* * * *
Toryn slipped through the secret door between their offices. He wore a frown as he dropped into the seat across from Scotty. “Kellan is on his way up to see you.”
“Happen to know what about?”
“Jayde’s on her way to heal Mathis. He fucked up while base jumping and Paavo’s afraid he can’t heal him properly.”
Scotty’s head jerked to the side with a wince. “She told him and not me?”
Toryn snorted. “What’s your first reaction to the news?”
Sighing, he dropped his head into his hands. “She doesn’t trust me to accept who she is.” His eyes snapped up, locking on Toryn’s. “Do I like she’ll be in pain? Fuck, no. It’s who she is though. And it’s not like she’ll be out for days with a broken body. I’ve seen her put people back together and minutes later be whole. I wouldn’t stop her from doing what she was born to do.”
“You didn’t like her healing you.”
“That was manticore poison, which can cause her days of pain, and you were taking her away. Did you really want to let Isa go when she was sucked into the Moonlight Citadel after being poisoned by chimera toxin?”
“I put that damned artifact on her knowing it was the only way to keep her alive.”
“But you didn’t like her being away, did you?”
“No.” Toryn drew a breath. “So what are you going to tell Kellan?”
Scotty stood and strode toward the door. “Ask where she is so I can prove I can handle it, without being an ass.”
“Good man. I wasn’t sure what you’d say, in all honesty.”
“If she can forgive me for fucking a never-ending stream of women over the years, I can support her in healing people, especially a friend.”
As soon as the door opened, Kellan burst out with, “Jayde went to Mathis. She’s going to heal him.”
“Where?”
“You stop her and she’s going to be pissed, at both of us,” Kellan warned.
Scotty resisted the urge to slam his fist into dumbfuck’s face. “Not going to stop her. Want to be there for her,” he growled.
“Fuck, I really want to hate you. They’re at Paavo’s home.” Kellan disappeared.
Toryn laughed. “You know, I empathize for him the way I did for Mike. Poor guy never stood a chance of winning her heart.”
“Yeah. Not his fault his mother fucked all our lives up.”
* * * *
Jayde pulled up to the gate of Mathis and Paavo’s Lake Washington home. She pulled her phone out and considered calling Scotty. The more she thought about it, the more she realized she should have told him.
Someone pulled up behind her, and she glanced in her rearview to find Scotty’s SUV. Her heart thumped in her chest as she squeezed her eyes shut. Maybe keeping the secret would have been better. If Kellan told Scotty…
A big hand closed over her shoulder. “Jayde, why didn’t you tell me?” His tone was soft, gentle, but she heard the pain in his voice.
She removed her helmet. “Wasn’t sure how you’d react. How did you find out?”
“I wouldn’t have stopped you. But I want to be here to hold you. You might heal the damage fast but I’ve had my bones broken. It hurts like a bitch. My support may help.”
Tears stung her eyes, then one rolled down her face. He wiped it away before caressing her cheek and placing a tender kiss on her forehead.
“Talk to me. Please.”
Her eyes opened and she found his warm brown ones, imploring.
“You used to hate it when I healed anyone,” she whispered.
He pulled her into his arms. “Hey, that was a long time ago. I’ve learned a few things since.”
“You were everything back then, but now—even better.”
“For you, I hope to be the best.”
“You are.”
He took a quick kiss before nodding at the gate. “Go on. Fix Mathis and I’ll hold you until you’re better.”
“Go get in your car, and follow me in.”
Scotty did as asked while she punched in the code.
* * * *
Scotty followed Jayde and parked beside her Ninja. His hands shook as he climbed out of the SUV. He told her he accepted her choice to heal. Now he meant to prove it to himself as much Jayde.
Question was, could he?
Jayde took his hand as he shut the door. “I should have told you.”
“Next time.” As long as I don’t fuck this up.
“So who told you?” Jayde asked quietly, when they stopped at the door.
“Does it matter?”
“Maybe.” A flash of doubt went through her hazel eyes.
He let out a heavy sigh, knowing his answer could skew her belief in his sincerity. “Kellan. It hurt you didn’t tell me.”
“In the past—”
“Is in the past,” he told her with finality, before taking her face and planting a kiss on her lips.
The door opened and Scotty ignored the chuckle.
Jayde pushed him back with a smile. “You’ve made your point.” She nodded at Paavo. “Where is Mathis?”
Paavo stepped back. “He’s in the guest room, down here. Didn’t want to move him farther than I had to.” He looked at Jayde and back at Scotty. “Does this mean the bitch is dead?” Mathis and Paavo fled Faerie when Saressa started collecting siren to add to her own personal battalion.
“No. Unfortunately not.” Scotty looked over at Jayde and back. “She’s coming, soon. Want a hand in her demise? Everyone is going to be there.”
“Oh, we’ll be there. How did you two bind if Saressa is bound to you?”
“A friend found a way to break it.” Scotty glanced over at Jayde.
She smiled back. “I’m glad she did.”
A pained groan pulled her attention. “Let me see him.”
Paavo turned and opened a door. Mathis lay in the bed, his body strangely contorted and obviously broken. Scotty couldn’t help wincing, but he didn’t stop Jayde from going to Mathis and sitting beside him. After a deep breath, he sat behind her so he could pull her back against his chest if she started to fall.
“Hey, Mathis. I’ll be gentle. Okay?” Jayde cooed.
She placed her hands on his chest and closed her eyes.
Scotty closed his eyes too, not wanting to watch Mathis heal as her body broke.
“Don’t be stubborn, take what you need,” Mathis managed to get out.
She harrumphed and her energy filled the room. Jayde’s sharp gasp made him reach for her. His hands landed softly on her shoulders as her back bowed and a cry left her lips.
Scotty looked, he couldn’t help it. Jayde sucked in breath after breath, and then fell back. He moved to soften the impact, and gently wound his arms around her. Barely breathing, he kissed her temple and focused healing energy, all derived from his love.
After a moment, her hands covered his arms and she turned her head with a smile. “Scotty, I don’t have words...”
Paavo grinned at them. “At least you have your own personal healer to look after you. You should have taken some magic to heal faster.”
“I did heal fast,” she answered, her eyes narrowing playfully. Then she turned back to Scotty. “Faster than usual.”
“You two make a good team,” Mathis said.
“Do you have to go back to work?” she asked him.
He nodded. “You’re welcome to hang out at the office. That is, if you got the information you wanted from Kellan.”
“Yeah, planned to tell you and Toryn. Isa too, if she shows up.”
“Maybe we should go to Shenanigans for lunch.”
“Sounds good.”
“Don’t forget to send me details about this party,” Paavo reminded.
Mathis sat up and hugged both Jayde and Scotty at once. “Thank you for the help.”
Jayde grinned. “Anytime. Don’t go doing ridiculous things again for a while.”
Chapter 33
Isadora followed To
ryn back to the office at Shenanigan’s. Normally it was more Lana’s space than hers because she was the one who did the books. Over the last couple days they’d used the space frequently.
She stepped inside, and he shut the door before turning toward her. Toryn’s complete seriousness sent a shiver down her spine. “I need to ask you something. I can’t see shit in regards to Kellan, and he enjoys stirring the pot.”
“Okay,” she replied slowly. “Ask away.”
“Does Kellan give you any kind of vibe like Remus? Do you get anything negative from him?”
Isa shook her head. “No. He’s in love with Jayde. He knows Scotty did her wrong, though Scotty didn’t have much control over the situation. Of course he’s pissed the asshole gets the girl. Kellan is how old? He doesn’t strike me as any older than I am. Hell, I’d be willing to bet he’s a couple years younger.”
“That’s a good question.”
“Why are you worried?”
He sighed and leaned his back against the door. “Scotty says Kellan said shit about Alenathos. Now Jayde has questions about our dragon friend.”
Isa huffed. “I wouldn’t call that bag of scales my friend.”
Toryn sighed and crossed his arms as he moved away from the door. “You need to get over that. He won’t do it again.”
She threw her hands up. “I don’t trust him. I’m not sure how you can expect me to turn around and be best-buds after he nearly killed you. He’s attempted to kill my father on several occasions, and let’s not forget he would have killed me as a child if it hadn’t been for my father.”
“He won’t do it again.”
“Let’s say Henroyld lived after what he did to me, and he changed his tune. Would you be so quick to trust him?”
“No, the bastard was shady as fuck.”
Her brow arched. “And Alenathos is not?”
“Yeah, he’s shady. He’s also bound to you. He cannot betray you.”
“I don’t believe that. He betrayed Saressa. There are a million things he could do that could cause my death or yours and he wouldn’t truly be at fault.”
“Oh no, but intention counts. He cannot be directly involved in your harm.”
Jayde and Scotty stepped into the room. Jayde shook her head. “Wouldn’t be too sure about that. Alenathos put the dagger in my hand that nearly killed Saressa. He led me right to her. I’d say that’s directly involved.”
“You eavesdropped!” Isa accused.
She nodded. “Yeah. Some werecat doesn’t have super senses after I healed him. Considering he was a bad kitty, I don’t feel too guilty.”
“So you play god?” The words were out of her mouth before Isa could think.
“God? I don’t believe in a god.”
“No, but you believe you can dictate destiny. Take what you want from bad guys, not from the good?”
“Can’t change destiny. Saressa tried, and couldn’t keep Scotty and me apart.”
Isa sighed heavily. “Look, it doesn’t matter. I’m not trying to be a bitch, but you can’t walk in on a private conversation and butt in. Since you saved Scotty, I’ll cut you some slack.”
“Gee, thanks.” Jayde sneered.
“I understand you have questions about Alenathos?”
“You don’t care for the dragon?”
“No. Shit, not in the slightest. Look, he didn’t want to be bound to Saressa, but I don’t want to use him. I’ve called him to me exactly once, and that was to both warn him Saressa was coming, and ask him to tell her about the party on Thursday.”
“So, you did have him tell Saressa.”
“Figured he’s shady enough Saressa would buy it and hope to use him against me.”
Jayde’s eyes narrowed. “But you don’t trust him?”
“No. I’m guessing you heard why too. Look, he was the best option we had. Do I truly believe Alen will go against me? No, but I have my doubts. I’m the better master. I’m not using him for my gain, and if I can avoid him, I do.”
Jayde nodded. “Okay.” She even smiled. “I did tell Kellan you probably asked Alenathos to inform Saressa. That was the logical answer. And I can attest to Alenathos truly wanting to be free of Saressa.”
“I gave him the option. He didn’t want to be released.” Isa sighed. “What’s with Kellan? Does he want to start shit? Or is he a part of this?”
“He wants to help us. He thinks he’s in love with me, but he’s trying to accept I don’t feel the same. Kellan’s going to do some stupid shit, but I don’t believe his intentions are malicious.”
Toryn sighed. “Reance trusts him. I did witness Kellan show up to tell Scotty where you were going and what you were doing.”
Scotty shrugged. “I feel bad for him.”
“He’ll get over it,” Toryn offered. “He might pull a few knee-jerk dickhead moves, but he is slowly accepting you won.”
“So, what additional insight did Kellan have for us?” Isa asked, wanting to be done with this impromptu meeting.
“She’ll be bringing siren with her. Lots of them. They can enchant nearly anyone with their voices. Do you have any ideas on how we can prevent that?”
Toryn nodded. “We need to know how many people will be there. I have a contact who can enchant jewelry for everyone. Something inconspicuous. Perhaps a chain bracelet or anklet.”
“Really?” Jayde asked.
Toryn nodded. “In fact, his sister has already tattooed similar enchantments on most of the Edenton pack, and many of the town’s residents. From what I understand, the tattoos work against quite a few mindbenders. I’m not positive siren are included.”
Scotty nodded. “Maybe have Mathis and Paavo test that theory.”
“Perhaps.”
“They know Edenton well.” Scotty smirked. “In fact, Paavo’s baby sister moved out there. She’s mated to Hayden Hunter.”
Jayde’s eyes blinked wide. “Hayden mated someone? Amethyst is so young.”
“Twenty-five now,” Toryn pointed out.
Jayde laughed softly. “Last I saw her, she was ten, but that was down in San Francisco.”
Scotty turned to her. “You were in San Francisco fifteen years ago?”
Jayde nodded with a wave of her hand. “We can talk about that later. Right now, we were discussing who Saressa has access to. So far I know of the siren. There are close to one hundred of them. The nymphs won’t follow her after Scotty escaped. Kellan is worried Aquila may have joined forces with Saressa. He has no proof, but his sources say the dragon has gone quiet. Either she went into hiding or fell under Saressa’s sway. He also mentioned she is hunting for Fuerah. Now that she knows Alenathos is no longer under her power, she’s likely increased her efforts to find her as leverage. And of course there’s Damha.”
Toryn nodded. “That’s okay. Fuerah allowed Reance to bind her after seeing what Saressa did to Scotty and realizing Alenathos was under her control.”
“Will Reance come to the party?” Jayde asked.
“Yes, with Aeryana. I tried to warn him against bringing her, but she insists on coming.”
Isa blinked slowly. “Wait, why is my mother coming? I get my father, but…”
Toryn gave her a quick hug. “Don’t worry about them. Reance would never put Aeryana in direct danger. Remember, your mother became queen by fighting her own battles, and Saressa has made plays for the Air and Earth Realms over the years. The only reason war didn’t spread further is because she couldn’t win certain key battles.”
Jayde grinned. “Your mother is very impressive. She is a woman I greatly admire and a true leader. It’s a shame your aunt can’t be more like her, or even her brother. Reance—he’s a good man. He’s always fought for the right reasons.”
Isa sat down on the couch. She truly didn’t know either of her parents, especially her mother.
* * * *
Beside her, Scotty drew in a breath. “Saressa is in contact with Damha. They interrupted a dream of mine. He—” He swallowed hard. “L
et’s just say he brought back memories I wish I could drown out forever.”
Jayde took his hand and gave him a warm smile, hoping to keep him from going down that path.
“Who is Damha?” Isa asked.
Jayde shuddered. “You aren’t afraid of spiders, are you, Isa?”
“Spiders?” Isa snorted. “No. Not even the big hairy ones.”
Toryn shook his head slowly. “You may change your tune after you see this one. He’s half-man, half-spider, and has wicked magic. He’s a whole new level of creep.”
“Half-spider? So he can’t be that big, right?” Her brow arched at Toryn.
A grimace pulled at Scotty’s lips. “He’s over seven feet tall, and can be bigger depending on what his legs are doing. He has eight spider legs, as well as human arms and legs. Worst of all, he knows how to use each and every one to his advantage.”
“Um. Okay,” she answered slowly. “And why is he so bad? I mean, aren’t dragons worse?”
If only. Jayde did her best to explain. “No. If an Arachnian bites you, he can get in your head, even if you’re immune to mind control magic. The toxin forms a link you cannot break. There is no antidote as far as I know. I’m not even sure I could remove the effects, in all honesty. Reance warned me away from taking it over the years, when I was helping with battles.”
“Oh. So him biting is bad. Dare I ask what this freak looks like? Besides ginormous?”
Jayde spread her hands out, palms up, and conjured an image. Scotty turned away. After the dream earlier, she couldn’t blame him.
“That’s a whole new level of fugly,” Isa said. “Wow, and she’s with that dude?”
“That I don’t know. They have some form of an alliance though,” Scotty answered.
“She fucked him? Okay, yeah, I’m trying to banish those images now.” Isa shuddered.
Scotty nodded. “She did. I witnessed it at least twice. She threatened to let him have his way with me when I didn’t please her properly.”
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