Rogue

by Karen Lynch

  I was halfway out of my chair when static began to crackle across my skin. No! I fell back into the chair and grabbed for the power fighting to break away from me. Suddenly, Nikolas’s presence was gone and my power receded. Tears burned my eyes, and I found it hard to breathe as the reality of what had just happened hit me.

  Nate scooted his chair over and put an arm across my shoulders to draw me close. “It’s going to be okay. You just woke up. In a day or two, you’ll be back to your old self again.”

  My heart ached at the thought of having Nikolas so close and not being able to see him. But Nate was right; I was still very tired and weak. I just had to get through the next few days and everything would be okay. I refused to think about any other outcome.

  A phone rang in the bedroom, and Nate went to answer it. He came out onto the balcony, handed it to me, and said he’d come back later.

  I knew who was on the other end without hearing his voice. “Nikolas?” My voice cracked.

  “I’m here,” he said. “Don’t cry.”

  My tears spilled over. “I’m sorry.”

  “You have nothing to apologize for. The faeries explained what is happening with your power.”

  “I could have killed you.” Saying the words made them real, and my body began to shake.

  “But you didn’t.”

  I sniffled and wiped my eyes with the back of my hand. “I don’t know how long it’ll be before I can see you again.”

  “I know.” He exhaled slowly. “I’m not going anywhere, and we can talk like this whenever you want to. You just focus on getting better.”

  “I will.”

  “Good. Now tell me, how do you feel?”

  “A bit weak.”

  “But you aren’t in any pain?”

  “No pain,” I assured him. “Aine said I’m over the worst of it.”

  His voice softened. “She told me that, too.”

  A yawn hit me. I couldn’t believe I was still tired after sleeping for a week. I covered my mouth to hide it.

  “You need to rest.”

  “I’m fine,” I blurted, not wanting him to go.

  He chuckled. “Liar. Get some sleep. We can talk again when you wake up.”

  “Okay,” I conceded unhappily.

  We hung up and I rested my head against the tall back of my chair. Nikolas was safe and I could talk to him even if I couldn’t see him. That would have to be enough for now.

  “Well, it’s about time you got your lazy butt out of bed.”

  I jerked awake from my nap as Roland strolled out onto the balcony with Peter trailing behind him. The sight of them instantly raised my spirits. “Hey, guys.”

  The boys sat across from me, and their eyes immediately locked on the plate of uneaten pastries and fruit. I pulled the plate out of their reach and shook my head. “Faerie food.”

  Aine appeared in the doorway and laughed at their crestfallen expressions. “Heb says he has never seen anything like a werewolf’s appetite. I will have him prepare a meal for you boys.”

  Roland watched Aine leave. “Why didn’t you ever tell us your faerie friend was so hot?”

  I rolled my eyes. “She’s a sylph. What did you expect?”

  Peter stretched out his legs. “You look pretty good for someone who’s been asleep for a week. Feeling better?”

  “Hundred percent better than the last time I saw you. I’m still a bit tired, but Aine said that’s normal. I can’t believe I slept for a whole week.”

  Roland’s smile faded. “Eldeorin said you were in pretty bad shape and he had to put you to sleep to calm you down.”

  “I was upset because we left you guys there with all those vampires.”

  Peter snorted. “We totally kicked their asses. I don’t think those suckers expected to find a bunch of warriors and two werewolves waiting for them. It didn’t even last five minutes.” He and Roland took turns telling me about the fight I’d missed.

  “Those Mohiri don’t mess around, especially Nikolas,” Roland said. “That man is downright scary in a fight.”

  “How’s he been?”

  Roland made a face. “Imagine a polar bear with a sore tooth. Now imagine sharing a house with one.”

  “Please, get better soon so he’ll stop growling at everyone,” Peter begged, making me laugh.

  I steered the conversation away from Nikolas because I was tired of being weepy. “What about Greg? Did he go home?”

  “He’s staying with his cousin and aunt in Dallas for a week before he heads back to Philly,” Roland said. “He calls every day to check on you.”

  Peter leaned forward in his chair. “Before we left LA, Greg told Nikolas that he’d better take care of you, or else.”

  I could easily picture Greg going toe-to-toe with Nikolas. “What did Nikolas say?”

  “He said Greg didn’t have to worry about you anymore, and then Greg said you would always be his concern. Nikolas wasn’t too happy about that.”

  Uh-oh. “What did he do?”

  “Nothing. Chris got between them and said the plane was ready to go.” Peter smirked at me. “And Roland told Nikolas you’d never forgive him if he hurt Greg.”

  Roland let out a snort. “I said you’d kick his ass.”

  I would have done it too, but Nikolas would not have hurt Greg no matter how annoyed he got. He protected humans; he didn’t harm them.

  “So what has everyone been doing for the last week?”

  Roland grinned. “Hanging out in style. This place is crazy. Do you know they have a movie theater and a game room downstairs?”

  “I must have missed that part of the tour,” I replied dryly. “When did Nate get here? Is Tristan here, too?”

  “They came the day after we did,” Roland told me. “Tristan couldn’t come in to see you, but Nate’s been in here every day. Tristan had to go back to Westhorne, but he said he’d be back when you woke up.”

  There was a knock on the bedroom door and a diminutive person with curly red hair and a goatee arrived bearing a tray laden with food. At least I thought he was a man until I saw the pointed ears and realized he was actually a dwarf. He set the tray on the table and smiled when Roland and Peter dug into the thick burgers. Bowing to me, the dwarf left without saying a word.

  “You gotta try this, Sara,” Roland moaned through a mouthful of food. “Heb makes the best burgers you’ve ever tasted.”

  “Heb?”

  “The dwarf. He does all the cooking here.”

  Peter nodded in agreement. “That faerie food’s not gonna fill you up. Have one of these.”

  I picked at one of the pastries on my plate. I didn’t really have much of an appetite, even for the delicious faerie food. “I’m good.”

  Roland took one of the burgers and laid it on my plate. “Eat,” he ordered.

  “I’m not hungry.”

  “Yes, you are. You’re just moping because you can’t see Nikolas.” He shook his head. “You spent a week running from him, and now you’re upset because you can’t see him for a few days. You really are a normal chick after all.”

  I took a French fry from the tray and lobbed it at him. “Shut up.”

  He ducked and the fry flew over the railing. “Look on the bright side. You get to spend the next few days with Pete and me in this big ass mansion, eating anything you want. Before you know it, you’ll be all better and leading Nikolas on another merry chase across the country.”

  I shook my head. “No more chases.” I was done running.

  Chapter 10

  I rested my head against the cushioned back of the chaise lounge chair and turned my face toward the sun, letting its warmth soak into my skin. The sounds of the birds and the ocean reminded me of home and when I closed my eyes, I could almost pretend I was back in Maine.

  I missed home. But not as much as I missed Nikolas. He and the others had left the estate three days ago so I could move around freely without hurting one of them. They had rented the property next door, but
they might as well have been on the other end of the state. Would they have to stay away until my training was complete? Aine said my control was a lot better now, and I didn’t know if I could bear being separated from them that long.

  “You look much improved today, Cousin.”

  I opened an eye to peer at Eldeorin who had the annoying habit of appearing in front of me instead of walking up like everyone else.

  “I wish you wouldn’t do that.”

  He chuckled and bent down to kiss my forehead. Faeries were an affectionate bunch, and I was still trying to get used to their ways. Over the last three days, I’d spent a lot of time with Eldeorin and Aine, regaining my strength and learning to control my power again. They were patient and kind teachers, and very good at cheering me up whenever I got emotional. That happened a lot after I found out they had sent all the Mohiri away so their demons would not disturb me. I’d been pretty upset until Eldeorin had explained that this was the best way to speed my recovery. After that, I spent hours every day practicing with my power and getting back the control I’d built up over the years.

  “I came to tell you I am leaving for a few days now that you are recovered. I will be back in a week or two to begin your training.”

  “Training?”

  Eldeorin gave me a look of fond exasperation. “If you are determined to live in the human world you must learn to use your power to protect yourself. Aine and I will teach you what you need to know.”

  “Does that mean I have to stay here? For how long?”

  “How long depends on you.” He winked mischievously. “Until then, Cousin.”

  Just like that, he was gone. I grumbled under my breath and closed my eyes again. What kind of training did he have planned for me? I was eager to learn more about my power, but I hated being kept in the dark.

  A yawn escaped me, and I let the ocean lull me into a light sleep. I hadn’t slept well the last three nights, and I found myself napping throughout the day when I wasn’t working with Aine and Eldeorin. What I wouldn’t give for just one good night’s sleep.

  “Sara.”

  “Hmm?” I turned my face toward the voice that sounded so achingly familiar. “Nikolas?” My eyes opened and for a second I thought I was dreaming when I saw him crouched beside my chair. Before he could speak again, I threw myself at him, wrapping my arms tightly around his neck and knocking him backward. He ended up on the grass with me lying on top of him. I raised myself on my elbows and drank in the sight of him. His surprise over my attack passed, and he gave me a lazy smile that made my stomach do flips.

  “Miss me?” he asked in a low, rough voice.

  There were no words to describe what I’d been through the last three days. Emotion choked me until I couldn’t speak, and I did the only thing I could.

  His lips were warm and firm and they parted under mine, our breath mingling as I explored his mouth. The taste, the smell, that could only be Nikolas, invaded my senses, and I trembled as my Mori reacted to him. After a minute, his hands came up to frame my face, and he took possession of my lips with a hunger that made my head spin. Fire raced through my veins as the kiss consumed me.

  He whispered my name and brushed his lips against the corner of my mouth, my nose, my eyelids. I melted under the tender assault. Then he pulled me down so my cheek lay over his heart, and wrapped his arms around me. I tried to get my heart rate and breathing back to normal, and I smiled when I felt his heart racing as well.

  “I’ll take that as a yes,” he said huskily. “I should go away for another week.”

  I lifted my head and scowled at his satisfied expression. Before I could make a retort, someone cleared their throat a few feet away.

  “Maybe I should come back later,” Chris said in a voice laced with laughter.

  Nikolas’s gaze didn’t leave mine. “Good idea.”

  “Where is she?” Jordan called. A few seconds later, she said, “Oh. Well I guess she’s feeling better.”

  “Come along, Jordan. Let’s give these two some time together.”

  “But –”

  “We’ll see you two later,” Chris said and then I heard him lead Jordan away.

  Nikolas’s hand came up to brush away the hair falling around my face. “You look tired.”

  “I haven’t been sleeping well.” I rested my cheek against his chest. “Are you really here?”

  He kissed the top of my head and held me close. “Yes.”

  I closed my eyes, content to lie there wrapped in his arms and breathe in his scent. I didn’t care that we were lying in the middle of the lawn or who saw us. Three days ago, I’d feared I would never be able to touch him again. I wanted to hold onto him as long as I could.

  “Aine said you’ve been working hard to get your control back. Looks like she was right.”

  “She and Eldeorin are so good to me.” I sighed deeply. “Eldeorin said I have to start training next week.”

  “Yes, he told me that.”

  “He didn’t say how long it would take.” I bit my lip. I couldn’t expect Nikolas and the others to hang around here indefinitely, and the thought of being here without them put a damper on my happiness.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.”

  He rolled us until we were lying side by side in the grass. Then he put a finger under my chin and forced me to look at him. “You are a terrible liar. Tell me what’s bothering you.”

  It was hard to think straight when he was so close and looking at me with such tenderness. “I was just wondering how long I’ll have to be here. I know you have responsibilities and I don’t expect...”

  His smile made me forget whatever I was going to say. “I’m not going anywhere. I may have to leave for a day or two sometimes, but I’ll come back.”

  “Oh.”

  “You thought I’d leave you after the chase you led me on?”

  I took a deep breath. “I’m sorry I took off the way I did. I was upset, but I should have talked to you instead of running away.”

  His hand toyed with my hair, sending delicious shivers down my back. “I’m sorry too. I handled the whole thing badly. I saw how upset you were, and I should have known you would run.”

  A smile played around my lips. “You did know. That’s why you had the twins follow me everywhere.”

  “A lot of good it did.” His smile matched mine. “At least Seamus and Niall won’t be making any more wisecracks about how you never would have given them the slip in Maine.”

  “How long did it take you to find them and realize we were gone?”

  “About thirty minutes. Then we spent the next thirty scouring the woods.” He frowned. “How did you two get past all our sentries?”

  “Jordan didn’t tell you?”

  “She said she was going to let you tell that story.” He arched an eyebrow. “Well?”

  I plucked at a blade of grass. “You promise you won’t get angry?”

  “I think we’re beyond that after everything else that’s happened, don’t you?”

  I told him how Jordan and I had left Westhorne, and he stared at me in disbelief. All traces of humor left his face when he heard how we’d changed in the mill and hiked to Derek’s to buy the car. To his credit, he didn’t comment on it, but I could tell he wanted to.

  “Then you drove to Boise to pick up Roland and Peter.” His brow creased. “What was in Salt Lake City? Jordan and the others wouldn’t tell us much about it.”

  “A friend who set me up with a laptop. You traced Roland’s and Peter’s cell phones there?”

  “Yes.”

  “You almost caught us at our hotel and we had to take off.”

  “I know, and I spent the better part of a day searching for you there. Why did you go to Albuquerque?”

  “How did you know we were in Albuquerque?”

  He gave me a smug look. “You aren’t the only one with resources. Although, I have to say yours are impressive to help you get as far as you did with us on your trail
.”

  “Aren’t you full of yourself?”

  He laughed softly. “I do have some experience in this area.”

  “What? Chasing runaways... orphans?” I almost said “girlfriends” but I stopped myself.

  “Among other things.” He gave me an impatient look. “Are you going to tell me why you went to New Mexico?”

  I sighed. “Madeline was there. We were so close, and we just missed her. But we got a good lead that she was headed for LA.” I met his gaze. “Now it’s your turn. How did you know we went there?”

  “Let’s just say that when a vampire as old as Stefan Price is killed, news travels fast. We’ve been hunting him for years, but he’s always managed to evade us.” His eyes darkened. “When we heard a rumor that he was killed by a girl warrior who looked suspiciously like you, we went to Orias’s place to check it out for ourselves.”

  “You know Orias?”

  “Everyone knows Orias. He’s a powerful warlock, but he usually stays under the radar.” Nikolas fixed me with a hard stare. “For some reason he couldn’t mention the names of the warrior and her friends or where they’d gone.”

  I lifted my hand. “Warlocks are a strange breed.”

  He caught my hand. “Tell me the truth. Did you kill Stefan Price by yourself?”

  “Roland and Jordan helped, but I did kill him.”

  “With your power?”

  “That and one of Jordan’s knives.”

  He exhaled deeply. “And then you went to LA, and you met the faerie at Adele’s club.”

  “You know Adele, too?” My jaw clenched at the thought of him anywhere near the gorgeous succubus.

  “Jealous?”

  “No.”

  He lifted my hand to his lips and kissed my fingertips, sending a thrill through me. “Adele is well-known in the Los Angeles underworld, and she has given us helpful information in the past.”

  “I bet she didn’t tell you that she and Madeline are pals, or that Madeline goes to visit her once or twice a year.”

  His eyes widened. “She told you that?”

  It was my turn to be smug. “I told you I was close to finding Madeline.”

  Footsteps alerted us that we were no longer alone. “Um, what are you guys doing down there?”