by Patti Larsen
My sister winked before turning and tearing open the veil. Ahbi answered instantly, embracing both of us with magic before Meira blew me a kiss.
“Love you,” she said before stepping through.
Love you, Ahbi's mind whispered.
And then, they were gone.
“Love you, too,” I said into the quiet air.
Sighed.
A snorting snore caught my attention, the sound leading me past my heavy bag and to the small, partitioned corner of the basement Demetrius claimed as his own. I'd tried a few times to convince him move to upstairs into the main part of the house. With Charlotte back and forth between here and her family's home in Ukraine, my old room was available most of the time.
But he refused, preferring to hide down in the cool and quiet. Lurking like a cockroach. Okay, not really fair. Still gave me the creeps.
I found him lying on his side on his cot, hands tucked under his cheek, blue eyes closed. He looked so peaceful, almost young, only the scar he'd acquired marring the peaches-and-cream of his complexion. A surge of empathy drove me to cover him with a quilt, smoothing it out over him as he muttered in his sleep.
Aside from breakfast, I hadn't seen much of him lately. He'd been chasing down my old bestie-turned-insane ghost echo, Alison, not to mention trying to track the Brotherhood. He was barely home, mostly just to sleep as far as I knew. I wanted to wake him and ask him about the wild magicks. After talking to Mom about it, I felt now more than ever their appearance had to be important. But I couldn't bring myself to disturb his rest.
Time enough later. Besides, the fact he was here meant he probably had something of his own to tell me, and would come find me when he woke up. I could bring it up to him then.
I left him, sleeping peacefully, and returned to the kitchen, trying not to feel bad about leaving him alone in the basement.
I didn't even think to check the house for other magic, my head in the old coven site, tied up in the coming conclave. So when I emerged into the early evening sunlight and spotted Liam sitting at the kitchen table, I actually froze in place.
Galleytrot grumbled beside my Sidhe friend, the giant black hound of the Wild Hunt staring at me with his black eyes, red flames flickering in their depths. Instant resentment fired in my gut. He'd warned me in the past not to hurt Liam and I'd done my best.
Clearly my best wasn't cutting it.
Nice of the stupid mutt to remind me.
I didn't get a chance to comment on the dog's attitude, not when I turned at a flicker of motion on my right just before being pulled into a strong embrace. I hugged Charlotte back, happy to see her, at least. She smiled when we parted, white teeth flashing before her face settled into her more stoic expression.
Yes, she was much more open now with her emotions, happier, even chatty, much to my surprise. But the more time passed, the more she settled into her familiar quiet expression, years of training in hiding what she felt a hard habit to break.
“Grandfather says hello,” Charlotte said. “He's hoping you can spare time for a visit.”
I bobbed a nod. “Sure thing,” I said, feeling the extra enthusiasm behind my words bubbling like a desperate wall between me and Liam.
Charlotte's blue eyes softened around the edges as she turned to the Sidhe Gatekeeper. “Perhaps you could join us, Liam.” He looked up, perking a little from the sad, silent stare he'd fixed on me the moment I emerged from the basement. “I'm certain you will find the library at the palace of great interest.”
His easy smile flashed a moment, handsome face happy.
I missed his happy.
“Thank you, Charlotte,” he said. “Sounds fantastic.” Enthusiasm replaced his angst. “I've been wanting to talk to one of the werewolves who lived there about Chernobyl and the effect the meltdown had on your race's physiology.”
Charlotte flinched, just a little, enough I knew it had to be a touchy subject.
“I'm sure one of our people would be willing to discuss the dark time,” she said even as Liam's face fell.
She turned back to me, cocking her head to one side. “You smell like outside,” she said.
No question, just the statement. Cracked me up.
“Mom gave Meira and me the tour of the conclave site,” I said, taking a seat at the end of the kitchen table as Shenka appeared with a smile.
“How does it look?” Her magic flared, glasses floating to each place setting, a bowl appearing for Galleytrot, another as Sassafras leaped onto the table to listen. I sipped the cold juice in my glass with a grin of thanks before answering.
“Big,” I said. “Busy.” I clinked glasses with Charlotte. “Your family is coming?”
She nodded, taking a drink. “Grandfather has agreed to come, most eagerly.” A soft frown pulled her perfectly arched brows together. “Though there are those who worry about exposing ourselves to witches at this juncture. Before we've fully established our freedom.”
“No one will oppose you,” I said. “While not everyone may know what happened last winter, they'll find out soon enough.”
Charlotte nodded, her glass thudding on the table as she set it down. “I have no doubt Miriam and her Council have things well in hand. Nor do I worry about my people's standing. And Grandfather feels the same, or he would have declined the invitation.”
So odd to talk to Charlotte this way. While it had been over six months since I freed her people from the Black Souls sect, it still amazed me she was so talkative. I think she'd said more to me over that time than she had the entire duration of the rest of our association.
I liked it, don't get me wrong. It just took some getting used to.
“Both courts have agreed to attend,” Liam said, deep voice soft as though afraid he interrupted by speaking up. I shifted my focus to him and smiled, a real smile, though I still felt uncomfortable.
I looked into the hazel eyes of the man I could be marrying in the next little while and felt my insides shudder.
“How nice they are getting along well enough they're willing to share a pavilion.” I didn't want to be part of that logistical nightmare.
Liam chuckled, green sparks in his gaze. “Well, I wouldn't go that far,” he said. “But they are coming. So it's a start.”
We smiled at each other for an awkward moment before Galleytrot cleared his throat like a rumble of distant thunder.
“I know you're concerned about the safety of the family,” he said. “You have to stay at the site?”
I nodded, feeling glum all of a sudden, staring down at the thin trail of orange pulp on the side of my glass. “Am I the only one who thinks this might be a perfect opportunity for the Brotherhood to act?”
No one argued, Sassafras's tail twitching so violently a small cloud of silver fur rose.
“I'm happy to play guard dog,” Galleytrot said. “Miriam's Enforcers can keep an eye out for witch magic, and I'll keep track of Sidhe. I can't promise you I'll sense sorcery if it comes up, but I've been around enough of it now, I think I'll know if the Brotherhood disrupts earth magic.”
Sudden relief lifted my shoulders. I leaned sideways in my chair and scratched the big hound behind one ear.
“That makes me feel much better,” I said. “Thank you, Galleytrot.”
“While I understand your concern,” Sassafras said, “I think you're focusing on the wrong threat.”
“What do you mean?” I settled back into my chair again. “The conclave?”
I'd thought of that. But with all those witches and Enforcers, Belaisle would be insane to attack now we knew how to counter his power by dropping our wards and shielding. Without access to the extra magic, it would be easy for me to mop up the mess.
At least, that's what I told myself.
My demon cat's eyes sparked as his tail continued to thrash. “Liander Belaisle has remained several steps ahead of us,” he said. “At every turn, we find he has three more planned.”
I hated that part.
“You're s
aying you think he has an entirely different goal in mind?” Shenka's fingernails danced over the side of her glass, the musical sound almost hypnotic. I couldn’t help but think of Tallah and her mysterious Steam Union friends, wondering, even as I did, if my second’s thoughts were also with her sister.
“I'm saying,” Sassafras swiped at his whiskers with one paw, “we need to be open-minded and release our pre-conceived fears about what may happen over the next several days.” He turned to me again. “While your temper has gotten us into trouble in the past, it is that same temper, and your reflexes under pressure, which are your most powerful weapon against the Brotherhood.” He shrugged, took three laps of his milk. “Worrying about a specific event will only dull your attention to what he really has planned.”
Fair enough. I stroked his fur.
“When did you get so smart?” He shivered under my touch, nose twitching.
“Oh, shut up,” he said.
“I should be getting back,” Charlotte said, standing abruptly. She still had trouble with social niceties, but no one held it against her.
“I'll run you home.” Anything to escape the hang-dog look now returned to Liam's eyes, the irritation in Galleytrot's.
I followed Charlotte outside, ignoring Shenka's sigh and soft shake of her head.
Whatever. I'd deal with Liam later.
Honest.
I was such a liar.
Charlotte turned before I could take her hand. There was no need to leave the house to travel anymore. The family wards didn't give me a hard time, not now I had access to maji power. But it turned out she wasn't thinking about me.
“Syd.” She bit her lower lip, shrugging her shoulders, looking guilty. “I have a confession.”
Okay. I braced myself for impact, knowing if it was coming from Charlotte, it had to be a doozy.
She hung her head as she spoke in a whisper. “I went on a date,” she said. “With Sage.”
She did what now?
“I'm sorry.” She hugged herself, fitted leather jacket creaking. “I went to the gym to see if you were there, but you weren't.” Pause. “He was, though. He teased me.” She looked like she wanted to cry. “And I was free, don't you see? My pride, Syd. My foolish pride.”
I gaped at her as she rushed on.
“He challenged me and I accepted.” Oh boy. “I beat him, of course I did.” Poor Sage wouldn't know what hit him. My normal marital arts instructor was an awesome guy, very attractive, but he wouldn't stand a chance against my werefriend. “When I was done, he laughed.” She shook her head, blonde hair waving around her. “Laughed! And asked me out on a date.”
Giggles bubbled in my chest as she grasped my hand, face wreathed in guilt.
“I should never have gone out with him,” she said. “He was yours and I infringed on your territory.”
Okay, I just couldn't hold it in any longer. I laughed, belly laughs, tears trickling, ribs aching until I had to gasp for air. All the while Charlotte watched me with an anxious expression, slowly easing as I finally pulled myself under control and hugged her as hard as I could.
When I leaned back, she smiled, impish and daring. “You're not mad,” she said.
“I'm not even a little.” A tiny flare of regret passed through me at the thought of Sage. He was delicious, kind, strong, brilliant. If only he had power, I might consider him. But there was no way the coven would accept a normal. My other choices already pushed the boundaries of acceptable.
I winked at her. “Was it fun?”
Charlotte giggled like a girl behind her hands before arching an eyebrow. “Most pleasant,” she said.
We laughed together in the driveway for a long moment, our good humor silenced briefly as Liam and Galleytrot left the kitchen and almost ran into us.
Charlotte took a step away, the big dog joining her as Liam stopped beside me. He felt miserable, emanating anxiety. I wished I could comfort him, but there was nothing I could say I hadn't said before.
Liam bent and kissed my cheek. Left me there, good mood shattered as he strode off with his shoulders slumped, head down. Galleytrot heaved an irritated sigh in my direction then trotted after the Gatekeeper.
Charlotte watched them go, waiting until they'd left our view before taking my hand.
“Trust yourself,” she said, her wolf rising in her eyes. “Laws and rules and witches be damned. You must do what is good for you, Sydlynn Hayle. Believe me, I have experience with these things.”
She'd spent her entire life enslaved to others up until recently. So, yeah. I believed her.
I just wished I knew what the right decision was.
Falling back into my own melancholy, I tore open the veil and took Charlotte home.
***
Chapter Eleven
Summer did wonders for the Ukrainian countryside. I liked it much better without all the snow and ice, thanks. Even though cold didn't affect me anymore, I still preferred the green and multi-hued beauty of this time of year.
I'd meant to drop us inside the palace foyer, but, instead, found myself stepping out of the veil on the giant front lawn, my sneakers crunching over gravel and old asphalt at the edge of the curving drive. The quiet of dusk washed everything in deep blues and shadow as the sun set here in Eastern Europe.
Puzzled and a little irritated I'd somehow missed the mark, it wasn't until I looked up and saw the tall, handsome blonde striding toward us, a smile on his angular face, I realized I'd been manipulated.
Ahbi chuckled in my mind as the veil sealed behind me, just before Piers Southway came to a grinning halt before me. He didn't pause, speak, or ask as his hands dove into my hair, mouth descending over mine in a hungry kiss.
This wasn't the first time he kissed me without permission. Probably wouldn't be the last, either. I could blow a gasket and be a bitch, or...
Well. He really was a great kisser.
Charlotte's soft laugh drifted off and she was gone before Piers finally lifted his mouth from mine, the last of his exhale in my mouth.
Peppermint and coffee. Now I craved caffeine.
“Hello there, beautiful.” His sorcery butted up against mine, as close as his body pressed my full length. One thing about Piers, he had zero issues with contact.
I really wanted to be irritated with the blasé way he treated his attraction to me, but I found him so refreshing, his open honesty a delightful change from sullen darkness and angst ridden sorrow I just couldn't help myself.
“Piers.” I gave him a gentle push to put some distance between us even as he backed off as if it was his idea. “What are you doing here?”
He spun on his heel, gray longcoat swirling around his legs, his familiar uniform in attendance despite the warmth of the evening. One arm extended, offering some chivalry, and I simply couldn't resist taking it.
“I was hoping to see you, of course.” He winked one sparkling gray eye before laughing as I glared back, deadpan. “Mum wanted me to check in with the werewolves to coordinate our joint arrival at the conclave.”
Made sense. “Are you coming?” And why exactly did I care?
Oh, Syd. Just keep lying to yourself, girlfriend.
He didn't comment on the loaded question, keeping his sarcastic come-ons to himself. “I am,” he said. “While my mother might not be your biggest fan, she understands your power and position with the North American High Council and hopes my presence can sway your opinions.”
I had to laugh, as we stepped through the massive front door and into the Faberge egg interior of the palace foyer. “I'm sure she told you to put it exactly that way,” I said.
Piers shrugged, eyes full of laughter and more than a little wickedness. “Considering I'm a candidate for your husband,” he said, “I figure full disclosure will serve me better than diplomacy.”
He had to remind me, didn't he? I slid my hand free of his arm and forced a little smile.
Piers didn't let me escape so easily. He bent over me, eyes tightening even as his own mo
uth curved into a small frown.
“You do realize,” he said in his crisp British accent, “you're going to have to make a choice eventually? Running away from it won't solve anything.” He pulled back, long, blonde hair falling over one shoulder. “Regardless of whom you choose, avoiding the topic is only making things worse.”
“Thank you, Captain Obvious,” I shot back, temper searing through me as my demon grumbled.
Piers laughed, kissed me swiftly. “I adore you,” he said. “I can't tell you how much.”
Grumble mumble.
“Any sign of the Brotherhood?” Topic changing was one of my most polished avoidance tactics.
Piers just sighed and shrugged, taking the massive hint at last. “Not from our end,” he said, falling into serious, gray eyes brewing a storm behind them as he leaned into me. “Mum's been vigilant, but they're still in hiding.”
Creepy crawlies traveled up my spine, paired with frustration. “What are they up to?”
Piers's gaze locked on mine, grim and dark. “You can be certain,” he said, “whatever their plans, you will somehow end up in the thick of them.” We'd talked enough over the last six months or so, him cheerfully appearing in my kitchen whenever the hell he felt like it. Our conversations about my dealings with the Brotherhood meant Piers was fully informed as to my trouble magnet nature.
Even knowing that didn't scare him off.
Brave boy.
“Lucky me,” I said. Paused. “You said there were other Steam Union groups, one in my territory, correct?”
He nodded, squinting in curiosity. “Why do you ask? Looking to make some new allies?” Was that jealousy in his voice?
“I need to keep my husband options open,” I said. Elbowed him with a smirk. “I’m kidding,” I said as his little frown turned into a snort. “One of you in my life is more than enough.”
He swept a bow before going on. “I take it there is a point to the question?”
Why did I hesitate to tell him? Right. Sharing Shenka’s secrets with Mom was, well… she was my mother. I didn’t have many secrets from her, especially any big ones. But telling Piers was crossing the friendship line.