by Lisa Olsen
Sitting at the office while Rob was out scouting facilities, I ignored a Skype call from Aubrey for the umpteenth time. Why was the guy so hot to talk to me? Didn’t he get the message from the bajillion calls I’d ignored over the past few weeks? I stared at my monitor, an overwhelming feeling of icky unease descending upon me as the cursor hovered over the decline button.
Against my better judgment I clicked answer with video, intending to get whatever it was out of his system and stop interrupting my day. Aubrey’s face popped up on the screen, as handsome as ever, dressed in a crisp white shirt, open at the throat, his blonde curls cropped close. Shock widened his slate gray eyes, but they instantly crinkled with a warmth I didn’t remember the last time I’d seen him up close and personal. Why the heck would he be glad to see me?
“Anja, sweets, how lovely to see you again!”
“What do you want, Aubrey?” I asked, not bothering with any diplomacy.
“I wanted to offer my most sincere apologies to you now that I’ve been freed of Lodinn’s influence.”
Is that all? “Fine, you’ve apologized. I have to be going now, I’m very busy.”
“You can’t know the pain it’s put me through to know…”
“The pain it’s putting you through?” I cut him off, wishing I could reach through the screen and wring his neck. “After the torture we went through in your House?”
His hands came up in a supplicating gesture. “I didn’t know that would happen, luv, I swear. We were all naught but tools in Lodinn’s plan.”
“Well, you’re definitely a tool,” I muttered and he agreed without argument, flashing those puppy dog eyes at me.
“Yes, I am, and I’m sorry. I know I can’t expect your forgiveness.”
“Good, ’cause I’m not offering any. You didn’t turn me over to Volkov because of Lodinn’s orders, you did it because I rejected you, plain and simple. If you truly wanted to apologize to me, you’d man up and admit it.”
Aubrey’s tongue darted out to moisten his lips, and he looked down, his eyes fixed on some spot I couldn’t see off camera. “I admit, I was hurt by your rejection. I made a mistake, a mistake that you paid for dearly. But you can’t think I wanted that for you or my brother.”
“And Rob.”
Aubrey waved that distinction away, Rob clearly wasn’t a priority for him. “You must know that I would’ve killed Volkov myself if Jakob hadn’t seen to it.”
“He didn’t, I staked him, remember? Wait, Volkov’s not dead, is he? I left him impaled with a poker, but he was alive.”
“Sorry, figure of speech. No, Volkov’s still down in that very cell where he’ll remain for as long as I’m Elder of Vetis.” His expression changed to one of self-proclaimed brilliance. “Or I could have him shipped to you for your care, if you prefer,” he beamed.
“Eewh, no thanks.” Talk about a creepy offer. “Down in the dungeon works for me. Look, was there something else you wanted, Aubrey, or did you just want to grovel some more?”
Aubrey drew himself up, every inch the polished aristocrat. “I thought we might discuss re-establishing an accord between our Houses.”
“You have some nerve, you know that? You basically destroy my life as I know it, draw Jakob out of hiding so Lodinn can target him by targeting MY family and now you want me to forget about it and go back to business as usual?”
“I understand that my actions have caused you great pain,” he said, choosing his words with deliberate care. “But that is no reason for Vetis to suffer for lack of an accord with the West.”
“What would you possibly stand to gain from an alliance with us? I remember exactly what you think about the backwards colonies.”
“I have had my eyes opened. Indeed, the Gathering opened a great many eyes to the importance of the New World. In terms of numbers alone, the West is a force to be reckoned with, and I choose to stand beside you, not opposite you.”
“You act like you’re worried I’m going to call for a full scale invasion,” I snorted, but I could see a grain of truth to it in the fear behind his eyes. “Relax, it’s not on my agenda for the moment.”
“Be that as it may, I would like to resume discussions between our nations, if at all possible. I trust that a ruler of your integrity can look past her personal feelings to do what is best for both our Houses.”
Frak, how was I supposed to respond to that? If I said no now, I’d look like the biggest jerkwad ever, but there was no way I wanted to get into bed with that purple belly again. “I will agree to review a proposal if you send one over. I can’t make any promises beyond that.”
“If you would agree to visit, I could…”
“Not a chance in Hell.” I put an end to that thought right there. Maybe he was truly sorry and maybe he wasn’t, but I wasn’t about to take the chance and risk it.
“I could come and see you then, humble myself at your feet.”
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”
“It tears me up to think I’ve caused you any pain, sweets.”
“Then don’t worry about it. I’m in a good headspace, all is right with the world.” I wanted to look to the future, not the past, especially a particularly painful past like that.
“I’m glad to hear of it. When I heard that Jakob and Ulrik both left you, I feared…”
“Wait, what?” My voice rose to an octave best heard by bats. “Where did you hear that?”
Aubrey shrank away from my shrill tone. “One doesn’t like to repeat gossip.”
“You’re the one who brought it up, now spit it out,” I demanded. I didn’t think I could compel him through the computer, but I sent him my most serious don’t-mess-with-me stare.
Aubrey licked his lips, unwilling to refuse me directly, but wary of saying the wrong thing, it was written all over his face. “Jakob said as much to me when he came calling.”
“Jakob is there? I thought he was in New York.”
“Not now, he’s moved on, I expect. He told me he didn’t intend on returning to the West in the foreseeable future, and with his news about Carys I can understand why.”
Cool beans, now the whole world was going to think I was second fiddle to Carys. “Not that it’s any of your business, but I kicked Jakob to the curb, not the other way around. And I wasn’t with Bishop, so he didn’t leave me like that. Or is that what he’s saying about me too?”
“No, or rather I dunno, I haven’t spoken to Ulrik. Don’t get me wrong, sweets, I think it’s a fine idea you standing on your own. It gives a man hope.” His smile turned entirely too predatory and I had to jump in and nip that in the bud.
“Whoa, not so fast, Romeo. I am not standing on my own. I mean, I am, but I’m not alone. I’m with Rob.”
“Why?”
I shook my head, some people weren’t worth the effort. “I think this conversation is over now. Send me a proposal and I promise I’ll look it over. But my personal life is none of your business.”
“I meant no offense, Anja. You must know I hold you in the highest regard.”
“Thank you for your apology. I appreciate the sentiment behind it, but I’m so not interested. Goodbye, Aubrey.” With that, I terminated the call, leaning back in my chair to sift through the parts of the conversation that stuck with me. Part of me really wished Jakob found Carys soon so the world would have something new to gossip over. Then again, part of me hoped Lodinn’s taunt turned out to be nothing more than that, a taunt, for Bishop’s sake. Everything I’d learned about the woman made me think she was better left unfound.
* * *
Rob seemed oddly stiff and nervous as we stood in the arrival lounge at the airport. He barely acknowledged my attempts at conversation, his eyes riveted to the walkway the arriving passengers streamed through.
Finally, I forced my arm around his, holding it close to get his attention. “Aren’t you glad to see her?”
His hazel eyes flicked away long enough to meet mine, before they returned to the
walkway. “Course I am.”
“Then why do you look like you’re waiting for the Antichrist to step off that plane?”
“What you going on about now?” he scowled, shifting his weight. “What do you expect me to do, hold a great big welcome sign and grin like an idiot?”
“Hey, I’m only trying to figure out why you’re so grumpycakes tonight, don’t bite my head off.” I pulled my arm from his, but he caught my hand and gave it a soft squeeze.
“Sorry. I’m a bit on edge tonight.”
I waited for more of an explanation as to why he was on edge, but that’s all I got, his attention focused on the steady stream of people exiting the gate area. His body tensed a split second before I heard Leila’s excited cry piercing the terminal.
“Robby!” Dark hair streaming behind her, she darted in and out of the throng, moving faster than should’ve been possible in the heavy rubber rainboots she wore, an odd combination with the light, flowery dress and bare shoulders. Rob broke into a smile as she approached, his arms opening wide to give her a hug, but she stopped short, two feet away from us.
“You’re wrong,” she declared, the joy draining from her face.
“Different is all,” he said quietly, approaching her slowly, his hands stretched out as though approaching a skittish animal. “You knew about this, I told you over the phone.”
Her head shook back and forth as she stepped backwards. “Wrong, wrong, dead and gone,” she chanted.
“Not gone, I’m here. Take my hand, you’ll see well enough.”
“It’s okay, Leila. He’s just like me now. You’re not afraid of me, are you?” I asked in as soothing a manner as I could and her head whipped to face me.
“You done this to him. You’ve brought him low.”
“No, I mean yes, but he’s fine.”
Rob stepped up while her attention was distracted and pulled her into his arms, hustling her along toward the escalators. Leila grew more and more agitated, muttering something about blood and sickness. It was hard to follow.
“Anja, why don’t you go fetch the car then, yeah?” he asked, bringing her wrists together as she struggled. “I’ll see if I can get her calmed down.” More and more people were beginning to stare as Leila whimpered and moaned, her eyes wide and afraid.
“Are you sure you don’t need any help with her?”
“Naw, we’ll be fine, won’t we, Bits?” he replied in a sing song voice, his stare direct and intense. Even though I knew he wasn’t able to compel her, Leila responded to it, falling quiet. “There’s a good girl. Just wants a little getting used to, don’t it?”
“But you’re wrong,” Leila whimpered piteously and my heart twisted for her.
“Anja, the car,” he prompted.
“Oh, right, sorry.” With one last look at the pair, I headed for the parking garage to find his sedan, the remnants of their conversation floating up to me as I took the escalator.
“I’ve got you now, Bits. Nothing to worry about.”
“Dead and gone,” she whispered.
“Shh, nobody’s dead and gone. I’m strong as ever, here to protect you as always.”
“But who will protect you?”
By the time I got back with the car, Leila was docile, and largely unresponsive to my attempts at conversation. Rob let me drive home, sitting in the back with her, and I was reminded of the last time we’d brought her to the house. So many things had changed since then!
The place was empty, Maggie, Gunnar and Lee all down at the office by my request. Leila didn’t hesitate before entering the house this time, leaving her heavy boots by the door. She did stop short when she came to the parlor, her eyes falling to the hardwood floor where no amount of scrubbing had completely removed the stain of Lodinn’s blood.
“We’re in the age of men now,” she murmured.
“Oh, that’s not going to be a problem, is it?” I asked, remembering she was sensitive to blood shed. “We could use one of the other rooms, the library maybe?”
Neither one of them replied, Rob and I watching as Leila hunkered down on the floor, her nose pressing against the scarred wood. “Don’t make no nevermind to me,” Leila sniffed. “His time is past.”
“Good, then um, would you like to rest, or…”
“I’m all over parched, have you any tea?” Without waiting for an answer, she strode past me into the kitchen.
“Is she okay? She seems even more erratic than usual,” I asked Rob as soon as she was gone. “And what was all that stuff about at the airport?”
“She’s had a shock seeing me as a vampire, that’s all,” he replied in a low voice. “She’ll be fine. Leila’s been through more than most, she’s tougher than she looks. Like someone else I know.” He brushed the hair back over my ear in a tender caress. “Let’s go and have a cuppa tea and get started. The sooner she does this, the easier my mind will be.”
Leila seemed almost normal as we gathered in the kitchen over cups of hot tea, chatting easily about the man in the seat next to her on the plane who stank of cabbage and regret. Almost normal. Her eyes kept flicking back to Rob with uncertainty, but she didn’t make any more weird outbursts.
To my surprise, she laid out the pentacle for the spell right over the bloodstained floors, without batting an eye. Though she did burn enough sage (Rob explained it was to cleanse the room) for me to stop breathing all together, and I wondered how she put up with the acrid smoke. It dissipated soon enough, and I had to admit, the place did feel lighter afterwards, more peaceful.
This time I joined her in the circle without prompting, and she held out her hand to Rob, her fingers opening and closing impatiently.
“You’ll need to join us as well,” she instructed, and Rob’s brows furrowed in confusion.
“It’s her house.”
A roll of the eyes was given. “Don’t be daft, Robby. You’re bound together now, it would take too long to separate you and I want my biscuits.” She wiggled her fingers until he took her hand.
“As you wish.” Rob folded himself beside me and picked up both of our hands.
“Fra utover dette lyset lyset…” Leila began the chant. A rush of wind lifted my hair and I felt the power swirling around us, gathering, waiting to be released.
“Say it with me.” I heard Leila’s voice in my mind, Rob’s gravelly voice echoing in there as well as the three of us spoke the incantation aloud. We repeated the words to the spell twice more, and then when the last line hung heavy in the air, “Idet Jeg vil den så lage den være,” Leila’s head flung back and the full force of the spell was released into the air.
I moaned with the intensity of it, my entire body tingling as the power enveloped me and I became part of it. Rob’s energy pulsed beside me, strong and sure. His gaze swept slowly over me and I felt it as a palpable touch, tiny pinpricks of light dancing in the corner of my vision. Our eyes locked together, neither one of us moved or breathed as the magic spun around us. I could see the love between us, it sparked and swirled, binding us closer together.
It was different from the last time she’d cast the spell and I didn’t know if it was something she’d done on purpose or because Rob was in there with us, or something new. And then it was over, the energy expanding outside the circle, leaving me in a pleasantly euphoric haze.
Rob groaned, chest swelling as he sucked in a great breath, his eyes flying wide.
“Are you alright?” I cried out, squeezing his hand tightly. His eyes blinked rapidly as he looked around the room and I wasn’t sure if he’d heard me at all. “Rob? What did you do to him?” I demanded.
“No, I’m fine,” he rasped, swallowing away the croak in his throat, his voice stronger when he spoke again. “I’m better than fine.” He let go of me to flex his hands, rolling his shoulders and making fists. “Thanks, Bits, I feel like a new man.”
“It won’t last. It never does,” she said in a mournful tone.
“What’s going on?” Was there some other intent to the
spell they hadn’t bothered to clue me into?
Rob turned to me with a smile, more relaxed then I’d seen him in a while. “Nothing, luv. The spell worked is all, can’t you feel it?”
“Oh, okay, shiny,” I murmured, unable to shake the feeling that something else was afoot. “That’s it then?”
“That’s all I can do for now, sister. The rest is up to you,” Leila replied, her dark eyes solemn. Just as quickly her mood changed on a dime and she pushed herself up to her feet with supple grace. “I’ll have my tea and biscuits now,” she announced, flouncing off to the kitchen.
“Are you alright? You have the oddest look about you,” Rob frowned.
“No, I’m fine. That just wasn’t what I was expecting.”
“Magic can take a fair piece out of you, yeah? Do you want to go and have a bit of a lie down? I’ll keep my sister occupied.”
“Course not. I’ll have my tea and biscuits now,” I grinned, absolutely murdering their accent in my attempt to be cute. Rob grimaced, but his grin matched mine as he pulled me to my feet.
“Right then, off you go for a cuppa and we’ll have that lie down together later,” he winked.
Arm in arm we strolled into the kitchen, and I stole one of the cookies laid out on a plate. Remembering the etiquette from the last time, I picked up a bottle of wine from the counter. Red went with blood, didn’t it? “Do you want my sacrament now?” It was a weird tradition, but it was the least I could do for all of her help.
Instead, Leila’s eyes flared wide with panic. “No! Don’t make me, Robby,” she begged, twisting away from my gaze. “I don’t want to feel it wither in my soul.”
“Whoa, it’s okay, you don’t have to take my blood.” I stared at her in shock, but she wouldn’t look at me, her eyes clenched tight as if she’d turn to stone from one glance.
Rob put his arms around her, trying to soothe her with a touch. “Don’t take on so, there’s nothing to be upset about. Everything’s well in hand.”