Jacinda glanced outside and frowned. “What about my car?”
“We’ll take care of that, if you trust me,” Robert assured. “My nephew will drive it back. He’s been looking for an excuse to take a road trip with his mate.”
She turned her attention back to Brent. “And where do you live?”
“Seattle.”
“Which is close to your father, right?” she asked Chatan.
“Very,” Chatan answered. “In fact, I have an old vehicle there. I’m sure he’d bring it to us to use until your car arrives.”
“Okay.”
“You’re welcome in my home,” Brent stated.
Chatan ducked his head. “Already talked to Eddie and Jackie about staying with them. But it’s up to Jacinda.”
“Either way. They’re a few blocks from me.” Brent touched Jacinda’s arm. “I do want to get to know you.”
She blinked, then winced. “Same. I’m sorry, I should be more enthusiastic—”
“But you just lost your mother. Don’t apologize. I wish I knew the whole story, but I only know a small piece.”
Jacinda leaned into Chatan as she met Brent’s gaze. “My mother thought staying away from everyone kept us safer.” She blew out a breath. “I’m not sure I agree with that anymore, but I never had anyone in my life to make me reconsider.”
“You do now,” Brent answered.
“I need to grab my things, but then I’m ready,” Jacinda said.
Robert dipped his head. “I’ll need your keys.”
“Sure, but Chatan has them at the moment.”
“Only because you were so upset,” Chatan explained as he handed them to Robert. “It’s the blue Toyota Tercel out there.”
“I’ll be back for it after we get you where we’re going,” Robert assured.
“My house, for now. I’ll take them to Jackie and Eddie’s when they’re ready.” Brent looked at Jacinda. “If you’re okay with that.”
Nodding, she gathered her few things that weren’t in the box and placed them inside.
“That’s all?” Brent asked.
“I transmute everything. It’s easier that way.” She lifted a shoulder.
Impressive and sad. There was so much he wanted to do for her. Yet, Brent needed to learn more, so he didn’t offend her. He wanted to make up for all the lost time, but he’d figure that out.
* * * *
Brent’s aura flowed with power. Colors rippled around him, magic, so many emotions. Regret, love, sadness. All for her?
Jacinda couldn’t bring herself to ask why he lost touch with her father if he cared so much, but she was willing to bet it had everything to do with her mother.
She didn’t want to think badly of her mother, especially now that she was dead, yet she was having a hard time coming to terms with everything.
Robert touched her shoulder and she met his gaze. “Yes?”
“Ready?”
“Yeah.”
Robert reached out for Chatan. Everyone else touched him. Then they were in a living room with shelves of books, a large entertainment center, and warmer touches she wouldn’t have expected of a sorcerer. Then again, Chatan had explained he had known Brent for years, and he was a good friend of Eddie and Jackie’s.
Chatan took the box and set it on a table in the adjacent dining room. Clearly, he’d been there. It was so strange to think a man she only recently met knew her grandfather and was familiar with his home.
“Sit, please. Can I get you something to drink? Eat?” Brent asked.
Chatan pulled her onto a couch.
Robert offered a smile. “We’ll send Chatan the information about your car. We need to do what we can for your mother.”
He disappeared with Preston and Jacinda closed her eyes with the new wave of sadness washing over her. Chatan wrapped her in his embrace without a word.
After a few moments, she opened her eyes and found Brent sitting before her. He took her hands. “I wish there were something I could say or do to prove I will help you, no matter what it takes.”
She let out a breath before asking, “Do you even know what Thanatos is?”
“Not exactly, but with some information, I can figure that out. I won’t stop until we find him and end him. He took my son, the daughter-in-law I never got to know, and he wants you. He can’t have you.”
“I’ll tell you what I know, and I won’t blame you if you reconsider.”
He snorted. “You definitely don’t know me if you think I’d ever give up on family.”
Chatan squeezed her hand. “He won’t, Jace. One thing I know for certain, if Brent says he’ll do something, he will. He’ll stop at nothing.”
Jacinda looked at Chatan, then Brent. She explained everything she knew. How Thanatos had planned to slaughter one of her early ancestors, but she made him fall in love. Then he followed her all through her travels and she cursed him to be trapped in the shadow realm between worlds. Only he managed to curse her and now hunted her bloodline. At least, that’s what had been passed down for generations. At this point, she couldn’t be sure of anything.
Brent sat back, rubbing his jaw. “Thanatos summoned an entity from another realm and became something more?” He stood up and paced away. “And from the symbols on Mina’s body, I may know where it came from. Which means Amelia may know of a way to stop him.”
Jacinda shook her head. “He’s not possessed by a demon. How would you stop him?”
Brent looked at the ceiling for a second, then answered, “Spirits and demons are often just entities from another realm and essentially the same thing. And I helped Amelia stop Crom Cruach a few months ago.”
She held up a hand. “An Irish god?”
“Not a god. A very powerful being from another realm. My guess, the world he was from died, and he was somewhere between, influencing worshipers in Ireland, until someone tried to summon him and help him possess someone. His essence created the first vampire. My blood bound put a stop to Crom Cruach before he could be pulled fully into this world.”
The door opened, and in walked a beautiful woman with auburn hair. She couldn’t be any older than Jacinda, yet she was a vampire, and something far more.
Brent walked to her. “Amelia, this is my granddaughter Jacinda, and you’ve met Chatan, right?”
She nodded. “Hi, Chatan. A pleasure, Jacinda. Sorry, just woke for the day.” She held up the note with a smile at Brent. “Everything okay?”
“No, not in the slightest, and we’ll need your help. Did you hear all that?”
She nodded. “Yeah, but I need a little more background.”
Brent rubbed his neck, then looked at Jacinda. “My son, Tyrell, left thirty years ago and only sent letters. He wanted to protect me from what was hunting his wife. He died twenty years ago. Mina died in the last couple days. I hadn’t had the pleasure of meeting Jacinda, but I showed you this picture a while back.”
Jacinda caught a glimpse. It was the same picture that fell out of her father’s journal.
Amelia smiled. “That’s both of you?”
Chatan nodded. “That was the only time we met before recently. I didn’t remember until my dad mentioned it just a few days ago.”
“Well, Jacinda, Thanatos needs to be stopped. He’s hunted down most of your family,” Amelia announced.
“I have to figure out how,” Jacinda answered.
Brent sat down in front of her. “We’re helping you whether you like it or not.”
“Figured that.” Jacinda blew out a breath. “Look, it’s not that I don’t appreciate it, but we’ve been fighting this battle forever. I’m not used to other people getting directly involved. None of us are.”
“We’ll find a way,” Brent assured.
Chatan rubbed Jacinda’s back. “Trust him. Besides, my father should have some more answers. We all just need to get together so we can come up with a solid plan.”
“When do you want to contact him?” Jacinda asked.
“D
o you want to get some sleep before then? We can plan it for tomorrow, probably in the morning. You can meet Eddie and Jackie tonight.”
She rubbed at her face.
“Would you rather stay here?” Brent asked.
She didn’t have a damned clue where she wanted to stay. Turning to Chatan, she asked, “Where do you want to stay?”
“Up to you, Jace. I don’t expect you to be happy wherever we go tonight.”
“I don’t know. You know these people better. You decide.”
Chatan looked at Brent. “No offense, but I’d be most comfortable with Eddie. I think Jacinda may too, until she gets used to the idea of having a grandfather.”
“Of course. I can drive you over, unless you would prefer to walk,” Brent offered. Then he turned to Jacinda. “Just one thing. Promise you will take the time to get to know me. Doesn’t have to be right away.”
She nodded, her heart twisting. “I think being there might be easier. At least for the night.”
“We’ll drive you over. Maybe we can all eat dinner tonight, if you have an appetite.”
“I’ll need to eat either way. But that sounds good. Chatan says you’re friends with them both.”
“I am. Though it started by my sister asking me to watch over her daughter. Jackie is my niece.”
“You can tell me the story another day.”
“I’m looking forward to it. Now, let’s get you over there. Jackie has texted several times asking when you’ll be there.”
“That’s daunting,” Jacinda answered.
“She’s known Chatan almost as long as Eddie. They are good friends.” He gave Chatan a look that chilled her bones. Hopefully, she wasn’t the other girl he’d fallen in love with at some point. Did she really want to know the other woman he’d loved?
Chatan sighed. “Don’t. I know what you’re thinking. You have nothing to worry about.”
“How close were you two?” Jacinda asked. Brent’s demeanor surrounding Jackie made her question things she hadn’t considered.
“We’ve been friends since we were kids. And long before either of them were willing to admit what they wanted, I had a brief relationship with her. Long enough to know she loved Eddie, and that was never going to change. I haven’t wanted her since I realized who she was meant for. Besides, she was an attempt to get over Jenna. One that failed miserably.”
Jacinda nodded slowly. She could live with that. “That’s a relief. I had to know, though.”
“If I had known you were in my future, I would have never touched another woman.”
Jacinda couldn’t help the small laugh. “Please, don’t. I’m not upset. You mentioned being in love twice before. Can you blame me for wanting to know if Jackie was the other one to break your heart?”
He caressed her face. “She’s a good friend. She didn’t hurt me. We were intimate exactly once and we both knew we could never do it again. If that’s too awkward, we can stay here. Or a hotel. I could even take you to the cabin I have on my father’s reserve if this is all too much.”
She took his hands. “I trust you, and her. But if I ever meet the other, will you warn me first?”
“You have my word, and when we’re alone I’ll tell you about that, so you don’t worry anymore.”
“I won’t be jealous. I just want to understand.”
“You have my word. Now, are you ready?”
“I am.”
Brent squeezed her shoulder. “If it makes you feel any better, Eddie gave him a black eye and bloody lip for going there with Jackie.”
“No, that doesn’t.”
“Oh, I like you. Smart enough to want to deal with emotions, and not petty enough to want revenge for something long in the past,” Brent murmured.
“Seems silly to worry about something that far back. As long as there aren’t lingering feelings.” Her face scrunched. “Sorry.”
“You’re fine, Jace. I should have mentioned it sooner.” He squeezed her hand. “Wasn’t sure how you’d take it.”
“As long as she isn’t like Jenna, I’m good.”
Chatan shook his head. “Oh no. She’s not. Not at all. I can’t stand to be around her if you haven’t noticed.”
A slow smile spread. “Then I won’t mention it again. I know who you want.”
“You, now and forever,” he vowed.
Chapter 7
Chatan didn’t know what to do to keep Jacinda from shutting down. She claimed to accept his history with Jackie, and maybe she did. She certainly had enough to worry about. It was probably her mother’s death weighing her down.
“Chatan, can we talk a moment?” Brent quietly asked.
Dipping his head, he left the loveseat and followed Brent into the kitchen. Brent looked back at Jacinda.
“Don’t, she just lost her mother,” Chatan warned.
Brent held up a hand and rolled his eyes. “Relax. I’m not about to complain about her lack of interest. She’s been through too much and I wish I could have helped from the start. Maybe my son would still be around, but that doesn’t matter right now. What does is stopping the creature that is after her.”
“You got that right.”
“She needs rest. I don’t fault her for that. Take care of her. And if she isn’t up for dinner tonight, that’s okay. In fact, if she wants to stay in a hotel, with you, I’ll arrange it. And help me convince her she needs a phone. I’ll bring one if she’s open to dinner with all of us.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” She looked so lost, Chatan wasn’t sure how to help.
“Remember what it was like when you lost your mother. What did you need then?”
He smiled sadly. “Family, but she’s not used to having family around. I’m trying to change that.”
“I have faith in you. Let’s get you over there.”
“You aren’t upset she doesn’t want to stay here?”
He shook his head. “I get it. I wish things were different, but there is nothing I can do to change the past. We can alter the future, though. Together.”
“Hopefully I can get through to her soon. She’s terrified of that thing. It’s about all she’s afraid of. And I don’t blame her. I saw what it did to her mother, and before she realized I was there, she fought against me.”
“I saw. Hurting anywhere?” Brent asked.
He shook his head. “I took care of the bruises. She just knocked me across the room without a thought. And considering she had just played back what had happened like a hologram, I honestly can’t blame her.”
“Let’s get her to Eddie’s. Maybe she’ll relax there.”
* * * *
Jacinda shook her head and looked at Amelia. “Hey. Sorry.”
“For what?” Amelia asked.
“Showing up like this. I’m sure it must be strange.”
Amelia shook her head. “I’m glad you’re here. He told me about Tyrell. About how he left to protect Brent and his sisters. He was a good man.”
“I wish I had gotten to know him better, but I suppose I have through the journal. At least in a way.” She looked at Brent. “I hope they’re right and we can stop Thanatos.”
“We will. I’ll tell you my story when you’re ready.”
“Thanks. Right now, I feel lost. I’m hoping Chatan will help with that.”
“He will. Lean on him. He has the look of a man who would do anything for his woman.”
“Yeah, he would.” A small smile pulled on her lips. “I’m not used to needing anyone. I’m so used to being alone.”
“Leaning on someone doesn’t make you weak. Having someone in your life can make you stronger.”
Jacinda nodded, watching Chatan. “I’m learning that.” She hopped up. “And right now, I’m hoping whoever is at Jackie and Eddie’s will let us hide in a room and just sit. I want to stop thinking.”
“Not sure you can in your situation. Stop thinking, that is.” Amelia squeezed her shoulder. “But you should go. See if he can take your mind off everything
for a little while.”
“I just want to lie in his arms and cry.”
“He’d let you. I told you, he’d do anything.”
Jacinda smiled. “He turned into a cat for me because I don’t like dogs. He’s used to being a dog. He stuck with me for two days as a cat, because he couldn’t let me go.”
“That’s pretty amazing.”
“It is.” Jacinda watched Chatan a moment before turning back to Amelia. “I’m looking forward to getting to know you. Just one thing, am I supposed to think of you as a grandmother?”
Amelia laughed. “Oh, I really hope not. A friend, I hope.”
She nodded. “I need to get used to the idea of having a grandfather. I didn’t know anything about him until the other day when Eddie mentioned it, and then I didn’t really think much of it.”
“You’re a strong woman. Being alone since sixteen, and by choice.” Amelia shook her head. “I’m impressed, truly.”
Jacinda didn’t know what to say. Instead of figuring it out, she picked up her box. “We ready?” she asked Chatan.
“Sure.” He wrapped his arm around her instead of asking for the box, which she wasn’t ready to let go of. As usual, he seemed to know what she needed before she did.
Brent went to the door. “Come on. Eddie’s there now. Jackie is working on an assignment at the moment. She’ll be home soon.”
Having both there now might have been easier. Maybe not. She never imagined staying with a stranger.
The trip was fast, and Chatan let her get the box but held the car door for her and knocked with her next to him.
A man who looked very similar to Chatan opened the door with a smile. “Hey, man. Jacinda, it’s a pleasure.”
“You too, Eddie.”
Chatan took the box and Eddie pulled her in for a hug. “Hopefully you’ll mean that soon. I remember losing my parents. It hurt like a bitch. Come in. You and Chatan have free rein of the house. I have to go to work for a bit.”
“You don’t have to leave,” Jacinda insisted.
“I do, for a bit. I left work early and need to finish up something. I’ll be back soon.”
Brent spoke up, “I thought maybe I’d bring pizza later.”
Chasing Dove (Branches of Emrys Book 4) Page 5