by Donna Grant
“We’re Reapers,” Cael continued. “We don’t collect the souls of humans. We’re sent by Death to hunt down and kill Fae for their crimes.”
She grew confused at that. “Then wouldn’t you take out all Dark Fae?”
Cael motioned to Kyran and Fintan. “Death chose each of us—both Dark and Light—for a reason. There can’t be Light without Dark or Dark without Light. Death’s responsibility is keeping the balance.”
“But the Dark are evil.”
“And there are Light Fae who do bad things. Does that mean we should kill them?” Cael asked.
To Jordyn, things were black and white. She couldn’t wrap her head around the fact that Dark Fae were allowed to live.
“Just as we’ll never go after Taraeth, the King of the Dark,” Cael said. “He’s the one who orchestrated the attack on your city recently.”
She gaped, now truly confused. “He’s done evil.”
“He’s dark,” Fintan said. “Of course he’s done evil.”
Jordyn shook her head in bewilderment. “Don’t you go after the bad Fae?”
Cael bowed his head in acknowledgment. “That means we go after as many Light Fae as we do Dark. It’s also why it’s so imperative that our identities remain hidden. The same for Death.”
“Death has a name?” she asked in surprise.
“Of course,” Talin replied as if everyone knew that fact.
Kyran picked up where Cael left off. “We only take orders from Death.”
“We’ve never hunted humans in any capacity,” Fintan said. “Until yesterday.”
Jordyn’s gaze swung to Baylon. “Why did that change?”
“Someone wants to hurt us or Death,” he clarified. “Cael spoke to Death and learned the new order came from somewhere else.”
She looked around the room at the Reapers. “Do you think a human is involved?”
“Not possible,” Cael said.
Baylon then explained further. “There was magic involved. It was a Fae.”
“But the Fae don’t know of you, right?”
Talin said, “We’ve gone to great lengths to ensure that. Any Fae who we think might have a clue to one of us is killed instantly.”
She winced at the thought. It was callous to take a life so, but the men had no choice. What was it Baylon told her last night? There were rules.
“It’s harsh to some,” Cael said. “We do it because we can’t be compromised. Neither can Death. There are rules we must follow.”
Jordyn lowered her head and glanced at Baylon. Rules. Their night together broke one rule already, and now they were telling her their secrets.
Baylon’s eyes met hers, and she knew in that instant that it was all worth it for him.
Chapter Thirteen
Baylon wished to hell he were alone with Jordyn. He yearned to have her beneath him, on top of him, or however she wanted as long as he was inside her.
He hadn’t been able to take a steady breath since she admitted to Cael that she was staying to help. As if her life didn’t matter.
Didn’t she understand she was the important one? He wasn’t one of the first Reapers, and he knew there would be more after him.
To sit so close to Jordyn that their legs touched and their arms brushed against the other, but to not be able to pull her into his arms was pure torment.
Her eyes were still red from the tears she shed at her flat. The fact she was able to push the pain aside for the moment boggled his mind. He knew she was still agonizing over losing her family.
The others knew he’d taken her to his bed. And he was glad of it. That was one thing he would no longer have to hide.
Baylon wasn’t sure he could conceal his craving for her, the need that clawed and ripped through him to declare Jordyn as his. It would be a death sentence, but to live without her … that was also a death sentence.
He rubbed his pinkie against hers and saw a faint smile. Jordyn had no idea what that simple reaction did to him. It eased his worry a fraction, but it also made him proud.
“Now that Jordyn knows our secret, can we get to planning how we’re going to find these fuckers?” Kyran asked.
Cael caught Baylon’s gaze. “They went looking for Jordyn at her flat. They’ll go to places she frequents now.”
“Won’t they figure out I’m with you?” she asked.
That gave Baylon pause. “If they know of us, then it’s safe to say they know we’d keep her protected.”
“That’s a good point,” Fintan said.
Talin nodded. “We need to assume they’ll know our every move.”
“They don’t know of this place,” Cael said.
Baylon saw Eoghan’s frown. “What is it?” he asked Eoghan.
The Fae shook his head once, though he and Cael exchanged a silent look.
Cael pressed his lips together in irritation as he looked away. “There is one meeting place that I didn’t change after the last Reapers were killed.”
“Where?” Kyran asked.
“It’s right here in Edinburgh. Below the library.”
Baylon now understood why Eoghan was worried. If their enemy knew of that meeting place, than all they had to do was look for other such places in the city.
“Wait,” Jordyn said. “There were other Reapers? And they were killed? Why?”
There was a beat of silence as each Reaper thought about the ones before them. It was a story only told once—but that’s all that was needed.
“I was the seventh Reaper of the last group,” Cael said. “I was brought on last. Youngest of the group. There were three Dark and four Light. The same rules we have now were enforced then.” Cael paused for a moment. “For thousands of years we did Death’s bidding.”
“While we were being betrayed by one of our own,” Eoghan said.
Jordyn’s head jerked to him. Even Baylon was surprised to hear Eoghan voice anything to do with that time.
Cael’s eyes turned distant. “Aye. One of them deceived us. He told a few powerful Fae who he was. They gave him things in return for favors like not killing them or taking out a rival.”
Baylon knew how important it was that the seven of them trust each other. How difficult it must have been for Eoghan and Cael to feel such betrayal when they learned the truth.
“As awful as that was,” Cael continued. “Another of us fell in love. Our leader at the time tried to put a stop to it. For a while, we took his word that the affair was over, but it was all a lie. He chose her, telling her who he was because he believed he could have her and be a Reaper.”
This was Cael’s way of reminding Baylon of what could never be. As if Baylon needed that reminder. He knew all too well what the future held.
Jordyn turned to Baylon when Cael stopped talking. “And?” she asked expectantly.
Baylon glanced at Cael who was looking at the floor, lost in the past. Even Eoghan’s thoughts had turned inward. Baylon was going to have to finish the story.
“These seven were the first Reapers. Death gave those Reapers time to fix their mistakes,” Baylon said.
Jordyn’s eyes went wide. “You mean kill those who knew.”
“Aye. When they didn’t, Death killed every Fae who’d been told.”
Fintan then added, “The Reaper who kept his lover secret went crazy when he learned of her death. He and the other Reaper who deceived the group joined forces and turned other Reapers to their side.”
“It was three against four,” Kyran said. “Cael and Eoghan should’ve won, but their leader tried a peaceful approach instead of battle. The others killed him first.”
Baylon looked at Eoghan to find his head turned away, his hand in a fist.
“Then it was three against three,” Talin said. “Friends against friends.”
Baylon took Jordyn’s hand as her gaze moved to him. “Eoghan and Cael were both wounded. The Reaper who stood with them was killed. Before either Cael or Eoghan could end the battle, Death arrived and took the betrayers.�
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“And killed them?” Jordyn asked.
Baylon nodded.
Jordyn’s gaze swung to Eoghan and Cael. “They got what they deserved.”
Baylon was surprised when she put a comforting hand on Eoghan’s arm. Eoghan didn’t look at her, but he didn’t pull away either. When Baylon eyed his friends, he saw they were as surprised as he.
Cael took a deep breath and crossed his arms over his chest. “Let’s see how well our enemy knows us. We visit none of the usual places. We don’t go anywhere alone.”
“How do you propose to trick them?” Kyran asked.
Cael shot him a look. “This new enemy thinks they know us. We’re going to prove they don’t.”
“Not at first,” Baylon said. “We let them think they have us cornered.”
Fintan sat forward on the couch and cocked his head to the side. “I like it. But you realize that’ll put Jordyn in danger.”
“I’m already there,” she said with a smile as she dropped her hand from Eoghan and turned to Fintan. “I trust all of you.”
“That’s either very brave, or very foolish,” Talin said.
Baylon met Jordyn’s gaze and saw her nod of acceptance. He then looked to Cael. “We go to one of the places they’re expecting us and set the trap.”
Cael’s smile was cold, cruel. “Shall we get down to planning then?”
For the next few hours they planned every detail. Eoghan used his magic and made a model-sized scale of the city. A table appeared to set it on with all six of them standing around it.
“There will be more than one Dark after Jordyn,” Fintan said.
Cael’s lips flattened as he looked at the model of the city. “They’ll try to kill her, but they may well go after us as well.”
“What about the other half-Fae?” Kyran suddenly asked.
Baylon had been so intent on Jordyn, he hadn’t even thought about the others. By Cael’s look, neither had he. None of them had.
Cael gave a nod. “If you know where a part-Fae is, visit them now, get them to safety, and then return immediately.”
Fintan, Kyran, Talin, and Eoghan teleported away in a blink. Baylon glanced at Jordyn to find her asleep on the sofa behind him.
“I need you to find a Warrior named Phelan,” Cael said.
Baylon whipped his head around. “A Warrior?”
“Daire found him at Dreagan. He knows Rhi.”
“He has Fae blood?”
Cael nodded. “Don’t let him see you, but check on him. He has a cottage hidden away.”
Baylon veiled himself and teleported away. It took him longer than he would’ve liked to find the cottage by the loch. Small flakes of snow began to fall.
He walked to the cottage and felt magic surrounding it. Druid magic. The door of the cottage banged open and a tall man with long dark hair and blue gray eyes stood imposingly on the porch.
“Who’s out there?” he demanded.
A heartbeat later a woman with fawn-colored eyes and long wavy black hair joined him. “Something has touched the barrier.”
Baylon watched the couple for a moment before he came to a conclusion. If Phelan was half-Fae, then of course he’d sense Baylon. The longer Baylon remained silent, the angrier Phelan would get. So, Baylon stayed veiled and said, “I’m a friend.”
“Then show yourself,” Phelan said tightly. He released his god, his skin turning gold and dark gold claws sprouting from his fingers. Phelan peeled back his lips to show fangs and growled while searching the area.
Baylon smiled, liking Phelan immediately. “I can’t.”
“Irish accent,” the woman said. “A Fae.”
“Who can remain veiled a verra long time,” Phelan stated.
There was something different about the Druid. Baylon couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but the magic within her was stronger than what a Druid should have. “I am a Fae. I come because you’re in danger. There is a threat out there who is searching out any human with Fae blood and killing them.”
“That has nothing to do with me.”
Baylon sighed loudly. It was going to take more than mere words to convince the Warrior. “I was protecting a human with Fae blood. A group of Dark came after her earlier, and not to take her away. They attempted to kill her.”
“Who are you?” the Druid asked.
Baylon knew by keeping his identity secret he was making it more difficult for the couple, but he didn’t have a choice. “I can’t say. I was only supposed to check to make sure Phelan was still alive, not warn you of what was coming.”
“I can take care of myself,” Phelan said and walked down the few steps off the porch. “Your words could be false.”
“But they’re not.”
Phelan’s gold Warrior eyes narrowed. “How do you know me?”
“Quite by accident. We have a mutual acquaintance. Rhi.”
Phelan snorted, his lips curling in a sneer. “Rhi would never have told you anything.”
“You’re right. She didn’t. I gather she’s been protecting your heritage carefully, but she’s not the only one who knows, is she?”
Phelan looked over his shoulder to the woman. She frowned and moved to the edge of the porch. “Aisley?” Phelan asked.
Baylon filed the Druid’s name away. He wanted to know more about her and why her magic was different, but that would come later. There were more pressing matters at hand. “The female I protected had her entire family slaughtered when they couldn’t get to her. You should prepare.”
“Let them try,” Phelan said as he turned back around. “We won’t go down easily.”
“No, you won’t.” And Baylon was glad of it.
Just as he was about to teleport away, Aisley said, “Thank you.”
“Be ready,” Baylon warned and teleported back to Edinburgh.
Chapter Fourteen
Bran stood in the room beneath Edinburgh’s library. It seemed eons ago that it had been one of his favorite places to meet up with the other Reapers.
He raised the ball of light higher so he could see more of the room. By the cobwebs and dust, Cael had switched locations.
It wasn’t surprising. Nor was he shocked to learn Cael had taken over as leader. Eoghan was too … broken to lead. But Cael thrived on it.
Bran had hoped to catch the Reapers here. Cael and the others had no idea who was after them, so they wouldn’t have had time to switch locations.
Cael would keep a place in Edinburgh. It’s just the type of Fae he was. He would retain the roots of the Reapers —just change it up.
Bran shook his head as he laughed. Cael was so predictable. He thought himself smart and strong. Cael turned his back on him when Bran needed him most, and for that Cael would pay.
Anger burned within Bran. It took him far longer to claw his way out of the Netherworld. But he was back.
And he was going to unleash hell.
* * *
Baylon returned to the chamber in time to see Eoghan cover Jordyn with a blanket.
“Curious, I know,” Cael said as he came to stand beside Baylon. They both watched Eoghan gently tuck the blanket around her.
Eoghan then straightened and walked away as if he hadn’t done anything out of the ordinary.
“That’s the first I’ve seen him interact with anyone other than us,” Baylon said.
Cael lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “I’m as confused as you. I’d never have expected Jordan’s arrival to provoke such a reaction from him.”
“Perhaps it’s not Jordyn. What if it’s the fact she’s part Fae?”
“Have you seen him around Fae?” Cael asked with a shudder. “It has nothing to do with that and everything to do with her. Since you appear calm, I gather Phelan is fine.”
Baylon couldn’t look away from Jordyn. Her arm was tucked under her head as a pillow. “He is.”
“Good. You spoke to him, didn’t you?”
Baylon glanced at Cael and nodded. “He needed to be warned. There�
��s a Druid with him. I think it’s his wife.”
“I trust you remained veiled.”
“Of course.”
“A Druid,” Cael said. “I suppose it was inevitable that a Warrior and Druid would come together. It was Druids, after all, who made the Warriors. I think when this little problem is dealt with that we look in on the Warriors. Daire said they’re at MacLeod Castle.”
Baylon watched Eoghan walk through arches several feet behind the sofa into more rooms. “Is Eoghan the only other one back?”
“He is.” Cael’s sigh was full of frustration and fury. “Eoghan knew of a human with Fae blood within the city. That human, as well as his family, have been killed.”
Baylon shook his head at the pointlessness of it all. “Damn.”
Cael opened his mouth to speak when Talin appeared. Their attention was riveted on the Fae as his nostrils flared.
“The Dark killed him,” Talin stated.
In quick succession Fintan and Kyran arrived. Fintan was holding his side that bled from what was obviously a shot of magic.
“The two I checked on are dead,” Kyran stated furiously.
Fintan leaned against one of the pillars of the arch. “I arrived as the Dark were killing. I tried to save the human, but the Dark had done too much damage.”
Cael motioned to his wound with his head. “Is that how you got wounded.”
“No.” Fintan’s eyes lowered to the floor, rage rolling off him in thick waves. “I took a blast meant for the mortal’s infant.”
Finally, some good news. Baylon smiled. “At least you saved the baby. Where did you take it?”
“He didn’t save it,” Cael said into the silence.
Baylon turned to Fintan.
The Dark Fae lifted his gaze and shook his head. “There were so many of them. I didn’t see the ones coming from the back of the house.”
“You tried. That’s what counts,” Cael said.
Whoever led these Dark were intent on wiping out every half-Fae. They were Dark, so nothing bothered them. Not even the slaying of an infant.
The Dark had to be stopped, because if they weren’t, millions of humans could be wiped out within the next week. Baylon looked at Jordyn again. A surge of relief swept through him knowing she was safe.