by Aneesa Price
Anais whipped around and had a blade at his throat before he could say another word. “Entertaining is it?” Anais growled out, readying herself to kill a man she hadn’t thought she would. “Any last words, Akhilleus?”
“What are you doing, Anais?” Akhilleus asked, genuinely baffled. “Is this part of the show?”
Anais stared at him wordlessly trying to process what was going on. There was something off. He seemed, well, high on something. Anais knew that he was an ancient vampire and as such, should be powerful. Rumors were that he was perhaps even older than Yves. But he’d always been lacking in the balls department, having earned a well-deserved reputation as Akeldonna’s puppet – despite her hideousness. Despite that character flaw, he’d always been suave and articulate - not the broken, idiotic man smiling at her from the dais.
“What the hell is wrong with him?” Anais asked out loud.
Anais felt Conall come up behind her. Drat! He’d finished Akeldonna without her and by the pile of ash on the ground; it looked like her man had done it well.
“He’s under an illusion spell,” Conall stated, nodding in Akhilleus’ direction. “He doesn’t know what’s going on. I recognize the spell and Ayden’s magick in him.”
“But wouldn’t that have been broken when Raulf killed Ayden?” she asked, bewildered by the unexpected twist.
“I didn’t,” reported Raulf, naked and bloody in his human form. “He teleported as I got to him. I wish he’d had Akeldonna’s arrogance, the coward, and then I could’ve finished him off.”
“I’m not sure if he’s guilty of playing a part in this or if he’s been under her control all along. What do we do with him?” Anais asked, pointing at Akhilleus. He was pouting like a toddler, complaining that the show was over.
“Prisoner of war,” responded Sylvain, shaking his head as the spectacle.
“Agreed,” stated Conall. He looked to Anais for her agreement and at her nod requested of Niul, “Take him and let’s get out of here. I’ve had enough of this place.”
Chapter 22
“I’m grateful to you for what you’ve done.” A beautiful woman with eyes like Raulf’s clasped both of Anais’ hands in her. She threw a concerned glance at the she-wolves that they’d rescued from Akeldonna’s clutches; they were being tended to by the fae healers and the coffin girls. “The pack will be indebted to you once again, like we were when you set our slave ancestors free. It is a debt we are privileged to have and will honor.”
Anais regarded Raulf’s mother, a woman she respected, although she wasn’t as close to her as she was to Miss Suzette. Years have been kind to her, Anais noted. Raulf’s mother looked thirty years younger than the fifty-odd she could lay claim too – then again, wolves could live for centuries and Raulf’s bloodline was a strong one. The only indication of age was the wisdom reflected in her eyes.
“There’s no need for indebtedness or gratitude, Gabrielle,” Anais stated solemnly. “We’re family so helping goes without saying.”
“Besides, I didn’t do it alone,” Anais said, tilting her head towards Conall and the rest of the men who helped tend the wounded soldiers. They’d agreed that the men would see to the injured fighters to free up the women to tend to the rescued girls. The tactic was not born of sexism but from a need to sensitively care for the girls who may have been molested by Akeldonna’s male vampires – as they’d already witnessed with two of the girls.
“Yes, of course,” acknowledged Gabrielle with a nod. “Your handsome man and his friends have aided my son too.” Raulf’s mother’s eyes filled with unshed tears and she dabbed at the corner of her eyes.
Anais recognized the tears for mother’s relief at her son’s safety. “And Raulf aided them, Gabrielle. It was collaboration against evil.”
“Yes, I’m proud of him, cher, as I am of you,” Gabrielle acknowledged. Shaking her head, she grinned at Anais, “And I’m happy to see you finally in love. My son was not the one for you.”
Anais felt discomfort mingle with embarrassment in her belly. Her blushing response was cut off by a chortling Miss Suzette.
“Oh leave her be, Gaby,” Miss Suzette said, stepping up to her sister and kissing her cheek. Miss Suzette cut her chick a break, “Now, y’all have to eat. It’s been nearly twenty-four hours since any of y’all have had full in your bellies.”
“I agree as always with your wisdom, Miss Suzette,” Conall came up to them and planted a smacking kiss on Miss Suzette’s cheeks. Conall shot a concerned look at Anais, “I can feel how tired you are, love. Sylvain’s given orders for the fae to take over the tending of the wounded – souls and bodies. Believe me, they’re more than capable. So, I think it is time for some food and a comfortable bed.”
As much as Anais wanted to push on, she acquiesced, “Okay, I’ll go round up the rest.”
“No need,” interjected Conall, “Sylvain and Niul have already spoken to them. Raulf’s arranged for the she-wolves and warriors to go home with his mother. He says that they’ll heal faster on home-ground. Something about spiritual place of healing. He’s staying a while longer so we can de-brief.”
“Our grounds are filled with the love, energy and wisdom of our ancestors,” Gabrielle commented.
“Not all the she-wolves are yours, though,” Anais stated.
“No, they’re not,” acknowledged Gabrielle, “but they are orphans – without a pack – and we’ll take them in until we find their packs or they can stay with us. They’re weres and that’s what counts.” At the collective nods, Gabrielle continued, “I’ve already made the preparations. I wanted to thank y’all first before leaving.”
“The thanks is accepted and returned,” responded Conall. “Raulf and his warriors were equal contributors to our victory.”
Gabrielle acknowledged the thanks and turned to leave, only to stop and glance back at Anais. “But,” she said, looking squarely at Conall, “prince of witches, fellow warrior and now friend, if you hurt one head on her head, I’ll eat you.”
“You won’t get the chance to make me your meal,” responded Conall while Anais blushed with embarrassment and Miss Suzette grinned, enjoying the spectacle. “I love her and would vow to take care of her if she’d let me.”
Eyes sparkling, Gabrielle turned to Anais, “I expect an invitation to the wedding.”
Anais objected, “There’s n-” before Conall cut her off with a thorough kiss. Anais had needed this – the connection, the sense of fulfilment she got from him, after the battle, so she threw caution to the wind and gave into it.
“Get a room,” Raulf growled as he approached them, grinningly slapping Conall on the back. Anais didn’t miss the unspoken communication between Gabrielle and Miss Suzette that spoke of relief that Raulf wasn’t heart-broken and amusement at the bromance that had sprung up between Conall and Raulf. Anais found her lips curving in satisfaction too.
Conall leaned down and whispered in Anais’ ear, “That’s a look I wouldn’t mind seeing in our bedroom, love. After I feed you and get your energy levels up.”
“And after we de-brief, which may take some time,” Anais threw water on the heat he was stirring up between them.
“Aye,” he said, gravely disappointed by the reality.
With their bond, Anais felt that emotion and grinned appreciatively. She reached up to him, her lips teasingly grazing his ear as she promised, “But I’m sure I can maintain my energy long enough so we can ‘de-stress’.”
She loved how Conall perked up at that but stopped him when he hastily made to pull her towards Sylvain’s library where the working lunch awaited them - they’d skipped both dinner and breakfast after bringing the rescued women home.
“Wait,” she said, “I just want to speak to Faith first.”
Anais made her way to the hospital bed where a Marie was tending to the girl who’d first made contact with them.
Anais had been worried about Marie since Conall had helped her send the zombies back. Marie had come back from the
plantation, introverted and had thrown herself into helping tend the wounded without any chirps or sarcasm. “Marie,” Anais brought her friend’s attention to her. “It’s time for dinner, cher. Why don’t you go ahead while I speak to Faith?”
Marie nodded her response and left them silently. Shrugging away the frown, Anais turned her focus to the young girl that lay in the hospital bed – she’d find time back on the plantation to have a heart to heart chat with Marie. Sometimes, people needed time to process traumatic events and perhaps that was what Marie required now.
“How are you feeling?” Anais asked the girl.
“Better but confused,” answered the girl.
“The confusion is normal,” Anais placated, “I’d be confused too if I’d been through what you’d been and didn’t even know my name.”
At the girl’s nod of acceptance, Anais began, “We can’t keep on calling you girl. So, until we know what your name is, what would you like us to call you?”
“I don’t know,” the girl responded, shrugging. “It doesn’t really matter. It’s just a formality until we find my family. Then I’ll know my real name. Why don’t you choose something?”
“Okay,” responded Anais. “How about Faith? You gave faith to the other girls that were captured, you held onto faith when you tried to reach me and helped us get you all out of there.” Anais squeezed her hand, feeling eyes moisten at the sight of the tears sliding down Faith’s face. “Now, I need you to hang onto that faith a bit longer. We’ll find your families and return you to them and if we don’t, you’ll have a family with us. You’re safe now.”
“Thank you,” croaked Faith.
“It is my sincere pleasure,” Anais stated, giving her new charge a watery smile. “I’m going to get something to eat and some rest. We’ll talk tomorrow. So, for now, I need you to focus only on healing, okay?”
“Okay,” Faith responded determinately. Anais felt her heart fill with care and protectiveness towards her.
As Anais made her way to Conall, she acknowledged that Faith was getting to her. She easily recognized the emotions as the same as what she’d felt when she’d brought the other coffin girls to her fold. She knew what to do about her feelings towards Faith and the possibilities those emotions could lead to. Looking at Conall, handsome as sin and as caring and honorable as any woman could want, she felt herself fill with love. These were the unpredictable feelings. She didn’t know for sure what their love would lead to. By the look on his face, she knew that he knew of her internal debate, courtesy of their blood bond and knew that he would wait patiently for as long as it took – as he’d promised.
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Anais walked into Sylvain’s library on Conall’s arm and stopped short. Mon Dieu! Sylvain’s elegant, aristocratic library had been transformed into the plantation kitchen. Even more so, the rest of them were settled around the table, awaiting Miss Suzette’s food while she bustled around them finishing the preparations for the fiery Cajun meal. The sounds emanating from the room were comfortable and reminiscent of home.
She went to Sylvain and kissed his cheek, “Merci, my dear friend.” Sylvain was giving them comfort after the battle.
“I had nothing to do with it,” Sylvain grinned, “but I’ll take the kiss.” Sylvain kissed Anais’ confused face then nodded at Conall whose pleased smile had been replaced by a scowl. “That jealous man of yours is totally responsible for this, I’m afraid.”
“I wouldn’t need to be jealous,” said Conall coming forward and placing a kiss of his own on Anais, “if you’d keep your lips to yourself.”
Veronique’s lips curved gleefully, “Oh, I don’t know about that Conall. After having experienced those lips, I’d say that it’d be a shame if other women didn’t get to come into contact with them.”
The rest of them laughed as Conall’s scowl deepened. Anais felt her heart melt at what he’d done and turned to kiss away the frown. “Merci, cher,” she said, “you’re too good for me.”
“No,” said Conall, “I’m just right for you.”
Now it was Anais’ turn to frown. With their blood bond, she could feel the honesty of his emotions, his thoughts for her. Fuck, she thought! Why did everything in life lately have to be over the frikkin’ top! Why the fuck can’t things come at an easier pace!
Conall, fully sensing her thoughts and feelings too, chuckled and kissed her frown away in turn.
Sylvain perked up and went to pucker up to Veronique. He leaned down and teased, “Seeing all this love and lust is making me a bit horny, care for another experience with me V?”
Veronique swatted his hands away as he made to grab her face, playfully. “Oh, go away with you Sylvain,” she scolded, “I know a man-whore when I see one, no matter how talented you may be.”
“You wound me, V,” he said, laughing with the others.
“This is nice,” said Anais, “good to be home, even if it is a magickal replica and good to laugh.”
After they’d eaten and laughed some more, the mood turned somber. They’d all with unspoken agreement put off de-briefing during dinner. Nursing whiskey, bourbon and coffee, they waited expectantly. Sylvain, Conall, Anais and Raulf spoke at the same time, which resulted in tentative laughter that broke the ice.
“You’ve done well, my children,” a beautiful voice echoed in the room.
Anais looked in the direction that it had come from and saw Conall, Sylvain and Niul kneel at the most beautiful sight she’d ever beheld. The woman was what Sylvain was in his fae form – amplified a thousand times over.
Anais followed suit and kneeled along with the rest of the coffin girls, Miss Suzette and Raulf.
“Goddess,” spoke Conall, his voice filled with reverence, “you honor us with your presence.”
“Yes,” responded Sylvain in a similar tone to Conall’s, “it has been millennia since you’ve graced a hollow. Welcome to my humble home.”
Musical laughter tickled the air and Anais felt herself gladden just for the sound of it.
“Sylvain,” said the bemused Goddess, “my fae prince and still the charmer, I see.”
“Conall,” the Goddess continued, “you’ve done me proud and so have your friends,” she indicated Sylvain and Niul first and then the others, “all of them. You’ve begun restoring balance to the supernatural world.”
“Begun, Goddess?” asked Conall.
“Yes, there is much still to be done,” she flicked an elegant hand, sparkling with unknown, spectacular jewels. “But I have every faith that you all will accomplish what is required.”
“What is still to be done?” enquired Anais carefully. She didn’t know if she could be this forthright but damn it, if it touched her family she had a right to know.
“Ah, Anais,” the Goddess acknowledged her, “my courageous leader of the Coffin Girls.” At Anais’ dumbfounded look, the Goddess chuckled, “Don’t look so surprised, my child, I see and hear all.”
“My apologies, Goddess,” Anais bowed her head.
The Goddess waved the apology away. “Don’t fret, child,” she said gently, “you cannot be blamed for your ignorance any more than the Voodoo queen or wolf can be for theirs. Your ancestors forgot me,” the Goddess inclined her head towards Raulf and Miss Suzette, “and your vampire masters defy me,” she said to Anais.
“But, you have passed the first test,” she stated.
“Test, Goddess?” asked Conall.
The Goddess inclined her head. “Yes,” she stated regally, “humans have forgotten us – those we need to believe, those of us who live amongst humans have forgotten our purpose – balance and good – to use your gifts wisely. Greed and power-hunger persist amongst the vast majority of the supernatural world, mimicking that of the human world and thus upsetting the balance of our very existence. There wasn’t enough of your type, Conall, Niul and Sylvain, to ensure balance. So, this was a test to see if others would realize their true purpose – the privilege, honor and responsibility to fight for the good of
all worlds – to keep evil at bay.”
“You have good souls,” the Goddess spoke to the rest of them, “but you have each built bubbles around yourselves, your families, your pack. I needed to see if other supernatural creatures were willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good.”
The Goddess beamed at them. “I’m glad to say that you have, now I no longer need to end the existence of supernatural beings,” she said.
They were shocked. Anais noted the same emotion reverberate through Conall, though his face remained a passive mask as he asked, “So, this was not so much to do with the missing witches but a test of valor, of self?”
“Now, you’re catching on,” said the Goddess. “You did need to rescue those girls but it was a test, your first test. You all have a path to walk and it will take courage of the mind, fearlessness of the body and risk of the heart. After having seen the positive strides you’ve all made, I look forward to watching the journey before you. You will succeed or the existence of your race and your magick will be at stake. I have faith in each of you; now find that faith in yourselves.” With that, the Goddess disappeared.
“Okay,” stated Marie, “I now get what y’all meant by cryptic.” Marie swore she heard a tinkle of laughter in the distance.
“Aye,” stated Niul so gravely that the others laughed – the manic defensive response automatic as he’s tone was indicative of exactly how they each felt.
“In my experience with the Goddess,” Conall stated, interrupted the chatter that erupted, “the best way to go on is to take things as they come, deal with each situation at hand. The situation we now find ourselves in is the aftermath of rescuing those girls. There are a number of questions that need answers.”
“He’s right,” agreed Sylvain. “We could try to decipher what the Goddess means and never find out. What we have left is to carry on and to heed her advice while we do so. The next task or test will reveal itself as we go along.”
“Okay,” said Anais, “I’m all for that logic.” Anais didn’t particularly like the ‘risk your heart’ business the Goddess had spoken of, even though it rang true to her very soul. “What are we going to do about the girls?” she asked them.