The female groaned, crawling into the far corner then curling her too-thin body into a fetal position. I stood. "Take her back. I won't feed from her. She's ill." The poor girl seemed in bad shape.
"I'll inform Queen Fionna of your decision." He disappeared.
She sobbed, burying her face in her hands. I moved closer as carefully as I could, staying on my hands and knees so I wouldn't frighten her.
I spoke to her in Seelie Fae."I won't hurt you." I'd stopped breathing so I wouldn't scent her blood, but my fangs were already extended and the pain was much worse. Muscle aches added to the pounding headache and stomach cramps. Ten times worse than the flu.
She wiped the wetness from her cheek with a swipe of her palm."I am so hungry. They have not fed me for three days."
"Why do they treat you like this?" Caelen would only torture an enemy, never another fae, unless they were proven a traitor.
"They treat all half-bloods as slaves. The queen blocks our magic."
My gaze was drawn to her leg which was bleeding steadily from a cut made by a blade. I hissed and turned away, forcing control. She sobbed again. Shit. I had to do something.
"Shh." I said, trying to ease her fear. "My blood will heal you." Even without line magic, my blood held healing powers.
"But I sense your great hunger."
"A small amount should be sufficient. You'll be able to sleep."
I bit into my wrist and offered her my blood. She looked at me with suspicion at first, then gave in and drank. A minute later she was fast asleep, her leg wound healed.
I crawled back to the other side of the small room and tried to will myself into resting mode, but of course the pain had worsened. I gave up and lay on my back staring at the ceiling, not able to concentrate enough to conjure up even a memory.
I hoped that Jackie had gathered our allies and wasn't trying to deal with this mess alone. I closed my eyes and felt secure in the knowledge that she'd find a way to keep Charlie safe, no matter what. Her protective instincts were legendary, however I couldn't help but wish that her instinct for self-preservation was just as strong.
CHAPTER TEN
"Enough!" I sat on the bench behind me and groaned. "I can't lift my arms." I ached everywhere. "Give me five minutes." I downed half a flask of water and then hung my head between my knees, my hands in my hair.
"You can't be tired. We've only been working for four of your hours."
"Go away."
He touched my shoulder. "Come and eat."
Isaiah dissolved us into lines that felt unfamiliar, although I'd been traveling in this manner with my parents and the fae since I was small. Those thoughts drifted away when we arrived in a kitchen filled with the most delicious smells.
"Sit there and help yourself." Isaiah pointed toward a chair across from his.
"Sure. Thanks." I followed his orders and sat, loading my plate with food. He did the same.
He smiled as I slathered on a red sauce, then I took a bite. "Whoa!"
"Too hot?" He smirked.
I chewed and swallowed. "It's so good." I added more sauce and took another bite.
Isaiah laughed, a real belly laugh this time. "It is. Your mother wasn't as enthusiastic."
"Well, what do you expect? She likes plain steamed Brussels sprouts." Isaiah handed me a goblet, his grimace matching mine.
"That isn't the green goop, is it?" I peeked, relieved to see that it was a dark shade of red.
"This is wine. The green goop would kill you if you drank it."
"Oh." I took a sniff, then a tentative sip. It was delicious, especially with the spicy food. "At home I'm allowed to have one glass of wine on a special occasion. I guess finding out your dad was kidnapped by the Queen of Faerie and then being carted off to the Demon Realm is special enough."
"I agree." He chuckled.
I took a couple of long swallows. "Where am I sleeping?" I shoveled in more food. This stuff was great.
"I have a room ready."
"I guess it doesn't have wifi, right?"
"Sorry. Here computers are used primarily for bookkeeping and correspondence. I've provided a guitar and books written in English, Seelie Fae, and Rux. We might even have Robin Hood."
I laughed. "You remember that, huh?" Robin Hood had been my favorite book when I was a kid. I dragged it around with me like some kids do a blanket. I swallowed a forkful of some kind of salty meat. It was probably better not to ask what creature it came from. "Was I really a precocious brat?"
"Not often. But you had your moments. This morning being one of them." I rolled my eyes. Today had been horrible for Mom, but it hadn't been stellar for me either.
"When you finish your meal I'll give you a short tour, explain the rules, and then you can have the rest of the day off. Tomorrow we'll work with your arcane blade."
"I don't need more lessons in how to fight with a knife. Kennet taught me."
Isaiah held out his hand and a dagger appeared. When the elaborate carvings lit up like mine and my mom's, I knew it was also made by the same powerful craftsman. "Your blade has chosen you. Kennet would have kept the blade for himself if it had responded to his magic. These blades are most particular." He spun the magical dagger through his fingers without effort. "Kennet treats it as a status symbol because of its rarity, that's why he gave it to you. Keeping it in the family, so to speak. My mother has one of the three that were gifted to demons, and is searching for the other two. She doesn't know that one of them has found a home with me, nor the other with your mother.
"An arcane blade is unique. When you fight, it becomes part of your body, an extra limb. Give it a drop of your blood and it will spill a thousand quarts of the opposing armies' blood. Give it your focus and your will and it will reward you with the hearts of your enemies. When Jackie used Liam's blade to kill Antoine, she allowed it free reign. She suffered pain, but because of her courage, she triumphed. The blade will always take its pound of flesh, even from its chosen wielder."
"Sounds great." I was so tired I couldn't summon up any real enthusiasm. "So what's there to do around here at night?"
"Train." He grinned when I winced. "Read. Talk. Swim. Drink." He brought the pitcher over to my goblet.
"You're gonna give me another cup of wine?"
"Yes. I'll give you wine until you ask me to stop giving you wine."
"Do you have a hot tub?"
"I could create one."
He was watching me with that "this is a test" gaze. I covered the goblet with my hand. "I think one goblet's enough if I have to train using a magical dagger tomorrow."
"Wise choice, nephew."
"The hot tub..."
"Done. It's next to the pool."
I looked out the window at the shadowed mountains in the distance. "Do you think Mom's found him yet?"
"Give her time. She's a most determined female."
CHAPTER ELEVEN
I got up at seven, only to find Liam, Aedus and Farrell already in the kitchen drinking coffee. Funny how the fae took to caffeine. Farrell looked exhausted, despite the boost. "Did you sleep at all last night?" I asked.
"A few hours. Sash, Rick and Aaron showed up to play video games for a couple of hours, then I watched a movie." Farrell hadn't wanted to leave me alone while I slept, so they'd gone upstairs to our family room. " I raised an eyebrow in rebuke."Don't worry about me. I can go for weeks without sleep."
"After the meeting, you'll go home and sleep."
"I'm in the bedroom upstairs, remember, Mom?" he teased.
Hands on my hips, I scowled. "Then you'll rest upstairs."
Liam placed his hand on Farrell's shoulder. "Charlie's away, so her mommy compass is spinning in your direction."
Farrell looked amused. "You do realize that I'm over a hundred years old?"
"Hmmph. One hundred going on seventeen."
Liam laughed. "Kellie says the same thing about him." Kellaine was Farrell's sister and complained often about her brother's immature ways.
It was too early to argue, especially without the benefit of caffeine. Today was going to be a tough one.
Aaron opened the sliding glass doors and peeked in. "Is there coffee? I was up half the night getting robbed by those sharks at the villa. They cheat at pool."
"It's taken you sixteen years to figure that out?" Liam asked Aaron, making an effort to keep a straight face. Aaron growled in response, his scowl continuing until he'd had his first few sips of strong black coffee. I got my own cup, added milk, then sat in my usual seat at the end of the table.
Aaron finished his coffee in two more gulps, while Aedus greeted Samson with some whispered words in fae and a scratch behind the ear. My rather large Rottweiler, who was also part faerie dog, wiggled his short tail in response, causing his rear end to wiggle in what Charlie used to call the "doggy dance". He'd lived for over twenty years, but showed no signs of aging, most likely due to his magical makeup.
When Aedus stood again, I said, "Thank you for coming. I know you're angry with me."
His gaze sharpened, his handsome features so like Caelen's, especially when angry. "I understand why you chose to send Charlie to Isaiah. I disagree with your decision, as does my father, however, we concede that you know the demon better than we do. You trust him and your instincts are usually excellent. I will not waste time arguing with you or my brother about your choice. I'm here to find some way to get Garrett home and I will do everything in my power to help you accomplish that goal."
"And Lord Caelen?" His help was essential to Garrett's survival.
A wry smile spread across Aedus' handsome face. "He will come around."
I swallowed down my jagged nerves. "Would anyone like something to eat?"
Liam waved his hand and the table was filled with a multitude of breakfast items, along with plates and utensils. "I'm not in the mood to cook."
Aaron laughed first, then Farrell, then the two brothers joined in. Finally I found myself giggling, surprised that I was able to laugh in the middle of this horror. Skimming their smiling faces with my gaze, I felt blessed to have these males to count as friends.
Waiting for the others to arrive, we ate and talked, mostly about their various kids. According to Aedus, his daughter, Linn, was taking after her cousins, Kaera and Brina, enjoying her training with a sword more than her other lessons. Even though he said he preferred for her to take on other skills, I caught a glimpse of pride in Aedus' eyes, an accomplished warrior himself.
Aaron told us that Sammy was interested in pack medicine, but his daughter, Erin, was a hellion, challenging the boys to races and then complaining when their long legs gave them the ability to beat her. She even tripped one of Sammy's friends on purpose, causing him to fall and crack his head on a low hanging tree branch. As punishment, Erin had to spend a month in the infirmary working with Sam bandaging wounds and cleaning up.
Liam and Kellaine's son, Grady, was only a quarter fae, but still had an interest in fae history. Whenever he'd visit Cascade, he'd interview the residents, gleaning as much info as he could on the history of his adopted parent's race. He wasn't allowed to make a written record of what he'd learned, but his knowledge was growing steadily.
Ethan and Kyle arrived at eight along with Kyle's mate, Peter, the team's legal advisor. Ethan, my closest friend on the team, immediately wrapped me in his strong arms and kissed my forehead. "We'll get him back. Is Charlie okay?"
"Yes. We'll talk when everyone gets here. I don't feel up to explaining multiple times."
Ethan whispered, "Rob has a surprise for you." Kyle snickered behind him.
"Oh?"
When Rob arrived, I threw my arms around his waist and hugged him for all I was worth. Rob had been my first trainer, a shapeshifter male with extraordinary patience and a warm heart. Because of him I'd quickly felt at home living in a world populated by supernaturals, more than I ever had among humans. He'd made my first transition into my cheetah form on Solo Island a magical experience instead of a terrifying one. Ethan had also befriended me at that vulnerable time, teasing and encouraging me, becoming family. The two of them held a special place in my heart.
Rob returned my hug, kissing the top of my head. When I pulled away I noticed the dark circles under his eyes, Garrett's situation had probably allowed him little sleep.
"We'll get him back." In typical Robert-style he tried to reassure me.
"Yes. I know it." I did my best to sound confident. Rob needed reassurance too.
"I brought someone who might be able to help. Don't yell at me until after the meeting."
I felt a hand on my shoulder. "Jackie." I looked up. Simon, my birth father was here. Rob must have decided to call him.
We stared at each other for a few heartbeats, then moved in unison. I hugged him less confidently than I had Rob and noticed the awkwardness in his body too. He brushed my hair with tentative fingers and whispered, "I'm sorry. I've let you down. I should have been here long before now."
"Simon..."
"No. I want to help. I'd like to stay for as long as you'd allow, although I won't blame you if you kick my ass out the door."
"I don't know how I feel."
"Let me stay for the meeting. We can talk when you have time."
"Yes. I'd like that. Please stay."
I got myself another cup of java and watched them all interact, fascinated by the various hierarchies and racial customs. The shifters and werewolves were loud, demonstrative and friendly, while Simon and the three fae kept their greetings to a quiet nod and their conversations more subdued. The alphas in the group emerged and were deferred to by the others. Aedus, of course, Rob for the shifters, Aaron, the senior werewolf and Garrett's closest family member, and Simon, the only sorcerer.
Food was cleared away with another wave of Liam's hand and we all got down to business. I returned to my usual spot on one end of the table, while Aedus seated himself at the other end, taking the other power position. This was not lost on any of the others, Aaron in particular looking the most disgruntled. I hoped this wasn't going to turn into one of those UN meetings where each group frowned at the other groups, huddling and whispering conspiratorially.
I asked Aedus to describe Fionna's letter. He did and then requested that I explain my decision regarding Charlie's safety. Everyone present agreed that I'd done the best thing. Everyone except for Aedus.
"What are you three doing about this?" Kyle asked, a touch of anger coloring his tone as he stared at the three fae. "She's your queen."
Aedus' expression was cool. "My father and I have sent the queen a missive asking for Garrett's immediate release." This was the first I'd heard about the note. Even Liam and Farrell looked surprised.
"You sent a freakin' memo? Without discussing it with Jackie?"
"Kyle. We're here to work together." Rob frowned.
"Yeah. Tell them that." He pointed at the three fae.
"This manner of correspondence opens negotiations between us. There are specific rituals to follow in dealing with the queen," Liam explained. "If they are not followed to the letter, she won't deal with us in any form."
"Rituals won't get him back." Kyle crossed his arms.
Liam spoke up. "They may do exactly that. If we show Fionna the respect she feels she's owed right from the start, she will allow us to meet with her face to face. When that occurs, we will convince her that there is no hope that Charlie will be handed over. She'd be forced to release Garrett. Knowing Charlie is somewhere untouchable will help our case." He gave his brother a sideways glance. Aedus didn't respond except for a tightening around the mouth. Seems like they were still arguing the point.
"Or she'll kill him." Rob's voice was soft, but we'd all heard. "She won't need him any longer." Rob had been Garrett's friend for almost a hundred years.
"How many fae are at her court?" Ethan asked.
"Over three hundred Seelie. With the demi-fey and the other races, perhaps five hundred."
"Do the others fight?" I as
ked.
"In the past, the demi-fey and the wood elves, but not the rest. However, at court the demi-fey are prisoners themselves, so I doubt they would fight on the queen's side, even if she freed them."
Simon had remained quiet throughout the meeting, but now he leaned forward, his richly toned voice drawing our attention. "Will all the seelie fae at court fight on the side of the queen?"
"We cannot say," Aedus replied.
"I respect your silence." Simon nodded." However, you should contact your allies at court immediately."
Aedus glanced at his brother, his expression broadcasting a warning. "We cannot."
Kyle shrugged. "So you have spies. No biggie. We wouldn't tell anyone."
"We will not endanger their lives or the lives of their families. I can only say that there are some who would...switch sides." His body language grew tense, leaning forward and scanning the group but then locking gazes with me. "We wish to get Garrett safely home, but also to avoid instigating a war between our own people. There is a larger war coming and we would hope to fight side by side with our queen and the court against our common enemy. Losing even one fae to a civil war would weaken us against Naberia."
I replied, keeping my voice steady, "I understand. Your position is very difficult." Aedus sent me a half-smile across the length of the table. The tension between us had eased up a bit.
Aaron said, "We need to think ahead. If she replies that she won't release him, what then?"
Liam replied, "That's the answer we expect. We'll send another message stating that we'd like to come to negotiate for his release under a binding truce."
"Who would she allow into the court to negotiate his release?" Rob asked.
Aedus answered, "My father, Jacqueline, me and perhaps two other fae."
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