by Bailey, G.
"No, I need to speak alone. If I take you all up there, then the demons won't respect it, let alone the Protectors. Plus, I'm strong enough to do this," I say, glancing at the crowds. "You have to let me lead, or what is the point?"
"We trust you, though it doesn't mean we don't worry about you with every part of our souls," Azi replies to me.
"I trust you all, too," I reply, knowing there isn't anything I can say that will make them feel better about this.
I jump up on the platform, pulling myself to my feet as the crowd goes quiet. Star jumps onto the platform, letting out a threatening roar before sitting next to me. Star doesn't play by the rules, and having a scary ass tiger at my side might help this talk go better. The cold breeze blows my cloak around my legs before letting it fly in the breeze with my long blue hair, which is only held down by my crown. Keeper Grey suggested I should wear the crown for this because it demonstrates who I am. The crown is much heavier than I expected it to be, and the pressure of it digs into my head. I clap my hands a few times, and Star roars once more which seems to scare the crowd into silence. I pause for a moment, feeling nothing but nerves as the cold wind feels like it wants to blow me off this stage. I glance over and see Trex’s eyes first, and he nods once at me. Each of my guys stands together, fully behind me on this, and it gives me the strength I need to be a leader.
"Thank you for coming here, meeting together like this. We have never gathered together, Protectors and demons, because we have spent years killing each other. I watched demons being hunted and discriminated not only by humans, but by Protectors who are just as quick to kill and judge without proof. Humans have proven they will never let us have the same jobs as them, live next door to them and have a normal life. They even shun demon children who are homeless and alone. I know this because I was one of them and walked many streets being ignored with an empty belly and with rags for clothes."
I stop as whispers fill the air, many of the demons looking between each other. I pull my eyes to the Protectors who are stood alone to address them first as they already know my past. "I was alone because Protector laws made my birth a crime. They made love a crime. I am a true Protector queen, one proven by blood and the test. I wear the marks, and yet my own people made my life a living hell in which demons and witches were the only ones who showed me kindness." I make my queen marks appear all over my face, mostly to prove a point.
"I called you all here today to not only mention the past, but to make the plans for a new future. I am queen of you all, for you all, and I will not have my people against each other any longer. We fight together, for each other, and for a future where I protect you all. Demons side with Protectors, and Protectors look after demons. That is the future I am offering for all that survive the war coming to our home. If you stay here, you are accepting my offer for a future where there will be peace, and I will protect you all. No one will suffer any longer, no demon child will need to look at humans for a home. Protectors can love whoever they choose. There will be no more suffering and pain...so who is with me?" I hold my head high as there is silence before Trex, Nix, Azi and Connor come to stand in front of the platform. They lower their heads before going down on one knee. The crowd instantly follows their lead, copying their movement and bowing until there isn't a demon or Protector standing. I place my hand on Star's head, looking down into my familiar's eyes for a moment and knowing I was born for this. To make a change that will bring about peace between two races that have never known it.
I look up as someone claps, long drawn out claps, three times before stopping, and only the sound of their feet crunching against the frost-covered grass can be heard. Connor's father stands with Connor's mother at the back of the crowd, holding a scythe that shines in the setting sunlight. They both have long black cloaks on, black clothes underneath, and other than Connor’s mother’s blonde hair, they almost seem like they could disappear in the shadows at any moment. The demons and Protectors move aside to let them walk through the crowd, and I pull my eyes to Connor as he stands, staring in shock. I jump off the platform, moving to Connor's side as we walk to the start of the crowd just as Connor's parents get there.
"Mum," Connor says in relief, and she smiles happily at him. His mum looks a million times healthier and happier than I’ve ever seen her, though she keeps her eyes on her son, clearly desperate to hold him.
"We come with a message from the reapers. We will fight Cex and his building army at your side, Queen Evie. Reapers protect both life and death, and life on Earth is currently threatened, so we will come out of the shadows this one time for a debt owed to the queen by me. The queen of the reapers will not let Earth fall to a demon, and help will be sent.”
“The queen of the reapers sent you?” Connor asks before I can.
“She did. Reapers do not get involved with the affairs of life often, but this war affects more than just life on Earth. It is interfering with the fabric of life and death. Therefore, we are here,” he tells me.
“Does she want something in return?” Trex asks.
“Nothing other than peace. We will disappear into the shadows we appeared in once the war is over.”
“Then welcome,” I say, looking up at Connor who doesn’t seem to be taking everything well. I nod at Keeper Grey who starts sending the crowd away, knowing what comes next should be private. It’s time Connor finally meets his father.
Chapter 14
“Can we go somewhere more private to talk?” Connor asks his parents as we all stand quite tense and awkwardly with each other. Everything about this moment feels overwrought because it is the first time Connor has ever seen his father. I know how that feels, especially all the anger which I can visibly see in Connor's eyes. Connor's father could have helped Connor, who grew up seeing his mother only once a week and had no real parental figure. It reminds me of myself, but worse because my father didn’t know about me and couldn’t be there as he was literally trapped in Hell. Connor’s father could have been there and clearly knew about him. It’s odd how this man is his father, but they look nothing alike. Connor is the image of his mother, but his father with his black hair and dark eyes only seems to look like Connor in facial features. I wonder if they have similar personalities instead.
“Yes, that would be suitable,” his mum says, and his father apprehensively nods, his eyes watching Connor very closely. Connor opens a portal to the house, and steps through first, with his parents following next, and I don’t need an invite to know Connor wants me there.
“Go with him, he needs you. We will give you all time alone,” Nix suggests, stopping Trex who goes to follow. “Anything his father has to say to him will hurt. Evie needs to be the one there. She understands the long lost father turning up feeling more than most.”
“I know and agree. I might punch the idiot for missing out on Connor’s life if I went through there,” Trex grumbles.
“I got this, Trexy. Connor knows you have his back if he needs it,” I say, kissing his cheek before going through the portal into our living room, where Connor is hugging his mum. The portal closes behind me just as Duna lets her son go and sees me. I know I’m not going to be able to escape one of her hugs that is heading my way.
"Evie, oh I'm so glad to see you well after what happened. Everyone is talking of the city falling," Duna says to me, letting go of Connor and coming up to me. She pulls me into a hug before letting go and staring at my face, where I know my marks are visible.
"Your mother would have been so proud of you. Your marks are just like hers," she gently tells me, and I can only nod as she lets go.
"Connor, this is—"
"My father. I'm aware," Connor interrupts Duna, his voice anything but friendly.
"My name is Fraser, or you can call me father if you wish. I know it is not an ideal situation between us," Fraser says, rubbing the back of his neck while holding his long scythe in his hand. I very much want to know why they fight with those and how they do. The curved end cannot be
easy to fight with, and surely a sword is easier. Like Fraser can read my thoughts, he makes the scythe disappear into black dust that fades into his shadow.
"Ideal?" Connor humourlessly laughs. "You never even came to see me. You're a coward, and I wouldn't call you a father."
"I could not come to you. It was not that easy!" Fraser shouts, and in his anger, shadows seem to gather around his feet like a swirling storm, though Connor doesn’t seem threatened and clearly doesn’t think his father would actually hurt him. Neither does Duna who stands back as Connor steps closer to Fraser.
"Easy? I was dragged up by foster parents, and only able to see my mum once a week! I had nothing, and I needed you. I needed family who would love me. What excuse could you possibly give for leaving me?" Connor sarcastically asks, his tone suggesting nothing Fraser could say would fix the past. “I waited, begged and pleaded to the shadows in my room for you to come and save me when I was young. Now I have learnt how to look after myself, and how to be strong without family.”
"Nothing I can say can fix your childhood, but please let me explain some of the reasons,” Fraser asks Connor, and Duna goes to Connor’s side, placing her hand on his arm.
“Give him a chance. For me, Connor,” she pleads with Connor, and hell, even I’d have trouble saying no to that guilt trip. Connor only sighs and waves a hand at Fraser, suggesting he talk.
“There are reaper laws, much like Protector laws, that have been set in place for many years. I was set to be married to a high class reaper when I met your mother, and I fell deeply, passionately in love. I paid my price for my crime, and still do pay it, but it means I couldn't come for you. My punishment is for life, and it was—and still is—no place for a child. I would like to be in your life in the little time I have," he clarifies to Connor.
"Little time you have?" Connor asks.
"Fraser's punishment is to run a boarding school of sorts for reaper teenagers that struggle with their powers or have broken the rules. I have taken a job there as well, but usually we cannot leave without a good reason. Though we get one day a month off work, and we want to spend that day with you. I know it's not much, but maybe reaper laws will change in the future and our punishment won't be so extreme," Duna tells Connor, resting her head briefly on his upper arm.
"Can't you just run away? Surely that's easier," I say.
"Reapers can always be found by our mark. We are part of the shadows, and there is no place on Earth, Hell or Heaven that shadows do not exist," he tells me. Well, that is certainly creepy.
"Right..." I reply, shivering as that's disturbing. I'm really not a fan of these reapers now I come to know more about them. No wonder they stay hidden in the shadows.
"Connor, I did get your message from the boy, but you can call for me in the shadows when you need me. You are a half reaper, and the shadows will let you talk through them," Fraser says. "When this war is done, please give me a chance. I know we have a lot to make up for, and I have a lot to explain to you, but I'm asking for one chance."
"I would be open for meeting up. I want to know you and why my mum loves you so much," Connor replies, and I’m proud of him for the wise decision he has made.
"Oh, Connor, you have no idea how happy that makes me," Duna says, wrapping her arms around him and hugging tightly, whispering something to him that we can’t hear. I watch Fraser as the mark on his neck glows red, looking like it almost burns before fading, and Fraser hisses under his breath.
"We must leave. The reaper council only gave us permission to deliver the message and return," Fraser explains, clicking his neck in clear discomfort before coming over to me. He reaches into his cloak and hands me a black stone. I accept the stone, turning it over to see a silver painted scythe with a silver circle around it on the stone. "When you need the reapers, burn this stone with fire. Holy fire or normal will work all the same. The reaper army is large and works in silence. They will help you end this out of control demon by the demand of the reaper queen."
"Thank you. I do hope your reapers’ laws change in the future," I reply to him, placing the stone in my back pocket. I would put it on the fireplace, but that seems like a dangerous move. Knowing my luck, the fireplace would set the stone off when I’m in the bath, and I’d have a house full of reapers while I was naked. That doesn’t sound like a whole lot of fun. Well, not to me, but some crazy bitches might like that idea.
"Our reaper queen is stubborn, and with no relative to challenge her, I doubt the laws will change any time soon," Fraser says, looking back at his son. He offers Connor a hand to shake, and Connor looks at for a long time before shaking his father's hand. "I am sorry, son. I came to see you on my days off, watched you from a distance as you grew from a little, mischievous boy to a man I am proud of."
"You saw me?" he replies, his voice quiet from the shock, I’m guessing.
"As often as I could. You wouldn't believe how many times I wanted to take you home with me or even just say hello," he says, letting go of his son’s hand and looking like he didn’t want to.
"I'm glad you were there, even if I couldn't see you. I look forward to seeing you again," Connor says, and Duna goes to Fraser's side as Connor steps back to me. I link my fingers with his as Fraser holds Duna close to his side.
"See you soon. I love you, son," Duna says before they disappear into a large shadow. I don't have to say a word to Connor as I wrap my arms around his waist and hold him tightly. He holds me back, both of us wordlessly there for each other. Sometimes words aren't needed to make it better, because being there is simply enough.
Chapter 15
"You're right, Blue, this does make everything better," Connor says, picking up a piece of bacon off the plate we are sharing as we both relax in the hot tub. "And you must feel bad for me if you’re sharing your bacon." I watch him chew the bacon, and I push back that crazy side of me that wants to jump across the hot tub and steal it back. Phew, I can do this. To be on the safe side, I hid my weapons from myself downstairs as I made the bacon. Poor Connor smiles at me, completely clueless of my possessive bacon issues. Or he knows and thinks this is funny, I’m not sure which one it is.
"I kind of know what you're feeling...and I like you, so I'm sharing just this once," I say, grinning at him as I get another piece and chew on it as I relax back in the bubbles, loving the jet which pushes hot water right into my right shoulder blade which is sore from training this morning. Trex and Nix were on a mission to make sure my sword play was on point, though I did point out to them that double teaming me was unfair. Oh, and that I’d prefer they double teamed me in bed. Luckily, that statement distracted them enough to throw them off their game, and I kicked their pretty little asses.
"I'm glad to see my mum is alright and in love, but it was hard to see my father. As a kid, I used to cry and beg for my father to come and rescue me. I even made a teddy bear with a black cloak and drew reaper markings on it in pen, and pretended it was my father. That's how sad I was," he tells me, and his cheeks are red as I look at him.
"It isn't sad at all. I wanted a mum or dad, or anyone to come for me when I was starving on the streets. Rita did her best, but she couldn't always be there. When this is over, I will be changing the laws, allowing people like your mum to love whoever. I know my mum would have changed them if she could, and I am stubborn enough to annoy the keepers until they side with me on this law. I don't believe keeping the bloodlines pure or whatever is the best idea," I reply. Connor moves across the hot tub, kneeling between my parted legs. He grabs my hips and pulls me against his hard body, making me shiver.
"You have a family now, you know that? You have me, and I want to know if I have you," he asks as I brush his wet hair to the side and trail my hands down his neck and to his shoulders.
"You do," I whisper.
"Then mate with me when this is all over. I want you, Blue," he tells me, moving even closer so I can feel his hard length pressing into my stomach.
"You know I'm yours, Connor..
.so yes," I reply, leaning closer and kissing him before he can say a word. Connor kisses me deeply, running his hands down my back before grabbing my ass and pulling me harder against him. Connor lifts me, turning us around before sitting on the seat and letting me have more of the control. He slowly rubs his fingers across my nipples, making me gasp before he lowers his hand to between my legs.
"Show me what you like, Blue. I want to know you," Connor says, taking my hand and guiding it to my core. I lean back, slowly rubbing myself in the way that sends me close to the edge and letting Connor see. It makes me feel vulnerable and incredible all at the same time. Connor stops me after a little while, replacing my fingers with his and slowly guiding me down onto his length. I moan, loving the feeling of being filled up by him. I slowly rock my hips against him, locking my eyes onto Connor's as we enjoy the pure feeling of being together. I don't know how long we are like this together, riding out my orgasms until Connor cries out my name as he finishes. We rest our foreheads against each other’s, just needing to be close as we catch our breath back.
The door to the bathroom bursts open, and I turn to see Azi come in, frowning at us both, and somehow I know the time for romance is over from the way Azi looks. Something has pissed him off.
"Have you heard of knocking?" Connor asks, still holding me close and not caring about Azi being here.
"No," Azi drily replies to Connor and looks at me in a much nicer way. "Your father just turned up downstairs, and he isn't in the best of moods. I’m inches away from throwing him out the window and kicking his ass. He is beyond aggravating."
"Right. I will be down in a minute. Thanks, Azi, for not hurting him," I say with a wink, and he smirks.
"Anything for you, Vi," he replies before walking out of the room and leaving the door open. I look back at Connor, sighing a little bit that our time is over so soon.