Page 54 of Magic and Medicine

He was stern, regal and compassionate, and his violence always came with a justifiable motive and at great personal cost. This was the man I loved, but to him, I was a delicate Firefly to be sheltered and pampered and fed sugary baked goods. He couldn’t be more wrong.

I was a woman who could face a maniac with an axe to protect her staff. I was the woman who negotiated with` deserters when they threatened our field hospital in Kosovo. I defended and fought beside those I cared for and was not afraid to face this challenging new life. I wanted Leszek to know the real Sara and love her. I wanted him to love the woman eager to fight, not hide on a warded island, letting others die in her place.

Knowing Jarek and now Jora helped me reach a decision. These were my people, my patients, shot down like beasts by a man who wanted to use me as a gateway for his god. I’d had enough of it, and whoever messed with them would face my wrath, but first, I had to ensure Leszek knew the woman he belonged to.

Our morning encounter, incredible as it was, didn’t go exactly to plan. Part of me was delighted that I couldn’t dominate him in bed. If anything, our lovemaking was more like riding a bucking bronco than the slow, teasing pleasure I intended, and I adored every moment.

I sat beside him when he quietly drove the car through the bustling city. I knew I would do whatever it took to make him love me. What might have started as a desire for the Soul Shepherd would end with him loving the real me. His partner, his woman and someone determined to make life better for those forced to hide in the shadows.

‘You’re very quiet, Sara. What are you thinking about?’ He asked, a wariness in his eyes like he was waiting for me to cry again.

‘You. I was thinking about you.’

‘And what conclusion did you come to?’ He enquired casually, but I noticed his knuckles whitening on the steering wheel.

‘That you pass muster,’ I said, chuckling slightly when he snapped an incredulous look toward me. ‘I may, however, need more things from my apartment if my stay is to last any longer.’

‘We will move your belongings tomorrow. Tell Michal if you need anything extra, and he will buy it. This is your home now, Sara. You can change whatever you want. Just… please be happy.’ His last words, though whispered, coincided with our arrival, and I heard every word.

The warehouse looked more like an office in the daylight, its facade slightly intimidating. The row of windows almost looked like one solid glass panel reflecting the light and overlooking Gdansk Bay. Somehow, the landscaping around the building was well maintained, leaving a large, open space at the front entrance. That created a little green oasis in this otherwise industrial district.

Once inside, I saw Nina was already there with her new shadow, Adam. The vampire looked grumpy and lethargic, tucked in the darkest corner.

‘Sara, care to explain your cryptic messages and why you rushed everyone here?’ She said, waving to Leszek, who nodded in return and went to talk to Adam. I nodded at the porter, whose shadow gave the impression of a larger creature than his size indicated.

‘Can you lead me to the office, please, and bring up whoever arrives looking for Sara.’ When the man nodded, guiding me upstairs, Nina grabbed my elbow.

‘What is going on, hun? Something to do with yesterday?’ She asked, and I nodded.

‘Yes, I’ve had enough of being someone’s prey. It is time to become the hunter, but I need my pack to help me.’

‘Your… pack? You speaking wolf, or do you mean dumb and dumber?’ she said, and I rolled my eyes. The nicknames Nina gave to people were rarely flattering, but I hoped one day she would stop using that one for Damian and Rysiek.

‘Yes, them, Kris and… Kamil too.’

‘You called your ex? The motorbike riding, possessive as all hell, undercover policeman, ex?’ Nina’s eyes were round with surprise, and I didn’t blame her. Kamil was… well, if he hadn’t ended up in the police, he would probably be in charge of Nadolny’s racketeering business or even the new boss. He loved the adrenaline and the opportunity for violence. We had a high-voltage fling in Kosovo and a few weeks afterwards, but I realised nothing connected us except great sex and the adrenaline rush. Still, we parted as friends and chatted occasionally, even if I didn’t tell Nina about it.

‘Yes, that Kamil. Try to be nice. I need his help.’

A moment later, the boys waltzed in, dressed like commandoes, led by a puffed-up Jarek, his pride at being included shining through.

Kris was the first to react. Big, burly, and the oldest in the group, he was my shoulder to cry on, the big brother I’d always wished to have. I met him when I was still at uni. He carried me home after a particularly boozy night and then held my hair while I emptied my stomach into the bushes. An experience like this instantly cemented his position as family. Much later, he told me he saw a guy spiking my drink and couldn’t ignore it and allow someone to get hurt.

‘Hi sweety, what’s the problem?’ He asked as I was engulfed by a bear hug that always felt like home. If this works, maybe I can have the best of both worlds, I thought before seeing Leszek’s eyes flash dangerously over Kris’ shoulder.

‘Have a seat, and I will tell you everything. Nina and the guys already know some of the truth. I ask that you keep an open mind because I need your help.’ I said, then explained the complexity of the Nether and the world that existed under their noses yet was so well hidden.

I had to admit I was afraid of Kamil’s reaction. My ex had always been unpredictable, borderline psychotic, really, but he took the information onboard with hardly any response. When I mentioned Jarek was a shifter, he looked at him strangely before ordering.

‘Show me.’

I nodded, and Jarek complied, making Kris push his chair away, which hit the floor with a loud thud, but Kamil only smiled.

‘Well, that explains the family stories. So how can I help, my lovely? Maybe after we’re finished here, we could go for a drink and rekindle our friendship?’

Here we go again, I thought, half expecting him to pull this stunt. Kamil firmly believed in friends with benefits, and giving him a chance to show off in front of other men? I would have laughed it off any other time, but he always had to pick the worst time. Leszek moved behind me in a blur, placing a hand on my shoulder.

‘I’m willing to forgive you for ordering my people around in the interests of a better understanding, but make no mistake, Sara is mine.’ Nina snorted, quickly covering it up with an unconvincing cough while I patted Leszek’s forearm.

---