Twisted Bonds

by Brandy L Rivers

  * * * *

  Isa stood in their room, contemplating if it was worth making the trip. Toryn’s hands closed over her shoulders. “I understand why you’re mad at your father, and yes, he was wrong. However, he was worried about you the same way you were worried about me.”

  She turned back and nodded. “Yeah, but the thing is, instead of telling us what he knows, he holds onto it and makes all the plans. And when he’s wrong, it’s all on him.”

  “You’re right, Isa. And maybe you can explain that to him. But do you really want to shut your mother out because your father fucked up?”

  “You aren’t mad at him?” Isa asked.

  He shook his head. “No. He did the best he could with the knowledge he had.”

  “I don’t know if I can forgive him.”

  “You will, but don’t make your mother suffer for something she had no control over.”

  A small smile graced her lips. “She did tell me to kick Damha’s ass and to save you.” Turning, she opened the portal and stepped through. She wore the same leather as before, unwilling to dress up for a party that had already been wrecked.

  Aeryana hurried to Isa and Toryn, pulling both in for a hug. “Thank you, both of you, for coming back. I’m so very sorry.”

  Isa shook her head. “You weren’t the one who abducted Toryn or Scotty, and you didn’t try to prevent me from going to him.”

  Reance walked to her and took her hands before she could pull away. He dropped to his knees. “I’m sorry, Isadora. I was wrong. I assumed we had time to prepare.” He lifted his head, his eyes pleading. “I was so terrified of what would happen if you lost Toryn, I almost lost him for you. I’m sorry. To you and to you.” Reance looked at Toryn, the same deep sadness in his eyes.

  Toryn touched his shoulder. “I understand, Reance. It’s not your fault.”

  “Nearly was.”

  Isa melted a little. “Give me your word that if something like this happens again, you won’t hold me up without explaining why. You can’t keep your secrets and expect me to go along with everything when someone’s life hangs in the balance.”

  He stood. “You have my word, Isadora. If I cannot tell you what is coming, I won’t stand in your way again. Someone reminded me that my biggest mistakes in life have been waiting too long to take action. It’s a lesson I tend to forget. Remind me.”

  She hugged Reance. “I wouldn’t have waited for Kellan. You may have given me the guidance I needed. But I was scared when I realized how close I came to losing Toryn.”

  “He’s my friend too. It would hurt me worse than you know to lose Toryn.”

  “I’m sorry,” Isa whispered.

  Toryn took her hand. She locked gazes with him. As much as she understood her father’s reasoning, she couldn’t completely forgive him. Not yet. There was still a layer of anger hidden underneath the sadness.

  “Would you honor me with a dance?” Reance asked.

  Dipping her head, she touched the leather pants and tank and shifted them into a golden gown, less extravagant than the faulty one she wore during the wedding.

  Reance smiled. “I need to remember your power has unlimited potential, and your heart is so big, you will not fall to the depths my sister did.”

  Isa glanced away. “What happened between you two? Why the hatred?”

  “That’s not a story for today. Take your honeymoon. We can discuss it once you’ve had a few days alone with your husband.”

  Her eyes narrowed, and she almost pulled out of his arms.

  “I swear to you, Isadora, I will tell you the story. But the day was nearly ruined already. Please, enjoy the rest of the celebration, then take your time to enjoy your honeymoon. The fight isn’t over, and to win against Saressa, you will need the whole story. But she won’t come out of hiding until she is ready.”

  * * * *

  Morrigan pulled Toryn aside. “What did that bitch and her pet do to you?”

  Toryn rubbed the back of his neck, glancing across at Isadora. “Don’t want to talk about it.”

  “Show me, then,” she demanded.

  Sighing, he reached out, touched her head, and gave her the memories.

  She winced, then shuddered, and jumped with every injury that played through his mind, into hers. Her mouth curved into a cruel smile. “Isadora destroyed that cursed castle and Damha.”

  “Of course.” He had no doubt she’d be able to. He hadn’t been sure she could save him in time, but time had been running out in a serious way.

  “And you gave her a child.” Her face lit up.

  “You will not make any decisions for Kiernan.”

  Lifting her hands, Morrigan grinned. “A boy?”

  “Mother, don’t even start.”

  She lifted her hands, a smile taking hold. “I will not make the same mistakes with my grandchild as I did with you. Besides, those decisions are yours and Isadora’s, and I have a feeling she would dismantle anyone who tries to harm either one of you. I only wish Saressa hadn’t escaped her wrath.”

  “Me too, but I have a feeling she’s going to suffer before we find her.”

  “Why is that?”

  “Damha infested her with his spawn.”

  Morrigan shuddered. “Have to kill her before those babies kill her, and in such a way she stays dead for good.”

  “Isadora knows. I’m not sure there is anything I can do to ensure Saressa stays dead. Not like Isa will be able to.”

  “Fire alone can’t kill Saressa, but are you sure you haven’t gained a little magic from Isadora?”

  He shook his head, a snort escaping. “No. Nothing. We can communicate telepathically, but no new magic.”

  “I think you might be blocking it. Maybe you should open yourself to her magic, see what happens?”

  Pushing his fingers through his hair, he nodded. “Maybe. Shit, I don’t even know how to start. So far, I haven’t managed anything substantial.”

  “It comes with time, Toryn. Don’t write it off because it hasn’t happened yet.”

  Isa’s eyes narrowed. Whatever her father said hadn’t gone over well.

  “Excuse me, I need to stop her before she unleashes on Reance.”

  Morrigan laughed. “Ah, well, he is stuck in his ways, and she’s very much the one who likes to find new ones.”

  Toryn slipped through the crowd and cut in without a word. Isa wrapped her arms around Toryn’s neck and smiled.

  She whispered through his head, Thank you.

  That bad? Toryn asked silently.

  She dropped her head to his shoulder and pressed close. He says he’ll tell me where everything went wrong with Saressa. I don’t know that I believe him.

  He can’t lie, Isa. He will tell you. Toryn tipped her face up and took her mouth in a sweet kiss. “By the way, your new dress is gorgeous and very much you.”

  Her lips curved into a smile. “Thank you.”

  Scotty joined them with a smile. He looked into Toryn’s eyes. “Can I have a moment with your wife?”

  “Of course.” Toryn squeezed Scotty’s shoulder. “And thank you for making sure she recovered after putting too much energy into me.”

  Scotty smiled. “My pleasure.” He pulled Isa into his arms.

  She grinned up at him. “You look more relaxed.”

  “Because you got me out of that hellhole.”

  “Couldn’t leave you there.”

  Toryn squeezed Scotty’s shoulder before disappearing into the crowd.

  Jayde pulled him aside. “I would have healed Isa, but they let some nymph do it. And I would have avoided pulling any power from her.”

  “I know you would have. I don’t know what Reance’s plan was or why he went through with the ceremony. Everything seems to have gone to shit.”

  “But you’re healthy, and so is she. And Scotty is in higher spirits.” She managed a smile. “I wish I could have been there.”

  “Dance w
ith me.” Toryn took her around the dance floor. “They didn’t do anything to Scotty besides the bite. I don’t even think Damha managed to sink his teeth a second time.”

  She glanced across the room. “We have to find Saressa before she has a chance to do something again.”

  “We will. And you will be there when we do, if at all possible.”

  A smile pulled at her lips. “Honestly, I don’t care as long as she’s dead.”

  “She will be,” Toryn promised. “Isa isn’t happy with Reance.”

  “Can’t say I blame her.”

  Toryn let out a sigh. “Isa has every right to be pissed at him, but the man does help more than he hinders.”

  Jayde rolled her eyes before changing the subject. “By the way, congratulations. I’m glad she found you two in time.”

  “Scotty was a drone for the whole thing. He shouldn’t even remember anything.”

  “Still, the thought of that woman having him…”

  “I know, but she didn’t. Neither did Damha. And Scotty ensured we all got out of there the moment Isa killed Damha.”

  “Good. Now, I’m going back to Scotty.” She winked and changed partners once again.

  * * * *

  Isadora smiled up at Scotty. “You okay?”

  He nodded. “I don’t remember anything after watching Jayde hit the ground, until Damha died. I saw just enough of his corpse to know you fucked him up.”

  A laugh escaped. “Wasn’t sure what he did to Toryn, but he was in bad shape. And I only had one thing to take my anger out on. Damha. Just wait until I get my hands on Saressa. I will make her pay.”

  He bent down to whisper in her ear, “Did I hear Toryn right? Are congratulations in order?”

  “Yeah.”

  “You ready for a baby?”

  “Won’t know until he’s here.” She managed a smile. “We’ll figure that out. Either way, I have Toryn, and you.” She squeezed his shoulders, and he swept her off her feet in a giant hug.

  “I’m lucky to call you a friend. Thank you for coming for us.”

  “You’re one of my best friends, Scotty. I couldn’t leave you there. I’d miss you too damned much.”

  “Me too.” He maneuvered her around the dance floor until Toryn swept Jayde close, then they traded.

  Back in Toryn’s arms, Isa grinned. “My knight, my husband, the love of my life.”

  “My princess, and the only woman to ever love me completely.” Toryn pulled her close.

  “Don’t forget it,” she whispered.

  Chapter 20

  Saressa climbed from the hot bath. The heat of the water did nothing to ease the pain in her muscles. She needed a solution to her problem. She could think of one, but being addicted to Arachnian venom, it may very well kill her. Though without it, she’d die, unless she allowed another to enslave her.

  She needed the ingredients. And hiding on Earth, there was only one creature who could help her.

  After dressing, she walked to the balcony overlooking the beach. Aeremaius had impeccable taste. Gripping the pendant, she whispered the spell.

  Gebiet appeared before her with a whoosh. “Haven’t you caused enough damage?” he hissed. “Kasai is injured because of your foolishness.”

  “I’m sure you can fix her. And if not, I will help with that once I have the ingredients I need.”

  “And what’s that?”

  She listed everything she required and his eyes narrowed. “Deathknell Ichor may kill you.”

  “I’ll die without it.”

  “Or you could find another Arachnian to provide the venom.”

  “Figured finding me the ingredients would be less work. I would need you to keep the Arachnian imprisoned and drain the venom to avoid the bond.”

  One corner of his mouth tipped up. “Interesting. Well, I’ll get what you need, as much as I can. It will be less work in the end, even if I have to get more occasionally.”

  “Tell me about Kasai’s injuries, and I’ll find a way to heal her.”

  His head tipped. “Why would you do that? Without demanding she become yours as well.”

  A cruel smile played across her lips. “I assume you can control her. And I am not willing to push my luck further than I need.”

  His eyes narrowed. “Her wings are shattered. Isadora froze them. She crashed, breaking them, and damaged them worse in her fight with Alenathos.”

  “Bring the ingredients quickly. I believe I have a solution to your mate’s wings.”

  “First, did Damha insist on enslaving me?”

  She glanced away. “He insisted on much worse than that. However, he’s no longer a problem.”

  His hand closed over her shoulder. “Maybe we can help each other more than you yet know.” With that, he leapt off the balcony and shifted as he plummeted to the ground. Then he flew through a portal that opened for him.

  Saressa leaned against the railing and closed her eyes. “I will rule Faery and destroy any chance for parents to ruin who their children choose.”

  * * * *

  On the way to their room, Aeryana pulled Isadora aside. “Please, stay tonight. And tomorrow, if you still want to leave, at least wait until after breakfast.”

  A smile graced her lips. “I already promised to stay the night, but we do have plans coming up sooner than later.”

  “Honeymoon in Paris. Watch out for Saressa. I’m assuming she went to one of Remus’ hideouts. He had several in France, mostly within a couple-hour drive of Paris. You may find her there.”

  “I am going to kill her. It’s best if my father isn’t there when I do.” Isa brushed her hand over her arm and glanced away. “I know he thinks she might be redeemed. And maybe if it were just a few years of bad shit, but it was centuries. She’s ruined too many lives. She’s never going to learn to be anything but selfish.”

  “I know that. And your father knows it. But sometimes it’s hard to write off someone who was once so close to you.”

  “Remus?”

  She shook her head. “No. I was never close with my brother. But I have seen much in over a thousand years. Go, enjoy your first night as a married woman. Though, I think you’ll find not much has changed. Toryn couldn’t love you any more than he does.”

  Isadora pulled her mother into a hug before letting Toryn guide her into their room.

  “She’s right. No one will ever love you as much as I do, except maybe our children.”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I hope I don’t suck as a mom.”

  He kissed her quick. “Doubtful. You know how many ways a parent figure can hurt their child. I imagine that will give us both a few advantages.”

  “I’d take us to France now, except my mother asked us to stay through breakfast.”

  Toryn set her down on the ground and lifted a single brow. “I haven’t seen any sign of a zipper or anything in this gown.”

  She smirked, touching the fabric to morph it in a silk nighty.

  He grabbed the hem and slid the garment up her body.

  “You’re getting awfully good at that.”

  “Practice. And I imagine it will help when we have a little one to entertain.”

  He spread his hand over her stomach. “Can’t wait to meet him.”

  She didn’t want to think about it, didn’t want to argue. In the end, she was happy. “Make love to me.”

  Chapter 21

  A million emotions warred within Jackie. She wanted to run and hide. Once again, everything she believed was wrong. Her whole life was a damned lie. Okay, maybe not her whole life, but everything to do with her parents.

  Eddie pulled her into his arms. “You need to at least talk to them. I know this is a mess, and not what you expected, but listen to what they have to say. If you never choose to talk to them again, then I’ll fully support your decision.”

  She pulled at the ends of her hair. “I want to be mad. They abandoned me. But par
t of me gets it. He did it to save her. But shit, what about me?”

  He delved his fingers into her hair. “I’m glad you grew up with me. I’m glad I wound up your closest friend. I’m glad you fell in love with me. I can’t imagine my life without you.” His eyes burned with determination and love.

  “Me too, which is why this is a mess. I want to be mad, but I’m not sure I can be. But how do I trust them?”

  “Hey, Angelfish, you don’t have to. Just hear them out.”

  She nodded, and he pressed a kiss to her lips.

  “Come on. Worst case, we’ll come back to the room and I’ll make love to you until you forget all about them.”

  “You’ll do that anyway.”

  He grinned. “You are irresistible. I imagine your father feels the same way about your mother.”

  “Fine, let’s get this over with.”

  He took another kiss. “Jackie, I love you.”

  “I love you too, Eddie.” She caressed his cheek. “Which is why I don’t think I can stay mad forever. It’s just—it’s hard.”

  “I know. But I’d make the same choice to stay with you. Right or wrong, it is what it is.”

  “Shh,” she murmured. “Don’t want to think about it.”

  * * * *

  Marielle watched Miles pace the room. They’d been locked up so long she’d forgotten what freedom was. She caught Miles’ hand and brought him back to her. “Do you regret coming for me?”

  “Never in a million years could I regret coming for the other half of my soul,” he answered.

  “She feels we abandoned her,” Marielle whispered.

  “Aye, she does. But we didn’t. Not in the way she imagines.” He swept Marielle’s golden hair behind her shoulder. “You were taken from us. I ensured she had a family who would treat her as their own. I even suspected Eddie may be her soul mate when they were just toddlers.”

  “He seems like a nice boy.”

  “His parents were good people. Even if they never fully trusted you. But I know they took her in and kept her safe and loved.”