Rebirth - Book 1 Rogues Shifter Series

by Gayle Parness

  Chapter Forty-two

  Apparently, when dueling, it was traditional among the vampires to wear something white. I guess so the spilled blood would brighten your outfit and add some entertainment value, or perhaps some reason equally macabre. For me, Garrett picked out skin-tight white leather pants plus a form-fitting red leather sleeveless tunic with a deep cut neckline. I surveyed my appearance in the mirror and had to laugh. I looked sexy as hell, but was this ideal for a battle? I went through some basic moves and found the lightweight leather moved beautifully with my body, plus nothing was dangling for Antoine to grab onto. I’d French braided my hair up and out of the way for the same reason. I wore boots, but would fight barefoot, my footwear of choice in a battle on sand. I could change my feet and hands to use my cheetah claws if necessary, but I prayed it wouldn’t come to that.

  Garrett knocked and walked in looking like a Renn Faire fan. He wore tight black leather pants and a loose white leather tunic with a black leather belt tied on the side. In his belt he carried a sheath holding a silver knife with an ivory-colored handle. Words were etched into the blade and the handle, but I didn’t recognize the language.

  “It belonged to my father. Even though the blade is silver, it’s been warded so I don’t feel its effects.” He saw me looking at the writing. “The words are a curse upon the enemy of the knife bearer written in an ancient French language. It translates into something like, “May the enemies of the rightful bearer know the fire and the abyss.”

  “In other words, go to hell, Eleanor.” I smiled at him, trying to ignore the tight knot forming in my stomach.

  “Quite fitting don’t you think?” He must have seen the fear in my eyes, because he tried to distract me. “You’re perfect. My very own angel of death.” He held me tightly, both of us realizing this could be our last moment alone. He whispered in his most reassuring voice. “We’ll be home together again in a few hours, my love.”

  As we clung to each other, I selfishly hoped that if only one of us survived, it would be Garrett, because I wouldn’t want to live my life without him. He grunted and turned us toward the front door. “The troops have arrived.”

  “Hey guys, we’re here!”

  I heard Sinc telling Ethan in a much softer voice, not to yell. It was just the two of them since Kyle had decided to travel over to the island early with Peter and Rob, planning on making sure everything was set up properly.

  We joined them and made appreciative noises regarding each other’s battle wear. Ethan and Sinc had chosen to wear loosely fitting clothing so they could fight or shift more easily if the duels went badly and the vampires decided to attack the spectators.

  Garrett cocked his head. “Liam’s in the kitchen. I think he’d like to speak to you.” He smiled and squeezed my hand, then turned away to talk to the others. I walked tentatively into the kitchen.

  Liam was dressed in royal blue and gold, looking very handsome in a fae kind of way. “Good evening, Jacqueline.” He nodded. “I’ve brought you a weapon to use at the battle. This is only a loan. I must get it back from you after you’ve killed Antoine.”

  “I wasn’t planning on using anything, Liam” We were allowed to bring one weapon of our choice to use during the duel. I’d decided against it because I wasn’t trained to use weapons and I felt my ineptitude would distract me from the mental attacks I’d be dishing out. I saw a glimmer of disappointment in his eyes, so I remembered my promise about listening to his advice. “But if you think I should carry it, I will.”

  “I do.” He smiled and pulled a shining metal blade from a sheath on his belt. Holding it reverently, he handed it to me hilt first. I took it from his hands and studied the elaborate etchings on the blade. The handle was made of some kind of strange stone, painted with various shapes and designs. They’d glowed with a golden fire in Liam’s hands. I watched curiously as the etchings changed to green as I held it, the handle warming in my hand.

  “It’s beautiful, Liam.”

  “Already it tunes to your aura.” He seemed very pleased. “Although it is a silver blade, forged with deadly Magiks, it has been warded for your safety. It will act according to your desires, wounding or killing. If you lose contact with it, the blade will come to you when you call to it, and it will never miss its target if your magic is well focused.”

  I felt a mental tug, urging me to look him in the eyes. They shone with a violet fire. “It is crucial you do not wait until you are too tired to use it. It requires great mental strength.” I looked a little leery. “You do have the strength to wield it. You must trust yourself. I would never give you such a gift if this were not the case.”

  I nodded solemnly. “Thank you, Liam.” I glanced down at my sleek outfit. “Where can I wear it? I don’t have a belt.” My gaze remained locked on his as he untied his own belt and looped it around my waist, pulling it tight and fastening it in front. We stood only inches apart, breathing in each other’s breaths. I could smell fae magic on his, as his hands worked deftly to secure the sheath. He positioned it perfectly and slid the knife in place. His hair brushed my cheek, and I stared at his lips, wanting so much to taste the magic one more time, to forget the duel and feel the freedom of the lines once more.

  His voice whispered in my mind, his speech changing from formal to intimate. “Jacqueline, I know it’s the magic and not me you desire.” I blushed and stepped away but couldn’t take my eyes from his. “You’re a remarkable female and many fae lords would take you to their beds and make you their Lady, but not me. You love Garrett. Your bond has been sealed and you’re stronger now than ever before.”

  He looked down at my wrist with its emerald green symbol and smiled, saying out loud, “Antoine and Eleanor will not see the next sunset. You’ll use the blade wisely.” He nodded with great formality, his hand on his heart, then turned and disappeared. Poof.

  So I hadn’t been hallucinating when he’d run into the woods before. Whoa. That must be some totally awesome way to travel. A moment later, Garrett was holding me and enjoying the smell of fae magic. I confessed, a little shocked at myself. “I almost kissed him again.”

  “You vixen,” he laughed, playfully poking my ribs. “Liam would have politely pushed you away and probably scolded you for being greedy. I suspect he’ll try to win you if I truly die in this duel. You’re both healers and would make a good match for him. Your children would be powerful.”

  “I don’t want Liam.”

  “I believe you.”

  “And I don’t want children.”

  “Not now.”

  “Not ever, Garrett.” I hurriedly changed the subject. “Did you know Liam can talk normally? I mean, using contractions and all?”

  “Liam can speak hundreds of languages, so why wouldn’t he be able to speak English the way we do? He does everything for a reason. If he sounds like a servant, then he’s perceived as one and underestimated by our ignorant enemies.” He brushed a hand through his hair, a sure sign of his tension. “Let’s get to the island.”