Ghost Light

I looked around the loft, listening for movement in any of the back rooms, and smiled.  Jinx was nowhere in sight.  Ceff was preparing food in the kitchen and Jinx had apparently gone out.  I wouldn’t have to face my roommate just yet.

I tossed my jacket over the back of the couch and strode to where Ceff was holding two empty glasses.

“Champagne?” he asked.

“Hell yes,” I said.

“Bad day?” he asked.

“The worst,” I said.

I explained about the visit with my mother, our trip to the hospital, the key my father left me, Kaye’s instruction to keep the whole thing quiet, and Torn’s trick to learn of the key’s existence.

“So now I have to secretly plan how to breach the gates of Tech Duinn, break into a death god’s house, and find a door hidden in his hearth,” I said.  “If the key opens the door, then I’ll have to bring my investigation of my father’s whereabouts to Faerie.”

“Not tonight you don’t,” Ceff said.  “You’ve visited the Otherworld and had a breakthrough in the relationship with your mother.  You can begin your planning tomorrow.  Tonight we dine.”

Ceff waved a hand at the plates and silverware he’d set out on the bar.  Candles were lit and placed around the apartment.  He’d even bought flowers and arranged them in a vase set between the two place settings.

The smell of roasted meat and vegetables made my mouth water.  My stomach growled and I realized I’d missed lunch while in Mag Mell.  Dinner sounded fabulous, but first I needed to freshen up.

“Do I have time for a shower?” I asked.

“That depends,” he said.  “How much time do we need?”

Ceff’s eyes began to glow and warmth spread to my belly.  I licked my lips and kicked off my boots.  Dinner could wait.  I started walking toward Ceff, the heat rippling off my skin making the room shimmer.

“An hour,” I said.  “Maybe more.”

Ceff turned off the oven and leaned in close.  Water swirled around his body and a champagne bottle burst open behind him.  Ceff lifted me onto the counter, pressing his lips against my own.  When our lips met the visions of Ceff’s memories came streaming through me, but, this time, they were gone in a flash.

I shed a tear when I experienced Ceff’s torture at the each uisge’s hands and then I was back in the kitchen, safe and whole.  Ceff brushed the lone tear from my cheek, watching me raptly from inches away.

My breath caught as cool droplets of water and champagne skimmed across my heated skin.  Ceff smiled and pulled me closer.  This time when we kissed his lips pressed hard with need.  Ceff opened his lips and his tongue searched my mouth with the same urgency as the rivulets of moisture which now explored my body.

I moaned and Ceff smiled against my lips.  The flames of my wisp blood rose and heat flared.  The dozens of liquid fingers disappeared, filling the room with steam.

“Need more water,” he said.

Ceff lifted me off the counter and strode out of the kitchen.  He carried me into the shower and I forgot all about secret keys, deadly missions, and death gods.

Chapter 38

This morning Ceff returned to the sea.  He’d stayed a week while mourning the loss of his ex-wife, and exploring the new aspects of our relationship.  I was sorry to see him go, but all water fae must return to water and, as king, Ceff had responsibilities he couldn’t put off any longer.

At least Jinx was happy.  She’d finally get a good night’s sleep.

With the place to ourselves, Jinx and I tackled the job of putting our office back to rights.  Anxious parents can do a number on hardwood and our lobby floor was no exception.  Armed with a power sander and wood putty, we repaired the scratches and deep grooves left by hooves, claws, and talons.

I rubbed sore muscles and surveyed our handy work.  Jinx said she liked the new lobby better than before.  It probably says something about me that it took a mob of faeries to motivate me to give the place a make-over.  I wasn’t one for appearances, but I had to agree with Jinx, the place looked great.

Not bad for a day’s work.

I was supposed to still be on bed rest, but I felt fine.  Heck, I felt amazing.  I lifted the edge of my shirt and prodded the scars on my side with gloved fingers. The skin was still pink, but I was healing faster than a normal human.  At this rate, I’d be back to sparring with Jenna within the week.

Jinx tossed me a bottle of water and I caught it out of the air.  Accelerated healing wasn’t the only perk of being half fae.  My wisp powers were awakening, bringing increased strength and speed.  I was no superhero, but my fae blood was finally giving me an edge—not just pushing me to the brink.

I hoped that my new abilities would be enough to help me survive my sojourn through Tech Duinn and into Faerie.  I had no idea what to expect when I reached the wisp court, but, like Ceff said, my battle plans could wait a day.  The summer solstice was still months away and I’d promised Jinx we’d go out and celebrate a successful case.