“Feisty thing, you are,” Edwin remarked with another grin. “You’ve been different since you went off with Dalziel. I have to wonder if he spent all the time you were sleeping whispering positive affirmations in your lugholes.”
Trace spluttered with laughter. “He would too. He’s a kind man.” We both must have stared at him funny because he tchedimpatiently. “I mean it. He comes across as a bossy arsehole most of the time, but he’s got a good heart.”
Edwin’s scowl suggested he didn’t particularly want to talk about Dalziel, but he took the bait. “Go on, then. Tell us how long it is you’ve known him.”
“I thought that would come up soon enough.” Trace perched on another chair. “Met him a few times. First time was just before war broke out in ‘39. Just two guys passing the time.”
Was that code for a fuck, a fling? I didn’t know. I wasn’t sure I wanted to know. Trace was mine and Edwin’s. The fact he might have been Dalziel’s before he was mine was knowledge I could live without.
Trace continued. “When we met again in ’51, it was obvious he saw straight through my updated glamour.” He chuckled. “The bugger gets about, but then again, so did I. He asked me outright what flavour of supe I was. I couldn’t tell him, being magically bound to silence, but he guessed that too, eventually, even though it took another decade to decide I was probably Fae. We’ve kept in touch sporadically ever since.”
“So he suggested you should join the Council?” Edwin’s brow was furrowed.
Trace nodded. “Yes. He said perhaps it would be good for me to find some kinship among other supes, even if I couldn’t declare myself as anything other than a witch. I am a damn good witch,” he added with a hint of pride. “I have an affinity for the soil and making things grow, and for making potions and teas and the like from the plants I grow. I also have a very good nose for bullshit. What d’you humans call it, sixth sense? Sometimes I justknow.It’s worth listening to.” He shrugged. “Even works on me most of the time. I’ve had some occasions when gut instinct alone has saved my backside.”
“So,” Edwin went on, “Dalziel’s known you for ages, same as he’s known me almost, and yet suddenly he’s pushed us together. Why d’you think that is?”
“Don’t talk rot. He’s not pushed anyone.”
“What do you call telling you to approach me about my land then?”
Trace walked over to the shelf by the window and picked up a watering can. He began adding water to the pots of herbs with a determined expression. “Common sense. He knew I was in a bind. You and I had always been civil, even friendly, and it could have worked. It has; it did.” His shoulders tensed and he paused with the can in mid air. “Hasn’t it?”
Edwin deflated in his seat. “Yeah, it has. It does. I’m so happy you came to live with us. Am I just seeing interference where there was none?”
Trace turned back around to face us. “You’d have to ask Dalziel that. If you’re asking me if I think your sire is a master manipulator, I’d have to say no. If, however, you’re wondering if he has a romantic streak a mile wide, that’s a slightly different story.”
“Dalziel, romantic?” Edwin scoffed.
“I think he is,” I cut in. “Things he said…” I broke off, unwilling to share anything he and I had discussed over those three days. Partly, I was still picking through it all myself, and more so in case I inadvertently let slip something he’d told me in confidence.
Edwin opened his mouth, but clamped it shut at a pointed glance from Trace. Instead, he changed the subject. “So, much as the new you, or rather, original you, is the definition of hot stuff, isn’t it going to put a downer on your ability to mingle amongst the humans? Witches have it easy for the most part, but you can’t hide this. I mean, you’ve got a good three inches on me nowand I’m tall.” He waved his hand in an up and down motion to indicate Trace’s true form.
“No, it won’t be an issue.” Trace looked almost sheepish. “Now I have the full range of my magic, I can use a glamour. I can make myself look like anyone.”
Edwin’s eyebrows rose comically. I didnotwant to know where his mind went, but I was sure it was a filthy thought. I, however, said what was on my mind. “So you could make yourself look like the Trace I know? I mean, the one I met first?”
“Naturally.”
There was a weighted pause. I croaked, “Can you do it now?”
Understanding flashed in his eyes. He inhaled, then muttered something in a language I couldn’t hear but presumed was Fae from the unfamiliar shape of his lips as he mouthed the syllables. That metallic not-really-pink light shimmered for a second, then there he was, standing before us.
“Oh fuck.” Raw emotion obstructed my throat and tears pricked my eyelids. “Could you…” I began, then had to stop to give myself a moment. “Could you maybe sometimes…be like this so I can…I, uh, I just really like you this way a lot.” I felt my cheeks heat. “I like you the other way too, I’d be crazy not to, but…it’s…it’s a…”
“It’s a lot?” he offered gently. I nodded. He came and hauled me to my feet, pulling me close so I could breathe in the outdoorsy scent of him and feel the scrape of his calloused fingertips against my biceps as he caressed me. “I will glamour myself this way whenever you need me to. I hope in time you can accept my true Fae self, but you’ve had a lot to cope with this year and I understand this is one change too many right now.”
I smiled into the greying tangles that adorned his shoulder. “I do think you’re smoking hot as your Fae self,” I hastened to reassure him. “But sometimes it would be nice to have this version.”
His lips touched my forehead. “I love you, James. There is no rush.” He held out a hand to Edwin. “Come help me persuade Mr Wilson here to get the sleep he’s still denying he needs?”
“Sure thing, Mr—” I felt the air shift as Edwin drew near. “I don’t even know what your real name is, Trace. Do you want us to call you Thèlo?”
I felt the lift of Trace’s shoulders. “Eh, whatever’s easiest. I’ve built up a business as Trace Dempsey here, so as long as you’re aware my official name on Earth is one thing and Thèlo is my Fae name, we’ll be fine either way.”
“Is your Fae surname embarrassing or what? Stop stalling.” Edwin’s amusement was evident as he brought his arms around me and bent to nuzzle my neck.
“Depends on how you view it.” Now, I pulled back to look him in the eye. He half raised a smile, then sighed. “It’s Evergreen.”
