Shoots and Tatters (Bitter Ashes Book 5)

by Sara C. Roethle

  Marcos nodded. “Now that Madeline has returned, Hecate cannot risk destroying the tree, lest she be sucked back into her realm. Her only option now is to eliminate Madeline’s energy.”

  Freyja shook her head. “She cannot kill her. The energy will simply be reborn somewhere else on Earth, and in time she would locate it once more.”

  Marcos smirked. “Not if Hecate tears the energy apart and turns it into something else. Just like she did with Yggdrasil when it was first destroyed.”

  Alaric squeezed my hand. “We will not let that happen.”

  “No,” Freyja agreed, “we will not.”

  I gulped. Having a god protecting me was nice and all, but with the threat of not only dying, but having my energy completely torn asunder, I had to admit I was a little scared. The threat of utter obliteration could have that effect on a girl.

  9

  We had way too many people for two vehicles, but somehow we made it work with six in the car, and seven in the truck. We’d just have to cross our fingers we didn’t get pulled over. Luckily, or really, not so luckily, the cops were probably busy with the blackouts and car accidents in and around Hillsboro.

  I ended up in the front of my truck, munching on a bag of trail mix, smushed onto the small center seat with Alaric on my right, and Mikael on my left. Fortunately the truck was an automatic, so I didn’t have to worry about maneuvering my long legs around the gearshift.

  I glanced in the rearview mirror, observing Loki, Freyja, Sophie, and Marcos. Sophie had not been thrilled with the arrangement, but the car was crowded too, so she would have been cramped either way. Aila had taken command of the other group, fitting Tallie, Kira, Maya, Tabitha, and Faas all into the car now following us down the highway. Clouds obscured most of the sun, making early midday feel like evening.

  Alaric took my free hand and gave it a squeeze, meeting my worried gaze. Our plan was to go back to the house where Hecate would have to go through other Vaettir to get to me, but I hated the idea. Everyone living with us now had risked themselves when we faced Estus and regrew Yggdrasil. They were supposed to be safe after that, but things had only gotten worse.

  “It seems the magic leak has sprung anew since Madeline’s return,” Freyja commented from behind us.

  I sat the trail mix bag in my lap and turned to see her pointing out at the trees as we passed them by. I caught brief glimpses of glowing red eyes, staring out at the road.

  “What are they?” I breathed, mesmerized.

  “Who knows?” she replied. “Something not of this realm, nor of mine.”

  I shook my head in disbelief, glancing ahead through the windshield. Colorful, animate lights floated across the road, scattering as the truck neared before bouncing toward the trees.

  “Will they be sucked back through to their realms once balance is restored?” I questioned.

  “It’s hard to say,” Freyja answered. “I’ve never experienced anything quite like this in my lifetime.”

  “And that’s saying a lot,” Loki added, “because Freyja is old.”

  “Not as old as you,” she muttered.

  “Can’t you scoot over more?” Sophie growled at Marcos.

  “No,” he answered simply.

  I sighed heavily, glancing at Mikael, then Alaric, both utterly silent. I needed to tell Alaric what had happened, but I needed to get him alone first. Of course, I wouldn’t mind postponing that confrontation for a few more days . . . or years, if I even lived that long.

  Mikael turned the truck off the highway and onto the street that would lead to our peaceful little road, and even more peaceful home. I really hated that I was bringing chaos there. It was supposed to be our safe haven.

  We took another turn, then eventually another onto our long, winding driveway.

  As we neared the house I noticed other Vaettir standing guard. Alejandro, Sivi, Frode, Rose, and Maya’s brother, Dominic, looked primed for war, brimming with weapons and odd looking piecemeal armor.

  “Are they on guard because of the magic?” I asked, leaning forward in my seat. “Or did something else happen?”

  “We told them to be ready,” Alaric explained, “just in case.”

  We parked and climbed out of the truck as the car with the others pulled up behind us.

  Freyja moved to my side, then turned her attention to Loki as he approached. “Go inside with Madeline and Alaric,” she instructed. “Do not leave Madeline’s side. I will take a few of the others to inspect the perimeter.”

  “Ma’am, yes ma’am,” he muttered, turning as Alejandro and Frode hurried toward us.

  “You’re back!” Alejandro exclaimed, wrapping me in his arms, then quickly releasing me.

  I nodded. “Yeah, and my return isn’t a blessing to anyone.”

  Alejandro peered down at me, his dark eyes curious, but holding none of the fear that they should.

  Alaric placed a hand at the small of my back, guiding me forward. “We’ll explain everything once we’re inside,” he said to Alejandro and Frode. “Tell the others to obey Freyja’s commands.” He gestured toward the tunic and pants clad woman already approaching those standing guard.

  I hung my head as I moved forward, flanked by Alaric and Loki, and followed by Alejandro and Frode. I felt sick to my stomach with guilt. Guilt for bringing trouble to my friends once again, guilt for the kiss, heck, in that moment, I felt guilt for even existing. If it weren’t for Alaric and our growing daughter, I probably would have run away from them all.

  We made it to the front door. I exhaled a comforted sigh upon hearing the familiar creak as it opened. Stepping inside, we turned toward the kitchen.

  “I’ll make you something else to eat,” Alaric muttered.

  I nodded, though I had little appetite. The trail mix I’d eaten on the ride felt like cardboard in my stomach.

  Loki watched me curiously as I went to the fridge and grabbed a cold bottle of water. I still felt dehydrated from our night and morning with scant water in Hecate’s realm.

  Mikael entered the kitchen near Alejandro and Frode, both of whom took one look at his morose expression and quietly excused themselves, leaving me alone with just Alaric, Mikael, and Loki. My heart pounded, uncomfortable with this particular grouping.

  I wasn’t quite able to meet Mikael’s eyes, and instead distracted myself taking slow sips of my water.

  “How do you feel?” Mikael asked, his amber gaze solely on me. “Has Hecate’s presence in this realm drained you of energy?”

  I put the lid on my half empty bottle and lowered it to my side. With everything going on, I hadn’t thought much about it. “I’m not sure,” I answered. I turned to Loki. “Should I be able to tell?”

  He shrugged. “How should I know?”

  I raised an eyebrow at him. “Well have you ever been in the same realm with one of the other incarnations of your energy?”

  He stroked his chin in thought. “I’m not sure if such a thing would even be possible. It’s why having you and Hecate in one realm is causing so much trouble. There’s a certain balance enforced by the universe, but creatures like yourself and Hecate are difficult to constrain.”

  I wasn’t sure how I felt about being called a creature, but I let it go. “Well, I don’t think I feel any different, so maybe the universe is on my side for once. Still, we should probably find Hecate before she figures out a way to change that.”

  “I agree,” Alaric said, slipping his arm around my waist. “We should speak to Marcos.”

  I nodded, then hesitated. I turned toward Mikael. “Would you mind bringing him in? I need to speak with Alaric.”

  Mikael raised an eyebrow at me. “Are you sure now is a good time?”

  I wasn’t sure, but I nodded.

  Mikael quietly left the room.

  I turned my attention to Loki. “Could we have some privacy?”

  He shook his head. “Freyja is already pissed at me. I’m not going to leave you unguarded when Hecate might swoop in and steal you
again.”

  I frowned, then turned my attention to Alaric.

  He watched me cautiously. “Are you unwell?” he questioned. “Is the baby—”

  I held up my hand to stop him. I didn’t need the thought of our unborn child to add any more to my guilt. I glanced at Loki again, wishing he’d go away, then back to Alaric.

  “While we were in Hecate’s realm,” I began hesitantly, fighting the sudden urge to vomit, “Mikael and I kissed.” I barely managed to squeak out the last words, though I forced myself to meet his gaze. Alaric wasn’t an overly jealous man, but he’d had it out for Mikael before this. I had no idea how he was going to react to the news.

  He raised an eyebrow at me. “Would you care to elaborate on that?”

  I could tell he was trying to shield his emotions from me, but some leaked through. Hurt and anger, flavored with confusion.

  I sighed. “It just happened. He was being a jerk, then suddenly kissed me. He wanted me to admit that I have feelings for him.”

  Alaric inhaled sharply, then slowly let the breath out. “And do you?”

  I glanced at Loki again, who watched our conversation curiously, giving us no semblance of privacy whatsoever.

  I looked down at my feet. “I don’t know. I don’t feel about him the way I feel about you, but I’d be lying if I said there was nothing there at all.”

  I forced my eyes up to see Alaric frowning. “Excuse me,” he said, then turned away.

  I grabbed his arm, then recoiled at the emotions leaking from him. The hurt and confusion were gone, completely masked by hot rage. I knew his emotions weren’t entirely to do with me. Mikael had been the reason Alaric’s mother had been executed centuries ago. I was just the straw that finally broke the camel’s back.

  He gently took hold of my hand and returned it to my side. “I will not kill him,” he said evenly, “but he and I must discuss this. Please wait here with Loki.”

  I shook my head, slightly dumbfounded. “This is my fault,” I blurted. “I’m the one in the wrong. Don’t blame him for this.”

  He glared at me. “Please, do not defend him. Not to me.” With that, he turned away and stalked toward the side door leading out into the yard.

  I turned to Loki, fighting the blush slowly consuming my face.

  He held out a hand toward me. “Come sit down, Madeline.”

  I numbly obeyed, walking toward him.

  He rested his hand on my back and guided me back through the entry room, then into the den, flicking on a lamp before we both sat on the sofa.

  As soon as I was sitting I buried my head in my hands. “I’m such a fool,” I muttered.

  Loki’s hand alighted upon my shoulder. “You are not a fool. You are simply young.”

  I turned my gaze up to him. That was the last thing I’d expected him to say. “What do you mean?” I questioned.

  He shook his head, a rueful smile on his thin lips. “Both of your men are several centuries old. Mikael is perhaps over a thousand, if my senses for such things are correct. They both know themselves quite well, and so, they know exactly what they want.”

  I frowned. “What does that have to do with anything?”

  He sighed. “It means that you cannot hope to know what you want, when you do not know yourself. You came from unknown origins, and I’d venture to say Alaric is one of your first serious relationships.”

  “There were others,” I argued weakly. There had been others, but none that made me feel the way that Alaric did.

  He lifted his hand from my shoulder and patted my head like I was a dog. “There’s no need to argue. I’m not being accusational, just pointing out a simple truth. And you shouldn’t worry. Men that old tend to not react to things the way you would think.”

  I sighed and slumped back onto the couch. “No, they really don’t. I’m afraid I’ve been in over my head since the start.”

  He smirked. “Don’t worry, you’re a transcendent glowing death ball. They’re in over their heads too.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh. Loki was the last person I would have expected to give such sage advice, but he had existed a very long time. It made sense for him to know a thing or two about relationships.

  “Be that as it may,” I replied, “I still have no idea what I’m supposed to do now. I have a child on the way, for crying out loud. Having another man in my life should not be an issue right now.”

  Loki smirked. “Well since you’re already in such a pickle, care to add a third?” He waggled his eyebrows at me.

  I scowled. “No, thank you.”

  He chuckled, leaning back against the fluffy couch cushion. “Your loss.”

  I rolled my eyes, wishing I had a watch or a phone on me to check how long Alaric had been gone. “We should probably find Marcos and figure out our plan instead of waiting around,” I suggested.

  Loki nodded, then froze as a scream echoed in from outside. “Or maybe we should see what that is about,” he decided, then rose, extending his hand to me.

  I took his hand, which he grasped firmly, then pulled me up with ease. The scream had been a woman, not a man, but that didn’t mean the screamer wasn’t reacting to finding her Doyen locked into mortal combat with Alaric. Or worse, with Hecate.

  I raced through the house as quickly as possible, but Loki made it outside a few steps ahead of me. We both paused on the side porch, glancing around for the source of the scream. A moment later I heard a scuffle on the far side of the house, and took off at a slow jog with Loki following behind me.

  As we rounded the corner of the house, I first noted the source of the scream, Tallie, clearly in a panic as she watched Mikael and Alaric wrestling on the ground. I stood in shock for a moment, taking in the blood on both their faces, and their disheveled, muddy clothing.

  “What the hell are you doing!” I shouted.

  The men continued to fight, each attempting to get the upper hand. Alaric rose his body a bit from Mikael’s, landing a punch to his jaw, slamming his head sideways. Quickly recovering, Mikael tossed him aside with such force Alaric landed flat on his back. Before he could rise, Mikael pounced on him, his elbow drawn back before his fist slammed into Alaric in retribution.

  Standing at my side, Loki chuckled. “Perhaps they are not as evolved as I’d thought.”

  I scowled at him, marched up to the fighting men rolling around on the ground, and blasted them with what little energy I had left, just enough to give them a small jolt.

  Alaric rolled off Mikael, then both blinked up at me, stunned.

  “I’ll ask again,” I growled, “what the hell are you doing?”

  Alaric sat up slowly, then stood, brushing himself off. “He’s manipulating you, Madeline. I could not let it stand.”

  My scowl deepened. “You said you wouldn’t try to kill him.”

  Alaric snorted. “If I was trying to kill him, he’d be dead.”

  Mikael finally stood, flicking bits of mud and grass from his dark brown pants. “He wasn’t trying to kill me,” he assured. “Though I see no need for fighting at all.”

  Alaric raised a bruised brow and whirled on him. “Really, would you not feel compelled to attack if someone was manipulating the mother of your child?”

  “Do you really think I’m so stupid?” I hissed, suddenly angry. “I might be young in comparison to you, but when a man tries to manipulate me, I know it.”

  “This is what he does,” Alaric growled, gesturing to Mikael. “It’s what he is.”

  I shook my head. I knew I was the one technically in the wrong, and I wasn’t sure if I had the right to be mad, but I was. He was implying that Mikael couldn’t possibly have real feelings for me, and that my own feelings weren’t valid. I was just some stupid young girl being toyed with by a manipulative Viking.

  “Perhaps we should sort this out later,” Loki smoothly interjected, stepping forward.

  He distracted me enough to look over my shoulder and see the other Vaettir gathering around to watch the show.<
br />
  My shoulders slumped. “You’re right.” I aimed my gaze first at Alaric, then Mikael. “I’m aware that this is all my fault, but no more fighting until Hecate has been dealt with. We were supposed to be finding Marcos to concoct a new plan.”

  Miraculously, both men seemed abashed.

  I turned back to the gathering crowd as Aila stepped forward. “That’s what we were coming to tell you. Marcos is unconscious. We do not know what happened to him.”

  “Of course he is,” I muttered facetiously, “because that’s exactly what we need right now. Take me to him.”

  Aila gave a curt nod, then turned to lead the way. Sophie, Alejandro, and the few others who’d gathered, watched us cautiously, likely all dying to know why Alaric and Mikael had been fighting, but I wasn’t about to tell them.

  Instead, I followed Aila back around the house and toward the front entrance, with Alaric, Mikael, and Loki trailing behind. We crossed the long porch on the side of the house, then skirted around the corner. Freyja was standing in the driveway near Faas, who knelt beside Marcos, sprawled on his back in the gravel.

  Freyja turned to us as we approached, her flaxen hair blowing in a chilly breeze that promised rain. “I believe this is Hecate’s doing,” she explained. “She does not want him to lead us to her once more.”

  I frowned as I stopped to hover over Faas to peer down at Marcos. “Can you track her?” I asked Faas.

  He shook his head, then rose. “I might have stood a chance if magic wasn’t leaking into the land at an alarming rate. Can’t you feel it?”

  I raised my eyebrows, then looked over my shoulder at Alaric, Mikael, and Loki. “Should I be able to feel it?”

  All three shrugged.

  “Faas can feel it more keenly since manipulating energy is his gift,” Freyja explained, her eyes on me. “The type of magic you use has always been here. It’s in the earth and trees, and the gentle kiss of death. A bit of added energy would not be a new sensation for you, though I imagine we will all feel it soon enough.”

  “Okay,” I sighed. “So whether I feel it right now or not, magic is increasing, and it’s making Hecate difficult to track?”