The Skye Trilogy: Isle of Skye, Isle of Night, and Isle of Dawn. * Bonus: Scrumptious Skye Confections Cookbook* (45 page)

“Where’s my phone?” I finally asked

“In your pocket?”
Polly replied helpfully. “I’m going to go up and cook dinner. Pasta, veggies with a little olive oil sound good?”

“Sounds great,” I said in a monotone. I still was having a hard time wrapping my head around this new development. Finally, I pulled out my phone and hit his number.

“What?” he barked. I was so shocked that he answered it took me a few seconds to reply.

“Why is your entire wardrobe currently taking up valuable real estate in my closet?”

“I’m not discussing this right now,” he answered. “I will talk about this with you later.”

“No, we’re talking about it right now.” I sneered

“You knew that I was going to be guarding you at night. I need to have my things there so I can go to work in the morning. You know, work? My other job which is the head of security of this entire fucking island?” he answered

“I thought you were going to hang out at night and then leave at sunrise. I didn’t realize you were going to move in with me and become my roommate.”

“Robert and Katya are staying at my house for the time being. I cleared out some space for them. It’s not a big deal.”

“Yes, yes, it is a big deal.” I yelled. “You did something without consulting me…”

“I don’t have time for this. I will talk to you later.” Click

I was perfectly aware that I have a slight temper. I will admit that on occasion I lose my shit, but one thing that really pisses me off is someone hanging up on me.

It took me two seconds to hit redial.

“What?” he yelled. “What do you want?”

“I want to talk about this. I deserved at least a phone call before you decided to move your stuff into MY house.” I replied angrily. “That’s not too much to ask.”

“I don’t have time for this shit,” he said. Click. He hung up on me again.

You want to know what a racecar in the red looks like? Picture me teleporting to the Guardian offices in a nanosecond.

I strode angrily through the reception area. When I spied Veronica, I yelled out. “Where is he?”

Veronica looked so shocked she just pointed to the command center.

I pushed open the glass doors with enough force that I was surprised they didn’t fall off the hinges.

Everyone in the room looked up at me as I stomped over to where Mathias was having, what looked to be a meeting, with Milton, Jeremiah, Robert, Christopher and Sabine.

I didn’t break stride once. I walked right up to him, put my hand in his pocket where I noticed his phone bulged and yanked it out swiftly before he could even react.

“What. Are. You. Doing?” he asked menacingly

I smiled sweetly as I held out the phone in my palm and called my witch fire. My purple freaky flames destroyed the phone in a matter of seconds.

“Next time you hang up on me, I’ll be pulling something else out of your pants and setting it on fire Wolfie.” I said before I turned away and teleported back to my room.

Polly was lounging in the door, waiting for me.

“I’m going to assume that phone conversation didn’t go so well?” she smirked

“Went great,” I smiled. “I’m pretty sure Mathias is never going to hang up on me again.”

Chapter Seven

I woke up the next morning still slightly irritated and also restless. I had tossed and turned all night in my bed. I think some part of me wanted to see if Mathias had the balls to come over after I fried his phone in front of everyone.

When I walked into the bathroom, I realized that he did indeed have some giant ones. The room was still slightly steamy from his shower, and I could smell his spicy soap. There was also a note attached to my side of the mirror.

If you need to get in touch with me because you

are physically hurt or bleeding, you can’t.

If you are in mortal danger and need assistance

please call, oh wait, you can’t.

If you want to apologize for acting like a brat,

you know where to find me.

-M

I grinned as I read his note. All of my anger vanished. I had gotten under his skin and for some reason that made me gloriously happy. I stripped off my pajamas and stepped under the hot sprays of water. I tried to ignore the bar of soap that still had small suds clung to it and went about my business quickly.

I put on my favorite pair of dark skinny jeans and a loose, light blue, peasant top before heading upstairs. Mathias must have feed and let the dogs out before he left. I found myself in a pleasant but unexpected domesticated situation.

I ate two cinnamon rolls that Polly and I had made last night before whirling off to the cliffs to meet my grandmother. Winifred was staring off at the calm ocean lost in thought.

“Hey Granny,” I greeted. “How’s Pops?”

“Better,” she answered. “Oliver is releasing him later on this morning.”

“That’s fantastic.” I replied.

“He didn’t have much choice. Archie was quite adamant after hearing what was going on here. He demanded to be released. He’s got it in his head that he can be of some help.”

“Typical guy,” I remarked. “So what’s on the agenda for today?”

“I want you to start focusing on controlling just one element at a time,” she answered. “I think it’s important that you learn to control each element. When you gather them all, you lose some of its powers.”

We worked for the next few hours on each aspect of the four elements. As always air, earth and fire came more easily to me than water. For some reason, the one thing I loved was the one I had the hardest time trying to control.

“The problem is just that very thing.” Winifred said. “Don’t try to control or manipulate the water. Use the power and ingratiate yourself within the water’s force.”

I closed my eyes and stood as still as possible. I reached out towards the water and tried to relax. I could feel the power that the churning waves were giving off all around my body. I held out my arms and forced my energy to calm the sea. Time seemed to stand still as our battle of wits waged on. The water had no intention of giving in to me.

I focused on what my grandmother had said, and I stopped trying to control the water. The second I ceased my efforts the water started lightly swirling around me. The cold mist enveloped my body yet I was completely dry. I gave thanks to my foe and released it from my magical grasp.

“I see what you’re saying but that’s easier said than done.” I said exhausted.

“We’ll keep working on it more every day,” she said. “We should head over to the Guardian offices.”

“That reminds me,” I started. “I was thinking last night, if someone wanted to get to me, they would probably use the people closest to me, right?”

“Yes, I’m sure that’s part of the plan,” she answered.

“I think Julia is the most vulnerable. Not only are we close but her talents as a sightseer are unmatched. She could be a very valuable asset.”

“True.” Winifred replied, almost surprised

“I think that Julia and Jeremiah should both be guarded at all times when the Fae are here.”

“Night Guardians?” she asked

“Yes.” I answered. “I’ve already thought about this and I came up with a few possible choices for both of them.”

I took a deep breath. “Riah should guard Julia. Not only is he going to be free at night but he’s also the person I trust the most.”

Winifred nodded. “I agree. That’s a good idea.”

“I was thinking about Jeremiah as well and I came up with Veronica.” I said

“Veronica?” Winifred asked surprised. “Veronica is not really a Guardian so to speak. She is excellent at running the office but as far as guarding?”

“She’s fast.” I said. “According to Riah, she’s almost uncatchable. Plus Jeremiah is in the library ninety percent of his life. Veronica loves it there too. She’s probably the only one that would be happier there than the offices of the Guardian’s.”

My grandmother still didn’t look convinced. I racked my brain to think of another reason, but I was running out of options.

“I see your point,” she said suddenly. “If there is any trouble all she has to do is get Jeremiah to safety. She has a quick mind and excellent reflexes.”

I did a mental wiping of the brow and my face broke out into a small, victorious smile. They both could thank me later, preferably with chocolate.

“That’s very good thinking Willa. I’m so proud of you. You have exceeded my expectations.”

“That’s why I set the bar so low when we first met.” I replied

“Get us out of here. I want to get this meeting over with quickly. I have to welcome my husband home.” she announced firmly

“Oh really?” I asked. “Bow chica bow wow.” I hummed a bar of cheesy porn music

Winifred just shook her head and grabbed my hands. We landed in the reception area of the Guardian offices and made our way to the conference room. The whole family, including Milton, Robert and Mathias had gathered and were waiting for our arrival.

“Finally,” Mathias almost snarled

“I wasn’t aware there was a set time.” I remarked. “Besides we were actually doing something important.”

“Something you should have been doing months ago and not at the eleventh hour.” Mathias continued

I choose to ignore him and turned to say hello to my Uncle Cuddy.

“So what’s up Uncle C? How’s business?” I asked. Cuddy owned a shop in town that I would describe as his own hoarders paradise, but he loved it, and that was good enough for me.

“Business is bloody blooming,” he answered. “Spring fever always makes people want to redecorate.”

“I was going to ask you Cuddy, I’m on the lookout for a sideboard.” Rhoswen said

“Sideboard?” he mused. “I have a few. Come in later, and I’ll help you…”

“We are here for a meeting on the impending Fae arrival and the person who wants to destroy your lives. Not home furnishings.” Mathias interrupted

Winifred cut in smoothly. “Yes, we are here for that Mathias. Thank you for reminding us.”

“How many people from Fairlia are expected?” Robert asked

“Sidra told me to expect four to five hundred last time I talked to her.” Winifred answered

“Well, what is it? Four or five hundred? Christ’s sake she can’t give us an answer?” Mathias asked impatiently

OK, I thought, someone is in a pissy mood. What the hell was wrong with him?

“I should have a final head count this evening.” Winifred replied. “Of course the royal family and the Fae Lords will be staying here.”

“Good.” Robert remarked. “We can keep an eye on them.”

“They will arrive sometime after lunch three days from now. We will host a small reception for them and then the next night is the ball.” Cecily interjected

“So we are looking at maybe half of them for the ball.” Gussie added, “Plus our guests as well?”

“Figure on four hundred to four hundred and fifty.” Winifred said

“So about that whole thing, what does one wear to a ball? A real, poufy ball gown or is something knee length acceptable?” I asked

“Willa, I told you to have Desiree make a dress for you months ago!” Julia exclaimed

“I’ve been busy.” I replied innocently

“You can’t just run out and buy something.” Cecily said

“You can look through the attic. I have plenty of formal dresses that I’ve kept from over the years.” Winifred offered

“You know that whole high-necked Victorian look isn’t my thing.” I remarked

“I have years’ worth of more youthful gowns. There are even some dresses that are strapless,” she said stiffly

“No!” I said in mock horror, “Strapless? How scandalous Granny.”

Winifred smirked a little. “We’ll find something for you that will work. Your mother and I are pretty handy with performing alteration spells.”

“I hope I have some shoes that will go with whatever I pick out to wear.” I mused. “If you don’t have the right footwear…”

“Are you done?” Mathias said. “This is the most ridiculous conversation I have ever heard.”

“I hate to disappoint you but this doesn’t even make it in my top ten.” I said

“Milton.” Winifred said brightly. “What have you found?”

“I’m hitting a dead end on this witch,” he said dejectedly. “I can’t find any evidence that supports that the five healers are involved.”

“We need to focus on the Sanctities and the Fae Lord’s identity.” Jeremiah said

“I am closing in on finding the paintings.” Milton offered almost cheerfully. “I hope by tomorrow to have a name at least.”

“What about the Fae Lord?” Cormac asked.

“Nothing yet, I did have a plan though.” Milton replied