by Amy Cissell
Every time I said the word “kiss,” his jaw clenched harder, until I was worried he’d crack his teeth. Finn had finally deigned to sit, but he still wasn’t talking. I sighed. “Finn, you have to help me out. How do we fix this?”
Finn drained his beer. He got another and finished that one before he spoke. “You consorted with the enemy. You betrayed me, our quest, your own species, and for what? A moment’s thrill?” His voice got louder and louder. “I watched you touch the animal that tried to kill us. If I hadn’t been there to stop things, would’ve you stopped it? I don’t think so. I know you don’t have feelings for me, but I can’t believe you’d go so far as to rub that in my face.”
I didn’t know what to say that wouldn’t sound either defensive or assholish, so I didn’t say anything. I didn’t point out that we weren’t involved, and that even when we had been, we weren’t exclusive. I didn’t mention Isaac hadn’t been trying to kill us. I didn’t even question the whole speciesist comment. I waited.
Finally, Finn stood up. “Ellie,” I was relieved that I was back to Ellie again, even if I hated that nickname. “I don’t know what to do with this. You’ve betrayed our friendship, our working relationship, and our entire quest for nothing more than fulfilling some dirty fantasy.”
I couldn’t keep quiet anymore. “This isn’t about me ‘betraying the mission.’ I didn’t give intel to Isaac. I didn’t lead him into our secret batcave. I haven’t even had a conversation with him since that night. I made out with him. This is about you. I like you. Quite a bit, actually. You’re my best friend, and you have been for years. These last few weeks—before you lodged that giant stick up your ass—were great because we spent so much time together. But we are friends. Not friends with benefits. Friends.”
Finn sat in silence, then ran a hand through his hair—a familiar gesture I hadn’t seen all week.
“Christ, Ellie,” he said. “I know you’re right. I don’t know what to do. You haven’t been a job to me for years, and I’m projecting too much of my own insecurity onto you.”
That was refreshingly honest. I narrowed my eyes at him, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
“Forgive me,” he said simply.
“Okay,” I said with as much grace as I could muster. I’d had a pretty strong suspicion that his feelings for me were deeper than mine for him, but I wasn’t enjoying having that verified. I took a deep breath. “What’s next?” I asked. “Are you going to stop being an asshole long enough for me to find the gate in the next forty-eight hours?”
“I can’t make any promises, but I’ll do my best to stop being an asshole. As for what’s next, let’s cross our fingers, spend the next couple days in Forest Park, and pray to whatever deities you think might be sympathetic to our cause.”
I clinked my bottle against his. “I can do that.”
He stood up and drained his drink. “See you tomorrow, Eleanor Jane.” And then, he disappeared.
Wednesday dawned too bright and much too early. We had less than forty-eight hours to find the gate, and worried or not, I needed to get to work. I left a note and a voicemail before driving back to Germantown Road. I headed out to the clearing I’d been starting from for the last week and sank into a cross-legged position. Before I could get started, something rustled in the trees behind me. I jumped up and spun around, knives in my hands.
Isaac walked out of the forest, fully clothed.
“Isaac.”
“Eleanor, why are you here alone? It’s dangerous in the forest.”
“I lost my backup for the day. You didn’t have anything to do with that, did you?”
His eyes sparked dangerously. “Of course not. I told you that the execution order was not issued.”
“Not issued for me. You didn’t say anything about my friends.”
“I don’t lie by omission. That is a tool for the Fae and vampires.”
I sighed in relief. “I didn’t think you’d had anything to do with, but I am worried.”
“You don’t know me well enough to trust me. Yet. It is understandable that you’d be suspicious.” He smiled and showed too many teeth. I shuddered.
“Hey, big bad wolf, can you put those away? Or maybe make a dentist appointment? It must take a lot of work to care for chompers like that.”
He made his smile less broad, but this time the spark in his eyes was amusement and not irritation.
“What do you want? I need to meditate to find the gate.”
“I’ll watch your back,” he said, licking his lips. “I’d like to watch a whole lot more than your back.”
I ignored the innuendo. “Thank you, but why are you helping? Didn’t you say I was going to destroy the world?”
“I may be Alpha, but I’m not the Alpha, so I still have to do what I’m told. The pack has decided to let you continue, and they have decided that I will keep an eye on you.”
“Do they have a choice? If you don’t let me continue, the magic will burst through anyway.”
“Is that what they told you?”
My heartbeat stuttered, and a wave of nausea overwhelmed me. “The Fae can’t lie.”
“Not being able to lie doesn’t mean they’re telling you the truth—or that they’re right.”
“The magic is already leaking through. I can feel it. So can you, if your lack of control in the forest is any indication.”
“No one knows what’s going to happen, do they?”
He was right. I’d been trying to ignore the niggling doubts for weeks, and he was bringing everything to the surface.
“I don’t have time for this. I can feel the wild magic and it needs a controlled release. Either back off or leave.”
Isaac’s grin was feral, but he retreated to the edge of the clearing. I closed my eyes and cleared my mind. The wrongness assaulted me immediately. The magic oozed against my aura, and I shuddered in disgust. The dark undulations pulled to me. I turned to the source of the misbegotten power and walked towards it. I stumbled over tree roots and fallen branches as I went further off the path and into the deepest part of the forest. My feet were aching, and my face and arms were scratched and bleeding from pushing my way through blackberry patches when I tripped and fell to my knees, losing the connection.
“Dammit!”
I dug through my pack and pulled out the GPS to find our coordinates. I noted them carefully and then looked around. The shadows were lengthening and the dusk was settling over the forest.
I looked at Isaac. “I know we’re past the full moon, but is there any chance you’re going to turn furry when the sun goes down?”
He laughed, taking care to keep his lips over his teeth. “Regardless of what your friend said, the change is bound by the moon, not the sun. I can stay human under the light of the full moon if I try, but I prefer not to. However, since we are past the full moon, I won’t experience any discomfort tonight. Do you want to stay here? I could keep you company and ensure you’re not harmed.”
My eyes skimmed over him. His blue jeans hugged his muscular legs, and the tightest t-shirt I’d ever seen was practically spray-painted on. I could count the six-pack underneath and those arms…well, let’s say I was kind of hoping for an invitation to the gun show. This man was so tempting, but I knew that would irreparably damage my already shaky friendship with Finn.
I shook my head. “I need to get back home and find Finn.” I turned to go and then, before my common sense could override my libido, I added, “Walk with me?”
He bowed and held out his hand. “I’d be delighted.” I took his hand, and he tucked it under his elbow. I wondered how old he was. Was I the only one who’d missed the Revolutionary War?
The trail was soon too narrow to walk side-by-side, so I went ahead with Isaac at my back. His gaze on me created conflicting feelings of arousal and nervousness. He made me feel a bit like prey, but I wasn’t sure I hated that feeling.
When we got back to my truck, he kissed the back of my hand, then turned it over and pl
anted another kiss on my palm. He looked me in the eyes as his lips lingered, and I could see his desire. I tried to pull my hand back before I did something I’d regret—like jump him in the parking lot—but instead of letting go he allowed himself to be pulled forward. He tipped my face up and brushed a feather-light kiss over my lips. Isaac straightened and stepped back. He bowed again, then turned and strode towards the forest. As he disappeared from sight, I saw a shimmer and his cream tail wagged briefly before he vanished from sight.
I ran my tongue over my lips and cursed softly. If I wasn’t positive Finn would never forgive me, I’d chase Isaac into the trees and demand more. I stared into the gloaming darkness for far too long, then got into my truck and headed back to try to make amends with my best friend.
When I pulled into Finn’s driveway, all the lights were on. I unsheathed a couple of throwing knives before heading inside. The door swung open at a touch. I tiptoed in, not wanting to announce my presence. I wasn’t sure if my paranoia was justified yet, but at this point I wasn’t going to second-guess. If I was wrong, Finn and I could have a good laugh about it later.
Two voices floated from the direction of the kitchen: Finn and another that was higher and decidedly female. I couldn’t figure out where they were coming from, but finally, a dim light in the pantry clued me in. They were in the media room, behind the secret door.
I crept to the door and pushed it opened. I cocked my head, trying to hone in on the conversation.
“…are going to get her—and me—killed if you don’t stop your stupid tricks,” I heard Finn say.
The other voice responded, but I couldn’t quite make it out. I went down a couple more steps.
“I’ve been following the rules, but you’re not letting me do my job. I’m supposed to be out there protecting her, not tied up here unable to answer her call.”
“You are following the letter, not the spirit.”
“I am Fae,” Finn said, as if that were explanation.
“Barely,” the woman snorted. “Although, I guess you’re a better choice than that dog she was rutting with in the bar.”
Now, I was pissed. I clattered down the rest of the stairs and shoved open the door. “Okay, ass candle. I don’t know who you are, but I’m pretty sure my sex life is none of your business, and if I ever hear you insult me or my friends again, it’ll be the last thing you do. I am not a virgin whose purity can be used to fetch the highest bride price. I am a thirty-four-year-old woman with plenty of experience. I am not your princess, not your pawn, and not your property.”
During my rant, I’d stalked closer to the woman until we were face to face—or more accurately, face to chest. I tipped my head back and looked up. Her eyes were narrowed and veins bulged in her forehead. If looks could kill, I’d be dead. Her anger wasn’t what kept me staring, though. She was green—literally. Her pale, green skin reminded me of new leaves in spring. Her darker green waist-length hair was more reminiscent of the ubiquitous Pacific Northwest moss.
As I stared at the green woman in Finn’s media room, she started to shimmer. Her skin tone shifted from green to mahogany to teak to a mottled gray and green. The colors were cycling so fast that I had to swallow a couple of times to keep the nausea at bay. Her skin finally settled into a light brown color and when I looked up at her again, her hair was shorter and orangish-red, like maple leaves in autumn. She looked almost human now, but I suspected that the reason her skin reminded me of polished wood was because she was decidedly not.
“Who are you?” I demanded, even though I was pretty sure this was the mysterious and violent Arduinna.
She held out her hand, and I instinctively reached out to shake it. She took my hand and bowed, brushing it with her lips. Her eyes, now the yellow of the daisy’s center, never left my face. I looked down at her hand and saw that it had too many knuckles. I snatched my hand back before she rose back up. “I am Arduinna Greenwood.” She grinned, showing more teeth than I was expecting. They were crowded into her mouth and had a faintly greenish cast. Nausea rolled through me again, and I tried to keep my reaction from my face.
“Great. Now, get out.”
“I’m afraid I can’t do that, my lady. I’ve been dispatched to serve as your protector.”
“That’s Finn’s job. I don’t need you. Run along.” I made a shooing motion with my hand.
She laughed softly, showing her teeth again. She ran her tongue along the points of her teeth and watched my reaction. She seemed pleased that she was making me ill. I tried again to put on my poker face, but I wasn’t successful.
“His job performance is in question, as is his fitness to continue as your guide. He is in danger of being, what is it your humans say, pink-slipped?”
“I don’t think anyone says that anymore,” I said. “And if you fire Finn, you might as well fire me as well. I won’t do this without him.”
Finn was standing behind Arduinna, shaking his head at me. I didn’t need him being all noble on my behalf, so I ignored him.
“You care for this half-breed?”
Finn was shaking his head so violently now, I was worried he was going to injure himself.
“Finn is my friend, and I don’t think it’s polite to call him a half-breed. After all, he’s not a creepy tree monster that can’t even appear human enough to blend in.”
Finn groaned and hid his face in his hands.
Arduinna laughed again, showing more teeth that were necessary. “Ahhh, Finnegan, Finnegan. You told me that our Lady Eleanor cared naught for you. You lied to me.”
I stared at Finn. “Why would you say that? I thought the Fae couldn’t lie?”
Arduinna answered, “I cannot lie to you my lady, for I am Fae. You cannot lie, for you are Fae. But this half-breed bastard? He likely inherited that power from his human father. That shows you how little value he has. If he can lie, can you believe anything he says to you? Can you trust him? Can you guarantee that he is working for your benefit and not his own?” Arduinna stared at me, and her power nearly bowled me over.
“Knock it off, Arduinna. Maybe Finn can tell a lie, but don’t even try to convince me that you can’t be just as dishonest by telling the truth. Someone needs to tell me what’s going on right now. I’m tired, I’m hungry, and I’m confused.”
“Well, my lady, your friend,” she made the word a sneer, “and I were discussing whether or not he was fit to continue to accompany you. I assure you that if I were to take over, I would not attempt to seduce you into my bed to further my ambitions, and as a full-blooded Fae, I would be a better teacher, guide, and body-guard. I know my place, and although I doubt you are worthy of the throne, I will do as I’m commanded and safeguard you with my life. Can you say the same of Finnegan?”
I eyed her suspiciously. “Are you asking if I’d rather have you than Finn?”
Her nod was brief and nearly imperceptible.
“So, I get to decide?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“It is your life, your quest, should you not be the one to make that decision?”
“That’s not an answer. Tell me why you’re allowing me to make this decision.”
Finn finally spoke up, “It’s because you can’t counter her wishes, isn’t it?”
Arduinna turned so rapidly, I didn’t realize what was happening until Finn bounced off the back wall. “Silence, creature!” she roared.
I drew myself up to my full height, which admittedly wasn’t high. “Arduinna, stop. I don’t want Finn hurt. Finn is my guide, my bodyguard, my companion, and my friend. He will continue to accompany me or your damn gates will stay closed. Now, get out.”
Arduinna inclined her head. “As you wish, my lady. I will stay away from you and leave you with your half-breed. However, my orders from your father supersede yours, so I will be watching. Never forget that.” She ran from the room and slammed the front door.
I ran to Finn and helped him up. He was a little unsteady, but otherwise fi
ne. “Are you okay?” I ran my hands over his head, looking for lumps or gashes, but found none. He grabbed my hands to still them and pulled away from me.
“I’m fine, Ellie. Thank you, but never help me again. That could’ve been fatal for us both.”
“Whatever our differences, I’ll always help you. You should know that by now.”
“You’re a pain in the ass, Eleanor Jane.”
“Right back at you, Finnegan Daniel.”
“So,” I started, not sure if I should broach the subject, but sure that I needed to know, “Did you hear me call you earlier today?”
“I did as long as it was the ‘get your ass over here, Finn’ call this morning. Did you run into any problems?”
“Nope. In fact, I found the gate—or at least the place the gate will be.”
“Did you log the location?”
“Of course. I’m not relying on memory for something like this.”
“Are you sure you recorded it correctly? You know the GPS hates you.”
Crap. I’d forgotten about this part. Arduinna was right—I couldn’t lie. I used to think I was too honest for my own good, but I’d tried lying recently and the words wouldn’t come out. I hadn’t had enough practice to lie with the truth—at least not to someone used to that communication style. This was going to suck. “I had help. Are you hungry?” I winced at my clumsy segue.
Finn narrowed his eyes. “Who helped you?”
I sighed. It would be worse if I tried to draw it out. “Isaac.”
“Did you call him when you couldn’t find me?”
“No. I don’t have his number. He’s been following us all week, and when he saw I was alone, he came out and offered to guard my back.”
“Did you know he’d been following us?”
“Yes.”
“And you didn’t say anything?” Finn’s face was starting to redden around the edges.
“I didn’t think it would help anything. He means us no harm.”
Finn stalked up to me and leaned in close. If it wasn’t for the anger in his eyes, I would’ve thought he was going to kiss me. Instead he…sniffed me.