Ali nodded then closed her eyes. Recalling the few times she had taken a yoga class, she slowed her breath, and allowed her body to relax. Gradually, she shut out the exterior noise. She thought of that first place, concentrated on it. At first, nothing happened. Frowning, she doubled her efforts. Then her body began to feel lighter. She felt Finn squeeze her hands. Then, she was flying.
Finn caught her before she toppled over. He had seen it, the moment she was no longer with him. He fought to keep calm. He feathered his fingers over her face, tracing her brows, her cheek, across her lips. The whisper of breath that escaped from her lips was the only evidence she lived. To say he felt helpless would be an understatement. His threat to drag her back had been an empty one. Without his magick, it would be difficult to help her should she run into trouble. He laid his lips on her forehead. Be safe, love. He felt eyes on him. Lifting his head, he met Tristan’s knowing look, and glared back. “Worry about staying connected to Ali.”
She was in the hall again. Only this time, there was sound. The voices came from behind the door at the end—male voices. There was a light; its glow outlined the drab brown door. Ali approached it, the voices growing louder with each step. They were arguing. There was another sound, someone—a woman, crying. Close enough to touch the door; she placed her hand on the cool wood. Though she couldn't feel it physically, the energy behind it was strong.
The men were talking about a girl—the woman’s daughter? They wanted to run tests. A heavy sorrow—the mother’s, engulfed her. Then, there was another voice, a different man. He was yelling at the woman, demanding that she comply. Ugly names were used, the woman cried harder, she begged, and then was silent. But her emotions came at Ali with great strength. Failure, humiliation, and fear, they gripped her in an iron band. There was a shout, followed by a gunshot.
Ali spun around, the hallway disappeared. She was on a footpath in a wooded area; two figures were running, a girl, maybe twelve, and an old man. She followed. Was this the girl they were talking about at the hospital? They were running from something. Turning, she saw a house, the front door was open. Men came out, shouting. They wanted the girl. Pain exploded in her head and Ali doubled over, her hands covering her ears. Disoriented, she tried to see where the man and girl had gone. But there was nothing but darkness.
“Let it happen naturally Alina.”
The pain receded. Ali turned to find the woman from her childhood dreams standing a few feet from her. And, for the first time in her life, she spoke directly to her. “You’ve made a huge mess of things you know.”
Agrona smiled. “A wrinkle in the fabric of a prophecy that was foreseen—even before my existence.”
Ali looked back towards the house, then to the path the man and girl had taken. “I don't have time to interpret whatever you just said. I have to find the second Fragment before I'm discovered.”
“You are in her memories—you place mortal limitations on your abilities.”
She snorted. “Maybe it’s because I am mortal.” Agrona’s gaze was patient, making Ali feel small and petty.
“Connect to the part of you that is not mortal Alina—you will find the answer that you seek. Time is running out—the one Mikel has placed great trust in is searching for you, and he is not alone.”
She’d been gone nearly an hour. For Finn, it was long enough. He had been unable to stay with her. Something had come between them. So for the rest of her journey, she had been alone—and vulnerable. She should’ve come back. Before his hand could touch her, her eyes flew open. It took another minute before they cleared and became focused. “We need to head north.”
Her eyes may be focused but her voice sounded as though she was still far from him. Worry edged into irritation. He bit back the words of censure that wanted to spew forth. She should have come back. She shouldn’t’ve been gone so long. The only thing stopping him from voicing those opinions was that she was still pale—too pale. In truth, he was angry more at himself, at his limitations. He trusted Tristan and Drake would have pulled her out had there been need, however, being on the outside, despite his connection to her, pissed him off. He had to force his question through the need to chastise her. “Do you know where, Ali?”
“That’s all I know—for now. The closer we get, the clearer the picture will be.”
“Then, we head north; but first you need food and rest.” He scooped her up and sat her on the sofa. A platter of food and a glass of water appeared on the coffee table. Then, lacking ceremony, he said, “We will leave you to it.”
Without another word, he left. Tristan and Drake, after giving her reassuring smiles, followed.
“Well, gee, you’re welcome.” Her sarcasm was met with silence. Huffing out a breath, she reached for an olive, and wondered what the hell just happened. As confusing Finn’s reaction was, she was glad for the alone time and planned on taking full advantage of it, after she’d eaten some more.
Belly full, Ali explored Finn’s home, thankful that her thoughts were behaving themselves. There was no crowding of information for her to fight through, no pulsing headache—it was nice. Trailing her fingers along the exposed brick wall, she enjoyed her surroundings. It really was a great space. She wondered how old it was.
The factory is quite old.
Finn’s voice startled her, halting her exploration. He still sounded perturbed. Trying not to let his mood bother her, Ali complimented on the space. You did a wonderful job refitting it for your home. It doesn’t feel like a factory.
Thank you. You look good here.
He was gone before Ali could muster up a response. Had he meant to say that? Her reaction was one of pleasure, but also anxiety. Shaking it off, she continued to discover Finn’s home. When she entered the kitchen, her mouth fell open. It was every woman’s dream, and she felt no shame in the sexist thought. Any woman would go gaga over the high end appliances, the gleaming countertops, the deep double under mounted sinks—heaven. Even she could cook up an edible meal in this environment.
She could just picture it. Finn, coming home after working a full day—wait—did he work, did any of them? The thought was an intriguing one. She would have to remember to ask when they got back. Her imagination continued. He would announce that he was home and she would greet him with a glass of scotch and a kiss. Then they would sit down to the amazing dinner she had prepared and they would talk about their day. The image was so perfectly normal. And she wanted to reach in and grab hold of it. Contentment filled her as well as that tingling sensation she always got when he was near.
Finn. Her mind sighed. What in the world was she going to do about him? Her mind flashed back to when they had been so close to kissing. She involuntarily shivered. The man packed a wicked punch. If the circumstances were different, she’d be all over that. It was a startling realization. Could she really be developing feelings for Finn—true feelings, or was it Agrona’s magick at work? And what happens when this ended? Would Finn and the others return to their world, would she still be her?
Argh, it would be easier if the warriors—if Finn, were cold and clinical—like Constantine. Although, she had a feeling that he would come around to being like the others. She liked them—all of them. Wondering what was going to happen, was just another thing she had to worry about. But not now, now she wanted a shower. Thumping the heel of her hand on her forehead, she groaned. Her bag, she had dropped her bag back in the city. She hadn’t thought of it until now.
Your bag is in your room.
Finn’s voice caressed her.
Ali yipped. Were you listening in on my thoughts? She wanted to hide in embarrassment, yet, at the same time, the thought of Finn privy to her private thoughts, made her mad. It’s rude to poke around in someone’s head you know. She felt his laugh throughout her body. His unpleasant mood from before was gone.
I only caught your worry over your bag, lass, nothing more. But if you are the mood to share—
I’m not! Go do what warriors do, and leave me
alone.
As you wish. We will return shortly.
That hair rising sensation tapped danced down her spine. Ali suppressed it. The last thing she wanted was for Finn to get the wrong idea. Her inner voice interjected. And what might that be? That you want him to—hitting the brakes before she ended up conjuring an image she really didn’t want Finn seeing, Ali huffed out a haughty, you don’t have to check in with me—we’re not married. She wanted to shoot herself in the foot. Finn’s laughter didn’t help matters either.
I warned you about those thoughts Ali.
Shock ran through her system at hearing Tristan’s amusement laced voice in her head.
I can talk to you like this too?
Drake’s drawl came next.
Yeah, kinda of freaky isn’t it?
Ali put a hand over her face and groaned. Being able to talk to Finn mentally, made sense—sort of, and because Cian had fought Mikel for her, she could understand being able to talk to him. But geeze, a woman could only take so much. Did that mean she could access their thoughts as well as Finn’s? The thought of it made her head spin. Finn’s voice washed over her then.
You may access my thoughts anytime, lass
His words caressed her much like hands would. The temptation was there, had been there for a while, but again, Ali resisted. She ordered all of them to leave her alone and then escaped to her room. Sure enough, there was her bag, only it appeared more stuff had been added to it and there was a second bag.
Thoughts of Finn or anyone of them, going through her dresser and closet had her face heating up. “Face it girl, your life has turned into a circus.” Letting out a resigned sigh, she inspected the bags, collected what she needed and headed into the attached bath. Maybe the spray of the shower could help wash away some of the crazy. She highly doubted it.
*****
Finn shut Ali out, maintaining only the slightest connection in case she needed him. Patrolling the grounds that surrounded his home had been his feeble attempt to put some distance between them. Not that it was working. His mind always strayed back to her. Tristan and Drake had gone north to see if they could pick up any energy trails of the second Fragment, and Constantine still tended to his cousin.
As he walked, he rolled his shoulders; the tension had been sitting there for too long. Since he was out here, and for the moment, alone, he decided it was a good time to flex his long dormant magick muscles again. Continuing until he found a clearing, he shook out his arms. A mental check ensured that no one would be able to sense his activities.
Forgetting about his earlier attempts, he closed his eyes, and reached out to the part of him that he’d turned his back on. He brought to mind the very first lesson his father ever taught him; that what resided in him was his birthright, and that it would always be so. Bearing down, he struggled to hold onto the memory, to use it to fuel him. The swell of energy made him stumble back, and left him frustrated. The natural gifts of being immortal were the only thing responding to his command. It was just like when the storm had raged against his home, he could feel what was trying to ignite, but he could not make it connect.
He gathered his energy again. This time he concentrated on his father’s words, and not the full memory. His body shook from the strain of forcing his mind to bend to his demand. He held his hands out, his fingers spread out to feel the air. He locked his joints against the need to relax. His father’s voice, deep and soothing, vibrated along the strings of his memory. His body began to shake, his hands quivered before relaxing and falling useless at his sides. Throwing his head back, Finn cursed at the sky, his voice echoing throughout the forest. Birds bolted from their branches and ground critters scampered for deep cover. Drained, he hit his knees and dragged in great gulps of air. Hands braced on his thighs, he hung his head. His chest was on fire.
“Try again.”
His head snapped up, and then he swore when he saw Cian casually leaning against a tree. Though he still looking peaked, his cousin stared at him with deadly focus.
“I said, try again.” Cian pushed off the tree and began stalking towards him.
Getting to his feet, Finn scowled. “Forget it; I cannot reach for what I once had.”
“That’s a load of crap and you know it. Your anger at not being able to stay with Ali, stunts you. Try again.”
Finn let his temper loose. “You’re damn right I’m angry. I had to sit there and watch while her spirit flew to goddess knows where.” He dragged his hands over his head. “If Tristan and Drake hadn’t been there, I wouldn’t have been able to help her.”
“More excuses.” Cian hated to be so harsh, but his cousin didn’t need indulgence. “She was perfectly safe.”
“Aye? Safe was she?” His accent thickened. “So says you. She shouldn’t’ve been gone so long. Lugus—worse, Mikel would have had no problem locking onto her.”
Cian tilted his head. “So you’re angry at Ali now—for being who she is—what she is?”
Frustration over having lost control, Finn yelled back, “No, I’m bloody well pissed over the whole of it. She is my other half, yet I can do nothing about it.”
“Just another thing you refuse to embrace.”
His muscles locked, but before he could do anything, like flatten his cousin, he was flattened—by Ali.
“Umph, damnit, sorry.” Her muffled apology was followed by a few more choice words. Using Finn’s chest to push herself up, causing him to expel a lung full of air, she scrambled backwards. Her back hit something solid. Tilting her head back, she saw an upside down Cian smiling down at her.
“Hello Ali, fancied a trip did you?”
Pushing her hair out of her way, Ali gained her feet. “I am so sorry. I have no idea what happened. One minute I’m in my room, then the next, I’m free falling into some sort of void, and then I’m here.”
Cian threw back his head and laughed. Then to Finn he said, “Seems like those abilities are developing faster than we thought.”
Throwing his cousin a look that promised later retribution, Finn got to his feet. He gave Ali a once over look before asking, “Are you alright, lass?”
Ali stood and dusted off the seat of her jeans. Thank God she had been dressed before her little twilight zone trip. “Yeah, freaked out, but I’m okay.” Blowing a strand of hair out of her face, she then asked, “I thought only my—” She searched for the right word. However there wasn’t one. “Inner self could leave, leaving my physical self—oh boy—safe and sound where ever I happened to be.” She pressed a thumb and forefinger against her eyes. “That sounds so damn bizarre, not to mention creepy.” Dropping her hand, she let out a sigh, it was filled with gloom. “I can control it right? I mean, I don’t want to be popping in and out every time I have a thought.” Once again, she had shoved her foot into her mouth. From the looks of both Cian and Finn, she knew they knew what she’d been thinking of.
Finn’s ill temper vanished, replaced by pleasure over her blunder. Why the sour look love, is thinking of me such a bad thing?
Her heart somersaulted. Don’t read anything into it; I was thinking how nice your house was. Feeling his humour, she gave him a look. Cut it out.
At his bow of resignation, Ali let out a sigh, “So now what?”
The air changed. Cian became alert, his eyes scanned the sky. Catching on, Finn reached for Ali. “Get behind me.” Calling for his sword, he stood with legs braced apart ready to face what was coming.
Ali tried to sense what the men did, but all she got was the drop in temperature and the stirring up of a breeze. Feeling a shiver on the back of her neck she turned to see Drake and Tristan. Both had swords. Yeah, something really bad was about to happen.
Chapter Eighteen
Lugus sneered at Vega as they both dropped out of the sky. “You make too much noise demon.”
Sauntering up to stand a few feet to his left, Vega shrugged her shoulders. “You are the one going for stealth. I, on the other hand prefer a more direct approach.” Lugus
’ mood had been prickly ever since Mikel had demanded an update on the location of the Fragment. Though she wasn’t worried that he would crack under the pressure of misleading their leader, she did have to wonder how long he would be able to hold out against the dark lord. Prickly or not, she did have to marvel over his tracking abilities. When he had locked onto the punch of energy, she could hardly hold in her delight.
Lugus rolled his neck to work out the tension the demon always seemed to cause. More than once, he had questioned his decision to unite forces with her. Being in her company wore at his patience. Yet, for the first time in centuries, he felt alive, that his chance of revenge was becoming a tangible thing. He supposed, for the sake of his desire, he could stomach working with the demon a little while longer. “Reinforcements will be close by. If we attack, it needs to be now, and it needs to be hard.”
Vega nodded. “I agree that time is of the essence—but, I want to play.” His growl of frustration only added to her pleasure. “We alone would give the warriors a good fight, but why take chances? While I am not in possession of my more superb talents at the moment, what I do have should work nicely. Besides, a little entertainment never hurts.”
Before he could ask what she meant, she clapped her hands and four men appeared. At least they looked like men. They were unlike any mortal, or immortal, Lugus had ever laid his eyes on. Their skin was translucent and carried a green hue. Looking at Vega, he was shocked to see the look of pride on her face. “Mikel isn't the only one who has puppets. Earth is full of surprises, isn't it? Ground demons—fearless and relentless—they will continue to fight even when their limbs are no longer attached. The only way to stop them is to remove their heads.” Vega clasped her hands. “Aren't they marvelous?”
Her obvious pleasure at something so gruesome was yet another reason Lugus detested dealing with demons. “Your pleasure is warped demon—however; I feel your ground dwellers will give us the edge we need.”
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