Title: Bewitching Rendezvous

Description: Set after the events of ODW, Trent hires Rachel once again. Leading to speculation from Rachel's friends and most of Cincinnati that there is something going on between them. Trench fan fic.

Disclaimer: None of these characters belong to me. They belong to the wonderful Kim Harrison.

Chapter 1: The Party

A month had passed since I saved Trent from the ever-after and then that elf had tried to kill me. The good thing is that I had not heard from Trent, even though I had asked Quen to let him know I was sorry and that I had not turned him into my familiar. Still, was I happy? You bet your pixie ass I am! He had always tried to pursue me to work for him and do his dirty work. Sure I sometimes had to do demon spells but it was my last resort to save those I love dearly unlike Trent who was a murderous businessman.

I had just left Keasley's house after visiting Ceri when I noticed a black BMW. I don't know why I immediately thought it was Trent's but I quickly told myself it couldn't be him. That lazy elf was usually brought in a limo driven by Quen or his other lackey Jonathon. Besides, I had seen Quen with Ceri a few minutes ago. The thought of Ceri and Quen and their immense happiness brought me a smile. At least someone was happy. Me in the other hand, I was not so happy. Knowing that I would never have a family of my own. Sure my mom said I could if I wanted to. But I knew better.

The cure I got when I was at camp saved my life when I was child but it left a defect in my blood. The change in my blood allowed me to make spells that only demons were able to do. Which leads to the possibility that I could have a demon baby. Or making me a more interesting candidate to be a demon's familiar.

As I crossed the street towards the church I could feel the cold damp air of the upcoming wintertime, which meant that Jenks and his brood were inside the church. There were going to be Pixie children everywhere, how fun. I tighten my coat closer to me and stuffed my hands in my pockets. I walked to the front door when out of the corner of my eye I saw a quick movement. I stopped to look around.

"Rachel." A male voice came from behind.

I gasped at the sudden sound. Then cringed when I realized who it was. Sighting heavily to let him know that I was not too happy I spun around to meet those green eyes.

"Trent. What a lovely surprise. And here I was thinking that I had gotten rid of you once and for all." I said dryly.

He seemed slightly nervous, seeing that I noticed he quickly set both his hands behind him as he regained his composure and gave me his best businessman appearance.

"Rachel...I need your help."

I raised both eyebrows and looked at him.

"Really? You don't say. You expect me to help you after you tried to choke me to death?"

"I thought you had made me your familiar. I understand that's not case, says Quen. Besides, I'm here because owe me."

"Excuse me? I don't think I heard you right. You're saying I, moi, owe you! What planet are you living off? I would say you owe me for saving your sorry elf ass!"

"Morgan! Not so loud. We are in front of your...Church. Keep it down."

"Right, still trying to keep appearances. Well I don't owe you anything. Good bye Trent."

"Rachel," he said reaching out to grab my arm. I looked down at his arm and gave him my best menacing look. Which to my surprise it was not working. "I have your smut in my aura."

"Because you chose to, I didn't force you Trent. Now, let go of me."

"Well at least do this favor, please."

There was that magic word I didn't hear from Trent too often. Actually, I don't know if I've heard it from him. I let out a loud sight. And a thin smirk appeared on his face.

"First lets hear it Kalamack. I haven't said yes."

He let go of me, which seemed a bit awkward if you ask me. Anyone passing by would've thought something else was going on between us. A lover's quarrel? Which it isn't! Cursed media thinks we are secret lovers! The horror. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to keep warm. I waited to hear it and he looked down and turned slightly red. What the hell does Trent want me to do? Seeing my surprise look he looked at my green eyes and said in his firmest voice.

"I need you as a date."

"Whoa! What? I'm pretty sure there are many crazy girls out there who would not mind being your escort, even if you are a murderer," I whispered the last part.

"Morgan, if I wanted an actual date I would not be asking you. I need you to pose as my date but be my bodyguard at the same time," he said in his arrogant usual self.

"Then ask Jonathon. I'm sure he will clean up well in a dress."

"Rachel," he said while trying to give me his most intimidating look.

"I don't want to do this. Why can you stay away? I was starting to be happy these past weeks and here you come raining on my parade."

"Please, just do this and I will make it worthwhile?" He looked at me if I would budge. "The pay will be to your liking," he finished.

I hated this. I could always use the money. Double damn. Let's try and look at the bright side. It's just some date in one of his boring parties. What can go wrong? Better yet, I should ask myself. What will go wrong? This can't be good.

"Well?"

"Hold your horses, Trent. I'm thinking."

"Well you better think fast, the party is today and we need to go now."

"Whoa, whoa! Now! As in tonight!"

"Yes. Do you have something else planned for tonight? I didn't think so."

"You can be such a prick, you know. And I could just easily say no and all would be well. I could just march inside my Church and leave you out in the cold."

Now it was his turn to sight. I just loved getting him agitated. "Fine, I'll give you a bonus, if you could just please get in the car with me and leave."

I looked down at what I was wearing. "I need to...um…shower and find an outfit. Unless you don't mind me going like this?" I should've omitted the shower part. It almost seemed like I cared.

"You can shower at my place and I have an outfit set for you."

This man just kept shocking me today! "I'm not showering in your place! And what's this about you having an outfit picked out for me even thought you didn't know if I was going?"

"The party starts in two hours. That gives you enough time to get ready." He said looking at his very expensive watch.

"I'm taking my car. There's no way I'm getting stranded in your place."

Clearly agitated, he walked away and got in his car. And waited for me. I didn't want to shout it so I just mouthed, "be right back" which got Trent more agitated. I can't drive without my keys. Silly elf! I went inside to the lovely warmth of my church. I grabbed my keys and went to the living room. Ivy was on a date with Cormel and Jenks was somewhere around the house.

"Jenks! Jenks?"

"Hello Miss Morgan." One of Jenks' youngest flew in front of me.

"Where's your dad?"

"He is with mom, she is not feeling too well. But I can call him?"

"No, no. It's ok. I'm going to be out for a while. Just let your dad know."

The pixie child nodded and flew towards the desk. I grabbed my bag and made sure my splat gun was inside. If Trent tried anything funny I would not think twice about using it. I.E. Trent attempting to kill me again. Then I realized something. Dumb witch! Why didn't I think about the possibility that he could be luring me to kill me! Well if that was the case I was on him and I would show him he is messing with the wrong witch. I heard him beep his horn. Geez! Impatient man! Keys and purse in hand I locked the front door and went towards my red car.

I followed Trent all the way to his compound. There were no guest cars, yet. But I was willing to bet it would be crowded in two hours. I followed Trent the same way I did the last time I was here when Takata was playing. It was the same time when Quen was in the verge of dying. The memory of that day came back. It was that same following morning I found out through Trent that my father was not my biological father. Bitterly I was wondering what truths I might find this time. What do you have in your sleeve Mr. Kalamack? I parked where one of his attendants signaled me and got out of my vehicle. Trent fixed his gray coat as he got out of his BMW.

"This way, Morgan."

I followed him and after a couple of corridors we were in front of an all too familiar room. It used to belong to Ellasbeth and where I had once taken a bath after one of my body guarding missions that caused the boat to explode and leaving Trent and myself swimming for our lives. Following him inside the room he pointed the shower like a good host.

"You can shower over there, there should be plenty of towels. The dress is on the bed. Matilda should be here shortly to help you with the dress and I suppose do something with your hair."

I looked at him, "Just keep pushing me Kalamack. And I'll smack you so hard-"

"Just, get ready." He walked out and left me behind closed doors. I almost expected to hear a locking sound but it never happened. Huh. He really trusts me! I could easily walk out of here and leave him to his party. But I promised. Damn. Besides he promised a bonus. I set my purse on the bed and went to take a quick shower. I noticed that there were some clean and new undergarments next to the dress. He sure thought of everything. But the idea of wearing something picked by Trent made me want to throw up. Then again the gesture of having someone else pick an outfit for me made me feel sentimental.

I remembered when Kisten picked my outfit for our first date. I tried to push the memory away. I didn't want to start crying and from all places here at Trent's home. I put on the under garments and started on the dress. I tried to put it over my head but I struggled. Then I tried sliding it under my legs. The door opened and gasping I covered myself with the dress. I tried to cover myself so fast that I nearly tripped. An older woman in her mid 50s walked in. Must be Matilda.

"Hello Miss. Morgan. Mr. Kalamack sent me to help you."

She walked towards me and with a smile she took the dress from my hands, well struggled at first to take it away. She is a stranger after all and I don't feel comfortable standing there half naked. She found a hidden zipper and then made me put it over my head. I knew that! She then helped me zip it back up. She went towards a small coffee table that sat at the end of the bed where a shoebox sat in the middle. She opened it and handed me a pair of black high heels. They looked expensive since both contained sparkling diamonds on the strap. They looked real. I was betting they were real. I put on heels and Matilda led me to a seat in front of a mirror. She began to work her magic and in the end I was astounded. I think she made me look good; too good for Trent. My red hair was in put up with the curls in place. The makeup was very seductive, just enough to highlight my good attributes. She went with a smoky look for my eyes that made my green eyes stand out. And the red lipstick was perfect, not a trashy bright red tone.

I was looking at myself in amazement. Posing in front of the mirror as Matilda stood back. The dress was low cut in the front, just enough to give me the illusion that I was not too flat. The back part of the dress was set low as well, reaching my mid back. It looked classy but it made me feel almost...bare. My smile died out as I noticed Trent standing in the doorway looking directly at me. He cleared his throat as he noticed me looking at him.

"I must say, Morgan, that you don't look half bad."

"Is that what you're wearing?"

He glanced down and his well pressed black tuxedo. It made him look slim and alluring. My sick mind wondered how tight his body must look without it. Ok Rachel, bad thoughts. Keep them away. I also noticed he carried a box in his hands.

"This is a gift for you. For, you know, saving me from the ever-after. I don't think I ever thanked you."

I looked at his eyes and he actually seemed sincere. "You mean for also trying to kill me?"

"That as well," he opened the box and took out a chocker. In the middle of the silk black strap there was a green stone. It matched the color of his eyes. I almost snickered thinking that he wanted me to do what, think of him as I wore the chocker. I was still facing the mirror and he stood behind me. He pulled the chocker in front of me and I felt the warmth of his fingertips as he tried to tie it behind my back. Just the mere touch of his fingers sent shivers down my spine. The shivers nearly made me forget to breath.

"The stone matches your eyes, I think it looks good." He whispered.

I looked at the mirror and I nodded. He was right. It matched both our eyes. I looked at Trent through the reflection and our gazes met. Both his hands still lingered on the back of my neck. A loud grunt made me twitch that nearly made me trip with the ridiculous high heels I was wearing. Trent stepped back to glare at Jonathan.

"Sa'han, the guests are approaching."

"Thank you Jonathan. Miss Morgan if you are ready I do believe we have a party to attend."

"Uh yeah. Let me just get my splat gun. I am your bodyguard after all, right? It's not like you really asked me for a date?" I eyed Trent cautiously.

He gave me his obnoxiously wonderful smile, "Of course, that is what I hired you for."

"Are you going to wait there? I'm not hiding the gun in front of you." I gestured him with both my hands to leave the room. Annoyed he walked out the door.

"Hurry up Morgan," he said in an authoritative tone as he closed the doors.

"Yeah, yeah."

To be continued…