Genesis

by Christie Rich

  “Sinnnce you healed him, yeesss. He seenndsss his love.”

  Okay this conversation was just too weird for words. “Do you want a name?”

  “Yeesss.”

  I thought for a moment. This thing could have killed me a hundred different ways by now. “Are you serious about protecting me?”

  “Yeesss.”

  This may be the stupidest thing I ever did in my short life, but I couldn’t deny it this. “Are you a boy or a girl?”

  Laughter. “Issn’t it obviousss?”

  Um, no. I shook my head when it didn’t answer.

  “I am male.”

  I arched a brow, staring at him with new eyes. Something inside me constricted, tightening until I just knew. “Then I name you Creed.”

  He stiffened, and at first I thought I offended him. Then something weird happened to his face. His skin boiled, bubbling like a sulfur pot. I covered a choked scream. Two orbs formed above the gaping mouth, solidifying into…eyes. What the heck was going on?

  He blinked and stared at me, shock written on every part of him. “What power issss thisss?”

  I stumbled and grabbed for the wall. “I—I don’t know.”

  When he stepped forward, I inched away. He lurched to a halt, giving me a questioning stare. “Why did you name me that?”

  I fumbled over my words. “I…I just thought since you were here and I was trusting you. Creed is about faith, and we both had to have some faith in this situation.” I swallowed hard. “I guess that’s why.” Trying not to let my horror show too much, I grimaced. “Did you want a different name?”

  He shook his head. “I have underessstimated you. We all have.” He dropped on one knee and saluted me, his fist tight against his reptilian chest. “We are at your command.”

  Oh, man I was in deep. “I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you.”

  When he didn’t get up, I told him to. “Tell me about your people. Tell me what you need.”

  I spent the next few minutes listening to how the Wraiths had been mistreated.

  And they had been mistreated.

  They had agreed to dispose of undesirables for a small patch of land in Lombarda, but soon were called upon to settle disputes that should have been taken care of simply. Warring factions wanted quick resolution to battles that had been going on for, well, forever really. It wasn’t fair, and the fae should have known better.

  Once the Wraith refused to do any more dirty work, they were banished to the borderlands. There, they became creatures of darkness. Harnessing what power they could to keep the fae out of their lives for good, the creatures banded together and created alliances. Some wanted to work with the fae to get back into good graces, while others wanted to steal their power. Either way, I understood where they were coming from. They had a sucky life all because they didn’t want to be enslaved.

  Did this sort of thing happen everywhere? Why couldn’t people work together? Why couldn’t people allow others the freedom God had given to all originally?

  I watched Creed change from a grotesque creature to an almost man in a matter of minutes. He sat across from me now in an unused parlor studying his new hands. He blinked at me again, his brown eyes flashing a smile. “I never thought to be free, my lady. How can I repay you?”

  Uncomfortable didn’t begin to describe my churning emotions. I was happy for him and sad at the same time. I mean, he had no way of helping how he looked, so why should it matter? “I didn’t do anything.”

  He shook his head. “You have done everything.”

  “Wait a minute.” I covered my mouth. “I named Cerberus. Is he a man too?”

  Creed laughed. “Hellhounds are among the few creatures in the borderlands that look the same now as when they went in.”

  I studied my nails, still not willing to swallow what he’d told me. “So it’s all true? I can’t believe people actually want to kill me.”

  He clasped his knees. “It’s not so difficult to fathom, especially considering what you just accomplished.”

  “Yeah,” I scoffed. “It’s so hard to think of a name.”

  He gave me a staggered look. “Names have power.”

  My teeth found my bottom lip and chewed. “I’ve heard that before.”

  “Then take heed, my lady. I truly am grateful to you, but what if I had come here to kill you?”

  I chuckled. “You would have had an easier time before I took away most of your monsterly mask.”

  He cocked his head. “You like humor. I do too, in the right circumstance, but be careful with that around here. You do not wish to offend someone who already has your death planned.”

  I sighed. “I used to think it would be great to have been born a princess.”

  “And now?” he asked, his eyes sweeping over me.

  “There couldn’t be a worse life.” He smiled at me with his new lips, and for some reason I blushed. “What I meant to say was I know I’m not a princess, but I think I get the pressure.”

  “I would imagine you do.”

  Time for a safer topic. “What will you do now?”

  “I am sworn to protect you, and I intend to do so.”

  I chuckled. “I already have five men at my service. I hardly need another bodyguard.”

  He shrugged. “Maybe not, but you do need information. I will see what I can find out about the raiders.” He stepped to the door and peered into the hall.

  “Creed, you still didn’t tell me who you were protecting me from.”

  He turned back to me, his face as serious as a fatal disease. “The list is too long, Rayla. Take care, and watch for my return.”

  I leaned against the sofa and let out a ragged breath. How was I going to answer Zach and Luke? I had people who wanted to kill me, but Tabitha had made it clear only the lords possessed the power to actually do the deed. Man, this just kept getting worse and worse.

  Jett found me in the hall. “Where have you been? Luthais and Ammon came back over an hour ago. They have been looking for you, as well. You should know better than to be alone.”

  Why weren’t they all just using their Spidey sense? They’d tracked me before, but I was in no mood to get into debate. “Maybe you should scold them instead of me. They were the ones that left me in the courtyard to think.”

  He paused then clenched his jaw. “They failed to tell me that.”

  “It’s okay.” I patted his arm. “Thanks for your concern…and for being…my friend.”

  He didn’t cringe at the word like I expected. Instead he smiled. “No matter what happens between us, you may always count me as such.”

  I gave him a side hug and headed for the room I was supposed to sleep in—with him and three other…no, make that four other men. Heath grinned at me from across the space. If I thought it was hard to sleep last night, I was in for a bad one.

  He stood and waited for me to walk over to him. His pirate smile belonged on a movie set.

  “What?” he said. “No hugs?”

  He’d had enough of me last night. Thank you very much.

  Luke chimed in. “If Rayla is giving out hugs, I’m in.”

  Heath scowled but shut up. Would wonders ever cease?

  I smiled at him. “I thought you might be coming. What took you so long? The others have been here for hours.”

  He crossed his arms and gave me a crooked grin. “I was taking instruction from the queen and orders from Cassie.” He closed the slight distance between us and pulled me into his arms. I stiffened in a show of my defiance, yet I really wanted to mold myself to him. When he pulled away I groaned inside. His eyes ate me up. “From her…of course.”

  “Of course,” said Zach for me. I couldn’t say a word. I could barely breathe. “And how are Cassie and Finn these days?”

  “Peachy,” said Heath. “Couldn’t be better, but poor Cassie does cry most days. She misses her best friend.”

  Oh that was a low blow. “I miss her too. Be sure to tell her when you see her again.”

/>   He quirked a brow. “No point in that. You’ll be with me.”

  Every head in the room snapped toward us. Silence circled me.

  “What is this about Rayla going with you?” asked Jett.

  Heath frowned. “Ignis is a stop along our way to Lombarda, is it not?”

  Jett gave a curt nod, and that was the end of our conversation. The shouting started not long after, though.

  I settled into my pillow. We’d finally decided on sleeping arrangements. I was surrounded by men whether I liked it or not. Each of their beds flanked mine. I’d given up listening to their arguing hours ago. Darkness reigned while we all lay still and quiet. If only I could make up my mind already.

  It was past time. No one knew that better than I did. I stayed up half the night going over things again.

  If I wanted passion, there were plenty of options. If I wanted friendship, I thought them all capable. If I wanted sensitivity, the same. All of them had a soft side. They were all different, yet so similar it was hard to distinguish between them sometimes.

  Fact was: I had feelings for all of them. There. I admitted it.

  Too bad it didn’t matter one bit. I’d been fighting for love this whole time, but I could love each of them, in different ways, of course. The problem I faced now was my decision was about more than a relationship with one man. It was about freedom and power and loyalty and honor. I’d misjudged all of these men at one time or another; and you know what, I wished there was some way for me to take it back.

  I sat up. Beds creaked around me. “You all awake?” I asked.

  Grumbled yes’s brought a smile to my lips.

  “Good. I need to talk to you.”

  Light blasted my eyes. I covered them from the sharp glare. My fingers made a decent shield to peer through until the stabbing sensation lessened. “I’ve been asked to make a decision where you all are concerned.”

  Luke threw up his hands, his eyes going huge. I waved him off.

  “I’ve also been warned that one of you could kill me.”

  Silence.

  Not exactly the reaction I expected, but hey. “I want to talk about something. I’ve discovered the people of the borderlands.”

  Jett groaned. “I cannot believe this! When, my lady, did you think it safe to talk to the borderland…” He grunted. “People?”

  I stood up. “But most of those creatures are people, Jett.” He frowned. “Tell me I’m wrong.”

  Heath cut in. “Where are you going with this?”

  I swallowed hard. “I’ve made a decision.”

  “And?” Luke prodded.

  Taylor had been quiet throughout, leaning against his headboard. He shifted. “I don’t think you should, Rayla. It is too soon. You are still too confused.”

  I nodded, giving him a faulty smile. “You’re right. That’s why you will pick for me.”

  “What!” Heath shouted.

  “You heard me. I’m giving this decision to you, all of you.” Feeling quite smug, I laid back down and pulled the covers up to my chin. I’d either just sealed my doom or made the best choice of my life. Now I might be able to see more of their true nature. “Night, boys.”

  I didn’t even get my eyes closed before I was yanked out of bed.

  Luke stood over me. “You cannot do this!”

  No amount of struggling could release me from his beefy hands. I was stuck. “Why?”

  He full-out glowered at me, but his eyes were panicked. “Because they will not pick me! They never do.”

  Whatever he was ranting about had nothing to do with me. I took a step back. “Look. You all know better than I do what Faeresia needs. You also know who will be the best leader among you. I’ve been driving myself nuts trying to figure this out. Well, I won’t do it anymore. I like all of you. I’m attracted to all of you. I could love all of you. The other stuff is your problem. You brought me into this. You figure it out.”

  Zach settled onto my bed before I could claim it again. “You’ve sure changed your mind since the last time we discussed arranged marriage.”

  I gave him an ironic smile. “Funny how things work out, huh?”

  They all looked at each other, sizing up the competition as far as I was concerned. I pulled my blanket from under Zach’s leg and headed for the door.

  Taylor blocked me before I could find my way to the knob. “Where do you think you’re going?”

  I shook my head. “I’m tired.”

  “You’re sleeping in here.”

  “No I’m not.”

  “Yes you are.”

  I put my free hand on my hip. “You gonna make me?”

  He stiffened his spine. “Maybe.”

  “Try,” I said. I didn’t let my smirk linger long enough for him to comment. Instead I drifted away from them. Away from everything.

  Chapter Twelve

  They found me.

  Six hours later. I only knew that because Jett wouldn’t let me live it down. At least I got some sleep.

  I’d never realized how easy it was to pass out in pitch black. I’d come to the underground room Jett had trained me in. I figured it was safe because it seemed to be his secret place. Weird thing was I felt safe here, like I was in a cocoon. I gazed at him through sleep weary eyes.

  He glared at me now, completely awake. “Woman, you make me want to take Neanderthal to a whole new level.”

  I bit back my immediate laugh when he scowled at me. “You know, Jett, I think you’re finally getting the hang of comedy.”

  He stalked closer to me, seething. “Do you have any idea what you have put us through? We all tried to contact you. Why didn’t you answer?”

  “Uh. I was asleep, in case you didn’t catch that on your way to barging in on what happened to be a decent dream.” I yawned and stretched all the way to my toes. “So, did you decide?”

  “Decide?” His hand clamped around my wrist. “Decide!”

  Heath made it a point to step nearer. “That’ll be enough of that.”

  Jett whirled on him, his fists curling at his sides. “You’ve not done a single thing to find her.”

  Heath scoffed. “I was the one who told you where she was.”

  “Yes. Hours after you should have!”

  “She was safe, and she needed sleep.”

  “Enough!” said Zach. “We’re all exhausted, and seeing as how Rayla has found the perfect place to sleep, I motion we defer arguing for morning. All in agreement?”

  Five distinct voices concurred just before beds appeared around the one I’d managed to pluck from my old room. Turned out drifting objects wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. I put my own “Aye” into the mix and settled back in bed.

  A smile found my lips. This was working out just the way I’d hoped. If everything else went right, I would know who I would bond with within a few days, tops.

  When I woke up a small light reflected off the dirt wall in the corner. Since daylight had no chance of ever reaching this place, the glow appeared brighter than it should have from a single candle.

  I slunk out of bed and made my way toward the figure hunched over a small table. Zach? Yeah, it was him. No one else could make messy hair look that good. As I got closer, I noticed the book held between his fingers. His eyelids drooped, but the distinct twitching revealed just how fast he devoured the pages.

  “What are you reading?” I whispered.

  He gazed up at me and smiled. “Good morning.”

  “Morning back.” I peeked over his shoulder and amazingly he let me.

  The book was a list of names all kept in three neat columns. He turned the page and sorted through more names.

  “What is this?” I asked again.

  “A list.”

  I groaned. “Could you ever just give me a straight answer?”

  He smirked. “If the situation called for it? Sure.”

  I drifted a chair next to him and slid in. “Oh, it calls for it, buddy.”

  He grinned. “I was gettin
g there.”

  I made a face. “Well?”

  He scratched his bottom lip with his teeth. “This book houses the names of every human I have interacted with.”

  I rubbed my hand along my forehead and squeezed my tired eyes shut. “Why exactly do you need to have a list of every human you’ve ‘interacted’ with?”

  “It’s for remembering.”

  I gave him a hard look. “Isn’t that what your brain is for?”

  He laughed, and I immediately shushed him. His voice lowered to a whisper. “I’ve met billions of humans in my travels.”

  I nudged the edge of the book. “Not from the looks of this.”

  “The size is deceiving.”

  I grunted. Of course, it was fae. “Why do you want to remember every person you’ve met? Seems like overkill to me.”

  “One never knows when one will need a memory.”

  “What memory?”

  “Ah. You’re getting much better at asking questions.” I motioned for him to get on with it. He smiled. “I once met a man in Yorkshire who told me of a local legend.”

  I waited for the punch line. When a few seconds passed, I asked, “About?”

  “The end of days.”

  That response should have come with an automatic dun-dun-dun behind it. Not much of a punch line. “What about it?”

  “The year was six hundred twelve, give or take a few years. I met him along the trail to the largest village in the area. I only remember the time because it was my first attempt in the mortal realm…” He paused for a really long time, and his eyes grew distant. There was also a hesitation as if he didn’t want me to know something.

  “And…”

  “I can’t remember, but I recall it because he said something about an awakening.”

  “So you’re trying to sift through billions of names to recall what he said?”

  “Exactly.”

  “Shouldn’t be too hard. Do you have them listed by year?”

  “I don’t know.”

  I frowned at him. If anyone should know this book, it should have been him. “Why not?”

  “The book changes. It’s how I created it—to keep wandering eyes from being able to decipher it. I designed it to shift based on what is important, unfortunately, I don’t always agree with what it deems to be significant.”