“Of course,” James said. “Like I said, we’d have to go to the lab.”
“Take your time,” Karein answered. “Any advantage that science can provide would be useful, but if you’re uncomfortable with Mr. Connors’s suggestion, you don’t have to do it.”
Phoenix nodded. “Thank you,” he said.
On impulse, he leaned forward and hugged Rachen’s twin. He didn’t think he’d ever told the older draechen how much he truly appreciated the honest affection Karein always showed Rachen. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for us.”
At first, Karein was tense, having obviously not expected Phoenix’s gesture, but then, he relaxed and embraced Phoenix back. “My pleasure,” he replied, “but you don’t have to thank me. You’re family. Anyone would have done the same in my place.”
Their circumstances were far too complicated for Karein to say that and mean it, but Phoenix felt that Karein was truthful. He broke the hug and beamed. “Maybe, but I still appreciate it.”
Since he’d never told Lieutenant Zager how much he respected him, he decided to fix that, too. Turning toward Sage, he said, “And I’d like to thank you, too, for all the help and support you’ve given us. In spite of everything, you and your mate displayed trust in me, and that’s something I won’t ever forget.”
Sage looked surprised that Phoenix had addressed him, since they weren’t exactly that close. “We only want Prince Rachen to be happy, and you make him so. Therefore, if Camden and I can help, we’ll gladly do it.”
“And I appreciate it a lot,” Phoenix answered, “but I’d caution you on one thing. I suspect that one of these days, your mate will start becoming a little moodier. So you might want to be more mindful of his needs, rather than ours.”
He was careful not the mention the reasons for Camden’s potential moodiness, since they weren’t exactly in private. At the same time, he kept his tone teasing and friendly, hoping that he hadn’t offended Sage through his comment. It was sometimes very hard to read the ice dragon and interpret his response to a particular conversation, even for Phoenix, who had a natural affinity to the energy of most everyone. He half expected Sage to tell him to mind his own business. Instead, Sage paused, and for a few seconds, his gaze grew distant. Then, his face flushed, his normally cold demeanor fading as arousal filled the air. Obviously, Camden had told him something that stirred the desire in Sage’s dragon.
When he focused on Phoenix again, his voice was husky and low. “I think you’re quite correct in that assessment,” he replied, “and believe me, I have no intentions to neglect my mate. In fact, as soon as I’m done here, I plan to track him down and teach him exactly in what ways I won’t neglect him.”
Phoenix barely managed to suppress his laughter. It was obvious that the words weren’t addressed to him, but to Camden. He was pleased to see them so in love, mostly because he knew how precious a bond like that was. But it was time for him to go and deal with James Connors’s suggestion. “See you later, and thanks again.”
After saying their good-byes, Rachen, Phoenix, and James headed toward the benandanti’s lab. Phoenix was pretty curious about what Connors had discovered. He understood the way his body worked, but not at a scientific level, and couldn’t figure out what kind of research would give them the answers they didn’t have yet.
They reached the lab in no time. As they stepped inside, Phoenix noted that it was empty. He was a little surprised, because James’s family was almost always around. In fact, Phoenix couldn’t remember a moment when he’d come here and not found at least one of them present. James didn’t give him the time to inquire into their conspicuous absence. He gestured Phoenix to sit down on a nearby bed. “Just a moment. I need to get everything ready. I didn’t expect to get to you so easily.”
The benandanti’s words bothered Phoenix. There was just something in his phrasing that set his instincts on the edge. Immediately, he started to get up. “You know, I think I’ve changed my mind.”
“Too late,” another voice said behind them.
Phoenix turned just in time to see another man retrieve a gun and shoot Rachen in the back. Rachen fell, and instantly, Phoenix knew the bullet had been enchanted. However, Rachen claiming Phoenix every time they had sex had a more profound effect than just the mind-numbing orgasms the two of them always had. The dragon didn’t stay down. Gritting his teeth, he willed the bullet out of his body.
It was a painful process, one that Phoenix experienced, too, through his mind link with his mate. Anger swelled through him, hot and bright. His magic rushed out of him, and fire danced all over his skin, wild, nearly uncontrollable. “You’ll regret that.”
“I don’t think I will,” the man added.
The sound of another shot rang out through the room, but this time, the projectile hit Phoenix. Phoenix would have normally laughed at any attempt to stop him with this sort of weaponry. However, when the bullet struck him, he immediately found his powers draining away and collapsed on the floor. Suddenly, he felt like he was back in the box, helpless, with no control over what the avians did to him.
“Not so powerful now, are you?” the new arrival asked.
“Drop it, Mark,” James Connors said. “You know what we discussed. He’s not a bad man. We just have to take away his powers so that he stops being a danger.”
“I know, brother,” Mark answered. Oh. Phoenix distantly remembered now that James had a brother, Mark, who was Caroline’s father and hadn’t come with them to Draechenburg. “Believe me, this isn’t pleasant for me either.”
It certainly didn’t feel that way. In fact, Phoenix got the impression that Mark was getting a kick out of attacking someone so powerful and winning. Or maybe…Maybe there was something else going on that Phoenix couldn’t figure out. Where had the benandanti gotten that ammo? How had Mark even gotten into Draechenburg without being seen?
No one was going to answer those questions, of course, and Phoenix had no time to focus on them. He tried to get up, and when he failed, he just crawled, doing his best to reach Rachen. By now, Rachen was recovering a little and was just about to create a fire spell to take the benandanti out.
He never got the chance. Their opponents knew them better than Phoenix had thought. James Connors emptied his entire clip into Rachen. As it turned out, they were the same bullets that had hit Phoenix, and sadly, had a similar effect on Rachen, probably because of their bond.
The projectiles didn’t hit vital organs, obviously something James had done on purpose, but they still incapacitated Rachen, keeping him unable to cast a spell or even move. “Do yourselves a favor and stay down,” James said, sounding pained. “We really don’t want to kill you. In the end, you saved our lives, Prince Rachen.”
“Should have…should have let the vampires drain you dry,” Rachen stammered slightly. “Backstabbing son of a bitch.”
James didn’t comment on that. Instead, he directed his attention toward his brother. “Hurry,” he said. “We don’t have a lot of time. Someone might have heard the gunshots.”
“Don’t think so,” Mark replied even as he made his way toward Rachen and Phoenix. “The draechen are distracted by the ruse of our avian friends.”
That was probably true, but there was something, or rather someone, Mark and James seemed to have forgotten about. Just as he was about to give up hope, Phoenix heard voices nearby. The two benandanti heard them, too, but later than Phoenix. The delay made it impossible for them to do anything about it, and they just stood there frozen as the rest of the Connors family walked into the lab.
Raleigh, Elizabeth, and Caroline stared directly at James and Mark. “What’s going on, James?” Elizabeth asked. “Why did you say you wanted to see us in our quarters, then never showed up?”
She obviously hadn’t noticed Rachen and Phoenix, but Raleigh did. “I think that’s the answer,” he said, scowling fiercely. “I don’t think I even want to know why Prince Rachen and his mate are on the floor bleeding, while the two o
f you are holding smoking guns.”
“Uncle James, say something,” Caroline said. Shooting a glance toward Mark, she practically pleaded, “Father, tell me there’s an explanation for this.”
They obviously hadn’t known about James’s plan. Perhaps James had realized that he would eventually be discovered and had wanted to keep them out of it. For obvious reasons, that was no longer fully possible. Elizabeth slowly approached and knelt next to Phoenix, wincing at the sight of his injuries. “Put the gun away, James,” she told her husband. “I know you’re worried, but this isn’t the answer. Get me something to help these men. It might not be too late to mend things.”
When Elizabeth touched Phoenix’s shoulder, James snapped out of his trance. “Beth, please. You don’t know what you’re talking about. I realize you want to believe that the draechen mean well, and perhaps they do. I admit it’s been easier to cooperate with them than to fight them. But this creature’s power…It’s too much even for the draechen. They don’t see it now. They’re blinded by their own desire to make things work within their family. I’m not, and I have to do something about it, or else you, Raleigh, and everyone we know and love will pay the price.”
“Dad, power isn’t dangerous in itself,” Raleigh said softly. “It’s the way you use it that matters. You taught me that. You showed me the right path when I was lost. Have you forgotten?”
James shook his head. “It’s not the same. You were a young man in need of shelter, love, and guidance. Beth and I could give you that, and by all accounts, you’re our son now. But you can’t compare yourself to him.”
“Why not?” Raleigh asked. “I’m dangerous, too. Every shifter is. By your assessment, should the entire paranormal world be wiped out because of the power we wield? Do you include yourself and Mom in that?” He took a deep breath and slowly walked toward James. “Can’t you hear yourself? This isn’t like you.” Extending his hand, he added, “Give me the gun. We can work things out in a different way.”
Phoenix didn’t really understand the exchange, although it seemed to imply that Raleigh wasn’t actually James and Elizabeth’s son. That actually made sense, because Phoenix had noticed his energy was somewhat different to that of the two older benandanti. The dynamics of the Connors family aside, Phoenix noticed with a sense of relief that Raleigh’s words were working. James hesitated and lowered his weapon, obviously not wanting to go against his son.
And then, Mark got between James and Raleigh. “Look, Raleigh, you don’t know what you’re talking about. Your father and I only want what’s best for everyone. You’re comparing apples with oranges, because the power we have pales in front of that of this creature. And that’s the only thing we want, to draw out the power, to make him harmless.”
If it had been possible, Phoenix would have welcomed it. He didn’t want to be the thing they feared, this magical beast that could torch forests with a thought and a burst of anger. However, it wasn’t possible. Phoenix was energy made flesh. As a phoenix, he’d been even less tangible, but in his desire to be with his mate, he’d found this form that allowed him to exist as Rachen’s lover.
In spite of it, though, this body was sustained by the same energy that fueled his fire and his magic, the energy of the earth. If it disappeared, so would his carnal form. Phoenix himself would cease to exist. He wasn’t sure how it would happen, if it would be a gradual process or a sudden plunge into nothingness, but he knew that, if James and Mark truly had the power to separate him from his abilities—which seemed to be the case, given Phoenix’s current helpless state—what awaited Phoenix was death.
As that thought passed through Phoenix’s mind, Rachen started to struggle. “No,” he cried out. “I won’t allow it. I won’t allow you to kill my mate.”
“It’s not what we intend,” Mark repeated. “We just—”
“It’s not possible,” Phoenix explained. “It’s all or nothing with me. I can exist in this form or not at all.”
Mark shook his head. “That can’t be right. We were told…We were assured that there is a solution that wouldn’t imply unnecessary suffering.” He tensed, his grip on his gun tightening. “You’re just saying that because you’re afraid and you want to keep your magic.” He lifted his weapon and pointed it at Phoenix. “It won’t work.”
Before he could shoot again, Raleigh’s body blurred and melted into that of a large tiger. He leapt at Mark, shoving him down and keeping Mark from shooting either Rachen or Phoenix. However, the gun did go off, and a feline whine let Phoenix know that it had struck Raleigh instead. Chaos exploded over the room. Caroline screamed, and Elizabeth was already on her feet, ready to jump to her adoptive son’s assistance. Similarly, James tried to intervene. “Mark, stop!”
As the older benandanti got between Mark and Raleigh, everyone else gathered around the wounded feline shifter. Busy with their family drama, the Connors seemed to forget the entire reason why it had started. But that was all right with Phoenix, because with a little time and effort, he thought that he could dislodge the projectile that was causing him such problems.
He still couldn’t figure out how mere bullets had affected him this way. The only thing he could clearly distinguish was that they had a peculiar feel that seemed to clash with Phoenix’s energies.
Still, the earth remained close to Phoenix, so he had a chance to fight it off. Or so he thought, until he felt another presence approach.
Phoenix couldn’t immediately identify who was coming, perhaps because the balance between the new arrival’s energies was off. Even so, something told him that whoever this person was he didn’t have good intentions.
His guess turned out to be completely correct. Mere moments later, Iasan Sutharlainn stepped into the room, his gaze completely fixed on Phoenix. Phoenix barely caught a glimpse of the sprite’s face, because his entire being focused on what Iasan was holding—the box that had been Phoenix’s prison for centuries. He could have recognized its unholy glow anywhere. The red-gold of the studded gems triggered an automatic panic. If he could have moved, he’d have gotten out of there right that instant.
As it was, Phoenix’s power surged through him, but he simply couldn’t get a good grip on it. He tried to mold the energy according to his will, but it refused to comply. It was as if Phoenix was in a hot desert, reaching the oasis, so close he could taste the water, and finding it was all only an illusion when he attempted to touch it.
It was odd, and yet somehow fitting, to even make the comparison, given that he had once been hiding under an illusion himself. Then again, it was probably through the sprite’s assistance that Mark Powers had managed to infiltrate Draechenburg in the first place. The gods only knew what else Caelyn’s brother had done. Either way, Iasan and the blasted box certainly weren’t illusions and Phoenix still couldn’t escape the weakness that had taken hold of him.
“It’s no use,” Iasan said, kneeling next to him and cupping his chin. “You can’t resist me now, little phoenix. I made sure of that.”
“What did you do to me?” Phoenix managed to ask, looking up at the sprite.
“Well, it’s quite simple really,” Iasan replied. “See this pretty little box? After some coaxing from my part, the avians revealed that the rubies are more ornamental than anything else. The real thing that kept you under control was the metal the box is made out of, a special alloy crafted from gold and meteor rock.”
“Meteor rock?” Phoenix repeated, finally beginning to understand. “That’s what’s weakening me?”
“Precisely,” Iasan answered. “You’re a creature of the earth, of this Earth. In outer space, you wouldn’t even exist, and anything that comes from there can destroy you.”
It made so much sense, and Phoenix berated himself for having been so arrogant and not expected it. At the same time, though, he realized something else. There was something about Iasan that was seriously not right.
“W–why are you doing this?” he inquired. “It’ll break Caelyn’s heart.”
Iasan laughed. “I couldn’t give a fuck about that whore. It’s your energy and your power that I want.”
Suddenly, Iasan’s pupils were consumed by pure black. All the pieces of the puzzle started falling into place. No wonder Iasan hadn’t bothered to return home. Likely, he’d been a target of the Ancient Horror a long time ago, perhaps even the first one. Phoenix had thought he’d been successful in banishing the creature, but apparently he’d been mistaken. The hold he had on Iasan must have been too strong for even Phoenix’s attack to counter.
The Ancient Horror touched him, and Phoenix felt his power being siphoned out of him. Distantly, he registered the fact that the benandanti had finally figured out what was going on and were trying to reach them. But it was too late, far too late. With Phoenix’s abilities, the Ancient Horror would be unstoppable. It was easy for the creature to push back the Connors family. He laughed, not even bothering to kill them.
“People are so stupid,” he said with a chuckle. “They assign themselves to roles they aren’t capable of, practically begging to be taken advantage of. Even the avians…Do you know they thought I would help them? They’ll certainly learn their lesson now. And Ferradul Cyraltin…Another example of how arrogant you all are and so very easy to manipulate.”
Phoenix listened to the creature’s words, but he had trouble processing them. The Ancient Horror was so very close to achieving his purpose now. Phoenix could feel it deep inside, but he refused to allow it. The memory of all the time he’d spent with Rachen returned to him. He remembered the night they’d spent together, how gentle and loving Rachen had been. And then, other recollections flashed through his mind, both old and new. He’d been a man with a past not his own, believing he was Alwyn Cyraltin. Even with that lie clouding his consciousness, he’d always known Rachen was his mate. His powers had started to grow. He’d met Talbot’s ghost, the lingering traces of the ghost’s vengeful energy calling out to him.
Fire's Embrace [Chronicles of the Shifter Directive 6] (Siren Publishing Epic Romance, ManLove) Page 24