"She became terrifying to me, not because
I feared who she was, but for the sake of love,
I feared what she could do to me,"
By: Christopher Poindexter.
10
*The Trace
Xana's heart was pounding fiercely inside her chest, smashing violently against her ribs. Her mind racing, jumping to the worst conclusions she could think of. Her hands gripping the steering wheel in an iron grip, turning her knuckles white. Her luminous eyes narrowed and her teeth clenched. She drove fast, faster than she ever did before. She must get to Jamie; she must protect him and keep him safe. She zigzagged between the passing cars at an impossible speed. If she wasn't an excellent driver, she would have crashed the second she reached the main road. She was turning rapidly, avoiding the traffic, silent and determined. Michael and Alston watched her with concern. They both knew it was Jamie. That look covering her face implied that. That concerned, protective, and possessive look. Alston wanted to protest and demand to know what was happening and maybe convince her not to go, but he didn't dare to. Xana looked intimidating, even more than she usually did. Michael was concerned, but he decided to stay quiet and support Xana's decision. When Xana reached Jamie's house, she flung her door open and sprinted toward the house, the boys on her heels matching her speed. None of them was in his gear, but Xana had her light and her swords. Michael had his knives and his inner werewolf. Alston had his bow, an arrow aimed and ready. Xana could hear Jamie yelling inside. The smell of sulfur and rot filled the air. Xana's mind raced. Demons!! Xana didn't hesitate. She kicked the front door out of its hinges and darted inside the house, calling for Jamie, then she stopped short and gaped at the scene in front of her. Michael nearly stumbled upon her, but he gracefully braced himself and stood gaping as well. Alston was more careful. He kept his arrow aimed in front of him; he stood beside Xana, squinting at the scene on the kitchen counter not far from them. Jamie was standing on his kitchen's marble counter, in his jeans and a T-shirt, an apron with the words 'Kiss the cook' written over it, barefooted and holding two frying pans. His eyes were wide and filled with fear, his hair a mess and sticking to his forehead. He was yelling and waving the pans in a threatening way, trying to protect himself from two Drac demons. Drac demons were purple, spider-like demons, their eight legs had poisonous spikes covering them, their pincers dripping purple slime that could burn the skin and penetrate the bones. Their eyes were huge and fiery red, without pupils or irises. The two demons were hissing and trying to sting Jamie with their spiked legs, but he was good at avoiding them and shielding himself with the frying pans. He was afraid, Xana could see the fear and puzzlement in his eyes. Xana took a moment to recollect her thoughts. The scene was bizarre and surreal. Drac demons didn't just walk around attacking mundanes, who definitely didn't summon them. And mundanes didn't stand a chance against their attacks, how was Jamie still alive? Xana had no idea but she didn't dwell on that thought much. She fought the urge to laugh at the pans in Jamie's hands; it was the first time in history that someone used a frying pan to block a demon attack. Xana focused on a strategy to kill the two demons fast while keeping Jamie uninjured. "What are those things? Xana?" Jamie asked in bewilderment, he was sweating heavily, his blond hair plastered on his face and neck, his intense blue eyes filled with fear and anxiety, his hands shaking. Xana reached one arm behind her back grabbing one of her swords. "Drac demons, don't worry." She said leaping forward, slicing the air with her gleaming Adamas sword. She kept her tone calm despite the screaming voice at the back of her brain, 'Protect him at any cost,' Xana was terrified for the first time in her life, not from demons, she was never afraid of them, but from what they could do to Jamie. Her human.
Jamie gaped at her, where did that weird glowing sword come from? He wondered, and before he could ask her, he was taken aback by what was happening to Michael. Jamie froze in his position watching as Michael turned from a handsome muscular boy to a massive black werewolf with blazing silver eyes in almost the blink of an eye. Alston as usual was all professional and alert, he started shooting at the demons as Michael and Xana were darting toward them. Michael collided with one of them, pinning the demon to the floor and slicing at him with his sharp fangs, while Xana was slicing the other one's legs, looking furious. Jamie saw that look in her eyes for the first time, a challenging terrifying look, it was the first time he saw her like this, intimidating. It was the first time he saw the demon slayer in her and at that moment, he was afraid of her. He felt safe when he saw her but with some fear now. She jumped swiftly on the counter, protecting Jamie and keeping him safe behind her, putting herself between Jamie and the poisonous demon.
Jamie felt safe the moment Xana had kicked his door, but he didn't drop the pans, he gripped them tightly and watched, amazed, as Xana managed to slice one of the demons, avoiding his slime and pincers, keeping the demon away from Jamie. It wasn't easy killing the Drac demon while keeping Jamie away from his reach, Xana struggled while trying to dispatch the demon's head without getting any of his slime on her skin, the demon kept reaching out, his legs were inches away from Xana's face. She kept Jamie right behind her, shielding him with her body. Jamie was so close she could feel his chest brushing against the back of her head. Alston noticed and shot one Adamas arrow at the demon's head. Xana took that chance and killed the demon fast, tearing his head away from his spiked body. Jamie gaped as the demon's body turned to black smoke and vanished. Michael killed the other one and stood panting for a moment.
"Are you all right? Are you hurt? What happened?" Xana faced Jamie and asked rapidly, both of them still standing on the kitchen counter. Her eyes were filled with rage and concern, her hair flowing around her, her fists clenched and her heart still hammering inside her chest. She realized that she was very close to Jamie's body. She could hear his wild heartbeats, so she took a step backward, still looking up into his eyes, waiting intently for his reply. "I'm okay. I don't exactly know what happened. I was making dinner when these things emerged out of nowhere and attacked me." Jamie explained, panting, sweating, and confused. The look in Xana's eyes gave him mixed emotions, fear, puzzlement, and safety all at the same time, and the scent of her hair dazed him. It smelled like roses and sunshine. Alston hurried to the counter. "Maybe you should discuss this after getting down." He wasn't amused, his tone clipped. Xana looked down at the counter, then she jumped down, put her sword back between her shoulder blades, and looked up at Jamie. He looked very tall from down there. "Come down Jamie, it's all right, they won't be back." Xana said gently and waited for Jamie to come down and stand beside her. Jamie looked around and watched as Michael phased back to his human form. "That was scary." He said, still clutching his pans. Michael grinned. "Scary is needed to freak out naughty demons." He said and ran a hand through his shoulder-length hair to arrange it. Then he started looking around, making sure there were no more demons lurking close by. Alston didn't leave Xana's side. He stood grim-faced, towering over her as she watched Jamie intently. "You can put these down now." Xana indicated the pans. Jamie stared at the pans for a moment, then he nodded and placed them on the counter. "I have never seen anything like this before." Jamie ran a shaking hand through his plastered hair, pushing it away from his eyes. He was still panting. 'So that is what demons look like,' he thought and wished he wouldn't have to see or deal with any demon ever again.
"Of course, you haven't. Demons are not supposed to attack mundanes without a reason," Xana said matter-of-factly. "You didn't summon them, did you?" Xana asked, raising one dark eyebrow at Jamie. He didn't look like the type who would summon demons for personal gain or even for fun. "I don't even know how to do that." Jamie shrugged and threw his hands in the air, then he leaned against the counter. He felt his knees could not carry him any longer, his brain foggy. "You draw a pentagram and enunciate the summoning incantations." Alston said, still in the same clipped tone. Xana rolled her eyes at Alston, then turned and said to Jamie. "Come sit down. You look terrible."
Jamie hesitated for a moment before he did as he was told, then collapsed onto his couch, looking around wide-eyed. Xana got a glass of water and followed him, offered him the water and Jamie shook his head. "Drink." Xana ordered. Jamie looked up at her and obeyed. She was really terrifying and commanding. 'What happened to the nice girl who told him all about the enchanted world?' he thought while drinking. The water was cool, and it helped him calm down, but he still couldn't shake the image of the two demons out of his mind. "The house is clear," Michael declared, and stood close to Xana. Alston was shifting his weight from one foot to another, looking irritated. Michael looked at Jamie with sympathy. "The first time is always the hardest. You will be fine." He assured Jamie. Jamie shook his head. "There will be no next time for me." He said and closed his eyes, threw his head between his hands. Xana's heart dropped to the floor. She saw demons on a daily basis. If she ever wanted to keep Jamie in her life, he would have to come across demons. There was no avoiding that. But he didn't want that life. Xana was afraid that this was the end for them. She stood silently, watching Jamie. Michael knew exactly what she was thinking. He moved closer to her and patted her gently on the back.
"I think our mission here is done." Alston snapped. Michael glared at him, but Alston glared back defiantly.
"You are not leaving, are you Xana?" Jamie asked pleadingly, lifting his head and looking at her with terrified blue eyes. "We have to. We can't stay for long because we have missions and ...." Xana explained in an apologetic tone, but Jamie stood bolt upright, cutting her off. "You can't leave me here. What if they came back?" Jamie stared at Xana wide-eyed, and Xana wished he didn't. His intense blue eyes were taking over her, clouding her judgment.
"Do not worry mundane, I am sure they were here by mistake." Alston mocked. Xana didn't even notice what Alston had just said. Those pair of blue eyes were devouring her. "You want to come with me?" she asked in a small voice, small and uncertain. She was afraid of his answer.
"Of course I do. You're the only one I know who can kill these things." Jamie said matter-of-factly. 'And because I feel safe around you,' he wanted to say that, but didn't. A look of hurt crossed Xana's face for a second, but she gathered herself quickly. 'He just wants to be protected by the demon slayer. He doesn't want to be around you for any other reason,' Xana thought. "Okay, I don't think Fenris would mind." Said Xana and looked up at Michael, who nodded. Alston was suddenly radiating fury waves. "You cannot possibly be serious."
"I'm not going to leave him here to die." Xana snapped back.
"Mundanes die every day." Alston crossed his arms over his chest.
"Not under my watch." Xana placed her hands on her hips. Xana and Alston stood gazing at each other defiantly, luminous emerald staring at a brilliant pine. The air between them was charged with rage and challenge. Michael jammed his hands in his pockets and stood quietly, watching. Jamie was too nervous to sit down, he was so scared to be left alone in his own house, he feared that Alston would convince Xana to leave him, but he knew so little, he didn't know that Xana always did what she wanted and she won every argument she ever had with Alston. Or with anyone, for that matter. "Since when?" Alston said mockingly. "Since now." Xana's tone was final. "You are crossing all the red lines, Xana." Alston warned. "Red was never my color, Alston." Xana teased.
"I ... Really..." Jamie started talking and both Xana and Alston glared at him, so he shut his mouth quickly.
"He stays." Alston ordered.
"He comes." Xana matched his authoritative tone.
"He is not worth it." Alston snapped.
That was Xana's cue. Insulting Jamie tantalized her rage, her eyes blazed and her cheeks turned crimson. She kept a steady piercing gaze on Alston, pointed her index finger at him in a threatening way. Her voice came deep and steady, but filled with rage. "Never cross that line, never insult him again, Alston, understood?" Michael knew that look and that tone. He moved fast in front of Jamie, trying to protect him in case Xana's anger went out of control and she started shooting light bolts to blow up Alston. Jamie didn't know she could do that, so he didn't understand Michael's move, but he understood the threat in her tone and stayed behind Michael. Alston was taken aback by her warning and her tone. Never in their disagreements did she ever talk to him like that before. He was hurt, insulted, and annoyed. Alston opened his mouth to say something, but then thought better of it and he decided to get out of the house without another word. "He will get over it." Michael whispered softly, smiling warmly at Xana. Xana inhaled and closed her eyes, trying to contain her anger, then she nodded at Michael. Jamie watched her intently. 'Did she just defend me against Mr. Gorgeous?' he thought and got amused. Xana opened her eyes. "Jamie, you are going to need some clothes. Pack for a few days, please." She said to him in a contained tone. She was so mad at Alston at the moment. She loved her friend so much, but sometimes he could really be annoying. Michael went to fix Jamie's door after Xana had smashed it. He managed to steady it back in its place. Jamie did as he was told. He went to his room and started packing some clothes, a hairbrush, and colognes. He wanted to smell good around Xana. He felt safe going with her. She would protect him from the dangers of her world. He also packed his guitar and his laptop. He was still afraid of what he saw, but the idea of being close to Xana assured him and calmed him down. He was only worried about what Alston might do. He was so furious and obviously didn't want Jamie to come. Jamie remembered how he blew wind on his face in the sanctuary's garden and wondered what else Alston could do. But for some reason, he knew that Xana would keep him safe, even from her friend. Jamie remembered as he laid in her light the night he was shot, how safe and warm he felt. He was also excited that he was going to be with Xana, near her, and get to know her better. Yes, she intimidated him, but he still wanted to be with her.
***
Alston was so angry he turned to a purplish shade. He couldn't stand still. He paced back and forth beside Xana's Mustang, stomping his foot against the sidewalk. Xana had never talked to him in that tone before, and what bothered him more than anything else was the fact that she was angry with him for the sake of a mere mundane, a mundane who she crossed all the lines and broke all the rules for, an intruder who must be kept away from her. Alston made up his mind to not let Xana have any kind of relationship with Jamie. He was there for her all their lives; he was a prince, an excellent warrior, a perfect match for her. He would challenge that mundane and he would win. But what was he supposed to do? How to impress Xana and distract her from the human? A smashing noise made him jump, startling him. It was his arrows returning to his quiver. Alston braced himself when he saw Xana and Michael walking out of the house toward him, followed by Jamie, who gave Alston a triumphant look, which Alston returned with a dark glare. The atmosphere between the two boys was charged with negative energy and challenge. Michael noticed and strode faster toward Alston, opened the backdoor, and ushered Alston inside. Reluctantly, Alston went inside, knowing that Xana would tell Jamie to sit in the front. Xana didn't notice any of this. She was thinking, why were those demons attracted to Jamie? He didn't summon them and they couldn't just happen to be at his house by accident. Demons were attracted to energy, but Jamie's mundane energy was the same as any other one. Why him? Xana wished she could take him to Calum, he would know why he was attacked, but she feared his reaction. She drove silently toward the sanctuary with a clouded mind. Jamie watched Xana with caution and curiosity. He knew she was fearless and scary, but he wasn't afraid of her anymore. He was calm now and secure. Alston kept a steady gaze at the back of Jamie's head and Michael tried to make him stop, but Alston was fuming, shooting daggers at the back of Jamie's head all the way back to the sanctuary.
Once in the sanctuary, Xana asked Michael to call Calum and tell him they were safe in the sanctuary and they would go to him sometime soon. Xana took Jamie up to Fenris's office and explained everything.
"Of course, Jamie can stay until we are sure he will be safe." Fenris assured Xana, and she exhaled sharply. Jamie noticed and realized how worried she was. 'Was she worried about his safety? Or did she do this for everyone?' Jamie wondered. "Thank you, Fen. I know I can always count on you." Xana said with a grateful tone. Then she left the office with Jamie and headed to the third floor, where Xana showed Jamie to the room he would be staying at. "You need to rest. I'll have Arthur bring you dinner." Xana told Jamie after he left his backpack and guitar on the bed. Her heart was beating at a normal rate now, but it was her mind that was racing. "Thank you," Jamie said, moving closer to Xana. "I should have said it earlier." He was all wide blue eyes and had a gentle tone. Xana smiled. "It's okay, demons are not a pretty sight. I can't imagine how you must be feeling now." "To tell you the truth, I was really shaken. I thought that's how I was going to die." Jamie shrugged, shaking the Drac demons' image out of his mind. "You did the right thing by calling me." Xana said. "It really is handy to know a demon slayer." Jamie winked. He was deliberately trying to be as charming as he could be. Xana giggled. "A trouble magnet like yourself should keep me on speed dial."
"Would you always come every time I called?" Jamie asked with hopeful eyes. Xana blushed, but she kept a steady gaze with Jamie's. "Always." She said, staring into Jamie's eyes, luminous emerald into intense blue. Xana loved looking into Jamie's twinkling eyes. They were so beautiful, her favorite shade of blue. He still looked at her the same way when he first saw her in the park. Xana's inner self was jumping up and down with relief. 'He doesn't hate me and he sure isn't afraid of me either,' Xana thought. Jamie's shoulders relaxed. That was all he wanted to hear. He couldn't define how he felt about her still, but he wanted her close. He wanted to know her better. Her presence made him ecstatic, amused, and safe. "I think the mundane should rest, don't you agree?" Alston's clipped tone snapped Xana out of her happy thoughts and sent her back to reality. Alston had been lurking behind Xana since they had arrived at the sanctuary and was thinking of painful ways to toss Jamie outside and keep him away from Xana.
Xana turned slowly and nodded at Alston. "I agree, thank you Alston," Xana smiled at Jamie once more. "I'll leave now and I'll send Arthur. Good night, Jamie."
"No wait, you are going to leave me alone in here? What if they came back?" he sounded truly horrified. Alston rolled his eyes. "They wouldn't dare attack the werewolves' sanctuary, you are perfectly safe," Xana assured then added for the second time. "Good night."
"Goodnight Xana." Jamie said in a soft tone. He sounded like a magical melody. Alston rolled his eyes and walked with Xana toward the first floor, where Arthur's room was. "I know you don't approve of what I did, but I need your word, Alston." Xana said without looking at Alston. "My word?" Alston's tone was quizzical. Xana rolled her eyes at him. "You won't tell Uriel about Jamie."
Alston stopped dead in his tracks glaring at Xana, clenching his teeth and fists, his silver hair was glinting and his pine eyes blazing. He wanted to grab Xana by her shoulders, to shake her back to reality but he was afraid of the physical contact, especially when she was angry with him. "You think I would betray your trust, dishonor myself for a mundane?" Alston asked in a hurtful tone. Xana looked up at him, she was still mad with him but she wanted to assure him that that wasn't what she thought. "I know you wouldn't betray my trust, but I fear what you would do to protect me."
"Did you have this conversation with Michael as well?" Alston demanded. "Not yet, but I intend to. I trust you the same way I trust Mikey, but I still need your word." Xana said, keeping her gaze steady. Alston closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. When he opened his eyes again, they were filled with disdain. Reluctantly he said. "You have my word." He looked away and ran a hand through his hair. Xana exhaled. "Thank you, Alston." She said in almost a whisper before she walked to Arthur's room. Xana knocked on the door gently and Arthur answered almost immediately. "Yes, dear?" Arthur said in his usual gentle tone. He was in pajamas and fleece slippers, looking sleepy.
"Jamie is here, the room beside Alston's. Can you please fix him some dinner? He had a rough night." Xana explained. Arthur nodded. "Sure, right away." Then he walked out toward the kitchen. Xana and Alston headed back to Michael's room to find him there, sitting on the windowsill. "Did your human settle in all right?" Michael said, amused. Xana rolled her eyes at him. "He is not my human." She protested playfully. Alston crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. "Yeah, sure sure." Michael teased Xana. "I think there is something you need to ask Michael." Alston cut through Xana's and Michael's regular playful conversation with his superior tone. Michael raised his eyebrows and gave Xana a questioning look.
"I need your word that you won't tell Uriel about Jamie." Xana explained. "You need my word?" Michael said incredulously. "You know I wouldn't get you in trouble." He sounded offended. "Xana made me give her my word. It is only fair if you do the same." Alston tried to sound reasonable, but his tone held something else Xana couldn't comprehend. Michael jumped off the windowsill and walked toward Xana until he stood right in front of her. "You have my word. I would never betray your trust." He sounded serious, unlike his usual self. Xana nodded, feeling guilty. She didn't mean to offend her two best friends. She just wanted to be sure they wouldn't reveal her secret because they wanted her safe. Michael ruffled Xana's hair in his usual playful manner and Xana relaxed. Michael wasn't mad. "Don't you think we should lock the mundane's room?" Alston asked. Xana looked at him with puzzlement. "The key is already in the door. We should have thought about it before we put him inside." Michael was all serious again. "We have to make some arrangement. Maybe we should take shifts." Alston said, straightening up. "What are you two talking about?" Xana gaped at them. "Protecting you, of course." Alston confirmed. Xana looked at Michael and he nodded. "So you will lock him in his room, seriously?" Xana was bewildered. "We don't have a key, so we should camp outside his door." Michael shrugged.
"Go to bed, the two of you. I'm not kidding," Xana commanded. "Before you do something really stupid," Xana went for the door and both Michael and Alston followed her closely.
Xana went inside her room and the boys stood at the threshold. "What? You are going to sleep in front of my door now?"
"That is not a bad idea." Alston said thoughtfully looking at the thick carpet covering the wooden floors. "Bed now, Al," Xana shooed him. "I'm not kidding," Xana warned them both. "I'm perfectly safe."
"Maybe you should lock your door." Michael suggested. "ARRGHHH," Xana exclaimed, "I can kill hellhounds, remember?"
"You were never interested in a hellhound before." Michael teased. Xana squinted, then she shut her door firmly, mumbling something unladylike. Alston knocked on her door. "It is Alston." Alston said and heard Xana shouting something indecent.
***
Jamie was surrounded by demons, slashing and thrashing him. His skin was covered in slime and he was screaming his lungs out. He was trapped, outnumbered, with nowhere to run; he was so weak, unable to fight the demons off, a helpless mundane with no special powers. He was going to die, Xana knew it. She tried to get to him but there were many, many demons attacking him, Unseelies, and even vampires. Jamie screamed, and Xana's heart shattered. She drew on her energy, producing her silver magical light, clearing a path towards Jamie, she was succeeding in getting near to him; she reached out trying to take his hand, pull him free out of the demons' poisonous grip, but Jamie didn't reach out for her hand.
"It is all your fault. You brought this on me." Jamie spat his words with rage. "Jamie, please, take my hand," Xana pleaded. Again and again. "I'm sorry, please take my hand." But Jamie never looked at her or took her hand. He let the demons devour him, blocking him from Xana's sight….
Xana sat bolt upright, panting and sweating, tangled between the bedcovers, her hair plastered on her face and back. She knew she had been screaming because of the lump in her throat. She threw herself back on her damp pillow and squeezed her eyes shut, clearing the memory of her nightmare out of her mind. But a frightening idea filled her thoughts. All her dreams about Jamie came true. He died between her hands. She had his blood covering her palms. Xana's eyes flew open. He was already attacked by demons, but was he still in danger? And from vampires and Unseelies as well? She had trouble going back to sleep all night long. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Jamie getting hurt.
***
Jamie closed the door slowly, feeling safer now after Xana had assured him that demons won't attack him again. He was glad to be back at the sanctuary because it was his chance to be beside Xana; he messaged his band members, telling them he would be out of town for a few days. A soft knock on the door made him jump, but he felt silly afterward. 'Demons don't knock,' he thought. He opened to find Arthur smiling warmly at him and offering him a tray of food. Jamie thanked him and went inside, finished all the plates, and threw himself on the bed, thinking of ways to impress Xana. He had a fitful sleep that night. All his nightmares were filled with poisonous demons and gleaming swords.
***
Xana sat up and shook her head, then untangled herself from the covers. A peeping sound almost made her jump. She laughed softly at herself when she realized it was a message on her phone.
*Good morning, waiting patiently to see you at breakfast.* Xana gaped at her phone, her heart started pounding and a smile grew on her lips. It was a message from Jamie. She immediately started typing a reply.
*Good morning, I won't be long.* Xana paused for a moment before she hit send, then she hurried to the shower.
***
The dining table was almost full, Fenris, Sam, and surprisingly, Haley was by his side. Michael, Alston, and Jamie. Mark, Simon, Billy, Charlie, and Adam. Michael kept an empty chair for Xana between him and Haley. Arthur was enthusiastic. He cooked many different options for all of them; the table was covered with eggs, beef, ham, at least 5 different types of cheese, pancakes, donuts, honey, jam, and maple syrup. Everyone looked up at Xana when she entered the room, but only Jamie's look at her made her blush, and she turned scarlet when he stood hastily. Alston did exactly the same, stood, and smiled broadly at Xana. Xana took her seat between Michael and Haley. Jamie was seated beside Michael. Xana was glad to see Haley. She always liked her. Haley winked at Xana and she got puzzled. Haley giggled softly and whispered. "Wow. He is so handsome." Xana blushed even more. Sam cleared his throat. "Heyyy." He tried to look hurt. Haley smiled at him playfully and said. "I love you, Sam, but he is heart throbbing. Sorry," Sam shook his head and squinted at Haley, who added quickly. "Not as handsome as you." "Damn right." Sam whispered back. Xana shook her head and went for her coffee. There was a lot of whispering around the table that morning and Xana knew it was about Jamie, which made her uncomfortable. She shifted in her seat the whole time. A peep sounded from her phone. She fished it from her back pocket.
*You look lovely.*
Xana went scarlet. She was avoiding looking at Jamie, knowing that everyone would notice. She didn't see him type the message.
*Thank you* Xana replied.
Fenris spoke, bringing Xana's attention back. "I'm sure you all heard of the demons' attack on Jamie. He will be welcomed here as long as it takes to make him safe," Fenris inclined his head toward the twins. "I'm sure you all will behave yourselves, and show your best manners to our guest." The twins snickered, and Xana shook her head. "I will take Jamie somewhere today to get some answers." Xana informed Fenris, and he nodded in agreement. "I have some good news I want to announce," Sam said, holding Haley's hand. "We have set a date for the wedding, April the fifteenth."
Everyone at the table cheered and congratulated Sam and Haley. Xana hugged them both tightly. "We are currently looking for a small apartment for rent and...." Sam went on when Fenris cut him off.
"About that, I have some good news too," Fenris was amused. "I have an early wedding gift for you. The small beach house near our house is yours." Sam and Haley gaped at Fenris, "How?!!" Sam asked. "Bought it a short while ago." Fenris explained. Haley was suddenly hugging Fenris, who was laughing loudly. The atmosphere around the dining room was ecstatic. Everyone was happy for Sam and Haley, even Adam was cheering. The twins were already planning the tricks they would pull on the wedding guests, and Haley warned them. Arthur said he would handle the catering. "And you all better be nice to me or you won't be groomsmen." Sam warned his brothers.
"Xana," Haley finally released Fenris and faced Xana. "Would you like to be my maid of honor?" Haley looked at Xana with hopeful brown eyes. Xana was taken by surprise, but she was excited to be asked. "It will be my honor." Xana replied. Haley hugged her tightly, nearly dropping her glasses. Xana tensed for a moment when she realized the maid of honor always wore a dress, but she intended to convince Haley to let her wear jeans and maybe a fancy top. When Haley released Xana, Xana looked shyly at Jamie, who was staring at her with a half-smile. He looked angelic.
"Jamie, you are welcome to come, of course." Sam said, clapping Jamie on the back. Jamie tore his eyes away from Xana to thank Sam. "I will perform too, if you would like." "Is your music any good?" Sam said playfully. Jamie laughed and his whole face lightened up. "We will let the guests be the judge of that." "Agreed." Sam shook Jamie's hand.
Xana was glad Jamie was getting along well with everyone. Then she saw the grim look on Alston's face. She knew Alston loathed Jamie and she wished she could change that.
"Xana as a maid of honor, now that is something I would even pay to watch." Michael teased, and Xana elbowed him.
Jamie's eyes lingered on Xana for the rest of the breakfast, which Xana was aware of and tried her best to ignore. After breakfast, Haley practically kidnapped Xana to Sam's room. "Okay missy, I want all the dirty details." Haley seated Xana in front of the dresser and was ready to give her a haircut, Haley liked cutting some of the locks around Xana's face shorter than the rest of her hair to make them hang around her face, Xana didn't object. Xana shrugged. "There's nothing to tell. He was attacked, and he needs help." Haley grabbed the locks she wanted to cut short and was about to use the scissors. "I didn't mean that. I meant what is happening between the two of you," Haley winked. "And it's really great that you can't lie." Haley flashed a mischievous smile. "I don't know, Haley." Xana exhaled and lowered her face. Haley lifted Xana's face up and started cutting Xana's silky locks, making them reach only to the middle of her neck. "Well, I can tell that he likes you."
"You think so? I think he just wants protection. Who would want to be with a supernatural freak?" Xana sounded wounded. Haley put the scissors back on the dresser and put her hands on her hips. "You listen here, don't call yourself that. You are very beautiful, funny, and kind. You are quite a catch." Haley's tone was assuring. Xana curled her lips, "Even if he really likes me, the laws forbid it."
"That is so unfair," Haley protested. "They should let you choose, just like the werewolves. What if he swore to secrecy like me?"
"It's not my decision. I will have to get back to Uriel and I'm sure if I told him he would be here within seconds with a warlock to erase Jamie's memories of me." Xana explained. "Don't tell him then. I know the part where you can't lie, but you can keep a secret, right? As long as you weren't asked about him." Haley was really excited, Xana thought. "That's what Michael told me to do." Xana smiled at the memory. "And that's what you should do. Give yourself some time and see how things will go," Haley encouraged Xana. Xana liked that idea, but she feared Jamie's feelings for her. Everyone was certain he liked her, but she still couldn't see it. For fairies, it was different. Love declarations were honest and straightforward. When one pledges his heart to another, they become bounded for a lifetime. There was no uncertainty or hesitation, no manipulation or lies, just honesty. And if any of them betrayed the other or broke that promise, he would be banished from Myron and considered a criminal. Xana couldn't declare her feelings yet. She didn't know a thing about what should happen and who should speak first. Mundanes were very complicated when it came to love. Haley noticed how Xana was worried. "You are going to need help, and I'll be glad to guide you in the mystery world of boys." Haley said playfully. Xana giggled. "I know a lot of boys, Haley."
"True, but not humans. I happen to be the expert here when it comes to that matter." Haley was amused and confident. Xana loved seeing her like this.
A knock on the door cut off Xana and Haley's conversation. It was Michael. "Hey, you wanted to get Jamie checked up, right? We should get going before we get sidetracked by any missions," Michael peered inside. "You look nice." He gave Xana a wink. "Where is Jamie?" Xana asked, alarmed. "I told him to get ready. I'm sure he went to his room." Michael assured.
"And where is Alston?" Xana asked, standing up fast. "That I dunno." Michael realized what he had done. "What is wrong?" Haley asked, puzzled. "You know how friendly our Alston is, especially to humans." Xana rolled her eyes at the thought of Alston's behavior around Jamie.
"Oh!" Haley nodded in agreement. "Let's find them before Alston does anything stupid." Xana said, walking past Michael, heading to Jamie's room with wide strides.
***
Jamie was keeping his gaze on Xana all the time; he noticed how she flushed when Haley offered her the maid of honor position. 'So demon slayers can flush!' Jamie thought and was amused. He also noticed Alston's glares at him and he intended to know what exactly his problem was. Jamie went to the room he was staying in to get ready when Michael told him to. He was about to get into the room when he found Alston leaning on the wall beside his door. "Hey, can I help you with something?" Jamie asked casually. "What possibly makes you think that I would need help from you?" Alston asked, scornful. Jamie raised his eyebrows. "Are you always this friendly?" Jamie mocked. Alston ignored Jamie's tone. "No, it is just you."
"Aha, did I do something that offended you?" Jamie asked. "Offended me?!!" Alston inquired, affronted. "A mundane like yourself could not possibly offend me." He sounded smugger than ever before in his life. Jamie exhaled, dropping his shoulders. "Why do you hate me so much, then?" Alston laughed. "Hate you! To hate you means I allowed myself to develop emotions for you, which I have not. I do not even acknowledge your existence, mundane," Alston's eyes were blazing, his ears a deep shade of scarlet. "I want you to stay away from Xana, you are beneath her."
'Wow straightforward,' Jamie thought, then he remembered that Alston was like Xana. He couldn't lie. "Why don't you let Xana decide for herself?" Jamie decided to challenge him. "Xana has a kind heart. She feels she has to save everyone, so do not flatter yourself and imagine you could be of any importance to her. In fact, you are a liability." Alston crossed his arms, raised his chin while he was speaking. "If I'm that worthless, then why do you think I'm such a threat?" Jamie aimed to be teasing, and he succeeded. Alston dropped his hands and glared at Jamie. He was trying to suppress his urge to hurt Jamie, to grab him by the hems and throw him outside. Jamie stood his ground, glaring back at Alston with defiance, 'One elf isn't enough to scare me off or keep me away from the girl I like,' Jamie thought. "Are you challenging me?" Alston spat his words. "Maybe I am." Jamie growled.
Footsteps started echoing in the long corridor, hurried footsteps rushing on the wooden floor, they were Xana and Michael's. "What is going on here?" Xana demanded when she saw Jamie and Alston facing each other with hostility.
"Nothing." Jamie said, tearing his gaze away from Alston and resting his blazing intense blue eyes on Xana. "Then why are you two looking so agitated?" Xana put her hands on her hips and demanded.
"I was just stating some facts to the mundane." Alston said, stepping away from Jamie. Xana glared at Alston. She could imagine what he had said. "That wasn't necessary. Could you please get ready now?" Xana did her best to contain her anger. Reluctantly, Alston went to his room.
Xana turned to Jamie. "I'm sorry if Alston offended you in any way. I know he can be really obnoxious, but he is a good friend."
"I don't know about obnoxious, but he is personified smugness." Jamie threw his hands in the air. Michael chuckled. "That is exactly what he is." then he high-fived Jamie. Xana shook her head at both of them, but she wasn't mad. In fact, she was trying to stifle a giggle. "Please try to understand that this is the way he was raised. There's nothing he could do about it." Xana explained. Jamie looked puzzled and Michael explained. "Alston is a prince who was raised by the most uptight royal family in history."
"How many princes and princesses are out there in your country?" Jamie asked. "Not many," Xana replied. "Alston is the prince of Alavara."
"Aha, that does explain a lot." Jamie shrugged. "I need you to get ready now. I'll tell you on the way where we are going." Xana said and gave Jamie a smile before she headed for her room to get ready as well.
***
In the Mustang, Jamie was surprised to see the three of them in their black leather gear. Xana noticed the quizzical look on Jamie's face and she explained before she brought the engine to life. "These are our outfits, the demon slayers' outfits."
"Uh, it looks like superheroes' costumes." Jamie teased.
Xana giggled. "It does. Yeah, you're right, but it's really practical. The material protects our skin, and it's flexible, easy to move in, and it has many pockets to keep all my weapons in." The engine roared and the sound system blasted 'Steal My Girl,' by One Direction. Xana immediately stopped the music when she saw the look on Jamie's face. Obviously, he wasn't expecting that type of music. "About that. Where did that glowing sword of yours come from?" Jamie scanned Xana from head to toe. Her choice of music was amusing and surprising. Xana adjusted the car and headed for the road. "They are on my back between my wings." She said innocently. Michael chuckled at the expression on Jamie's face. Alston rolled his eyes. "Are you sure you can't lie?" Jamie asked incredulously. Xana laughed. "I'm serious. You saw the wings. They are always on my back. I just glamour them into invisibility, so as my swords." She explained to the bewildered Jamie. "You can make your huge wings invisible?" Jamie gaped and reached out carefully behind Xana's shoulder. "You won't be able to feel them unless I deglamorized them." Xana shrugged. "Where are we going?" Jamie realized he didn't know yet, and he got anxious. "In situations like this one we usually seek the help of a warlock. They can know why you were attacked but since my trusty warlock won't be very happy to see you," Xana lifted her eyebrows. "We will seek the help of our next best option, which is witches."
"Witches?" Jamie echoed. "Yup, at least they won't turn you into a clothes hanger." Xana bit her lower lip, suppressing her laughter. She imagined Calum turning Jamie into a clothes hanger. "I don't think that would be fun." Jamie said, sinking into his seat.
Xana parked in front of a shabby white house. A vine grew all over it, almost covering the front except for the small windows and the wooden blue door. Weeds grew wildly in the untamed front garden. The house looked deserted and spooky. Xana pushed the small wooden gate open and headed for the blue door, grabbed the small rusty handle, and knocked three times. The door sprang open with a creaking sound; it made the hair on the back of Jamie's neck stand in alarm.
Xana walked into the house, followed by Jamie, Michael, and Alston at the back. The house looked the same as the outside, shabby and spooky, spider webs dangled from the ceiling, they walked into a dusty room, empty except for a round wooden table in the middle, with a small vase on it that contained a single purple rose. Xana crossed the room, walking past the table. Jamie went closer to the rose, and it snapped, baring small teeth at him. Jamie staggered back and Michael grabbed him before he fell down. "What the hell is that?" Jamie asked, steadying himself. "A mini hydra," Xana explained. "Stay close." Jamie moved fast and was right beside Xana, keeping his hands in his pockets.
The next room was bigger. It contained a fireplace; the fire was crackling and hissing. There was an old gray couch and some mismatched chairs of various colors, and a large table with many vials, pots, and jars on it that contained a variety of substances and creatures. Jamie kept close to Xana. Michael examined some of the jars. One jar, in particular, caught his attention, for it was filled with eyeballs, and Alston crossed his arms and wrinkled his nose. A shadow loomed suddenly above them, startling Jamie. It was not a shadow, Jamie thought. It was gray, transparent, and it had a face. A piercing laugh echoed through the room, sending iced shivers down Jamie's spine. He gaped at Xana. Why wasn't she running? The laughing shadow went through Xana, who tensed. "Damn it, Roxana. I hate it when you do this." Xana scolded. "Oh, it is fun, child." Said the woman in a high-pitched voice. Xana rolled her eyes. "You are freezing," then she turned to explain to the pale Jamie behind her. "This is Roxana, or should I say the ghost of Roxana."
"She's a ghost?" Jamie asked, puzzled. Xana nodded, then turned her attention to Roxana. "Okay, tell them to come out from their hiding place. I don't have all day." Roxana rolled her eyes. She was a transparent shade of light gray, black hair, and silver eyes. She floated to the ceiling and vanished. A moment later, two women walked into the room, twin sisters with fiery red hair and aqua eyes, wearing shabby stained clothes. They scanned the four of them with mild interest and they became wide-eyed when they noticed Jamie.
"Oh my, the princess brought a human." Said the one closer to Xana. "A yummy human too." Said the second one.
Xana ignored their comments and turned to Jamie. "These are Madeline and Ivy, and he is Jamie, a friend of mine."
"Only a friend?" Madeline teased. "Let us get to the point. I don't want to stay in this dump for long." Alston spoke. He sounded disgusted.
"I'm sorry our house isn't good enough for your standards, my charming prince." Ivy said, circling around Alston, who ignored her. "I need your help." Xana said, flashing some of her gold coins, which got the attention of the two witches. They stared at the coins with open mouths. "Angel's gold." said Ivy. Xana went on. "Jamie was attacked by demons and I want to know why." Roxana materialized in front of Jamie, who stood still. "Demons, eh!"
"Yes, Drac demons, which I took care of." Xana said. "Interesting." Said Madeline, looking at Jamie from under her long red lashes. Xana bit her lip. "Come, let's get you checked," said Ivy, offering Jamie her hand. Jamie looked at Xana and she nodded, then he took Ivy's hand. Ivy closed her eyes and tipped her head back. Madeline did the same, and they stood like that for a few moments. Roxana was hovering above them. Madeline and Ivy gasped at the same time. Ivy dropped Jamie's hand and gaped at Xana. Madeline mirrored her twin sister's moves. Xana swallowed. She knew what they saw. "You saved him." said Ivy, bewildered. "You interfered with his destiny." said Madeline. "Obviously I did, so what is wrong with him?" Xana's tone was worried. The sisters gave Xana mischievous smiles. "We will tell you, but under one condition." said Ivy. Madeline was nodding with enthusiasm. "Enough games already. We give you the gold in exchange for information, and that is more than enough." Michael said, exasperatedly. Ivy was instantly by Michael's side, running her long fingers on his upper arm. "Oh Michael, bored with us already?" Michael waved her away. "We have better places to be."
"Too bad because we have all the time in the world." Madeline teased.
Xana clenched her fists. She knew where this was going. "Fine, I'll let you read me. Just get on with it." Ivy's face split into a grin and she extended her hand to Xana, reluctantly Xana took her hand, Ivy closed her eyes and tipped her head back, when she opened her aqua eyes again all the amusement in them was gone, she looked at Xana with sympathy. "Be careful, child, no magic can fix a broken heart." Xana tensed and looked at the floor, then she spoke again. "Okay, now what is wrong with him?"
"Not so fast. We want to read all of you." Ivy said. "Fine," Michael snapped. "I'll let you read me." He extended his hand. Madeline was more than glad to take it, closed her eyes and tipped her head back. Madeline opened her eyes and gave Michael a smile. "You are the safe shelter, sweet, but keep your eyes open and stay with her. Only the link you share is what's going to save your soul. Her light is the only light that can pull you out of the darkness."
"Yeah, sure." Michael said without interest. Madeline frowned, but she turned her attention to Alston and offered her hand. "Absolutely not." Alston snapped. "No deal then." Madeline said. "Will it do if you read him through me?" Xana asked. Madeline gave Xana a long look before she said. "It will do." Xana moved to Alston's side and gently offered him her hand. "Alston, I know you don't like this, but please, can you do it for me?" she looked up with hopeful emerald eyes. Alston couldn't deny Xana when she needed his help. He hated to be touched, but the only touch he welcomed sometimes was hers. He lifted his hand and rested his palm on Xana's palm. "Thank you." Xana said, smiling at him warmly. Alston ignored Madeline when she took Xana's other hand, closed her eyes, and tipped her head back. He only focused on Xana's soft palm under his; Xana was smiling at him with gratitude. Jamie watched this scene intently. He knew they were best friends, but he didn't like the way Alston was looking at Xana as he held her hand. It wasn't the look of a friend. Madeline released Xana's hand and Xana pulled her hand gently from Alston's.
Madeline pursed her lips. "Impulsive acts will get you in trouble young prince, it will even break your troubled heart."
Alston squinted his eyes. Xana chuckled. "Alston impulsive!!" Xana shook her head. "Don't underestimate the readings, princess." Ivy warned.
"Okay, are we done here?" Xana asked, bored. "Shouldn't we tell Jamie what his reading is?" Madeline asked, amused. "Go ahead then." Michael said, irritated. "Your heart is choosing well, for a human, of course." Madeline said softly. Jamie nodded. He knew exactly what she meant. Ivy spoke, circling around Xana. "The human is in danger because he has your trace all over him." She stood facing Xana, toying with a red lock of her curly hair. "My trace?" Xana asked, bemused. "Magic leaves a trace. Isn't this one of the first rules you learned?" Madeline said in amusement. "He was attacked because of my trace? Why wasn't I ever attacked then?" Xana asked. "Your magic is strong. No demon would choose to attack you willingly, unlike your trace. It holds no threat, and it's a form of energy." Madeline explained. Xana's eyes went wide. She looked at Jamie with apologetic eyes. Michael knew what she was thinking, and he hurried by her side, placing an assuring hand on her shoulder. Jamie was puzzled. He didn't quite understand what the trace meant, but he sensed it wasn't something good from the look on Xana's face, and he didn't care. He just wanted Xana to feel better. He smiled at her. Xana turned her attention to the twin witches. "How do we erase it, then? Name any sum of gold and I'll pay it."
"How romantic." Roxana said, clapping her hands and flipping her hollow body above their heads. "You don't." Madeline said gently. "We wait until it fades on its own." Ivy added. "What do you mean? You said he is in danger. I'm sure there's something you can do." Xana was frustrated. "Not without risking killing him." Madeline said. "That would be such a waste." said Ivy. Xana covered her face with her hands, trying to process the information. "Fine," she said, dropping her hands to her sides. "How long will it take to fade?"
"No idea." Madeline shrugged. "That's not very helpful, you know." Xana said, disappointed.
Ivy moved closer to Xana and whispered. "You will enjoy the extra time you can keep him close." Xana pursed her lips. She hated how the witches could reach into your brain and read your thoughts, and how they could read your past and future. "Time to go." Alston announced, and turned toward the door. Xana gave the gold to Ivy, turned to Jamie, and lead him outside. Michael was following. The door closed behind them with the same spooky creak. Xana stood beside her car, thinking hard, shaking her head and clenching her fists in exasperation. Jamie wasn't sure if he should approach her or not. He saw Alston and Michael giving her some space. Michael noticed Jamie's hesitation, and he signaled him to talk to her. Jamie approached Xana slowly. "Hey, are you okay?" he asked gently. Xana lifted her troubled eyes to look at Jamie's beautiful face. "I'm so sorry, Jamie, it was never my intention to cause you any trouble. This is all my fault."
"Don't be silly," Jamie said. "If it wasn't for you, I would be dead by now." He assured Xana. Xana pushed the image of Jamie lying soaked in his own blood away from her thoughts. "I'm still responsible for your safety." Xana lowered her face. Jamie leaned down to be on eye-level with Xana and pouted. Xana giggled. She thought he looked adorable. "I don't mind being at risk if you're the one who's going to keep me safe." Jamie said with a broad smile. "It will be my pleasure to keep you safe." Xana said and giggled again. "You have the most adorable giggle, do you know that?" Jamie said. Xana blushed. "Thank you." Jamie was standing so close, he smelled like a sea breeze. "Are we going to spend much time here?" Alston asked, irritated. He was fuming because of how intimate Xana and Jamie looked. Jamie straightened up and ran a hand through his hair, giving Alston a triumphant look. "No, we are leaving now." Xana said, giving Jamie an apologetic look before getting inside her Mustang. Xana's mind was racing with millions of ideas. She must keep Jamie safe until the trace fades. She would have to bring him back to the witches to make sure the trace faded. She had to keep more secrets from Uriel and Calum, she had no idea how to express her feelings to Jamie or if she should even express them, and most of all, how did Jamie feel about her? "What is that?" Jamie asked, startling Xana. His blue eyes went wide.
Xana looked up to where Jamie was pointing and frowned. "It's a light message from my mentor, but you are not supposed to see that." Xana's eyes were wide and troubled. "It must be your trace. It gave the mundane the sight." Alston suggested with mild interest. "The sight?" Jamie asked, looking from Xana to Alston. "The ability to see through glamour, it's what we use to blend in your world," Xana explained. "This means we have a mission," Xana read the message, waved her hand, dismissing the shimmering golden flecks. "He is exactly who I wanted to see."
"Do you think we should drop off Jamie first?" Michael asked. Xana shook her head, "We don't have time."
"Where do you suggest the mundane waits, then?" Alston asked, irritated. "He will come along, Alston. It's not like we are trying to keep our existence a secret anymore," Xana said matter-of-factly. Alston pursed his lips and crossed his arms in disapproval, but he didn't argue further. The tips of his pointed ears were blazing red. "We are going to see one of the Unseelies. He has been spotted in Hyde Park and we must check and see if he was selling fairy fruits." Xana explained to Jamie, while keeping her eyes on the road ahead. "Selling fruits? Why is that a bad thing?" Jamie asked, raising an eyebrow at Xana. "Fairy fruits, that's how they kidnap mundanes," Xana shrugged. "You should never accept any food given to you by fairies because you will be dazed by the taste. It will numb all your senses and then you will accept anything the fairy offers you. He will offer you fairy mushrooms then, the key to the fairy realm. One bite and the two of you will cross over to Myron but you should never trust just any fairy to take you there 'cause some will give you a one-way ticket." She explained to Jamie. "What are the fairy mushrooms? And why is it so dangerous for me to go to your realm?" Jamie asked, curious. "There are only two types of fairy mushrooms, the red ones and the blue ones." Xana said. Jamie gaped and interrupted Xana, "Those are poisonous."
"Exactly, unless they were offered to you by a fairy, if you ate them on your own you could die of the poison, but the fairy touch transforms that poison into a heavenly taste, and then you will be transported to Myron. The blue mushrooms will take you to Elond. The red mushrooms are the most dangerous because they will take you straight to Arrathil or the forbidden hill, the heart of the Unseelie Court where you must shed blood to cross the gates, otherwise, you will be eaten by monsters from hell, they are the gatekeepers. No one has ever returned from Arrathil sane. When they are sick of you, they will turn you forsaken and throw you back to the mundane world, where it will never feel like home again and your bed will turn into thorns every night until eventually, you kill yourself out of fear and despair. Fairy fruits are that dangerous because they grow out of the blood you shed, and that is why we must keep the fairies, especially the Unseelies, from selling their fruits." Xana said, scanning Jamie's face, who had turned pale and thoughtful. "Better stop that Unseelie then." Jamie said, smiling at Xana. He looked okay, but Xana was certain he wasn't very comfortable with what she just told him. Maybe he thought she was going to kidnap him and turn him forsaken.
***
The park wasn't crowded, a few people were scattered here and there, the sky was a dark shade of gray, indicating it was soon to be raining. Xana walked steadily toward Galandor, the Unseelie Devas. Xana stopped when she heard Jamie's sharp intake of breath and turned around to find him gaping, he was staring at Galandor.
"You didn't say we will be meeting a tree, he is green!" Jamie said, staring at the Devas with his green skin, and his twigs instead of hair, and the extra-long skinny arms, long fingers with leaves sticking out of them. "That's a Devas fairy or a forest fairy, and you are right, they look like trees." Xana said. Michael was chuckling and Alston was grim as usual. "Why aren't people afraid of him? I mean, he is green for God's sake." asked Jamie. "He has a glamour. He looks like a young boy," Xana said, moving closer to Jamie. "Relax your vision, don't squint your eyes, act like you are looking at your reflection in a glass window, and ignore what's behind the glass." Jamie did as he was told. "Whoa, that's creepy, like he is wearing the skin of someone else." He said and looked at Xana, who nodded.
"Well done." Xana said and walked toward Galandor once more with steady steps. Galandor spotted Xana, got worried, and started walking in the opposite direction, only to be stopped by Michael, who materialized in front of him. "Not so fast." Michael said, blocking Galandor's way.
"Ooh it's you, moonchild." Galandor said, faking a smile. "Going somewhere important, Galandor?" Xana asked, standing in front of Jamie in a failed attempt to shield him, as he was much taller than she was.
"I was just walking around," Galandor scanned Jamie with intensified curiosity. "I don't have a basket." Galandor added, raising his hands, showing two empty green palms with leaves growing out of his knuckles. "He is so green." Jamie whispered to Xana, who struggled to stifle a laugh. "Still, a Devas like you shouldn't get so close to mundanes." Xana said, crossing her arms. She didn't like the way he was looking at Jamie. "I didn't commit any crime, yet you are the one walking with a mundane." Galandor challenged. "He has the sight," Michael declared.
Xana felt grateful for Michael, plus he was telling the truth. "I have some questions for you, then we will let you go." Xana said.
"It depends on how much you are willing to pay." said Galandor with a wicked smile. "Not this time. You should be grateful I won't be harvesting your leaves." Xana's tone held a threat. "Are you going to punish me without a crime?" Galandor asked, his gray eyes went wide. "Not a punishment. Let's just say I accidentally knocked you over and broke both your arms." Michael said, giving Galandor his most evil grin. Galandor swallowed, then gave Xana a reluctant nod. "What do you know about a werewolf called Liam Hunt?" Xana asked. Galandor paused for a moment, then he spoke. "The one you killed. He was a good man once, had a family too."
"Where is his family now?" Xana asked, bewildered. "Looking for you." Galandor said, keeping a steady gaze on Xana. "Do you know why he kidnapped that kid?" Michael asked.
"It's the dark forces that invaded his soul." Galandor said in almost a whisper. "What dark forces?" Alston snapped. "We are not sure, but they are targeting werewolves." Galandor turned his piercing gaze on Michael. Xana stepped closer to Galandor, "What do you mean targeting werewolves?"
"He was not the first to turn forsaken, you should keep an eye on your moonchild friend." Galandor's voice was low and held a mocking tone. "What else do you know?" Xana snapped, startling Jamie, who was still gaping at Galandor. "All we know is there is a darkness coming. Even the ones hiding under the hill won't be safe." Galandor replied. Xana exchanged a look with Michael before she turned to Galandor. "Fine, portal yourself now. I don't want to find you lurking around anymore." Galandor nodded, "Princess," then he took a red mushroom out of his pocket. "Such strong desires." Galandor said, looking at Jamie, then at Xana, he ate the mushroom and vanished into a swirl of light. Jamie took a sharp breath. "The red mushrooms, eh?"
"Yes." Xana said with a clipped tone she immediately regretted. What dark forces was Galandor talking about? Was Michael in danger? "We should head back and tell Dad." Michael said, patting Xana's arm. He knew that worried look in her eyes. Jamie leaned in and whispered into Xana's ear. "That sight thing is not so bad." He was amused. Xana smiled, but even Jamie's lovely voice couldn't clear her mind.
***
Fenris listened carefully to Xana while she recited what Galandor said. Downworld gossip was an important source of information, especially when it came from fairies, regarding their ability to tell the truth.
Fenris was at his desk, lacing his fingers on the wooden surface of the desk. "I understand what he meant by targeting werewolves," he said, and stood up. "The packs reported to me today. Six werewolves have gone missing over the last year, and all of them turned out dead. They killed themselves." "Someone is kidnapping werewolves?" Xana asked, bewildered. "I think so, but we have no idea who," Fenris started pacing. "I sent a warning to all the packs and started an investigation about those six wolves." Xana turned to face Michael, giving him a worried look. Michael shook his head and gave her a smile. "Don't worry Star; it's not that easy to kidnap a Slayer."
"Just don't leave my side." Xana said in her most authoritative tone, remembering the Nagas demon's threat, Madeline's reading of Michael, and finally what Galandor said. Xana turned to Fenris again and explained about her trace on Jamie. "He must be watched all the time until it fades then," Fenris said. "You should go have lunch now. If anything comes up, I'll let you know," Fenris assured Xana. "Don't worry and take care of your human." Fenris said, smiling down at Xana. "Sure." Xana said, blushing. Even Fenris now was calling Jamie 'Her human,'
Lunch went, as usual, filled with side talks and laughter, only this time Michael let Jamie sit beside Xana, which Alston despised. It was the first time he wasn't sitting beside Xana and it was displayed all over his grim face. Sam and Haley were discussing how to decorate their new house and the twins kept giving Xana smirks and wolfish grins. Billy was quiet, Charlie and Adam were talking about Adam's lessons, and Arthur, as usual, was making sure everyone was enjoying his meal. Jaime watched intently as Michael put ketchup on Xana's steak and fries, which soda she liked and which fruits she preferred. He kept mental notes because he wanted to be the one doing this the next time they ate together. He sensed the hostility in Alston's sideways glares at him, but he ignored him. Xana said Alston was only a friend and Jamie had no intention to back down. He loved this closeness with Xana. Her sight still gave him butterflies, but it was a welcome feeling. Would she agree on going out with him on a date? Do fairies even date? Jamie wondered and tensed. Was he really thinking about asking Xana out on a date? That was a novelty for him. Could he be brave enough? Could he overcome his fears?
Xana was enjoying her lunch and Jamie's company. His presence soothed her and cleared her troubled mind. She liked being that close to him, keeping him safe and protected, but he was only here because he was in danger. Would he stay with her after the trace had faded? Would they at least be friends? Xana wondered, then got distracted by the small amount Adam was eating today and how he looked. The scars on his face had completely faded and his blond curly hair was falling over his eyes. He looked small, and it broke her heart. Michael's thoughts were all about his food. His mind turned into a blank while he was eating. Alston was thinking one thing, 'Filthy mundane,' as he was sneaking nasty glances at Jamie. After lunch, the twins took the chance when Jamie went to the bathroom and cornered Xana. "You marked your human, well played," Simon said, giving Xana a wolfish grin. "You have some moves. Who would have thought?" Mark said, matching his twin's wolfish grin. Xana elbowed Simon and stomped Mark's foot. "It's not like I intended to." She hissed. The twins laughed in clear amusement. "Don't worry Star." Said Simon. "We got you covered." added Mark. "So, what is your next move?" Simon asked and gave Xana a devilish wink. Xana curled her lips. She had no idea how to reply to the twins. She couldn't lie and say she didn't have feelings for Jamie. "Xana, can I talk to you alone, please?" Billy asked, bringing Xana back to the now. "Sure." Xana said, relieved to be saved from the twins. She told Michael to keep an eye on Jamie while she talked to Billy in the garden. Billy led Xana to the back garden, where the old fountain was. He stood nervously facing Xana, he looked anxious and worried. "Xana, I need your help. You are the only one who would understand." Billy said in an urgent tone. Xana looked up at him and nodded. "Anything, what is it, Billy? I'm not used to you being nervous like this." Xana said, touching his upper arm. Billy closed his brown eyes for a moment before he took out his wallet. Xana looked at him with puzzlement. Billy opened his wallet and took out a picture. "Promise me you will understand." He held the picture to Xana with a shaking hand.
Xana looked at the picture and inhaled sharply, her emerald eyes went wide and her mouth dropped open.