Page 37 of Magic and Medicine

‘I’m not leaving her alone,’ she said, with Jarek standing at her shoulder, nodding fiercely in agreement.

‘Just go. I will join you shortly. Trust me, I am safe here.’ I said, then shook my head when she stepped forward to argue. ‘Please.’

She wasn’t happy, but she complied, and when Jarek tried to protest, she simply grabbed him by the collar. ‘Heel boy, I’ll teach you to sit.’ I didn’t know if I should laugh or cry. Nina just dominated a werewolf, and he obeyed.

I was escorted by the elbow like an honoured guest or a respected prisoner; I was unsure which, but it didn’t take more than a moment to arrive at Nadolny’s VVIP alcove. The man himself relaxing with two other guests with several scantily clad women draped over them.

‘Sara, what a pleasure to see you again, but alone? Leszek won’t be pleased to have missed you.’

‘Possibly, but as he is busy with other issues, his Lady must find entertainment in an establishment where she is completely safe but can still find a little excitement, don’t you think?’ I asked as brazenly as I could. We were playing the game, and I needed to ensure his companions considered me neither prize nor prey.

‘Your glowing endorsement gladdens my heart, but please ensure your entertainment remains safe for everyone, not just yourself. After all, Leszek made his views clear the last time you were here.’ It was both permission and warning in one. This man was clever, and I must admit, it impressed me.

‘Should I ask you to dance with me? You seem to know his desires better than I.’ Unable to hold back the sarcasm, I almost forgot who I was talking to, but thankfully, Nadolny saw the funny side.

‘Maybe you should; I might even say yes.’ Waving me away, he continued. ‘Have fun, Sara. I regret we didn’t meet earlier. It would have been such a pleasure to tame you,’ but his eyes shone with merriment despite the vague threat.

‘Oh, I don’t know. Many have tried, and each cried out, “Yes, Mistress,” by the time I was finished.’ What the fuck am I saying? I thought the second those words left my mouth, but it was too late. My relief as Nadolny’s booming laughter overrode the music left me shaking, and he waved his hand again. ‘Go on, Sara, just don’t frighten my innocent lambs with your fun. I can do without explaining to your man how his woman got into trouble.’

I nodded, smiling shakily, and returned to my friends, only to be buried under an avalanche of questions from Nina. Jarek initially tried to stop me when he realised how much I was revealing, but Nina deserved the truth. I trusted her with my life and needed to share my new reality. If she reacts badly to what I am and rejects me, at least I have the means to make her forget.

I told her everything, with Jarek paling at the description of his surgery, trying his best to stop me, but I ignored his pleas, concentrating on my friend’s reaction and gnawing at my bottom lip as her frown grew, worried she’d storm off at the ridiculous story.

I nearly wept when she broke her silence, hope flaring when she stayed in her seat. ‘So, you are a seer and this Shepherd thing, and he’s a werewolf?’ Nina thrust a thumb in Jarek’s direction without taking her eyes off me. ‘And everything started when we had some vampire in the ER with a dagger in his heart? Which led to you getting involved with the mafia because your boyfriend is the head of some magical criminal syndicate, not to mention an immortal Guardian thingamabob?’ My friend’s voice had a worrying edge of panic, but I nodded, hoping I hadn’t made a big mistake, even as she started laughing hysterically.

‘Fuck Sara, crap on a cracker, this is nuts, but you know what? It makes sense. So many things make sense now.’

‘I’m sorry. I’m not supposed to tell you, but it’s all true and as crazy as it sounds. See that blonde guy? He will trip in a second, knocking over the poser in the leather jacket. He’ll try to stop himself and end up grabbing the arse of the girl in the green dress. She’ll slap him, and then, after explaining, they’ll both apologise and go home together.’ As I spoke, the blonde tripped, and everything happened exactly as I’d predicted. Nina’s face grew serious.

‘OK, I believe you, but what will you do? Now you have this new magic and all the rest?’

‘Recognise, adapt, overcome.’ I answered with a mischievous smile.

‘Don’t you dare to use the emergency mantra with me, I’m serious.’ She snapped, and I shrugged.

‘What can I do? I was born like this, but until I met Leszek, I was incomplete, untrained, and, to be frank, miserable. For years, I questioned my sanity, worried that you’d have to lock me up for my own good. Now though? I’ve never felt more alive, and… I’m so curious about all of this.’

‘Sara, you should have told me… us, we’ve been through so much together. I don’t know what pisses me off more, that you didn’t trust me or that you dragged me to this shithole for the big reveal.’

‘I’m sorry, I wanted to, but I really thought I was losing my mind. Then, when I found out the truth, I had to relearn everything. Forgive me? I brought you here because where else can we get drunk watching grown men making fools of themselves?’ With a smile, I gestured for the waiter and ordered several rounds of shots to get the party started.

With the shots downed, we hit the dancefloor. I loved to dance. I didn’t get out as much as I’d like these days, but I loved it, and tonight, I would dance away all my frustration. It felt so liberating to twirl and gyrate my body, even if the music wasn’t exactly to my liking, but who cared? Nina was here, and we danced like teenagers. Jarek insisted on staying sober, watching with wide eyes. A few men approached, and we joined them for a song or two, but they disappeared before we could talk, gently guided away by a bouncer. Once or twice, I caught Nadolny watching, and he smiled with no hint of shame.

It was way past midnight when the DJ slowed the beat, encouraging the dancers to form couples, rubbing their bodies against each other, seduction the primary goal. Nina excused herself, returning to our table while I swayed to the entrancing melody.

‘I believe we discussed a dance.’ Nadolny’s voice woke me from the pleasant daze I’d fallen into, his hands steadying me as I startled. With a firm but chaste grip, he turned me around till I looked up into his smiling eyes, manoeuvring me into a classic waltz as I lost myself in the kindness that shone through them, this older but incredibly vital male leading me around the dancefloor as if no one else existed.

I knew there would be gossip. I felt eyes on me, their scrutiny, the judgement. All evening, I’d been watched, and I was sure it was one of Leszek’s bodyguards observing me from the shadows. Now, lost in the moment, I felt that judgement darken into genuine anger, and my senses leapt into high alert.

Nadolny noticed the stiffening of my body, the alarm in my eyes, and looked to one side, nodding once before turning back and leaning in to talk. ‘Focus on me, Sara; I wouldn’t want to spoil such a wonderful moment by stumbling.’

This man was dangerous to a woman’s heart. I’d seen him signal to his men, but to then take a moment to distract me from my fear. I smiled and gave him a gracious nod. ‘Thank you for looking after us tonight. I’ve had a lovely time.’

‘Whatever do you mean? I had nothing to do with your… fun,’ He said with a mischievous smile, and I rolled my eyes.

‘Zbyszek, really. The private table, a waiter, an endless stream of alcohol and snacks and men that treated me like a china doll, not one showing a moment’s inappropriate behaviour?’ My laugh was indulgent, but my look was reproachful.

‘I’m simply a good host, but is there anything else I can do for you? Or are some pleasures reserved for one man only?’ He said, but my witty retort remained unsaid as pain erupted inside my head.

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