Page 11 of Queens Will Play

I flipped on the turn signal and eased into the left lane, then turned onto Broadway.

Carter lived in a basement apartment along one of the seedier parts of the street, but parking near his house was safe because he had hired a powerful witch to cast a protection spell in the generalized area, which included the parking.

I eased into an open spot near the building that housed apartments above, at street level, a shop and the basement apartment, where Carter lived. Access to Carter’s place came through a set of stairs leading down the side of the building.

As we headed over to the metal railing that kept passers-by from falling off the edge and down the steps, I glanced over my shoulder. I’d made my bodyguards wait in the car, but one of them insisted on standing outside until we made it safely down the stairs and inside.

An energy field surrounded the steps, keeping anyone who was unwelcome from even thinking of attempting the stairs. It was so thick that it felt like I was breathing vapor. Music blasted from inside—the Black Angels, a retro-psychedelic rock group. I wasn’t sure how Carter would hear us, but before Menolly could knock, the door opened.

A woman stood there, dressed in a leopard-print robe, her hair tangled. She nodded for us to come in. “The Master’s waiting,” she said.

Nope, not a secretary.

We followed her into the living room, which was furnished as though from a hedonistic Victorian fever dream: a vision in red velvet and gold trim. Every window was blacked out—and all were high on the wall, looking out at street level.

The room was lit by Tiffany lamps, and the furniture was dark and heavy, polished to a high sheen. Tapestries covered the walls, original designs depicting wars throughout history. Bookshelves lined the walls, though Carter had embraced technology enough to have an e-reader filled with e-books as well.

He sat at his desk—a tall, lithe man who looked to be in his early thirties. His red, wavy hair fell to his waist, held back in a neat ponytail, and his eyes mirrored Vanzir’s—a whirl of colors that shifted constantly. Atop his head, spiked curling horns rose, curved back. They made him look regal, like a crown, though they reminded me of all the demons who had flooded through from the Sub-Realms into Otherworld.

I stopped to remind myself that Carter—like Vanzir—was essentially a good man, even though his proclivities made him a little sketch in my book. But I wasn’t one to kink-shame, given my own romantic situation.

“Camille, Menolly!” Carter’s face lit up as he walked over to us, using his gold-headed cane for balance. He leaned forward, kissing us on the cheeks before he led us over to the sofa.

The woman in the leopard robe gave us a surly stare, but Carter narrowed his eyes and snapped his fingers. She immediately shifted gears, bowing to him before turning to us.

“May I get you something to drink? To eat?” she asked, a winning smile on her face. But I could see the jealousy in her eyes. Yeah, it wouldn’t be long before Carter showed her the door. He refused to put up with any form of possessiveness on his partner’s side.

I shook my head. “No, thank you⁠—”

“Are you sure? I ordered a plum wine from Japan that I think you’ll like,” he said. “And we have the same flavor in blood,” he added, turning to Menolly.

“All right,” I said. “Thank you, that sounds lovely.”

Menolly nodded her agreement.

Carter turned to the woman. “Bring our guests refreshments.”

She curtseyed again. “Yes, Master,” she said, turning toward the curtains that cordoned off the kitchen.

I followed her with my eyes, but chose to abstain from commenting.

Carter read my face, because he chuckled. “Three weeks, and it’s ending tomorrow. I warn my subs that I’m a hard master, but fair. But there are things I will not tolerate, and I make it clear upfront. She thought she could handle the job, but I’m going to free her before I break her. I never let it come to that,” he added. “So, what can I do for you?”

“Something’s come up we could use some advice on, and if you can do some research for us, it would be greatly appreciated,” I said. “The Moon Mother showed me something…Delilah, Menolly, and I have all been having nightmares about something malign in the shadows. And Aeval and Titania, as well.”

“Tell me everything.” Carter frowned and leaned back, crossing one leg over the other. He sat like a gentleman.

“The man the Moon Mother showed me was tall, with long dark hair. He was thin, but I have the feeling he was fit, and he dressed in a designer suit. Oh, he had a feathered hat. And…he was charming, oh so charming, and oh, so deadly,” I said, shivering. “All I wanted to do was run and hide when I saw him. He comes from Sub-Realms, but he’s in Otherworld right now. I’m not sure whether he’s Fae or Elder Fae or a demon or what.”

At that point, the woman returned from the kitchen with our drinks. She handed the wine to me and the blood to Menolly without batting an eye. She turned to Carter with his goblet. He took it, staring at her silently. She knelt in front of him, and he reached out and stroked her cheek. His nails were long and pointed, perfectly manicured as he gently raked her skin, leaving a thin weal to rise up.

“Very good. Wait for me in the bedroom. Prepare for me. I’ll be in, eventually.” He waited until she stood, then motioned for her to leave.

She murmured, “Yes, Master,” and—without another word—she turned and left the room.

Once she was gone, Carter turned back to us. “I think I know who you’re talking about, but I need a day or so to research. I don’t want to say anything yet, in case I’m wrong. I’ll contact you tomorrow to let you know what I’ve found, if anything.” He motioned to our drinks. “Please finish your drinks.”

“Isn’t your…we don’t want to keep you,” I said. I seldom shied away from being direct about sex, but Carter flustered me. He was attractive, but he scared the hell out of me. He might seem mild, and he was definitely on the right side of the Big Bads, but the thought of being anywhere near a bed with him petrified me.