by Amy Patrick
Anders chuckled. “Well, now, don’t flatter me too much. I might get a big head.”
“No, I mean, it’s nothing personal—well, it kind of is. I don't know if I can handle seeing you on a daily basis.”
He smirked. “Even if I shower and shave?”
I rolled my eyes, his silliness making me feel only slightly less miserable. “You look… amazing just as you are—and you know it.”
“Amazing, huh? I think my head is getting bigger.”
“Yes, amazing. Tall and tanned and built and… perfect. All of you are. That’s why I left. It’s why I haven’t been back to visit. It’s just… you remind me of Nic. I can’t… bear to think of him, and when I’m with you and the other guys, I can’t help it.”
His smile faltered, his stance deflating a bit. “Oh. I see. So, we all look the same to you, then?”
“No. Of course not. You have to know what I mean. Don’t you?”
“Yeah. I get it,” he said, his tone flat now. “But it doesn’t change the fact that you’re in danger. I mean, the guys who tracked you to New York could be here right now. They might have found a way to pick up your digital trail and read your emails and see your online ticket purchases, or hack your social media accounts or something. You’re going to have to go dark on all of those, by the way. And by that I mean no more logging on—not even one time—either that or delete them altogether. And no more emails—to your parents, to Nox. Nobody. Basically, you and electronics are no longer friends.”
I fell back a few steps in shock. It was starting to hit me that this “danger” Anders had mentioned was a real thing, not just some vague idea or unfounded worry. I had mentioned to Nox, my mom, and Olly that New Orleans was my next destination. It creeped me all the way out to think of someone back in the Ancient Court reading the things I’d written, the things my friends and family had written to me.
“In that case, I… shouldn’t stay here. I should go back to the bus station and leave. Tonight.”
He nodded. “Trains are a lot faster. But we’ll wait till morning.” He pulled two Amtrak tickets from his back pocket and held them out to me.
I reached out and took them. My hand was shaking. “Memphis? Why there?”
He shrugged. “It’s unpredictable. And these tickets were available on short notice. Nox suspects they’re watching the airports, plus it’s impossible to get a plane ticket without going online and inputting your name—one that matches your I.D. Trains are much more relaxed about everything.”
“Well, okay then. I guess I’ll see you at the train station at…” I peeked back at the print-out. “Eight tomorrow morning.”
The squinty-eyed look of regret returned. “Yeah, about that. You can’t sleep at the youth hostel tonight.”
“I told you they're perfectly safe. I’ve been sleeping in them for months and months with no problems.”
“That is the problem. You’ve established a pattern. If the Ancient Court’s agents are in the city, it’s the first place they’ll look for you. You’ve got to change things up, do the opposite of what you’ve been doing.”
“I see. So, you’ve apparently thought this all out. What, pray tell, is the opposite of staying at the youth hostel?”
He grinned. “Staying at the Windsor Court.”
4
Anders
I couldn’t believe it. She was actually agreeing to it. Standing there in that alley I was sure I’d never get Macy to come to the hotel willingly and would have to resort to using Sway to get the job done. I think it was my point that other people could be endangered if she didn’t agree that finally convinced her.
“What about the other kids at the hostel? There could be a struggle, and anyone else in the room could be hurt or even killed.”
She blew out an irritated breath. “Fine. Fine. Let’s go to the Windsor Court. I hope you made a lot of money on your latest album because I’m going to order lobster from room service for dinner and breakfast.”
I laughed. “Fine. Whatever you want. You should have a little luxury after the way you've been living for the past year.”
“Hey—I like the way I’ve been living. I’m going five-star only under duress, and as soon as all this is over, I’m going back to my life.”
“What about the life you had before? You know, gymnastics and stuff. Don’t you ever miss it?”
That caused her to pause. “Sometimes. But that’s history. It’s not something I… can do anymore.”
“You still look like you’re in good shape to me.”
“Eyes straight ahead, mister. I am not one of your groupies, who you can charm with a few pretty words and that sparkly smile of yours.”
I turned and flashed her an over the shoulder grin. “You like my smile, huh? ‘Tall, tanned, built’—and a sparkly smile. My head’s getting bigger all the time.”
“Shut up. You are completely obnoxious.”
“And ‘perfect’—don’t forget that one. Obnoxious and ‘perfect.’” I laughed and skipped out of the way as she took an irritated swipe at me.
I managed to get adjoining rooms for us, and as we reached our side-by-side doorways, she slid her key card and opened her door, obviously planning to go inside without another word.
“Meet you here at eight-forty-five?” I asked.
“I told you—I’m getting room service. It’s probably too dangerous to go out into the city tonight anyway, right?”
“No. I mean, yes—we should eat in. I was talking about meeting Taylor. She’s staying in this hotel as well. We can go to her suite and meet her—if you’d still like to.”
For the first time since she’d discovered we didn't meet by happenstance, Macy’s expression looked something other than irritated. She didn’t speak for a full minute. Finally, she lifted her eyes to meet mine. Green. They were a beautiful green. I’d always thought they were pretty, but in this moment, they were spectacular, like those Fourth of July fireworks that burn with colored flames.
“Yes. I would like to—if it’s still okay.”
“Of course. First Taylor. Then lobster with lobster sauce, lobster cocktail, and lobster soufflé for dessert.”
She cracked a reluctant smile and gave me a little shove toward my own door. “See you at eight-forty-five.”
Late that night, we stood in nearly the same place after not only meeting Taylor but hanging out for several hours in her suite. Macy had looked like a doll standing next to the statuesque singer-songwriter, but they’d gotten along famously. Taylor was great that way—her fans were her friends. I considered her a role model for all Elven celebrities.
Macy still wore a happy expression. That was rare for her these days, and it made me happy, to have been able to give her something she truly enjoyed and appreciated.
“You know,” I said on a whim. “You are going to be happy again someday—all the time. You won’t have to run away. You’ll never forget… him, but you’ll be able to move forward and have a normal life. You can’t let what happened be the end of your life. You’re still living, and there’s a lot of good things out there waiting for you.”
She looked at me for a long moment, her blissful expression replaced by a serious one. I wasn't sure if she was going to thank me, or punch me, or what.
“Maybe you’re right. Maybe there are a lot of good things ahead, but I’m about as likely to move on and let go of my past as you are to give up all your inter-continental ‘band bunnies,’ fall madly in love, and settle down with a permanent bond-mate.”
I raised a brow, duly chastened. “Touché.”
She had me there. I’d never fallen in love and doubted I ever would. I just wasn’t made that way apparently. There was an awkward moment where I wasn’t sure what to say next.
“Well, I’ll see you in the morning. Try to get some rest. And keep the door between our rooms open. Don’t worry about a thing—I’m here to protect you.”
“The only thing I’m worried about is you snoring and keeping
me awake all night.” She smirked. “If that happens, the door is closing.”
Just as I turned to go to my room, she said, “Anders.”
I spun around so fast it made me dizzy. “Yeah?”
“Why did you agree to do this? It’s got to be an incredible inconvenience, and despite what you said about orders, I know Nox. He wouldn’t force you.”
Her question stunned me into silence for a moment. She was right. Nox wasn't forcing me. So why was I doing this?
I shrugged and laughed off her sincere question. “I figured you could use some good luck on your side for a change.”
She shook her head, not buying it. “Be serious. The truth.”
The truthful answer was, I don't know. The one I gave her was, “My side project. It’s a movie score. It’s a romantic comedy, a road trip film. So you see, this arrangement is perfect.”
She frowned in confusion. “What do you mean?”
“Well, I might not know jack about love, but I can travel. Inspiration. You know?”
Slowly, she nodded, backing away from the doorway. “Right. Well, thanks for being here. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight Macy. Sleep well. Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life, you know.”
5
Nic
Two months later
* * *
Dear Macy,
There’s so much I want to say to you, I don’t even know where to start. I guess I’ll start with I’m sorry. I’m sorry I haven't been there for you. I’m sorry it’s been a year since you’ve heard from me. I’m sorry that I don’t even know where you are, what you’re doing, who you’re with. Believe me, if I’d had any control over it, you would have been with me.
I’m sorry if you’ve been sad. Nox told me that you—that everyone—believed I was dead. Maybe you still believe it. I don’t know how you feel about that. If your feelings for me were anything like mine for you, it was devastating news. I honestly don’t think I could live without you, which means you’re stronger than I am—which I already knew.
I am on my way to you, my heart filled with hope, and every part of my body burning with the need to touch you, to hold you again. I don’t know where I’ll find you. I don’t know what will have changed. It’s been a year for you. For me, it seems like we were together only days ago. I don’t know if you are still mine to touch and hold. I do know this, though—I am yours. Nothing will change that. Ever. The inside of a traditional Elven wedding band reads: My eternity belongs to you.
It’s true.
I have so much to tell you, Macy. Wonderful things. Terrible things. But the thing I’ll say to you first—and every day that I’m allowed to be in your presence until the sun no longer rises and sets is this—I love you. With all my heart. Always.
* * *
I sat for a moment, pen in hand, and contemplated signing the letter. Sighing, I clicked the pen closed and put it in my sport coat pocket then folded the letter into quarters and put that in my pocket as well, staring absentmindedly at the palm trees and new-looking buildings whizzing past outside my limo window.
There was no point in signing the letter. The only way Macy would ever see it was if I put it in her hand myself. I had no idea where to send it. Nox had told me over the phone that she was constantly on the move and no longer using any form of online communication. The only clue he had as to her whereabouts was a message he’d gotten from a friend of his—one of his bandmates. The rest he insisted on telling me when I got to his house in Malibu.
I leaned forward, addressing the cab driver through the small opening in the clear plexiglass partition. “How much longer?”
“Are we there yet?” He chuckled at his joke. “Another half hour. I can tell from your accent you’re not from around here. Welcome to L.A. traffic.”
Groaning, I sat back in my seat, fidgeting impatiently. A full hour later, the car stopped in front of a grand seaside mansion. I paid the man, got out, and stretched. I was exhausted, but also exhilarated. Finally, I was here. Maybe not in the same state, but I was in the same country as Macy, and soon I’d find her.
A vine-covered gate opened on one side of the house, and Nox bounded through it, smiling widely.
“You made it. How was the trip?”
“Too long but not so bad. U.S. Customs moved quickly. Where can we talk?”
He laughed. “Okay, so no small talk. Just as well. Come on—let’s go around back to the deck. My cook has prepared some food for us, and we can eat outside while we catch up.”
I followed him through the gate and toward the pristine beach, breathing in the fresh ocean air and feeling revived, eager to share the information I had for him and even more eager to find out what he knew about Macy.
“So, I know you’ve got some questions,” Nox said as he took a seat and indicated for me to take a chair at the table. “But first, I’ve gotta know—what happened to you, man? Where have you been for the past year? Why has no one seen you?”
Macy had already warned him about Dr. Schmitt’s attempted creation of a hybrid human-Elven slave race and why the slaves were “needed," the Plague that lay in wait for the human race. I filled him in on the details of my battle with Dr. Schmitt in the clinic, how he'd sedated me and kept me in a coma for the past year to keep me out of his way, how he had intended to make my sleep a permanent one.
Nox leaned back in his chair and let out a long, whistling breath. “Wow. Evil bastard. I can't believe he had the balls to try to murder you. Thank God you’re alive. So… how are we going to stop him?”
“Him, you don’t have to worry about. He is dead. My father killed him just as he was about to murder me. That experience turned Papà around—he is no longer in favor of unleashing the Plague. But he is alone in the Ancient Court. The others are still on board. And Alessia—my former fiancée—she is now spearheading the plan. The threat is still very real.”
“Former fiancée. So I guess you called it off officially. Isn’t that her second…”
“Broken betrothal? Yes. And it might have been the final straw for her sanity. I couldn’t help it, though.”
Nox nodded. “I get it. You fell in love. With Macy.”
“Yes, but there’s more to it. We are… I am bonded to her.”
His eyebrows shot up. “Oh. Wow.” He considered it for a minute then shook his head. “That changes things. I guess we don’t even have to talk about that thing I mentioned on the phone then about the other…”
I leaned forward in my chair, my pulse tapping out an emergency warning message. “What? The other what?”
He smiled. “Never mind. I was obviously wrong.”
As I continued to bore a hole through him with my eyes, he explained. “It’s just… a couple months ago I got reports that some Ancient Court agents were in the country and had caught up to Macy. I sent someone after her, to protect her, you know? The two of them have been lying low, traveling together—for her safety. And well… based on some things he said last time we talked, I thought they might be making a connection.”
He hastened to add. “Obviously, I misread the situation. I had no idea you were bonded to each other.”
I inhaled deeply then let it out, working to stay calm. “Well, that’s not exactly accurate. I am bonded to her. She is not bonded to me.”
He narrowed his eyes. “You mean because she’s human, and they can be with more than one person in a lifetime?”
“No.” I paused, trying to decide if I could trust him with this information about Macy. Considering what I’d already seen of his character and his willingness to come to the defense of humans, I determined it was safe to fill him in on Macy’s true nature. “She’s not… human. She can be with more than one mate in a lifetime though—many, many more actually—at least based on what I’ve read about… nymphs.”
He sat up straight, and his shocked hand gesture nearly knocked over his glass of ice water. “Did you say ‘nymphs?’ I thought they were—”
I
nodded. “Yes. So did we all. But it’s true. And now she is being hunted for her blood—by my people.”
Again Nox released a long breath of consternation. “Whoa. Now I understand. I was wracking my brain trying to figure out what they’d want with a little human gymnast. I thought maybe they were doing a sweep of all their former fan pod members to, you know, tie up loose ends and keep them quiet or something. Or perhaps they’d figured out how she escaped the castle and wanted to question her about me and the inner workings of the Dark Court here.”
“No, I only wish they wanted to question her. They—Alessia in particular—want to use her, to experiment on her.” To hurt her. “I’m not sure how much you know about nymph lore, but they were highly valued for the healing power of their blood—and for their fertility.”
He nodded. “We studied it a little as kids—in history. Weren't they also hunted by witches?”
“Yes. For the same reasons. Their blood was the core ingredient in many healing potions and spells. She’s not in danger from that population, but she certainly is from my former friends in the Ancient Court. I have to find her before they do. Even if I wasn’t in love with her, it would be my duty to protect her from capture and the torture they have planned for her. Where did your friend say they were?”
“The last I heard, they were in Houston, Texas. The GPS has them downtown somewhere.”
“Excellent.” I stood. “That’s where I’ll go then. How long will it take to fly there?”
“About five and a half hours, maybe a bit less.”
“I’ll get the first flight out. May I use your computer to purchase a plane ticket?”
Nox did a double-take. “You’ve just flown for thirteen hours straight, not to mention a two-hour limo ride in L.A. traffic. Don't you want to at least stay the night and rest a bit?”
“I’ll sleep on the plane. I need to get to her.”
He nodded. “Okay. How about this—I’ve got a couple of planes at my disposal. Why don’t you shower and take a nap or something. I’ll call my pilot and see how quickly he can get one of them ready to fly.” He gestured to the table. “And bring your plate—you’ve got to eat something.”