At Risk

by Gayle Parness

  “I was an arrogant jerk. I thought it would be a simple thing to convince them. I should have stayed with the dragons. Been there when Naberia attacked. I could have…”

  “You could have done nothing except get yourself killed or captured. And you have a team to protect. It isn’t just you out there. Don’t ever forget that.” He nodded. “Where is Khent?” Because unseelie king or no unseelie king I was ready to strangle him.

  “He and Isaiah are meeting with the goblins, rills and others who’ve settled in Carmel. He wants to hear their stories. Reassure them that no matter what happens, they still have a home in his realm.”

  “And Brina? Jay?”

  A warm smile spread across my son’s face. “Sleeping. They’re as exhausted and as disappointed as I am.” He turned away, his shoulders arching forward, his mind fading into a depression I recognized. He was strong and determined, as stubborn as his mom but also quick to blame himself when things went haywire.

  I leaned forward and clasped his chin, forcing him to look at me. “And why aren’t you sleeping?”

  “Work to do.” He shrugged, pulling away. “Naberia will be attacking any day now. We have to create a safe place. Save some lives while we can.”

  “I have bad news of my own.” I described the torc bearers I found at NAVA and Jackie and I found in Oregon. “We have no idea how many others she’s enslaved.”

  I ran a hand through my hair, about to tell him something I hadn’t had a chance to tell Jackie or anyone else. “According to François, Kostas wants me to take over NAVA until the former leaders are well enough to be debriefed and allowed to resume their duties. I explained I had a war to fight and that my going to Montreal was exactly what Naberia had hoped for. I don’t think I can convince him to drop the idea. On top of that, François is angry I got Kostas involved at all. They aren’t on the best of terms.”

  “Not lookin’ good, is it?”

  “We’re all three together. Have you eaten?”

  “I can’t…”

  “Jon. Turkey and bacon on sourdough bread. You know what Charlie likes.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Dad…”

  “You’ll eat and you’ll sleep and then we’ll put our heads together. We will come up with a plan, I promise.”

  He tore into the sandwich like his cheetah on a hunt, then dragged his body upstairs.

  I was still in my chair when Indigo and another incredibly large male wandered in, a Thor to Indigo’s Zena. They positioned chairs by the fire and Indigo introduced Vantor.

  “I’m sorry about what happened to the other members of your clan, Vantor.”

  “Thank you. I shall save them when they join the battle.”

  “You know for certain she hasn’t killed them?”

  “Dragons are not simple beasts to kill. She will force them to fight at her side.”

  “Yet you believe you can save them?”

  “Oh yes. Indigo and I have made many plans.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  “We will hunt tonight at sea. This is acceptable?” Indigo asked.

  “Yes. Only stay invisible and don’t approach any boats.”

  Their smiles morphed to expressions of disgust. “Humans are not to our taste.”

  I avoided the urge to ask how they knew that. “Tomorrow at three in the afternoon, we’ll be meeting to discuss our options. You will come?”

  “We shall.”

  When they left, I took the stairs and curled up next to my angel, falling into rest to the music of her steady breathing and the beating of her spirited heart.

  The next time I opened my eyes my bed was surrounded by a much larger version of my original Rogues Team.

  “About time, boss.” Sash grinned.

  “You’re gonna miss the meeting,” Kyle grumbled.

  “Can’t do that.” Jackie shooed everyone away so I could shower and dress. Jon had filled a section of the enormous ballroom with tables loaded with food, drinks and even a dozen laptops and tablets. Kostas had pushed his to the side, but everyone else sat reading the pertinent information Kyle and Ethan had dug up on various sites.

  Charlie stood and called the meeting to order. A representative of each of the three teams gave a report to get everyone up to speed, then we started to brainstorm. Halfway through, Jon knocked.

  He came to me. “Yes, Jon?”

  “Excuse me, but there are four fae I do not recognize at the door. They have asked for sanctuary.”

  “Are they carrying weapons?” I asked.

  “Not that I can see, sir.”

  “Send them to the main room. Offer them tea or water. I’ll be out in a minute,” Jackie said.

  “We’ll all be out in a minute,” Charlie said, frowning. “We don’t know if they’re allies or enemies.”

  The last four fae I’d ever have expected to see sat stiffly on the couch. Winter stood as soon as he saw us. “Garrett. Charles. Jacqueline. I have brought Korwyn, her daughter, and her grandson. They are in danger in Cascade due to the arrival of Queen Aine.”

  “Korwyn?” Charles stepped closer. “Are you my aunt?”

  She bowed deeply. “I am, lord.”

  “I’ve never met you. You look like…my birth father.”

  “As do you, lord. My mother was also tall and light haired with intelligent eyes and a gentle smile, so perhaps you really take after her. This is my daughter, Shannon, and her son, Neven. Your cousins.”

  “Please sit. Why do you need sanctuary?” Jackie asked.

  “Queen Aine has imprisoned the Cascade Elders and their children. All except Aedus and Linn.”

  “Philladre?”

  “Yes. Her sister Ashlyn as well. All of them have been imprisoned at court, not in Cascade. Winter helped us escape before Aine discovered we lived.”

  “How did you manage this?”

  “In my journeys I have met many people with many talents and connections. One of them helped Korwyn and Shannon learn to take the lines to Crescent City. They brought us along as passengers.” Winter patted Nevin on the head. “A demi fey male in Crescent City told me you were here.”

  “And you will return to Faerie, Winter?” Hopefully the answer would be yes.

  “I fear I will be killed for helping Korwyn and her family.”

  “You’re welcome here, as are you, Lady Korwyn, and your family,” Jackie said, always ready to reach out a hand. “Jon?”

  “Yes, lady?”

  “Would you take Lady Korwyn, Shannon and Nevin to the eastern wing so they can settle in? Bring them food or whatever else they wish.” Jackie smiled at Korwyn. “Those rooms face the gardens.”

  “Yes, lady. And Winter?” Jon asked.

  “Find him a room near yours. Closer to the action.” Jackie turned to Winter and smiled more warmly than I would have liked. “I have work for you here.”

  “I would be most grateful. I will help support Korwyn and her family if you require payment.”

  “No payment is required,” I said. “Do you know anything of Liam’s mother?” I asked.

  “No one has seen her. They believe Lord Caelen has hidden her where she will be safe. He loves her and knows Aine will despise Lady Erin because she is human.”

  “She can’t ever come to the Mortal Realm,” Jackie said. Erin had lived in Faerie for centuries and would turn to dust in our world.

  “Naberia will slaughter Aine’s people without the support of the elders, their strongest magic users,” I said, taking Jackie’s hand and drawing her closer.

  “Queen Aine feels only rage and does not think clearly,” Winter said, looking down in that strangely humble way. It never seemed genuine.

  “And what steps has Finvarra taken to stop her?” I asked.

  “None.”

  “None?” Charlie whipped his head in my direction. “How can that be?”

  “Finvarra appears torn. It is clear he still loves his queen,” Winter said.

  “How did she escape from
Tir Na NOg?

  “With the help of Fionna.”

  Jackie frowned. “Fionna is back? Does she look well?”

  “Yes.”

  “And what of Kennet?” I asked.

  “I do not know.” Winter shook his head, then glanced toward the stairs. Charlie and Jackie gave each other a look I knew well.

  Jon spoke to a maid. “Please show Winter to the room across from mine.” She nodded. “If the rest of you could come with me please.” Jon indicated they should follow him.

  “What’s up with you two?” I asked when they’d left.

  “Winter may have lied,” Charlie said.

  “It could be exhaustion,” Jackie said.

  “We’ll keep an eye on him,” Charlie said. “He’s always been a little too attached to you, Ma.”

  “My feelings exactly.” I watched the others climb the stairs and turn the corner on the second floor.

  We returned to the meeting where most of the discussion concerned creating a safe place for the battle. At the end, Isaiah, Khent, and Charlie took the lines to Solo Island, intending to see if it would suit our purposes.

  I gave the team the run of the mansion and sat down in my private study for another conversation with Kostas.

  “After seeing your son, I must say I disagree with François’ assessment. Is the boy well trained in all three magics?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then he will be a fine leader.”

  “Thank you, Master Kostas.”

  “However, I will not concern myself with your war. It means nothing to me. When it is finished you will come to my territory and we will speak further of how you may serve your race. This is not negotiable, you understand. You will come or I will be forced to take action.”

  “I will be there.”

  “I give you two cycles of the moon from the date you finish burying your dead. This is to allow you a chance to bring normalcy to your territory, and if necessary, the surrounding territories in the Mortal World. You may not assist the fae or the demons or the dragons in rebuilding their worlds.”

  “But Charles…”

  “I speak only of you and your nest. You are a leader of vampires and have responsibilities you have ignored.”

  I opened my mouth, but he stopped me with a glare and a flick of his hand.

  “I leave now.”

  Master Kostas disappeared without standing.

  20

  Jackie

  If anyone ever doubted that wildly different species could work together toward a common purpose, they only had to look at the brand-new land formation taking shape a few miles away from its inspiration off the coast of northern California.

  Charlie’s powerful team, including Khent, Isaiah and Vantor, had done a remarkable job cloning the physical features of Solo Island without taking along any of the wildlife, trees or other living things that grew on or inhabited the original. They’d shaped it to fit their needs, hiding it from outside eyes, and setting traps it would take the gods to discover.

  Honor during wartime was great in theory, but Queen Aine and Naberia had decided our realm was to be used for their bloody pleasure. Our Rogues Team and Charlie’s team had declared themselves protectors. Innocents lived in this realm. Humans with no knowledge of magic or creatures who’d destroy their happiness with a flick of a finger. And humans weren’t the only innocent victims. So the fact we were using tricks, lies and traps to save our supernatural and human citizens, was honorable in our book.

  Hopefully, it would be enough.

  A goblin king, a duo of dragons, several fae and two powerful hybrids had worked a miracle of the first order. If only the reason for the second island’s creation was something wonderful. A giant playground or park. A welcome settlement for cast-out supes. Even a college and campus where the ocean could be studied from close up.

  Anything other than a killing field. Visions of blood-soaked sand and earth had haunted my dreams for weeks. Sometimes my son lay broken and bleeding. Other times it was Garrett choking on his own blood then turning to dust before my eyes. I woke up shivering and nauseous, slipping out of bed while Garrett lay in his resting phase. He only needed a few hours a day, but it gave me a chance to hide the worst of my fear, to stop the trembling with hot coffee and the feel of the morning sunshine on my face, or on rainy days the heat of a fire in the hearth. Sinlae knew, but after I turned her away once, she didn’t ask again.

  She trusted me to deal with whatever came next. And I would. I had to, just like everyone else.

  The builders and shapers were exhausted, drained of magic, but this had been discussed and acknowledged as the one main drawback of our plan. We’d all agreed the risk was worth it. We’d give everyone two full days to rest before sending word to Aine and Naberia that a secure place had been established where the battle could rage safely. Our descriptions of modern human weapons had made the fae think twice about plopping down in a random field and going at it full force. This was California, and a military base was never far away.

  Human armies bearing long-range weapons weren’t a joke. A group of sorcerers and witches would be keeping the island hidden from outside eyes, and that would have to be enough.

  The healer in me screamed for compassion. For sense. For mercy. But Naberia and Aine were lost to thousands of years of hate, greed, and arrogance.

  I stood in the doorway of the largest upstairs bedroom in our Crescent City home. Charlie and Brina slept curled around each other the way Garrett and I always did. They’d been sleeping for forty hours straight. My healer urged me forward to take their pulses, both normal, and listen to their deep, even breathing. They’d be famished when they woke, but it was more important to let them sleep.

  I checked their connection to the ley lines. Clear and strong. I kissed both of their blonde heads and turned away.

  “Mom.”

  “I woke you?” I whispered. “I’m sorry.”

  “No worries. What time is it?”

  “Two in the afternoon on Friday.”

  “Friday? I slept for two days?”

  “Almost.”

  He winced and glanced at the bathroom.

  “I’ll give you some privacy. Liam’s here. He’ll make you something yummy.”

  “Thanks, Ma.”

  I took the stairs two at a time, smiling with relief. Charlie hadn’t seemed ill while he’d slept, but I was his mother and it was baked into my DNA to worry about him.

  I entered the kitchen with a request for breakfast but was greeted with Liam, Kellie and Grady wearing grim expressions. Liam turned from the stove and spoke.

  “Queen Aine has sent you an official notice. There’s one for Charlie too.” Kellie, who was seated at the kitchen table beside their son, slid them across to me as I lowered my body into the chair.

  “You read it?” I asked, my hands already shaking.

  “No, but I can tell you what ours states. Kellie and I, Farrell, Brina, Elle, Sinlae and her mates and any creature with at least half the bloodline of Faerie are to return to Cascade or the court immediately. This includes your fae students.”

  “If we do not, we will be cast out forever,” Kellie added stoically.

  “Fae with no access to Faerie will sicken and die after several months. The Queen’s threat is a serious one,” Liam continued.

  “Then take your family and go. Garrett and I understand. Tell the students to return as well.” I rose, walking to the glass sliding doors and peering out at the garden. I leaned my forehead into the cool glass and closed my eyes. “We’ll have to find a way to convince Sinlae to go. It’ll break her heart.” Mine too, although I didn’t say that out loud.

  Straightening, I walked to Kellie. “We’ll hire someone to keep an eye on your home and I’ll stop by…” I fisted my hands as more of what they said sunk in. “Elle will never leave Sasha. And Brina…”

  “Do you think we will leave our child? Or your family? Grady is not welcome. He is one quarter fae.”

&n
bsp; “But he’s your son.”

  “I’m not of their blood. I don’t know who my birth parents were.” Grady spoke for the first time. He’d turned into a fine young male, a brilliant ancient history scholar who sometimes reminded me of my father, Simon. His dark eyes shinned with intelligence, and Charlie and he had been friends for most of their lives.

  “Charlie is half fae.”

  “He’s going nowhere near that bitch.” My vehement tone surprised even me.

  “And what bitch is that?” Charlie strolled through the kitchen probably having overheard most of our discussion. “Fionna, Aine or Naberia?”

  “Mostly Aine. This is for you.” I handed him his missive and I read mine at the same time.

  * * *

  You shall send your son to Faerie by tomorrow’s sunset or he will be declared an enemy and shall be destroyed as Naberia shall be destroyed. You and your mate are not to attempt to return to Faerie on pain of death.

  Aine, Queen of Faerie

  If you do not comply, all that you love will be destroyed.

  * * *

  “Huh. Like I’d ever follow a crazy queen’s orders. Let’s switch.” Charlie’s notice demanded he return to Faerie with haste or be cast out forever.

  We stared at each other, too many feelings to count passing between us.

  “Dad’s up. I’m calling a team meeting. Both teams.” Charlie closed his eyes for several seconds, as people started to pop into the kitchen. Vantor, Indigo, Isaiah, and Khent were first. I ushered them through the door and onto the patio.

  “Too many for the kitchen. We’ll use the school gymnasium.” Garrett kissed my cheek. “Are you all right?”

  “Mom’s pissed off. We all are.” As Charlie explained the situation, more team members arrived. Brina, Kaera and Elle had taken on the jobs of picking up the shifters, while Sasha took the underground tunnel to the school to unlock the building and turn off the security system. Rick was still in Montreal with François and Kostas had returned to his Greek hideaway after Garrett had pleaded his case. Whether he’d show up or not to help during the battle was up to him.