Bontempscutie, this one is for you!

Thanks to misscyn for giving me a second set of eyes on this one. Any mistakes are all mine.

Mac and Barrons belong to Karen Marie Moning. I'm just having some fun with them. Cassiel is mine.

The story so far…

Mac and Barrons go treasure hunting for a special amulet that supposedly contains shifting magic. When they find it, Mac somehow shifts back to the bookstore but she can't do it again. That's too bad, because along comes Cassiel, a white-winged supernatural of some kind, claiming ownership of the amulet. He makes them a deal… if Mac and Barrons figure out the secret of using the amulet, they can keep it. Then there's Ryodan and a wager for an awesome vintage car. Mac and Barrons want to keep both the car and the amulet, but before they can put their plan into action, Ryodan and Barrons encounter the Crimson Hag for the first time, leaving Mac all alone with the amulet and no idea how to use it—and three days to figure it out on her own.

Chapter 10

I wasn't going outside. I already had too many bad memories of Barrons on the ground. I'd wait out his return in the bookstore. It was more important for me to looks for clues about the amulet. I wrapped myself in a blanket and focused on the piles I'd spread out in front of me. Some of the books came from the White Mansion; some were from Barrons' collection, and some I couldn't even read. Those I tossed on the furthest corner of the table.

Settling in on the couch, I pawed through the pages looking for anything about sifting, or Cassiel or those other words he said - kefitzat haderech. But the research didn't distract me completely, and flickering images of Barrons and the blood on the snow popped into my head. He'll be back. I kept telling myself, a small comfort that didn't always work. Besides missing him, I always felt safer when he was with me. No doubt one of his men would be by soon to check on me, but it wasn't the same.

I shook my head. Another Unseelie creep show in my own backyard, and people I cared about were involved. Dani—what was she doing there? She'd been running from me for weeks, and I still wasn't ready to talk to her, but I sure didn't want her around that… thing, even with her sword, she wasn't invincible. And Christian? What was going to happen to him? There was something dark in him now, and although I knew he liked to blame me for his changes, he reminded me of what I saw in his uncle Dageus and in the other Highlander named Cian. There was definitely something special in that gene pool.

Questions rolled around in my head, mostly about Barrons. Who was in charge now that he and Ryodan were out of commission? Lor? One of the others?

All of these thoughts bounced around in my head while I tried to find out more about Cassiel and the amulet. I focused back on the books on the table in front of me. There had to be something in here.

An hour and ten books later, I still hadn't found anything useful. Not that I was concentrating very much. Jericho Barrons was firmly entrenched in my thoughts, and I couldn't stop thinking about him. My brain took me back to that garage full of cars and the beauty of strategizing with him regarding his not-so-little wager with Ryodan. The clock was ticking on figuring out how to use the amulet to sift. Stretching my arms over my head, I rolled my neck to relieve the tension. That was when I felt it.

A surge of something rolled through the bookstore. I felt it coming before its gentle force hit me square in the chest and then wrapped around me, seeping into my skin and taking away all of my anxiety. My breath pulled in and I lifted my head.

Cassiel stood in front of me with his giant white wings pulled so tight against his body I could barely see them. His body tensed with the effort of holding them back. He had sex appeal, no doubt about it, but not like V'lane's death-by-sex attraction. In his blue-purple eyes, I saw something benign, even easy. It drew me to him.

When he smiled, I felt a new wave of serenity wash over me. I didn't know what you would call that power—empathy, telepathy? Whatever it was, he had some juice. He unfolded his arms and pushed off from the bookshelf. I put up my hand, stopping him from coming closer. Benevolent vibe or not, I still didn't trust him.

"What are you doing here? The three days aren't up yet, and it isn't very nice to just barge in. Knock next time, will you?"

He smiled. "My apologies. I came because—well, I came for you. I thought I could help." His head dipped and a pensive look crossed his face. "I find it interesting you mourn for him even though you know his secret."

"I don't mean to be rude, Cassiel, but I'm not mourning Barrons. He'll be back. Whatever I'm feeling, I don't need you to make it go away."

He shook his head. "I'm aware of that, and normally, I wouldn't bother. But—"

He dropped his head and looked away, struggling to find the words to finish. I couldn't put my finger on exactly what was going on with him, but when his eyes shifted away from me, his careful control slipped and his wings fluttered open. The bookstore filled with a beautiful energy that took my breath away. Seeing those white wings spread open seemed too intimate and I stepped back, even though my body craved that feeling they gave off. I wanted to be wrapped in those soft feathers, and it wasn't an easy feeling to shake.

"What? Finish what you were going to say."

"I felt your distress and I wanted to take it away. I felt compelled to come here. Maybe it's because you have my amulet. Maybe—"

He shrugged his shoulders and a little color flushed his cheeks. "I wanted to see you again. Your pain surprised me. I could feel that too. I've spent my entire existence observing—watching the pain and suffering but not doing anything about it. That was my charge. But I'm not content to leave it at that with you. I don't know why you affect me so, but I am going to—how do you say it? Go with it."

Barrons' words about Cassiel wanting me popped into my head. I'd hate to see what he might do if he caught me alone with Angel White Wings while he was coming back from wherever he ends up when he's dead. But Barrons wanted me to trust him, so he'd better trust me. I didn't know why Cassiel was here, but if I could get him to show me how to use the amulet before he returned, we'd be one-step closer to keeping the car.

"You need not worry. I'll be gone before he returns."

"I need you to stay out of my head. Can't you turn that off or something? Because it's rude. Is that what you do when you observe? Jump into people's head and listen? That's just creepy. "

"It doesn't turn off, but I'll attempt to control it around you, since it bothers you so."

"It does. Now what are you doing here?"

"After we made our deal last night, I had second thoughts—"

He paused, and I waited. For some sort of angel, he didn't really seem to be very …angelic. If he didn't have the wings or the archaic clothing, which I had to admit looked hot on him, I'd think he was human. The very moment I had that thought, I raised my eyes to his and saw he was pleased, and there was something else in those eyes, I didn't want to name. He tipped his head to me in a show of respect that was almost regal, and with it came a feeling that bloomed like a flower inside of me, filling me with happiness. He'd read my mind and pushed emotions at me. Again.

"Okay, so I see you aren't going to stop that." I shook my head. "So, what are these second thoughts, because I've got work to do. Maybe you're really here to distract me from that."

"I can understand you questioning my motives, Mackayla, but I'm not lying to you. You're different. Most people can't feel me like you can, and I sense things from you that I don't get from others. I thought it was worth checking that out, and while we did that, it occurred to me we could make a trade—a trade that might not be possible if Barrons were here."

I didn't like that at all, but I was willing to hear him out. "What would that be?"

The sound of a fist pounding at the front door interrupted his answer. I knew that particular knock.

Lor.

He banged again. I don't know why he bothered, since he could probably come in anyway. I didn't know the specifics of Barrons' wards on this place, but I was sure he wouldn't keep his own men out. My head whipped back around to Cassiel. I didn't even bother to speak it, since he could just pluck it from my head. Why hadn't Barrons wards kept him out?

"His wards have no effect on me. You best go see what he wants. I promise I won't touch a thing."

I pushed off the couch and another wave of calm rolled through me as I walked to the front door of the bookstore. I didn't want to be pacified and it was starting to bug me how Cassiel threw that calming influence around whenever he felt like it. It was also clear that Cassiel didn't have any intention of leaving. The more I thought about it, annoyance burned over Barrons not telling me about his stupid bet with Ryodan and being stuck in the bookstore with Cassiel, in a position that Barrons was sure to find compromising. I may have growled a little when I cracked the front door.

"Looking for a book, Lor?" I raised my eyebrows.

"Barrons has been delayed. He says you should stay in the bookstore until he gets back."

"Uh huh. Well, thanks for that message. Let me guess, you're here to make sure I stay put, aren't you?

"You might say that. One thing I don't understand is why I'm in this position so often."

"You're just lucky, I guess."

He peered around me into the store, nostrils flaring as he took in a huge sample of the air. Then his eyes took in every inch of my body. "What's going on in there? What is that?" His eyes squinted as he looked to the back of the store.

"Is there anything else, Lor? I've got things to do."

He took another sample of the air and backed off with a shake of his head. "Stay inside."

"Got it."

I pushed the door closed, turned the deadbolt and gave Lor a little wave goodbye. By the time I made it to the back of the store, Cassiel sat with two books in front of him, his head lifting when I came around the bookcase.

"So what's your deal?" We'd switched positions, with him on the couch and me leaning up against the row of bookcases that separated the sitting area from the rest of the store.

"I want to drive and I want you to teach me."

"Say again?" Did he say drive?

"I want to understand why you and Barrons want that car. I want to drive it. I'm tired of watching, Mackayla. When I'm around you, I find I want more. I like the way I feel."

I could just imagine how Barrons would have smirked at that. "I teach you to drive and what do I get in return?"

"I will teach you how to use the gift of kefitzat haderech. Our interaction will be complete and you can keep the amulet. Two lessons, that's all we'll need."

He seemed sincere, but so had Christian when he offered to help, and now look at where he was. I didn't know what to say. Yes, no, maybe? How could we do it if I wasn't supposed to leave the bookstore? Having Lor on my heels wasn't going to make it easy, either. But then Cassiel backed off.

"How about I give you some time to think about it? It's almost dawn. You should get some sleep and I'll be back later. Rest, Mackayla." His voice was warm and soft as honey. Seconds later, Cassiel was gone.

Show-off. Nothing like dangling what he knew how to do in front of my face. I took a deep breath. For all of his ability to throw that serenity force of his around, I could think now that he was gone.

The first rays of sunrise were starting to show through the windows. Cassiel was right about one thing, I needed some sleep before I even attempted to figure out a way I could ditch Lor give my new friend driving lessons.

I debated taking the amulet upstairs with me and opted to leave it in Barrons' desk. It was clear that if Cassiel wanted it, he could take it anytime. My feet felt heavy as I climbed the stairs. A few hours of sleep would do me good. With one last glance out the window to the alley below, I thought about the crazy night I'd had. The alley was empty, the cars and bodies gone. Fresh snow covered the blood, as if nothing had ever happened.

After a few hours of sleep, I went back downstairs to go through the books again. Cassiel had left two books open on the table in front of me. They were from the pile I couldn't read, but I looked them over anyway. I was able to pick out lettering that looked like the words Fae and Sin Siriche Du. I hoped Barrons could read it.

Cassiel wanted to drive. I could teach him, no problem. I didn't think he was only after driving lessons though, and something was getting him off. I had a bad feeling about that, but when I weighed it all in my mind, letting Cassiel drive seemed like a little thing to do. My only problem was Lor. No doubt he was lurking around outside so he could give someone a complete accounting of what I'd been doing.

It wasn't long before my winged-friend returned, complete with his understated but gorgeous look and his calming influence. One thing I knew for certain—if I went ahead with this driving lesson, I'd better master using that amulet, because there was no way in any of the realms, human or Fae, that Barrons was going to be okay with me spending time alone with Cassiel.

"You look like you've made up your mind, Mackayla. What will it be? Teach me to drive, or hope that Barrons gets back in time and can translate those passages?" He pointed to the open books he left.

"Let's stop with the games. You know my answer because you can hear my thoughts, and you know that I promised Barrons I wouldn't leave the bookstore. His men watch over me when he isn't around. How do you propose we do this? I don't think we'll all fit in the car."

"Do you have the amulet?"

"Yes."

"Then I suggest we start with our first lesson. We'll use kefitzat haderech to leave the bookstore and Barrons' observers won't even know we are gone."

"And the car? Does it have to be that specific one?"

"The Jaguar? Yes, that would my preference. You want that specific car, do you not?"

"Yes, but that makes it a little more complicated."

"Do you have something equally—?"

"Sporty? Is that the word you are looking for?" I raised my eyebrows at him, and he laughed.

"I was thinking fast, but I think sporty works. I would be willing to amend my requirement for the sake of complexity, or lack of it as that may be. Do you have a clear picture in mind of the car and its location?"

I closed my eyes for a minute and thought about the car and the garage next door. "Yes."

"Hand me the box with the amulet."

"I'll have to get it. I'll be right back."

I retrieved the box from Barrons' desk and grabbed a coat from the hook. I was going to do this. I would learn how to make the sifting work and he'd get to keep the Jag. It was all going to work out just fine. I was totally convinced of that until Cassiel held out his hand for the box, and I hesitated. With a deep breath, I extended my arm and put the box in his hand.

"Come closer."

Cassiel opened the box and removed the amulet, stuffing the box back in his clothes. He took my hand and turned it palm up, just as his had been when I handed him the box. My hand itched to hold it, just like it had before. I smiled at Cassiel. Whatever he'd done, the amulet throbbed with energy and I felt compelled to have it in my hand.

"Are you ready?"

He smiled back, and suddenly learning how to sift was the only thing that mattered. "Yes."

"When you feel the amulet warm in your hand, I want you to think of nothing but where you want us to be. Picture both of us there. Believe we can be there and we will be there. Think of nothing but our destination. I'll give us a little push this first time, but I can tell you feel the magic."

He placed the amulet in my hand and it started to heat up, just like it had the last time. I closed my eyes and thought about the garage next door, the black Viper in its stall, us standing next to it. There was a pulling sensation in my belly. I took mental notes on everything that was happening. It didn't seem to hurt like it had last time, and I needed to ask Cassiel about that later. Then I smelled the burning, felt my body change to liquid and then nothing.

When I opened my eyes, we were in the garage. The amulet no longer felt warm and alive. Cassiel looked radiant, his smile lighting up his face and his wings wide and magnificent.

"Very good, Mackayla. I hardly helped you at all. You've moved this way before, haven't you? You called it sifting."

I have to admit, I did preen a bit over his praise. "Yeah, the Fae call it sifting, but you aren't Fae, are you?"

He laughed. "No, not Fae." He turned around in a circle, taking in all the cars in Barrons' garage.

"One of these will do nicely. Which one did you have in mind?"

I pointed to the sleek, black automobile in the stall in front of us. "This one."

"It's beautiful."

"Yes, it is. Any ideas on how we're going to get out of here without being seen?"

"Let me worry about that."

"I'll drive us out to the country where I'll give you a lesson. You might even be able to drive back once we're done, but we better get moving while it's daylight. I want to be back before dark."

Within minutes, we were outside the city, without a tail. I didn't know what Cassiel had done to give Lor the slip, but it was time for our first driving lesson.

Did you all catch the clue as to the Fae prince that figured out the sifting magic? How will Barrons react to all of this? Stay tuned. And to all my readers, thank you!

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