The Witch and the Dreamwalker

Chapter One

Congratulations on your presentation. Your prototype is the talk of the convention.

Vivian McKinley turned around to face none other than Xavier Prince, owner, president, and CEO of the largest paranormal security firm in the country, Prince Charms. He smiled at her while offering her a flute of champagne. His eyes crinkled warmly. Her fingers brushed his as she took the glass. She felt her face heat up as the pianist on the far end of the ballroom began a soft, tinkling piece that had couples taking to the parquet dance floor.

She had never spoken to Mr. Prince before; she was merely a researcher in his firm, one of half a dozen. As a storied ex-paramarine and playboy, he stood tall and broad-shouldered. His immaculately tailored tuxedo showed off his athletic shape causing him to stand out among the middle-aged men who populated the room. He had a jaw as sharp as glass, and his brown eyes glittered in the candlelight.

Thank you, she said, pulling her hand away abruptly, not wanting to be caught savoring the feeling of his touch. The champagne splashed out of her glass and onto her cocktail dress. Oh!

Careful, he warned.

Vivian’s face burned. The nervous laugh that erupted from her was high-pitched and short. Whoops! She plucked a napkin from a server’s tray and dabbed at the black sequins. Her dress would be fine. It was only champagne. She tossed her red hair over her shoulder and forced a smile.

Thank you, she repeated. I’m glad it went well.

Well? Xavier’s face lit up in a broad smile. We have people lining up to buy your charm. We haven’t seen pre-sales like this since the personal were ward.

She rose her brows and pressed her lips together as her stomach did a few flips of excitement. Oh! That’s wonderful, she said.

It’s more than wonderful. He touched her arm and began leading her away from the crowd.

His fingers on her bare flesh caused a ripple of warmth through her. She took in a sharp breath. Easy there. He’s your BOSS, she reminded herself.

He continued, unaffected by the situation. I’ve been asking about you. Your work is exemplary. John says you know charms like the back of your hand. You get along with your colleagues and are described as intelligent, a hard worker, and you think outside the box. Apparently, we’ve never seen talent like yours.

Vivian took a sip of champagne and squirmed in her heels.

John’s retiring. Gave me his notice today. Normally, for someone in his position, I’d ask for a few months lead time from him, but I think we already have a candidate.

She met Xavier’s gaze and stared at him. Her mind whirled. Was he… Was he offering her the position of head researcher? Her stomach did a few more somersaults. She opened her mouth and then closed it, not quite sure if she should say something or let him continue.

He laughed then, a deep masculine laugh that caught her by surprise. Yes, Vivian. I’m offering you the position of R and D head. You’d report to director of R and D, Richard Simeon.

Richard Simeon. That was a name that would make anyone flinch. He was a right old bastard, but he knew his stuff. He was older than John, why didn’t he retire? Working with him would be a sore point, but she would get to manage the Research and Development Department. She would guide the direction of their research and in turn, help guide the future of Prince Charms.

By the gods! This was a dream come true. She had been the first woman in her family to attend university, and now she was going to be the first to climb the corporate ladder. The McKinley women would no longer be solitary witches of the woods.

You haven’t said anything, he said from over the rim of his own glass.

I… Wow. This is incredible. I was not expecting this. She laughed and shook her head. You caught me off guard, is all. She laughed again, her brain struggling to put sentences together. She took in a deep breath, ignored Xavier’s amused look, and paused for a quick moment to compose herself. Yes. I would love to take on the role. Wow. Thank you.

Wonderful! Congratulations, Vivian. You’ve earned this. He clinked his glass with hers and gave her a wink as he took a sip. Ah! Troy, just who I wanted to talk to.

Vivian swallowed and looked to who Xavier was addressing. The man, Troy, looked to be around the same age as Xavier -- mid thirties, she thought. He had blond hair, cut short with a side part. He was shorter than Xavier, though was just as wide. While his tuxedo was not tailored as well as the CEO of Prince Charms, it was clear he spent a lot of time at the gym. He strode over with a confident swagger that immediately set off alarm bells in Vivian’s mind. She had met plenty of men like this one before.

Troy, meet Vivian. Vivian, meet Troy. We go way back. We were marines together.

It’s a pleasure to meet you, Troy, she said with an outstretched hand.

He gripped her hand and squeezed harder than was necessary. She resisted the urge to squeeze back and smiled sweetly instead.

The pleasure is all mine, Troy said with a smile in return. The smile didn’t reach his eyes. Xavier, he said, turning a shoulder to Vivian, I’m glad I caught you before you headed off for the night. He looked her up and down a moment before looking at Xavier expectantly.

Vivian gritted her teeth.

Xavier nearly spat into his drink. This is Vivian McKinley. She invented the psychic vampire ward we showcased yesterday. She’s just been promoted to head of R and D. Vivian, Troy is the president of ParaSecurity.

Oh, Troy said, not bothering to turn. Congratulations, Miss McKinley.

Ms., she corrected.

He blinked.

It’s Ms., not Miss.

Of course. He gave her a curt nod. Xavier, I wanted to hear more about this idea of yours.

I thought I had your attention! Xavier clapped his hand on Troy’s shoulder. C’mon, let’s discuss details over a cigar. He smiled at Vivian as he reached for a silver case inside his jacket pocket. John will want to hear the news.

Vivian knew a dismissal when she heard one, even if it was accompanied by a smile that lit up her chest.

The two men disappeared through the open glass doors into a forest of potted palms on the balcony, leaving Vivian to herself. She glanced around the ballroom through the sea of tuxedos and the occasional glittering wife. She judged that some were mistresses, mainly because of the age differences and the way the women clung to their balding partners. She immediately regretted her choice of dress. No wonder Troy had been so dismissive, she was dressed like one of them. She had chosen to wear a just-above-the-knee black-sequined cocktail dress, sleeveless with a sweetheart neckline. She wore her grandmother’s single strand of pearls and matching pearl earrings. Maybe she should have put her hair up? She sighed, annoyed with having to navigate being a professional in a man’s world right at the moment she should be celebrating.

I couldn’t help but notice you were talking to our hunk-in-chief.

Vivian snorted and turned to face her friend Jenny. She was the receptionist for the Research and Development Department. The blonde wore an emerald green off-the-shoulder dress with a large bow on the right hip.

Here, you look like you need one of these. Jenny thrust a shot glass into Vivian’s hand.

Vivian shook her head, No. Thank you. This is work. She passed the glass back to Jenny.

Jenny made a face. Vivian, dear, this is a party. Work ended the moment you stepped foot into this ballroom.

Not true. This is work. Everyone here is networking. Besides, I was just talking business with Xavier.

Jenny’s brows shot upward. First name basis, are we? Not Mr. Prince? At any rate, she said, not giving Vivian the chance to answer the question, look around. People are here to attend a party. The bar is already on its fourth bottle of whiskey.

Vivian ignored her. I’ve been promoted, Jenny. I’m now head of R and D!

What? Congratulations! That’s so exciting! Wait! That means you’re my boss? Holy shit, Vivian! I’ve never had a woman boss before. You get it, Viv. Make these men quake in their shoes. You’ve got to do a tequila shot with me, then.

Tequila? You want me to be sick? No, thank you. I’m fine. I should talk to John. Have you seen him?

Oh, yeah. He’s at the bar talking to Drew from sales.

Thank you, Vivian replied.

I will get you to do a shot before the night is out.

No. You won’t, Vivian called over her shoulder.

* * *

John was exactly where Jenny said he was -- at the bar enjoying a glass of cognac with Drew from sales.

Vivian! John bellowed, waving her over. Saw you talking to Mr. Prince. Has he taken my advice?

Vivian grinned. If your advice was to have me take up the mantle, then yes. Yes! By the gods, John. I don’t know what to say. I haven’t had time to process this yet.

John beamed and took her hand and patted it lightly. I’m proud of you, Vivian. You’re going to go far. You’d be wasted in that shop, peddling basic charms.

I wouldn’t call my grandmother’s charms basic. She taught me all I know. She’d have a few choice words to say to you if she heard that!

I stand corrected. He chuckled, belly bouncing with each percussive breath. Drew, have you met Vivian? She’s now the head of R and D.

The salesman laughed at first, but when John didn’t laugh in response he quickly sobered. What? Where are you going, John? Is Simeon finally retiring?

John shook his head. No. I’m retiring, Drew. It’s time I spent more time with the grandkids.

Oh, come on. You’ve got a few years yet.

"No, no. It’s time to go home. I can’t compete with these kids anymore. Vivian’s ward