I found it interesting that he included himself in my current dilemma. “No. As you said, I doubt the council can make good on their threat even if they do deem my earlier actions questionable.”
“They’d need more than that to validate binding. That’s a harsh sentence. There has to be more.”
“Agreed. I did make inquires regarding Tenzen Huxley but considering he has been dealt with, I find it difficult to believe that is still a motive.”
“Maybe, maybe not. I can’t say that I understand much that goes through their heads. Gotta say, I’m not disappointed by that fact either.” It was an incredibly Vander-like thing to say. “You know, I did a lot of questionable shit before I met Byx’smother, Georgiana. That brownie helped me straighten out my magical abilities. Without her…let’s just say I had a lot of juice but not much control. Most of my charms caused more harm than good. I had a lot of pissed off customers. Some of them had to have gone to the council but I never heard jack shit from them. I kind of relegated the Warlock Council to a bunch of old dumbasses who couldn’t care less.”
“If only that were completely accurate.” I could agree with the old and dumbass aspect of Vander’s perceptions. Regrettably, they seemed tocareabout something. What that something was, was the key.
Vander blew out a loud breath. “I’m not sure I was terribly helpful here. Listen, I know we like to razz each other, but if you need something…if I can help, all you have to do is ask. I know you’ve probably got this shit all locked down, but if there’s something I can do, I don’t mind stirring the pot.”
Of that, I had little doubt. “Thank you. Gaia willing, that will not be needed.”
“Okay, but if you change your mind, let me know.Interspecies Habitatis on break for the next two months, so I’ll be more available than usual.” Vander’s low chuckle rattle through the phone. “Byx is thrilled to have me back.”
“In your dreams!” I heard Byx holler in the background.
“It’s so nice being surrounded by those that love and appreciate you.” Vander’s words were sarcastic, but they were also filled with humor. While I didn’t understand the antagonistic relationship Vander had with his ward, Byx, there was never any doubt that their sniping at each other was their odd love language.
“Goodbye, Vander.” I’d learned what I needed, and any more time on the phone was bound to give me a headache.
“See ya, Holland. Take care and give the council hell.” Vander ended the call. My aching head told me I’d alreadybeen speaking with Kines too long. Reaching into my pocket, I activated a pain charm, releasing a sigh as the headache dissipated.
“You’ve got a cushy home, Niki.” Hikaru’s words grew stronger as his body coalesced into something solid. Unfortunately, that body found it necessary to settle on my lap. “A kitsune could get used to this. It’s so much better than frigid Minnesota.” Hikaru dramatically shivered for effect.
The main compound for the Magical Usage Council was in Minnesota. I had no idea why they’d settled on that location. Now that I knew Tenzen Huxley was the one who’d formed the council, I could only imagine it was his choice.
“There are other chairs available and suitable for sitting in.” While I didn’t typically have company, Erasmus and Lydia had visited enough that I had seating for all of us.
“Yes, but they don’t have a warm and cushy warlock in them,” Hikaru purred. I swear he sounded more feline than canine in nature. Wiggling, Hikaru flared his tails out, allowing his pert rump access to my groin. “Hmm…I think you like me sitting here, Niki.” Hikaru’s laughter lit the air as his body dissipated into a fine, green mist. I had no idea how the little shit anticipated when I wanted to do bodily harm.
Solidifying in the nearest lounge chair, Hikaru stretched out, his tails languidly lazing over the side of the chair and dusting the patio pavers. Casually scratching his abdomen, Hikaru’s eyes slipped to half-mast as he raked those green-gold orbs over me. “Tell me, what have you been up to this morning, Niki?” Hikaru smirked as his gaze focused on my groin.
Caught between embarrassment and irritation, I growled, “I do not see how my actions are any of your concern.”
“Oh, feisty this morning.” Hikaru licked his lips, his expression smug. “I’ve always had a thing for the feisty ones.”Hikaru made a hissing sound while scraping the air with his claws.
“You are ridiculous.”
Hikaru only shrugged. “I’m a lot of things. Ridiculous is just one.” Honestly, the kitsune seemed unflappable. “So, what are you making me for breakfast?” Hikaru’s stomach rumbled. “I’m starving over here.”
“I sincerely doubt that.” Regardless, I got up and headed for the kitchen. “I am making myself an omelet.”
“I loooove omelets,” Hikaru crooned. “Make sure to put extra meat in mine. I’m a growing kitsune after all.”
Grumbling, I made my way to the kitchen and pulled out a carton of eggs, cheese, and ham. On second thought, I pulled out a package of bacon as well, noting there wasn’t enough ham to make two omelets.
Six
Hikaru
Tension wasn’t a good look on Niki. It was also incredibly boring. After breakfast, Niki holed himself up in a room he’d informed me was off limits.Pfftas if that could truly stop me if I wanted in. Niki told me it was his workroom and from the scents coming from under the door, I knew he wasn’t lying. I’d heard his muffled voice more than a few times. Sometimes it sounded like he was speaking to himself. Other times I thought he was on the phone with someone.
Niki didn’t want to admit it, but this situation with the Warlock Council was weighing on his mind. I’d asked why he didn’t just contact them, and Niki had given me a scathing look and said it was beneath him to do so.
Beneath him or not, I figured it would at least give him something to work with. “Stupid,” I mumbled, my head tilted at an almost painful angle as I laid across the couch, my neck perched on the arm and head tossed over the side. I had my legs and feet tossed over the back of the couch and my tails spread out on the cushions.
I’d already gone through the living room, making it more comfortable and lived in. Disorganized was always comfierthan the precisely placed knickknacks Niki had spread about. Blankets weren’t meant to be folded. They should be spread about and ready for use at any moment. Same with pillows. I was positive Niki would feel the same when he saw how I’d improved the space.
