Interference: Book One
Page 30
Josiah asked to speak with me after the council dispersed. As we entered the parlor, a kind-looking couple sat, their excitement buzzing through the air.
“Mercy, I’d like you to meet the Hughes Family. They are the first people I thought of when you released the boy.”
I searched their eyes for intent, only finding a deep-seated need for a son. Josiah was right, he would be safe with them.
“Can you call him?” I asked.
“Sure,” he smiled.
“Mr. and Mrs. Hughes. . .”
“Please, Ma’am. Call us Gary and Alysia.”
“Of course. I want to thank you for opening your home to him. I’m sorry to say I don’t know anything about his family or heritage. If it’s not too much trouble, I’d love to hear from you now and again, for updates.”
“We’d be happy to,” Alysia said. “Our daughters are thrilled to have a younger brother. Maybe you could visit him.”
I smiled at the thought. “That sounds wonderful.”
Josiah brought the boy into the room, fed and dressed in clean clothes. You could already see the color returning to his beautiful face, evidence of how much better he felt. Gary kneeled down and asked, “What’s your name, Son?”
The tiny face peered up at me, nervous and embarrassed at not having one.
“His name is Ren,” I said. “Ren Hughes.”
Alysia smiled with tears in her eyes as she wrapped her arms around him. “Welcome to our family, Ren.”
. . .
There was so much I needed to do, so many people I wanted to speak with. Riots broke out in the city at the knowledge of Aadya’s death, especially when they heard the rumor of the terrifying Dragon that killed her. I sent the remaining guards to establish control in the city and reassure the Regalians. They needed to know they were protected. My mind was consumed with finding Drake, taking care of my friends, and sitting down with my sister.
I’d already told Marley I’d have lunch with her the next day, so we could get to know each other. Having a sister was the greatest gift I’d ever been given and I couldn’t wait to bond with her. The Parkers kept an eye on Nora, and I knew I had nothing to worry about with Caleb around. But I needed Drake, and the thought of him being alone in Seregalo somewhere made my chest hurt. I recalled our conversation about Stonedell—the mountainside.
Drake said Stonedell dropped him in a cave on the cliffside and a small voice told me I’d find him there. I borrowed Marley’s shoes and walked out behind the domicile, looking across the river toward the rocky cliffs. I didn’t even think about it. I jumped into the river, only focused on getting to Drake.
I wasn’t sure what direction to go, but I followed my intuition across the river and toward the cliff ahead. The trek up the rocky mountain wasn’t horrible until I reached the top half. Stepping on the flattest rocks I could find, I slowly climbed, reaching out for Drake’s presence. Something familiar pricked the back of my neck, and a touch of fear lingered. What would I find? Would the same Drake exist? I used my power to search him out, for any sign of the direction I needed to go.
He didn’t hide his thoughts. They were like a beacon calling out to me. Confusion and pain overwhelmed his emotions as I made my way up to the opening of the cave. I glanced in, almost afraid of what I’d find, but there he was—sitting in front of a fire—unaware of my presence.
The inside of the cave wasn’t stone as I had predicted. Blackness shone around the walls and ceiling, as if lava had created his dark hole for him to wallow in. The carvings along the cave wall stretched from one side to the other, just like he had described in the dungeon.
The transformation ruined his clothes, but he didn’t seem to care. Glaring into the fire before him, he battled the rage within—a gift he never wanted and didn’t know how to control. His eyes, now outlined by the glowing red ring, made his features even more striking. A war raged within Drake, but I couldn’t help him with this one. There were so many questions with no one to guide him. Then, I felt what he needed most—me.
I stepped into the archway. “You know, you’re way hotter now. No pun intended.”
He didn’t move, but his face relaxed at my joke. “What are you doing here?”
I shrugged. “Looking for you.”
“Where’s your mate?” he asked.
I grinned. “Sulking in a cave, somewhere.”
“You know who I’m talking about,” he mumbled.
“Felix? Ruler of Dolderia? Future Mr. Mercy?” I joked.
“That would be the one.”
“Probably on his way back to Dolderia by now.”
He glanced up at me, his eyes dark and heavy. “Why are you here, Mercy?”
He stood, angry for what he’d become, and walked over to the cave wall where a steady stream of water flowed from the side of the rocks. He placed his hands on the stone, bracing himself, as he lowered his head under the cool water. Steam rose as it ran over his hot skin. I followed, and he flinched at the feel of my fingers running across the long, white scars on his back from his transformation.
My eyes traveled up to his shoulder, the Allegato mark complete. The tattoo portrayed a dragon centered over a flame identical to mine, intricately surrounded by all six gifts. Had anyone’s marks ever matched as ours did? What did it mean?
“You know, the first time Nora saw my Allegato mark, she called it Rage Fire. When your body went up in flames today, the Elders told me you had the gift of Rage Fire.”
He looked over his shoulder with hopeful eyes. “After what I’ve become, do you even think that’s possible?”
“Now that you’ve shown your true self and my powers have evolved, your mark is complete. Do you really think that’s a coincidence? We are a perfect match, like we’ve always known. I accept you for who you are, Drake. You’re not getting rid of me because you can breathe fire.”
Drake didn’t take time to think about my words. There was no hesitation or moment of self-discovery. He turned, pulling me against him. His mouth devoured mine, hungry for anything I would give. His hands roamed, needing to feel my skin against his. He craved this connection, and the longer his mouth was on me, the more at ease he became. I stepped away from his hold. His eyes blazed as his chest heaved for air. He reached to pull me back when I halted him with my hand.
I pulled the shirt over my head and threw it to the side. I turned, showing the evidence of our match. His lips grazed across my mark as a territorial contentment radiated throughout the cave.
“You’re really mine,” he whispered as if needing to say it aloud.
“Unless you know any other dragons I should be searching for.”
That was as far as I’d gotten before he couldn’t restrain himself any longer. He spun me around and lifted me into his arms. I wrapped my legs around his waist as he carried me to the fire and gently laid me on the ground. Drake knew how I felt about him, but he also needed to hear it. I never wanted him to doubt it.
“I love you for who you are. All of you. It’s in your blood. It’s your legacy.”
Drake’s eyes glowed in the firelight.
“I love you, Mercy. No matter what happens, I’ll always protect you,” he promised.
“Always.”
Marley
⥈
I reached out subconsciously—needing to find her. A part of me demanded to know where she went. I could feel the coolness of the cave walls and the warmth of the blazing fire. Drake. She’d found him.
“I’m sorry, I tried. She has, unfortunately, won over the other Elders. I won’t stop. You have my word on that. She’ll pay for what she has done,” Thu Dang said.
“Thank you. It may take time, but we’ll figure something out,” I said thoughtfully.
“Do you need anything else from me tonight?” he asked.
“No, that is all.”
The bedroom door shut, and my frustration built to violent levels. I looked around bedroom number seven, the twin beds and the replica of the family qu
ilt. The quilt that I should have had. She had everything—like always. The powers, the boyfriend, my father. She even had my mother’s ring.
I’d heard stories about the ring, the power it held. They never intended on giving it to me. Aadya promised me the necklace one day and now Mercy had that also. I was the unworthy, weak sister, and Aadya understood how I felt. My mother, Annabel, always outshined her. She stole the love of her life and moved away from Seregalo. Aadya’s family abandoned her—I knew what that was like. Tucked away in California, they hid me from everyone. Aadya told me my lack of power embarrassed them, but she could help me. She would make me strong.
I’d lived with my cousin in San Francisco growing up, oblivious to this life until Aadya found me and explained what happened. She wanted me to be as close to Mercy as possible, developing a genuine understanding of her life. She recreated her bedroom and taught me about subconscious interference, and visiting Mercy as she slept. How to invoke visions and nightmares . . . She said I’d be more powerful—more loved than Mercy ever was.
I reached forward into her subconscious once again, sensing what she felt as her guard lowered. She was distracted—not shielding herself like normal. A warm, strong hand slid up her thigh as wet lips traveled down her neck. Her stomach clenched as her nails dug into his back. Safe, loved and adored—that’s how Drake made her feel. I deserved that.
She better enjoy it. Soon, it will be me ruling Seregalo during the day and lying under Drake at night. I will be the biggest interference Mercy has ever dealt with. She just doesn’t know it yet.
TO BE CONTINUED.
From the Author
Writing isn’t always easy. Sometimes, I can type for hours—thrilled at the stories that seem to roll effortlessly from my fingertips. Other days, I sit frustrated and question my abilities as an author. One day I realized, we all do that to ourselves, everyday. Whether I’m exhausted from a long day at the hospital, or overthinking my decisions as a wife and mother, I will always doubt myself.
That’s why my village is so important.
Brian, Roman and Isaac—I love you more than you know.
My family for their love and support.
The greatest friends, coworkers, and ARC readers anyone could ever ask for—thank you for encouraging me to write the novel I would want to read.
Thank you all for going on this journey with me.
Also by A.F Presson
BLIND TRUST: Book One of the Trust Series
(Available on Amazon)
BROKEN TRUST: Book Two of the Trust Series
(Coming soon!)
INTERFERENCE: Book One of the Interference Trilogy
(Available on Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Apple & Kobo)