by Jeze Xyn
Back out in the bedroom, I moved to the king size four poster bed that dominated the room. Gauze in a shimmering gold hung from it, draping down to give a semblance of privacy, and when I crawled onto the mattress, I sunk into it. It was, by far, the softest, most comfortable bed I’d ever laid on. I considered getting up to check the kitchen out, but sudden exhaustion tugged at my body. Maybe a nap was needed before I checked out anything else. Just a little nap was the last thought in my mind as sleep pulled me under.
Chapter 5
Bastien
As soon as I left the study we’d all gathered in, I headed to my quarters to make the call that I literally didn’t want to make. Once there, I stared at my phone like it was going to suddenly grow teeth and bite me any second.
“Just do it,” I muttered under my breath. Still, my fingers hovered over the name for another minute before I finally pressed send.
“Bastien Cravaris. To what do I owe this displeasure?”
I rubbed my brow. Yeah, she was still pissed at me. “Hello to you too, Selene. I need your help.”
“You need my help? Whatever for? And what makes you think I’d ever do anything to help you after what you did to me?”
“How many times do I have to say I’m sorry, Selene? I didn’t mean to hurt you. That was never my intention. I tried, Danu knows I tried, but I knew you weren’t my destiny and to pretend otherwise would have been a great disservice to you. You deserved better.” I sighed and then continued. “I’m not asking for your help for myself.”
“So it’s Council business.”
“Yes and no. It’s a complicated story. Can we meet and talk? I’d rather not do this over the phone, even with the security measures we take to reduce the risk of being tapped.”
“This sounds serious. Fine. I will meet you where we first met—in one hour.”
There was a click and I knew she’d hung up. Sure, she’d agreed to meet with me, but that didn’t mean she was going to make this easy on me. I fortified myself for the meeting the best I could, and then I opened a portal and stepped through.
It took three more portal jumps to reach my destination. At each stop, I made a purchase—gifts to offer in thanks, because you never meet with a fae without offering them something—and by the time I reached the glade Selene was already waiting. She was still just as beautiful as she’d been the day we’d met. When I looked at her, I could appreciate her beauty, but there was no pull, no aching need, and that was why I’d ended the relationship I’d tried so hard to cultivate with her. She was destined for another, and I...I was destined to share my mate with three others. At least they were men I knew, respected, and felt a sense of kinship with.
“Hello, Selene. You’re as beautiful as ever.”
“Flattery will get you nowhere, Bastien. But I thank you all the same. You look well.”
“Thank you. These are for you.” I held the offerings out to her.
“You remembered my favorites.” She took the Calla Lilies first and lifted them to her nose to breathe in their sweet scent. Next was a Topaz gem encased in gold filigree on a thin gold chain. Last, but certainly not least, was a box of Godiva chocolates direct from the Chocolatier in Brussels. “Direct from Brussels. This must be serious.”
“It is. You know I wouldn’t come to you otherwise.”
“Very well. Sit. I’ve already placed a barrier of silence around the glade. Nothing and no one will be able to listen in on our conversation. You’ll notice not even electronic devices will work here. It’s lucky for you I am not of the Unseelie Court.”
I winced. If she were Dark Fae, and she held a grudge, this would have been the opportune time for her to seek vengeance. “Duly noted.” I took a seat on the stone bench next to her. “I need your help unraveling a spell. Before you say anything, let me explain. Please.”
I took a deep breath and then continued. “Four years ago, it was brought to the Council’s attention that Calix had a twin sister. A twin that her parents kept hidden from them by having her magic bound. We’re not sure exactly what happened, but something traumatic caused Calix to feel her twin for the first time. The problem was, we couldn’t locate her. Not at first. Not until the bindings began to weaken.
“Six months ago, my team and I started tracking her, but we weren’t the only ones who’d found her trail. We finally brought her under Council protection—don’t even ask how that went down because I’m still pissed at Zaine for it—and when I went to test the bindings, I almost killed her.”
“Let me guess, Zaine had his little pet, Zachariah, grab her and we both know he’s a twisted bastard.”
“Something like that, yeah. Back to the binding spell. The witch who did it invoked the elements of earth, air, and fire.” I turned so that I was watching her face.
“Kiakara. Why am I not surprised she had a hand in this?”
“I knew you’d figure it out. We both know she blames the Council—and us specifically—for her husband’s death and she swore to find a way to make everyone pay. Will you help me—my team—to unbind her magic?”
“If it means besting my bitch of a sister, you know I will. I am curious, however. Zaine could have come to me himself. He wouldn’t have been risking my wrath. So why, pray tell, did he send you?”
I felt her probing my mind and, despite my instinct to shut her out, I let her find what she was searching for.
“Oh. I see. So you’ve found her. That is why this is so important to you—to all of you. I’m happy for you, Bastien. You shattered my heart, and I am still putting the pieces back together, but I suppose time does heal all wounds. I need two days to prepare. Have her ready and in the altar room at dusk two days hence.”
“Thank you, Selene. I truly hope you find your destiny soon.” I inclined my head at her and then left.
My return to the compound was met by three very impatient men. I cocked a brow at Zaine, Dax, and Malik. “Worried about my safety? I’m touched.”
“You asshole. It took you long enough to get back. We were beginning to think she’d ripped your head off,” Dax growled.
“She might have if I hadn’t sweetened her up with some of her favorite gifts.”
“Spare us the details. Will she do it?” came Zaine’s impatient question.
“She will. She’ll be here at dusk, two days from now. That gives us two days to prepare Arianna mentally for what she’s going to be facing; both when Selene does the spell and once the bindings are gone.”
“Shit. That’s not much time,” Dax grumbled.
“Things are going to be very interesting tomorrow. For tonight, she needs her rest. Especially after all she’s already been through,” Malik pointed out. “The least of which was being kidnapped by Zachariah, of all people. Really, Zaine? Zachariah? What were you thinking sending him in?”
“I admit that wasn’t one of my better decisions, but what’s done is done. Let’s focus on what is to come. I think we all need to rest up because the next few days are going to be hell. For everyone.”
“Too damn true,” Dax replied. “I’ll be in my studio if anyone needs me.” With that, he left.
“You know where to find me if I’m needed,” was Malik’s comment before he, too, left the room.
“Do you think she’ll be able to handle the power that is going to hit her when the bindings drop?”
I looked at Zaine and considered his question. “I wish I knew, Zaine. I wish I fucking knew.”
All we could do was wait and hope for the best while preparing for the worst.
Chapter 6
Arianna
A pounding on the door leading to my quarters pulled me from a dreamless sleep. I groaned and covered my head with a pillow, hoping that if I ignored it, whoever it was would go away. As the minutes passed, and the pounding got louder, I finally gave up hope. I crawled out of bed and wrinkled my nose at my rumpled clothing. If I was going to be stuck here, I seriously needed to get some clothes.
I tried to smooth o
ut the wrinkles in my shirt on my way to the door. “What?” The edge in my voice fled when I opened to find Dax standing there. My gaze traveled down his body, taking in the way his t-shirt clung to his chest and abs like a second skin and the way his jeans hung low on his hips. His feet were bare. Why the fuck did I suddenly find that sexy as hell?
“Good morning to you, too. Did someone wake up on the wrong side of the bed today?”
The smirk on his face was enough to make my panties melt.
“Well, someone decided to pound on my door at”—I glanced at my watch—“five in the fucking morning. Who in their right mind gets up at this ungodly hour?”
“Sorry, Sleeping Beauty, but we have a lot to do today to prepare you for Selene’s arrival.”
“Who is this Selene person anyway? And why do I have to be prepared for her arrival?” I countered.
“Selene is a High Mage in the Seelie Court—the Light Fae—and she’s coming tomorrow night to break the spell that was placed on you to bind your magic. Forcibly unraveling a spell can be painful, even when you know all the components of it. We need to know you can handle it, not just physically but mentally as well. After what happened yesterday, we’re not taking any chances.”
“And that requires being dragged out of bed even before the sun is up? Not that I’d even know if it was since I’m being held prisoner in an underground compound.”
“Prisoner? Why would you think you’re a prisoner, Kesah?”
The frown he gave me was almost adorable. Almost. “What else would you call being held against my will?”
“You’re here to keep you safe from those who would drain your life and power from you in order to increase their own. Right now, you are like a newly changed shifter—one created from an attack, not born—unknowing of the danger you are in, as well as the danger you put others in, because of a lack of control. Tell me, Kesah, what would you do if you were out shopping and suddenly power erupted from you? How would you stop it from hurting anyone?”
I stared at him for several seconds. “Point made. Fine, let’s go.”
“You might want to shower and change first.” He must have seen the confusion on my face because he added, “You haven’t looked in the closet? It’s fully stocked. Make sure you put on something you’d be comfortable in. It’s going to be a long day. I’ll be back in twenty minutes with breakfast.”
Before I had the chance to respond he turned and headed in the direction of the stairs that would take him to the upper level.
“Well, at least they were thoughtful and got me some clothes,” I grumbled before slamming the door.
When I returned to the bedroom, I was startled to find that everything in the closet and the dresser was something I’d gladly wear. I grabbed a bra, panties, tank top, and leggings, and went to take a quick shower. They even had my favorite body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. That wasn’t creepy at all.
By the time Dax was back at the door, I was showered, dressed, and had a pair of sneakers on. My hair was pulled up into a high ponytail and I opted to forgo any makeup. Why bother when chances were, I’d be sweating it all off anyway?
“I approve. Breakfast sandwich. Hope you like ham, eggs, and cheese. Let’s go, the others are waiting for us.”
I took the sandwich from him and ate as I followed him down two levels and through what felt like a maze of corridors until we came to a large room.
“Welcome to the training room,” he announced, giving me a sweeping bow.
“Show off. Can we get this started?”
I turned to where Zaine was standing. He looked as unhappy with the early hour as I was. “Not a morning person, either?”
“On the contrary, I usually am, but some of us haven’t had the chance to sleep yet.”
“Ouch. That’s rough. So, what’s first?” I finished the last of my sandwich and turned my attention to the four men in front of me. My libido was suddenly in overdrive and I tried to ignore it. The last thing I needed was any of them figuring out I was attracted to them.
“First, we meditate. We’ll focus on strengthening your mental barriers first because those will be the most important. They’re the ones that are most easily breached by those more practiced in spell craft.”
It was Bastien who replied. I turned my focus on him. “I take it you’ll be doing the teaching. So why are the others here?”
“Each of us has our own strengths on the team. They’re more...support when it comes to magic. Except for Malik. He’ll be putting up a barrier around us just in case.”
“Just in case of what?”
“Just in case you slip. The bindings are already weakening, but it might take months, or even years, for them to be completely gone. Until you learn to control your magic, there will be times when bursts will get away from you. We wouldn’t want you to accidentally turn Zaine to ash.”
“You mean...by setting him on fire...like I did…Nevermind. Got it. We need a barrier just in case.” I could see they all wanted to ask me what I was talking about, but I wasn’t ready to share that—especially not with four men I barely knew.
I moved to where Bastien motioned me to sit and then waited patiently.
I felt a zing of electricity as the barrier was put up, and then it settled until it was just a faint hum in the background.
“I want you to close your eyes and take slow, even breaths. Just listen to my voice and let your body relax.”
I did as I was told and as the minutes ticked by, I felt myself relax. Murmured words drifted to my ears, but I couldn’t understand them. A sharp pain in my head made me wince but I tried to ignore it. When it happened again, I reacted on instinct. My mind pushed back and a flash lit up the barrier surrounding Bastien and I. It was so bright it left dots on my eyes even through my eyelids.
“What the fuck was that?” My voice was a croak.
“That, Sweetness, was your magic pushing back when Bas tried to get into your head.” Zaine smirked as if he’d enjoyed the show.
I blinked at the man seated across from me. A deep frown marred his handsome features and I was suddenly filled with concern. “Are you okay?”
“I am fine, Kesah. Nothing for you to worry about. Your mental barriers are stronger than I realized.” I watched as he looked at the others. “I don’t think this is going to be so difficult after all. It’s the physical that I am more concerned with. Selene will have some suggestions, I’m sure.”
“Great. Does that mean we’re done here?”
“Hardly, Sweetness. We’re just done with the mental work—for now. Tell me, have you had any training in fighting?”
“Uh, some. Why?”
“Malik, drop the barrier. Let’s see how well she can do in a fight.”
“We should get Calix in here. It’ll be a pretty unfair fight with any of us,” Malik countered even as he did as Zaine said.
“Sitting right here. You guys really have a bad habit of talking about me as if I can’t hear you. Instead of deciding ‘what’s best’ for me, how about you ask me what the hell I want?” I could hear the annoyance in my own voice.
“Very well, Sweetness. What do you propose?”
The amusement in Zaine’s voice, and the cocky grin he flashed, pissed me off. I shifted on my feet, smirked at him, and made a ‘come hither’ motion with my fingers. “Bring it.”
“Aw hell yeah. A hundred bucks says she puts Zaine on his ass,” came from Dax as he, Malik, and Bastien moved to give us room.
“You’re on. There is no way she’ll be able to do that,” Malik put in. “Bas?”
From the corner of my eye I saw Bastien shake his head.
“Nope, leave me out of this. I’m just going to stand over here and watch the show.”
“Enough chit-chat. What’s the matter, afraid, Zaine?” That was all it took to get him moving.
What they didn’t know was that, after my attack, I’d decided I would never be a victim again. I took self-defense classes from an instructor who was
a vampire. I knew what to look for. I knew how to react.
It felt like time slowed down as Zaine came at me. My upper body twisted, and my hand came up, fingers curled in and palm out, and it connected with his sternum enough to throw him off balance. My back foot swept forward and caught him just behind the ankles, throwing him further off balance. There was a thud and time was suddenly back to normal speed.
“Holy fuck. She did it.” There was admiration in Bastien’s voice.
“Hell yes! Pay up, sucker!” Dax rejoiced, holding his hand out to Malik, who grumbled, withdrew his wallet ,and pulled out a hundred-dollar bill.
I mostly ignored them because my gaze was on the vampire in front of me. He sat on the floor for a few seconds before he stood. “Nicely done, Sweetness. My question is, how did you do it? You shouldn’t have been able to.”
I shrugged at him. “I was...attacked a few years ago. After it happened, I decided I never wanted to feel that helpless again, so I found a self-defense teacher who was a vampire. It took months for me to learn to focus so that I could see how the attack was coming. I moved away from there, but I kept up with my training.”
“That’s still very impressive, Arianna. The fact you were able to focus so clearly should have told you that you weren’t quite human,” was his countered response.
I shrugged. “I honestly didn’t think it was that unusual. Maybe I was in denial.” It was hard admitting it.
“It happens to the best of us, Sweetness.”
The way he bounced between calling me Sweetness and Arianna was unsettling.