Taste

by Claire Farrell

  “We thank you for the invitation,” one of the figures said in a female voice.

  “I am aware of your struggles,” Fionnuala said, snapping her fingers.

  Bowls of soup were placed in front of each of us. I made a face at mine, as distrustful as usual.

  “Eat,” Phoenix murmured. “There’s nothing wrong with it.”

  I gazed at him, but he refused to catch my eye. Annoying fae.

  “We have struggled,” the original speaker agreed. “We were taken unawares. Of course, you had prior warning. We only had hearsay and half-truths. My kind weren’t in attendance when the BVA pulled off the massacre on our ruling bodies. The chaos that ensued, coupled with the monsters they unleashed, made it a struggle to maintain communication, never mind organise a decent effort against the vampires. Others have joined their side. It’s impossible to know who to trust.”

  “This is a problem for us also. We were fortunate enough to put together a plan of attack quickly. I have watched footage of the violence that occurred last night. It was heart-warming to watch our noble servants fight to protect us.”

  Gabe squeezed my leg. “Don’t. Even.”

  I wanted to scream. Were we all just her walking, talking slaves to be used however she decided?

  Phoenix caught my eye and shook his head very slightly. I got the message. It wasn’t the time. The fact that he tried to help me gave me hope that he would still help Esther, that there was still a chance of him coming to terms with his memory loss.

  “Indeed,” the person was saying. “And we hear you have a secret weapon. We would like to use such a weapon to free ourselves of the problems Winston has brought. There are still many fae over there, desperately trying to win their freedom. There have been… games.” The visitors all shook their heads in disgust. “Fights to the death purely for the vampires’ amusement. I feel tainted just thinking about it.”

  Fionnuala looked at me at the word, “tainted,” and a weird gleam grew in her eyes. “Of course we will share our weapon with you. In fact, my son will travel with you, along with a team of our best Guardians. He is the only one who can wield the weapon, but perhaps his assistant will join in to spread the effort across the country.”

  Everyone turned to me.

  “Are you freaking kidding me?” I blurted. “That’s why I’m here? To be farmed out again?”

  Gabe whispered something to me in frantic, hushed tones, but I was too worked up to listen.

  “I am nobody’s assistant. I’m nobody’s property. No, I will not go to England to sort out somebody else’s mess. I’m not doing anything on the Council’s business again. And neither should he. What kind of sick fuck are you, Fionnuala? First you take his memory, and now you’re sending him off to be killed? You’re wrong in the head.”

  I threw down my napkin and stood. “This is it for me and the so-called Council. Don’t bother me again. If you send anything after me or my people, I will kill it. Again. Try me. I’m in the mood.” As I passed Fionnuala, I leaned over her, holding my dagger out to Aiden and Coyle with a threat burning in my eyes, daring them to come closer. “Enjoy it while it lasts,” I whispered to her.

  High on nerves, I shoved her crappy guards out of my way and hurried outside. I found my driver sneaking a drink with the other drivers. He swallowed in a hurry when he saw me, choking out a hurried cough.

  “Just hurry up,” I said and strode to the car without looking back. I heard footsteps behind me and whirled around with my dagger drawn.

  “Put the dagger away,” Phoenix said. “Never threaten me in view of anyone who works for the Council unless you’re as stupid as you look.” He laid his hands against the car, blocking me as if he threatened me, but his voice was too soft. I knew what murder looked like in his eyes. He wasn’t against me. Not yet. “You made an enemy of my mother back there. That wasn’t clever.”

  “She was already my enemy. Are you seriously going to do her bidding?”

  “I’m going to do whatever I have to. Don’t worry. Your friend is fine. I’ll have her back to you as soon as I take care of this business.”

  “Are you going to meet your children, too?”

  He frowned. “I honestly don’t know whether you’re deluded or a troublemaker. But I would remember if I had children.”

  “Then you shouldn’t be afraid to meet them,” I said. “If it’ll prove you right.”

  He smiled, reminding me of Lorcan once again. “You’re a determined little thing, aren’t you? Perhaps when I return, but you should know, you will never be safe as long as she’s angry with you. You should apologise, for your own sake.”

  “She was trying to send me with you to have an accident. Seriously, Phoenix, do you not know your own mother? Except you do, don’t you? That’s why you stuck close to me on the battlefield. So nobody would dare take a shot at me without risking hurting you.” A tic in his jaw convinced me I was on the right track. “Look at the money she has. Where does it come from? Because she’s way richer than anyone else I’ve met. And that makes me think a lot of things.”

  His eyes narrowed. “We’ve lived a long time. We’ve made deals and accumulated wealth.”

  “She took your children from your wife, Phoenix. It’s you. It has to be you. You look exactly like him. And Folsom… Folsom named the sanctuary after you. The rebels and their hiding place are named for you. He was killed, and I’m starting to think your mother ordered his death. The place lost its safety because it has no ownership. The people who hid there are victims. They’re there because they’re terrified of beings like your mother. She won’t let the children from the slave markets go. Go see those children, the ones she wanted to fight for her instead of the werewolves. You have to—”

  “I’m going to England,” he said. “The people need to rid themselves of the beasts. The vampires never do well with power. They’ve proven it time and time again. They’re too greedy, too self-indulgent. If I do anything right with my life, this will be it.”

  I shook my head. “You could die, and my friends will have never met their father.”

  “So you say.” His stance turned threatening, and he gripped me by the throat. “They’re watching. You should leave now.” He sniffed the air delicately. “You’re bleeding.”

  He strode back to the house. On the way, he said something to my driver that had the man scurrying to the car. I stood there, panting and pressing my hand against my side, until the driver cleared his throat.

  I got into the car and was driven home in silence, but all I could think about was Fionnuala and the hold she had over everyone. I didn’t know anything for certain, but something in my gut said my theory made the most sense. That she had to be the one to watch.

  I had to kill her before she got to me first.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  As Fionnuala had predicted, the last few random beasts were picked off by patrols, both supernatural and human. There was no desperate need for me, so I went to bed early, worn out by the meeting at Fionnuala’s home. I ignored the throbbing pain in my side in favour of sleep.

  The following morning, Esther returned, earlier than promised. She hobbled out of a car on crutches, grinning as everyone piled out of the cottages to greet her. The car drove off rapidly, but I didn’t recognise the driver.

  I hugged her as tight as I could without injuring her. Or me, for that matter. “They let you go?”

  “Not exactly,” she said grimly. “Look, people. I need to sit down before I fall on my arse. Out of the way.”

  Laughing, everyone backed up and let her get inside my house. She collapsed on the sofa with a groan. “Oh, it’s nice to be back,” she said.

  “What happened?” Carl asked.

  The remaining rebels had a knack of gathering together in small spaces, and that day was no different. Nearly everyone in the cul-de-sac gathered in the hallway, living room, and kitchen of my home to hear what happened to Esther.

  “I woke up in my old house. Coyle was keeping
guard by the door. I wanted to leave, but he wouldn’t let me. He said it was dangerous out there. I was still a little out of it on painkillers. Aiden came in and gave me a big sob story, tried to tell me how dangerous you lot are and how I’ve been wasting opportunities.”

  She shook her head. “I was so tired and sore that I couldn’t even have an actual conversation with him. Anyway, last night and early this morning, there was a different guard keeping me there. Someone I don’t know.”

  “Both Aiden and Coyle were with Fionnuala last night,” I said. “Something must have been going on this morning, too.”

  “I woke up to a bang. The door swung open, and the guard was pulled through, and then I thought Lorcan came in, but it wasn’t… wasn’t him.” She looked confused for a few seconds. “He carried me out to a car, and he gave me a cup of something. It cleared my head, and I remembered him from the battle. He asked me if I needed medical attention and if there was anywhere I wanted to go. I said here, and he told me that was the right answer.”

  “I made a deal with Fionnuala’s son,” I said. “He promised he would get you back here because Gabe wasn’t allowed to see you, and I was worried. I mean, you’re free to leave here, Esther, but we had to know you had a choice. We didn’t know where you were, or if you were okay, or—”

  “No, I’m glad,” she said. “I felt drugged, and Aiden wouldn’t answer any of my questions. He kept saying there’s a reason for everything, and the problems were coming from you, Ava.” She smiled wryly. “No offence.”

  “None taken. So are you okay? Better?”

  “I don’t know. I feel like crap, but I haven’t been able to shift either.”

  “They didn’t let you shift to heal quicker?”

  She shook her head slowly. “No. If I could do that now, it would be great.”

  “You’ll have more space in the back garden,” I said. “Everyone else out front. No peeking.”

  Some of her admirers booed me. Esther was probably the most popular person in the cul-de-sac.

  While Esther’s change into bear form helped her heal a little, I called Eddie.

  “Esther’s back.”

  He laughed. “Is that what all the commotion is about? How did you steal her?”

  “I didn’t. She just turned up here.”

  “Really? How interesting. And do you feel better after your tantrum last night?”

  “Yes, actually. Now we all know where we stand, right?”

  “Good,” he said. “Because we need to get busy.”

  “What do you mean?” My stomach turned at his enthusiasm.

  “We still have a Council to take over. This is the perfect time, while they’re distracted with the problems across the water.”

  “Um, I don’t think—”

  “Well, I know. Some of the Guardians, including Aiden and Coyle, are heading with Fionnuala and Phoenix to deal with the BVA.”

  “Hold on a second. Fionnuala is going?”

  “Yes, didn’t you know? She’s our toughest opponent. With her out of the way, we could—”

  “She’s out there gathering support, allying herself with the British. How did I not see that before? And what have we done? We’re not ready. Not even close.”

  His voice went cold. “Ava. We can’t wait around. We have support. The sooner we gain control and take those children, the better.”

  A chill ran down my spine at the memory of his intentions. Dealing with him had been a mistake.

  “Whether you want it or not, the true war is coming,” he said. “It won’t be an open battle either. We’re smarter than the BVA. But now is the perfect time. No werewolves, no ruling fae interfering. There will never be a more perfect time than this.”

  “Esther and I are still healing up,” I protested. “We need more on our side.”

  “So we rally some support. You made a good show on the camera, Ava. That will go a long way toward our cause. Our time is coming. Be ready.” He hung up.

  I felt sick. He was hungry for power. I wasn’t ready. All I had were a group of rebels and defenceless people. I had people who needed protection. How many of them were ready for a war? And my heart was gone. I didn’t have much left to give.

  Esther felt better after she shifted into bear form to help the healing process. She wasn’t completely back to normal, but she relied on the crutches a lot less. We tried to update her on what had been going on and what we knew until I received a text message from Gabe.

  Angry fae coming your way. Watch out.

  “Lorcan, Lucia, keep inside. It could be Fionnuala, and I don’t want her to see either of you.”

  “I’m sick of hiding,” Lorcan said, but I pleaded with him with my eyes until he rolled his and agreed to stay indoors.

  “No matter what happens,” I persisted. I knew he was mad at me, but I had to ensure the twins’ safety. I hadn’t gone through all the trouble of freeing them from the English vampires only to send them straight into slavery with the Irish fae.

  I stood guard at the entrance to the cul-de-sac, accompanied by Esther and Val. But every couple of minutes, I heard footsteps, and when I looked around, someone else had come to stand with us.

  “I might cry,” I whispered to Esther.

  She made a weird bear sound that might have been a laugh.

  A lone car drove down the road after half an hour of us standing around like statues. Just one car gave me hope. If Fionnuala wanted me dead, she would probably bring more people with her. The car’s windows were tinted, so I couldn’t see who was inside until the driver’s door opened. My driver from the night before threw a scornful glare my way as he got out and opened the passenger door.

  Phoenix stepped out to gasps and mutters of disbelief from the people behind me. He seemed a little startled by the reception, but he strode over to me, barely giving the bear and hellhound a passing glance. “You were expecting me?”

  “Heard a rumour a pissed-off fae was on the way.”

  “Ah. The angel. We had a chat, and he told me what you’re doing here.”

  “He did what?”

  “Oh, relax. I didn’t give him much of a choice. Besides, I doubt he revealed all of your secrets. So these people here, these are the ones you’re protecting?”

  I nodded. “But as you can see, we’re kind of a team.” I turned back to give the gang pointed looks. “Whether I like it or not.”

  “I’m going to England today,” he said, staring at everyone as if soaking up every detail.

  I grew uncomfortable. “Good luck.”

  “I’ll likely need it. You’ve gotten under my skin, little tainted child. The things you’ve told me won’t get out of my head. I’ve decided to learn for myself. I’ve been in the dark for far too long, and I’ve already discovered some disturbing truths.” He glanced around anxiously. “So where are these children you claim are mine?”

  “They’re not children anymore,” I said. “And I’m making them hide in case your mother tries to enslave them again.”

  His expression softened. “You care for them. That’s what’s wrong with you. Blinded by feelings. Let’s get this over with. Let me see them and settle this once and for all.”

  “Carl, can you bring out the twins?” I said without taking my eyes from Phoenix. “And Phoenix, don’t freak out. It’s going to be strange.”

  He stood there, his waist-length hair glimmering in the sun. He watched Carl walk to Anka’s home. Anxious murmurs roamed through the crowd of people.

  “I brought food,” Phoenix said abruptly. “Driver, unpack the car.”

  I gazed at him quizzically, and he shrugged. “The angel told me taking care of so many people can be expensive. I cleared out my mother’s kitchen. Giving back to the community.”

  “Even a rebel one,” I said with a smile. He hadn’t changed, not really. What was under the surface still remained.

  His head jerked a little, and his mouth opened, fear and confusion in his eyes. I didn’t have to look around to k
now he had seen the twins, but I turned anyway. They walked toward us slowly, holding hands, their eyes focused on the man who might be their father, the man who didn’t remember them.

  “What is this?” Phoenix muttered, rubbing his chest. “A trick? Magic?”

  “Come on,” I scoffed. “You see him.”

  “I see… I don’t know what I see. An impossibility.” He took a step before freezing. “They’re not fae?”

  “Their mother was human,” I told him.

  “This can’t be,” he said, striding straight for Lorcan. He gripped Lorcan’s cheeks as if searching for something. “This can’t be,” he repeated.

  “Lorcan, show him the sword,” I said.

  Lorcan obliged, and the blade lit up with green script.

  Phoenix looked as if he might vomit. “How can this…? How is it…? This has to be a trick!”

  He gripped Lorcan by the scruff of the neck, shook him once, then let go. He gripped Lucia’s throat, a little roughly I thought, but she calmly lifted her hands and laid her palms against either side of his head. Her fingers trembled, but she didn’t let go, even when he tried to jerk away. Lorcan held him still, and a hush grew over the place.

  I walked over, ready in case Phoenix struck out, but he didn’t. He sagged under Lucia’s touch, deflating. On his face was stark pain for all to see. Lucia’s eyes moved rapidly, and I wondered what she was showing him. When she let go, she collapsed, but Val was there to catch her.

  Phoenix sank to the ground, holding his head as if injured.

  “What did she do?” I asked.

  Lorcan shook his head. “When we touched him, we could… we could feel the blank spaces in his head. She pushed forward our memories of him. I didn’t know that was possible. It’s so strange, Ava. We were linked together, all three of us. That doesn’t happen. Not like that.”

  Phoenix turned and vomited, and we all took a step back.

  “Help me get him inside,” I told Lorcan. “And somebody help that lazy git carry in whatever Phoenix brought for us.”