Page 16 of Charisma
“Watch your language, fellas,” Esme scoffs.
“Yes, ma’am,” the duo says in sync, both of their heads hanging from the chiding.
“We’ve got meeting rooms which we use when one of the townspeople has an issue, but typically, we have a community-wide meeting once a month. The ladies all bring sides and refreshments while the men grill various meats. We address any problems that have arisen from the previous month, tackle the ever-present challenges of being a supernatural being living around humans, and then open the floor for new business. So far, it’s been relatively productive,” I provide.
“I like meat,” Buvor exclaims, rubbing his hands together while looking to see if he’ll be the recipient of a grilled venue.
“Well, we’re not doing that here today, but we can always throw something on the grills when we get back home,” Charisma says. “Esme can do her thing so we don’t have to slave over a hot stove in the kitchen making the side dishes, salads, and desserts.”
“Wait! I want to make some desserts too!” Maizy replies, her enthusiasm causing her to practically vibrate while standing completely still.
“I’ll gladly take all the assistance I can get,” Esmerelda softly states, grinning at the younger witch. “Because these people can put away a mountain of food, that’s for sure.”
I chuckle before declaring, “We’re all growing boys, Esme.”
“Boys my as… um, butt,” she retorts, catching herself before she utters an expletive since she just got onto the two teenagers for doing that very thing.
“Let’s find an empty room so we can talk freely without eavesdropping about what brought you here,” Maverick implores. He’s a grouchy fucker on a good day and it constantly amazes me that he’s got a mate who’s as sweet as Connelly is, which still has a few of us stumped. But then again, sweet does go well with sour.
Paxton strides toward one of the doors on the left. It’s one of the larger rooms which will work considering each of the men are large. They’re not fat, they’re muscled yet bulky, as well as tall. When you add our crew to the mix, we need more than three or four chairs.
“This room has our larger chairs,” Paxton states with a mischievous smile on his face. “You should fit in them without any problems.”
“And if they get broken, we have no shortage of witches to repair them,” Landry inputs, pinching Pax’s side.
“Stop correcting my words and shit, Landry,” Paxton flirtingly berates. The kiss he gives her takes any heat from his words. In fact, it’s practically incendiary and I worry the teens will see things they’re not old enough to witness.
“Unfortunately, our witches can’t fix broken personalities,” Drakko huffs.
“My personality isn’t broken,” Paxton rebuffs, his chest puffing like he’s readying himself for battle.
“He didn’t meanyou,” I rebuke, realizing that the words Drakko uttered likely have to do with the situation they came to us about.
“She’s correct, cat, I didn’t mean you,” Drakko concurs with me.
“Then who?” Paxton grumbles, still off put by Drakko’s imperious ways. It’s as if he’s used to commanding legions or something because he walked into our environment with an air of authority. I’m actually quite impressed because that’s how Mav and Pax are most of the time. Yet, they seem to be acquiescing to the dragon.
Actually, now that I think about it, Drakko and Paxton are a lot alike which is probably why they’re continuing to butt heads. It all makes sense now.
CHARISMA
For a second there,I thought that Paxton would become a charred kitty with his argumentative ways. Nevertheless, my mate was able to put an end to the combativeness that Paxton was feeling. It’s always captured my notice that Baldwin is a peacekeeper unless pushed too far, then, he’s all tooth and claws.
“Everyone take a seat,” Esmerelda orders, holding her hands out wide indicating the empty chairs. “Now, who’s going to tell me what’s going on?”
“That’d be me,” Drakko inserts, placing his elbows on the table and combing his overly long hair with his fingers. A deep sigh emits from his massive chest. “A bit back, we were able to successfully close the gateway from the underworld to our plane. We thought it was indestructible but somehow, they’ve risen from the pits of Hell and have once again taken up residence with the humans. We fear they’re planning and plotting something nefarious and nobody who crosses their paths will be safe.”
“Demons,” Landry gasps. “Paxton, you never told me there are demons!”
“I’ve never come across one before. I thought they were a myth,” Paxton explains to an overwrought Landry who looks like she’s ready to bolt at the next opportunity. The fear evident on her face has me leaving her chair to go place my hands on Landry. One of the abilities I’ve got is that I can calm others with my touch. I don’t use it often, but right now, my friend needs me, especially since she’s pregnant.
“There is a lot of folklore where they’re concerned, but I promise you they are very much real. My brothers and I have hidden from them every Hallows’ Eve.”
“Why? Why would such a powerful being such as a dragon hide from anything?” I ask.
“Because they want to harvest our powers and use them against the less powerful,” Buvor explains.
“Well, that’s shitty of them,” I harrumph, fidgeting in my seat. “How do we banish them for good?”