By Fairy Means or Foul: A Starfig Investigations Novel Read online

  “I don’t want to hold a council seat. It’s full of arrogant, self-important Alphae. I’d rather claw my eyes out than deal with those dicks on a daily basis.” I raked a hand through my hair, accidentally loosening the leather cord that held my unruly locks at bay. How many more times would we have to have this conversation before he believed me?

  “We’ll talk about it later.” He tilted his head toward the ceiling and let out a heavy sigh. “For now, I want to know what you’re planning to do about the human. You know I’ve been contemplating abolishing indentured servitude between the fairy, fae, and sprites.”

  “Uh, no, I didn’t know.”

  “If you’d come by the offices more often, you’d know.”

  “Not happening. But thanks for the head’s up. I definitely agree with getting rid of the practice all together.”

  “Who said anything about getting rid of the practice? No, I just don’t want fairies, fae, and sprites to be indentured. Other creatures”—he waved his hand around—“well, we’ll see.”

  “Then why do you have a problem with me taking on a human servant?”

  “How does it look when my son takes an indentured servant when I’m working on limiting that very issue? No, looks bad, that’s what. Like you’re flouting my authority.”

  “I’m not flouting—”

  “Excuse me, Councilmember Starfig. Your son did me a favor,” Quinn said, his voice a respectful whisper. “He was only trying to help me, sir.”

  My dad turned his attention to Quinn, his lips pursed. Not good.

  “Shouldn’t allow human males in the Elder. At least the females of your species are likely to have some magic. And I hardly think a Starfig needs a sex slave. Even men should want more out of life than that.” Dismissing Quinn, he chuckled and patted me on the knuckle again. “Besides, we’re a virile bunch. You’ve no need to sleep with a used up human.”

  Quinn turned crimson under his makeup, his shoulders hunching like he’d taken a blow. Not one of his better looks and it left me feeling strangely protective.

  “Dad, that’s enough. You don’t need to insult him. And I’m not using him for sex—”

  “Of course you aren’t. Like you’d need to. He’d be lucky to have a Starfig. . . . However, others won’t see it that way. Appearances, you know.”

  “Do you think you could stop worrying what others may or may not think for just a moment, please?”

  My father looked like the very idea was preposterous. And I suppose for him, it was.

  I turned to Quinn who crooned quietly under his breath. Another lullaby. He cut off when he noticed my attention focused on him.

  Did he only hum when insulted? Or did other emotions cause the behavior, too?

  “Quinn, this is Auric Starfig, political animal extraordinaire, and as you probably noted, insensitive ass. And my father. Dad, Quinn is only staying with me temporarily until his . . . master,”—Man, I hated the word—“pays me what he owes me.”

  Quinn’s flinch was subtle, but spoke volumes. I felt guilty for even saying it like that. Not sure why, since Quinn ended up in Brandsome’s care because of his own sticky fingers.

  Neither my father nor Quinn acknowledged my introduction.

  “You know,” my father began, “you don’t have to do grunt work—”

  “I like my job just fine.”

  He harrumphed again. Damn, three times in one short conversation. Must be a record. He opened his mouth to continue, so I rushed to say, “Please don’t tell me again about Article so-and-so of Allowind’s Regulatory Rulings, page I-don’t-give-a-fuck, column who-gives-a-shit. Unless it’s become illegal to do an honest day’s labor, I really don’t care.”

  My father’s lip twitched. I couldn’t tell whether from amusement or annoyance.

  “I think you meant, Belacorsy’s Regulatory Rulings. Allowind’s work focused primarily on the rights of succession within Elven royal lineages.”

  “Of course it does.” Ugh.

  Turning his attention back to Quinn again, my father cocked his head to the side in a way that meant he intended to say something I wouldn’t like.

  “He’s pretty enough, I guess. Perhaps I can get my PR team to spin this as a story of unrequited longing.”

  “Unrequited what?” I definitely did not like where this was headed. I had a feeling Quinn wouldn’t either.

  “Yes, yes. A servant so enamored he begged his master to give him to you for as long as you’d have him. A whisper in the right ear and this story could sell well.”

  Ah, making sure everyone knew how virile the Starfig line ran, his second favorite pastime after legislating every little facet of life here in the Elder. As if his virility could be in doubt when he sired a child with a dragon. “Dad, this really isn’t necessary. It’s no one’s business what I do or with whom.”

  My dad sighed for a full ten seconds straight. Then he shook his head, ran a hand over his face. “I know you can’t help but be influenced by your mother’s genetics. Still, you’re a Starfig. Everything we do matters. Everything. We’re always being watched. Held to a higher standard. It gets tiring having to cover up your exploits.”

  “My exploits?” Rage flooded my chest, and smoke began streaming from my nose. “You . . . I think you’d better go.”

  It took me everything I had not to say some pretty hurtful things back. At the moment, my inner dragon itched to chomp him into little pieces. It wouldn’t solve anything and I only lived in the Elder through my father’s support. If he withdrew it, things would get uncomfortable fast. Plus, I didn’t think it proper form to eat one’s sire. Patricide tended to follow a guy around.

  “Yes, I think you’re right.” He threw up his hands in exasperation. “Looks like my PR team will be working overtime. Again.”

  With those parting words he disappeared.

  Quiet descended. I closed my eyes, counted to ten. I might as well have counted to a million. My anger boiled just under the surface. Probably a good thing I couldn’t really breathe fire or I’d have burned my place down.

  Quinn wisely didn’t say anything, let me grapple my anger back down to manageable levels. He really was smart for a human. Not that humans were dumb per se, but they tended to be slow to accept things outside their frame of reference. I spent time in the Hominus Realm after leaving my mother’s clan and I came to like some of them. I might have even settled in their world, if members of my ex-clan hadn’t kept harassing the villages I stayed in.

  At least the dragons didn’t come to harass me in the Elder too often. Enough magic here that they never knew who they might run into and to give my father credit, he’d let my mother know, in no uncertain terms, he’d take immediate action to have them removed if they caused any trouble. Full sized, full blooded dragons always caused trouble. It’s what we . . . they . . . did.

  After a while, I opened my eyes, felt in enough control to look at Quinn without scaring him to death.

  He’d gone pale again, but didn’t flee to his room, so I guess that was a good sign. He cleared his throat. “Nice guy, your dad.”

  I cracked a smile, chuckled. “He’s a real prince. And you should meet my half-brother. He makes my dad look like a sweetheart.” My smile slid away. “I’m sorry my father treated you so shabbily. He hasn’t had much contact with humans . . . well, human males before, so he didn’t know how to act.”

  “It’s okay. I’ve had worse.” Quinn’s eyes didn’t quite meet mine. “I just can’t believe I met one of the most powerful creatures in the Elder and he could fit in my palm.”

  “Size isn’t everything. Well, unless you’re a dragon.”

  “Earlier, I shouldn’t have said . . .” He shook his head, clearly changing his mind. “They say your dad is the last purebred of his kind. That his power is to wield political influence. I’ve never heard of a power like that before. Is it some kind of compelling magic like Brandsome’s?”

  I snickered, but not because what he said was funny.
r />   “That’s what everyone assumes and what my father lets creatures believe. The truth isn’t as glamorous. And, as you heard, dear old dad is all about reputation.”

  I could tell he wanted me to elaborate. He didn’t ask though.

  “Can you also pop places without the aid of a magical artifact?”

  “No.” I left it at that. I struggled with popping even with a magical artifact because it didn’t know whether to interact with my dragon’s magic or my fairy’s. Magical artifacts tended to malfunction in my hands, sometimes to hilarious—or not so hilarious—results. “There’s some more harebringers stew if you get hungry.” I stood. “I shouldn’t be more than a couple hours.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “No time like the present to get the horn back.”

  Quinn got to his feet. “I think you should take me with you.”

  4

  I laughed, looked him up and down. He was nicely built for a human, but size didn’t make much difference in this realm. Not without some magic to back it up. “Why would I do that?”

  “Because I know a lot about Lapus and the way he operates. I’m also pretty good at getting into places. Um, places where I’m not supposed to be.”

  “So, you are a thief. I figured as much.”

  “What? No! I just like puzzles. Most locks are puzzles of some sort. Like take yours. You used your handprint to gain entrance, but with the right herb, I can mimic it.” He rummaged around in his bag and pulled out a leather purse. Opening it, he took out several smaller pouches. He selected one, untied it, and put a pinch of some kind of powder in his hand. It began to glow. “Shake my hand.”

  “Why?”

  “Just try it. It’s not anything harmful. I promise.”

  “Fine.” I gripped his hand and a shiver raced down my spine that was reminiscent of Brandsome’s touch. The herb? Or more of the unicorn’s magic?

  Releasing me, he then approached the door, placing his palm against the latch. The door unlocked.

  I sucked in a harsh breath. Wow. I’d heard some humans were good with herbs, but I never saw anything like this during my time in their realm. “You must have been some thief. No wonder you were sold into servitude.”

  Quinn’s eyes narrowed. “I said, I’m not a thief. I’ve just always liked plants. My mother was an herbalist.”

  “Uh huh.” Apparently, he took me for an idiot.

  “You don’t believe me.” He rubbed briskly at the back of his neck. “Figures.”

  “If not a thief, then why are you in the Elder?”

  “That’s none of your business.” His tone had turned defensive, his eyes wary.

  “So you’re either a criminal or you voluntarily sold yourself. Which would you rather I think?”

  “You can think whatever you want.”

  The silence stretched between us. I didn’t have time for this.

  “Well, I don’t need your help. Rainbowpebbles is dangerous. I wouldn’t want to worry about protecting you.”

  “Who says I’d need your protection?” He puffed out his chest. “I’ve made it this far.”

  “Under Brandsome’s safe-keeping. The Elder is no place for non-magical creatures.”

  “So you’re one of those. I should have known you were like everyone else in this damnable realm.” His jaw ticked and his fists clenched.

  “Those?” Was it wrong his anger amused me?

  “A magicusist.”

  “A what, now? I don’t even think I can get my tongue to say that.”

  “Magicusist. You think because you’re magical you’re better than me.”

  “Whoa there, Blondie, I think you’re reading way too much into my words.”

  “Am I?” He glared. “And my name is Quinn.”

  “Look, Quinn, I don’t think you’re less, but you don’t have the magical defenses the rest of us rely on in the Elder. Being non-magical isn’t a bad thing in itself, but I’m not crashing a tea-party. Rainbowpebbles wouldn’t hesitate to hurt you.”

  “Or you.”

  I chortled. “I’m a dragon. We’re hard to kill.”

  “Half.”

  “What?”

  “Half-dragon, right?”

  “And your point?” I huffed. I hated being reminded I wasn’t fully dragon or fairy. I was a one-of-a-kind creature that didn’t fit into either world.

  “Have you been accepted here among the tiny, cute fairies, fae, and sprites? I mean, look at you. You’re huge. And definitely not cute.”

  “Wow, you know how to stroke a guy’s ego.” I practically growled. “Make yourself at home. I’ll probably return late.”

  “Wait! I-I didn’t mean that like it sounded. I just meant that since you’re not exactly the typical member of the Alphae Guild, haven’t you experienced discrimination? That’s what every day is like for me.” He blushed as he said it. It took the edge off my anger.

  Okay, yeah, being a half-breed sucked. I didn’t fit in. I towered over all the other tiny Alphae members, yet I was too small to fly with a dragon clan—if I could even completely shift, which I couldn’t. Not surprisingly, I was chased out.

  So yeah, I got where Quinn was coming from. “Of course. Why do you think I feel the way I do about social hierarchy? It isn’t fair. It isn’t kind. If I could, I’d abolish all indentured servitude and the guild system. But I still don’t see your point.”

  “That we’re alike and should stick together. I can be a big help. Please don’t make me feel useless. It’s been three long years with Brandsome.”

  Nice speech. I still wouldn’t put him in any danger. I sighed. “I don’t think you’re useless. Just not best suited to storming the gate—”

  “But—”

  “—Besides, I work alone.”

  “Come on, I know the Steamy Bean Café like the back of my hand.” He held it up and wiggled his fingers. “I can help you find the horn. I bet I even know where he keeps it.”

  “I. Don’t. Need. Your. Help. First, you tell me I’m runty, then say I’m huge, and definitely not cute. Well, you know what, Quinn, I’m dragon-born and fairy-born. That means I’ve got some of each of their powers. Dragons know how to find treasure. I can sense it in my bones. For example, I know you’re hiding a trinket in your bag that’s old, probably a ring. It’s gold with some sort of gem.” I inhaled. “Ruby. With a faint trace of magic. You’ve used it recently.”

  His face showed his surprise.

  “I’m also able to wield magic to protect myself. Like most fairies.” I didn’t say that my protection spells were weaker than most, but with my increased strength and thick hide, I’d say I got the better deal. Plus, harmful magic generally didn’t work on me.

  “Okay, then it should be that much easier.”

  I narrowed my eyes. “Yes. For me. Alone.”

  “But—”

  “Look, what gives, Quinn? You have a death wish or something?” I stalked toward him and he began backing up as I loomed over him. If he couldn’t stand his ground with me, no way was I taking him to Rainbowpebbles’s place. “You an adrenaline junkie? That it? You one of those freaky humans that puts on a dragon suit and jumps off village clock towers or something?”

  His back came up against the wall and I leaned into him, using my arms to cage him. It was an a-hole thing to do considering I promised I wouldn’t hurt him and here I was scaring the shit out of him. Except, he needed to understand; I wasn’t putting him in harm’s way. Non- negotiable.

  The vein at the base of Quinn’s neck beat in time to his frantic heart. Even though he schooled his features, I sensed his fear. But to give the guy credit, his spine straightened and he glared at me.

  “You can try to intimidate me all you want. Won’t change my mind.” He tilted his chin up so he could stare me down. Under all that face paint and fear, he was a feisty one.

  I approved.

  With our faces pressed close, I sensed the tremor he tried to hide. Our lips were so near I just needed to lean fo
rward a bare inch . . . but I promised him he’d be safe with me.

  As I slowly drew back, I caught another glimpse of the ink on his neck, mostly hidden by the collar. Humans would tattoo anything, anywhere. Adornment wouldn’t stick to fairy skin, though with my dragon heritage, I might be able to ink some runes on my skin. Full-blooded dragons sported tattoo-like markings resembling scales that ran over various parts of their bodies when in their shifted forms. Since I didn’t have any, I admired skin adornment more than most.

  Without thinking, I ran a finger down his cheek. He gasped. I continued down his chin, trailing onto his neck, and hooked my finger into his collar. His hand flew to mine and stilled it.

  “Don’t.” His eyes went wide again, his impassive mask slipping.

  Interesting. I had the urge to ask him about it, but removed my hand. Everyone was entitled to their secrets.

  “You didn’t answer my question.” After an awkward pause, I put a little more distance between our bodies. Not enough if my hardening cock had anything to do with it. Well, demon dicks, what was that about? Why did his defiance turn me on?

  “W-What question was that?” His voice trembled. More and more curious.

  “Why you want to get involved in my job.”

  He blinked. Clearly he hadn’t expected that to be my question. He tilted his head slightly, considering.

  “You wouldn’t understand.”

  “Try me, Blondie.”

  “Can you please just call me Quinn?” His jaw clenched as he said it, but his tone was almost pleading, his eyes squeezing shut. “You’re the first person to say my name in . . . a long time.”

  I longed to brush my knuckle across his cheek again, but held back. WTF? Was Brandsome’s magic still affecting me? I said I wouldn’t molest him and here I was getting all touchy feely. I was being a total bastard and I knew it. I owed him an apology. Instead, I said, “Try me, Quinn.”

  “I want to set the sprite free.”

  I considered his words. “Why?”

  His eyes snapped open and he shoved me. I didn’t budge, but it was a good effort.

  “What do you mean, ‘why?’ Why do you think? What kind of life does she have in Lapus’s hands? Being drained of her blood, kept in a cage.” He shuddered. “Enslaved to the whims of her master. He’s vile.”