Found by Frost: Wings, Wands and Soul Bonds Book 1

by Bolryder, Terry

  What it means to actually let someone get close.

  He nods eagerly. “I won’t push you any harder than you’re ready for. You can just let me know the pace, and that’s it.”

  I let out a breath of pure resignation because I’m scared as hell about this situation, but I’m not giving up now. “All right.”

  “And no more going anywhere without me,” he insists.

  I glare at him. “Until the prince is caught.”

  “Until the prince is caught,” he says, pushing himself up off the couch to come over to me. “So what’s next now that we’ve gotten that out of the way?”

  I let out a sigh as his arms come around me, and I rest my hands on his forearms. “Well… I have to go to work first.”

  “And after?” His eyes are teasing.

  I sigh. “After, I guess you should teach me a little more about fairies. And maybe…”

  His eyes heat. “Maybe what?”

  I grin. “Maybe we can work again on furthering our bond.”

  His smile is downright cocky as I pull away from him, blushing, to run back down the hall toward my room.

  “And, Avery? I’m taking you out tonight,” he calls after me. “You don’t get to just use this body without taking me out for a date.”

  “All right,” I say, laughing to myself as I go to change into my work clothes.

  At least with him around, things will never be boring.

  19

  Brett (Boreas)

  “She is definitely fae,” I say, trying not to smirk as I stretch out on the couch in the downstairs living room, hands behind my head. “Though, I’m not sure what kind yet.”

  Avery is showering after work, so I came down here to update the other fae and get ready for my date.

  Flynn nods. “I thought you might have made some progress after the club.”

  Ian grins. “How much progress?”

  Tanner puts a cloud of darkness over Ian’s face, but instead of struggling in it like I would, he counters with a snap of his fingers and a flashbang sounds around Tanner.

  When the smoke clears, Tanner’s face is covered in black burn marks and his hair is singed.

  He glares at Ian, then stands as if to fight.

  I run up to get between them. “Whoa, now that I’m gone, you’re the ones making trouble? I thought that was my job.”

  Tanner takes a deep breath, then sits, and Ian quickly calms down again.

  He’s quick to heat up but also quick to cool.

  Tanner, on the other hand, bears grudges.

  “Don’t be perverse,” Tanner says to Ian as if he’s in the position to be chastising.

  Ian just rolls his eyes. “Tanner has become an utter jerk.” He sighs. “He uses darkness on us over nothing. I thought he should know how it feels.”

  “I’m sorry,” Tanner says. “You know I’m just restless. All of us are.” He frowns. “My kingdom still needs me to defend it. I do not trust my younger brothers with the task.”

  I cock my head at him. “So if you find your soul match here, will you take her back to your kingdom?”

  “I don’t know,” Tanner says darkly. “I’m not sure I will even find one. I haven’t felt any resonance since being here.”

  “Not even with Avery?” Flynn asks a little too quickly. “Her magic is quite powerful.”

  I slant him a suspicious glare. “What would you know about it?”

  “I’m fairly open to resonance,” Flynn says. “It’s not as rare for me to feel as it is for someone like Tanner. But I acknowledge that she is your soul match.”

  I nod.

  “I feel her magic, but there is no resonance,” Tanner says flatly. He pins his gaze on me. “So how is that going? You say she’s definitely fae, so did she awaken?”

  “No.”

  “So you still don’t know what kind of magic she possesses because you haven’t seen her wings.”

  “No, but I can visualize her magic somewhat. Feel it at times.” I purse my lips. “I think she’s a radiant fae. There is such warm acceptance from her…”

  The others look at me dubiously.

  “This is the woman that goes out at night to stomp rapists in the crotch, right?” Flynn asks me.

  That’s pretty much all I’ve told them.

  Nothing about Avery’s work with the shelter or her mother being murdered.

  “Yes,” I say. “But when I hold her, she’s not like that. She’s… warm.” I remember her confession this morning and can’t help flushing. “She’s different when she likes you.”

  Ian laughs heartily at that. “I’m glad it worked out for you.”

  Tanner just looks confused. “Last night, you two were ready to go at each other like wild animals. Right on the dance floor. Why didn’t you go all the way once you were home?”

  “I’m her first,” I say hesitantly, not wanting to give too much information. “I wanted to be gentle with her.”

  “Pssht, such a sweetheart,” Flynn says, leaning back on his chair. “Who would have known?”

  “I knew,” Ian said. “Brett has always been difficult, but you would be hard-pressed to find someone more kindhearted. Our kingdoms cooperate, and the princes in his land mingle with the people, caring for children, doing their share of the work, in addition to adding protection.”

  “Shut up,” I say because it’s almost too much praise to stand. I don’t do it for people to look up to me. I do it because it’s right.

  Flynn watches me for a moment. “What would you do if Avery were a fire fae?”

  I scoff. “Impossible. My soul bond would never approve.”

  He nods. “But what would you do? After all, she could be anything.”

  Confusion flares in my soul because it’s something I have never thought about. I should probably sit and consider it, but as I’m positive she is a radiant fae, I see no need to distress myself over something that isn’t possible. “She isn’t, so it doesn’t matter.”

  The other fae are watching me carefully.

  “Brett,” Ian says. “What is it with your kingdom and the fire fae? What have they ever done to you?”

  “I don’t know,” I say. “But I was raised with antipathy toward them, and my kingdom has always been hostile or, at best, neutral toward them.”

  “For what it’s worth, my kingdom hates yours too,” Flynn retorts, looking angry now. “But I never treated you differently. God, you’re stuck up.”

  “I am not,” I say. “I just… Fire and ice will never mix. It would not be possible for my soul bond to be a fire fae.”

  Never in a million years.

  Besides, my soul bond is Avery, so I don’t know why everyone is bothering me about this.

  Flynn stands up angrily. “I don’t have to listen to this.”

  “Flynn, why are you upset? I didn’t—”

  He whirls to look back at me, and I notice his ears are coming out, probably because he’s feeling strong emotion. “You hate my kind so much you won’t even consider the possibility someone you love could be one. Even though I’ve been your friend.”

  “Wait,” I say, putting a hand to my forehead because I think everyone is misunderstanding me.

  “I saw the fear in your eyes,” Flynn says. “At the thought she would be so low.”

  “That’s not—”

  “Save it,” Flynn says. “I thought we were friends. I thought you were getting over your prejudice. I guess I was wrong.” He storms into his room, slamming the door behind him.

  “So quick to overreact,” I mutter. “Typical fire fae.”

  “That!” Ian points at me, jabbing his finger my direction like he’s imagining poking me in the chest. “That’s what he’s talking about. Do you even hear yourself?”

  I sit back down on a stool at the counter, slumping slightly. “It’s just a habit. I—”

  “That’s what Flynn keeps trying to tell you,” Tanner says softly. “You have a good heart, Brett. You see evil around you, and i
t makes you angry. But you have a hard time seeing the bad things that are closer to the chest.” Tanner frowns. “Like the way you talk to Flynn sometimes.”

  I sigh. “I understand what you’re saying.”

  I remember Flynn’s outburst the other day, about how some of the fae, even in my own kingdom, aren’t as good as I think they are.

  It’s definitely something to look into once I’ve figured things out with Avery.

  I’ll apologize to Flynn, send an envoy to the fire kingdom. Even work directly with him to root out any corruption, no matter how high up the chain it goes.

  After I win over my soul bond of course.

  Tanner lets out a sigh. “I’m sure Flynn will get over it. He knows you don’t mean anything bad by it. But you really should try to watch what you’re saying.” He leans forward. “Flynn cares about you as a friend. Hearing that you wouldn’t accept Avery if she was like him—”

  “I will try to be more aware of what I’m saying,” I say, running my hands through my hair. “Because I do care about Flynn, as a good friend of mine. It’s just that in my kingdom, the way I was raised… we all hated the fire fae.”

  “I wonder why the light kingdom isn’t this way toward the dark kingdom,” Ian says, looking over at Tanner.

  Tanner just shrugs. “I think because we understand the need for both light and darkness. Fire and ice fae seem to think they will cancel each other out.”

  “Won’t we, though?” I ask. “Doesn’t fire melt ice?”

  Tanner glares at me. “Aren’t we all on the same team?”

  I sigh. “We are. I will go talk to Flynn. Tell him I am sorry.”

  I’m already headed over there when there’s a knock on the door, freezing me in place.

  I guess talking to Flynn will have to wait until later, because right now, just from the warmth I feel emanating from the doorway, I know I’m about to see Avery.

  20

  Avery

  I think about what I just heard as I stand outside the apartment, waiting for them to let me in.

  I had no idea Brett felt that way about fire fae. I knew he and Flynn were antagonistic, always throwing barbs at each other… but I hadn’t known it went so much further between them.

  What if I turned out to be a fire fae? Would Brett hate me?

  I don’t think so… but I never want to find out.

  At least he seems confident I’m a radiant fae. I try to hold on to that thought, but it’s hard not to worry with so much uncertainty.

  I’ve been on my own a long time. If Brett came into my life, made me fall for him, depend on him, bond with him, and then rejected me…

  I think I would fall apart.

  I straighten my spine because that’s not going to happen. I’ve seen Brett be incredibly kind, and regardless of his thoughts on fire fae, I don’t think he’d leave me.

  But now that the bond between us has grown, the fear niggles at the base of my spine.

  He opens the door, looking gorgeous in a zip-up sweater in navy that sets off the dark centers of his eyes. His hair falls over his forehead, soft and silky, and his hard features are pulled into a grin.

  I’m getting used to seeing that smile whenever he sees me, and I have to admit it just shoots a cannonball at all the walls I try to keep up around my heart.

  “How was the shower?” He opens the door for me to come in.

  “Good,” I reply, walking in. “What are you guys talking about?”

  He looks stuck for moment but then glances at the others to rescue him.

  “We were discussing types of fae,” Ian says calmly, leaned back in his chair with some kind of gaming device on his lap. “Would you like to join us?”

  “We’re going to dinner,” Brett says quickly.

  “We can wait a minute,” I say, sitting on the couch and patting it for Brett to join me.

  Tanner, on the other side of the couch, looks like he feels awkward as hell. “How long were you outside?”

  “Just barely,” I say.

  Tanner nods. “Brett says you’ve begun manifesting.”

  “Yeah,” I say, running a hand through my hair as I lean back into the couch. “It’s kind of crazy. I mean, I always knew I was different, but I never guessed something like this. Even after I saw that you guys were magical, I didn’t quite believe I could be.” I grin. “Until I saw my ears.”

  “I’d like to see that,” Tanner says, folding his arms thoughtfully. “I’ve never seen a human manifesting latent powers at an early stage.”

  “She’s not ready for that,” Brett says, putting an arm around my shoulder protectively.

  Something warm and soft surges in my heart, just happy to be near him, and I cuddle in closer, surprising everyone in the room, including Brett.

  “You… you two look like you’re doing well,” Ian says, now looking awkward.

  “Well, yes, we’re almost bonded,” Brett says, looking proud.

  I frown. “What would make us totally bonded?”

  Ian smirks. “If you go all the—”

  “Shut up!” Brett blushes adorably and glares at his friend before turning back to me. “When we’re one, body and soul. That’s all.”

  I think about it. “So sex?”

  Tanner makes a choking noise and gets up to get a glass of water. Ian watches him, waving for water as well.

  No one wants to look me in the eyes now.

  I smile because it’s kind of funny how much I’ve gotten used to having these tall, hulking men around.

  “Can I get you something while I’m up, Avery?” Tanner asks. “Water? Juice?”

  “Juice,” I say, and he brings me over a glass.

  “Juice is amazing,” Ian says. “An excellent sugar delivery device.”

  Brett waves off an offer of juice from Tanner. “I ate an entire box of Oreos before Avery got here.” He pats his obviously rock-hard abs.

  “Not too full for dinner, I hope?” I ask.

  He waves a hand. “A fae warrior is never too full.”

  “We burn immense amounts of energy,” Ian says. “Due to our muscle mass.”

  “Yes,” Tanner says. “Female fae are stronger in magic, so we compensate by being physically strong and a little more durable.”

  “Female fae are stronger?” I ask because it’s a foreign thought.

  Tanner looks at Ian as if he’s not sure he should have said anything.

  “We don’t like discussing our customs,” Tanner says. “Because they can vary from kingdom to kingdom. But suffice it to say, fae princesses are very strong. Period.”

  I marvel at that for a moment, and the thought intrigues me.

  “Human women are strong too,” Brett says. “Like your friend, Sally.”

  I nod. “Strong in their hearts. Men too. Like Matt. I don’t know what you have against cops.”

  “I didn’t exactly get a good introduction to them,” Brett says. “And to be honest, I still don’t like the way he looked at you.”

  “I’m sorry, but what are you two talking about?” Tanner is glaring at us now as though we’ve been bad children.

  Brett looks like he wants to disappear back into the couch. “Nothing.”

  “We had to go help my friend at a domestic violence shelter,” I say. “We—”

  “It was nothing,” Brett insists. “Avery made a statement to the cops. Everything is fine.”

  Tanner narrows his eyes. “And they won’t be coming after us?”

  I shrug. “I don’t know. They don’t have proof. Not unless they want to accuse Brett of being magic. And they don’t know his name or how to find him.”

  Tanner is still watching us pensively, so I decide to change the subject since Brett doesn’t want to talk about this.

  “So what types of fae are there?” I ask Tanner. “You guys said you were talking about it.”

  Ian looks hesitant, and his gray eyes are almost hypnotic as I look into them. Like they are filled with mist, and sometimes I feel
like there are colors swirling behind the grayness. “We can talk more about it once you’ve manifested. All you should be worried about is accessing your latent powers. If you start thinking about what kind you will be, it could interfere with—”

  “Yeah, but I should at least know the options,” I say.

  “Well, there are the four types here, plus many others, plus hybrids,” Tanner interjects.

  “Hybrids?” I ask.

  “Crosses between other types of fae,” Ian says. “Though, it’s rare.”

  I look around. “Where did Flynn go?”

  “He’s resting,” Tanner says quickly.

  “No, I’m not,” Flynn says, walking out of his room. I feel Brett tense beside me, but Flynn simply ignores him as he walks into the room. “So what did you want to know about fae types, Avery?”

  “Just what kind I could be.”

  He bites his lip, and I take a moment to look him over, see just what Brett might not like about him.

  He has the most exotic coloring, with those oddly amber and gold and orange eyes and that deep-russet hair. Natural tan. Pointed features on a tall, lean, but muscular body.

  He’s truly the opposite of Brett, with his cold, tall iciness. Everything about Brett feels meant to push people away, and everything about Flynn seems meant to pull people in.

  I wish they could get along better.

  “Flynn,” Brett says from beside me. “Tell her… about fire fae.”

  Flynn cuts Brett a look, and I wonder if a cease-fire could be called. But he just shakes his head. “She can talk to me about it on her own if she wants to. I’m not giving up my secrets in front of you.”

  I bite my lower lip because maybe the dislike goes both ways between fire and ice fae.

  Or maybe Brett has just been too much of an asshole.

  “We never know when we might be in battle with a chaos-infected member of another kingdom,” Ian says. “So most fae are nervous about sharing too much about their kind.”

  “Not Ian, though,” Tanner says. “He’s a light fae.”

  Ian grins and puts his hands behind his head cockily. “True.”

  “What do you mean chaos-infected?” I ask.