Song of Midnight Embers

by Dana Marie Bell

  “You’re welcome.” Russ tipped his hat and stumbled out the door, muttering something about coffee.

  “You’ll stay in here until it’s safe for me to release you.” Lore shook his head. “I was hoping to shake something up by arresting you, but instead I’ve put you in even more danger. I’m sorry for that, but I’d do it again if it meant flushing out the real killer.”

  “I understand, Lore. I’d do the same.” There were things they had to do to keep their people safe, things that would make others flinch away from them.

  Someone knocked on the door. “Greer Berkley is here, and he’s pissed.”

  Mollie and Lore glanced at one another, and Lore sighed. “I’ll bring him right to you.”

  “Good luck.”

  Lore chuckled. “Thanks. I think I’ll need it.”

  * * *

  “What the fuck happened?” Greer kneeled next to Mollie and touched her hand. She was ice cold. Lore had told him she was awake, but by the time they got to her, she’d passed out.

  Greer was going out of his mind with worry. She needed to not be in this cold, hostile place a minute longer. One of the deputies was watching them with his hand on his holstered gun, as if Mollie would hop up any moment and fry the lot of them.

  “One of mine tried to kill her.” Lore took a step back as Greer glared at him. “I took care of it. She won’t try again.”

  “You shouldn’t have arrested Mollie in the first place.” Greer lifted Mollie in his arms, determined to stride right out the front door with her. His mate would die if she didn’t warm up.

  “First off, I had no choice. All evidence points to her. Second, I thought she’d be safer here than anywhere else.” Lore opened the door, allowing Greer out of the cell. “Obviously I was wrong.”

  “Yeah.” Greer carried Mollie down the corridor. “How did someone get close enough to almost kill her?”

  Lore sighed wearily. “I don’t know, but I think I have a breach somewhere in the police station.”

  “No, really?” Lore seriously needed to clean house before Greer did it for him. Greer was angrier than he could ever remember being, all because Lore wasn’t paying enough attention to what was going on with his own people.

  “Arlene should never have been put in the same cell as Mollie. I had Mollie marked as a single.” He grunted in frustration. “I should have put her in solitary.”

  “And given her a fucking space heater.” Greer stopped just long enough for Lore to open the door of the station. “Is there any way this investigation hasn’t been fucked?”

  “Not that I’m aware of.” Lore glanced at Mollie with an apologetic expression. “I’ll find the leak in my house. You get Mollie well. Just...keep her away from the wolves. They blame her for Lily, and you won’t be able to reason with them.”

  Greer smiled. Someone new had just been added to his must-kill list. “This Arlene is a wolf’s mate?”

  Lore nodded reluctantly. “Yes, but I’ve managed to convince her that Mollie is innocent. Hopefully the wolves will listen to her. She’s a telepath, so I had her read Mollie’s mind. Mollie had nothing to do with Lily’s death, and Arlene can vouch for it.” He grimaced. “By the way, I’ll make sure the paperwork gets filed that she was released without prejudice. She won’t be charged again, and it’ll be wiped from her permanent record.”

  “Good. Maybe now people will leave her alone.” At least Lore had stopped Arlene before it was too late. It would still take a while for Greer to get over it, but it wasn’t Lore’s fault, and he’d immediately stepped up to the plate and taken responsibility for what had happened. Lore wasn’t the one who needed to be punished. “I’m taking her to the Throne.”

  Lore winced. “A lot of the wolves are there.”

  His smile widened, and Lore paled. Good. For once, Greer wanted someone to see him and be afraid. “Nothing will happen to Mollie while she’s in the Throne.”

  “Take care, then. I’ll stop by as soon as I learn anything.”

  Greer didn’t wait for good-bye. Mollie didn’t have that kind of time. He took off, his feet a blur as he ran to the forest and his home.

  It took him longer than he would have liked to leave the city proper and reach the forest, but once he did he sent out a cry to all the dryads living within the canopy of its leaves. They surrounded him, offering their strength to him, lending him their speed until even he couldn’t see the individual trees anymore.

  They reached the Throne in record time. Greer stepped over the line that delineated the rest of the forest from its heart and felt the welcome, the peace that the sacred circle granted him. He carried Mollie toward the throne of oak, touching the secret spot in the correct sequence that allowed access to their homes. He glided down the stone steps, the witch lights blinking into existence and guiding his way down the stairs.

  The witches who’d helped them build their homes knew the ruling dryads couldn’t leave the Throne to live among the other supernaturals. Their powers were far more tightly tied to the Throne and their trees than other dryads, so leaving the forest for long periods of time wasn’t an option for them. So, once upon a time, before the time of Queen Margaret, a dryad queen made a deal with a coven of witches who lived in the area. She asked them for help in making a home that wouldn’t damage the Throne itself, or disturb the soil, one where the four rulers could live in peace and rest without disturbance. It was an unspoken rule that only two of them could commune at a time so that two were always available to help their people. So a home was necessary, but they couldn’t dig it out alone. They’d needed help.

  That help had become the palace of the dryad queen, the Palace of Oak.

  Of course, the ruling dryads didn’t want anyone outside of their mates and the dryads aware of what was going on beneath the earth, but without the need for a formal palace, the space had been going to waste. A dryad queen named Wilhelmina had brought back the witches, and with their help had broken the palace into four apartments. They also placed some of the protections around the Throne that existed to this day.

  Short of uprooting the trees above, their home was practically invulnerable to attack. If the wolves tried to get to Mollie, they’d have one hell of a time doing it.

  The witch light gave a soft glow to gray-brown stone, dying out behind him as he descended.

  The staircase ended in a huge circular room. Etched into the polished granite floor was a tree of life, done in green enamel. It was Greer’s favorite part of their home, the entryway that had once been the original throne room. Over time, they decided to hide its presence from the other dryads. The Throne above became their court. The witches and rulers built the four thrones, but only the throne of oak granted access to the area below the Throne.

  Four doors, each with a tree plaque attached, led the way to their individual homes. Greer carried Mollie over to the door with the birch tree on it and took her inside.

  Greer had chosen to make his home stone and wood, like the forest itself. Stacked stone pillars and a stone floor were a beautiful counterpoint to the light woods and cheerful colors he’d chosen to surround himself in. He just prayed Mollie would like the recycled glass countertops and bamboo cabinets, the open shelving and metal bar stools. His living room furniture was a mixture of woven rattan and comfortable cushions with older pieces that had been there before, when his parents lived here.

  She’d seen his home before, when he’d forced her to stay here after the battle with Terri the witch. She’d lost almost all of her heat that time too, and Greer had nursed her back to health.

  He would do the same thing now, only this time he wouldn’t let her go. He wouldn’t accept any argument she gave him, no matter how angry she became. At some point it no longer mattered to him that she was giving him grief or supposedly dating Carter.

  Nope. All of that was behind th
em now. He would heal her, he would claim her as his and they would live happily ever after, gods damn it, no matter who he had to fuck up to make it happen.

  “Knock, knock.”

  Greer’s shoulders slumped in relief. Here was someone he trusted implicitly. “My queen.” He smiled down at Mollie, the anger finally leaving him over the lies she’d told. She’d been protecting him in her own bizarre way, and while he was going to have a long discussion with her on how that was a bad idea, he could understand the impulse. “I’d bow, but...”

  “Understood.” Mina stepped into his home, eyeing Mollie with concern. “What do you need from us?”

  “Keep the wolves at bay until Lore talks to them.” Maybe by the time Mollie was up and moving, the wolves would know the truth. They might still want Mollie’s head for Bernadette’s death, but at least they wouldn’t be after her for Lily’s. And perhaps Arlene would be willing to vouch for what happened between Bernadette and Mollie as well. If she could clear up some of what Mollie was going to be facing when she woke up, that would be a huge help. Greer might even be inclined to forgive her.

  Maybe.

  “Will do.” Mina grimaced, her expression apologetic as she gazed at Mollie’s still form. “I kind of yelled at her earlier. I’m sorry, but she needed to hear from someone what she was doing to you.” Her gaze hardened as she stared him right in the eye. “And I’d do it again in a heartbeat if it means you get your mate and live.”

  He couldn’t blame her. He would have done the same had Dragos denied Mina the way Mollie had denied him. So he responded as her brother rather than her subject, allowing his affection for her to shine through. “Thanks, sis.”

  “You’re welcome.” Mina opened his bedroom door and got out of his way. “I’ll tell Ash and Selena you’re back. Dragos will know when he wakes tonight.”

  “Let me know if Selena can lend a hand.” He placed Mollie gently on top of his bed, covering her in quilts and comforters until she looked like an overstuffed burrito. “Lore said she was attacked by a telepath, and I’m afraid of damage I might not be able to touch.”

  “On it.” Mina dashed for the door, bellowing for Selena.

  Greer had to laugh. His queen was no delicate flower. She was a warrior, the same as he was, the same as Ash. He brushed Mollie’s hair away from her forehead, scowling at the chill of her skin. He’d wasted enough time worrying about others. He’d done what he could to ensure her safety.

  Now it was time to warm her, before she succumbed to the cold that had invaded her body.

  Greer glanced at the fireplace he’d recently installed in his bedroom and flipped a switch. The gas fireplace lit, warming the room within moments. He began to sing softly to his mate in the language taught to him by his father, the language of the trees and the earth and the sky that all Singers learned at an early age. It was ingrained in him, like Mollie’s smile, or his queen’s voice, a part of him that couldn’t be separated from him no matter what.

  He used that gift to send the heat swirling through Mollie’s body, warming her, settling inside her until her eyelashes fluttered and her hands clutched at the blankets. Her blond hair was dark with sweat, her blue eyes dazed as she finally opened her eyes. “Greer?”

  He didn’t stop singing, not when her teeth were still chattering, but he covered her hand with his and hoped it was enough.

  “Greer,” she said with a sigh, closing her eyes once more. She smiled, her hand lying so trustingly in his. For once she seemed to be happy that he was there, and he couldn’t help the small spark of hope that lit inside him.

  Maybe claiming her wasn’t going to be as difficult as he’d feared. Maybe she’d yearned for him just as much as he’d pined for her. Now all he had to do was secure his place at her side, and all would be well.

  He hoped.

  Chapter Six

  Once again, Mollie woke to the sound of Greer singing and Selena hovering over her, her eyes white and the tree of life symbol blazing on her forehead. But Mollie was warm, oh so warm, so she cuddled under the blankets and merely listened to the otherworldly voice of her mate.

  It took her a few minutes to realize she was no longer in the jail cell being warmed by the fire elemental who’d volunteered to help. She recognized this place. This was Greer’s home, deep under the earth of the Throne, the secret his people kept from all others except their mates.

  She should have figured out the first time he brought her down here that he was hers, but she’d still been too angry with him to recognize what it meant. When she’d used Carter to make him jealous, it had backfired, forcing Greer away from her. And when Dr. T had brought her his suspicions, it just seemed natural to leave Greer out of the loop, and out of danger.

  “Mollie?”

  She blinked, wondering when the beautiful sound had stopped.

  “Mollie, can you hear me?”

  She looked up to find Greer watching her with concern. Selena had disappeared, and it was just the two of them. “Where am I?” She grimaced, knowing it was a dumb question, but her brain and her mouth seemed to be disconnected.

  “I took you home with me. Lore let you out. He’s got proof you didn’t kill Lily, and he’s working on proving Bernadette’s death was self-defense.” Greer lay down next to her, careful not to dislodge the blankets she was wrapped in. “Are you feeling any better?”

  “Mm-hmm.” She snuggled down, absorbing the warmth in the room the way a greedy child ate Halloween candy. “It’s good.” She felt almost euphoric with all the heat coursing through her after being so damn cold.

  “I’m glad.” Greer picked up her hand and kissed her fingertips.

  The warmth of his touch sent tingles down her spine. Maybe he wasn’t nearly as angry at her as she’d first thought. If they could just talk, figure things out between them, she might even have a chance of winning his heart.

  His eyes narrowed as he gazed at her sternly. “If you ever lie to me again like you did with Carter, I’m going to be beyond pissed.”

  She blinked, laughing weakly. “I thought you already were beyond pissed.”

  “Nope.” His pale brown eyes, almost gold in the faint light, were bloodshot. The dark circles under them had deepened, and his hair was limp with sweat. “Trust me, you wouldn’t like me when I’m truly angry.” He waggled his brows when she laughed again. “You know, we need to stop meeting like this.”

  “What, with me nearly dying on you?” His nearness was making her heart race.

  She’d thought he’d laugh along with her, but he didn’t. He scowled instead. “Something like that.” He glanced down at her fingers again, rubbing his thumb softly over the back of her knuckles. She closed her eyes, savoring his soft touch. “Lore shouldn’t have put you in that cold cell.”

  “He has a lot on his plate right now. I’m sure it didn’t occur to him how much trouble I’d have, especially after a fight.”

  “He should have,” Greer snapped back. “He was there when we battled the Van Helsings. He saw what happened to the elementals when they used too much power.”

  “Exactly.” Mollie reached up, her hand shaking as she tried to calm Greer. “He was there during a pitched battle against large forces, not a one-on-one duel. And he wasn’t there when I collapsed after turning Terri into ash.” She smiled softly when Greer kissed her palm. “Cut him some slack.”

  “Only because you ask it.” He put her hand back down on top of the comforter. “I spoke to Inigo as well. He says Bernadette surprised him with that kiss, but he has no idea what she was up to other than to make trouble between him and Vijaya.”

  “Why?” She bit her lip. “Bernadette knew we were looking into her.”

  “Making Inigo’s life hell would have pulled him away from the trail.” Greer stroked a strand of her hair off her forehead. His touch was so soft, so care
ful, as if he were afraid she would break. “I wonder what she had planned for Web and Dr. T?”

  “You think Web is innocent too?” Mollie smiled. “That’s wonderful! Carter’s wrong about him. Web is awesome.”

  Greer’s gaze became stern. “Carter’s out of this as of now.”

  She grimaced, hoping her friend hadn’t gotten into too much trouble with his alpha. “Did Noah give him hell?”

  Greer looked confused for a moment. “Not that I know of. Hell, I don’t even know if Carter’s told him yet.”

  “Then why did you say he’s out of it?” Carter had been a huge help. Without him, she never would have suspected Bernadette of fucking around with the blood work.

  “Because I’m taking his place. If anyone is going to investigate this at your side, it’s going to be me.” The kiss he placed on her lips was hard, demanding, and all too brief. “Answer one question for me. Do you trust Carter?”

  “With my life.” Carter was the only one who knew the full truth of what they’d been attempting. Not once had he taken advantage of their lie or put a hand on her outside of it. “He did his best to take care of me. Oh, and he didn’t try anything either. No kissing or touching or anything like that.”

  “Do you think he was working with Bernadette?”

  Mollie shook her head. “No. In fact, he was pissed as hell when I suggested a wolf was involved.”

  Greer grimaced, but surprisingly didn’t argue with her. “Get some rest. You’re going to need it.”

  Uh-oh. She didn’t like the sound of that. “Why?”

  He laughed softly. “Because as soon as your fires are back, we’re going to start exploring each other.” He leaned closer until they were nose to nose. “Do you have an objection to that?”

  She swallowed, her mouth dry, her breath coming faster as the scent of sweat and man, of Greer, filled her senses. Oh please, please let this mean what she thought it did. She’d wanted him for so long that just the hope of him kept her going when all she wanted to do was lie down and give up. “Nope.”