by Brenda Trim
The second they stepped inside the house Teagan’s heart sank. She was going to have nothing in common with Killian’s wealthy friends. Anyone that had a foyer larger than most apartments could never understand what it was like to be excited to receive a used pair of shoes before the school started each year.
“You okay?” Killian asked as he used his finger to guide her focus onto him.
How did he know she was struggling? It was the first time anyone had picked up on her distress. One area where Teagan was skilled was masking her real emotions, so no one detected what was going on inside her head. It was hard enough for foster families to accept her. She didn’t need to make them think she was unstable or would cause problems for them.
“I’m good. Just nervous. I’ve never been in a home so nice. I’d say it would be better if I wait in the car, but I honestly can’t turn and leave,” she admitted.
There was this driving need to be there with him, and she didn’t understand it at all. Was it the mating compulsion he mentioned?
It was challenging to keep her hands to herself, but it wasn’t only that she wanted to drag him to the nearest bathroom (again) and have her way with him. She wanted, no, needed, knowledge about his world.
“Don’t let the opulence intimidate you. Everyone here is going to love you.”
She nodded her head but kept her rebuttal to herself. No one liked a negative Nelly. She doubted she was going to be accepted with open arms like Killian believed and she was prepared to deal with it and keep her hurt hidden.
Voices echoed from a room down the hall. Nate entered first, and Teagan had the urge to turn around and jump in Killian’s car at the same time she couldn’t wait to meet everyone. It made no sense to her, and before she could try to understand her reaction any better, Killian was leading her into the room.
Platters filled with fruit and pastries covered a big conference table where a sizeable group of men and women sat. “Killian,” a man with shoulder-length black hair said as he stood up. She remembered the Vampire King from Confetti Too. She liked his Scottish accent. “Nate was telling us you arrived, and I see you brought Teagan with you. ‘Tis nice to see you again.”
“It’s very nice to see you, as well. Your home is lovely,” Teagan answered with a smile.
“And, this beautiful female by my side is Elsie,” Zander introduced the woman next to him, and Teagan noticed she was pregnant when she got up to shake her hand.
“Hello, Teagan. Welcome to our home. Please make yourself comfortable,” the Vampire Queen stated as she motioned for them to take a seat.
Killian introduced her to the remaining people in the room. Tea recalled meeting Evzen and his mate, Braelynn, at the club, as well. Teagan’s nerves settled slightly at seeing a few familiar faces until she spotted Hayden, and her anxiety skyrocketed. She didn’t know what it was about the man, but he scared the shit out of her. It didn’t help that most of the men wore black fatigues or leather pants.
“I wasn’t aware you found your mate,” Evzen said to Killian as they took seats at the table. She was still blown away by the fact that supernaturals were immortal, and lived for hundreds, even thousands, of years. Evzen had gray hair but didn’t look a day over thirty.
Killian twined their fingers beneath the table and squeezed. “It just happened last night. I haven’t had time to fully process it myself.”
“Have you set a date for the ceremony?” Zander asked. Teagan cocked her head at Zander’s question. What was this mysterious ceremony? Suspicion niggled her mind, but she ignored what she wasn’t ready to think about yet.
Killian lifted his hand from hers and waved both in the air. “I’ve barely explained what a Fated Mate is to her. She’s new to our world, so I’m taking this slowly. She wanted to meet my friends and see what we do at council meetings, so I brought her here. Let’s not make her run from the room screaming, please.”
Elsie clucked her tongue. “Told you. We need a handbook. You must be overwhelmed, Teagan. I know I was when I discovered Zander was a vampire and saw Orlando shift into a giant snow leopard.”
“It’s a lot to take in. Not to mention, it’s very frustrating to feel like such an outsider. I’m like a chameleon that can change colors to match the environment, but I feel like I’m bright green in a room full of purple.”
“Don’t stress about it. You’ll adjust in time. This world is harder to accept and integrate for humans because there are no experiences to help you understand,” Elsie reassured.
“Tell me about it. Killian mentioned you were turned into a vampire. Seeing you so normal and happy gives me hope that you’re right. Were you turned into a vampire too?” she asked Elsie’s sister, Cailyn.
Cailyn laughed and rubbed her protruding stomach. Teagan didn’t know how to feel around the pregnant ladies since she rarely spent time around them, but something encouraged her to get closer to these women. She’d need them and their children. It made sense to her. They were the closest she’d found to human friends since meeting Killian.
One thing was certain. No way could Teagan drag Kari into this world. They didn’t accept humans, in general, and she wasn’t willing to put her best friend at risk.
“No, I’m not a vampire. Elsie is the only turned vampire. You have to be born a vampire. I’m an enhanced human, for lack of a better description,” Cailyn explained.
Teagan shook her head. What the heck? Too much information threatened to shut down her ability to think. “I’m sorry. What is an enhanced human?”
Killian wrapped an arm around Teagan’s shoulder. He told her a bit about what being his Fated Mate meant, but there was so much he didn’t say. Fuck. He wasn’t sure he knew everything he should tell her. “A supernatural shares DNA with their human mate, making them nearly immortal, as well.”
Teagan’s stunning hazel eyes went wide, and her hand flew to her mouth. “Are you kidding? How is that possible? Do you like cast a spell or something?”
For a split-second, Killian didn’t want to tell Teagan how the change occurred. He wasn’t sure she would be able to handle the idea of a blood exchange so soon after learning about the Tehrex realm and the existence of supernatural creatures. It wasn’t fair to deny her the knowledge, either.
This fragile, strong, sexy female deserved to know everything. Besides, Killian wanted to know she was with him, having full knowledge and understanding.
“I introduce my DNA to your system after a blood exchange. It’s part of the process for us when we mate, but it’s not something you need to worry about right now.”
“That’s good because you’d think after everything that I’ve been through in my life I could handle sharing blood, but my mind has hit a wall it seems.”
“Don’t be afraid of the idea,” Elsie told his mate. “It’s more sensual than it is frightening. Not that I’ve had a rough life, but I’m here if you ever need to talk about it. Sometimes the scars we carry can affect us when we aren’t aware.”
Teagan smiled tightly at the queen and lowered her head before Killian sensed Teagan steel her resolve, refusing to allow it to cow her. Lifting her head, she looked Elsie in the eye. “I was born with scars and inherited more when I entered the foster system. I know it molded who I am and the decisions I make, and if Killian can’t accept that, then I might as well head out now.”
“All warriors have scars,” Alex, Bhric’s mate, spoke up from across the table. “I’m a breast cancer survivor, and I believe no one should ever be ashamed or try to hide them. Like Elsie, I’m here to help you, as well. I can also attest to how difficult it is to adjust to this world.”
Teagan was watching the females with a stoic expression on her face, but through their bond, Killian caught hints at the turmoil brewing beneath the surface. “So, you’re human, too? How many here are human? I assumed everyone here was other. It’s not like you guys are very open and inviting.”
Elsie chuckled. “No. We are a closed lot with good reason. We need to keep hidd
en from humans. Our existence would engender fear and put us and our kids at risk.”
Hayden growled and leaned forward, but Killian sent him an imploring look, begging him not to say anything. Teagan’s emotions were jumping all over, and their bond wasn’t strong enough for him to determine what she was thinking. With a barely restrained growl, Hayden sat back and lifted his drink for a sip.
“I see that breeding with humans is possible, but I don’t see or hear any kids. Are you guys the first to have children?” Teagan asked curiously.
“No,” Elsie replied. “Zander and I have a daughter, and there are dozens of kids living on the property. The walls here at Zeum are insulated to keep most outside noise at bay. But, supernaturals do have a lower birth rate than humans. You wouldn’t know it by the fact that I’m pregnant with my second and several others here have had children.”
“There are kids here?” Teagan asked as she swiveled her head back and forth. “Where?”
The hair on the nape of his neck stood on end. Teagan’s sudden interest in the children set off alarm bells in Killian’s head. “They’re safe within the protections surrounding Zeum and the property.”
“I didn’t see any guards outside or any towers. Are these protections invisible?”
Killian smiled, hoping it reached his eyes and hid the sudden wariness he was experiencing. Teagan’s interest and attention shifted to the topic of the kids and now the protections. “The protections aren’t what you’re thinking. Magic layered by the most powerful in the realm protects this land. After a couple of demon attacks, we made sure that nothing could get through.”
Teagan cocked her head, and her forehead wrinkled as she held his gaze. “Nothing can get past the gates? How did I manage to reach the door?”
“Normally humans are repelled by the spells, but you weren’t affected because you were with me.”
“Can some other magic users break the spells? Can’t other people with magic get around them?”
“Why so many questions?” Zander barked, making Teagan jump. Killian glared at the king. There was no reason to suspect his mate. Killian felt like an idiot for allowing doubt to creep in where Teagan was concerned.
“I know you aren’t questioning my mate,” Killian said as he pushed to his feet. Instinct clamored for him to defend Teagan no matter what.
“She has an awful lot of questions for a human that knew nothing about our realm before today. Where did you say you met her?”
Killian wanted to curse. Zander was right, but he felt the way his mate trembled next to him. She was terrified, and it tore him up to know she was afraid. It could put distance between them rather than bringing them closer together.
Before Killian could say anything else, Elsie stood up and put her hand on Zander’s arm. “Stop. Of course, she has questions. She happens to be asking about a subject we’re all sensitive to because of the kidnappings.”
Teagan stood and linked arms with Killian “I didn’t mean to upset anyone. It’s all so fascinating and foreign to me. To be honest, I’m not sure why I’m so interested in the kids. Likely because I grew up shuffled from home to home with no real place to belong. In my experience, a house that isn’t filled with the laughter of kids was ruled by an iron fist that used force to keep the kids quiet.”
Zander ran his hand through his shoulder-length hair and shook his head. “Shite. I’m verra sorry for jumping to conclusions. I can only imagine how difficult that was for you.”
“I like her,” Mack chimed in a second later. The snarky female sat back in her chair with her booted feet propped on the table. “Anyone that can stand up and speak their mind in a room full of supernaturally-charged testosterone has balls of titanium.”
Killian smiled with pride that it was his mate to garner such a compliment. “I’m not usually one to keep my mouth shut,” Teagan agreed then turned to Killian. “Can I see the house where the kids live? Is it like a foster home? Where are their parents?”
Unease traveled through Killian again. She was persistent, that was certain. Could there be other forces at work here? Killian cursed himself. He was a roller coaster the way he was flipping back and forth regarding his mate. “The stripling are here for safekeeping. An archdemon is hunting our young, so we brought them here out of the reach of danger. Would you show her to the patio, Elsie? And I will meet you there in a moment?”
“No problem,” Elsie replied. “C’mon, Teagan. We can grab a cookie before heading out back. My cravings are in overdrive.”
Killian kissed Teagan quickly before she followed Elsie from the room. The second the females were down the hall Zander turned to Killian. “You’re suspicious, too. Are you sure she’s your mate?”
“Dammit,” he cursed and lifted his shirt displaying the mating brand. “Yes, I’m sure she’s mine. And, I know you all saw her mate mark. I’m not concerned about whether or not she’s mine. Something doesn’t sit right with me with the way she was asking about the kids and protections. Elsie might be right, but I can’t ignore the doubt that keeps creeping inside my heart. Can you see if there’s a spell affecting her?” Killian asked Suvi, one-third of the powerful Rowan sisters. They’d discovered several spells impacting friends and were the first ones he thought of to help him find out what was going on.
Suvi nodded her head. “Pema and Isis aren’t here, so I’m not as powerful without the trifecta, but I should be able to search for any hint of magic, Dark or Light.”
Killian’s gut twisted at the sense of betrayal that overwhelmed him with speaking about the subject without Teagan knowing. “Give me a few, and we can meet you at your house,” Killian told the female who nodded in response.
As he walked out the door to find his Fated Mate, he swallowed down his bile. He needed to find out if someone controlled Teagan, and just prayed that it didn’t come back to bite him in the ass later.
Chapter Ten
“C’mon, Troy. Please take me flying,” Izzy begged with her hands clasped in front of her chest and her lower lip poking out.
Troy was shaking his head while his eyes traveled around the empty hall. Izzy understood his caution, but she was nearly fifteen now, and she needed to get out of the castle before she ran into Donovan and his date.
She wasn’t jealous that her best friend was going Goddess-only-knew-where with the female dragon, but she was mad. It wasn’t fair that they could go out while she was stuck within the same four walls all the time.
“I don’t know, Iz. I don’t want to get into trouble. The king and queen could take it out on my mom and dad. And, we would lose everything if they don’t have jobs.”
Guilt bubbled to the surface. Izzy shouldn’t ask so much of Troy. It was hard for her to remember that not everyone was as lucky as she and Blaze. There was little risk that either of their parents would ever be out of a job. They were the leaders of their people and had inherited their positions.
If Izzy’s dad was no longer king, it would be because she or her younger brother or sister had inherited the mantle. Technically, she was heir to the throne, but she had enough on her hands as the living representation of the Goddess’s power.
One main role in the realm was more than enough for her. Not that she thought about it much. Years ago, she had a premonition that her father was going to be the Vampire King for centuries to come.
“You won’t get in trouble. There’s a cave my Aunt Mack discovered. She said it’s filled with gems. You could get some, and give them to your parents.”
Troy’s eyes lit with interest. “Why didn’t you tell me about the gems before? Screw my parents. I’m going to add to my hoard.”
Izzy laughed at Troy’s excitement. Mental note; when she wanted to get Troy to do something for her in the future all she needed to do was lure him with sparkly stones. She appreciated the dragon’s obsession. She loved all things sparkly since she was a baby and, as her Aunt Breslin liked to say, ‘the bigger the shine, the better’.
Izzy grabbed Troy�
�s hand and tugged him down a back staircase. “Let’s go out the servants’ entrance. No one will wonder when you’re in that area.”
“What if my mom sees us?”
Izzy waved that away. “She’s on the other side of the castle right now. Will it be safe for you to shift in the forest, and fly us to Mt Batia?”
Troy put his finger to his lips a second before Izzy heard a couple of males at the bottom of the stairs. Suddenly, her heart galloped in her chest. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea, after all. The risk to Troy and his family wasn’t worth an afternoon of freedom.
Before Izzy could lead Troy back upstairs, he grabbed her hand and twined their fingers together then jumped down the stairs talking about a new pie that Ms. Anita made. She made a mental note to tell Keira about it. Blaze loved the female’s baked goods, and they should grab one at the market before they sold out.
Once outside, Izzy dodged from tree to tree and made her way past the forge and into the woods near Tatenen. Izzy took a moment to take a deep breath and enjoy the feel of the sun on her skin. Once she transitioned from stripling to adulthood, she would come into her full powers, and the sun’s bright rays would be her enemy. Oh, how she would miss the outdoors during daylight. Another reason to enjoy every moment while she could.
Izzy skipped through the foliage, running her fingers over the large leaves. Some were larger than her head and had unique designs, but her favorite was the star-shaped leaves. They were unlike anything found in the Tehrex Realm. For several blissful moments, Izzy lost herself in the joy of leaf-gazing.
“Izzy,” Troy hissed as branches snapped and loud male voices echoed around the area.
His voice drew her out of her musings. “Sorry. Let’s head to the East and away from the knights coming our way,” Izzy suggested.
“Great idea. But you can’t get sidetracked by the flowers and animals. There could be Unseelie around. The last thing I need is for you to get hurt, or worse.”