Chapter 14
Chapter Fourteen
Later that day, Laurie stood with Joseph outside Meadow’s bedroom.
Nora had written to him a few hours ago, explaining what had happened during Meadow’s training session.
Apparently, she had unusually strong magic, the kind that could influence just about anyone.
And she hadn’t taken it well.
Given what they’d learned about Meadow’s father, and her fear of her powers, and all the rest, she probably expected to be shipped to the secret fae witch prison that everyone knew existed but had no idea where it was located.
Usually, only rogue fae witches who used magic for selfish or malicious reasons were imprisoned there.
Yes, sometimes there was a fae witch with strong powers sent there, too, but only if they posed a major risk to society as a whole.
And only if everything had been done to try and train them properly beforehand.
Meadow no doubt thought she was in the latter category. However, Nora had assured Laurie and Joseph that the female merely needed lessons and to stop being afraid of her own abilities. Her magic teacher had thought the same.
River had tried telling Meadow his thoughts, too, but she’d locked herself in her room, refusing to see anyone.
After receiving the letter from Nora, Laurie had wanted nothing more than to rush over and break down the door so he could comfort her. Joseph, on the other hand, had suggested they come up with a plan to help Meadow first.
Joseph’s levelheadedness had prevailed, which was why they now stood in front of her door later in the day, ready to put their idea into action. After one more glance at Joseph, Laurie knocked.
Right away Meadow answered, “Go away. Please.”
He cleared his throat before replying, “It’s Laurie and Joseph, Meadow. And we need your help.”
A pause and then she replied, “What kind of help?”
“Could we maybe talk face-to-face? I’d rather not shout our problem through a door and have it echo down the hallway.”
He heard Meadow blow her nose and then say, “I look like crap right now. Can’t you just tell me your problem this way?”
Joseph finally spoke up, but a little quieter. “It’s killing me to hear you upset, love. Please let us in.”
The fact that Joseph was being tender in public was a big deal, and Laurie resisted a smile.
However, he didn’t think anyone could resist Joseph’s tender tone—Laurie sure couldn’t—and soon the door unlocked. Meadow opened it a few inches, and the sight of her red-rimmed eyes made him want to hold her, spoil her, and make her feel better in each and every way possible.
Her gaze darted between him and Joseph before she stepped back and widened the door.
He entered, with Joseph at his heels.
Once Meadow shut the door and turned toward them, Joseph reached out to cup her cheek, and Laurie took one of her hands in his.
She didn’t try to tug or step away, which made hope flicker inside Laurie’s chest. Maybe, just maybe, she was starting to trust them a little.
Well, and maybe like them, too. However, in the present, they needed to focus on Meadow and the fear of her magic.
Laurie squeezed her hand and asked, “What’s wrong, pet? Yes, we truly do need your help. But something’s upset you, and I don’t like it.”
Joseph grunted. “Me, either. Who made you cry?”
Meadow glanced to the side, but still didn’t move away from their touches. She whispered, “Myself. I-I’m a Wielder, apparently. And it’s only a matter of time before they toss me into prison.”
Laurie might be a vampire, but every paranormal knew that to be classified as a wielder of anything meant a fae witch’s magic was unusually strong. “Khan won’t do that.”
She frowned and met his gaze. “Why would you say that?”
“Well, first, your sister is married to the vampire Dark Lord, and Khan doesn’t want to risk that alliance.”
“But—”
Laurie cut her off. “And second, you’ve had what?
One short magic lesson? It often takes a year or two for a fae witch to learn the intricacies of their powers.
Next you’ll say you’re older and it’s more difficult to learn, but Yesenia was also older when she started her magic lessons.
And it took her over six months before she could do anything complex, and she still has a lot to learn.
You just need time, Meadow, and to realize just how useful your powers can be. ”
She scoffed. “Useful if you don’t want to take blue pills, maybe. But that’s hardly changing the world.”
Laurie replied, “I have no idea about these blue pills, but your type of magic is for more than fun or adventure—it can also genuinely help people. In fact, we want to ask you to help someone we know. Or, rather, he’s the brother of one of the regular patrons, but he’s still a good male who deserves some pleasure after what he went through. ”
She glanced between them. “What are you talking about?”
Laurie nodded at Joseph, since he knew the person in question better.
Joseph stroked his thumb on Meadow’s cheek as he said, “The person who needs your help is named Michael. He fought with the shifter unit of the British Army, at least until he was gravely injured a few years ago. While most of his injuries have healed, he’s struggled to get an erection ever since.
And one night, when he was in his cups, he told me he found his fated one and scented her orgasm.
However, he can’t fully claim her because… ”
Meadow finished, “He needs to bite her as he orgasms to mark her.”
Joseph nodded. “Exactly. He’s seen every fae witch doctor he could, including your brother.
However, none of them could help him, not even with magic-infused potions.
Their last suggestion was to hire a fae witch with the power to control lust and desire.
And since you have extremely strong magic, you’re his best chance at being able to claim his fated one. ”
Laurie held his breath as Meadow glanced between them.
He wanted her to accept their request and see that her magic could do good.
Because a shifter who’d found their fated one but couldn’t claim them would become overly protective, irritable, and even possessive.
Sometimes it changed their personality completely, and if their fated one ran away without being marked, they could go insane, much like a vampire if they didn’t bite and orgasm inside their fated bride or lord.
Meadow finally replied, “I want to help, but all I can do is unleash my magic without any kind of finesse. That was fine back home, since I was a super affordable fae witch for hire and they didn’t expect anything more.
However, from all I’ve heard from my former mentor, shifters want someone skilled for their claimings, and I can’t do that. ”
Joseph smiled at her. “Trust me, Michael doesn’t care about finesse.
He wants to complete the claiming, and if successful, will continue to hire a fae witch to help with his problem in the future.
Your brother said that after a while, he might not need magic.
Especially if it’s partially a mental block that keeps him from getting hard. ”
Given Laurie and Joseph’s work, they spoke bluntly about sex. A lot of paranormals would scold them for doing so, but when Meadow didn’t even blink at the mention, Laurie mentally sighed in relief. The last thing he wanted was to hold back with her.
Laurie squeezed Meadow’s hand in his. “Will you use your magic to try to help him? We can clear out Nyx’s Kingdom of anyone who doesn’t have a magic-blocking ring or bracelet, and it’ll be just us three, as well as Michael and his fated female.
His brother has even offered to pay whatever it costs. ”
After looking to the side, she whispered, “But what if it all goes wrong? Or that I get so nervous that I mess it all up?”
Joseph moved his hand to the back of Meadow’s neck and kneaded his fingers. Since Laurie had been on the receiving end of Joseph’s skilled fingers, he wasn’t surprised when Meadow’s body softened a fraction.
Joseph said, “We can help you relax beforehand. And no, I’m not talking about orgasms, although those are always on offer.
But if Laurie and I massage you, and give you wine, and make you less anxious, you’ll probably worry less about doing something wrong and focus on merely unleashing your magic. ”
Taking his cue, Laurie began to massage Meadow’s hand and fingers.
She soon started moaning, and it took everything he had to keep his cock soft.
As much as he wanted to be inside her, this was too important.
Because his gut told him that if Meadow didn’t take this first step, she might never break through her wall of fear and shame.
Eventually she pulled away, and they both let her walk to the side of the room. She wrung her hands a few seconds before saying, “I’ll try. But I want you to tell him the truth about it being an amateur attempt at best.”
Joseph nodded. “Of course. Since it’ll take a few days, or maybe a week, to set it all up, will you meet with Nadia for more lessons until then?
” Meadow opened her mouth to protest, but Joseph beat her to it.
“She told River that your magic didn’t affect her today, and she even offered to wear a magic-blocking ring like ours the next time, if it’ll help you focus.
However, she believes in you and sees your potential. ”
“But Dark Lord Khan…will he want to waste more time and resources on me?”
Laurie arched an eyebrow. “Why wouldn’t he? Wielders aren’t overly common, and that male has a web of plans I can’t even begin to understand. If anything, he’ll see you as another piece on his massive chessboard.”
Joseph jumped in again. “Besides, he’d be a fool not to invest in you now, given how much you can charge in the future and be able to tithe to him later. Fae witches are quite mercenary about their powers, at times.”
Laurie resisted rolling his eyes. Leave it to Joseph to bring in the business aspect of things.
However, it seemed to give Meadow the push she needed, and she stopped wringing her hands. “That’s true. And I have to admit, I’d like to make enough to earn my keep and pay everyone back.”
Part of him wondered if she was planning a future without him and Joseph, and Laurie wanted to haul her close and tell her she was theirs.
But he held back, aware that until Meadow was more comfortable with herself, she’d never trust her wants and desires. Ones that Laurie hoped included them as well.
Joseph nodded. “Right, then that’s all settled. As soon as everything’s in place, we’ll send you a note. You should probably come to the pleasure house again before then, though, to get a feel for the place.”
“I can go through the secret hallways again, right?”
Laurie replied, “Of course. Besides, it means we’ll have you all to ourselves.”
He winked, and Meadow’s cheeks blushed. Just as he thought to tease her again, she yawned.
Given her busy day, she had to be exhausted. Teasing would have to wait.
The need to take care of her coursed through him, so Laurie strode over, swept her into his arms, and headed for the bed.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“You’re exhausted, pet. So I thought Joseph and I could help you relax before letting you get some sleep.”
Her cheeks flushed even more. “Help how?”
The corner of his mouth kicked up. “Not that way. Not right now.” He leaned over and whispered, “I want you awake when I finally make you come with my mouth.”
“Oh.”
Joseph chuckled, but Laurie replied to Meadow, “No, for now we’re merely going to give you a massage and show you how we can help you relax for when you help Michael.”
He nodded at Joseph, and the other male sat on Meadow’s bed, with his back against the headboard. Laurie settled Meadow between Joseph’s legs before pushing up her skirts to her knees.
She squeaked. “What are you doing?”
Joseph placed his hands on her shoulders and kneaded. Within seconds, she slumped against him. “Helping you to relax. We won’t touch you like before, not tonight. But Laurie is famous for his foot massages.”
She glanced at Laurie and then her feet. “Um, I’ve never had one of those before.”
“Well, let’s fix that, pet.” He waited a beat to ensure she didn’t refuse. When she merely nodded, Laurie removed her stocking—much quicker than he wanted—and then took her foot into his hands.
As he began pressing and kneading, Meadow moaned. “Oh, that’s good. Both of you are way too good at this.”
He smiled at her and shared a contented glance with Joseph before replying, “The benefit of me and Joseph knowing each other so long is that we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, meaning we know what we can do individually to make you feel the best.”
She sighed contentedly. “I was worried about that, about you two being so close, but maybe it’s not all bad.”
Joseph whispered into her ear, “Laurie and I may be close, but you help bring out the best in both of us, love. You’re the missing piece we’ve been waiting for.”
“Mmm.” Meadow’s eyes were closed, and Laurie wasn’t entirely sure she was listening.
In fact, she fell asleep a few minutes later. She didn’t even wake up when they maneuvered her onto her back and got off the bed.
As he and Joseph stood watching Meadow, who looked so much younger in her sleep without her troubles weighing her down, he murmured, “I wish we didn’t have to leave her.”
Joseph took his hand and squeezed it. “Me, too. But we must take it slow with her, Laurie. I know it’s not your favorite thing to hear, but it’s the only way to win her for good.”
He sighed and leaned his head on Joseph’s shoulder.
“I know.” After another minute, he stood, and they headed out the door.
Once they reached the downstairs corridor, River and Nora stopped them.
But Laurie and Joseph merely told them that Meadow was asleep but had agreed to more magic lessons and to help them with a confidential problem.
River had tried to wheedle out more information, but they weren’t about to reveal Michael’s personal details, and so stood firm and revealed nothing.
By the time they reached their carriage and climbed inside, Laurie couldn’t stop smiling.
They’d been there to support Meadow, and now she trusted them a little.
He also couldn’t wait to see her expression when she helped Michael and started to see the value and impact of her powers in a positive light.