The Chosen One Universe Volume Three: An MM Paranormal Fantasy Shifters Series

by Macy Blake

  “Word is spreading,” Eduard said. “If they’re hearing rumors, they want us to know. No one knows who to trust, but our families know we will trust them.”

  “Our elders will send a large clutch of vampires with Hartwig. They will not be pleased that he is leaving our lands.”

  “Hartwig?” Draco asked.

  “Large?” Eduard asked.

  Andvari scowled at Draco before turning his attention to Eduard. “He has his own guards, at least a dozen. And they’ll surely send three times as many. This is a very big deal.”

  “But my mother,” Draco gasped. “My mother. With the leader of the vampires. And Augustus. And Henry’s dads. And Sawyer.”

  “Has he really not met your parents in all these years?”

  “No. Are you kidding me? My mother would have taken one look at him and known he was my mate. And I couldn’t have that, now could I? I’d have never heard the end of it. Centuries of nagging that I’d let my mate get away. That I could have found a way to make it work. No way. Just no.”

  Eduard smirked. “I can’t wait to meet her.”

  “Yeah, well, be prepared to be bossed around. She’s very demanding. And likes things her way. She’ll probably have tons of suggestions.”

  Eduard and Andvari shared a look. “Draco, no matter what happens, it is an honor to meet your parents.”

  “A true honor,” Andvari added. “Our mating is a blessing, and our families should be given the opportunity to celebrate with us.”

  “Once we find the final guardian, we should have a true celebration.”

  “Once we defeat a god, you mean,” Draco said.

  It wasn’t an easy thought to bear, especially knowing that Sawyer had apparently given up his powers voluntarily. Why? None of them had been able to figure out why it had been so important that he become not only human, but a null as well. And yet, he wasn’t a null at all. Not really. Nothing would stand in their way. The words from the prophecy echoed through his head. They’d been wrong for centuries about what the prophecy meant. Were they wrong again?

  Eduard had gone over and over it in his head. Now that the curtain had been pulled back, it was plain to see that there should be four siblings of the mother: Fire, Earth, Water, and Air. One for each of the elements. One to support the creatures who shared their element. Where did that leave Sawyer, though? Where did he fit into that seemingly complete puzzle?

  Was it really a battle between the brothers as to who would take on the mantle of Air? Was it only allowed for one of them? Were they fighting it out, and the best brother would retain his abilities as a god? It would certainly be worth fighting for. Wars had been fought for less, after all. But it didn’t seem like the Sawyer he knew and loved. His Sawyer wouldn’t risk all the pain and suffering that had been caused by all of this fighting for more power. Although, from what they’d been able to determine, his brother did not use his gift for good. No, if only from the experiments on shifter children that they’d learned of, his brother wasn’t good at all.

  Maybe, in the end, that’s what it was all about. Sawyer trying to put a stop to his brother and obtain the powers for himself. Not because he wanted the power. But because he wanted to put a stop to the darkness his brother caused. That did sound like something his Sawyer would do. Willing to put himself at risk to protect innocents.

  “What are you thinking?” Andvari asked.

  “It’s not important,” Eduard said.

  “It is,” Draco said. The panic faded from his eyes. Instead, they turned to concern. No one was more fiercely protective of his mates than Draco.

  Eduard let Draco pull him close and wrap him up in a tight hug. Andvari moved behind him, and Eduard breathed deeply, surrounded by his powerful mates.

  “Tell us,” Andvari said softly.

  “I’m having trouble matching the Sawyer I know and love with the idea of him being a god. It’s difficult.”

  “Tell me about it,” Draco murmured. “You didn’t know him in his teenage years.”

  Eduard grinned and tightened his hold on Draco. “I can’t imagine teenage Sawyer.”

  “Yeah, ya can. Just imagine him the way he is now. That’s the funny thing. He hasn’t really changed a lot. Gotten smarter. More mature. But he’s had that big heart of his for as long as I’ve known him. He’s got this way of just… making everything better. I don’t know what all went on to make him give up his powers or make the choice to become human, but I don’t think his heart is any different, god or human. That’s the thing we have to remember. At the heart, he’s the same.”

  Andvari pressed in closer. “Anyone who can inspire such love, who can break down walls for so many of us, has to be worthy of such gifts. That is his true power.”

  “The power of love,” Draco grinned.

  Eduard did as well. “You’re ridiculous. And I love you both. Thank you for keeping me from getting lost in my head once more.”

  “Always,” Andvari promised. “And thank you in advance for keeping us both from losing our minds at the prospect of our guests arriving.”

  “Speaking of which, we should go decide what to wear this evening.”

  Both of his mates stiffened in his hold. And not in a good way.

  “I, um, should, um, go update the guards. Security. Very important.” Andvari kissed his neck and before Eduard could draw a breath, he was out the door.

  Draco scowled after him. “I’m not making up a lame excuse. I could give a shit what I wear. Pick something out and I’ll put it on. I’m going to go swim with the boys.”

  Draco also kissed him, but it was deeper and took Eduard’s breath away.

  Eduard sighed as Draco pulled back with a smile. “You’re the best kisser.”

  “Damn straight I am. Now, don’t pick out something fancy. Cookout. Sawyer wants casual.”

  “Got it. I won’t make you wear a tie.”

  “Good. I should kiss you again just for that.”

  Draco leaned in again, but this time pressed a gentle kiss against his lips. “We’re going to figure all of this out. And we’re going to come through it stronger than ever. Believe in that. Things may heat up, but you and I don’t mind a little fire, do we?”

  “No. We don’t.”

  “Remember that.”

  Draco wandered away and Eduard turned to his thoughts once more. The answers were right there on the tip of his tongue. He just couldn’t quite get to them. It was frustrating and infuriating at the same time.

  “Excuse me, Master Eduard.”

  Eduard turned to find Cecil standing at the door. “I’m pretty sure you shouldn’t be calling me Master, Cecil. We’ve discussed this.”

  “Habit, sir. And I don’t mind. I find I’m quite good at providing service to others. It is something I enjoy. What I was born to do, if you will.”

  “I honestly don’t know what I’d do without you, Cecil.”

  “As it should be, sir. I have something I would like to speak to you about, if you have a moment.”

  “Of course.”

  Cecil closed the door behind him before moving to the window. The office overlooked the backyard. Eduard joined Cecil and they looked out at his mates, swimming in the pool. It appeared that Saeward was taking turns dunking both Henry and Sawyer as they attempted to… honestly, Eduard had no idea what they were trying to do. Unless they were hoping to become experts at half-drowning.

  “I am honored to be in your service,” Cecil said. “Although, I must confess that my true loyalties rest with him.”

  Sawyer. Of course.

  “As it should be,” Eduard said.

  “I hoped you would understand. It was never meant as a betrayal to you. I knew he would return. It was all I could think to do to find him.”

  “So you knew his plan from the beginning?”

  “No, not from the beginning. He tends to think things through before he takes action, but once a decision is made, he commits. He follows his heart. I’ve often warned him that he
art and logic must combine.”

  “If it helps, he has eight guardians to help him with the logic part.”

  “True. I am very grateful for these days. Seeing him so happy, so filled with love. It is all I have ever wanted. He is truly my best friend. My brother, if not by blood.”

  “You know what he says about that,” Eduard reminded gently.

  “Yes.” Cecil took a breath. “My mother had a liaison that resulted in my birth. It would not have been safe for me in any realm. But my mother had a very powerful friend. She found a way to bring me to the other realm as a companion to her young son. I could not have made the journey if I did not have some divine power of my own.”

  Eduard tried not to react, but failed. “You are a god also?”

  Cecil chuckled. “No, sir. I am the son of one, however.”

  “Holy shit.”

  Cecil laughed again. “Not all of us are meant to lead, sir. I certainly am not. Fortunately, I inherited some of my mother’s gift.”

  Eduard felt the significance hanging between them even as the silence grew. “Cecil?”

  “My mother has the ability to see what someone needs and help put them on the path to fulfillment. It is a beautiful power, one that is gentle and loving. It is how I am often able to provide for the needs of Sawyer and the guardians so intuitively.”

  “That is a beautiful gift to have.”

  “Yes. But my mother is much stronger. Although I have not been able to see her in many, many years, I recently sought out her company and her wisdom. Master Draco said he would do anything to keep Sawyer safe. I would as well.”

  “Cecil, Sawyer would not want you at risk.”

  “I was cautious,” Cecil said softly. “And my mother agreed to come. She must arrive in secrecy, but she will try to help bridge the gap and help us provide for his needs until he is stronger. She must see him to help, though. It is the nature of her gift. We must not speak of this, however,” Cecil said.

  “Understood.”

  “I wouldn’t want my mother in danger.”

  “Absolutely. Tell me what needs to happen and we’ll make it work, okay?”

  “Thank you for understanding. She will be here soon.”

  “Of course, Cecil. And thank you for taking such a risk for us.”

  Cecil paused once more, glancing down at the pool. Sawyer had tired already, sitting on the edge of the pool instead of swimming and splashing as he’d been moments before.

  “We must resolve this issue quickly,” Cecil said quietly.

  “How?”

  “I do not know. But I know he’s running out of time.”

  Desperate times did call for desperate measures. If Cecil was willing to risk exposure after remaining hidden and separated from his mother for so long, the times must be more desperate than Eduard even realized. He touched Cecil’s shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. “We will figure this out. I will double my efforts, pull anyone I can and have them working on nothing else.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  Cecil left the room once more, closing the door behind him. Eduard’s phone buzzed once more, this one from the vampire security at the edge of the ward. His father had arrived, earlier than Eduard anticipated. He must have been close by, and whatever news he needed to discuss must be serious. They would deal with it, and then Eduard would ask his father for his biggest favor yet. If there were answers out there, Augustus Eastaughffe would find them. Between the three of them, Augustus, Victor, and Eduard, no stone would be left unturned. If help for Sawyer existed, they would track it down.

  Andvari

  Andvari waited at the edge of the wards as a group of vehicles arrived. Inside, his clan’s leader waited. Andvari couldn’t help the slight flutter of nerves at his arrival, and yet he knew he’d made his clan proud. Guards stepped out and once they’d secured the area, one of the rear doors opened, and the leader himself stepped out.

  “Leader Hartwig,” Andvari said. He bowed his head and laid his fist over his heart.

  “Andvari.”

  Hartwig held both sides of his neck, his thumbs resting on the arteries briefly before releasing him.

  “Welcome to our home, Leader. It is an honor to have you here.”

  “It is good to be here. I’d like to introduce my companion, Gamayun.”

  An older woman emerged from the backseat, and she crossed to Hartwig’s side with a smile.

  Andvari bowed his head once more, trying to hide the confusion he felt. He’d never seen a companion with the leader before, had never even heard of such a person. His instincts were going crazy, wanting to deny them both access to the house, to Sawyer.

  “I would see our fellow clansmen before we meet your mate, Andvari.”

  “Yes, Leader Hartwig.”

  Andvari turned and gestured to the leader of the guards. The younger vampire hurried forward and bowed his head. Hartwig repeated the welcome gesture, and then turned once more allowing the guard to begin introductions to the other vampires.

  His companion stayed behind, hovering by Andvari’s side.

  “Guardian,” she said softly once they were a couple dozen steps ahead.

  “Ma’am.”

  “This is a lovely home.”

  “Yes.”

  “You have very powerful wards in place.”

  Andvari stiffened. “Yes.”

  “They serve you well. Might I offer a small suggestion?”

  Andvari had no clue how to answer. Then remembered something Sawyer had once told him. She could offer it all day long. Didn’t mean he had to take the suggestion. “Sure.”

  “I believe the balance is somewhat off. Perhaps adding a bit of water would help.”

  Andvari smiled and gave her a brief nod.

  Henry and Loch came down the hill, obviously wondering what he was doing. Henry took one look at Gamayun and paused.

  “Hello.”

  “Greetings, young mage. You look well.”

  “Um, thank you.”

  “Such a sweet boy. And loved so well by his mates.”

  Henry blushed. “Thank you.”

  She chuckled. “Sweet one, will you work your magic and reassure your mate that I mean no one within the wards any harm? It will surely ease his mind and put his fears to rest.”

  “Oh!” Henry looked at Andvari and then back to her. Loch rested his hand on his sword even as Henry closed his eyes. The wind picked up around them for a second. “It’s good, Andvari. She doesn’t mean any harm. None of the others do either.”

  “Thank you, young man. Such a delightful gift you have. So powerful for someone so young. Have you by chance read Gregorovich’s Grimoire? I believe it would serve you well.”

  Henry shook his head. “No ma’am. I haven’t been able to find a copy anywhere. I even have Eduard searching for one.”

  “Well, perhaps Andvari would be so kind as to ask Hartwig for you. I believe the leader has a copy in his personal library. I’m sure he would be willing to lend it to you for a short time.”

  Andvari wasn’t entirely sure what was going on, but he no longer felt threatened. Actually, he hadn’t felt threatened before, now that he thought of it. Cautious, but not fearful.

  “May I offer you something to drink, ma’am?” Andvari asked. Eduard had drilled them repeatedly on the rules of hospitality. He’d be in trouble with his mate if he didn’t behave. Not that he minded getting Eduard a little fired up on occasion, but as this insult would also be against his clan leader, Andvari followed Eduard’s rules to the letter.

  “Such a gentleman. I would love a nice drink. And might I be so bold as to ask for your escort up this hill? I find I’m not as spry as I once was.”

  “I would be honored,” Andvari said.

  “And now let me look at this one. My, my. A sylph from the fae realm. Delightful!”

  Loch stepped up beside her and scowled. “You have much wisdom and a strange power.”

  She beamed. “Yes, I do. Now, tell me how it is
for you in this realm. It is my understanding that most fae must travel to their realm to regain their strength, but I believe you are fine here.”

  Loch’s scowl deepened. “I am as my mate needs me to be.”

  “Yes,” Gamayun said. She looked at Andvari and smiled. “We are all as our mates need us to be.”

  Her hand tightened on his arm as they walked up the hill. He didn’t like leaving Leader Hartwig behind, but knew he would be expected to provide escort to his leader’s companion. And it seemed like Hartwig wanted him to spend time with Gamayun. He just didn’t know why.

  They walked up the hill, passing through the wards with ease. Andvari’s nerves eased further. Sawyer was in the backyard with Augustus and Eduard. Saeward and Draco had stayed with him, as well. And Andvari could feel the presence of yellow eyes. Watching. Always watching.

  Sawyer and Augustus were sitting at one of the many umbrella-covered tables surrounding the pool. They each had glasses of something icy and amazing in front of them, no doubt the work of Viv. He’d heard her screech the moment she found out just how many important guests would be arriving within hours. No notice. No prep time. But she’d come through like a champ, as she always did. Even if she’d also protested loudly and vehemently over Sawyer’s menu choices.

  Andvari couldn’t help but smile at his mate, even as they drew closer. Sawyer was engrossed in his conversation with their mate’s father, and the elder griffin’s eyes twinkled as he shared one of his many over the top tales. The moment he finished, Sawyer threw back his head and laughed. The sound lifted Andvari’s spirit. They hadn’t had much to laugh about lately, and he had barely seen Sawyer smile at all in weeks.

  Sawyer noticed them then, and his eyes darted to the woman at Andvari’s side. He gave her a puzzled frown, and the expression caught Augustus’s attention. He glanced over his shoulder and spit out the tea he’d just sipped.

  Gamayun laughed and hurried forward the remaining few feet. Augustus rose and she held out her hands to him. He accepted them in his, then raised them to his mouth. He kissed her knuckles and then leaned forward to kiss her cheek. “Gamayun,” Augustus said. “It has been too long.”