by J L Lawrence
She let the pressures of the day and her constant thoughts and fears slip away. Only he could provide that brief reprieve. Xander had become the perfect Guardian but more than that, he’d captured her soul. Despite all the crap that fate had heaved on her, she’d also been given this amazing man and an eternal love. It all seemed worth it when she put it into perspective. She’d endure it all again for a few moments with him.
Lacing her fingers through his, she tilted her head and kissed his jaw. “I’m thinking we give the recruits a few days to learn the basics but increase the intensity. They can handle it. Then we bring in some more trained warriors from the Meadows facility. Joseph and Ace have been maintaining the battle prep, but even they need a new challenge. So we bring them together.”
“Um. I see a lot of problems blending the two worlds. Wasn’t easy for us. Couldn’t we set up a demon drop instead?” He must be worried if he’d rather work with demons than our own soldiers.
“Maybe the intensity is what they need on both sides. They have to learn to work together anyway. Plus, it allows them to face demonic qualities without the pressure of being killed. I think we need to show them some of our battles against Fury and when I fought in the arena, too. And the battle in the Hell Realm. How else will they know what’s at stake and how much evil will spew into the world if they fail? It gives them a reason to lay down their life.”
“You make a good argument, my love. I’ll support you all the way. But be prepared that this could go horribly awry, ok?” He searched her mind for understanding. This was the logical next step. He’d made a good point about facing demons, too. Maybe she should add that into the scheme forming inside her head.
“When have any of our plans been perfect? That’s what keeps us on our toes. We’ll do this in stages. First, let them meet our warriors. Second, bring them face to face with demons. Last, show them the battles they’ll have to survive. My gut says that they can only make the choice to join us and fight, if they know the cost.”
“I’ve never doubted those incredible instincts of yours. Well, maybe a little,” he amended, when she raised her eyebrows. “I’ll let Xavier know the plan. Now that we have that settled and this temporary home of ours will be just ours for a little longer, I think we should focus on the personal bonds between us.” He tugged her against him suggestively.
She laughed and nodded. “I see your point and must agree.” She took his hand and led him to their bedroom. She intended to show him how important he’d become in her heart.
She opened the door and he couldn’t hide the gasp. She’d recreated the bedroom from Joseph and Lucia’s home where they’d first made love and bonded for eternity. Pictures from the highlights of their journey hung around the room.
He slowly undressed her and guided her toward the bed. They fell down in a mix of arms and legs reaching for an ultimate connection. Whispers of contentment flowed through them. Their minds melded together and the electrical explosion intensified the heat. White light emanated from her and lit the room. He embraced the power she released. His sigh of fulfillment exhaled in her ear as they drifted into a peaceful sleep.
* * *
The door rattled from the force of the knock. Kate had sent a warning to Nikki and Angie, so who the hell was banging on the door?
Xander growled and rolled over. “What is that?”
She closed her eyes and focused. “It’s your parents, dear.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” He went silent as he communicated with Marcus. “Micah has had some new visions. They affect your family and Angie’s. He’s called a meeting in our living room. I get the feeling the rest of the Council didn’t want to be a distraction.”
“Let’s go.” She jumped up and had them clothed before Xander fully got out of the bed. If Marcus had come to them, something big must be on the horizon. She ushered Xander out of the room at the same time Angie and Xavier were headed down the hall. By the looks of things, they’d been sharing a similar bonding experience.
Xavier glared but sat, pulling Angie down with him. Kate understood. They never seemed to catch a break.
Xander motioned for her to sit. She rolled her eyes and did so. “Marcus, we’ve had a long day. The fact you’re here means something is wrong. Just say it, so we can deal with it.”
Nodding, he stood in the center of the room. “Micah has had an increase in visions lately. Since our last meeting, he’s been more forthcoming with the details. The newest set involve the families of you and Angie. They may be the new target.”
“What? Are they okay?” Panic hit hard, and she struggled to breathe.
“Let him finish, Kate.” Angie squeezed her hand. “We need to know.”
Shaking, she sat back down beside her, grasping her arm. Xander and Xavier stood behind them with their hands protectively on their shoulders.
Marcus softened his tone. “They are fine at the moment but possibly not for long. It appears since they can’t defeat you, they are looking for alternate ways to weaken us. Mostly immediate family and a few close relatives are in the visions. I had Micah catalog them all so we can act quickly. Rowena’s fear is that it’s another plan to draw you out. However, Tristan and I believe it’s more about weakening you. I think Braxus knows by now that he can’t defeat you. You’ve become too powerful. They can diminish your resolve and focus. We need to relocate them immediately.”
Her mind spun with possibilities. They couldn’t enter the magical realms. Staying in the human realms wouldn’t help. The demons could track them. She couldn’t lose her family. It wasn’t an option. She slowed her breathing and cleared her mind.
Marcus, Xander, and Xavier debated options until midnight. Unfortunately, none guaranteed safety. It would become the ultimate distraction. Angie rocked quietly, trusting her to make the right decision. Which is?
What about the training camp? That could put the whole mission at risk if they were tracked. Another realm? How many safe realms allowed humans? She racked her brain until it finally hit her. The perfect solution. Using her mental link, she found him and asked him to come immediately.
Cian arrived with Selena in tow. “What can we do for you, Mystic?” He stifled a yawn. She hadn’t paid attention to how much more time had passed.
“The community we helped you establish in Australia, is it secure? Have any demons tried to attack?”
Selena stepped forward. “No. Once you added the shield, the demons have left us alone. They took too many losses during the attack. We suspect they don’t want to incur more wrath from the Mystic. The Shadow Warriors also placed traps around our borders for extra protection. We use the maps to come and go. Why are you asking?”
“Our parents are under attack.” She pointed at Angie and herself. “We need a safe place for them to hide until the Rising is over. I’ll place a shield over their minds to reduce the chance of any accidental knowledge seeking.”
She turned to Cian. “Do you think it would bring attacks on your people if we do this?”
“No. Braxus is done wasting power. He’s looking for the easy attacks. The Human Realm has very little defense so they make good targets, but he won’t attack the other realms. He can’t afford to keep losing that many demons. He has his own army to maintain. They lost the Faery Realm, so they are resigned to killing humans. Your families will be safe within our borders.” He patted her shoulder. Rarely did a Seeker touch another being.
His loyalty humbled her. She decided to trust in him. “We will call our families and warn them. I’ll prepare them to be in hiding for two or three months, depending on what happens. I can’t risk moving them myself. It would bring too much attention to our plans. Who do you suggest?”
“Drake and Daria will take care of everything.” As soon as he spoke their names, they appeared in the room and bowed. Drake’s appearance always surprised her. He looked so much like the Shadow Warriors instead of the Seekers.
Daria ran over and hugged her, but Drake stayed back. Dari
a glared at him. Kate couldn’t help but smile. They were a unique pair, but loyal. She trusted them to protect her family.
Drake stepped forward. “We’ll leave first thing in the morning. They will be safe from harm. Once the task is done, we will return to the Meadows and continue our work.”
With a nod, they were gone. Cian and Selena followed suit to prepare living quarters for their families. So many had shown her kindness. One day she’d figure out how to repay them all. Keeping them alive happened to be first on the list.
Cian broke into her thoughts. “Kate, if for some reason you do not survive the Rising, I will take your parents and family with us. We’ll protect them as long as we can. I wanted you to know that, in case it causes you any fear or distraction. I’m hoping this alleviates some of your doubts. There are so many inside you, but I hope to help with at least one. Find peace in that.”
She wasn’t sure how that helped her confidence level, but it did remove some of the worry. She’d done everything possible to keep them safe.
Angie’s hands continued to shake, so she leaned over and grasped them. Angie didn’t have much family. Her parents were it. No siblings. No cousins. Losing them would wipe out everything she called home. She’d need their support when the battle ended and they returned to the Human Realm to live out their days.
“Do you believe that they will be okay living with the Seekers? They were banished for a reason.”
“I’ve protected their minds. I know they will be safe there. Drake and Cian will make sure of it. We’ve secured their future, so let’s worry about ours. Get some rest. We only have a handful of hours until sunrise. I think we’ve earned that much.” She pulled Angie up and gave her a hug. She pushed the fear out of her mind.
Xander shut the bedroom door behind them and simply held her. He tucked her in beside him. Kissing her cheek, he calmed the chaos in her mind. It never ceased. Some days she wished the battle was tomorrow so the task would be done. Others, she never wanted it to come. Then, she could stay with him like this forever. Either way, she’d have to face her demon soon and meet the fate already written in the stars. Closing her eyes, she drifted into a fitful sleep.
* * *
“Are you insane? The goal is to not kill the humans.” Kate yelled at Ace for what seemed like the millionth time. Her bright idea of bringing in the trained warriors from the Meadows wasn’t going so great. She cringed as Randy went flying through the air. At least she’d added more padding to the walls.
Sadly, Ace and the others weren’t using their full strength. There were days when she wasn’t sure they’d ever be ready. Then she’d see a move or a dodge that demonstrated they were learning to fight. Weapons training gave her the most hope. They’d all picked up swords and crossbows quicker than learning to duck when a massive beast punched full force. Like this moron.
“Ace, back off.”
“Princess, they need to learn. What good will they be if all they provide is a five-minute slaughter session?”
Agreed, but how did she show them the intensity of what they’d be facing? She lost her train of thought when Angie stepped into the ring with Teri. They each chose a sword and began. Teri had retained more training than she’d given her credit for.
Clashing swords echoed. Everyone stopped to watch the duel. Teri moved in to strike as Angie knocked it away. They both wore protective vests, but Kate couldn’t help but add an extra layer of protection. One more vice she had to let go of before the Rising. Angie advanced and Teri stumbled back. She regained her balance quickly. Using the hilt, Angie hit Teri in the jaw, spinning her off the mat.
Randy snarled and jumped in next. Xavier pulled Angie out, but she grabbed his shoulder and shook her head. He sent a withering glare toward Randy and left the arena. If he put one mark on Angie, he’d be dead. Kate wasn’t sure she’d be able to stop him. She sent Xander over to keep his brother under control.
They set weapons aside. Angie advanced with a front kick which he blocked. He countered with a punch. She ducked. Leaping in the air, she nailed him with a jump kick. He recovered, catching her shoulder with a cross punch. They stayed evenly matched for a couple minutes. Then Angie took it up a notch. She rapidly fired several punches and kicks in succession. Randy blocked most but couldn’t avoid them all. Angie double punched his chest then swept his legs. She sliced her hand across his throat, denoting a kill shot.
Even though he’d lost, he lasted longer than any others. Progress had been made. Baby steps. If they could focus more on speed, they could defeat minions. It gave her a little hope.
Rolling his eyes, Chris snorted and walked away. Time for someone else to learn an important lesson. “Chris, you and me. On the mat.” He started to refuse, but the anger inside him pushed to the surface. He didn’t want to be where he couldn’t control everything. All his beliefs had been tested and his world shifted. She knew the feeling. He needed to embrace reality quickly or it would be the death of him.
He slowly approached her. “Why did you bring us here? Are we supposed to defeat these creatures? Or do we lay down and die, providing a distraction so you can live?” His combat training had always been notable. He’d loved martial arts like her. His speed impressed her, but she easily deflected his strikes.
“You’re here because I believed humans deserve the right to fight for their freedom. Tell me the truth. Would you rather be lost in the dark? I can erase your memories and return you to that life.” He circled, but she stayed still, letting the question sink in.
He jabbed and tried a jump kick that she easily avoided. “I don’t know. I used to believe in you and all the work we did. Then you turned into whatever this is. On top of that, we were brought into a world that should be impossible. Some days I wake up and want to ask you to wipe my memories. Others, I’m ready to fight. I don’t quite know what it is I’m supposed to be fighting. I cared for you, Kate. I still do. You left us like we were nothing, and it hurt. I thought we were a team.”
She froze and met his eyes. Moisture threatened to spill from her own. “I appreciate the inner struggle. There are mornings I wake up and think it was all a dream. Then, I remember. Angie and I didn’t want to leave any of you behind. We were trying to protect you. When I first found out, I barely convinced Xander to let her come along. The moment the Council agreed to allow humans, I came to get you. That should tell you how much I missed you all. I’ve also known about your feelings for me and tried my best not to encourage them. Your friendship meant more and I knew we weren’t destined to be together. Hanging onto the feelings and anger of the past prevents you from becoming the warrior you’re meant to be. Let go of the old vision of me and your heart will open to who its meant to find. Let’s finish this.”
Nodding, he returned to his fighting stance. “I’ll try my best. Still friends, then?”
“Always.” She swung low to sweep his legs. He jumped over. He rolled and tried to grab her from behind. She flipped him over her shoulder. He slid backward and regained his footing. His skills had improved dramatically. She held her power at bay. It itched beneath her skin to get in on the action, but she locked it away. This fight had been to resolve other matters, and she had.
Using a front kick, she released ten in a row. Her speed overwhelmed and he began to lose his balance. She followed with a roundhouse. When he hit the floor, she pretended to slice his throat. “And don’t you forget, I can still kick your ass any time using only my human abilities.” She smiled and patted his cheek. For the first time in days, he didn’t look at her with anger in his eyes. Instead, she had her friend back.
Kate and Angie left Xander and Xavier to finish training for the day. Soon they’d be ready to confront the real enemy. Her former FBI team joined them in the cafeteria. They hadn’t shared a meal since their last case when her entire life shifted. She missed the simplicity of those days, yet she wouldn’t trade her time in this world for anything.
Chris cracked jokes and Teri shook her head while Randy sta
yed quiet, but slightly amused, as usual. Kate explained what they would encounter and all the crazy stuff she and Angie had dealt with the last few months. They talked about Gregory and Roxy, and how they’d been traitors and saviors. And how one misguided action destroyed so many lives. Randy opened up and shared a few stories from his Marine days. It was a miracle he’d lived through all that.
She watched each of them and seared it into her memory. No matter what happened, she’d always look back at this moment when her friends accepted her for everything she was. This had been one of the missing pieces in her heart. Her family was safe and her friends had chosen to stand beside her in battle. Maybe life had a funny way of leading her exactly where she was meant to be. A shiver ran up her spine.
Something wicked this way comes.
Chapter 5
“Kate, report to headquarters immediately. We’ve got company.” Tristan barked his order and left.
She and Angie rushed out and told their friends to return to the training area until further notice.
They flashed into the meeting room. Everyone else had arrived. Rowena pulled up a screen showing the boundaries of their compound. Demons were approaching quickly. Not enough to mean a full attack, but enough to cause a little trouble. They couldn’t cross through the shield. However, they could alert Braxus and make them vulnerable.
Rowena stepped in front of her and tilted her head. “Did you know about this, Kate?”
“Did I know demons were sniffing around? Of course, I did. I’m the Mystic. They’ve been tracking this area for days. While we’re remote, it’s not impossible to find. There aren’t that many out there. We could clear them out quickly so they don’t report. But, I’m thinking it’s time for a test.”