Trial by Fae (Dragon's Gift The Dark Fae #1) - Linsey Hall Page 0,4

hair, the closer to God.’ I didn’t believe in God and he certainly didn’t believe in me, but that was beside the point.

For good measure, I did my clothes too. Earlier that night, I’d been dressed in my black fight wear—tactical clothes that were practical and tough.

But this guy…

He must be here for some Blood Sorcery, and I had a very specific look for that.

My black silk robe turned into a midnight gown with long, tight sleeves and a slim silhouette that went all the way to my feet. The bodice plunged in such a deep V that most of my breasts were on display.

The last thing I added were shoes. Five-inch spikes that made me tower just over six feet.

I grinned, a catlike smile that was cold and just a bit cruel.

Perfect.

No one really looked at you when you were dressed like Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. They were too distracted by the makeup and the hair and the tits. I could walk right by my old family and they’d never recognize me as the frightened, abused girl I’d once been. Aeri had a disguise, too, but it was more sophisticated ice princess to my midnight whore.

I turned to the door and drew in a breath, then swung it open.

The man’s eyes widened just briefly, flicking subtly from my face to my chest. But he had manners and a smoothness about him that made the gesture almost invisible. Even so, it felt like a caress. I swallowed hard and met his eyes.

There was silence for the briefest moment, and we did what every supernatural does when meeting for the first time.

We sized each other up.

Every supernatural possessed a magical signature that corresponded to one of the five senses. Powerful beings had more than one signature. The strongest ones had all five.

Like me.

But I kept those on the down low, controlling them so others couldn’t sense how powerful I really was.

This guy was doing the same.

I got a hint of the sound of wind whistling through trees and the taste of honey, but I could feel him protecting the rest of his magical signatures. I had a good sense for things like that—a natural gift—and he was hiding his power.

Probably a lot of it.

So what the hell was he?

My gaze flicked up to his face to find that he was still looking at me.

“We’re closed,” I said.

“Then why did you open the door?”

“To tell you to your face that I will gleefully eviscerate you if you don’t stop knocking.” I smiled sweetly.

“You do know the way to a man’s heart.”

“Oh?”

“Lead with force. I like it.” His smile was cold, but honest.

I frowned. Most men quailed under my threats. Not this one, though. He almost seemed like he was flirting. In an icy way.

I narrowed my eyes at him. “What are you?”

“I’d like to be a client of yours. Mordaca?”

I inclined my head, acknowledging my full name. Only Aeri called me Mari. Mordaca was my public name, just like Aerdeca was hers.

I kept my gaze trained on his despite the faint discomfort of it. It felt like he could see into my soul, and I didn't like it. “Answer the question. I’m not letting you in here until I know what you are.” The last thing I needed was a damn incubus in the house. “And tell me why you’re here.”

“I’m an elemental mage. Ice and fire.”

“No, you’re not. Your magic is too powerful.”

He frowned, as if annoyed I’d figured him out.

“I can tell you’re suppressing it.” I tilted my head, studying him. He stood close enough that I had to bend my neck to look into his eyes. Even with my heels and impressive height, he was still bigger than me. He had to be a good six inches over six feet, with enough tightly coiled strength that he’d be good in a fight. Really good.

“And I can tell that you’re suppressing yours.”

“Takes one to know one, I suppose.” I crossed my arms. We were at a stalemate. Two supernaturals hiding what they were and what they wanted.

Well, he was hiding what he wanted. I’d already told him I wanted him gone.

But now he’d piqued my curiosity.

I reached out and touched his shoulder, my movements quick as a snake’s. My Dragon Blood gave me superior strength and speed. Combined with my natural ability to sense magic, I was able to get a feel for his true power.

I gasped.

The force of his magic bowled into me like a freight train. In