed ahead of us, ejecting one colorfully dressed lady after another sharply attired gentleman.

By the time it was our turn, my stomach was uncomfortable for an entirely different reason.

Kate grabbed my hand and squeezed. "Ready?"

Why did she look as nervous as I did? There was no time for answers. The door swung open and I stepped out.

***

# Chapter Fourteen

It hardly took the walk from the hansom up the broad, sweeping staircase to the massive open doors of the stunning stone mansion for my anxiety to double. I hated I felt anything of the sort and put on my sternest face in the hope my weakness wouldn't show.

I'd never been surrounded by such finery, or by so many people as stunningly dressed. The few times I'd attended functions with Mum had been interesting, but I now knew how much those people I'd met were merely playing at culture and sophistication. This was the real thing and I, New World raised as I was, had no idea how to handle it.

Fortunately, I had Kate, though I found she clung to my side almost as much as I wished to cling to hers. I hoped these friends she'd promised to introduce me to weren't as wall flowerish as she seemed to be. And yet, I'd sworn to stay out of Hugh's way, if not out of trouble, so perhaps a good bout of shyness and demure attitude was just what I needed.

How convenient the large mirrors near the entrance. And how shallow the ladies who paused to check themselves on the way by. The temptation was just too great, though I honestly wished I hadn't peeked again. Now that I was standing, I seemed to loom over everyone, my hair leading the way.

Atrocious. I was much prettier than that. What would everyone think? And yet all of the ladies I observed with surreptitious curiosity had upsweeps as elaborate if not more so, and each wore as much rouge and powder as myself. I began to compare myself as I stood there. This one was too skinny while that one too plump...

I shook myself free from such frivolous thoughts. I disliked this side of myself so intensely I started looking around for something to do, someone to talk to or engage in some other activity, anything to relieve the sour feeling in my stomach I refused to admit was fear. I'd shot a bear with a bow at three hundred feet. A crossbow, mind you, and it was totally a fluke of an accident, but I'd done it and not felt this insidious creeping weakness. It was no wonder Kate was so soft, living with the kind of pressure this completely inane occasion created.

And she enjoyed it? Longed for it, even? I had no idea where the girl's head was.

I tried to copy her walk as she minced her way through the massive grand foyer and into a giant ballroom. The floor shone in the light of the giant chandelier and from countless sconces around the room. The entire back wall was glass, looking out over a stunning garden, also well lit, with an enormous fountain spraying a feathered plume of continuous water.

The stone underfoot turned to polished hardwood, slick under my fancy shoes. No wonder Kate walked the way she did. I figured one broad stride and I'd be on my padded satin backside.

The place was already full of people, most of who chatted and laughed, making the place echo with constant noise. Kate's sudden squeal of delight made me jump. For once she took the lead, grabbing my arm and pulling me along with her toward a group of young women, all similarly dressed in a pretty rainbow of colors. I had a moment to admire their dresses while mentally comparing them to mine while Kate hugged and kissed each of them.

At last she turned to me, as if they weren't already staring. "May I present my very dear friend, Auburdeen Hayle of New York."

A stunning blonde with pearls in her hair to match her shimmering white gown smiled at me, though it was the type of smile which made me wonder if she meant it as a welcome or some kind of threat. "Kate's been talking about you for weeks now." She hugged me like I was contagious and kissed me twice on either cheek without touching her lips to my skin. "Delightful to finally meet you, Lady Hayle."

I was certain the girl knew I wasn't nobility. Why the mistake?

"Burdie, this is Lady Abriella Strathmore, daughter of Lord Charles Strathmore, Baron of Sutton."

"My pleasure," I said. "But I'm not a lady. It's just Burdie."

The group of clucking hens laughed at me. Ah. No mistake then. She clearly wanted me to proclaim my common blood. I liked Abriella less and less by the moment while her blue eyes narrowed. "Such a charming accent. And a delightful nickname." I knew she was being hateful, but wasn't sure why. Until she continued. "Have you no royalty in that backwater where you live?"

Kate gasped softly and I saw her flush out of the corner of my eye. But whether she knew it or not, miss fine lady Abriella had done me a world of favors. With my temper flaring, I was finally able to shake the nerves plaguing me and faced her down in all my Hayleness. Lady or not, nobility or not, I knew her type and just how to handle her.

Careful not to tap my power while still instilling my dominance, I straightened to my full height, which, hair and all, was quite impressive, I'm sure and settled my face into my best coven leader expression. I'd been practicing for quite some time, even if Mum only recently admitted she was to follow that path. I always intended to fill the role some way or another.

"I don't require one of your empty titles," I said at my most cold and terrible. "I am a Hayle."

A soft murmur made its way through the now quiet pack of young ladies. Even Abriella seemed suddenly unsure.

"That means nothing here." She gave her little ploy a second go around. Pathetic, really.

I laughed. She looked so startled by my amusement I was certain no one had made her the butt of a joke before. At least not to her very pretty face.

"Than I shall go elsewhere." I turned and strode off, almost forgetting the shoes on my feet. It wouldn't do to make a grand exit only to fall and humiliate myself. I cheated, using magic to keep myself upright until I was far enough away from them I could stop striding and catch my balance.

I was slightly hurt Kate hadn't followed me, but knew she probably saw little choice. She was forced to fit in with these horrid girls and their terrible manners. Now on my own, I looked around for someone to amuse me and immediately caught the eye of a small cluster of young lords who smiled and beckoned me closer.

Perfect, really. And much more my speed. I was able to quickly dissuade them from their attempts to treat me like an ordinary girl and was soon seated among them, sipping a glass of very fine whiskey and smoking the most delightful cigar while debating the merits of horse breeds and brands of rifles.

"The American Quarter horse is far superior," I drawled, tapping my ashes in a heavy stone tray, foot bobbing at the end of my crossed leg. "Your European Thoroughbreds don't have the stamina they used to."

One of my sparring partners, a rather attractive young lord who had introduced himself as David Spencer, Lord of Whilloughby—wherever that was—choked on his whiskey, brown eyes alight with good humor.

"No doubt these Quarter Horses of yours are good, solid stock," he said, winking at his brother Philip beside him, "bred for harsher climes such as the Americas. We require more refinement here in England."

I knew he was baiting me. Grinned around my cigar at him while I sat back. "Indeed," I said, nodding. "All that inbreeding certainly creates the delicacy you're looking for."

His friends roared with laughter while David bowed. "Touché, Miss Hayle."

"I'm dying to try one of your new Winchester rifles." Philip wasn't nearly as attractive as his brother, being cursed with a rather crooked nose, but his smile was easy and he seemed friendly enough.

"Yes, they're marvelous." At last, talk I could sink my teeth into! "Father has one, promised me my own for my next birthday. I've fired it, love the weight. And accuracy."

"You'll be turning into one of those Wild West cowgirls we read about in the pulps," David laughed.

Wouldn't that just be delicious?

I was quite content to continue my discussion when, to my shock, the crowd of my admirers parted and Samuel Brindle appeared. His smile was oily, the best way I have to describe it, as though something nasty lived behind his lips he tried to disguise with kindness.

"Miss Hayle," he said, extending one hand, "if you would be so kind as to allow me a dance."

I really didn't want to. The thought of touching him actually made my skin creep. But it appeared I had little choice since my collection of young lords scattered at his arrival.

I butted out the stub of my cigar in the heavy stone ashtray, swallowed the last gulp of whiskey and stood on my own. The less I had to touch him, the better.

Not much of a dancer, I allowed him to lead and did my best to keep up. There was one moment when our skin met and the power crawled up my arm, but it passed to my great relief.

"Are you enjoying yourself, my dear?"

Seemed an odd question as he'd obviously interrupted me in the middle of a very satisfying conversation with some incredibly handsome and charming young men.

"Yes, thank you," I said.

"Excellent. My house is graced by your presence here."

His house? "I didn't realize," I said, a stammer in my voice.

"Did my dear sister not mention this was my event this evening?" He said it lightly, but there was an edge to his voice making me wonder about him even more. When I shook my head, he said, "Ah well, no matter." I was tall, but he towered over me and I wondered at the difference in Georgina and her brother. "I've been so wrapped up in my affairs, I haven't as yet had the chance to talk to you, aside from the unfortunate unpleasantness last evening. I remember your mother Thaddea fondly and hope you and I can become friends."

There was nothing overly creepy in the way he said it, nor any undertones of anything inappropriate. And yet, I wanted to jerk free of him and run away.

"You're a busy man, from what I've been told," I said. It sounded very weak to me.

If he agreed he didn't show it. "I've been paying close attention to the Tremere succession," he said, spinning me slowly as the music swelled around us. "Though I fear we here across the Atlantic are only hearing a fraction of what's been happening, I'm sure. Everyone is waiting with much anticipation, as I know you must be."

Was there something specific he wanted? I was reluctant to talk to him about family business. "I'm certain you know as much as, if not more than, I do, my lord."

"Samuel, please," he said, pale green eyes staring into mine. "I will always be Samuel to you."

We were interrupted that very heartbeat by a bowing servant and I was incredibly grateful because had the young woman in maid's dress not broken our gaze, and with it his grip on me, I'm certain he would have felt I was already pulling away. Perfect timing saved me from the embarrassment of having to publicly tell him to let me go.

"Forgive me, my dear," he said, bowing over my hand. A tingle ran between us, drawing out a blush from me. "We'll talk again soon, I'm certain of it."

He left me there, shaking slightly, becoming angry with myself that I allowed him to stir such negative emotion when he really did nothing to deserve it.

"Burdie," Kate appeared at my elbow, "are you all right?"

I glanced at her, saw the flush in her cheeks and the worry in her eyes and realized from the glances I was receiving my expression must be showing my temper. I quickly reined myself in and tried a smile that stuck.

"Fine," I said. "Done with your ladies, then?"

She shook her head only a very little, lips drawing into a tight line. "They aren't my ladies," she said. "To be honest, I only know them because Mother has forced them on me." She looked near to tears, the poor dear. "I'm sorry they were so rude to you."

My hard smile became an easy grin. "Not to worry," I said, hooking my arm through hers as I spotted my cowardly group of admirers gathered back at the bar, waving at me to rejoin them. "Your mother wants you to find a nice young man, doesn't she?"

Kate flushed. I set out with her close at my side and the intention to enjoy myself no matter what.

They welcomed us with great enthusiasm and soon Kate had her own small cluster of lords who treated her with gentle teasing and great charm. But the whole game had lost its luster for me, their play making me cranky and tired. I waited to be sure Kate would be all right before disengaging myself from the crowd with the assurance I would return and headed off for a breath of fresh air.

I slipped around a group of late arrivals, spotting Georgina almost too late. Just as her head lifted, her eyes searching me out, I spun and headed down a carpeted corridor. That was a conversation I didn't need at the moment. No, I was not having fun. My feet hurt, even more than from the long walk the night previous. Everything around me seemed tawdry and false. All those titles, all the arrogance that went with it, gave me a headache.

It would appear having royal blood did nothing to alter the fact that a bit of power in the wrong hands is a terrible thing indeed.

Knowing how petty these lordlings and ladies were, I was happy to be common.

My homesickness chose then to reappear and I spent the next several minutes walking the seemingly endless corridors of the house while feeling terribly sorry for myself.

Since going home wasn't an option, I finally managed to shake my doldrums and, at that point, looked up and around me. Only to discover I was lost in a dark, silent part of the mansion with no windows.

Excellent, Burdie. Well done. Good show and all that.

I drew a deep breath. It's not like I'd done irreparable harm. I was lost in a house, not some underground labyrinth. And I had my magic to guide me if I really ran into trouble. The mundane solution was obvious. I listened for the sounds of the party.

It took a moment, but I finally caught the timber of voices. I turned and went in their direction, following with purpose. My feet were so uncomfortable by then I paused to strip off the hateful shoes, carrying them in one hand while I hiked the hem of my skirt with the other to keep from tripping. Thus able to walk more normally, I strode off in search of civilization.

I was moving so quickly, I rounded a corner and almost ran into the source of the voices. What I saw made me freeze and gape, allowing the two large men, dragging a slim young man between them, to continue on without knowing I was there at all.

I backed up slowly, retreating around the corner, peeking at them as they stopped before a door. One of them used a key, opened it. A light was on in the room, shining out through the now open portal, illuminating the face of their captive.

I knew these men. Had fought them in an alleyway the night before. One of them bore a black eye I'd gifted him with. And between them, half conscious and obviously not able to take care of himself, thank you, was Jack Bishop.

***

# Chapter Fifteen

The door closed behind them, but I hardly noticed. I was too busy arguing with myself. Or with the part of myself that sounded like Sassafras.

I knew better than to try to help him again. Hadn't he told me to bugger off and leave him be? Not to mention abandoning me in an odd part of London after saving his sorry hide. And now here I was, poised again to rescue him?

I thought not.

Why then did I find myself peeking around the corner as the door opened yet again and the two bullies emerged? I rapidly found an unlocked room and slipped inside, waiting for the brutes to pass me on their way out. Neither of them had a clue I was there. Not very good at the subtle thing, I was thinking. Still, I gave them a moment before slipping back into the hall and padding my way to Jack's door.

The argument in my head continued the entire time.

Turn around right now. Go back to the party and forget you saw anything.

_But_ _I have to see if he's all right!_

_You're asking for trouble, Auburdeen_. That one sounded suspiciously like Sass though he was miles away. _You're supposed to be staying_ out _of trouble, remember?_

Just one peek, I promise. He's clearly in trouble.

By the time I reached the door handle, I no longer listened to either side of the discussion. Not when I reached for the lock with my magic only to discover the fools left it undone. Shaking my head at their sloppy work, I cracked open the door and peeked inside.

Jack sat lashed to a heavy wooden chair, head bobbing. When I opened the portal further, feeling around to be sure he was alone, he seemed to come awake, face snapping up, eyes locking on mine.

His groan was audible, but I chose to think it was one of pain and not displeasure at seeing me again as I hurried inside to untie him.

Jack quickly corrected my belief. "Will you never listen?" He shoved my hands away, starting to rise, so unsteady he fell back into the seat again. "What, do you follow me everywhere, is that it?"

He was lucky I didn't slap him. Or leave him there. I was tempted to do both.

"Fine," I snapped, "I shall abandon you here, tied to a chair and semi-conscious to face whatever fate awaits your stubborn self, and not care one whit of the outcome." The thing was I could say it. But making myself act on it was another thing altogether. I simply couldn't abandon him.

He laughed. At me. If my temper had a limit, this was well past it. But he reached for me, his smile real and it helped to ease the bite of his amusement.

"Thank you for rescuing me."

"Again," I said.

He chuckled. "Again." His blue eyes made my heart speed up, the smile in them bringing a flush to my cheeks. Damn him and his handsome face.

To disguise my growing attraction, I reached for him. "All right then." I helped him to his feet, the warmth of his hand in mine only making things worse. "What are you doing here?"

Jack shook his head. "I won't get you further involved," he said, amusement fading. He was so earnest, so concerned. His hand lifted, fingertips just brushing my cheek where he'd once pressed his lips not so long ago. The feeling made me shiver. "The very fact you're here at all makes me worry you already know too much than is good for you." He took a step, swayed. I caught him and held him steady, telling myself it was to support him only and not for the opportunity to touch him again.

Cursed blushing.

"You're not going far in this condition." That was much better and more authoritative. I tapped my power, fingers brushing over his forehead to offer some healing magic when the spark of energy I'd felt before flared and almost drove me to my knees.

He was in no condition to support me, face twisted in pain, but somehow he managed it.

"Please," he whispered when I'd recovered enough to gape, "don't do that anymore."

I nodded slowly, whole body shaking from the aftermath. "What is wrong with you?"

"There's no time for that." He let me go, seeming to have his own feet under him. "Be safe, Burdie." He paused one last moment, eyes locked on mine. When his lips again found my cheek, I welcomed it and the heat behind it. I breathed in his cinnamon scent and sighed into the way the soft stubble on his lip stirred a rush of blood to my skin.

I was startled when he spun and left me there, so much so I was locked in shock for a moment. I went after him then, of course I did. And almost ran right into the back of him when he stumbled to a halt just inside the door.

I peered over his shoulder and received another shock. Samuel stood in our way. His two bullies flanked him and neither looked happy. Samuel on the other hand appeared positively disappointed.

"I'm most put out by you, Jack Bishop," he said, voice gentle and almost kind. "I suppose it was you who led Miss Hayle here into danger last evening, then?"

I'd been caught in my lie, but it hardly seemed to matter. "Why are you holding this young man?"

"My dear," Samuel held his hand out to me, "please. Step away." I hesitated. "For your own protection."

I glanced at Jack. Protection from what? But I found myself doing as I was told. I refused to take Samuel's hand, instead dividing the distance between the two in half.

"This fine young man was my apprentice." Samuel tsked his regrets. "I trusted him, brought him into my house, my life. Offered him something wonderful. And what did he do to repay me?"

I wasn't sure I wanted to know.

"He stole from me." Samuel entered the room at last as Jack slowly backed up, landing in the chair with a thud when it met the back of his knees. "A common thief he's turned out to be."

Could it be? I found it hard to believe, and certainly didn't want to accept. And yet, Jack didn't deny it. But what did that have to do with Jack's illness?

Before I could ask, Samuel ushered me out of the room. "Constables are on their way as we speak. He will be taken to the Yard. It's quite all right, my dear." We were outside the room by now. I was still trying to keep an eye on Jack who just sat there and refused to meet my gaze. "Thank you for your concern, but please bear in mind, this boy is not who he tells you he is."

Jack flinched at that. So it was true. For some reason, that made my heart break.

I was still trying to accept it when Samuel said, "Ah, Hugh, my lad. Excellent."

I glanced up in time to see the young lord Brindle approaching in that long-legged, awkward gait of his. He looked flushed and eager to please his uncle though very curious about what I was doing there.

"Please escort Miss Hayle back to the party, nephew." Samuel smiled down at me. "She appears to have gotten herself lost."

"Of course, uncle." Hugh held out his hand. And still I hesitated. Samuel's hand on my back and a gentle nudge had me moving again.

Hugh set my hand on his wrist and started walking. I was almost in a daze, trying to decide if I cared if Jack was a common criminal. I glanced back over my shoulder at Samuel who offered one last smile before closing the door behind him.

***

# Chapter Sixteen

Why this lingering reluctance? I felt almost compelled to turn around and go back for Jack. But Hugh's grip on my hand and my own logical mind kept me moving forward, away from the young man I was certain needed my help, despite what Samuel told me.

"Whatever were you doing wandering around here?" Hugh flushed immediately after speaking when his voice cracked.

"Merely taking a walk," I said, slightly annoyed he thought it was any of his business, my need to guard his tender feelings absent in light of Jack's predicament. "I was distracted, lost track of where I was going." The sounds of the party grew louder. "This is a very large house."

Hugh seemed to swell with pride at that. At least, his shoulders went back and his smile was more self-assured. "Indeed," he said. "Uncle Samuel is a great, great man. Has made a powerful name for himself in London."

"I see." I was unimpressed and growing more concerned for my criminal friend by the moment.

Hugh went on, oblivious. "He is nothing like the coven members. Nothing." There was so much heat in his words he won my attention. "He treats everyone with respect." My heart went out to him, despite Hugh's lack of social grace. Of course. Respect. The only thing the young Brindle craved, as clearly as if he'd written it on his skin. And he had none of it from his parents, his sister, his coven.

It was then I understood Samuel's mastery of manipulation and feared for Hugh. Especially when he leaned close as if he didn't dare allow even the very air around us to hear what he had to say. "And I'm to be his new apprentice."

I refrained from informing him Samuel's last apprentice was now beaten and bloodied, tied to a chair awaiting who knew what fate. Somehow I didn't think he would appreciate the drawn parallel, nor would he listen to me.

"Do you know Jack Bishop?" It seemed a fair question, but made Hugh scowl.

"Barely," he sniffed as if I'd suggested he play with the devil himself. "That no-title scruff isn't worthy of the attention uncle gives him."

Jealousy. And that hideous prejudice against commoners. My temper, as usual, was an issue.

"Forgive us for staining your very great honor with our lack of royal blood." I jerked my hand free of his arm. Hugh immediately fumbled and backpedaled and tried to apologize, but I was past annoyed, my growing, nagging worry more troubling than I expected.

Hugh grabbed my hand again and, though sweating and shaking from his obvious nerves, refused to release me.

"Forgive me," he said. "You are of the most noble blood, titled or not."

I could hardly complain about that apology though I wished I could. I was in a fighting mood and poor Hugh was a captive audience.

"Very well," I snapped, not at all kindly. "Shall we proceed?"

"Before we do..." I was growing to despise the way his Adam's apple bobbed when he was nervous. His cheeks were still flushed and his hands trembled. "I wanted to tell you how very much I admire you, Miss Burdie. How lovely I find you." He cleared his throat around the warble of his cracking voice. While inside I cringed from the train wreck I knew was coming, with no way to stop it from smashing headlong into me, I watched with growing embarrassment and horror as he went on.

"I would like to speak to my mother," he said. "While the friendship our families share is a wonderful thing, something more permanent would go far to cement relations between our two covens and increase our mutual power and reach." His eyes were full of so much hope it was painful to observe. "More than that," he sealed his own doom as his voice grew quiet and he pulled me, unable to resist out of sheer dismay, closer to him, "I find I am thinking of you often, and well, Burdie."

I felt the bubble of near-hysterical laughter rising, but couldn't stop it. This was the last thing I wanted to deal with and exactly what I'd feared from the moment Georgina mentioned it in the hansom. There was no way, under no circumstances. Never. And yet, I knew if I rejected him, Hugh's delicate heart would shatter, no matter how gently I turned him down. While my mind churned, searching for the right thing to say in a very wrong situation, my nerves betrayed me.

His face stiffened when the first giggle emerged. For a heartbeat, his lips lifted, while perhaps his mind thought I was being coquettish. Until my body betrayed me completely and the full bellied laughter erupted. I gasped for breath, hands shaking as I wiped at the tears that wouldn't stop, watching as his hope died, crushed under the weight of my unintentional mirth. He released my hand and stepped back even as I reached for him, struggling for control over the terrible giggles that continued to come despite my best intentions.

Hugh nodded once, sharply, eyes on the floor, before spinning on his heel and marching away in his wide, awkward gate. His shoulders sat stiff, body almost mechanical in his retreat.

"Bloody hell!" I managed to wrangle myself into some form of control and went after him. "Hugh, wait!" But he was far ahead of me, long legs covering a great deal of ground.

I emerged into the main foyer, now packed with people, Hugh nowhere in sight. I took a moment to slide back into my shoes despite the terrible pain of them, and spent the next quarter hour searching for him, with no success. Determined to make amends, but knowing he was most likely either gone or hiding from me, I decided to deal with it when we arrived home.

That decision made, I wandered back to the ballroom. For a hideous moment, I wondered if Hugh's advance had been encouraged by Georgina after all. The very thought made me want to run straight to the dock and take the first steamer back to New York. I was so wrapped up in that worry, I didn't notice Kate until she took my hand and squeezed it.

"I've been searching everywhere for you." She looked flushed and a little excited. It made me wonder if one of the young lords had gone too far. Kate quickly put an end to that line of thinking. "The best part of the evening is about to start!" Her excitement was obvious. "Come, quickly. We don't want to miss a moment."

I allowed her to pull me along, through the ballroom and under an archway into a red upholstered salon. The room was quite full, mostly young lords and ladies, though a few of them were of Georgina's generation.

Kate's disappointment was obvious. The crowd was simply too thick for us to see anything. Determined to not let down this Bridle at least, I tugged her after me as I made my way with some force through the packed room to the front row.

Kate smiled at me and hugged my arm before turning to focus on the evening's entertainment.

Imagine my surprise when I realized I knew this particular performer. Dressed impeccably in his black suit and bow tie, shining vest now buttoned over his lean waist, Vasek the magician raised his arms in a grand gesture.

"Welcome, seekers," he said, velvet voice low and deep, but so well polished it carried. "I am the All Seeing Eye, illusionist extraordinaire, here to thrill you," a small flash of phosphorescent fire drew squeals of excitement from the crowd. "To amaze you," a polished black cane seemed to appear from between his hands, "and, perhaps, to make you wonder." He stepped back, pulling his cloak closed around him only to flutter it open again a heartbeat later. The blonde, Stella, knelt before him, rising smoothly from the ground to a round of applause.

Kate's fingers dug into my arm, eyes fixed on the magician. I rolled my eyes at her. "Really?" I whispered it, unable to contain my amusement at her adoration. "You're a witch. With real power. He's little more than a latent with some skill at slight of hand." I felt his magic, a tiny, glowing thing hovering inside him, just enough to make his tricks seem like the real thing to the untrained eye. But as he continued his act, as the sea of lords and ladies oohed and ahhed over him, I understood what a charlatan he really was.

"You don't think he's amazing?" She didn't take her eyes from him for a moment.

I shrugged. "Handsome," I said. That made her giggle.

"Oh Burdie," she whispered, "you're so lucky to have so much power." She opened herself to me then, let me feel her magic and I was shocked at how weak she seemed. "Not all of us are so fortunate."

I was about to protest when I pushed a little deeper. She had so much more available to her than she knew. "I think you'd be surprised," I said. "Who told you such nonsense?"

She glanced at me at last, concern on her face and no little guilt. "Mother," she said. "We have no need for such power any longer. I'm content with what I have."

I wanted to shake her. And Georgina. Just before I sat Kate down for a lesson in how much magic she actually had to command.

"Lords and ladies," Vasek bowed over a bouquet of roses he'd conjured out of the trunk under the velvet tarp behind him, making me snicker, "I would now call upon you to offer up a pair of volunteers for my next illusion."

I simply couldn't resist.

"We volunteer," I said, raising Kate's hand with mine.

***

# Chapter Seventeen

There wasn't the briefest glimmer of recognition from Vasek, but I wasn't surprised. I'm certain he'd spotted me long before I dragged Kate forward, since we were in the front row the entire time.

"Excellent," he said, gesturing us to join him. I watched as Stella handed out roses from the conjured bouquet to a dozen or so delighted ladies before returning to stand at our right, sandwiching us between herself and her boss. I felt a sudden thrill of excitement and just a little fear. After all, hadn't I been kidnapped by this pair only the night before?

And yet, I felt no threat from them, only the need to speak to Vasek. I had to tell him Jack was in trouble again and, like it or not, required our help.

"My lady," the magician bowed over Kate's hand first. "May I have the pleasure of your name?"

She could barely speak she was so flustered, cheeks bright red, but she beamed so I knew I'd done right by her.

"K-katherine," she whispered, barely audible. "Katherine Brindle."

He acknowledged her with a flourish of his cape. "Lady Katherine," he said in his velvet voice. "And you?" Dark eyes met mine without hesitation.

"Auburdeen Hayle." I fixed him with my best smile which he returned, also kissing my hand.

"Delightful, Lady Auburdeen," he said. Vasek turned to the crowd. "And now, some magic."

The next ten minutes or so were enlightening if nothing else. I tried several times to whisper to Vasek, but he ignored me completely, whether because he was wrapped up in what he was doing or very much on purpose. I wasn't sure. Though I naturally leaned toward the latter.

Which stirred my temper again. And yet, I couldn't help but admire the dramatic flair the man had, the subtle and flowing movements of his hands, not to mention Stella's. They were both polished, perfectly practiced as if they performed real magic and not illusion, mere slight of hand with the occasional thread of real power behind it. I found that part intriguing. I'd never heard of a latent talent having access to power. Usually the poor souls were stuck with the need, an unspoken, unknown desire for something they were unable to fulfill. Waking a latent was next to impossible without serious damage. So the very fact Vasek was able to use his thin talent fascinated me.

Kate was enraptured for another reason, taken to clapping her hands and squealing in delight every time Vasek performed a trick. From disappearing and reappearing coins to silk scarves by the score, Kate soaked it all up as if she had no idea real magic existed.

I needed to have a long and detailed conversation with the girl. She obviously had a skewed view of the world.

For example, she slipped far too easily under his influence when he used his magic to place her under hypnosis.

I felt his power touch her, a whisper of it sliding over her own, as he gestured in her face, fingers brushing her cheek.

"Voila," he said.

She was his from that moment. And while he didn't use his power over her to harm or embarrass her, he did show sufficient control, having her do simple arm and body movements at his suggestion.

I have to admit, by the time Vasek released a pair of snow white doves from the small golden cage in Kate's now awake and aware hands, I was very impressed with the magician and his skilled helper. Trickster or not, fake with a hint of real or not, the amount of skill required to enchant the crowd while fooling their minds and eyes was remarkable.

Their showmanship almost had me drawn in. But the most important detail was how carefully Vasek manipulated the slim slice of power he did have, using it to his very best advantage. I'd been surrounded by witches my entire life, lived with magic as a day-to-day experience, but never had I witnessed such finesse, as if he knew exactly how much he could push himself, the exact boundaries of his power and had designed his show accordingly.

Bloody brilliant.

Vasek bowed to the thundering applause filling the salon before turning and kissing Kate's hand again. Stella gently guided the girl back into the crowd as the magician turned to me.

"Well played," I whispered.

His eyebrows arched, handsome face showing a hint of pride. "Coming from you," he said as he kissed my hand, "I'll take it as a compliment."

"We have to talk." I dropped my hand as he straightened.

"Not here." He stepped back with a showman's smile, white teeth sparkling. "Lords, ladies, my show is done." He bowed low with a swirl of his cape. "For now, adieu."

I saw him leave, but only because I was watching with my magic. He saved just enough of his power to fool their eyes into thinking he had gone. As his cloak dropped to the floor, he slid behind a folding screen and out of sight.

The crowd gasped in appreciation, offering more warm applause before beginning to break up.

I hung back, trying to catch Stella's eye as she began to gather the magician's tools. She refused to meet my eye, a fact I found frustrating beyond belief. Finally out of patience, I moved to approach her only to be cornered by my new friends, the handsome young lords, with Kate among them.

"Delightful." David eagerly kissed my hand while Philip tried to jockey his own position next to me. "You were both charming and the perfect volunteers."

Kate flushed again, poor thing. Even more so when her not-friend Abriella poked her nose in and sniffed her annoyance.

"Adequate," she said.

I had no time to wrangle the brattish girl. Stella had already finished and was donning a cloak, Vasek nowhere in sight. I risked reaching out with my power to find him, but from what I could tell, he was already gone.

Bollocks.

"Now, Abrie," Philip murmured, "they shone like stars, my dear."

"Heaven forbid," she snapped back. "The magician was just talented enough to make them appear that way. Unfortunate he had such poor taste in subjects."

Her small herd of followers tittered their amusement. I, however, was not amused.

Knowing I sealed my fate in every social circle by reacting, but not caring even a shard, I pushed David and Philip aside and towered over the snotty little countess.

"Good thing he didn't choose you," I said. "Who knows what he may have made disappear? Oh wait. You're already missing your heart and anything resembling etiquette. I see the magician has been at work after all."

The herd laughed while she scowled at me. Even the lords chuckled, though I could see they tried to hide it.

"Popularity is so fickle, isn't it?" I looked away from her, pasting on my very best bored expression. "Kate, if you would? There must be something better to do and more interesting people to do it with."

She was at my side instantly. "I think you're right."

Her voice wobbled slightly, but I was so proud of her I could have hugged her. And would, later. No use in ruining the moment.

Together, Lady Katherine and I swept from the salon, barely making it past the doorway before we burst into giggles.

***

# Chapter Eighteen

I spent the rest of the evening trying to find an excuse to return to the part of the house where I'd left Jack, but found myself confounded at every attempt. While I was fairly certain Kate had nothing to do with the conspiracy, she was so wrapped up in what we had done she wouldn't leave me alone for an instant.

"Oh Burdie," she said, smiling like she really meant it as we toured the edge of the ball room yet again, "this is the very best night of my life."

And while I was happy to oblige my new friend, there were more important things stirring requiring my attention.

I did my best to keep an eye to the door, but didn't see any police arrive. It wasn't until I really thought about it that I realized how absurd the idea was in the first place. I'm sure Samuel would ask them to march up to his front door in the middle of a ball to pick up a prisoner.

I'd never felt so much the idiot. That meant another door, and knowing the size of this place, there had to be multiples of those. Which meant if I wanted to find out what was going on, I had to get back to the room.

It became increasingly apparent that I wouldn't be going anywhere without Kate, so I took her with me.

"Think of it as an adventure," I whispered to her as we crept down the darkened halls toward Jack.

"But the party..." Kate paused to look back over her shoulder, her smile finally slipping. "And I'm not certain Uncle Samuel would like us sneaking about his home."

"We won't be long, I promise." I yanked on her hand, dragging her with me. I had to take her, now. No telling who she'd run to tell if I let her go. I didn't need Georgina asking uncomfortable questions because her daughter had returned to her old, nervous ways.

I found the hall again easily, hesitated only long enough to check for guards. The corridor was empty. Heart sinking, I approached the door. A figure in a black hooded cloak emerged, glanced my way, before turning and running in the opposite direction. I lunged instantly in an effort to pursue and found myself stumbling in my horrid shoes.

"Bloody hell!" The familiar figure was already gone, escaped me. Now I knew my suspicions were well grounded. Whomever the person under the cowl, they were seeking Jack as much as I.

I entered the room where Jack had been held, not surprised to find it wide open and the place vacant. I stood there, starting down into the chair where Jack had sat, wondering what to do about it and if the person in the black cloak was friend or foe.

"Burdie?" Kate barely spoke above a whisper. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Why had I let Hugh lead me away? All of this felt very off. But I had no further recourse. As far as I knew, Jack was now in police custody and out of my reach.

I turned to her and smiled. "See? No harm done. Let's go back."

She smiled, nodding quickly. "Of course."

We emerged into the foyer just as Georgina spied us. She smiled and waved us to her.

"My dears," she said, "the hour is late. Shall we depart?"

Kate nodded instantly and I was about to as well, ready to shed my dreadfully painful shoes once and for all, when I spotted Samuel's two bullies slipping out the door. I moved to follow them without thinking, only to feel and hand on my arm and hear Georgina's laughter.

"Now, Burdie," she said, still giggling, "there are farewells to make. Really, you're so like your mother."

If I heard that one more time I was sure I would explode.

Farewells, it turned out, took forever. By the time we reached our hansom, at least another hour had passed. The moon hung low over the city, almost full, setting the dark in shimmering gray. I stepped aside to allow the other two entry into the hansom, taking a moment to myself. The hum of the party continued behind me, answered in the distance by the echoing activity of London.

"Time to go." Hugh had a hold of my arm and was pressing me toward the hansom door. I jerked myself free, more out of surprise than anything, but the shadows hiding his face did little to spare me the hurt radiating from him.

"Hugh, I..." There was little I could say, here on the curb outside the party with his mother and sister waiting on me. I could tell he was in no mood to listen anyway.

He stomped past me, now angry, his shattered ego cutting me on the way by. Bernard smiled a small apology.

He leaned toward me, voice a whisper. "You're lovely, my dear," he said, "to be so kind to him despite his fantasies." Bernard was clearly more attentive to details than his wife. I started to stammer a denial only to have the kind and gentle man squeeze my hand before following his tragic son to the hansom.

I sighed, a deep and mournful thing, before climbing into the carriage.

The ride was short and full of laughter, though I allowed Georgina and Kate to carry the conversation. My mind was full and I had so much to work through.

It wasn't until I arrived at my room, still struggling with what to say to Hugh, that I encountered him again. He stood waiting at my door, rigid and pale. I approached with trepidation, knowing I had to get this over with, but wishing he'd kept his damned feelings to himself.

Before I could speak, he jerked my door open. "It is my uncle's wish that you be carefully guarded while you are here," he said. "He has asked me to ensure you remain safe and escort you from now on."

So Samuel thought I was worth watching. How intriguing.

"That won't be necessary." I tried to walk past him, my anger boiling to the surface, caring less about his silly feelings now that I knew he was to be my keeper. And his uncle's spy.

Hugh caught my arm but this time when I tried to pull away he held me tight. I glared into his eyes, almost of his height, ready to defend myself if necessary. But instead of the threat I expected, he looked broken.

"Sleep well," he said. "Whether you like it or not, Auburdeen Hayle, I'll be watching over you." He turned and loped away in his awkward, long legged gait.

I actually slammed the door shut behind me.

"Have a nice time?" Sassafras looked up from his nap to fix me with a baleful stare.

I tossed my shoes at him, one at a time. "Oh, shut up, cat."

He stood and stretched as I struggled with my dress. I tried magic but, naturally, had as yet to be inducted into this particular little family's circle of safety. The idea of it actually made my skin crawl.

I collapsed on the side of the bed with my giant dress pooled around me, hating it, this house and everything about London all of a sudden. There was no way tears were to be involved in my self pity, but I reached into my bodice for my kerchief just in case.

My fingers met something stiff and slippery. I slid the small square out of my cleavage and found myself grinning in spite of myself.

It was some kind of calling card, shining black with clear white letters and an eye motif reminding me of Egyptian hieroglyphs.

The All Seeing Eye

Sees All—Knows All

He is Watching You

Vasek. He must have deposited it into my clothing at the party. So, he was watching me, was he? And was that fact meant to be reassuring? While I resented the implication, I appreciated the gesture. Surely it meant he hadn't given up on Jack either?

"What is it?" Sassafras examined the card when I set it on the bed beside me.

"Just a note from a friend." I had no idea why I thought of Vasek and his beautiful and frightening partner as friends, but I was taught to trust my instincts and those two felt trustworthy.

"Tell me you're staying out of trouble." Sass's eyes flashed.

"It's none of your business." I swatted at him with my kerchief. "Besides, I've been assigned a protector." I told him about finding Jack and Hugh's subsequent proposal, how Samuel told him to watch over me.

I expected my cat to jump to their side, but he instead mused it over a moment before humming a soft snarl under his breath.

"I admit, it all feels twisted," he said. "Samuel obviously thinks you're worth keeping under his fist."

I slumped in defeat. "It's just not fair," I said, hating the little girl wail in my voice. "Day and Ro wouldn't be treated this way." My brothers would have made short work of Hugh by now.

"Agreed." Did he actually say that? "And I think it's time you told someone who can do something about it."

"Mum." I spun on him, reaching for him, instantly scratching his favorite places while he tried to escape my diabolical plan to control him. Too slow, cat. He practically collapsed on his side with his head in my hand while I dug around in his mane for the itchiest spots.

"Your mother... is busy." A purr rumbled out of him. "And is thousands... of miles... away."

"She can help me decide what to do," I told him, using both hands now. "Please, Sass. Let me talk to her."

His amber eyes winked at me. "I would have done it without the scratches," he said, voice full of humor. "But thank you."

I pulled his tail gently. "Can you do it, here like this? Through the wards?"

He settled beside me in a more dignified position. "Yes," he said. "I'm not so much casting magic as I am channeling it. A moment." His lids slid closed as he concentrated. I stood up and paced as I waited, restless with the need to do something.

"Tweet?" Not Mum's voice. But still familiar and very welcome despite the hated nickname.

"Damon." I crouched next to Sass as the cat's mouth moved and my oldest brother's voice came out of it.

"Sis," he said. "Mum's in council. How's England?"

No time for that. "I need to talk to her," I said. "How long?"

"Longer than that cat can hold the connection." A new voice, same base, different pitch.

"Pharo." I pictured them both, one dark and broad, the other blonde and lean, probably standing in the sunny front room of the new house, dressed for riding no doubt. My jealousy and homesickness soared.

"Don't tell me you've managed to find yourself some trouble?" The amusement in Damon's voice made me want to smack him.

"Our little Tweet is a champion at that, brother," Pharo laughed. "Are you really surprised?"

"Listen, you two hooligans," I snapped, "this is important. I need to speak to Mum."

"Sorry, sis," Pharo said, "she really is busy."

I chewed my bottom lip, hearing at last the stress in his voice.

"How are things?" I almost didn't ask but needed to know.

"Tense." Damon's deeper voice told me. "Things are starting to shift. The coven is splitting. Olive made a last minute appointment of her own successor, but it's too late."

"It's a mess, Tweet," Pharo said. "Be grateful you're out of harm's way."

"Not bloody likely," I said. "I'd rather be there with you."

"We know." Damon sighed. "Listen, we have to go. Full session shortly, and Mum needs all the backers she can wrangle. But we'll tell her you need to talk to her. No guarantees when she'll be free, mind."

It was the best I could ask for. "Love you," I whispered.

"Love you too, sis," Pharo said.

"And me," Damon followed. "Take care. And for heaven's sake, Auburdeen—"

"Stay out of trouble!" They finished together, their laughter fading as they left.

Idiots.

Sassafras's amber eyes flickered open. He yawned, mouth gaping wide, sharp teeth flashing as his pink tongue rolled forward. "Satisfied?"

"Not really." I rested my chin on my fist. "I'm still on my own in this."

"Thanks," he said.

"You know what I mean."

"There is one other option, and I'd like you to consider it carefully."

I straightened up. "Go see Vasek?"

Sass swatted me with one paw. "Tell Georgina. Everything."

The idea the ineffectual woman could be of any help seemed ludicrous. "What, and make my life here even more miserable? She'll lock me in this room and throw away the key."

He settled his chin in his paws. "Or," he said, "she'll be concerned enough to investigate. But at the moment, as far as I can see, she's your only option."

Someone knocked on my door, quickly followed by Clara's entrance. "I'll think about it," I whispered to him, grateful at least I would be able to finally shed my gown.

Now if only I could shed my troubles so easily.

***

# Chapter Nineteen

"Tighter, I think." Jacques the dressmaker gestured at my already constricted waistline and ribcage with his pince-nez. The polished glass lenses caught the light and made my head hurt. The girl behind me, a rather beefy child with more freckles than was good for her, winked at me and yanked on the ribbons.

I groaned, swaying from the pressure while Georgina and Kate giggled and applauded.

Traitors, both of them.

Jacques sniffed as though the very air offended him. "Now, the overbodice."

Two more girls hurried forward as I struggled for breath and the willpower not to shove the arrogant man's half-glasses somewhere he'd never retrieve them. The material shimmered gold and palest ivory. Not that I had the wherewithal to approve of it. Drawing in air to keep me upright became my only focus.

I was certain a rib slid out of place, now firmly jabbing me in the stomach. There was a trick to breathing in such an apparatus, I was certain, but I had as yet to learn it. Instead I panted in short bursts of air and swore no matter what happened I would not be wearing this gown. Ever.

Even if I had to burn Jacques's dress shop to the ground.

Another layer of fabric, and another set of ribbons. I barely felt them. My torso was sheathed in a veritable cage of boning already, what was one more tug of the bodice noose? Hands fell to, busy around me, spinning me this way and that as the heavy skirt was attached, sewn in place right there, on my body. That was when I knew the horrid truth. I was doomed to live the rest of my life this way. Forever.

They'd sewn me into the thing, hadn't they? What torture.

Georgina surged to her feet, round face flushed with excitement.

"Auburdeen," she said, stressing the first part of my name and stretching out the 'deen' until it went on, annoyingly, into infinity. "You look absolutely gorgeous."

If I thought I could move without passing out, I would have slapped her.

She obviously missed my unhappiness or mistook the scowl on my face for something else. "Stunning. Truly stunning. Jacques, she is a masterpiece."

He simpered, his lips sort of smiling under the thin mustache that lived like a hideous black rodent across his upper lip. I would have liked to slap him, too.

Until my eyes found Kate. She looked at me with such wistful jealousy, I felt instantly terrible. "I'm sure Kate will be equally as lovely in hers," I said, now understanding the breathy sound of some women's voices. No wonder they sounded so sultry. It was impossible to draw enough air to gain volume.

Georgina barely noticed I'd spoken as she and Jacques continued to congratulate each other. I was spun one last time to face the large mirror.

Shudder. I looked like a gold embossed lamppost. Or a chandelier. I adored gold, but not as a fabric choice. The dress was atrocious.

So why then did they act as though it weren't? I rolled my eyes at Kate who smiled, somewhat bravely. Surely she saw it? How garish this monstrosity was?

Perhaps the fact I couldn't breathe properly affected my bias, but I hated the dress with an unholy passion I could barely contain.

Georgina chose that exact moment to smile up at me, hands clasped in joy under her chin.

"Oh my dear," she gushed, "don't you just love it?"

I've never been known to hold my tongue, but understanding how dear this woman was to my mother actually reined in my temper. Mostly. At least, enough I refrained from telling her everything.

"It's a little extravagant, isn't it?" I sparkled. And glowed. How vile.

"Not at all." She patted my hand. "You're worth it, dear. With that skin tone? And your hair color? It's absolutely perfect."

I would have sighed if I wasn't certain to trigger a fainting spell. Defeated in the face of her need to please and her own utter joy, I sagged.

"Thank you," I said in the dullest tone I'd ever heard from my own lips. "It's lovely."

I hated myself.

We were interrupted by a soft knock on the outer door. Hugh entered, looking uncomfortable, but determined. He kept his promise, watching my every move, even accompanying us here to the dressmaker's, though he had been forced to wait outside.

All of my anger focused on him as he held out a note to his mother.

"This was just delivered," he said. His eyes drifted up, met mine. I'm certain my fury would have killed him on the spot if he hadn't jerked his gaze away immediately. I watched the slow flush of embarrassment creep up his neck, mottling his skin, and felt a little better.

"Why, it's from dear Samuel." Georgina looked up with a surprised smile. "How delightful. He's invited the family to join him this evening. At the theater."

Kate leapt to her feet and rushed to her mother, helping herself to the note. She read it with a huge smile before clutching it to her and spinning in a happy circle. "The theater!"

"My dear brother has his own box," Georgina explained to me. "Though we've rarely attended."

"Oh Mother, can we go, please, can we?" I had never seen Kate so excited, not even the night previous when the magician performed.

"Of course, my dear." Georgina gestured to me. "Jacques, the dress is divine. Please complete the last of the preparations and have it delivered to me."

He bowed to her. "At once, countess," he said. As she turned away, he scowled at me and pointed his index finger. "Stop breathing so deeply," he hissed. "You're stretching out the seams."

My magic was ready. Had I been alone and thought I could get away with it, I know I would have throttled him.

Air never felt so good and the rib I was certain had dislocated was, as it turned out, only squashed. Still, I embraced my freedom with great relief, making sure I was the last out the door so Jacques would see me stick my tongue out at him.

Childish, yes. But considering I'd been contemplating his death only moments before, I thought it was fitting.

"Do we know what play is being performed?" It seemed a logical question. The hansom rolled its way down the cobbles as Kate grabbed my hand and squeezed it.

"Oh yes," she said, eyes alight. "I've memorized the schedule." She hugged herself then, gaze lost out the window. "We'll be seeing _Romeo and Juliet_."

My education in the arts was lacking. "I'm sure it will be lovely."

"Lovely?" She spun on me, eyes and mouth wide. "It is one of the finest plays ever created." She bounced a little in her excitement. "It will be stupendous!"

I found it hard to muster such excitement for a group of strangers pretending to be people they weren't for entertainment. Certainly, the arts had their place. But I was more of a take action and participate type, and less a sit back and watcher.

Kate, it seemed, was my opposite. Not exactly a shocking revelation, but I despaired at finding anything we had in common aside from our magic. And since she didn't seem keen on that either, I was running out of options.

So much for our mother's wishes.

The moment we arrived at the house, Kate rushed off to her room. I followed along behind more slowly, feeling Hugh hovering behind me. I ignored him and closed my door. Suddenly, the dress I had on felt too much, too heavy and confining. I rifled through my trunk and found my riding trews and a heavy sweater I'd taken from Damon. As improper as my attire might be, I was at least comfortable.

The heavy wool settled around my shoulders just as I heard a soft creak near my door. My eyes settled on my mirror, catching a dull brown pair of eyes watching me through a crack of the door. Temper flaring, I rushed to confront my watcher only to catch sight of Hugh vanishing at a solid run around the corner toward the stairs.

I sprinted after him instantly, yelling his name, fury rising as I pounded my way down the stairs and beneath them, down the hallway past the kitchen. The slamming of a door was the only hint I had to where he'd fled. I followed the sound, past the aroma of fresh bread coming from the kitchen and the aghast expression of Clara as I brushed past her.

Every door was opened but one, the last at the end of the hall. The lock was quite secure and, to my fury, my magic was as yet hobbled. I had to do something about that.

I knew he was inside, could hear panting and practically felt his nervousness.

"Hugh," I hissed through the door. "I attempted to apologize for last evening. I had no intention of hurting you. You caught me by surprise with your suggestion. As you did with your peeping. Let me tell you now, Hugh. This time I do intend to hurt you. Now come out here and take your beating like a man."

Silence. Coward.

"If I catch you again," I snarled, "or even feel you near me, I will take you apart. And don't think Mummy and Daddy will be able to protect you." I pounded one fist against the door as hard as I could before backing away.

I'd never been so furious in my entire life.

I spun on my heel and marched back to the foyer, almost stepping on Sassafras as I mounted the first step.

"Problem?" He swiped one paw over his ear, eyes half-lidded.

"No problem." I discovered it was possible to speak through teeth clamped so tight my jaw ached. I started to stomp past him when he spoke.

"You have business to attend to, do you not?" I glared down at him as his eyes closed slowly, once, opening again to fix me with his cat coldness.

"Do I?" Foul humor shortened my tongue.

"You were about to go see Georgina," he said. "And tell her about your little adventure."

Was he serious? Now? "I hadn't promised."

He didn't speak, just glared back. And since I knew from experience he would torture me and make my life even more miserable than it was at this very moment if I didn't do as he liked, I forced a nasty smile and curtsied.

"As you wish, my lord."

He snorted. "You look ridiculous," he said. "Perhaps you should change first."

I did, but under duress. And he followed me, the arrogant sot, all the way to Georgina's door.

Clara answered it immediately. "Miss Burdie?"

"May I speak to Georgina?" Sass sat on my right foot, digging his claws in at my tone. "Please?"

Clara backed away, opening the door wider, but she shook her head. "I'm sorry, Miss Burdie," she said. "But her ladyship has gone out."

I smirked down at Sassafras who spun and stalked off, tail high. Served him right.

I instead spent the remainder of the afternoon in my room, alternately sulking and planning Hugh's beating to the last blow. So wrapped up was I in my plans I was almost late, having to rely on Clara to stuff me into my second dress, the pale green one with the low neckline, only allowing for a basic upsweep and the most subtle of make up applications.

"Well, it will have to do," she fussed while I smiled, finally liking what I saw.

"Thank you, Clara," I took her hand and squeezed it so she knew I was being sincere. "You did a wonderful job."

She flushed and bobbed a curtsy before running out.

I'd since rummaged through the remainder of the items Mum sent with me, so this time I was prepared for the chain of emeralds encased in coiled gold settings that sat on my collarbones. Instead of the nasty shoes supplied, I slid into my more comfortable and plain ones, knowing no one would see them under the long skirt anyway. A thin white lace shawl completed the look to my satisfaction.

Could it be I was growing accustomed to acting the part of a lady?

That idea was clearly ludicrous. After all, despite the way I was dressed, the moment I caught sight of Hugh disappearing out the front door my homicidal intentions returned, fists balling in preparation for his doom.

Tonight, unlike the previous, we had ample room in our more modern hansom for all five of us, even with sufficient knee room for once. Hugh sat across from me, hands in his lap, fingers twisting around and around, face so pale I could have read a book by it. No one seemed to notice the discomfort in our little part of the carriage, me with my intent in my eyes and Hugh with his fear and regret making him sweat. Kate was excited enough she drew attention from us.

Just as well. I wanted a chance to deal with Hugh without interference from his parents.

It seemed like no time had passed when the hansom came to a halt and the doors swung open for us. Hugh and I were the last to exit. I rushed to leave next, wanting the advantage over him. I alighted on the ground and stood ready eager for him to descend into my waiting anger.

Before I could deliver another scathing threat, Hugh's eyes lifted and met mine, his own rage a simmering thing startling me with its heat. I had thought him far weaker. Now I knew I'd underestimated him.

"You'll get yours," he hissed. "Uncle will see to that." He stumbled off without explanation, leaving me to scowl after him. Yes, I had broken his poor little heart. So sad. Yes, I threatened to beat him within an inch of his life. But the hate I saw in his eyes was irrational. And the threat even odder. What was I going to get? And what did Samuel have to do with it?

Confused and now on guard to add to my temper, I followed the Brindles inside.

***

# Chapter Twenty

The main lobby of the theater was grand, all crimson velvet and gold leaf. My dress couldn't have been further from the décor, standing out like a shining pale leaf, not that I'd known or planned it. Yet again I was surrounded by a milling crowd of the over-dressed and noble, though this time my nerves were nowhere in sight. I was too on edge for that.

A young man in a red velvet jacket greeted us before we made it very far.

"Lord Brindle awaits you," he said, bowing to Georgina. Kate had to be physically escorted by a hand on her arm to keep her moving. Her father smiled with indulgence as she tripped on the third step, her focus on absorbing the entire theater at once.

I admit it was lovely and elegant, majestic even. But it was just a building.

We were led up the wide staircase on the right. Traffic on our side was light while the other stairs on the opposite wall were full of people. I realized then as we continued upward this set was intended for very special guests. Had the circumstances been different, I would have been flattered. I'm not above being treated with respect and as a person of note.

The staircase ended in a crescent hallway, gloomy compared to the glaring brightness of the lobby. We followed it, the wall broken occasionally, affording me a look down into the main theater. We reached a series of curtains along the inner curve and our guide led us to one of them. He held the heavy drape aside, bowing as we passed.

Samuel awaited us on the other side. He rose from an overstuffed but elegant chair, smiling, hands extended.

"Welcome," he said, kissing his sister on both cheeks, repeating the act with Kate. He shook Bernard's hand, then Hugh's. When he came to me, I offered my hand as well rather than allow him as close to me as he had with the other ladies. His smile didn't waver. And instead of a firm shaking as I'd intended, he instead bent over my fingers and kissed them. For the second time I noticed the golden medallion he wore as it slipped free and hung from his neck, catching the light, the sight of it almost beckoning me to touch it.

Instead, I retrieved my hand and wiped it on the skirt of my dress, waiting until he turned to the rest before doing so. I was at least spared that odd zing of magic energy this time. Perhaps whatever it was had run its course.

The box hung over the audience, with a fine view of the stage. I leaned over the edge, watching the rest of the viewers taking their seats, noting the other boxes lining the rounded theater.

I was about to take a seat along the edge when Samuel seized my hand and pulled me down onto a sofa next to him. "I would adore your company," he said.

The rest of the family filled the remaining seats, Georgina and Kate on the other two-seater in front of us, Bernard and Hugh in the single ornate chairs along the sides.

It would appear I had little choice. Perhaps that was a good thing. I now had him as a captive audience.

"How is Jack?" I was disappointed when he simply smiled at me without any negative reaction.

"The authorities are dealing with him, my dear. I'm surprised at you. I would think a lady of your breeding would be more concerned about the loss of my property rather than the fate of one common thief."

"A lady of my breeding," I said, "cares more for people than she does for things."

His smile tightened. "Of course." Samuel had as yet to release my hand and the contact was making me uncomfortable. "We didn't have much time to discuss your family." His pale green gaze held me as tightly as his hand gripped mine. "Your mother is a powerful witch and, I understand, has the support of the coven. Will the succession go smoothly, do you think?"

What was he looking for? He must have known why I was here, that Mum feared for my safety. I didn't like the interest he took in my family affairs.

"Coven matters are private and confidential." I know my tone was cold, but my discomfort helped to shorten my temper further.

Samuel's smile didn't waver. "Of course."

He was fond of that saying, obviously.

Georgina spun around, smiled at me, leaning forward to pat my hand and Samuel's together. I caught Hugh staring at my lap with a sullen, angry look on his face.

"Delightful!" Georgina winked at me. "You're adoring our darling Burdie's company, dear brother?"

He winked at her. "Most definitely."

"Isn't she just perfection?" Georgina reached over and pinched my cheek. My moth hung open, eyes wide.

She _didn't_ just _pinch_ my _cheek_.

Samuel's soft laugh distracted me from the woman's offense.

"Indeed," he said. "She is exactly that."

I looked at him out of the corner of my eye, not wanting to acknowledge what he said. Was there more going on here than I thought? Was Hugh's advance the least of my worries? But no. There was nothing overtly sexual about the way Samuel held my hand. It did, however, feel like possession. And that was much, much worse.

The lights dimmed, the crowd hushed. I drew a breath, trying to slip my fingers free from his without being overtly rude, but ready to offend him if necessary. As I did, he leaned toward my ear, hand tightening and whispered.

"There is far more to life than what you've been shown." The opening accords of the play, the sound of the orchestra, drowned out his words to all but me. "I am gathering those of power around me and you, my dear... I have great use for someone like you."

I held still, just listening.

"You are powerful beyond what I expected," he went on. "Myself and my associates have a great interest in that power and in you." His free hand stroked back a stray lock of my hair, the contact making me shudder. "If you're willing to discuss it, I know I can offer you a position of great authority in my organization."

I know I should have held my temper. There was so much here to learn, to understand. And I was certain it had to do with Jack and the thread of power I felt from both of them. But the feel of his skin on mine, the way he spoke to me, had an intimacy driving my blood to boil and the heat of my anger to act.

I jerked my hand free from his and turned my head to meet his eyes. Without bothering to whisper, I said, "In case you weren't aware, and I know you are, Lord Brindle, I am already in a position of great authority. I am a Hayle, soon to be heir to the most powerful coven in the New World."

He sat back slightly, smile now more sardonic than inviting. "There is more to power than family, Auburdeen."

"Not to me." I turned back as Kate glanced over her shoulder at me.

"Shhh!"

I slid myself sideways, all the way to the edge of the sofa and as far from him as I could get. Which wasn't far enough. As the curtain rose, I felt his fingers brush my hand again and gasped at the rush of power that passed between us. I immediately felt dizzy from it, unbalanced, my vision wavering.

I pulled away, the connection broken. But through the entire first half, Samuel continued to meet my skin with his and every time it happened, that same buzz of power occurred. I tried once or twice to rise, to leave, but it was as if my legs wouldn't hold my weight. Every time I did, I felt dizzy.

Desperate to stop whatever he was doing, I reinforced my shields over and over only to have his power slide through them as if they didn't exist.

When the curtain fell for intermission, I couldn't take any more. Dizzy or not, I lurched to my feet and out of the box into the hall. I clutched at the curtains to hold me up, grateful the corridor remained empty.

But not for long. I felt him near me, no longer even needing him to touch me to experience the connection of his power to mine.

"You are far more than they are telling you." He tried to take my hand, but I spun away, stumbling, catching the wall. "Let me help you unfold the true power you hold within you."

I glared at him. "What have you done to me?"

He shrugged, hands open at his sides. "Only awakened the truth."

I shook my head, then wished I hadn't. He reached me as I crumpled, both hands touching my bare arms.

A core of glowing power woke inside me, racing along my skin and into him in a rush of golden light. He gasped but smiled, as if I'd given him a great gift.

"Yes," he breathed, "yes, Auburdeen. You feel it now. It has awakened at last. Such strength, such power! Join me and nothing and no one will stand against us."

The core hummed inside me while my elemental magic shrieked in agony. Head pounding I pulled free of Samuel, the light inside me dimming, but the disorientation remaining.

I turned away from him and left, heading for the staircase. I had to get away, to process this, to find out what was happening to me, and I couldn't think straight while he was in my proximity.

He let me go, surprisingly. But I heard him as I tripped down the first step.

_Perfection. I've been waiting for you_.

It wasn't until I reached the bottom that I realized he hadn't spoken aloud.

***

# Chapter Twenty One

Intermission was over, patrons reentering the theater, when I set foot on the plush carpet at the bottom of the stairs. I pushed past a number of them on my way to the outer doors, desperate for a breath of fresh air. I staggered through a cloud of cigar smoke and into the cool London night, gasping for something that had nothing to do with oxygen.

A battle raged inside me. I found a low stone wall and collapsed on it while my magic, the magic I'd been born with and had sustained me my entire life fought against this new power only now fully awoken under Samuel's influence.

I had never felt so disoriented or nauseated, my head spinning while my stomach heaved and flipped slowly over and over. Every attempt I made to access my magic only made things worse. Panting and covered in a cold sweat, I sat there and shook while the two energies within me struggled for dominance over the other.

I have no idea how much time passed before the attack faded. I looked up into the glow of the moon, just grateful to be alive. The new power grumbled and settled, quiet again but not sleeping. My elemental magic had won, it seemed, if only for now.

I felt dirty, inside and out, exposed and vulnerable to the world around me. Even the elements, once my friends and allies, seemed threatening. The very earth under my feet seemed to reject me, the air tugging at my hair and clothing as if I were an enemy. That too settled at last, but I feared for what it meant to my magic.

_Burdie, dear, the play is starting again_. Georgina's mental voice wavered in and out as my magic faltered. And yet, she didn't sound concerned. Only a few moments had passed then, clearly. It had only seemed like forever.

I clenched my teeth against the discomfort and reached for her. _I'll be right there_.

A lie. I had to get out of there. I refused to spend another moment in Samuel's company, at least not until I was able to figure out what he had done to me.

Time to go. I could make my excuses to Georgina later. Tell her I wasn't well. That much at least was true. I tried getting up and was happy the disorientation had gone. Though feeling weak from the experience, I had my balance back.

I set off down the line of carriages in the darkness, knowing I'd be able to hire a hansom once I reached the end of the street. My journey was slow at first until I regained my confidence. I was almost feeling myself by the time I cleared the last of the carriages.

A wave of nausea and disorientation returned, not as powerful as before, but strong enough to make me stumble and grasp the last carriage for support. I looked up, stomach churning, and into a pair of familiar blue eyes.

Jack nodded his head to me as if he'd expected our encounter. "You look terrible."

I gasped, a surge of relief running through me at the sight of him. Though, considering his appearance, he was one to talk. He still carried the signs of his beating from the night previous.

"Why thank you," I snapped even as my traitor of a heart begged me to embrace him, just to see if he would kiss me again. "I spent hours on myself and everything."

That made him grin. And eased my temper. A problem, considering the state of my now raised interest in the curve of his lips and how his blue eyes made me warm to a point I forgot where I was for a moment.

"He's gotten to you, I see." Jack offered his hand, but I hesitated, uncertain before the situation came flooding back to me. "Don't worry," he said, "I have it under control."

What, exactly, did he have under control? When I let him support me it was without a power exchange so there was that, at least. And why oh why was my body betraying my mind, when the very touch of his hand turned me into a quivering girl? There were more important things to consider. Like his life and my magical health.

"What's happening to me?" I spent my entire life confident in my power, pushing my magic to its limits to increase my abilities. Whatever Samuel did left me wrung out and as useless as Kate.

Jack tucked us into a shadow cast by the carriage. "Will you be all right here?" His gaze went to the theater. "I have to go inside."

"Why?" Samuel of course. It made sense. It had to be why he kept getting caught. I made a connection in my head. "He has something you need."

Jack nodded. "The cure." He squeezed my hand. "He carries it with him all the time. I have to get it back."

A flicker of motion on the street drew my attention. I hissed softly at Jack who spun and watched with me as Samuel's two bullies approached, heading right for us. They stayed on the far side of the carriage however, continuing on toward the theater.

"How do you keep escaping?" I was reclaiming my balance yet again. "I thought the police took you."

He snorted. "That was never Samuel's plan for me. He tries to hold me, but he should know better. My sorcery is impossible to block. Especially now."

There was that word again. Sorcery. I'd never heard of it.

"Is that what he used on me?" If it was a different kind of magic, it made sense it would interfere with mine. All magic was different, though some worked together better than others. If this was new, no wonder it had cut through my shields so easily.

Jack didn't answer. "I have to go."

I grabbed him before he could leave. "He knows you're coming. Or his bullies wouldn't be here."

Jack shrugged. "I have no choice."

"You do." I tugged at his sleeve, getting his attention. "You can come with me."

"And do what?" There was such hopelessness in him I wanted to hug him. Very well. More than hug him. But perhaps that could be explored later if we made it out in one piece.

"I don't know." I hated admitting it. "But you've proven to yourself over and over you can't do this alone."

He hesitated so I knew I had him.

"Just come with me," I said. "Let me help you figure this out. If Samuel is into something illegal involving magic, we'll deal with it. But you're stumbling into disaster trying to tackle it yourself."

Jack's lips twisted in a little smile. "Well," he said. "It appears I could use your help after all." His amusement faded. "I never wanted to involve anyone else."

"You didn't," I said. "Samuel did. And he has no right. He's about to discover what a mistake it was to interfere with me and my family."

Jack rolled his eyes. "Are you always so dramatic?"

I grinned at him, but didn't bother with an answer. "I need to know everything."

"Once we are wherever we're going." He held out a hand to me, after one last longing look at the theater.

I reached out to Georgina as the two of us hurried toward the street.

_I'm really not feeling well_. I let her touch on my nausea and the headache. _I'm just going to go home._

_Oh my dear!_ Georgina's mind felt panicked. _I'll be right there_.

No, please. It's fine, really. I intend to lie down the moment I return. I'm sure it's nothing.

_I can't allow you to go through this alone_. I could almost see her rising to her feet.

_I'm perfectly capable_. I had to appeal to her in another way or the game was up. _Please, I don't want to ruin the night for everyone_. This wouldn't work if she joined us. Especially since I hadn't had time to tell her anything yet. That could come later, after I figured out how to help Jack.

_Such a dear, worrying about everyone else_. Her mind settled. _Very well. Go straight home. You have money for a hansom?_

Yes, thank you. I'll see you when you return.

_Be well, darling_.

Perfect. I turned to Jack as he raised his free hand to signal a ride.

It was the first time I noticed, but he must have worn some kind of glove because the skin of his hand shone like gold.

***

# Chapter Twenty Two

The Brindle house was the only place I could think of to take him. If Samuel was somehow able to track Jack using magic, the wards might protect him. Then again, they might not. After all, Samuel was a member of the family, if not of the coven. Blood could supercede power. And from what I knew of this sorcery, it was able to cut through witch magic easily.

Still, I had no other choice. I had the hansom drop us around the corner and snuck the rest of the way. Luckily, neither Clara nor the rest of the help were in sight when we entered the foyer and within moments I had Jack securely behind my bedroom door.

Even Mum would be scandalized. I knew it. This was the worst possible place to stash him. If we were caught... well, I had no idea really the consequences. Only that girls who allowed young men into their bedrooms at home were considered to be less than honorable. And even though I had nothing improper in mind, we had to work this out before we were caught.

Now, what to do with him. I blushed immediately as he turned to face me, light shining on his hair, making his blue eyes sparkle, shadowing the curve of his jaw and cheekbones. Whatever was wrong with me! I'd teased my share of boys at home but never had such a reaction before.

Improper thoughts were not permitted.

Oh hush, heart.

And just as well. I hadn't considered the affect his arrival would have on my cat.

"Auburdeen!" Sass stood on the bed, fur at full fluff, eyes burning so brightly I worried he might set fire to the coverlet. "Whatever is _he_ doing here?" Sassafras glared at Jack. "Tell me this is some kind of mistake. Tell me."

Jack, meanwhile, stared wide-eyed and open mouthed at the furious Persian.

"A talking cat?" His gaze met mine.

"You have no idea," I told him before turning to Sass. "Please, just listen."

"Listen?" He stalked to the edge of the bed, hissing and growling through his words. "Listen! What have you done this time, girl? What trouble have you brought on us with your foolish choices and inconsideration?"

"Maybe if you heard me out," I snapped back, "instead of assuming I've done something wrong—"

He howled at me. "I want him out of here right now!" Demon power sparked from his fur, tiny bits dancing and bouncing across the quilt.

I crossed my arms over my chest. "Then I'm leaving with him."

That cooled Sass's temper. "Oh no you're not."

"Stop me, cat." I grabbed Jack's hand, fingers meeting the cold metal glove, sending a tingle of energy to the wakened power. It made me hiss.

Sass instantly noticed. He leapt from the bed and came to my feet.

"What is it?" He circled me, concern taking over his anger. "Burdie, something is wrong with you."

"I've been trying to tell you. Are you willing to listen now?"

He snorted and sat, tail wrapping around his paws. "Be quick about it."

I filled him in on Samuel and how I felt after he touched me. Sassafras listened carefully without a word. When I finished, he shook his head.

"You do know you're supposed to be hiding from danger, not chasing it down and dragging it home with you?" He sighed after he spoke, no anger left. Amber eyes lifted to look at Jack. "And what about our young criminal mastermind?" Sass turned to me again. "You really must get rid of him. Georgina loves you, but the scandal... we'll be shipped back to America in disgrace if she finds him here."

It almost made me laugh. Worse he was a male and in my room than a thief.

"May I remind you," I said, "I will be your coven leader someday. You need to learn to trust me."

"Not my leader." He snorted, but seemed to have entirely regained his calm. "Very well. This is your decision. But I fully intend to alert your mother as to what you've been up to."

Tattle tale. And yet, it made me glad. Mum's help was welcome.

Sass stalked to Jack and sniffed his pant leg. "Start talking, you."

"I have a name." He bent and offered his hand to the cat. "Jack Bishop, at your service, sir." I heard a hint of amusement in his voice, but if Sassafras picked up on it, he made no sign. Instead, he fluffed his fur and composed himself.

"Sassafras. Demon Lord of the Fourth Plane. Now, explain yourself."

I'd never heard Sass introduce himself that way and wondered, as I often did, of his origins. Mum found him when he was just a kitten and had taken him in. It wasn't until he was older she realized he was no ordinary cat.

Why the young demon was trapped in the body of a silver Persian was anyone's guess. As for him, he refused to say.

Jack sank slowly to the window seat and rubbed his arms with his hands. "It's a long story," he said.

Sass jumped up beside him, nose touching the golden glove. "You have our complete attention."

"I'm no one special, I swear." Jack's shoulder's slumped. "At least, I wasn't. My pa is a laborer, on the docks. Ma keeps house. No brothers or sisters, and me meant to take my father's place one day. Until I met Lord Brindle. Samuel." Jack looked out the window, though I could tell he didn't see beyond the glass, wrapped up in his memories.

"When he approached me, I was flattered. Ma and Pa were thrilled. Here was a great lord, offering me an apprenticeship. Me." He caught my eyes. "I could hardly believe my luck. And when I asked why me, he only said he saw great potential."

He looked down at his hands, rubbing the index finger and thumb of the metal glove together. "Little did I know what he meant. Ma and Pa he bought off, sent to the New World with money and a note of intent, to get them set up in New York or one of those places."

I made a note to have my brothers check on them for him. To make sure Samuel hadn't done something more sinister.

"Samuel had me live in his house, dressed me as a noble, treated me almost like a son or a nephew. It was incredible. Though I found he watched me often as if he were expecting something to happen.

"When my sorcery surfaced, Samuel was thrilled." Jack repeated the rubbing gesture with his fingers. "He was always touching me, grabbing my hands. And the jolt I felt that last time woke up whatever had been sleeping."

Sounded familiar. I nodded for him to keep going.

"Samuel then told me what I was. A sorcerer." Sassy hissed sharply, but didn't say anything else so I let it go in favor of Jack finishing his story. "He taught me about my magic, how sorcerers use things to feed magic through, unlike witches who use the elements. He said most sorcerers are keyed to specific materials. Like wood, or water, or metal. According to him, I'm rare. I can use all of them for my magic."

"I don't understand." I struggled with the concept.

"Think of it this way," Sass said. "Vampires for instance _are_ magic. You use the elements without assistance. Jack's magic comes from the innate energy in all objects. He is able to tap into that stored energy and use it."

Jack nodded quickly, with some enthusiasm. "Yes, exactly." He turned to me. "You asked me how I keep escaping. Whenever they lock me up, I melt the lock. If they tie me up, I break the rope. Chains, wood, whatever, it's all the same." He flexed his hands, the light gleaming from the golden glove.

"There are many famous sorcerers," Sass said. "Leonardo da Vinci for example. Galileo. Socrates."

"And Samuel Brindle." I gestured to Jack to continue.

"It was amazing in the beginning," he said. "For the first time in my life, I felt special. Extraordinary. I could do things, create things no one else could. But all that changed."

"Your illness?" I glanced at Sass who was staring at Jack's hand.

He nodded. "Samuel... there is a cavern, below the city. He took me there, showed me an altar. Handed me a medallion, told me it was my destiny."

The medallion. I'd seen it twice, the same one hanging about the man's neck. Was that what Jack hunted?

"Then what?" My impatience drove me on.

He shuddered, his whole body taken by it. When he fell still he held up his hand. "This."

I frowned. What did his odd golden glove have to do with this?

"I need that medallion," he said, confirming my question. "So I can cure myself."

"Of what? It's just a glove, isn't it?"

Sassafras snarled at me. "Look closer," he said.

Now that he mentioned it, how could it be a covering of any kind? I took it between my own, running my fingertips over the smooth surface. It was form fitting, the perfect shape and size of a human hand and matched Jack's other one. I leaned closer, examined it. Sat back with a gasp of horror and understanding.

It wasn't a glove. It was his hand.

He leaned down and grasped his pant leg. "That's not the worst part," he said, hiking up the fabric so we could see. "It's spreading."

What I could see above his stocking and boot looked like his hand. Polished gold and what looked like tiny rivets holding the joints in place. It was as if someone built an armored leg out of the most precious of metals and attached it to his skin.

I reached out without thinking and slid my fingers down his calf. I was prepared for the zing of contact and so was able to ignore it while I did my examination, the heat I felt earlier surging inside me. The metal was very warm, warmer than skin temperature, and smooth as glass. I felt along the joints for some means to remove the covering, but the seams were perfect.

When I finally sat back, Jack let his pant leg drop.

"So far it's only my hand and leg," he said. "But it was only my thumb and finger in the beginning, the two that held the medallion. That was over a week ago." He met my eyes. "If I don't get my hands on that medallion, I could be solid gold soon."

"So you were afraid when it happened and ran," I said.

He shook his head. "Not exactly. Samuel convinced me it was special. That I'd been accepted to more power. I believed him, at first. I was nervous, but not afraid. Not until..." He paused, licking his lips as if unsure whether to go on.

"Well?" Sass patted Jack's leg with one paw. "Until?"

"I overheard him. Samuel. Talking to some others. Sorcerers like us. There is a large group of them, and Samuel is the leader. He didn't know I was there, I wasn't meant to be. But the metal had taken over my whole hand and I wanted reassurance. I listened after he mentioned my name. And what I heard . . . I was scared. So I ran. But I couldn't go to the police. He _is_ the police."

"The night in the hansom." I let it hang.

He nodded. "Was the night I escaped him." Jack grimaced, rubbing his golden hand on his pants as if it pained him. "I have to get the medallion back."

"You're sure it's the key to all this?" I felt drawn to the odd smooth texture of his metal skin.

"Positive," he said. "The medallion infected me. It must be able to reverse this process somehow."

I wasn't so sure of his logic, but didn't have anything else to go on.

"We will." I held his human hand. "But what did you overhear?"

"He plans to use me." Jack's whispered words were barely audible. "When the metal takes me completely, according to him, I'll be his slave. A power beyond anything anyone has known. Unstoppable. And when my transformation is complete, he intends to—"

He didn't get to finish. For just as he was about to explain, someone knocked on my door before opening it and coming through.

***

# Chapter Twenty Three

Kate's timing couldn't have been worse. It was she who walked in and caught Sass and I with Jack. Obviously, we'd been so wrapped up in his story we'd failed to hear the family come home. And because of the muffling shields, I hadn't felt them, either.

Poor Kate looked very confused as her eyes traveled from me to Jack to Sassafras and back to me again.

"Whatever is going on?" Her voice trembled slightly, whole body shivering as she realized something was terribly wrong.

I opened my mouth, struggling to come up with a viable story while all the while knowing there was nothing I could say, when her gaze lit on Jack again and recognition flooded her face.

"I know you," she said, pointing. "You were the boy. In the alley. The one Burdie went after." Kate backed up a step as I reached toward her, understanding then she'd seen more than I'd thought. Irrelevant in the present circumstance. I just needed to keep her from screaming for help. "What is he doing here?"

I kept my voice as calm and level as I could while Sassafras circled wide, sliding behind her toward the still open door.

"Kate Brindle, this is Jack Bishop."

"A pleasure," he murmured, bowing toward her.

"All mine," she said automatically. Some of the concern left her face, but not the absolute shock at my apparent disgrace. I treated her like a young horse still green and fearful, using only low tones and moving slowly as I approached her.

"This isn't what you think," I said. "Jack needs our help." I moved closer, hand lifting to grasp hers, not quite close enough. "He's in trouble, Kate and we're the only ones who can save him. You want to save him, don't you?" She nodded, face settling into concern, eyes locked on mine. I almost had her, my fingers brushing the fabric of her skirt when Sass leaned against the door. It creaked as he did, shattering the calm holding Kate. She scurried back away from me, tripping over my cat. He howled his objection to being stepped on, adding to her distress.

"Burdie, what did you do?" Kate was near to tears. "Why did you bring this boy here? I thought you were ill?"

No time now for kindness. "Where are your parents?" There was still a chance I could sneak Jack out.

"The theater." She covered her mouth with her hand. "I volunteered to come see if you were all right."

Part of my heart cried for her. She'd left the one thing that seemed to bring her real joy to come home to be with me. But I had to harden myself against that sliver of compassion. There were more important things at stake.

"You came home alone?" I could hardly believe it.

And I was right. Kate shook her head. "Hugh came with me."

I would have rather Georgina. Or even Bernard. And, as if her words summoned him, Hugh pushed the door wide and entered the room.

I could see the moment he laid eyes on Jack, Hugh was going to be more trouble than his sister.

"What have you done, bringing this criminal here?" Hugh's body shook, making his limbs bob like some obscene marionette. "I must summon the constabulary immediately." Hugh was already leaving the room. I ran after him, chasing him down as he loped his gangling run toward the stairs. I caught him at the bottom, spinning him around. I gripped his arms in both hands, holding him in place even as he struggled to free himself.

"Don't you dare." I was stronger than him, that much was obvious. "Hugh, listen, please!"

"Why should I?" He continued to struggle, though once he realized I wasn't letting go he settled into a sullen stiffness. I knew then if I let up even a fraction he would fight me again.

"You owe me." I hissed it at him, my rage returning.

"I don't owe you anything." His eyes dropped from mine, guilt apparent.

I heard footsteps behind me and knew Kate and Jack were approaching.

"Unless you want your parents to know you were peeping on me," I whispered back, "or your sister for that matter, you'll listen to me."

He didn't move or say anything. Nor did his tension ease.

"Jack isn't a criminal," I said. "He's a victim. Of a terrible crime. He has power, like us."

Hugh's brown eyes flickered over my shoulder. He was listening to me at least.

"His life is in danger," I went on. "Hugh, he needs our help. If he doesn't get it, he will be consumed by a horrible illness." Hugh's eyes traveled to Jack again, widening a little. I could only assume Jack showed off his metal hand. I didn't dare remove my attention from him.

Hugh relaxed a fraction. "Why is he running from the police, then?"

"He isn't," I said, making the biggest mistake I'd made all night, "he's running from your uncle."

I knew I'd ruined it the moment the words left my mouth. Hugh's tension returned, the horrible anger I'd seen earlier flooding his face.

"You have no idea what you're talking about," he hissed, tiny drops of spit flying from his lips to dot my cheeks with moisture. He lunged away from me, tearing loose of my grip. "My uncle is a great man. If he says this commoner is a criminal, I believe him."

I moved to grab him again, but someone held me back. I glanced over to see Jack staring at Hugh with a sad expression.

"Don't bother," he said very softly. "He is Samuel's creature and has been all along."

I looked at Hugh and knew it was true.

"You are correct." That familiar voice sent chills down my spine. I turned to see Samuel emerge from the shadows under the stairs, followed by his two bullies. Kate gasped in fright.

"Uncle," she said. "What are you doing here?"

Samuel circled us, blocking our way to the front door. He smiled at me, but the false kindness in it was long gone, replaced by possessive desire.

"Run along to your room, Katherine dear," he said. "This is none of your business."

I felt her move, turned and glared at her. She hesitated, one hand on the rail, looking back and forth between me and her uncle. It was clear she had little experience with defying her elders.

I didn't have such chains to hold me back.

"Jack is no criminal." I let out all my anger at Samuel. "You lied to me."

He laughed without humor. "My dear, he stole from me. I didn't lie about that. What does that make him?"

Confused, I glanced at Jack. He was scowling.

"I did nothing of the sort."

Samuel pointed at Jack's golden hand. "I gave you power," he said, green eyes cold. "I offered you everything. But it wasn't a gift, boy. It has a price. And you ran."

"Take it back, then." Jack lifted his arm, metal fingers gleaming. "I'll gladly return your property."

"Uncle," Hugh interrupted. "Perhaps he's right. I could—"

"Silence." Samuel's snapped order was obeyed immediately, though Hugh looked as if he remained quietly rebellious. The glare of jealousy and hatred he leveled at Jack was telling enough.

Samuel ignored his nephew. "You belong to me, Jack Bishop. I paid for you, paid your parents. How do I regain the money I spent? Will you compensate me for that loss as well?"

"He's no slave," I snarled.

Samuel shrugged elegantly, long black cloak swirling around his feet. "Perhaps not," he said. "But I am owed and I will be paid."

That was it. I wouldn't tolerate it any longer. I gathered my magic and struck.

The muffled echo of my failure made Samuel laugh.

"A pity," he said, gesturing to his bullies to move forward. "It would seem my dear sister has failed to induct you into the family. A shame your power isn't working."

I spun on Kate. "Do something!"

The girl just stared back at me, tears standing in her eyes, her fear almost tangible.

"Burdie, I..." Her head hung in shame.

Coward. I turned back to see one of the bullies seizing Jack by the arm while the other reached for me. Jack fought, but he obviously had little training and was soon subdued.

My attacker withdrew with blood running from his broken nose. I lunged toward Jack only to be struck from behind. I underestimated my foe, it seemed. I turned to fight back only to be tripped up by my foolish gown, sliding sideways as my heel caught on the slippery fabric, sending me sprawling.

I scrambled to rise as the still bleeding man bent over me. I managed to connect my foot with his knee, but the angle was wrong to disable him and he kept coming. His fist met my jaw, knocking me backward. Stars danced in my vision. I'd been struck before, had learned to take a blow to the face, but this man's punch felt like a horse kick.

I shook my head, focusing in time to watch him thrown backward when a ball of amber light slammed into his chest. He collapsed with a grunt, sliding the full length of the floor, his back impacting the front door with a heavy thud. I turned to see Sassafras keel over on the steps, his magic spent in the battle to break through the wards and save me.

I made it to my feet, too late. Samuel was already at the door, shoving his men through and into the night air, Jack between them. Samuel saluted me with his cane as Hugh slipped past him with one last scowl for me.

"I'll be back for you," Samuel said before the door slammed solidly shut behind him.

***

# Chapter Twenty Four

I made it to my feet, dress tangling around my legs and head still woozy from the blow I'd taken. I half fell at Kate's feet as she sank to the bottom step and gathered Sassafras into her arms.

He was fine, but clearly exhausted, his amber eyes empty of their normal light.

"Thanks, cat," I said.

"Stupid house," he muttered back.

I stood up, happy to have my balance back. "I have to go after them."

Kate caught at the hem of my dress. "Please, wait for Mother." Her tears spilled at last, voice quavering.

I pulled free. "I can't. Jack needs my help."

"You could wait," Sass said. "He's broken free of them before."

This time I was sure Samuel would make sure Jack never escaped him again.

I think Sass must have understood that too, because he sighed and nodded.

"Go," he said while I was already on my way to the door. "But be careful. For whatever reason, Samuel wants you too."

I knew why. Whatever he'd woken in me, that was his target. The reason I was of so much interest. And I had no intention of allowing him access.

The moment I touched shoe to path, I felt Georgina's mind. She was drawing closer, must have been in a hansom with Bernard. I didn't need her interfering and, for the first time since I arrived, had a pang of doubt.

She was Samuel's sister. What if she was in on whatever he was up to? What if I could no longer trust my mother's dearest friend?

That thought almost stopped me all together. The unexpected grief it raised slowed my steps. But I shook it off and moved on. If that was the case, I was leaving Sassafras in danger. And yet, I knew the demon cat was perfectly capable of taking care of himself.

Jack, on the other hand, appeared to have no such skill.

I'm certain I looked the peach, running down a cobbled London road in a pale green ball gown, my hair coming out of its upsweep from the punch I took, surely with a growing bruise on my chin. It wasn't until I reached the end of the street I realized I had no idea where I was going.

Silly Burdie. Now that I was free of the house, my magic worked again. I instantly reached out, using my power over air to search for Jack. Lucky for me, I chose the right direction. His mind was clear to me, a precise image provided by the power I tapped. I could see him struggling in the cab of a hansom, the two strong men beside him, Samuel across.

I ran after them, skirt hiked to my knees, heart racing and breath coming in gasps. My kingdom for a horse.

Two streets later, I paused to catch my breath, mind still focused on my prize. They were close, very close, the hansom not hurrying. It gave me time to catch my breath.

Something rocked the side of the hansom and I momentarily lost my connection with Jack. I heard someone shout in the distance, coming from the same direction, and started running again.

I fought to reconnect with Jack while I ran, but to no effect. I caught glimmers and glimpses as the carriage seemed to suffer some kind of attack. The flashed images I managed to receive told me the two bullies were terrified and even Samuel seemed concerned as he lifted his cane.

I rounded the last corner onto a narrow, empty street. A familiar black hooded figure stood next to the hansom, threads of steel blue light running through the metal frame of the carriage and back into the very person. As I watched, the hansom seemed to sag and shift to the side while the horses screamed, their hooves seemingly frozen to the ground.

Though I'd seen the black cloak several times before, this was the first time its owner actually took action or interfered. Still with no idea if this person was with us or against us, I chose to contain the entire mess and ask questions after the fact. Gathering my earth magic, I summoned a net of blue power and settled it over the hansom and all, anchoring it into the ground.

The moment my elemental magic met the frame of the carriage, the power burst outward, sending the cloaked figure stumbling. I saw the shock wave coming for me, but had no way to escape it. When it rolled over me, I gasped from the strength of the recoil, finding myself on my backside on the cold cobbles.

Their hooves suddenly freed of the ground, the horses bolted forward, carrying the hansom away. I struggled to rise, but everything I'd been through suddenly sat on top of me and pinned me to the ground in exhaustion.

I lay there, gasping and wondering what happened. A black cloak swirled near my feet, the figure crouching next to me as the stranger flipped back her hood. To my shock the watcher in the black cloak was a woman. Long black hair spilled out, framing a beautiful face, dominated by wide, full lips and dark eyes brimming with rage as she glared like I'd killed her puppy.

"Well done," she snapped. "You young idiot. You could have killed us both." The volume of her voice rose as she went on. "Do you want that monster to have Jack, is that it? Are you working for Brindle or against him? Hmm? Speak up, girl."

My anger gave me energy, temper sending power to my limbs. I managed to sit up, letting it out.

"I was trying to help," I snarled back. "How was I to know your magic would ruin everything?" I felt around her and realized she wasn't a witch. She felt like Jack, like Samuel. A sorcerer, then.

"You fool." She lunged to her feet. "It was your magic that interfered. I had them and you let them get away." She glared down the street the way the hansom left. "Now I have to track them all over again."

I made my feet with some effort, swaying slightly, but refusing to show weakness in front of this woman. "Forgive me for trying to rescue my friend. After you've only watched in the past, I seem to recall."

She huffed in anger, foot tapping on the cobbles, not denying it. So it had been her the night Stella kidnapped Jack and I. And she'd done nothing. My anger was quickly exchanged for jealousy. She was dressed in trousers and a long coat under her cloak. I was instantly envious. Her eyes met mine again, some of her rage burned off.

"Fair enough," she said. "I know you only have good intentions, Auburdeen Hayle." Her voice was soft, melodic and deep for a woman. Her pale skin caught the low light of the nearby lamps, dark eyes now unreadable.

"Not fair," I said. "You know my name. And you've been following me."

She shrugged. "Only because I thought you might lead me to Jack." She sighed, sliding on a pair of black gloves before offering her hand. "Josephine Hallow. I suppose it's time we became acquainted."

I took her hand, shook it. "And why is that?"

"Because you seem intent on being involved in something that has nothing to do with you." Her lips twisted, a small smile escaping. "Now, if you'll excuse me."

She turned to go, but I caught her arm. "I'm coming with you."

Josephine looked me up and down, a small snicker escaping her. "Dressed like that? I don't think so."

Oh, this foolish gown! "I can keep up. I insist."

"It's not that," the woman said, sarcasm practically oozing from her words. "I'm just not certain it's worth it. You are, it appears, a bit of a disaster waiting to happen. For all I know, you'll only be in the way next time as well."

I scowled at her. "Maybe if you'd filled me in from the moment you noticed me, instead of playing this foolish watching and following game, this wouldn't have happened. And Jack would be safe."

She was quiet a long moment before sighing. "Perhaps. And yet, I must act alone."

Josephine tried to leave again. I wove another net of air and trapped her inside it. This time, it worked. She made a frustrated sound and spun inside the cage.

"Do not trifle with me, little witch," she snarled. "I'm more than a match for your kind."

"Really." I held the net in place, though the longer it was up the odder I felt. The wakened new magic had taken notice and was making itself known. A surge of distortion was almost enough of a distraction. Grimly, with the last of my anger and absolute stubbornness, I held on until the feeling passed.

Josephine watched me as I regained control. "Something is wrong."

I shrugged. "I'll manage. Now, am I coming with you or am I leaving you here and going on alone?"

***

# Chapter Twenty Five

It was simple to flag a hansom, dressed as we were, though I think the driver was shocked by my close up appearance and even more so by the fact the 'man' with me was a woman.

As we rumbled along after Josephine's order of, "Take us to Lord Brindle," I studied my new companion with great curiosity.

"You're a sorcerer," I said. "What is your specialty?" According to Jack, she should have one.

She smiled with great amusement. "I would think that much is obvious."

Her attitude stirred my temper again, but I took a moment and, when I did, realized the answer for myself.

"Metal," I said.

"And you arrived at this how?" She tapped her fingers on the seat beside her, still smiling.

I wasn't in the mood to be tested or treated like a child. "You would do well to show me some respect," I snapped. "I'm here to help."

Josephine leaned forward and patted my knee. "How do you know, Auburdeen?"

"The hansom. It was warping. And the horse's hooves were stuck. As if grafted to the ground. Only power over metal would grant you that control."

She nodded and sat back. "Well done." This time, I was sure she meant it. And why her approval mattered to me I had no idea, but it did.

"I'm a metallurgist," she said. "My power is over all metals, as you said."

I struck on something I hadn't thought of before. "And Samuel? What is his material?"

"Organics," she said. "Anything living. He is able to manipulate the very energy of growing things, things that breathe."

Maybe that explained why I felt so disoriented by him. He had been manipulating me all along. The bastard.

"What is your interest in Jack?" I'm not sure when I started thinking of him as my friend, but there it was.

"It's not just me. Or Jack." Josephine sighed. "Very well, the full story. I belong to an organization of sorcerers. It's our job to make sure no one steps out of line and, if they do, have an accounting of their actions. We're called the Steam Union."

I nodded for her to go on, my mind instantly filling with fantasies of espionage and secret exchanges of handshakes and whatnot.

"Samuel Brindle has been known to us for years. When he left the Brindle coven, we sensed right away he was one of us and, within six months of his freedom, he showed his hand. He joined the Brotherhood of Atum and has been a member ever since."

"And they are...?" Curse my overactive imagination. I was almost grinning, heart beating rapidly from the wonder of it. Silly girl.

"The Brotherhood of Atum are anarchists, followers of the Egyptian god Atum. They wish to remake the entire world in their image of perfection, to bring magic out into the open and expose their power, all power. They believe only then will the world reach that perfection."

The horror of that made my mouth fall open. "They can't expose us," I said. "The fools. Don't they know it was one idiotic priest witnessing a coven ritual that triggered the Inquisition?"

Josephine nodded. "That's why we watch them so closely. It will serve no one's good to have normals understand what they are missing. Or how strong we really are."

The very idea was ludicrous and frightening. "Why have I never heard of any of this before?"

She rolled her dark eyes. "Really, girl. You've been sheltered. Who knows if even your mother is aware?"

"It's Burdie, not girl," I snapped even as I worked it out. I was determined Mum now would be. There were important things happening outside of our little corner of the world and our family. I made a vow to myself then. The Hayle family would always pay attention.

I'd see to it.

"Do you have covens, like witches?" I knew my time ran short. The scenery looked familiar, the buildings further apart as we neared our destination. I had so many questions, but Josephine would only be a captive audience for so long.

"No," she said. "Sorcery doesn't run in families, not like witchcraft. It's random. At least as far as we've ever been able to tell." Josephine's attention was also outside. She grew more distracted the closer we came.

And then there was no more time for inquiry. The moment the hansom slowed, she had the door open and was out, tossing the driver his pay before dashing up the drive. I followed more slowly, but did my best to keep up, cursing, wishing I'd had time to change before everything happened.

I panted to a halt next to her as she hovered, looking up at the dark house.

"Something isn't right," she said before moving on and I'm still not sure if she was speaking to me or the night air. I followed her as she paced the property, feeling around with my magic, but knowing before we made it very far Samuel wasn't home.

I grabbed her arm as she found a metal frame door leading into the glassed in conservatory. "He's not here."

Grim, she pulled free, one hand stripping the glove from the other, fingertips pressing to the steel. Her power wrapped around the frame and wrenched it free. She casually tossed it aside and entered.

Again I was left to follow her, down empty, dark corridors and through quiet rooms. The entire estate was abandoned, servants and all. By the time we reached the kitchen, Josephine was cursing under her breath, nasty words that would have made even Pharo flinch.

"A dead end, it appears. But why?" She spun on her heel, looking up, then down. "Where did he go?"

"Maybe I can find out." Josephine's dark eyes, the deepest blue I'd ever seen, settled on mine.

"Your witchcraft shouldn't be able to sense him."

I shrugged. "For whatever reason, it can. I felt him earlier. That's how I found the hansom."

She was silent for a moment, then nodded.

"Try," she said.

I reached into the air around me and sent it outward, seeking Jack while I dove into the earth, sending questions through the very soil, the roots threaded through it. Outward, ever outward my power went, until it drew thin and sparse, breaking up around the edges. I pushed harder, feeling the wakened magic inside me stir, ignoring it. I could go farther than this. And had, in fact. But the more I pushed my magic the weaker I became until I finally had to retreat, panting.

Something was wrong. That was far more difficult than it should have been. It was as if the other magic within me interfered, jostling for its own place.

What had Samuel done to me?

Josephine didn't speak until I had my breath back.

"Anything?"

I shook my head, truly disappointed. "He's either beyond my range or shielded."

Josephine nodded once before striding off with her long gait. I rushed to keep up with her, only then noticing we were of the same height. I unlocked the front door before she could do it harm and relocked it behind me. When I turned from my task, I found her sitting on the top step, looking out over London.

I joined her, gathering my skirt around myself, shivering a little now that I'd stopped moving.

"What about the Brindles?" I had to know if I could trust them.

Josephine glanced at me then away. "I don't know." Her voice hung low between us. "As far as I know, the coven has nothing to do with Brotherhood activities. But that nephew of Samuel's..."

"Hugh," I said, venom in the speaking of his hated name.

"Yes, the very one. He's a part of this. So I could be wrong."

How very depressing.

"All I know," she said, "is the rumor I've heard. About some new power Samuel has." She frowned. "It had to do with an ancient discovery."

I thought of Jack and his metal parts. "The medallion," I said.

Josephine spun to face me. "Tell me."

"I don't know much. Only that Jack is able to use all materials."

She nodded, gesturing for me to go on.

"He told me Samuel took him somewhere, a cavern under the city. Had him touch a medallion. And when he did, his fingers turned to gold."

Josephine's eyes widened. "What?"

"I saw it myself. His hand. And his leg. Both look as if they are encased in it. And Jack says it's spreading."

"It can't be," she whispered. "Living metal. Which means he may be able to manipulate it. But how did he create it in the first place?"

I knew she wasn't talking about Jack. "Can you help him?"

"I don't know." She sounded very frustrated. "Only one way to answer that. We have to find Jack." Josephine reached over and patted my hand. "I'm sorry," she said. "I know this isn't what you want to hear right now, but you're in the middle of this with the rest of us. You can't trust anyone any longer. Do you understand?"

I nodded. "It's not as if I thought this was a game," I said. "Or some silly magic trick."

Josephine's eyes narrowed before she grinned at me and leapt to her feet. "Excellent idea," she said, offering her hand.

I took it, wondering even as I chased her to the street what she was talking about.

Another hansom ride to a different part of the city. But I recognized it as well. When we alighted from the cab in front of The Conjury, I felt a thrill of nerves. Vasek. She knew him. Could she be trusted? Could he?

"Let's go see our magi friend, shall we?" Josephine winked at me and held the door.

And into the dragon's den I went.

***

# Chapter Twenty Six

Josephine bypassed the large man guarding the door with a simple wave of her hand and I followed, hoping he knew I was with her.

I'd only seen the back exit of the place, so I found myself distracted by the mysterious and theater-like atmosphere of the place. The magic club was dark, but full of people. Scented smoke hung heavy in the air, soft whispers barely carrying. I was grateful for the shadows, partly because I knew I must look a fright.

An older man in a dark suit bowed to us and gestured toward the entrance to the main area, but Josephine waved him off. She slid past the door to stand with her back to the wall. I snuck in next to her, looking out over the crowd. The place was packed with tables, the air thick with perfume and cigar smoke. Opposite us stood a black stage, filled with oddities and boxes of mysterious sorts. And in the midst of it, his dark hair shining, stood Vasek, the stunning blonde Stella at his side. I caught myself touching my hair, worrying about how I looked even more when in her view.

Josephine made a small motion with her hand. I glanced down, saw she cupped what looked like iron shavings in her now bare palm. She clenched her fist around them, a small burst of light escaping through her fingers. When she opened them again, the filings were in the shape of a small bird.

She brought it to her lips and whispered to it. The thing fluttered its wings, tiny eyes glowing with the fire of her power. It leapt from her hand and flew high above the crowd, making its way toward the stage. I watched in wonder as the fragile thing floated down to land in the crease of Vasek's lapel.

His eyes lifted instantly, met mine. At least, I think they did. It was hard to tell from that distance. But he didn't miss a moment of his performance, no matter the tiny bird delivering the sorcerer's message, only nodding to us, incorporating the movement into what he was doing, before tilting his head to the side.

Josephine moved immediately and I kept on her heels despite my aching feet and protesting lower back. I swore as I stomped behind her the next time anyone tried to make me wear such nonsense they'd be finding themselves on a fat lily pad. Back in the lobby, she led me to a seemingly solid wall, pressing the panel in a certain way I tried to follow with my gaze and memory, but lost track of almost immediately. She walked through as the barrier gave way into gaping blackness, myself keeping close even as I marveled at the cleverness of the hidden entrance.

I recognized the back stage area at once, striding at last with my own confidence down the narrow hall, past the door I exited the last time I was here and to Vasek's office door.

It hadn't changed, the same black velvet, the ever-present tapestry on the far wall. Was it really only two short days ago I last stood here? Imagine. Only this time I was there of my own free will.

I wanted to press Josephine for more answers, but when I turned to talk to her I found her stretched out on the same sofa I'd woken on, her hood over her eyes. It was a clear sign she wished her privacy. And while I was very tempted to violate it, to demand to know why she spent so much time observing and not acting, I decided if I wanted to remain in her good graces I'd leave well enough alone.

For now.

Instead, I prowled the office, partly out of curiosity. The paintings were quite stunning, all of Vasek in his All Seeing Eye persona, clearly done by more than one master.

When I reached the tapestry, I had a good look at it. It wasn't exactly a picture, more of a pattern, one that made me dizzy as I studied it. I finally looked away, feeling slightly sick and more than a little tired of this whole situation.

Fortunately for my patience level, I didn't have much longer to wait. I heard a rumble like thunder and realized it was applause. Within moments of that sound, another door, this one as well hidden as the entrance in the lobby, slid open and Vasek and Stella stepped through.

Josephine was instantly on her feet. "How was the show?" There was a hint of sarcasm in her voice, as if she either didn't care or disapproved of his career choice.

"Excellent, as usual." He stopped in front of her and bowed, his hand held out, palm up. On it rested the tiny bird. Josephine lifted it and whispered again. The metal creature chirped before falling still and collapsing in a wash of light into a pile of metal shavings again.

"Clever," Vasek said.

Her hands disappeared into her cloak. "I've learned a few things. From a clever teacher."

His smile was almost a smirk. "What brings you two lovely ladies to my club?" His black eyes settled on me and he winked.

"You know why we're here," I said. "Jack."

He shrugged delicately. "I was told by the boy himself I was to mind my own business."

"The Brotherhood has him, Vasek." Josephine didn't sound concerned. Just stating a fact.

"Indeed," he said, sweeping away from her to sit in a large chair. He crossed his legs, folding his hands in front of him. "As he was the night I came to his aid. How is it different this time? Aside from the fact my help isn't wanted?"

"Don't be so petty," I snapped.

His face instantly settled into a blank stare. "Careful," he said. "You have no idea what you say, witch girl."

"I don't need your warnings," I said. "I need answers. Why do they want Jack? He said Samuel had a plan. He overheard the man talking. It made Jack run."

Both Josephine and Vasek seemed to be paying attention. But only the magician didn't appear surprised.

"You knew." It wasn't a question. Josephine actually looked disappointed.

He tapped the tips of his fingers together. "Not everything. Only bits and pieces." His gaze fell on me again. "What did he tell you?"

"You've heard it." I began to pace, the frustration of the entire situation catching up with me. "Your turn."

Vasek sighed quickly, a short burst of air. "All I know is there is a plot. And that young Jack is the key to everything. The Brotherhood is moving ahead with their plan to perfect the world, don't you know." A lazy smile settled on his lips.

"No," I said. "This is about more than some agenda of a bunch of fanatics."

"Why do you say that?" Josephine ignored Stella's offer of a drink as the blonde fetched a bottle and a couple of glasses. She filled Vasek's before turning to me.

I shook my head as I went on. "This is Samuel Brindle, remember? I don't know the man well, but I know the type. He's not interested in some mumbo jumbo Egyptian edict. The man understands power, plain and simple. So whatever they are planning, his main goal is to achieve something for himself. And I can't imagine that something is connected to exposing himself for what he really is."

Josephine nodded. "I agree. It seems out of character for the man. And yet, he is the leader of the Brotherhood."

I caught Vasek staring at the tapestry and wondered what he saw in it.

"You know the boy has access to all materials?" Vasek waited for Josephine and I to both nod. "Samuel has been searching for one like him for years. And now that he has what he wants..." The magician downed his drink in one swallow. "Jack is lost."

"You tried to rescue him yourself," I said. "Which means you don't really believe what you're saying."

"Perhaps if he'd allowed me to help him then," Vasek said. "But Samuel won't allow him out of his sight again, I can assure you."

"What about this Steam Union of yours?" I turned to Josephine. "Will they help?"

Vasek laughed. "Yes, Jo darling. Tell us. Will they come to the boy's aid?"

She looked angry, tense. I wondered at the familiarity of the nickname as she spoke.

"I've been assigned to this task," she said with stiff formality.

Vasek saluted her with his refilled glass as Stella stepped back. "I wish you great success."

"Is that a no?" I looked back and forth between them.

Josephine shook her head, two sharp jerks that made her dark hair ripple almost with a life of its own. It was all the answer I needed.

Vasek stood in one smooth motion. "It's been delightful, my dears. But I have business. You understand."

Stella was already moving, heading for me. I knew what this meant. It was time to leave. But I wasn't ready yet. I gathered my air magic and slid a wall between us. She observed it with curiosity, running her fingers over it, sending blue sparks flying.

I turned to Vasek. "You can't get rid of me so easily, magician. We still have business."

His amusement was long gone. Vasek set down his glass and glared at me. "A history lesson for you, witch girl," he said. "The maji have long suffered for the slips and faults of the other powers. It is we who were burned at the stake by the Inquisition, when you lot were too fearful to show your faces and save us." Of course. It was latents who were captured. "For centuries we've been blamed for your mistakes." He pointed at both Josephine and I. "Were we offered protection? Not once."

Josephine's temper showed up at that. "This could affect all of us, you fool. This is no time for a discussion of our failings or petty moments of could-have-been."

"It's an excellent time," he said.

"Maybe if we communicated with each other," I said. "I didn't even know either of your kind existed."

Vasek bowed to me. "Forgive us your cultured upbringing," he said. "Of course it's our fault the poor witch girl is in the dark." He rolled his dark eyes. "Perhaps if the witches were more willing to descend from their towers and mingle with the rest of us. Or perhaps if the only remaining coven in London weren't such a waste of magic. Not to mention the sister of the man you search for is their leader. Yes, indeed. I can see why we would trust you."

"That's unfair, to paint us all with the same brush." I was proud of myself. I hadn't squashed him yet.

He snorted. "It's not just London," he said. "The European covens are too fearful to breathe because of recent Inquisition history. And your New World covens are busy squabbling over power grabs. Do I have it right?"

Temper, temper, Burdie.

"At least I'm willing to act," I said. "In the face of what is happening now, not based on the past. It's what is coming that defines us, Vasek. How will you choose to be remembered?"

His scowl told me I'd hit the mark without actually coming out and calling him a coward.

Not that it mattered. I could see it in his face. He'd made up his mind.

"The maji have been paying attention. They have decided this is not their concern. Nor is it mine. I'm no longer interested in this particular conversation." He gestured toward my shield. "Now if you would kindly remove yourself and go, I won't have to ask Stella here to hurt you."

I'd seen the woman move, knew she was dangerous. How dangerous remained to be seen. But I didn't need some arrogant ass helping me when he didn't want to.

I dropped the barrier, doing my best Mum as leader act, looking down my nose at him. "Let's be off, Josephine. He's useless to us."

She actually looked amused.

I glanced once over my shoulder on the way out, wishing despite what I'd said there was a way to change his mind.

Vasek stared at the tapestry as if it held a world of secrets.

***

# Chapter Twenty Seven

I immediately veered toward the back door, but Josephine continued on the way we came in so I followed. I have to admit I was feeling quite disillusioned and wondered how we were ever going to track Jack down.

When we emerged into the dark lobby, it was empty. So was the theater. At least, mostly. Josephine drew a breath and grasped my hand, squeezing hard. I turned to ask her what was wrong when I smelled it.

Kerosene. A large quantity of it had spilled somewhere nearby. I headed for the front door and shoved against it, but it wouldn't open.

We were locked in. Not that it was a problem for us. But when I turned to tell my companion, I caught her sneaking toward the stage area and, naturally, I had to follow.

Two figures were leaving as we entered. The stench of fuel was overpowering. I realized the purpose far too late through my daze of wondering why anyone would pour that much of the stuff around, a spark from a match making it entirely clear.

I spun, Josephine beside me, and leapt for the lobby. A great whoosh of pressure rushed away from us as the kerosene lit. I reached for what little was left of the air element and slid a shield around us just as the blast wave of super heated oxygen rushed toward us, enveloping us in its embrace.

It was gone as quickly as it arose, but left a raging fire behind. The lobby rapidly filled with smoke. I found myself crawling toward the front door only to feel Josephine's hand on my foot.

"Vasek," she choked.

For a moment I considered abandoning the magician, but only for a moment. I managed to control enough of the air around us to create a clean bubble. We had to stick together to remain inside it, which made for some awkward maneuvering, but we managed.

The hall behind the front of house was already filling with smoke. We raced toward the office. I paused a moment to check the door. Also locked. And it felt as though it were chained from the outside when I rattled the handle. I turned to see Josephine guiding Vasek and Stella out into the hall. They immediately started to cough. I'd forgotten the shield.

I gestured for them to hurry, expanding the bubble. As they entered it, crossing over the edge of the magic I'd made, I felt a sharp jab, as though the new power inside me decided enough was enough.

"Josephine," I managed through gritted teeth as I held on. "The door."

Her gloves came off, hands pressed to the metal portal. It warped and buckled, while Vasek swore and tried to pull free, to go back to his office. Stella held him in one hand, almost easily, as if he were but a small child and she his mother.

The door caved and gave way. We all tumbled out of the building and into the alley, black smoke pouring out after us. Stella bodily dragged her employer out of the side street and across the main thoroughfare to safety.

"My club." He sagged in her grip.

"Did you want to die there?" It was the first time I'd heard Stella speak. Her voice was as beautiful as her face. Envy crawled like a snake in my belly while she went on. "I could return you to it. Or you could live."

He pulled free of her at last, but I knew it was because she had let him go. His hands were full, small objects disappearing into his pockets and parts of his clothing. He glared at the fire, watching it spread until the entire building erupted into orange flames.

"This is your fault." He spun on Josephine and I. "They never would have done this if you had just left well enough alone."

Before either of us could respond, Stella calmly gave him a slap across the back of the head. "Don't be an idiot," she said so mildly it was as if she were discussing the weather. "They would have killed you regardless. You knew too much."

"Does this change your mind?" Josephine didn't look at him, just stared at the fire.

He grunted, the most inelegant thing I'd heard him utter. "It appears my choices are limited. So yes, I guess so." Vasek sighed. "I suppose it was never meant to last."

Stella patted his cheek. "There, there," she said.

He slapped her hand away and turned to me. "All right, witch girl," he said. "Now what?"

Why was he asking me? "We need to find Jack."

He snapped his fingers. "Obvious." He turned away to my companion. "Jo?"

She finally tore her gaze from the fire. I could hear the clang of a bell in the distance, the sharp call of police whistles. The fire brigade was coming. Which meant we had to go.

"He's not at home," she said, speaking of Samuel, obviously. "Perhaps the Brotherhood house. But he's covering his tracks, so I doubt it." She turned and gestured down the street. "I think we should discuss this elsewhere."

As we turned to leave, I had a brilliant idea.

"I know how to find him," I said, coming to a standstill from the shocking simplicity of it.

Josephine grabbed my arm and pulled me along with her. "Feel like sharing?"

I grinned at her. "Rather than chase the wolf," I said, "we only need to track his dog."

She frowned at me until understanding dawned. "Hugh."

"Hugh," I agreed. Within moments my power was at the Brindle house and just in time. The very dog was hurrying up the front path to the door. He glanced about, the image of him looked fearful, eyes darting around in the darkness as though sensing me watching him. He was a witch, so I was sure I was right, but it didn't matter.

I lost him the moment he went inside, but we now had our guide. As we hurried through the dark, my fear and worry returned. The last thing I wanted to tell my mother was that her very dearest friend in the entire world wasn't to be trusted.

***

# Chapter Twenty Eight

The Brindle house was fully lit when we paused near the corner to get our bearings. My attempts to reach Sassafras failed over and over. I knew better than to try, but couldn't seem to resist each attempt, hoping perhaps I'd break through somehow.

"The whole family is home, I presume." Vasek had recovered his air of arrogance if not fully his good humor by then. "How then do you propose extracting the boy?"

I hadn't thought that far ahead and didn't appreciate his attitude. "I supplied the solution, didn't I? I can't think of everything."

Lucky for us, Stella had a mind of her own. Without waiting to see if we would follow, she promptly crossed the street on a straight approach to the house. We did pursue her, without a word. She had that effect on people, I noticed. At the last moment, she veered to the right, near the tall, black iron fence. She waited for us in the deep shadow just outside the reach of the nearest lamppost.

"Jo," she said without looking at the sorcerer. "A little magic."

Within moments, Josephine bent us a slender opening, one that would be missed by the casual observer. I followed the others through, scowling at Vasek as he bowed and gestured me onward, taking up our rear position. If he thought he needed to do so because he was a man and I needed protecting, he was sorely mistaken.

I'd never explored the lush garden surrounding the house and admitted to myself how odd it felt to be sneaking about. Stella was a silent predator, Josephine almost as quiet. I struggled to keep up in my dress and heels, low and well worn though they were, scowling at my every step. No matter the risk, I needed to go to my room for a change immediately.

The kitchen door was firmly bolted, but posed no barrier to Josephine. I hissed a warning as she eased it open.

"Your magic may not work inside." I had no idea if that were true or false. Sorcery seemed to operate outside witch magic, but I wanted her to have the knowledge just in case.

She nodded once and disappeared after Stella.

The kitchen was empty, a blessing, stove dark for the night. I wasn't sure of the time, but knew it had to be late and hoped Clara and the rest of the servants were tucked in bed. I would hate for anything to happen to any of them.

My stomach clenched in the muffled feeling of the place, and not for the first time I berated myself for failing to have Georgina induct me into the family magic. I was blind, deaf and stupid without my power to guide me.

Fortunately, I had Stella. With uncanny precision, she crossed the large kitchen to the door and paused. She stood there, head down, for so long I almost prodded her to act when she burst into movement. She jerked open the door, grabbed someone from the hall outside and heaved the heavy wooden portal shut again, slowing it at the last moment so the latch just clicked.

Her hand settled over a mouth wide open before it could scream, pinning her captive to the wall with little effort. I hurried forward, finger to my lips, my eyes locking on Kate's.

She calmed immediately. Stella released her, but I could feel the tension around her and knew if Kate made one move or threat against us Stella would silence her.

I leaned forward, lips to Kate's ear. "I need your help," I whispered. "It's imperative I find Hugh immediately."

Kate's eyes welled with tears, those drops wavering over her eyes as she trembled. "He's here," she whispered back. "Oh Burdie, what have you done?"

What had _I_ done? "It's Hugh who is at fault," I told her. "You were here, Kate. You saw Samuel take Jack. How your brother sided with him."

She shook her head, body shaking from it. "No," she said. "He explained everything to me. To Mother and Father. How you're in league with that horrid boy and your plan to take over our coven."

"That nasty little blighter," I snarled. "He's lying. Kate, I'm about to be the heir to a huge coven of my own. Why would I want yours?"

I hadn't meant it as an insult, but it came out that way. At least, the hurt in Kate's eyes told me it did. Before I could correct myself or make matters any worse, Vasek moved me aside and gestured in Kate's face. I felt the whisper of his power as he touched her cheek with his fingertips, not enough to trigger the family wards, but more than enough to silence her.

"Voila." Kate instantly froze, face falling into a calm and peaceful state.

I'd seen her like that before. At the ball. "That's convenient."

He shrugged. "The implanted hypnotic suggestion remains. A simple thing really. And to our benefit, it seems."

I wasn't exactly comfortable with him using her this way, but what other choice had we?

"Kate," Vasek said in his most velvety tone, "you are happy."

Her lips curved into a smile. "I'm happy."

"That's correct, my dear. You are thrilled, in fact. So happy, you need to share it with your brother."

She nodded quickly. "Hugh needs to know how happy I am," she said. Stella stepped aside as she turned and opened the kitchen door.

"After you," Vasek said. One of these times I'd have the moment needed to wipe that smirk from his face.

We emerged in the back hallway. I knew instantly where Kate was going; the same room Hugh had hidden in when I caught him peeping. I followed her down the corridor, Stella taking up the last of the line this time, Vasek and Josephine on Kate's heels.

She paused by Hugh's door and knocked. "Hugh, I have something wonderful to tell you!" Her voice practically glowed with the false happiness Vasek gave her.

I heard a rustle of fabric, the turning of a key in a lock. The door eased open a crack and Hugh's brown eyes looked out.

"Go away," he said.

Too late. Stella was behind Kate, moving us forward, all of us crowding into the room. She dodged around me and grabbed Hugh even as he backpedaled away. His attempt to shout was silenced far more roughly than Kate's, when Stella put him on the ground and knelt on his chest, compressing his lungs.

Vasek handed her a silk handkerchief which she coolly and expertly stuffed into his mouth before easing the pressure on his breastbone. Hugh coughed around the scarf, struggling to regain the air she'd knocked from him and was in no position to make more of a sound.

I immediately noticed something wasn't right. Two trunks lay open at the foot of his bed, hastily packed clothing stuffed inside. His cloak lay over the end of his coverlet as if waiting for him to run.

"He's leaving," I said. I turned to him where Stella still pinned him to the floor. "Where were you going, Hugh? With Samuel, perhaps?"

His dull brown eyes shone hate at me.

"Brilliant," Vasek said. "Be a dear boy and take us with you. We have business with your uncle."

Hugh mumbled something around the silk I knew couldn't be complimentary. Stella casually swiped the back of his head, the gesture so lazy it looked like she barely struck him. But his head bobbed forward from the blow and when I met his gaze again there was little rage and more disorientation.

"Maybe you could hypnotize him too." I turned to Vasek who shook his head.

"It only works if the subject agrees to it." He gestured at Hugh who seemed to be regaining his wits. "I highly doubt the boy would give his permission."

Bloody hell. "There has to be a way to make him talk."

Stella smiled at me. "There is," she said. "But you all might want to wait outside if you're at all squeamish."

We never had the opportunity to argue for or against her suggestion. At that moment, Hugh lashed out with his magic, right at me. I dodged in time, slightly shocked he even had magic since he'd shown nothing of the sort in the past. I managed to leap out of his way only because Stella jerked on him, deflecting the beam of light he aimed at my heart. It missed everyone. That is, everyone but Kate.

I'm sure she was fortunate it didn't hit her dead to rights. In fact, it barely clipped her arm. But it was enough of a jolt to make her cry out and, in doing so, break free of her hypnotic trance. She took one look at the situation and, before any of us could reach her, bolted for the door.

"Kate!" I lunged after her, knowing it was far too late, watching the door slam behind her, hearing her screaming all the way down the hall.

"We have to go now." Stella had Hugh up already and was half carrying him to the door. The others rushed out after her, but I hesitated. Why was I running? I needed to talk to Georgina, to tell her what was happening. She would believe me.

If she wasn't in league with Samuel.

That drove me to chase after the others.

We almost made it to the kitchen door. Stella had it open and was forcing Hugh through when a bolt of energy slammed into it and drove it shut again. I skidded to a halt, eyes wide and mouth agape as Georgina glared at us all.

"What is the meaning of this?" Power crackled around her, making her once perfect hair rustle, bits wavering around her head like a halo.

"Georgina, please." I had to try. "This is important. Hugh—"

"Release my son." No longer was she the giggling, sweet woman I knew. This Georgina Brindle was every inch the coven leader and her so-called weak magic seemed quite powerful to me. "And step aside."

I put myself between her and the others without thinking. "Please, Georgina," I said, hands raised in supplication. "You need to listen to me."

Tears stood in her eyes, her lower lip trembling as she met my gaze. "Auburdeen," she said, voice steady despite her obvious distress, "I charge you with treason against witchcraft and conspiring to overthrow a coven."

She what? "You can't be serious."

Oh, but clearly she was. Her power gathered, a bolt of blue fire forming around her hand. "If convicted, you will be put to death as is our law. Now step aside or face your end now."

My heart sped up just a fraction more as I clearly saw her intent. She would not hold back.

"I won't," I said. "It's your son who is the wrong-doer. And I need him to stop your brother from destroying us all."

She seemed to falter, to hesitate. Until the front door banged, footfalls echoing toward us as reinforcements arrived.

Time to go. I lunged forward with a shouted, "Run!" at the others, saw the power release from her hand and knew I was dead.

In slow motion, the world holding its breath, I reached for Mum, knowing I would never touch her again and that such an attempt was foolish. Instead of her, my desperate magic knifed aside enough of the oppressive wards I felt a familiar mind connect, his anger and fear so powerful I cried out from the blow.

A ball of shining silver leapt before me as the magic left Georgina's hand and into the path of the energy hurtling toward me with deadly force. My faithful cat, my darling Sassafras, took the attack meant for me and saved my life.

_Run_! It was the only word he managed before the magic slammed into him. I tried for more, my mind slipping over his quiet one as he crumpled to the ground and lay still.

Georgina screamed in horror, hands on her face. "What have I done?" Her eyes lifted to mine. "What have you brought on us, Auburdeen Hayle?"

I had not one bit of caring for her in that instant. Not one moment of thought or concern, only rage and absolute grief. I couldn't leave him, my faithful friend. But the hall suddenly filled with witches and I had no choice.

My heart shattered, my throat thick with unshed sorrow, I ran from Brindle house and left Sassafras behind.

***

# Chapter Twenty Nine

How did I make it to the garden? Or the fence? Onto the street? I don't recall. Though when I finally started thinking again, Josephine was beside me, one hand on my arm, so I could only assume she was the reason I remained alive.

A choking sob escaped me when understanding returned. Sassafras. He died to save me. And Georgina killed him. She had to be working with Samuel.

Mum would never forgive me. And even if she did, I knew my own forgiveness would be forever in the making.

We were two blocks from the house by then, but I could feel them behind us in close pursuit. I jerked my arm free of Josephine, my rage and hurt and need to strike out taking over. I spun and faced my pursuers, gathering all my magic around me as I waited for them to come.

By the time the small group of witches staggered to a panting halt before me, I glowed like a star of blue magic. It thrummed through me, the very earth trembling so much the light pole beside me shook its bulb to breaking. The air vibrated with my fury, water rising through the cobblestones to flow over my feet in answer to my call. One by one, each lamppost burst its electric light and flared into flame as fire raged with me. The alternate power inside me fell silent as my witchcraft answered my need.

"Face me!" My voice rippled out toward them, bending them backward with the power in it. "Cowards, liars, murderers!" I lashed out toward the ground, cracking the cobbles with three rapid concussions sending stone chips flying in all directions. "How dare you accuse me?"

They spun and ran as my magic chased them, fingers of air driving into them, the earth tossing them to their knees. Water froze and pelleted, cutting them as they fled, while fire roared around them, following their path back toward the Brindle house.

I let the power collapse around me as I shuddered to the ground. More tears. I hadn't cried in years, never saw a need for it. This time was different.

I felt her reach for me, heard Georgina's voice in my head as I panted my way through my sobs.

You are no longer welcome in the Brindle Coven. Your family will be notified and you will be charged. When those charges are accepted, you will be hunted down and brought to justice. May the five powers have mercy on you.

She locked her mind down before I could shoot off a furious and heart wrenching reply. My mother. She was going to tell my mother. That I was a traitor.

Heaven help her. Mum would tear her apart.

Josephine jerked me to my feet. "What the hell were you thinking?"

"Let me go." I pulled away, staggered. "Just leave me alone."

She obviously didn't hear me as she took hold of me again and pulled me along with her at a rapid pace. "You fool," she said, but not unkindly. "That could have been handled better."

I choked on a laugh empty of mirth. "You have no idea."

The others waited for us on a quiet side street. Hugh lay limp in Stella's grip.

She saw me looking and shrugged. "He didn't want to come with us."

"What happened?" Vasek looked a bit wild around his eyes. "We heard an explosion."

"Our young witch here decided to show London what real power looks like." Josephine shook her head. "We're fortunate it's so late at night. I doubt we had witnesses."

I sagged against the crumbling stone of the side of the building and tried to pull myself together. "They're charging me with treason."

Vasek snorted. "Delightful."

Josephine punched his arm. "The girl is struggling enough without your comments," she said.

"I'm only saying," he said, "we've enough trouble as it is without the dear thing attracting more." He squinted at me. "You seem to be quite the lodestone for mishap, witch girl. Tell me you're done."

How could everything have fallen apart so terribly? Not only had I lost my life-long companion when he sacrificed himself to save me, I was outlawed, on the run, searching for a boy I barely knew while the woman who wanted to have me killed had complete access to my mother and I had none.

Surely things couldn't get any worse.

"Burdie, I'm sorry." Josephine's voice was as soft as I'd ever heard it. "I wish things could be different. But we're in this now. And we have to go."

She was, of course, spot on. I straightened, the hem of my gown rustling over the cobbles. Had I really, only a few short hours ago, been sitting in a theater with only the barest of ideas that something terrible was about to happen?

I nodded to her. "I know." I looked down at myself. "Only one condition."

She smiled at me. "I can guess."

"Trousers." I sighed. "This whole mess for a pair of trousers."

I followed the others, spirits as low as they'd ever been, but determination rising. Samuel. I had to find him. And Jack. Only then would I be able to prove my innocence.

My mother was going to kill me.

###

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About the Author

Everything you need to know about me is in this one statement: I've wanted to be a writer since I was a little girl, and now I'm doing it. How cool is that, being able to follow your dream and make it reality? I've tried everything from university to college, graduating the second with a journalism diploma (I sucked at telling real stories), was in an all-girl improv troupe for five glorious years (if you've never tried it, I highly recommend making things up as you go along as often as possible). I've even been in a Celtic girl band (some of our stuff is on YouTube!) and was an independent film maker. My life has been one creative thing after another—all leading me here, to writing books for a living.

Now with multiple series in happy publication, I live on beautiful and magical Prince Edward Island (I know you've heard of Anne of Green Gables) with my very patient husband and six massive cats.

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