My Warrior (Bewitched and Bewildered Book 12)

by Alanea Alder

  Those days in that attic had been hell on earth, but the days that followed had been some of the fewest happy childhood memories she had. "I think I have the one I want to exchange."

  "Are you certain?"

  "I am." She didn't know why she had chosen that particular memory, but it felt right. No matter how evil, no one deserved that kind of pain.

  "I will place my hand on your head, you will need to think of a starting point and an end point. Once you show me the memory in its entirety, it will be gone."

  "Ready."

  When he placed his hand on her head and she felt the heat coming off of him she knew she had made the right choice. She closed her eyes and thought back.

  She had been five or six. Still young enough to want her grandmother's love. She was confused why she had been dragged to the attic. It was hot, so very, very hot. It was hard to breathe because of the heat.

  "Stay here until I come for you. If you upset my weekend, you'll be in trouble," her grandmother ordered.

  "Yes, Grandma."

  "What did I say about calling me that! Call me Estelle."

  "Yes, Estelle," she replied, meekly.

  When the door shut, she felt panic begin to claw at her. She looked around the room. She had a blanket on the plywood floor and a bucket in the corner. She went to the window and tried to open it. It was nailed shut. Feeling weak she went to the blanket and laid down.

  "Just a couple days," she whispered.

  Her mind fast forwarded. "Start here," she said out loud.

  She heard the door creek open and a bit of cool air floated toward her. "Get down here."

  Slowly, she forced herself to stand. She'd do anything to get out of that attic. She hurried as fast as she could down the stairs. The air felt so good on her face.

  "Go outside, stay out of my way."

  She nodded then went to the back door. She just wanted fresh air; she'd do anything to inhale fresh air that hadn't been heated by dry wood and scented by aging boxes. She hit the back door at a run and kept running until she was in the neighbor's yard. Sometimes, when she didn't think they were home, she'd hide in their covered gazebo. It was like her own private oasis. Today, she didn't care if she was seen, she needed to feel the wet ground under her bare feet and smell the wonderful flowers.

  She sat on the soft covered bench and breathed deeply.

  "Finally caught our little rabbit," a rough male voice commented.

  Scared, she looked up. It was her neighbor, Mr. Vesling. "I'm sorry." She hopped to her feet.

  He held his gnarled hand to his ear. "What was that I hear?"

  She frowned. "I said I was sorry," she repeated a bit louder.

  He chuckled and shook his head before reaching into his pocket. "I hear the ice cream truck. Do you think you're quick enough to grab us a few?" He handed her a few dollars.

  "For ice cream, I can be!" She took the money and darted down his driveway. She had to catch that truck!

  She spotted the white van and waited until all the other kids had their treats before approaching the window.

  "What'll it be?"

  She blinked. She didn't know. Mr. Vesling hadn't told her what he wanted. She sniffled. "I don't know, he didn't say."

  The man's face softened. "How about vanilla ice cream in a cinnamon cone? My wife makes them, but they're not as popular with the other children as the cartoon ones," he suggested.

  "Two please," she held out her money.

  He nodded, counted out her change and dipped out two cones for her. Slowly, she made her way back to her neighbor's covered gazebo. Mr. Vesling waited for her in the shade.

  "Thank you, Meryn. These old bones can't keep up with that truck anymore, and Mrs. Vesling says ice cream isn't good for me."

  "Should you have it?" she asked, worried for him.

  "Bah! A cone here and there is fine," he said, looking down, then smiled. "My favorite. How'd ya know?"

  "I didn't but the nice man suggested these, so I got em."

  She hopped up on the bench and licked her ice cream cone. The vanilla ice cream was cold and creamy. Outside the gazebo, a breeze whirled around them, bringing her the scent of freshly cut grass.

  Yesterday, she had pleaded with God to take her to her mommy and daddy, but today she was outside enjoying the cool breeze and ice cream. It was the best day of her life.

  "Okay, stop there."

  Meryn exhaled, then shook her head. What had she been doing?"

  She looked up to see the handsome demon staring at her. "When your memory began, I thought you were punishing me, but then…"

  "Since you have it now, I have no idea what you're referring to," she reminded him.

  "The day after you left the attic. Your ice cream with…"

  "Mr. Vesling! I remember him," Meryn smiled.

  "How? I took that memory."

  "It's kinda fuzzy, but if you have the day I was released from the attic, I think I'm remembering the day after that. Mr. Vesling bought me ice cream that day too," she sighed. "I remember that day clearly because he died the day after that. I was on my own again for a while until I discovered the library."

  "Why? Of any memory you could have given, why that one?"

  Meryn shrugged. "Because I figured if I had to use a memory as payment it should be a good one, right?"

  The demon looked lost in thought. "I never knew ice cream was so good."

  Meryn snuggled against the arm of the sofa. "Don't forget our deal," she said, then yawned.

  The demon straightened. "Of course. For a memory like that, you will be more than satisfied."

  "Won't that mess up your plans?"

  "No. The ones responsible have outlived their usefulness. They are acting recklessly in pursuing their own agenda. It is past time for them to leave this world."

  Meryn found she could barely keep her eyes open. "Werd." She closed her eyes and felt herself begin to drift.

  "I do apologize. I hadn't meant to keep you for so long. You may be a bit tired when you wake," he advised, his voice sounding more distant.

  "That's why God made coffee," she replied.

  For a moment, she relaxed before she heard a frantic voice.

  "Meryn! Gods, baby, please wake up!"

  Meryn opened her eyes to see Aiden and Ryuu staring down at her. "Dude, I'm tired."

  "Thank all the gods," Ryuu whispered, clutching his chest. He sat at the edge of the bed.

  "What?" she struggled to sit up. When she looked around the room, she saw the boys, Kendrick, Thane, Brennus, and Amelia staring at her, concern written all over their faces. "Can't a girl sleep around here?"

  "Meryn, you've been sleeping for almost twenty-four hours!" Aiden practically yelled.

  She gave him a flat expression. "You yell again, I will cut you."

  He swallowed hard and simply scooped her up and placed her between his legs as he leaned against the headboard. She snuggled against his chest and closed her eyes.

  "Meryn!" Aiden shook her awake.

  "You wanna die?" she asked.

  "You have to stay awake," he pleaded.

  "Fuck my life right now," she groaned. "Where's Izzy? Where is my Coffee Goddess?" Felix stayed in her lap, holding tight to her finger, as if she would disappear.

  Amelia brought her phone up and sent off a text. "She'll be here in a minute." She sniffled. "We were so worried."

  "What happened, Meryn?" Kendrick asked, eyeing her intently.

  Meryn closed her eyes and yawned, deliberately delaying her answer. She knew if she mentioned the demon, everyone would lose their shit, and she didn't really feel like confessing she had made a deal with the devil. "I didn't get to sleep until late; there was a lot swirling around in my head. Plus, the demon was on my mind since I mentioned him at dinner. I think I was just tired." It wasn't exactly a lie.

  Ryuu took her wrist in his hand. "She's exhausted."

  "We have asked so much of her lately," Brennus said, looking grim.

  "I j
ust need coffee," Meryn growled.

  "I'm here!" Izzy called out, coming through the door with a tall glass and silver straw. "I made you a quad shot, bittersweet mocha with caramel drizzle."

  "Gimme. Gimme!" Meryn held out her hands, causing Felix to take up his usual position on her shoulder.

  Izzy smiled and handed over the glass.

  Meryn took a sip and sighed. "Soooo good."

  Aiden just kept nuzzling the top of her head. "You can't sleep anymore."

  "Like ever? Do you know how dangerous that is for you?" Meryn looked up at her poor mate. He had hit new stress levels lately.

  "Don't you mean that it would be dangerous for you, Meryn?" Amelia asked.

  "No, I definitely mean it would be dangerous for Aiden. I love my mate and don't want to have to murder him because he pissed me off when I was sleep deprived," Meryn yawned, then sipped her coffee. "God, I love you, Izzy!"

  "You had us freaking out. You just kept sleeping. At first everyone was like, just let her sleep, but then right before dinner we realized how long you'd been out," Izzy paused in her ramble. "Don't you have to pee?"

  Meryn chuckled, then gasped as she became aware of the growing sense of urgency her bladder was presenting her. "Yes! Shit, yes, I have to pee! Aiden, let me go," Meryn wiggled until she slid down out of Aiden's arms. Ryuu helped her off the bed, and she beelined it to the bathroom.

  The next time she chatted with the hot demon, they needed to set a damn timer!

  Chapter Nineteen

  Brie watched as Aiden and Ryuu both hovered around a drowsy Meryn, who kept growling at them while sipping on her coffee. Meryn’s eyes turned toward her. "What'd I miss?"

  Brie winced and flexed her arm. "Not much as far as the investigation goes. The warriors are still working with the families to get bodies identified."

  "What happened to your arm?" Meryn asked, pointing to the plastic wrap sticking out from under her sleeve.

  "I got a tattoo to symbolize that I'm an Eliana's Daughter now." She pulled up her sleeve to reveal the amazing tribal knotwork encircling her arm. "The under part of my arm hurts the worst, but I'm glad I have it."

  Ari kissed her arm right above the markings. "It's so hot."

  She felt herself blushing. She still wasn't used to being viewed as a desirable woman, but every day Ari showed her that she had just needed a strong enough man at her side.

  "Badass," Meryn whispered. She looked up at her mate. "I want a tattoo."

  "You have one. That freaky dragon one that keeps changing," Aiden pointed out.

  "No, I want a warrior tattoo."

  "You're not…" Aiden let his voice trail.

  Meryn's eyes narrowed. "I'm not what?"

  "Maybe you should design a sixth man tattoo?" he suggested quickly. "Take all the time you need to get it right. I mean it took years to get the unit warrior tattoo finalized."

  Meryn's eyes widened. "Why didn't I think of that! A geek warrior tattoo!" She pulled out her laptop and began tapping away. "It's gonna be awesome. I want a magic one like yours and my dragon."

  Aiden went from looking relieved to looking worried again.

  "We had more people post on the message board grumbling about elitism," Nigel said, looking up from his tablet. "We don't have a lot of views yet though."

  Meryn shrugged, her eyes still glued to her laptop. "These things need to grow organically. If it was a concern all of a sudden, then it would seem planted."

  "It is planted," Neil pointed out.

  "Yeah, but they don't know that."

  Brie felt a hand on her shoulder she turned and smiled at her dad as he and Doran sat down on the sofa on her other side.

  "How'd Cam take the news that you were officially quitting?" he asked.

  She laughed. "I think he's still cussing. He really wanted me to take over as sheriff. Now, he needs to pick out and train a replacement before he can retire."

  Ari scowled. "What did the man think would happen? That you were going to commute back and forth every day? Besides we need you here."

  "Yeah, there's no way I'd pass up on Leo's food," she agreed.

  Ari nodded then looked at her. "Is that the only reason?"

  She leaned over and kissed along his jaw. She heard his swift inhale before she sat back. "And I'd miss you," she whispered.

  "Maybe we should have lunch at home?" he suggested, his thumb lazily rubbing circles on the top of her hand.

  "No can do, Ari," Aiden interrupted. "We are receiving those thermal imaging goggles from the queen today. You need to be at the briefing, and your mate needs to lead said briefing."

  Ari's eyes turned a dark honey color as he began to growl at his commander.

  Aiden's eyebrows shot up. "What'd I do?"

  Brie was laughing so hard she collapsed against her dad. "That's like the third time," she howled.

  "Nothing, sir," Ari grumbled. "But if you don't have a future generation of warriors to lead it's your own damn fault!"

  "No little baby fruit baskets and NinjaGaidens," Meryn chortled.

  Everyone stared. Finally, Thane asked the question that most probably had. "Meryn, what do you mean fruit basket?"

  She pointed to Ari. "It’s what I saw for him."

  Kendrick tilted his head. "Meryn, do you remember exactly what you saw when you looked at Ari?"

  Meryn nodded. "Yeah, stars, bells, flowers, and berries. It reminded me of a festive fruit basket."

  Kincaid lowered his mug frowning. "Why does that sound familiar?"

  Kendrick stood and walked over to Meryn. "Do you think you can try something different? I'd like to see if you can recall the images."

  Meryn scrunched up her face. "I can try, but no promises."

  They both closed their eyes.

  "See, flowers and stuff," Meryn said, pointing to her head.

  A moment later, Kendrick stepped back, causing them both to open their eyes. He looked from her to Ari then back, before finally turning to stare at him. "What she's seeing is actually Deadly Nightshade," he informed them.

  Kincaid snapped his fingers. "Belladonna, that's why it sounds familiar." Then he looked at Ari. "Oh."

  Beside her, Ari flinched. "Is that a good thing?"

  Kendrick looked down at Meryn. "Well?"

  She shrugged. "I think it's pretty."

  Kendrick walked back to his chair and sat down. "You know, I think this fits Ari exceptionally well."

  "My brother is not a poison," Rex protested.

  Kendrick's expression became sly. "To you, he wouldn't be. Belladonna had many applications, including medicinal and even cosmetic. I think what you get from Ari depends on how you approach him. A deceptively beautiful flower that is the essence of death. Simply fascinating."

  Meryn typed for a moment. "Okay, you're in the system as Nightshade now."

  Ari blinked. "Nightshade?"

  Meryn pointed to her head. "I made your image for me, your call sign. I think it sounds like a comic book hero. Too cool."

  Ari mulled it over. "Okay, I love it. Much better than a fruit basket."

  Brie regained her composure. "Very cool," she agreed. She looked back over to her dad. "Will you live here? Ari and I have discussed our living arrangements, but I let him know, now matter what we need to make sure we see you often.”

  "You and Doran are everything I need, and you both belong here. The house in Monroe is just four walls after all. We'll bring the memories we made there with us when we start our new lives here."

  "What about your practice?"

  Her dad laughed. "I'll be teaching the witches here all about lions. That way, they'll be able to heal them that much better. This will be especially helpful in Éire Danu, since it has such a large portion of lion shifters. In a way, I get to have my cake and eat it too."

  Brie watched his face to see if he was fibbing. They had a lot of memories tied to the house, but she understood how he felt. In such a short time, it no longer felt like 'home' anymore.

&n
bsp; "As long as you're happy, I'm happy."

  "Right back at ya, kiddo."

  Aiden stood. "Come on, you two. I have a feeling the briefing and drills will run well into the evening," he said, oblivious Ari's low growling.

  She shook her head and stood pulling her mate to his feet. "The sooner we start, the sooner we finish."

  On either side of them, Kincaid, Gage, and Priest also stood.

  "Come on, 'oh deadly one'," Priest teased.

  "Don't worry, Priest, I have a cool name for you too based on my image," Meryn smiled at him.

  "It can't be any worse than Gamma Kitten One. Hit me, short stuff," he said, holding out his arms in invitation.

  "Pandora."

  He blinked. "Seriously?"

  She winced. "I saw a box with a lock that I knew shouldn't be opened. All I got from that was Pandora."

  Brie and Ari chuckled as they steered a pouting Priest from the room. "Come along, 'Dora'," Ari teased in retaliation.

  Priest groaned. "You can't tell the guys."

  Ari pushed his unit brother from the room so he fell in step with Gage and Kincaid. Shaking his head, he took her hand as the group made their way through the palace heading toward the warrior villa.

  Brie shivered a bit. All her jackets were at the home she shared with her Dad in Monroe. Maybe they'd have something here in the city she could buy.

  "Ari, can we stop in some shop? I'd like to get a jacket or a sweater."

  "I guess it is still spring in Monroe." He smiled at her. "You may have better luck finding something like that there, we don't have much need for jackets here in Éire Danu," he waved his hand to the buildings. "Land of the Eternal Sun and all that."

  Brie frowned and glanced around. It was dimmer here than when she arrived. She looked up; there was no cloud covering the sun. She squinted. Where was the sun anyway? As they hit the Border City, she noticed that some of the street lamps were flickering. She checked her watch; it was barely noon.

  "Ari, if this is the Land of the Eternal Sun, should the street lamps be turning on at noon?" she asked, pointing to the lamps.