Rebirth - Book 1 Rogues Shifter Series

by Gayle Parness

  Chapter Thirty-eight

  I sat down to a small bowl of cereal and a cup of coffee, not feeling very hungry, even though I hadn’t eaten since last night’s dinner. Still, it was probably a good idea to put some real food in my stomach. The amount of fae magic I’d ingested made every nerve-ending tingle in a very pleasant way. Plus all my usually acute senses were going into sensory overload.

  A few spoonfuls of cereal and sips of coffee later, I began to have second thoughts. Maybe what I’d done wasn’t so smart after all. It wasn’t drinking the potion that bothered me—I trusted that Liam wouldn’t poison me. It was that I’d just made a binding agreement with a fae. A fae of the royal house. A kick-ass powerful fae.

  I’d signed off on an agreement that could get me killed if I messed up. Holy crap.

  Garrett wasn’t going to be happy. Liam had enticed me with his purple eyes and floating golden hair and his adorable smile. Garrett trusted him with his life and I was growing to like him too, but Liam was dangerous in a way I couldn’t quite grasp. What was his true motivation? I sighed in frustration. I couldn’t take it back now, so I was going to have to trust that Liam truly meant to help me.

  After breakfast I got my mind off of things by calling Carly to see how she was doing, then Sinc to plan a possible lunch date. Still feeling buzzed from Liam’s magic, I decided to go out for a run along the beach. I called Rob and he joined me, his long legs keeping pace fairly well, especially since I couldn’t run full out with humans in the area. We chatted as we ran, and I was happy to hear that many shifters had agreed to help the team if it became necessary.

  After dropping Rob off at his house, I found Garrett sitting at the desk in his study working at his computer. When he saw me, he reached out and pulled me into his lap.

  “Any regrets?” he whispered as he nuzzled my ear.

  I gave him a gentle kiss at the corner of his mouth. “Last night was perfect.”

  “For me too.” He took a sniff and his eyes widened. “I smell fae. Liam?” His eyebrows arched in curiosity.

  I swallowed. “I kind of … have to tell you something. I hope you won’t get upset.” He waited patiently. “You absolutely can’t tell anyone else, okay? Please, you have to promise me.”

  He nodded. “I promise.” He didn’t seem angry, but I hadn’t actually told him anything yet.

  “Today Liam offered to train me in how to use the ley lines. He said I could only tell you, on pain of possible death. The agreement is for three months, six hours a week. He took me down the path out back; only it looked nothing like it does normally. We drank some kind of water that was infused with fae magic.”

  This time I waited. And waited. He was pissed. I knew the signs. “And you didn’t think that I should have shared in a decision that could theoretically cause your death?” His eyes darkened. Not a good sign.

  “Wait a minute!” I said out loud, and then switched back to mind speech. “Who just announced last night that he was fighting a duel to the death with a vicious vampire without consulting me first? I’m trying to be a grownup here. This is to help you and the team. I have a sneaky suspicion that Liam’s class isn’t going to be an easy A.”

  “The fae rarely do anything without getting something in return. What did you promise him?”

  “Nothing, really. He asked for my compliance when he was teaching me and he said our relationship the rest of the time would be the same as always. He wouldn’t force me to do anything…evil…would he?”

  “Liam has been loyal to me for over a century and I trust him completely. He’d never harm you. But the fae are a strange collection of beings. He’ll use you if it suits him.”

  “So I messed up?” I glanced at his face to see if he was still angry. “Again?”

  “No, but be aware. What you see is a handsome young male with perfect manners and a warm smile. But he kills as viciously as any vampire, and he’s more powerful than all the other supes put together. The fae are made of magic. And Liam is an unusual case.”

  “Unusual, in what way?”

  “Until he came to me, Liam had spent fourteen hundred years in Faerie, only venturing out to do battle with supernatural enemies. He’d had absolutely no contact with humans, except for his mother, who may as well be fae at this point, and very little normal contact with other supernatural groups. This is common for his people.

  “Now that he’s spent a century with me, he’s fascinated by other races. He wishes to learn as much as he can about how others live and work and love. Having you here must be like a dream come true for him.”

  “He’s fond of you.”

  Garrett smiled. “Like Rob, he’s a brother to me. Just do me a favor and don’t make any more magical bargains without discussing it with me first.”

  “He wants to help me because he thinks it will help you win.”

  “Oh, so you think you understand his motives after knowing him for ... um, how many days has it been?”

  “I understand more than you think.” I pouted.

  “A terrifying thought,” he teased back. He lifted my wrist to his nose and spoke out loud in his sexiest voice, “Are you going to share?”

  “Share what?” I teased, grinning.

  “The fae magic.” He grazed my wrist with his fangs.

  “What happened to ‘I’ll never drink from you unless you offer it?”

  “I’m asking nicely.” He kissed up my arm, ending at my earlobe, which he nibbled.

  “Very nicely. Unfair tactics.” I pulled my wrist away playfully. “I was on my way to take a shower when you accosted me.”

  He grinned in that boyish way I loved and stood, pulling me up with him. “Accosted you?” His voice lowered an octave. “Would you like to be accosted? That can be arranged.”

  “I’ve created a monster.” I giggled.

  “My desk….” He arched a questioning eyebrow.

  “Wicked male. I need a shower.” I spoke firmly, even though his desk did look inviting.

  “Great idea.” His grin was all mischief and heat.

  His hair was damp. “Didn’t you just take a shower?”

  “I might have missed a spot. You can’t be too clean.” He leaned in and whispered, “If you’re lucky, I might wash your back. I’m very good at it.”

  “I’ll just bet you are.” Without another word, Garrett scooped me up and carried me to his huge shower where we played and loved together. He washed my back and shampooed my hair and in return, I shared the fae blood.

  Later, after a yummy dinner of lasagna that Liam had left for me, we sat in front of the fire wrapped in each other’s arms. I watched the reflection of the flames dancing in his glowing eyes, filled with energy and excitement as he described a funny adventure he’d shared with his cousin Aaron when they were kids. Aaron had been a wild child and the story was a good one.

  As he spoke about his past and the things he enjoyed in his life today, I came to realize in so many ways Garrett was my peer. He was a healthy young guy who liked to listen to music, drive his car fast and surf the net. When he had the time, he’d watch sports on TV, talk with me about the environment or the latest book he was reading. I’d forget for an hour or so what he was. But then, something would happen and he’d grow angry or worried or very, very still. I’d notice he wasn’t breathing, or his eyes were filling up with silver or his skin was like ice. Those moments still shocked me. It didn’t change the way I felt about him, but it kept me on my toes.

  It was midnight when we both became aware of another presence nearby. Garrett was instantly in battle mode, his fangs and eyes sharp. I pulled on the lines, arming myself as well as I could, standing behind him so he’d have room to maneuver.

  “Eleanor,” he sent to me just as someone knocked. “Who is it?” he asked out loud, sounding perfectly calm.

  “It’s Eleanor, dear. You know it’s me. You must let me in.” The last was an order, spoken with the influential magic of a four hundred year old vampire.

&nbs
p; Garrett sent to me, “Don’t allow her over the threshold. If we can keep her out, we’re safe. If not, change and run like the wind. Do NOT argue. I’ve put in a mental call to Liam. He’ll be waiting in the woods to help you escape, if necessary.”

  “I understand.” I was trembling, but still level-headed enough to reinforce my shield.

  Garrett opened the door, prepared to attack if she got past him. Her steely gaze took me in with a hint of amusement.

  “The house is mine.” I was surprised by how steady my voice sounded.

  “Invite me in, dear.” The pull was magnetic, urging me to give in and act the perfect host, at least until she eviscerated me. My shields were wavering. I took a tiny step closer.

  Garrett sent, “It’s a trick, Jackie, she’ll act sweet, then she’ll eat you for dinner.” I pulled in more power and snapped out of her spell.

  “Sweet little cheetah, you want me to come into your home, don’t you?” She spoke again with Influence.

  Only this time—nothing. “Not really, Eleanor.”

  She glared at me then, realizing her glamour had stopped working. “You’re strong and very pretty. Of course Garrett wouldn’t mate with just anyone, not after he’d been with me.”

  “He’s mine now.” I smiled meaningfully, one woman to another, making it clear Garrett was mine in every way. Garrett backed toward me with caution, putting an arm around my waist. I leaned against him and smiled, trying not to look as terrified as I felt.

  He scowled, allowing some fang to emerge. “What do you want, Eleanor?”

  Eleanor’s eyes darkened dangerously. “Come to the villa and bring the cheetah so we can all play together. I won’t make a coat out of her, at least not right away.”

  He fought against her control with all his strength, his hands clenching in anger and his face grim as they battled mind to mind. Pulling in power, I touched his arm and sent him a strong wave of my healing energy. Eleanor’s eyes widened in surprise as his muscles slowly relaxed and he regained his control. He put his hand over mine. “I’m never coming back to you.”

  She was livid. “I’m your maker. Your Mistress.”

  “I will never refer to you as Mistress. You killed my family and tortured me, forcing me to become a monster like you. You don’t deserve my respect.”

  She glowered. “If you don’t come to me, I’ll kill your healer bitch. I’ll make her death last a long time. She’ll scream and bleed and beg and I’ll enjoy every second. And when I’m bored, I’ll give her to Lily or perhaps Antoine. Lily has such a wonderful imagination, doesn’t she? Antoine would be more brutal.”

  Her gaze grew feral, making it crystal clear the pain and suffering of others fed her dark spirit just as the blood taken from innocents fed her body. She was completely turned on by her violent vision of my painful death. I found her repulsive and pathetic and I lost my fear and grew angrier, thinking about all the innocents she’d murdered. “I’m not afraid of you.”

  “Then you’re very foolish, child.”

  Garrett took a step forward and spoke to her with a clear voice. “Eleanor Howard, my—Maker.” He couldn’t conceal the disgust he felt when he used the title. “I challenge you to a duel to the death on Solo Island one week from tonight at midnight.”

  A slow, evil smile spread across her face as she realized his mistake. “I eagerly accept your challenge, foolish Garrett, but who is your second?” Her voice dripped with menace.

  Garrett hesitated, then said, “Robert….”

  “Robert is not here, and according to our laws, your second must be here when the challenge is made. Antoine will be my second.” The bald vamp I’d seen with Lily appeared next to her. He smiled at me with the same disturbing hunger I’d witnessed before and I couldn’t stop myself from shivering.

  “Shit!” Garret was furious with himself. He’d made a serious tactical error and was probably thinking he’d blown the whole deal.

  “I’m his second.” I was livid and in no mood to put up with anymore of her crap. Eleanor’s smile was triumphant.

  I felt Garrett tense and turn to face me, holding my arms tightly enough to bruise. “You are NOT my fucking second. Antoine will challenge you and he’s as powerful as I am. You are not putting your life on the line because I made a stupid mistake.”

  He was frightened for me and honestly, so was I, but I narrowed my eyes and made him listen. “I can take him. He can’t use the lines like a cheetah and he can’t shift form. He’s a powerful vampire, I’m sure, but I’m much more than a vampire. I’m a cheetah shifter, a magical warrior. Most importantly I’m your mate, which makes me stronger still. I have a week to get ready. Maya will train me and I’ll have twelve hours with Liam under my belt. I trusted you when you decided to challenge her, so trust me. I can do this.” I hid every ounce of terror tightly behind my wall so all he would feel was my confidence.

  Eleanor asked, “Is the precious little cheetah your second? If not, then the challenge is null and you’ll not get another opportunity.” She was leaning against Antoine, tracing one of his tattoos with her sharp nails, leaving behind a trail of blood. He’d snaked his arm around her waist, pulling her closer, obviously enjoying Eleanor’s creepy attentions.

  Garrett was stuck. Many would die if he didn’t go through with the duel. If he did, I might die, and he couldn’t bear that. But I might die either way. “Tell her I’m your second,” I urged, hoping he’d say it before I lost my courage.

  I watched his fists clench and his jaw tighten as he warred within himself. Finally he made a decision. “Yes.” He took in a deep breath. “YesJacqueline Crawford is my second.”

  “Antoine, now.” Eleanor turned to watch my reaction as Antoine said in a husky, accented voice, “Jacqueline Crawford, I challenge you to a duel to the death which will take place immediately before the duel of Eleanor and Garrett one week from today.” His voice was deep and gravelly, his sharp fangs still glistening from his recent feeding.

  I wouldn’t let them see my fear. “I accept your challenge, Antoine. Bring it on.” He glared and hissed, looking quite ferocious with his arm muscles bunching up and his fangs poking out. Beside me, Garrett blew out a frustrated sigh at my bravado. He obviously thought I should be taking this much more seriously. Oh yeah, I was scared shitless, but I also felt a tinge of joy, glad I’d be more than just a bystander on the day my mate destroyed his enemy.

  “Next Saturday at midnight, Garrett, I will rip out your throat. But first Antoine will drain and torture your juicy little cheetah while you watch. Until then, my dear, au revoir.” They disappeared, leaving behind the scent of rotten blood, their laughter dying in the distance.

  I closed the front door and turned back toward the room. Garrett had lowered himself onto the couch and was staring into the fire, his eyes flat, his skin looking even paler than normal. His hands were trembling slightly from pent up tension, so I crouched down next to him and held them in mine. They were so cold.

  His mental standoff with Eleanor must have wiped out any benefit he’d gained from our activities earlier in the evening. “Feed. You’ll be able to think more clearly.” I was trying to be practical, but he kept staring straight ahead, not really hearing me. I tried to reach into his mind but his walls were up and he wouldn’t let me in. I was getting worried.

  “Garrett, you need to feed now.” I shook him but he still wasn’t responding.

  Crap! I crawled into his lap, took a breath and forced healing energy into him. “I’m going to be really pissed off, if you don’t start taking my magic. I don’t like cuddling with an iceberg.” His expression changed as he started to pull in energy. I snuggled into his chest and closed my eyes allowing the floating sensation to take over my body, hoping this would be enough to bring him back to himself.

  A few moments later, he stroked my hair. “I’m so sorry, my love. I’ve made an enormous mistake and now you’re in terrible danger. I tried to protect you by challenging her and now you’re—”

&nbs
p; “Glad I have a chance to help you. To help everyone. I want to do this.”

  “Jacqueline....”

  “Stop beating yourself up. Liam and Maya will teach me everything I need to know to take down this asshole.” He looked skeptical. Couldn’t really blame him. “Have a little faith. I’m gonna channel Buffy.”

  When Garrett started to laugh, I joined him. “Does that make me Angel?” he asked.

  “Depends on the season.” I tried unsuccessfully to suppress the yawn. He picked me up effortlessly and took me to my bed where we cuddled and allowed our fear for each other to drift away with each sweet kiss. I fell asleep in his strong, loving arms, my favorite place in the whole world.