rogue shifter 07 - cut off

by parness, gayle

  "Well, that's definitely not happening." Ethan replied vehemently. "Jackie can't go to the court with just a few guards. Kennet's there."

  "The queen will allow me in." Farrell hadn't spoken so far.

  Aedus frowned, twisting to face his cousin. "Why do you believe this?"

  "I'm also the queen's nephew. A royal like you. Keara and Brina will come. Between you, me, your father and the sisters, we could take on five times our number."

  "Which would be twenty-five. Twenty-five against three hundred." Liam was losing patience with the other two. "We can't win against them if there's a fight."

  Farrell scowled at Liam. "Do you think the idiots at court practice for war? They're too busy trying to stay out of her way. She feeds her own people to her pet slaugh and her..."

  "How do you know this?" Aedus' eyes had narrowed to slits.

  "Do you think you're the only one with spies at court? I have friends there that will fight beside us if a battle becomes necessary."

  "You're too young and inexperienced."

  Farrell bristled."And you're not king yet, cousin."

  A female voice cut through the angry words. "I see I've arrived just in time to stop a brawl between my know-it-all brother and my arrogant cousin. You two would be wise to remember that you are in the home of a respected female whose mate has been abducted and who's had to send her son far away. She's missing both of them terribly, and yet she's holding herself together with courage while you two argue like schoolchildren. Show her some respect or I will personally beat some into you." Kellaine stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at the two argumentative males.

  Aedus smiled at the fiery female. "You are correct, as always, Kellie." He turned toward me. "I apologize for my inappropriate behavior, Jacqueline. If the queen allows Farrell or any other fae to accompany us, then it would make sense to include them in the party." He nodded in my direction with his hand over his heart.

  Farrell frowned at his sister, then shrugged. "I'm sorry, Jackie. I want Garrett back, and I got a little overenthusiastic." Farrell glanced at Aedus out of the corner of his eye. This might be an ongoing bone of contention between them. Farrell was the full blood child of an elder, so his position in the Cascade Sidhe was almost as strong as Aedus'.

  Kellie dragged a chair next to mine and the room grew quiet, none of the others wanting to say anything that might get them scolded. Kellie said as she sat, "You need a female fae's opinion."

  "And she's more than happy to provide hers." Liam teased. Everyone laughed, including Kellie, which broke the tension. The affection was strong between Kellaine and Liam, even though they'd never gone through the binding ritual as Aedus had with Philladre.

  I asked Aedus, "When you send another note, will you tell Fionna where I've sent Charlie?"

  "She'll find out soon enough on her own. She has spies in the Demon Realm."

  "Isaiah will glamour him like he did me."

  "It won't matter. Charlie's aura will be impossible for Isaiah to hide completely."

  "He hid mine without a problem." Aedus looked surprised. "He's older than your dad and just as powerful."

  "Perhaps, but one's aura is the most difficult aspect to disguise. Brina is the only fae I know who can transition completely, and she can only hide herself."

  "Finvarra could do it." We turned to look at Grady, surprised that he'd come in so quietly. "That's who she inherited the gift from."

  "You weren't given permission to attend this meeting, son." Liam smiled indulgently.

  "I want to volunteer to help Mrs. Cuvier in any way that I can. Garrett's like an uncle to me."

  "Thank you." I stood and hugged him, noticing his cheeks pinking up just a little when I pulled away. He was twenty-one and serious about his studies involving fae history. "How do you know about Finvarra?"

  "Most fae don't bother delving too far into the past, but Lady Dinestri helps me when I'm in Cascade. Finvarra was the first male to be crowned king. Aine was the queen and she had a consort as most queens before her did. She didn't enjoy ruling on her own, so she was considering making her consort king. When Finvarra heard, he challenged the much older fae for the crown, and he defeated him easily. He forced Aine to make him king and they ruled together for thousands of years."

  "Now Fionna has the power." Aedus said, disgruntled. "What a mistake that was.

  "Well, it's all because of Grandfather." All eyes shifted to Grady. "Lord Caelen, gave the crown to her."

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  I sat in my brocade chair by the window, my legs resting on a foot stool. "Turn around." The female shuffled slowly, turning in place, her eyes on the floor. "Lift your arms, Niral."

  "I am too weak, lord."

  "The vampire healed you. Try again." Although I was annoyed that Fionna hadn't consulted me about which mongrel to send to the vampire, this one had already managed to convince him to heal her wounds. It seemed she would suit our needs well.

  The fae mongrel lifted her hands then dropped them, choking on a sob. "I cannot. I am hungry. I have no strength."

  I perused her body, my gaze trailing over her bony shoulders and ribs. Her breasts were barely visible under the rough fabric of her sleeveless shift. "Elle is your sister, correct?"

  The question instantly brought her gaze to mine. "Yes. Have you seen her? Does she live?"

  "Oh yes, she lives." And was quite entertaining at times.

  "Thank the gods." She clutched her fist to her chest in relief. Poor girl to be so easily deceived. "The queen sent her to the fields. It has been decades since I have seen her." I smiled, remembering times when her sister had visited my rooms. Elle did not work the fields, but instead the private quarters of many pure-blood seelie fae. As mongrels went, Elle was quite lovely.

  I handed the waif two slices of bread and a hunk of cheese. "Sit there." I pointed toward the wooden chair in the corner near the far window. Anything she touched would have to be disinfected when she left. Her stench was horrific.

  Niral ate ravenously, almost choking on the meager fare. I gave her wine, but after the first goblet, I replaced it with water. I sat in the cushioned chair across from her, keeping my voice low and soothing. "Your sister will live if you follow my orders."

  "Thank you, lord. I will do whatever you want. I swear it."

  "The vampire must feed." Her eyes widened as she glanced up. "He has not fed in two days. The queen wishes him to be in good health." She lifted her chin, the courage it took to meet my gaze so like her sister's. This was a female whose limits might exceed most of my other playthings.

  She spoke, sounding uncertain. "I will offer him my blood if that will secure my sister's safety."

  "You will offer him your blood no matter what I decide to do with your sister."

  She stared at the floor and trembled. "Yes, lord."

  "But if you offer him as much blood as he needs to heal and completely regain his strength, then I will help your sister, Elle."

  "I will give him as much as he needs."

  "He will take too much."

  "What?"

  "Do you want your sister to live?"

  "Yes."

  "Then you will convince him to take his fill." When Caelen arrived with Charles, it was important that the vampire appear in good health. Fionna had struck the deal, sending a note that put all of us in jeopardy if the vampire were injured. Unless, of course, the delegation from Cascade did not arrive with my son in tow. In that circumstance, Garrett was mine to do with as I pleased. I allowed my mind to wander for a moment, the images of his torture bringing a smile to my face.

  "Will he...will he kill me?"

  "That is not a certainty." I ran a hand along the leather arm of the chair, reminding me of the braided handle of my latest riding crop. "I imagine it depends on how much blood he requires. He has not fed for some time."

  "If I do this, will my sister, Elle, be allowed to leave the court if she wishes?"

  I smiled with a calm reassurance. "Yes
. She will be allowed to follow her heart's desire. I promise." I stood. "Do not tell him what we've discussed. Give him the blood if he asks for it, but don't be too eager."

  She collapsed to the floor and crawled toward my feet. "Thank you, Lord Kennet." I removed the dagger from my belt. As soon as she noticed she scooted away. "Please, Lord Kennet. Do not..."

  "What?"

  "I beg you. Do not kill me."

  "I am cutting you to attract the vampire's interest. It will not hurt for long."

  Satisfied that the injury was deep enough to suit my purposes, I sent Niral to Garrett. A servant entered soon after.

  "Send for Elle." It was time I reacquainted myself with that sweet creature.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  At first I thought I'd imagined it, but then I heard it again. A groan. Oh yes, the female. I must have managed to get some rest after all. I winced when a stomach cramp hit me full force. When it passed, I struggled with my sore joints and muscles to sit up and look around.

  The same fae female turned restlessly in the corner of the room, her wrists and ankles now in chains, probably to encourage me to feed. Saliva filled my mouth, the smell of her blood, pulsing with fae magic, caused my fangs to extend.

  She looked at me with her violet gaze and sobbed out, "Please..."

  Fionna stood in the doorway, her gown a holographic rainbow of glitter, so out of place in the damp, smelly room I almost laughed. "Vampire. I do not wish for you to die, so it is best if you drain the slave. I might not offer you another meal for a very long time."

  I rasped out, "Fionna. Send me home. I've done nothing to anger you."

  "You are simply a means to an end." She smirked. I wanted to choke her until her eyes bugged out.

  "What end?"

  I want Charles at court. He will be brought to me and kept here until the war begins. I have offered to return you in exchange for him. Caelen will comply by tomorrow or I will kill more members of his Sidhe."

  "You've murdered fae from Cascade?"

  "Only one. No one of importance. Now eat." Fionna disappeared.

  The odor of the female's blood permeated the small space, making my stomach clench in excruciating pain. Seeing my desperate expression, she scooted into the far corner and curled her body into a ball.

  "They cut you again?" She nodded. "Cover the wound. It will help me resist the urge to feed." She tore off a section of her dress and wrapped it around her arm.

  "The queen wishes for you to lose control and drain me."

  "I'll be able to resist." At least for a few more days.

  "Kennet wishes for me to offer myself to you."

  "Kennet?" Shit. I'd forgotten that he was here. My head began to pound more steadily, the blood deprivation kicking in full force. I rubbed my temples, but the effort was futile. Hoping to get my mind off the pain, I asked her, "You grew up at court?"

  She sighed. "I served the queen, until she learned..."

  "Learned?"

  "My great-great-grandfather was human."

  I thought of my closest friend. "Do you know of Liam? His mother is human, but he's as magically strong as any full-blood fae."

  "Some of my people whisper of Liam and his brother and father. Many of us wish that we had left with them all those years ago."

  "The Cascade Elders might still allow you to settle there."

  "It is too late for me, but perhaps not for my sister, Elle. Could you take her with you when you leave? When Lord Kennet's son is delivered to the queen, she will let you go."

  "Charles is my son, not Kennet's." I snapped.

  My tone had been sharper than I'd intended, startling her. She dropped her gaze to the floor. "I am sorry. I should not have spoken so. The young male is fortunate to have a father such as you."

  "I'm the lucky one." I thought of my family and rubbed the back of my neck, trying to loosen the stiffness. "Jacqueline will never allow Charlie to be brought to Fionna."

  "She loves you so little?"

  I smiled. "What's your name?"

  "Niral."

  "Do you have a child, Niral?"

  "I have not been honored in that way."

  "You still have time." She looked up, surprised. "When a female becomes a parent, her instincts to protect her child take precedence over everything else. This is normal and isn't a sign that she loves me less, only that she's made extra room in her heart for another."

  "And a father's instincts?"

  "To protect and love them both." Running my fingers through my hair in frustration, I leaned against the wall and sighed. "I've been doing poorly in that regard, I'm afraid. I believe she'll come for me herself."

  "This saddens you?"

  I stood and paced slowly, warming up muscles stiff from lack of use. "If I had any choice in the matter, I'd lock her in the house and make sure she never set foot at court." A shiver ran down my spine as I thought about what would happen when she appeared before Fionna, demanding my release. Caelen would accompany her, but I doubted that Fionna would allow anyone else through the wards. Two against hundreds were horrific odds.

  Niral yawned loudly. "Rest." I said, "I'll keep away from you." I slid my body down the far wall drawing my bent legs up to my chest. The smell of her blood was now making my fangs ache and throb. I closed my eyes. William had endured this for many years. I could do no less.

  The queen returned a few minutes later. "You think this is a game? Drain her, Garrett, or I will give the mongrel to the slaugh. You will watch as before."

  Niral stared at Fionna with a horrified expression. In desperation she prostrated herself before the queen. "Please, your majesty, I will work harder."

  "My pet is hungry. You have little time." When Fionna left, Niral collapsed, her body wracked with sobs. I pulled her into my arms, trying to offer what little comfort I could.

  "Please...he'll tear me apart. Please...," she sobbed.

  She didn't know I'd already witnessed his dining habits. "He ate—recently."

  "She has a menagerie. This creature's been bellowing from hunger. Our quarters are nearby. The female goblin did little to appease him. We knew that someone would be sacrificed again soon, but it's rarely a seelie fae." She swallowed down another choking sob. "Lord Kennet said you would ask to feed from me and that he would protect my sister if you...if you took all that you required. He never said the queen would give me to the slaugh."

  She tore the scrap of fabric from her arm and I twisted away at the sight. "You must. At least if I feed you, it will strengthen you. You may have a chance to escape and protect your mate and perhaps my sister."

  "Thank you, Niral, but I won't be made a monster. I've already risen from those ashes." My mind flashed back to my time spent with Eleanor. Participating in the torture and murder of innocent humans, shifters, wolves and even other vampires made me grateful that I rarely dreamt. I'd left that life far behind me.

  She pushed against my chest with her thin hands and arms. "Do not be a coward. You need my blood, and I need the peace you can give me with an honorable death." She placed a hand on my chin and wrenched it around so I would face her. "I, Niral, of the Seelie Court of Queen Fionna offer my blood to you freely. No harm will come to you or your family or allies because of my sacrifice. This is binding between us. In return you will try to help my sister, Elle. I know that you may not succeed, but you must at least try."

  She grabbed my wrist and bit into it with her own sharp fangs, taking one long sip. Then she offered me her own wrist. "Honor me in this way, Garrett. Allow my death to have meaning."

  I was overwhelmed by her courage, so I nodded with my hand on my heart and forced myself to bite her wrist. As per the ritual I took only one sip. "I, Garrett Cuvier, accept the terms of our agreement and your sacrifice. I will honor your memory, Niral, and do all I can to aid your sister, Elle."

  "Will it hurt to die in this way?" Her violet eyes were wide with fear.

  I stroked her hair and kissed her forehead, trying to soothe her.
"You'll fall asleep."

  "Please, find Elle," she whispered. "The queen makes her work in the fields without the use of magic."

  "I promise to do everything I can."

  She smiled and laid her thin hand on my jaw. "Thank you. Hurry now, before the queen returns."

  Her bleeding wrist brushed against my lips, but I pushed it away, trembling with the need to feed. "The neck will be faster and more merciful." I moved her into my lap as I leaned against the wall farthest from where the queen had appeared. I brushed aside her lovely dark hair, bit down and began to drink. Her blood was ambrosia, full of the magic of Faerie, yet I was heartsick as I drank away her life. I drank until her heart stopped, then I laid her on the floor in as dignified a pose as I could manage. "Thank you, Niral. I'll never forget you. In Cascade they will accord you full honors."

  "That is so sweet." Fionna smirked in triumph. She had hold of another young female fae, pulling on her long braid and causing her pain with each yank. Fionna pushed her into the room and the girl collapsed on the floor near Niral's body.

  "Your sister was drained by the vampire. Look how he bit into her neck and wrist. He was brutal, Elle." The queen laughed and disappeared, leaving the new female where she'd landed. She scooted closer to Niral and then began to tremble.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  During the meeting, Aislin showed up with a message just delivered to Cascade from the queen. Because of Aedus' warning, none of us were surprised when she stated that she would not release Garrett until Charles arrived at court. Her message continued, stating that if she found out we did not intend to bring Charles, Garrett would be tortured until we complied with her demands.

  "This caveat regarding Garrett's torture was not in the original message." Farrell protested.

  Liam took hold of my hand. "She will be forsworn if she hurts him, and even Fionna is not that stupid."

  "What would that mean?" I asked.

  "According to our system of honor, her own people would turn away from her, casting her down and supporting a new monarch."

  Farrell shook his head. "She's drained them of most of their powers. They cannot cast her aside."