rogue shifter 07 - cut off

by parness, gayle

  "Have you heard from Isaiah or Charlie?" he asked.

  "No, but if anything was wrong, one of them would contact me."

  "Aedus told me about your meeting with Father. He was happy with how it went. I'm not sure Father is satisfied, but he rarely is these days." He scowled at the horizon.

  "Lord Caelen's coming with me?"

  "Of course. There was never any doubt about that. Father lives by a strict code, and Garrett is an ally." He shrugged, trying to act nonchalant, but I could feel his frustration at being left out of the delegation.

  I spoke softly. "He wants to keep you away from Fionna."

  "I should be there with you." His eyes sparkled with gold, a sign of intense emotion. "Garrett has been my friend for over one hundred years, and you for over sixteen. I'm so angry, I can't look at my father, let alone speak to him."

  I reached out, placing my hand on his shoulder, a shoulder I'd cried on many a time. "I want you with me, but not if it puts you in danger."

  He stood with a quick grace unique to the fae and began to pace near the edge. "Why would I be in more danger than you? You can't use your demon magic in Faerie, but I'll have full access to my magic. It doesn't make sense."

  "Your father left the court to protect you."

  He turned his back to me, his stance tense. "Pfft. Is that what he told you? He left the court because he didn't want the responsibility of ruling our people."

  "Fionna and her followers were cruel to you."

  He turned back and lowered himself beside me. "Do you honestly believe that I was the only half-human fae living at court? Did he take any of the others with him when he left, even though he knew Fionna might mistreat them? No. Our spies say they've suffered because of his...his cowardice."

  "He takes responsibility for his actions. He told me so himself ten years ago, when I was first negotiating with him to allow Isaiah to train Charlie. He gave everyone the option to join him in Cascade. Most chose to stay."

  "Father's never once admitted his mistake to me. In fact, he rarely admits to making mistakes at all." Liam stretched out on the rock shielding his eyes with an arm flung across them. His position made me laugh out loud. "What?" He lifted his arm and glared at me.

  "You look like Charlie when he's in the throes of a teen hissy fit." He growled and reclined again.

  Hmmph. Males. "He did the best he could under the circumstances. Parents don't usually own up to every little thing. Do you, with Grady?"

  The corner of his mouth twitched where it peeked out under his arm. "Do you know how my brother reacted when the fae at court started to give me trouble?"

  "I can only imagine."

  He moved his arm and sat up, his eyes glittering, this time with humor. "He was sneaky at first. He'd crawl in through a window and spell the room, stringing cords low across the floor so they'd trip and fall into a puddle of spelled dye that was practically impossible to wash off. The next day a fae would be seen wearing gloves to hide his colorful hands. Occasionally it was something worse."

  "Worse?"

  "I won't go into details."

  "Okaaay. Then what happened?"

  "Father found out and we were both punished, even though I had absolutely nothing to do with the prank, other than being the original victim. Father told us that this kind of activity was without honor and that if we had a problem with another fae, we should ask them to train with us and then beat the crap out of them during our sparring session.

  "I was shorter than everyone else, and even though I could fight against another fae with magic, I had more trouble when magic was prohibited. Aedus, the giant, took care of that end. It's one of the reasons he's always trained so hard, and it's contributed to his skills as a warrior. I should remind him that he owes me a debt." He smiled.

  Liam pointed toward a small pod of dolphins hunting for fish in the distance. We watched their antics until I heard him sigh. "Father seems happiest being the top dog in his quartet of elders, not fully responsible for any decision, good or bad."

  I nudged his shoulder playfully with my own. "I realize that you're a mere babe in fae terms, but maybe you should consider asking your dad to sit down for a face to face talk. Go someplace neutral like this. Offer him an olive branch and see what happens."

  Frowning, Liam refused to look my way."That's a shitty idea." he mumbled.

  "Your dad was the heir to the throne of Faerie, under a lot of pressure when his own father and mother left. Finvarra handed over the crown before Caelen was ready to take it. Cut him a little slack. Would you want that responsibility?"

  "He gave the crown to his sister, a known sadist."

  I scowled. "Why are you so understanding when it comes to others, but not with your own dad? I mean, I've had my own tense moments with Lord Caelen, but I'm still surprised at your attitude. He loves you."

  He sat up straighter and met my angry gaze. "I love and respect my father. I admire his strength and intelligence. But..."

  "But he's made mistakes. He's not perfect, are you?"

  One of the dolphins had grown curious, swimming closer to shore. To get a better view we leaned over the edge. He leapt out of the water, splashed us, then swam away with a loud squeak.

  "Everyone's a critic," Liam grumbled, wiping water off his face. After a moment of silence, we started to giggle, then laugh so hard it took us a few minutes to gain enough control to speak.

  "I'm sorry. I'm no one to judge when it comes to family." I wiped away a stray tear.

  "Your words ring true. I'll speak to Father." I gave him a doubtful glance. "I will. I shouldn't have bothered you with this in the midst of everything else."

  A shiver wracked my body, probably brought on by nerves. "Will the queen...will she hurt him?" He hesitated. "The truth."

  "She may, but she'll keep him alive. He'll be home soon. My father may be difficult to live with, but he will not allow his friend to suffer." He wrapped an arm over my shoulder to give me a reassuring hug while storm clouds moved closer, a cooler breeze blowing our hair.

  I squeezed his hand, feeling more confident about Garrett's release. "Thank you. Do you think he knows we're coming?"

  Liam's smile was teasing. "He is most likely worrying that you'll do something foolish without regard for your safety."

  "That's probably true." I shrugged.

  "He always feels you with him, wherever he is."

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  I'd been dreaming of Jackie when I was awakened by the entrance of a tall male I didn't recognize.

  "Vampire, a room has been prepared for you." The fae nodded with a blank expression. I was shocked by his appearance, not just because of the ragged clothing he wore, but also the way his bones jutted out, as if he hadn't eaten well for weeks. Bruises painted his wrists where they poked out from under his sleeves, as if he'd been bound. I wondered if he might be another mistreated half-blood.

  "A room?" I asked, rubbing my face to shake off any residual drowsiness. Elle was already on her feet, trembling slightly and not meeting his gaze. It pained me to the core that she feared even her own kind.

  "Yes. The queen insists that you...that you bathe." He might have expected me to get angry, but his pitiable condition had me concerned. This was the court of Faerie, yet compared to Cascade, it was a third world country. Fionna was draining many of her people, allowing them to waste away without access to their full magic. In turn, the lines near the court were weakening because the court fae were using less magic.

  When I glanced again at the male, I was reminded of what Eleanor had done to her nest at the duel, draining them to gain power. She was also a female willing to sacrifice her people for her own gain. I was surprised that Fionna didn't have a contingent of rebels beating down her door, although it was possible that she had, and that those few had been disposed of.

  I responded to the guard's statement honestly, somehow managing a wan smile. "That is a command I don't mind following. Lead the way, please." I supported Elle by her
elbow and we moved toward the door.

  "Not her." His voice was ice. Elle pulled away and stared at the floor, a submissive position that continued to piss me off.

  "Elle could also use a bath and a good meal." I kept my tone as reasonable as I could manage, while straightening my posture and meeting his gaze. I would not show weakness, even in the throes of blood deprivation.

  "The mongrel is not allowed in that area of our compound."

  Ah. So this male was full-blood. Despite his arrogance, I felt a great sadness wash over me. It was clear now that Fionna was mad and Faerie was in grave danger as long as she remained in power. My expectations of being rescued plummeted.

  Anger prickled my eyes with the usual sensation, causing him to take a step back. "She's accompanying me, or I'm staying here." The fae nodded and started toward the door, calling my bluff. "Wait." He stopped, but didn't turn around. "Your queen wishes for me to feed well. This blend of human and fae blood pleases me best." I pulled Elle in front of me, extending my fangs so there wouldn't be any confusion. "Queen Fionna has already agreed to my keeping her."

  He stilled, perhaps opening a mental link to the Queen. After a moment the male nodded in deference. "Forgive my confusion. The queen will allow it."

  The shower felt decadent after two days of sleeping on a dirty floor. A plain tunic, leggings and soft boots had been provided, so I dressed quickly, never knowing when Fionna might show up with another surprise in store. Elle, who'd showered first, was sleeping on the bed in the dress left by a servant, the outfit worn but still clean. I did my best to get comfortable in the large chair, but I was hungry again, my body keeping track of time much better than any clock.

  When the servant arrived with food and wine, I woke Elle. "You should eat," I said.

  "As should you." She stood and stretched.

  "What I require has not been offered." I smiled wryly.

  "I'm offering. If not for you, I'd still be rotting in that darkened room, or perhaps in the slaugh's belly."

  "Eat, Elle. I can last for months without blood."

  "You are in pain. There is no need." She was angry with me. This female was definitely not one to cower in the corner like the unfortunate goblin.

  "Eat, or I'll call the servant to take the food away," I smiled to let her know I was teasing.

  She teased back. "An alpha male? Jackie is fortunate."

  "I've bullied her into eating and resting more times than I can count."

  "Does she obey?"

  "Yes, usually, but it irritates her."

  "I owe you much Garrett. I can give you more than blood. Willingly."

  The fae were more casual about sex than most other species, partly because of the difficulties they had in conceiving a child. Having spent many years around the Cascade Fae, I understood the value of the offered gift, especially from a female who'd been used so badly by other males.

  "I thank you, Elle." I nodded formally. "Jackie's my lifemate and the only female with whom I share my body."

  She sighed. "Then I shall eat my meal as ordered and hope that one day I find a male who adores me the way you do your Jacqueline." She dug in voraciously, barely able to breathe between bites. Her skin was stretched tight over a bony body that I'm sure had once been lovely.

  "Perhaps you will find such a mate in Cascade." I sipped wine, leaning back in the chair and worrying over what crazy plan Jackie, Caelen and the team had come up with to rescue me. Going by the starved state of the fae I'd seen, an army of Cascade fae could probably win against them no matter what the odds in terms of numbers. However, my primary fear was always for Jackie's safety.

  Fionna arrived in a flurry, interrupting the end of Elle's meal. She had a guard with her, this one healthy and fit.

  "I received correspondence from Cascade that your mate and a contingent of my relatives wish to come to court to negotiate under a binding truce. They did not mention that they would bring Charles. If I do not receive a note stating that he will be accompanying them by tomorrow morning, you will be tortured. Do you think that will cause your mate to change her mind? I hope so, for your sake."

  "Jackie won't sacrifice Charlie for me."

  "You think not? Are you not compatible?" she sneered. Jackie's lovely face returned to my mind in a flash. Memories of her kisses, her sweet laughter, her whispered words. I smiled, but stayed silent.

  Fionna scowled. "I'm sending my answer tonight. If I don't receive a satisfactory reply by first meal, I'll make sure that smile of yours disappears.” She nodded toward the guard, who grabbed hold of Elle's arm. "Come, mongrel. Lord Folont has need of your services."

  I hadn't expected this and my reaction time was too slow, not that I could have stopped them. The look on Elle's face haunted my thoughts as I paced back and forth, praying she'd be returned to me alive. It hadn't been fear or even anger. She'd looked a creature without hope, resigned to her fate.

  I caught the glow of the sunset through the small, silver-barred window and forced my thoughts toward Jackie and the sunsets we'd shared on much happier evenings. "Don't come," I sent to her, knowing that she'd never get my message or feel the fear in my heart that accompanied it.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  Simon knocked on the patio door. He'd been out in the garden throwing a ball to Samson. Those two had really hit it off.

  "May I come in? There's something I'd like to discuss. It concerns your trip to the fae court."

  I opened the door so he could enter. We stared at each other, both of us feeling awkward. "Would you like dinner? I could make something. Liam is with Kellie and Grady visiting Faerie today." Apparently, my suggestions had gotten through my friend's thick skull. Let's hope Lord Caelen would behave as well.

  "If you'll allow it, I'll make dinner for you." Simon seemed hopeful that I'd agree to his attempt to heal the rift between us.

  I smiled. "That would be great. I'm not a cook."

  "Neither am I, but I can come up with something." As he whipped up a delicious ham and mushroom omelet, I put together a small salad and sliced up some fresh sour dough bread, a favorite of mine.

  It was odd, working together in the kitchen, father and daughter, a domestic experience both of us had missed out on. It wasn't through any fault of his, at least not until we'd argued at Bridgett's memorial service. He'd never known I'd existed until sixteen years ago.

  We spoke of the weather and his work. I told him stories about Charlie. When the conversation lapsed, we finished our meal in silence, words still unsaid like high tension wires between us. Where to begin?

  "Jacqueline, I meant what I said yesterday. I'd like a chance to start over." His voice was soothing, rich. Was it a skill sorcerers honed or was it his natural tone? Angel had the kind of voice that could melt butter, but then so did Garrett. I melted for him every time I heard him speak.

  Simon must have noticed my smile. "Did I say something funny?"

  "No, sorry. My mind keeps wandering away."

  "Perhaps later would be better."

  "No. This is great. How about we clean up the kitchen and talk upstairs? There's a nice little terrace and I could use some fresh air."

  After I'd settled myself onto the wicker couch and Simon eased himself into the chair, I spoke quietly. "You know, I'm sorry too. I could have handled the whole thing better. Hearing about what happened to Bridgett at her memorial service must have been tough. My timing sucked."

  This time he smiled. "You have nothing to apologize for." Caught in another awkward pause, we both stared at the stars which were just beginning to pop. "My paternal instincts seem to be coming to the forefront, probably way too late to be forgiven for their long absence."

  We stared at each other, so unsure, yet both of us ready to take the next step. What the heck. "Let's forgive each other."

  The worried folds between his eyes disappeared, making him look years younger and quite handsome. "Yes." He leaned closer and took hold of my hand, the one with the mating mark. He examined
it then glanced up again. "Your magic is strong but it may not be enough. I can give you something that will protect you when you're at court. You won't be allowed to bring weapons, other than the usual symbolic dagger that all fae carry. What I have in mind may help keep you safe."

  I smiled. "Remind me to show you my dagger. It's not just symbolic." His brows arched with interest. "Are you talking about casting some kind of spell over me?"

  "Yes. With it I can boost the strength of your shields, enough to keep Kennet and Fionna out of your head."

  "That's some claim, especially where Kennet's concerned."

  "I've been researching the Arcane for quite some time."

  "We're not talking a blood spell, right?"

  He released my hand and sat back. "I've never explored the Dark Arts. I thought you knew that."

  "Sorry. I did know. Have you used this spell before?"

  He hesitated. "I have not."

  "So this would be an experiment?" The idea of being his guinea pig wasn't terribly appealing.

  "I've done quite a lot of research regarding your bloodlines. A healer like yourself is able to accept benevolent magic, absorbing it thoroughly to gain the most benefit. The spell should work, as long as your healer is dominant. Is it?"

  "Not always in the DR, but in Faerie, I think it may be my strongest defense." My healer was the glue that urged my cheetah and demon to work together. "I don't have any fae magic to call on."

  "If you'll agree, I'll travel home now to get the ingredients I'll need. Perhaps there's a fae available who can transport me?"

  "We have a good friend, Elizabeth Hooper. She's a local witch and will probably have the ingredients at her shop. I'll call her. Angel's working a job in Portugal, otherwise I'd call him."

  "Thank you. I'll need to get started right away. Is there a place here that's out of the way where I can work?"

  "The basement has a small kitchen. You're not gonna blow the place up, right?"

  He grinned. "It's highly unlikely." We both stood so I could retrieve my phone where I'd left it on the kitchen table. Simon tentatively took my hand. I left it there as we walked down the stairs, knowing what that small gesture had cost him. I was feeling just as fragile, but perhaps more hopeful.