Sleeper (Rise of the Fianna Book 1)

by Amy Brock McNew

  Makenna rolled her eyes. He’d been messing with her all morning, trying to lighten the mood. So far, Rhys had only succeeded in pissing her off.

  They’d had a quick breakfast, with him stressing four too many times how important it was for shifters to take in enough protein. She’d been loath to leave their little sanctuary, but he’d assured her they’d come back as often as they could.

  Then they’d shifted, running in their wolf forms until they had no more cover. They’d walked the rest of the way to where she’d parked her truck. Seeing as how she’d left the keys in it in her hurry to get away, she’d been shocked it was still there.

  She pulled up in front of her apartment and killed the engine. Shooting a glare at him, she jumped out.

  “I would’ve loved to have seen that.” He draped an arm over her shoulders as they walked up the path.

  She liked the lighter side of Rhys. She hadn’t seen it much. But she could handle the new world she’d been tossed into. He didn’t have to keep trying to protect her.

  She waited until they’d shut the apartment door behind them. “Rhys, I’m fine.” She grabbed the broom to sweep up the shattered glass everywhere. “I’m not gonna break.”

  He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her middle. “I know you’re strong, love. I just wanted some levity before we head back into Ifrin.”

  She shot him the side eye and untangled herself to get her task done. “What the hell is Ifrin?”

  He laughed. A true laugh. It was one of the most amazing sounds she’d ever heard. “Hell.”

  “Hell what?” she huffed, dumping the remains of her phone and the bottle in the trash.

  “It’s Gaelic for hell.” He dug in the fridge and pulled out a beer.

  Makenna rolled her eyes again and pointed at the bottle. “It’s nine in the morning.” She playfully pushed him out of the way and opened the fridge to start throwing things out. She wouldn’t be needing them anymore.

  “We don’t get drunk as easy as humans, so this is like drinking a Dr. Pepper for me.” He chugged half of it and set it on the counter.

  He jumped in with her, pulling things out and tossing them in the garbage. There wasn’t much. She wasn’t a big cook.

  “Nice excuse.” Finished with the fridge, Makenna pulled several plastic bags from under the sink and began to fill them with the unopened pantry items she’d drop off at the shelter on their way out of town.

  “Hey, are you okay with this?” He hip checked her. “I know you’ve lived here for a while. It’s home. Uprooting can’t be easy.”

  Makenna paused. “Actually, it is. I don’t put down roots.” She pointed to the walls, bare except for the hangers where her blades had been. “I never really had a home, since my aunt and uncle’s.” She shrugged and went back to her task.

  Rhys slid an arm around her. “I wish I’d found you sooner.”

  “You’re here now. I wish it had happened differently, but it is what it is.”

  She packed her few kitchen supplies in one of the boxes she kept in the cleaning closet. She never knew when she’d move next, so she was always prepared.

  “You don’t have to put on a brave face.” He took the plates out of her hands, placing them in the box.

  Makenna had never had someone to confide in. Never had someone to lean on. He was offering her that and more. Telling her it was okay to not be so strong all the time. That it was okay to share her burden.

  She cuddled into his chest. “Thanks, but I’m okay.” She pulled back. “It’s a lot to take in, but I finally have answers for all the things that didn’t make sense. I know who I am now, what I am. It’s not anything I could’ve imagined. That’s for damn sure.” She laughed, and he smiled. “I’m okay with it. Or I will be. It’ll take some getting used to, but I kinda like having power.” She gave him a quick peck on the cheek. “Besides, being able to turn into a wolf is just cool.”

  Rhys laughed and resumed packing. “You’re a constant surprise. I’m glad you’re taking this all so well.” His smile faded. “Especially with the way it all went down.”

  “Just because he’s my father doesn’t mean he gets to define who I am or how I feel.” Makenna didn’t pause in her work. She could break down when Kylian was gone. She faced Rhys, setting the last box on the floor. “So, will we need these at your place or should we donate them?”

  He cocked an eyebrow. He wasn’t buying her “I’m over it” attitude. Apparently he decided to let it go. “I’ve got plenty of stuff, but if you want to have your things there, you’re more than welcome. I want you to feel at home.”

  She nodded and moved to the bedroom. It was strange moving in with someone she’d only known for a week. They were mated, though. There was no getting out of it, even if she’d wanted to, so they needed to learn how to live together.

  “We can drop them off at the shelter. I don’t have much.”

  Not much was said as they finished boxing up her things. When they were done, and everything was loaded in the truck, she drove by the office and dropped off her keys. Thankfully, her lease was month to month, and the month was up next week.

  She really was all right with leaving her old life. There wasn’t much to leave anyway. She’d miss the kids at the center, but they had plenty of instructors and mentors to help them.

  They’d be okay and so would she. Eventually.

  As they came close to Mr. Labeaux’s shop, she slowed the truck as her heart sped up. How could she have forgotten? Though with all the excitement, it was understandable.

  “I need to check on Mr. Labeaux! He looked hurt when I left.” The shop was closed, an anomaly for that time of day. It shot worry through her.

  She jumped out and pounded on the door. Getting no answer, she turned to Rhys and raised a finger. She tore around the back, Rhys on her heels. His car was gone. There was no trace of the fight. She banged on the back door. Again getting no answer, she tried it. It was locked.

  Remembering how she’d opened her apartment door, she concentrated, focusing her power on the knob. A click sounded, and the door popped open.

  Rhys grabbed her arm. “Careful. I don’t sense anyone, but you never know.”

  Makenna plowed in the door but stopped when Rhys grunted. She whirled as he tried again to cross the threshold. An invisible barrier prevented his entry.

  “It’s warded. Looks like he gave you passage, though.” He sighed. “Kenna, I don’t want you going in there alone. We can have Bowen try to locate him.”

  She shook her head, a little angry he didn’t look as concerned as she did. “He put his neck on the line for me. I have to make sure he’s okay. I’ll be careful.”

  She took off up the stairs to the apartment. Popping the door, she burst into the one large room. It was empty.

  Checking the bathroom just in case, she sighed. She’d known he wasn’t there, but she’d had to see it for herself. She locked the door and trudged down the stairs.

  She joined Rhys out back, securing the door. “There’s no sign of him. Rhys, we have to find him.”

  Rhys looked everywhere but her. “We’ll find him. I’ll get Bowen on it as soon as we get home.”

  She got a distinctly squirrely vibe from him. She tried to do that thing he did, where it looked like he was searching her soul. Coming up empty, she led him to the truck and climbed in.

  The ride back to Rhys’ camp was silent. Makenna worried about Mr. Labeaux. Had he been hurt? Where would he go if he was? She wondered what Rhys was keeping from her. The doubt she’d fought before crept back in, and she ruthlessly shoved it down. He’d proved himself to her more than once. She had to trust him, or their relationship would never work.

  Relationships were hard. Not having much experience, she was out of her depth. She’d gone from having no man in her life to being thrown into forever. It was overwhelming. And exhausting. She wasn’t used to having to consider someone else.

  Her pondering on her recent coupling came to an e
nd as Rhys turned onto the road to the camp. It was more of a trail than a road, mostly hidden from view. They bounced down the path, her pulse pounding faster the closer they got.

  She’d basically tried to kill their Beta and forced their submission. That combined with the fact she was sure they knew by now she’d worked for Kylian, though unknowingly, had Makenna’s nerves tweaking like she’d been electrocuted. Why would they ever accept her? Let alone acknowledge her as their queen.

  She may be mated to their Alpha and king, but respect was earned. All she’d done so far was give them reason not to trust her.

  Rhys reached across the seat and took her hand, tangling their fingers together. “It’ll be fine. I told you most have already accepted you. They understand it wasn’t your choice.”

  “I know. But what about the others? And Trystan?”

  “He’s my best friend and Beta. I know him better than anyone. He’ll come around. When he sees you’re worthy of his trust, of his fealty. He’s grieving, but he’ll come out of it.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  So he wasn’t just Beta, he was Rhys’ closest friend. She felt even more like shit.

  She pulled to a stop at the edge of camp beside several other vehicles. She had the fleeting thought of how normal it was that the vehicles ranged from clunkers to brand new, souped up sports cars, and trucks. Even a few bikes. Wolves didn’t seem much different than people in that respect.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “I told you, no apologizing.” He leaned over and kissed her soundly. “Come on. We have a lot to do and no time to waste.”

  As he climbed out, his shoulders sagged and whispers of urgency, apprehension, and determination wafted to her. From him. It was gonna take her a while to get used to that.

  He opened her door. “You coming?” He held out a hand.

  Makenna placed her hand in his and stepped out. Time to face her new life and the people in it.

  The camp was a little humbler than she’d expected, but it was neat and tidy. Small cabins, huts really, dotted the clearing and extended into the woods. A large, open area in the center seemed to be the gathering area, with rough-hewn tables, chairs, and a fire pit decorating the space.

  The people who populated the area turned sharp eyes on her. She swallowed hard and scanned the crowd. All the men were huge, almost as big as Rhys. And she’d never seen so many women as large as she was. At least she wouldn’t stick out like a sore thumb.

  One thing was missing.

  She didn’t see any children.

  She leaned into Rhys and whispered. “Where are the kids?”

  He made a face that looked like he was debating not telling her. She gave him the evil eye.

  He shook his head and sighed. “There are none in this pack. For some reason we don’t know, mated couples can’t conceive until their Alphas do. Other packs that answer to me have tons of pups, though.” He watched her carefully.

  One more big swallow. Talk about pressure. And pups? If they ever had kids, would she give birth to a freaking litter?

  “Oh.” That was all she had. It wasn’t the time for that discussion anyway. No way.

  He kept hold of her hand, pulling her in to his side. She absorbed the comfort and strength from him, desperate for it. Her stomach twisted in knots and her hands shook. She shoved her free one in her pocket, and Rhys squeezed the other. Her jaw dropped when a familiar face stood out among the rest milling about the area.

  “Mr. Labeaux!” She dropped Rhys’ hand and took off at a run, nearly tackling the man. “What are you doing here?”

  His dark, wrinkled face shone with relief. “Cha, you a sight for my ole eyes. Are you hurt?” He checked her over, patting her and looking for wounds apparently.

  She hugged him again. “I’m fine. Are you?” Her smile ran away. “I tried, but they─”

  “It’s all right, chile. I know.” He patted her cheeks, his kind eyes glowing with love. “How are ya? Bowen done told me ‘bout what happened. I’m sorry I didn’t sense it, cha. If I’d a known, I’d a helped ya.”

  “I know you would’ve.” She kissed his cheek. “What are you doing here?”

  “After last night, ya be knowin’ I’m a mage.” She nodded, having not heard the word but getting its meaning. “I ain’t no wolf, jest a man, but my people is allied with the Fianna here.”

  A spark of anger singed her nerves. She couldn’t help it when her jaw clenched. “You knew, didn’t you? You knew who I was all along.”

  Mr. Labeaux frowned hard and reached for her. She backed out of his grasp. The pain of betrayal stung her skin.

  He shook his head vigorously, sadness etching into the wrinkles on his face. “No, chile. I knew ya was special, that ya had power, but that spell hid what ya were. Bowen never did get to mentionin’ he was a lookin’ for ya, so I had no idea.” He took her hand. “I shoulda, though. If I had─”

  Makenna relaxed, her anger dissipating. “It’s okay.” She hugged him again. “Thank you.” She knew now he’d protected her because he cared. He was the closest thing she had to a real father. She reached back for Rhys’ hand. Suddenly, she felt like a girl about to introduce her new boyfriend to her dad. “I want you to meet someone.”

  Rhys came forward, smiling, and shook Mr. Labeaux’s hand. “Good to see you again. Glad you made it through last night.”

  His face split into a grin. “Takes more then a wild filly of a witch to take me down, yeah.”

  Makenna’s mouth dropped open. Then she smacked Rhys on the arm. “That’s why you weren’t worried at the shop.”

  He had the grace to look sheepish. “I wanted you to have a good surprise.” He pulled her to him and kissed the top of her head.

  She closed her eyes and leaned into him. “Thank you.” She straightened at the weight of curious and wary glances thrown her way from the gathering crowd. “Maybe we should grab my stuff. I’m sure Mr. Labeaux would like to sit down. And we have a lot to talk about.”

  She was rambling, but their suspicion felt like prickles on her skin.

  Rhys shuffled his feet. “About that, we won’t be unloading your things here. We’ve got to─”

  “Rhys!” Bowen ran toward them, his brown hair flying like a banner from his head. The usually stoic man was flustered beyond belief, his cheeks red.

  Two more massive men and a woman trailed behind him, wearing somber expressions. One of the men was quite tan, with dreadlocks in his bright blond hair. The woman was about Makenna’s height, with golden tresses that flowed loose at her shoulders and stunning emerald eyes.

  As Makenna’s gaze trailed to the man the woman clung to, her entire being stilled.

  He had deep auburn hair, pale skin, and bright blue eyes. Eyes that had looked on her with kindness before. That had told her things would be all right even when she’d known they wouldn’t be.

  The others carried on around her as she dug around in her chaotic brain, trying to figure out who he was. But those eyes. She knew those eyes.

  “What is it?” Rhys set her aside and move toward Bowen.

  Bowen skidded to a stop. “After what happened with Makenna and what we’d heard from one of our captives, I created a spell to find the trigger. Now that I know its signature, I can locate it.” He motioned the three people forward. “I scanned the whole camp. Only two were infected, so to speak.” He smiled. “We broke the triggers.”

  The blue-eyed man stepped closer, head hanging low. The other moved to his side. “Alpha, we submit ourselves for whatever punishment you see fit.”

  Rhys took his arm in a warrior’s handshake and the man raised his head. “There will be no punishment.” Rhys glanced at Makenna and smiled. “It was out of your control.” His look hardened as he turned back to the men. “Kylian did this and he will pay.”

  Suddenly, it came to her. “Four!” Makenna rushed from behind Rhys to the man in front of him. “I thought he killed you.”

  “Three?” The man looked conf
used, like he couldn’t sort out the memories.

  She knew the feeling.

  She nodded. “You’re all right?”

  “Aye.” He tilted his head, then his eyes widened. “You’re the...you’re her.”

  Rhys put an arm around her. “She is the Morrigan. My mate and your queen.”

  The woman rushed forward and took Makenna’s hands. “I am Deidre. Thank you. Without you, we would’ve never known. I could’ve lost my Gregor forever.”

  Makenna nodded numbly. “You’re welcome.” She turned to Four, rather, Gregor. “But how did you get out? What happened?”

  Gregor frowned. “He released me. Guards dropped me off at the edge of the swamp, spoke a few words, then the next thing I know, I woke up on the ground. I never remembered leaving camp here. Never remembered being at Kylian’s compound or working for him.” He hugged his mate to him, kissing the top of her head.

  “It was the same for me.” Makenna clung to Rhys. “I didn’t remember until the trigger was gone.”

  “I know now he probably had other plans for me. Working from inside our clan.” He looked at Rhys apologetically.

  Rhys raised a hand. “It’s over. We’ll speak of it no more.”

  A thought came to Makenna. She looked up at Rhys. “Hey, what did you mean, we wouldn’t be unpacking my stuff here?”

  Rhys kissed her before setting her away. He turned to the camp and called for their attention. People spilled out of their homes and wandered in from the swamp until they were circled by the pack.

  Makenna slid closer to Rhys. She wanted to hide, but Rhys pulled her back to his side. She tensed more when Talon, Amanda, and Trystan came up behind them. She was happy to see her sister and brother, which was still weird, but rage rolled off Trystan.

  Rhys scanned the crowd. “First, I’m sure you’ve heard Bowen found two of our warriors under Kylian’s control.” A murmur swept through the crowd. “He broke the triggers, just as he did for Makenna. None of these three would’ve chosen to work for Kylian. It was out of their hands.” He smiled at Makenna. “But they are no longer under Kylian’s thrall. They are a part of our pack, loyal to the end.” He hugged her tighter to him. “Second, I’ll remind you Makenna is your queen and Alpha.” His voice grew louder, his words carrying steel. “You will respect her as such. I’ll give you time before demanding your fealty, but make no mistake,” he circled, locking eyes with Trystan before moving on. “I will expect it. We are either united, or our pack falls.”