Mark replied, “I’ll go too. Let’s go check it out.”

  Damn, cuddle time was over. I swung my legs out, and I pulled on one of my calf high black boots.

  “You said rentals. Is it owned by the coven?”

  Mark nodded, “Yes. The coven owns quite a bit of real estate. It’s not an unknown thing for one of our people to use it after feeding. Especially in winter after tourist season, there’s very few week-long tourist renters this time of year. It’s not official, but I pretend not to notice, because they always do a good job cleaning up after, which is needed anyway for maintenance.”

  I snorted, free labor, in exchange for using it as a hookup pad.

  “Have you ever used it, James?” I asked as I grabbed my second boot.

  He cleared his throat, and his eyes looked nervously at Mark, “Maybe once or twice, ma’am.”

  I laughed, “Call me Danielle, please,” and I thrummed across his links. It wasn’t hard to discern a link to a house, from links to other things, so it didn’t take me long to find one with four vampires in the house by link jumping through ten or so house properties. I opened up a scrying window to one of the four vampires in that house, which showed me what was going on. Just because I had links didn’t mean I knew what the problem was, I had to see it.

  I sighed in disgust, “I’m guessing an air sorcerer, a very young one, who doesn’t yet know that people aren’t toys for his amusement.”

  It wasn’t a pretty sight, there were four very attractive naked women, all taking care of another person, sort of. One was cooking in the kitchen, one was giving the young man a foot massage as he sat on the couch like a king. The other two were just standing against the wall nearby to him and playing tonsil hockey with each other. No doubt, the two waitresses and two enforcers, though I didn’t know which was which. Though, the pixie blonde in the kitchen and svelte redhead giving a foot massage looked vaguely familiar, so maybe I’d seen them in Plasma while clubbing, which meant it was the enforcers kissing, which I supposed wasn’t all that important in the scheme of things.

  Either way, it was disturbing, and their feelings were of violation and disgust. It’s how I knew it was an air sorcerer using mind control. A fire sorcerer crossing the line would’ve inflamed their passions to make them his willing slaves, and a water or earth sorcerer wouldn’t be capable of such absolute dominance against their natures.

  The air sorcerer was very young, he looked eighteen, but then so did I, so I supposed he could’ve been closer to thirty. I’d be about that old before I’d look twenty myself. Best not to make assumptions on his power levels. Still, it was prurient and decadent what he was doing, I didn’t imagine air sorcerers that were that entitled and sick would last a whole ten years either.

  “I suggest we pop in on him, instead of taking a car. It will give him less time to react, he won’t feel us coming until it’s too late.”

  Although, the little shit was probably shielded. I just hoped all the bastard had done was use compulsion, or those four women wouldn’t be themselves anymore. Possibly ever again. Given the women felt revulsion at what they were doing, there was a good chance he hadn’t directly modified their minds with deeper level mind control.

  Mark nodded, “I’m ready.”

  I said, “Be wary, they’re all mind controlled, so your people might attack you. They’re also… naked, so be ready for that.”

  I surrounded the three of us with water, and I willed my magic to follow the link. It was only a couple of miles away, so we weren’t in the realm of water very long before we popped out into the living room.

  The air sorcerer was shielded, but those shields allowed him to be massaged because no doubt he trusted anyone under his thrall. He was also weaker than I was, but only by about half, which meant the odds were on my side, but it wouldn’t be a one-sided battle either, not like a ten to one difference.

  He was also fast, damned air sorcerers. His magic reached out for the three of us, before I’d fully comprehended the situation, but my magic acted in reflex and batted his away harshly. Then I hit his shield hard with pure magic and a razor thin water blade.

  The three female vampires in the room, as I’d thought might happen, immediately attacked us. The redhead, either Pia or Celia, was only about fifty, and James knocked her out cleanly with one strike. The two enforcers were a little tougher, one of them over two hundred, and the other about one fifty. Still, they were fighting out of their league, with James being mid three hundreds and my Mark was eight hundred.

  In just the first two seconds of our arrival, they were knocked out, and James ran for the kitchen to take care of the cooking vampire that was charging our way. I’d learn later, that Celia was the redhead out here, and Pia was the blonde pixie cooking in the kitchen. The kissing enforcers, Patty had brown hair and eyes, and she was willowy and graceful at five foot nine, while Susan was the rather sumptuous looking white blonde with light gray eyes.

  I was extremely angry on their behalf. I had no doubt they’d all been raped, that foot rub was probably because he was tired out, but I controlled myself and my power with effort. I needed to stay focused, and not underestimate the air sorcerer. Ben had told me more than once how he’d killed sorcerers more powerful than he was, with cleverness and because of their own arrogance. My power battered against his, and was wearing his shield down quickly, but I had no doubt he’d adjust, despite the fear on his face and the way he desperately tried to reinforce his shields.

  Air sorcerers were quick, and even a two to one power ratio gave him way too much time to adjust his tactics. Still, one of the ways Ben had won against more powerful sorcerers was because they’d ignored his efforts, and just concentrated on offense, assuming their shields were unbroachable and they were safe. Ben had come at them sideways, and he’d hit them indirectly. That was a known risk I swore I’d never fall into, and I countered it by simply blowing through any efforts he made to form magic outside of his shields. It’d take me longer to get through his shields by expending power elsewhere, but this was life and death, and a few extra seconds were worth it if it was safer for myself.

  He could be gone in the blink of an eye, if I let him surround himself with a magical air bubble for travel, for instance.

  The bastard was also obviously surprised that a sorceress would side with vampires, he hadn’t seen this coming at all. I tried not to take satisfaction in the panic on his face, but rapists through the horror of mind control only deserved one thing. Death, and I was quite happy to bring it, and protect all the future women he’d have done it to if not for my intercession. Not to mention justice for Celia, Pia, Susan, and Patty.

  There was a fine line between bringing justice, and pride and self-righteousness, but I was pretty sure I hadn’t crossed it in this case. Evil little shit. No, as long as I was merciful in delivering death, and didn’t drag it out as he so richly deserved, my soul would be untarnished.

  He screamed in frustration, as I prevented his retreat for maybe the tenth time, while my attack on his shields was implacable. It was just a matter of time, and at that thought I doubled my focus and watched for any surprises and tricks. No, it was clear to me, the more powerful I got, the more I’d have to guard against arrogance. It was a hard line to hold. I was confident I’d win, and both confidence and bravery was important in a fight, I just needed to make sure I didn’t slip into overconfidence.

  It was possible to be right and moral, and still lose. This wasn’t a story, it was my life. Still, it was a bit disturbing to find I was starting to actually enjoy this kind of thing. I’d never been a fighter, always a protector, a lifeguard. It wasn’t the violence either, I really didn’t like violence at all, it was the challenge of it, and knowing I’d be saving countless others by ending this asshole’s life before he could stack up even more victims behind him.

  My heart pounded, and I felt alive. Maybe this was the life for me after all.

  He said, “Let me go, I swear I’ll never come back here again.”

  I didn’t bother answering that, not all that surprised he’d beg for his life. Most bullies were cowards at heart, and a bully with the power of an air sorcerer was an evil the world didn’t need. Unfortunately, his level of evil wasn’t rare in our world, though the good we could do rivaled that. We were just people, some of us couldn’t handle the power and temptation.

  Much like humans could be monsters, if they had no fear of the law or consequences.

  He formed magic behind his shields, and then it exploded outward. Already formed and acting on the physical world, it was too late to simply disperse it. I managed to block it from hitting me or Mark, but it had its effect. A powerful blast of air and a shockwave rolled off of him in every direction, much like an explosion just without fire. The couch he sat on was turned into splinters, and the wall behind him was heavily damaged. Though my shield stopped the impact of the shockwave from hitting my body directly, physics was still a thing, and Mark and I flew backwards across the room.

  Much like my water jet had kept him pinned to the couch, his power tossed us like a leaf in the wind.

  It was a good try, a final desperate attempt to disengage so he could successfully flee justice, but I didn’t lose my focus as he’d hoped, and my own attack continued unabated. My head felt a little fuzzy from the quick stop when I’d hit the wall, but I focused through the pain and countered his final desperate attempt to air travel.

  Mark caught and steadied me as we bounced off the wall, but I couldn’t spare even a grateful look as I blasted the air sorcerer, never did learn his name, with all my power. His by then threadbare shields finally shattered under my assault, and the water jet drilled through his forehead and shredded his brain matter. Not as spectacular as a decapitation, but a hell of a lot less messy.

  There’d be enough questions, without blood spatter in the destroyed room that looked like it’d been hit by a cyclone. Then again, they probably just used compulsion to squelch the curiosity of their chosen contractors.

  Mark asked, “You okay?”

  I bit my lip, and I kissed him.

  “Thanks for catching me, I’m fine. Get your people sorted, hopefully you can undo the compulsions, or we’ll have to call Katie for help.”

  I just hoped he hadn’t erased any memories or changed their nature. That… I wasn’t sure if that could be fixed at all.

  Patty said, “We’re fine now, I think, though I may have nightmares about kissing a blonde pain in the ass.”

  Susan smirked, “You know it was your greatest dream. These lips are magic.”

  Mark snorted, but we both knew they were just bluffing through the pain. I can’t even imagine what they’d just been through. I actually did know they were bluffing, neither of them had enjoyed the kiss, not even a little bit, and their emotions were very fragile.

  “You’re fine? I mean, still you?”

  Susan nodded, “I think so, would I know? He compelled us, but I don’t think he changed anything that makes us who we are. I think he liked that we were forced against our will, you know? So we’d suffer helplessly?” She shuddered, “Thanks for getting us. The compulsion to serve and protect him fell when he died. Or maybe it’s just not effective anymore, since there’s nothing left to serve or protect.”

  “My pleasure.”

  Mark said, “Ours. Is there anymore fallout, or just you four?”

  That might seem a little insensitive, but if there were more victims or other consequences, he needed to know about it so they could be addressed.

  Pia interjected, “Our bank accounts need to be fixed, the first thing he did was make us transfer all our funds, then he… you know.”

  Mark said, “Put it in the report, and you’ll be reimbursed when we drain all his accounts, before we settle with Danielle.”

  I raised an eyebrow, “I thought I worked for free.”

  Mark smirked, “You do, we’re not paying you a cent. But you’re still entitled to the rogue’s money and assets, for being the one to take him down. We’ll take our five percent as usual. You’ll never be done investing, and your money will grow quickly at this rate.”

  Oh, I should’ve realized, it was obvious after he’d said it that’s how it’d work. It was just my first time taking down a rogue through our allied partnership, instead of alone with Katie because we’d been attacked directly.

  Celia sighed, “Damn those millions, talk about a first world problem.”

  I laughed.

  Mark said, “Get dressed, so we can get out of here.”

  The four ladies went to find their clothes.

  James said, “I’ll stay, contact the contractors and get an estimate. We have three walls to get fixed, as well as some new furniture to pick up.”

  Mark nodded in approval to the plan.

  In the end, Mark and I went back alone, the enforcers and waitresses had their cars to get back to the coven house.

  Chapter Twelve

  I sighed softly, feeling a little decadent, even if I’d earned a little relaxation. It was nighttime, back in freezing cold Myrtle Beach anyway, while Mark and I laid out on the beach in the warm afternoon sun of southern California. After the fight and the mess, we were taking a little time for ourselves. Just a few hours to recharge, then we’d be back in Myrtle Beach right around the time one of the clubs were getting busy.

  The ocean on my senses was so relaxing.

  I wouldn’t be spending all day with Mark, every day, but this first one I was. I could look into charities, investments, and staying in touch with other allies another day. We were both enjoying the company, and I didn’t really want to leave him after the fight.

  If that made me a little clingy, then guilty as charged.

  Still, I imagined I’d be spending most of my time with him like this. Maintaining my alliance with my allies and growing friendships wouldn’t be hard. Maybe one lunch date a week with Ben and whoever he brought, and the same with Melody and Miku. We’d do more than that of course, but not regularly. I wanted to maintain strong alliances and grow our friendships, not be a pain in the ass that was always around, like a lost puppy yapping at their heels.

  I’d try to arrange the same with Maria and Joseph.

  The lion’s share of that time would be spent with my mate, and with my best friend and cousin.

  I wasn’t sure how big a cut of my time that my investments and charity would take yet, but I was sure that, and all those other things, would add up to a full life and then some. Not to mention actual hunting of rogues, or being supporting of those allies against their enemies, which would come up from time to time randomly.

  I thought it would work well, and leave plenty of time to spend with Mark, a lot of time, without crossing the threshold of either of us smothering the other.

  Mark said, “That went well this morning.”

  I lifted my head, and smiled at him over my shoulder, “But?”

  There’d definitely been a but, in his tone of voice.

  Mark grimaced, “It was harder than I thought it’d be, to see you in danger. I felt kind of helpless, just standing there.”

  I giggled, “Well, next time I’ll just leave you behind. Problem solved.”

  He growled, “You will not.”

  I frowned in mock confusion, “But I wouldn’t want you to worry, honey.”

  He shook his head, and I sighed.

  “Sorry, not a joking matter. But you did help, when you caught me. I might’ve lost my concentration if I’d fallen. You also took care of your people, so they weren’t a distraction to me in my fight.”

  Our love making had also been rather intense once we got some privacy, who knew violence was an aphrodisiac? The rush of danger, and the still being alive part and all that, anyway. Not the actual violence, that’d be sick. Still, I was rather looking forward to next time, he’d been very… amorous. Not that he wasn’t always, it was always incredible to be in his arms, but there’d been a little something extra earlier that morning.

  I knew the fact I was more powerful didn’t bother him, so I didn’t think it was bruised pride, he was just worried for me. Apparently despite his deliciously cut muscled body, I was the brawn in this relationship, unless in his arms, then I was pure putty.

  “Anything I can do?”

  He said, “No, it’s my issue.”

  “Are you sure?” I asked archly, as I caressed his side.

  He laughed, “Wicked woman.”

  “Your wicked woman.”

  “Damned right,” he said with a smirk and an admiring glance down my body.

  I did look rather fetching in a white bikini.

  Mission accomplished. He seemed in a better mood, but I knew he’d struggle with it again until he figured it out. Not that his issue was the only reason I’d flirted, my body really was out of my control when in his presence, and me spending all day in his presence hadn’t changed that. Sometimes I felt like I was two people, a powerful and confident sorceress and businesswoman, and Mark’s shameless woman.

  I really did belong to him, and there was something so satisfying about that, which was always a bit shocking to my own sensibilities as a modern woman, but true nonetheless.

  “I love you.”

  I did, I felt overwhelmed with it in that moment, under his intense and devouring gray eyes.

  He smiled, “I know.”

  I laughed, “Ass.”

  He said deadpan, “I love your ass too.”

  I rolled my eyes, but I failed to suppress a smile.

  “So, how exactly were you planning to get back to South Carolina?”

  He laughed, “I love you, Danielle.”

  I winked, “Let’s go for a swim.”

  He grinned, “Sure.”

  And we did. No magic, I’d do that later during practice, just then I just wanted a normal swim, and to enjoy the water. Of course, that didn’t stop me from doing things out of reflex. I kept one person from having heat stroke, and I killed a few nascent sicknesses. It’s what I did, almost constantly.