Rebirth - Book 1 Rogues Shifter Series

by Gayle Parness

  Chapter Forty-one

  I woke in the afternoon around one. Samson was sprawled across the foot of my queen-sized bed taking up a whole lot of room. I scratched him behind the ears and he wagged his little stubby tail, perhaps trying to make the best of being handed over to people he hardly knew. I could so relate to that. “Good boy. We’ll all miss her, but we’ll take very good care of you. I promise.”

  I jumped in the shower, dressed in jeans and a tank top, and went out to see what Liam was up to. He was working in Garrett’s office. I plopped myself down in a nearby armchair.

  He smiled. “Good afternoon, Miss Jacqueline. I am very sorry to hear the news about your good friend, Carly. She is gone long before her time. Terribly young.”

  What was it like to be so old that two hundred and thirty-three is considered terribly young to die? “Thanks Liam,” I answered. “I’m still in shock.”

  “Miss Jacqueline, you must train today.”

  “Yes, of course, Sensei.” The corners of his mouth twitched at my feeble attempt at a joke.

  “There’s food on the stove. Please eat something. We have much to do.”

  After dishing out the homemade chicken soup Liam had prepared, I sat at the kitchen table. Samson trotted into the kitchen and lay down at my feet, looking at me with those large, sad eyes. I petted his head.

  “Do you need anything, Samson? Do you want to go outside? He wagged his little stubby tail. Before I could open the sliding glass door to the patio, Liam was there, crouching by the dog and speaking to him in his musical language. Samson seemed enthralled, then barked a few times as if they were carrying on a conversation. After a few minutes, Liam walked back inside. To my horror, Samson had run off into the woods.

  “What did you say to him?” I asked, a little unsure of what I’d just witnessed. “Should he be in the woods? What if he can’t find his way back?”

  “He knows what is off limits and what is permitted when he is in the backyard or the nearby woods. I’ve already explained the house rules to him. He’s quite intelligent and will have no trouble finding the house again. He wishes to protect you above all others now Carly is gone. The beast has fae blood.”

  “Fae blood? I thought your people weren’t shifters.”

  The look he gave me could have frozen the fountain. “The fae breed dogs just like humans do. They’re used primarily to hunt our enemies. Their blood is infused with some of the magic of the lines. Samson is a descendant of one of those dogs.”

  Not much surprised me anymore. “Did you feed him?” His food bowl was empty.

  “Yes, I made my own recipe. Much better than the store brand. The dry food will do for now.” I managed to hold in a giggle and sat down again to finish my soup. The phone rang just as I swallowed the last bite. It was Sinc.

  “How are you, Jackie? I’ve been thinking about Carly all day. She was always so sweet to Kyle and me. I hear you guys have taken Samson in.”

  “Yes. Liam is training him. It’s a riot.”

  “Jackie, I just wanted to say … well, we missed our shopping date but I still want to go sometime soon.”

  This was her way of saying she knew I’d still be around after tonight’s duel. “Sure. Maybe next week. I’m kinda busy tonight.” My feeble joke died when we both heard the anxiety in my voice.

  “You’ll blow him away.” I didn’t know what to say, so she continued. “Look, I know we started off a little rocky, totally my fault, but I’m glad you’re part of the team.”

  “Me too. Thanks.”

  Liam supervised my normal routine. I stretched my body to warm up my muscles, drawing in and focusing the line magic, then using it in various ways. He wouldn’t let me overexert myself, because the fight was tonight, but he insisted that I do everything he’d taught me at least twice. He also had me go over what I’d learned from Maya. We finished by discussing various attack scenarios and how best to handle them.

  At the end of my final lesson, Liam stood and held out his hand to me. Since he rarely touched me I felt this was a great courtesy, so I took his hand and stood facing him. He looked so lovely, almost feminine, yet cloaked in a wild masculine strength. Magic surrounded Liam, permeating his aura with a golden fire. His hair floated around his head and his violet gaze pierced my green with shafts of tingling energy. My body trembled from the power flowing between us and I thought I could actually see the currents of the lines coursing through him the same way my blood flowed through my veins.

  We were exactly the same height, so when he leaned in to kiss me, I only had to tilt my head a little and our lips were touching.

  Suddenly, I became the magic too. Although my body remained standing in the kitchen, my spirit traveled inside lines of crackling force, my ghostly heart beating to the pulse of the power that enveloped us. I became one with the energy of life and death, because here time and place were meaningless. Liam’s calm presence guided me over currents and through eddies of magic, limitless in scope as all boundaries fell away and I became everyone and everything and no one and nothing. My self was left behind and I was free.

  Slowly, although it could have been centuries or a millisecond, I became aware again of his soft lips touching mine. He stepped back and smiled before I could speak. “Jacqueline, Antoine used violence to kill and drain Carly. Through blood magic, he has gained in strength. To counter him, I have given you a touch of fae magic, life magic, infusing it into every cell of your body. I offer this to you willingly, as a friend. Trust your instincts, remember your lessons, and yes, you may share with Garrett.”

  He smiled more broadly and said out loud. “I will be there watching.” He stroked my hair once, then turned away and walked out the patio door, disappearing completely before he’d reached the edge of the woods.

  Our kiss had been chaste, just lips touching, one of his hands holding mine, and no more. Yet I was amazed by the intimacy and the generosity of the gesture. Awed, I took a moment to breathe calmly and find my center. When I became aware of another presence, I looked to my right. Garrett was standing in the archway that led into the hall, leaning against the wall, a warm smile on his face.

  “I think Liam has a crush on you.” He laughed out loud, not exactly the reaction I expected.

  “He gave me some of his magic for tonight.”

  Garrett took in a long breath. “I smell it all over you. You’re a delicious morsel.” He pulled me close to him and kissed me deeply, pricking my tongue with a fang and sucking in the fae magic and Liam’s spell.

  When he pulled away, a silver whirlpool spun in his eyes. He forced himself to back up a few feet to lean against the wall. I rested against the opposite wall breathing heavily, and we watched each other across the narrow hallway.

  “Are you jealous he kissed me?” I wanted him to be.

  “Yes, a little. But I’m also very turned on.” His eyes ran over my body, heating me up in all the right places. “Unfortunately we have to restrain ourselves. If we show up totally depleted, it would be a grave misuse of the extraordinary gift he gave us.”

  “It was strange, because I’m not attracted to Liam. But when I was looking into his eyes and his hair was doing the spooky thing…” I wiggled my hands in the air, “…and he leaned in to kiss me, I leaned in too. I wanted the magic, not really him. And it wasn’t like he glamoured me. It was completely my choice.”

  “Faerie mojo is powerful stuff.” Garrett ran a hand through his hair—what I’d come to know as one of his nervous gestures. “Some people get addicted to it like a drug. And actually, he did glamour you. The fae are like that. If they feel it’s justified, they just go ahead and do whatever they think is right. In this case, he did it to save your life, so I can’t be angry with him.”

  “The fae must have lots and lots of babies.” I laughed.

  “They have lots and lots of sex, but very few babies. They have trouble conceiving, which is why they mate with humans or shifters once in a while, like with Liam’s mother and father. The
fact he’s half human hasn’t affected the extraordinary powers he’s inherited from his father.” His eyes narrowed in thought. “Perhaps his attraction to you has something to do with you being a healer.”

  “You know you have nothing to worry about don’t you? I know you vamps get all territorial, but Liam didn’t mean anything. He was trying to help us.”

  “Believe me I know exactly what Liam was doing and so does he.” His expression turned serious and I could feel his uncertainty. “I’ll never take you for granted. There are other men, like Liam, who would be good mates and wouldn’t put your life in danger. I’ll always have something to worry about.”

  I think my jaw dropped six inches. “And what? Do you really think I’m going to run off with someone else? Someone safer?” I was across the hallway in two steps. “Stop it, Garrett!” I grabbed his hands and squeezed them. “Please stop telling me you’re not good enough for me. I don’t want to hear it anymore. And don’t insult me by imagining I’m using you while I wait for someone better to show up. There will never be anyone else. You are my heart and my soul. If my life is in danger, it’s Eleanor’s fault, not yours. I know the risks, but I’ve chosen to live my life with you. You say you can smell the truth? Well use your nose.”

  I took a step back and let go of his hands, suddenly realizing what I’d been doing. Green waves of energy were flowing from my body into his; trying to make him believe once and for all that I wanted with all my heart to be his lifemate. His aura was blazing a vibrant blue, his eyes wide with surprise.

  Angry with myself, I backed away and ran through the patio doors and into the yard. The sun was setting and a pinkish glow was reflected on the marble fountain, drawing me there. I sat on the scrolled iron bench and listened to the water, breathing deeply to try and calm myself.

  I was ashamed I hadn’t been in control of my healing energy. This was exactly what Liam had warned me about. I didn’t have the right to force my power into him, no matter how frustrated I was with his unfounded insecurities.

  When I looked up, Garrett was standing in front of me, his eyes still dotted with silver. I spoke softly, but his hearing was sharp. “Maybe I’m the one who’s not good for you. The healer in me takes over and tries to fix things. I think it was even stronger because of Liam’s magic. I don’t even know I’m doing it. I’m sorry.”

  He sank to his knees in front of me and wrapped his arms around my hips, laying his head in my lap. I hugged him and buried my face in his silken hair, wishing I could make my broken angel see he deserved to be happy. But instead of the pain I’d felt rolling off him a minute ago, his aura was bathed in joy.

  “I believe you,” he whispered so softly I could barely hear him. He lifted his head. “I believe you, Jackie.” He spoke a little louder this time, cradling my face in his hands, so he could look into my eyes. “You’ve chosen me, as I’ve chosen you.” His smile lit up his face and my heart.

  I laughed. “You’re pretty dense for a two-hundred-year-old guy.” He laughed and kissed me playfully, gently biting my nose like his cheetah had all those days ago. “I’m your mate for all time, Garrett. Nothing can ever change how I feel.” As I spoke, I jabbed my finger into his chest for emphasis. He covered my hand with his and held it there securely.

  “Apparently I’ve done something in my life to deserve you, although what it was I can’t imagine.” He kissed me with passion, pulling me off the bench and onto my knees in front of him.

  With a sigh, I leaned my forehead against his, then jerked away, a sudden epiphany slapping me upside the head. “Is Francois around? Can he come now?”

  “I’ll call him, but only if you’re absolutely certain.”

  I laughed and nodded.” Yes, I’m sure, just call him.”

  He pulled me to my feet, making the call that would alter our lives for all time. Fifteen minutes later a tall, extremely handsome vampire was at the door smiling at me. He took my hand in his and kissed it seductively. “It is a great pleasure to meet you, Jacqueline.” He spoke with a sexy French accent, mischievously doing his best to work his glamour on me. Garrett had warned me Francois was an incorrigible flirt, but also he’d never step over the line with anyone who wasn’t interested. I had a sneaky suspicion he was testing me, checking to see if I was worthy to mate with one of his line.

  “Please come inside, Francois.” He moved with perfect grace into the living room, turning to look back at us both. Appearing to be in his late twenties, he had that same charismatic seductive power Eleanor and Garrett possessed, and it didn’t hurt that he was absolutely gorgeous, with dark blonde wavy hair, crystalline blue-gray eyes and the kind of broad shoulders women probably loved to wrap their arms around.

  Garrett explained what we wanted and Francois burst out in laughter, his sparkling eyes glittering with excitement. “Eleanor will be enraged when she sees your mark. This is a perfect revenge. She’s always wanted you for herself, exclusively, but you’ve made it obvious from the beginning that you loathed her. Magnifique!”

  His expression turned serious as he sat gracefully in one of the armchairs, speaking in a voice tinged with the authority born of living over seven hundred years. “Stand before me please.” Garrett took my hand, stilling my trembling as we faced Francois together. This ancient master vampire held our future in his hands.

  He smiled at me with real warmth. “Of course I approve your choice in mate, Garrett. You are exquisite, Mademoiselle, and I can sense the depth of your power. It is quite unique.” I was able to feel him playfully nudge at my wall and I must have looked a little surprised before I remembered that Eleanor could use the line magic, too. “I am her maker, much to my chagrin. Older vampires are able to use the lines, but a well-trained cheetah can be a fearsome opponent. I prefer to defeat my enemies with my wits. I find it much more gratifying and less messy.”

  Garrett bowed slightly. “Thank you, Grandsire, for coming to help us with such short notice. You’ve always supported my efforts to distance myself from Eleanor. I know there have been times when your interventions have saved my life.”

  “You may repay my efforts by wiping the earth clean of that depraved bitch. I turned her at a vulnerable time. I take full responsibility for spoiling her in the beginning. She was so lovely, but her beauty turned sour as her true personality surfaced. I regret the havoc she’s caused here in your lovely country.”

  His apologetic expression disappeared as he got back down to business. “Have you chosen a shape for your mark?” We handed him a sketch. He nodded his approval and produced a six-inch blade covered in beautiful etchings, spinning it around in his hand like an experienced wielder. He must have seen my expression because he shrugged and said, “One’s survival depends on the ability to defend oneself in all circumstances. Tell Garrett to train you to use a blade. You may be surprised how useful the knowledge will be.” He smiled at me. “So who will go first?”

  It wasn’t the most pleasant experience, but Francois was careful with his blade and his magic and I only cringed a little when he threw salt on the wound to prevent it from healing and disappearing as most scars do on a vampire and a shifter. Garrett had held my hand and smiled at me the whole time, kissing me when Francois was finished.

  Then it was his turn, and after only a few minutes we were marked and sealed together forever. The final part of the ritual made me anxious because I wasn’t too keen on Francois drinking my blood.

  He must have seen my worried expression. “I will not take your blood, because you have a battle tonight that will require all your strength and resources, although I can smell the fae magic and it is quite tempting. You need to prepare for the duels, so I will leave you for now, but I will be on the island later and will help in any way I can.” He kissed my forehead and patted Garrett’s shoulder.

  Feeling overwhelmed by his generosity, I hugged him. “Thank you Francois. You’re always welcome here in our home.” He looked a little surprised at first, but then laughed at my audacity.


  “Not many shifters would have the courage to embrace a seven-hundred-year-old vampire, especially a shifter who smells as delicious as you do.”

  My face flamed with heat, but he lifted my chin gently with his fingertips and smiled. “Trés charmante et trés courageuse. Bonsoir, Madame Cuvier, et merci.” Francois walked to the door and turned back toward us. “You should share a bit of energy. It will add magic to the mark.” He left in a blur, leaving behind the sweet smell of vampire along with a touch of fine wine.

  I sighed and Garrett laughed at me. “He’s….” I began, having trouble finding the right words.

  “Yes, he is. Are you all right, my love?”

  I looked at the mark on the top of my wrist, a place visible to everyone, and smiled, beckoning him to come closer. “I’m great, but I think we should follow his advice, don’t you, Monsieur Cuvier?”

  He grinned deliciously. “Oui, Madame Cuvier, I do, but just a taste.”

  “Just a taste,” I agreed. He kissed me oh so perfectly, drawing a drop of blood from my lips and also his, and for a wonderful moment we shared our life force as we’d pledged to share our lives. As we looped magic between us, we watched the shapes carved into our wrists take on color: mine emerald and Garrett’s sapphire.

  “I feel like I can beat five Eleanors right now.”

  He smiled his sexiest, most evil smile. “Eleanor is mine, my lovely cheetah, mais Antoine est le tien.” I didn’t need to ask him to explain that he meant Antoine was all mine. Garrett’s fangs had extended and his eyes had turned cerulean silver. He was ready to do battle.

  I started to giggle. “Good thing there aren’t any humans around ’cause you already look pretty terrifying. All you need is a Dracula cape.”

  “This reminds me, we’re dressing up for the duel tonight. I’ve picked something special for you to wear.”

  “Let me guess, black leather?”

  “No, that’s for me. Yours is red.”