rogue shifter 07 - cut off

by parness, gayle

  "Caelen has told me of the judgment against Kennet."

  Garrett waited for an answer, but there was none. "Will you execute Fionna?"

  "Forgive me, Garrett, but my children's fate is not your concern."

  "Oh, but it is." This time I stood.

  Garrett took hold of my hand. "I agree with Jackie, Your Highness. We have a right to this information. Our family's security is at stake, along with the safety of our friends."

  His expression was cool. "I have not made a final determination."

  I sank back into the chair, my energy sapped away. "You're...you're going to let them go?" This was a nightmare.

  "I give you my word that my judgment will not endanger you or your family. However, I will punish my own blood as I see fit. Anyone who takes it upon himself to kill any of my children or grandchildren, will experience my rage made manifest."

  Air was sucked out of the room as if a bomb was exploding beneath our feet, and suddenly I couldn't breathe. Garrett threw his arms around me, sheltering me as I shivered. I trembled, but not from cold or even fear.

  Fin understood. "Child, your anger will tear you apart."

  I shifted my face to see him more clearly. "Garrett was starved and tortured. I was forced to send my son away to keep him safe. I almost went crazy with worry. My anger will dissolve only with the deaths of Fionna and Kennet."

  Fin was suddenly by my side, achieving that feat without flux or breeze, as if he'd always stood there. "You lie to yourself. You choose to hold onto your anger, even though your family is now safe."

  "Are they?"

  "Yes." He touched my shoulder to encourage me to meet his gaze. "Be honest with yourself. If Charles were more like my son in temperament and had killed and tortured many innocents, could you gather the strength to kill him?"

  "No, but...but I wouldn't protect him either. He would be turned over for judgment."

  "Think hard. Would you turn him over for judgment, knowing that he would be executed?"

  "No."

  "You would leave it to another."

  "Yes. I'm his mother. I couldn't do it myself."

  "And I am the king and therefore the judge and jury of all my people, even my own children."

  "Comes with the crown, I suppose." I folded my hands and stared at my lap.

  He reappeared in his chair. "The crown has decided that like you, I want them punished, but unlike you, I want it to be in a way that affords them another chance, perhaps ending this time in redemption."

  "There's no hope for Kennet or Fionna."

  "I have lived a very long time, little mother. I have seen few who could not or would not redeem themselves if given the chance."

  "I've been your son's victim, and might have been again if you hadn't arrived to save us. Kennet is...he has no empathy, no interest in others' feelings. He's ruthless and cruel. That will never change."

  "You have not seen into his mind nor his heart."

  "Kennet has no heart."

  "Not so. He loves you and Charles enough to kill his own people in order to claim you."

  "To own us." I leaned against Garrett. "He wants to own us. We would only be his property." I met his gaze and saw what I most dreaded in his eyes. "You're going to give them a slap on the wrist and tell them to behave. You'll release them." He said nothing. "If that's your plan, I'll kill Kennet myself, and face your wrath gladly."

  "And I will help her." Charlie stood, drawing his dagger.

  "Along with me and my team." Garrett also stood, even though he was still pretty shaky. "The supernatural world is not safe if they are free to roam within it."

  Fin gave us a scrutinizing gaze, then spoke quietly to Caelen in that other language. Caelen nodded in response. "Go home and rest. We will speak again." Fin swept his hand across the room and there was darkness. A moment later, we found ourselves safely on the soccer field at the vamp villa.

  I glanced at my family. "Other than the fact that you're both back home with me, I can't tell if we're better off with Fin in charge or not." We walked together back to the house we shared, not wanting to take the lines, our bodies still buzzing from an overload of fae magic.

  CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

  I was home once again with my mate and my son. I'd suffered through a few days of misery, but now it was over, and I was healthy and strong, fully recovered. I'd lived through much worse under Eleanor but considered myself extremely fortunate that Finvarra had shown up when he did. If he hadn't, I might have been sent home without my family, a situation more horrible than any torture I could have endured at Eleanor or Kennet's hand.

  Everything was perfect, except for the problem of what to do with Elle.

  She'd arrived along with Caelen and Aedus about an hour after Fin had sent us home. I'd been shocked speechless when Caelen told me he wouldn't take her to Cascade. "I have no reason to trust her." he said.

  Aedus agreed. "She is of Fionna's court. She cannot be allowed to move freely among our people."

  "I gave my word to protect her."

  "Then you shall, I have no doubt," Caelen said. "I'll be moving to court within the week, so you can petition the elders and it will be up to them."

  Liam looked sheepish. "There's Kellie and Grady..."

  "It's fine. I'll think of something."

  I called for Sasha. "Elle, I'd like to introduce you to a member of my nest, Sasha Vodinski. He lives in the house next to ours."

  They nodded in the fae way, Sasha's eyes lighting up with interest.

  "Could she stay with you for a few weeks, until I can work something out? She'll be able to go back to court after Fin reinstates the half-bloods. Apparently there are laws that Fionna put in place that have to be removed."

  Sasha grinned in his most seductive way. "Mistress Elle. I am most pleased to offer you a lovely guest suite in my home. Rick and I will be delighted to have you there."

  "Rick?"

  "Rick is a good friend who shares the house with me. He's also a vampire."

  "Are you—are you civilized like Garrett or brutish?"

  Sasha laughed out loud. "I believe that you'll find us to be civilized and most hospitable. And if we do anything that disturbs you, Jackie and Garrett live right next door."

  "Then upon Garrett's recommendation, I shall stay with you, Sasha Vodinski."

  I sent to Sash, mind-to-mind, "No blood or sex. Elle needs to heal. She's been badly mistreated."

  "Yes, master." Sash teased, acting the gentlemen as he led her outside. I had no doubt that Sasha would eventually seduce the female into bed, but I also knew that Elle would be willing when it happened and that Sash and Rick would never hurt her.

  The house now empty, we sat on the couch breathing in each other's scent. For obvious reasons, Jackie and I couldn't seem to stop touching each other. We'd sent Charlie off to Jay's at his request, the relief evident on his face when we said it was okay. As soon as he'd left, I pulled my mate into my lap. "I should spank you." I growled

  "What? I saved your undead ass."

  "You should have stayed with Isaiah and Charlie in the DR." I flipped her around and gave her jeans-covered behind a gentle smack.

  "Ow. You're serious? Your son didn't stick around in the DR either." She struggled to right herself.

  "I'm very serious." I was whispering against her ear, running my hand over the part of her body up for discussion. "You never know. You might enjoy it."

  "What? Have you been corrupted by the fae court?" She squirmed and tried to twist out of my lap, but I held her down for two slightly harder whacks. When I allowed her to flip face up, she was flushed and smiling. She pulled me down on top of her.

  "Kiss me, vampire, before I explode."

  "Mon plaisir, little vixen."

  CHAPTER FIFTY

  I awoke in a panic. Again.

  "Your healer powers burn strong." Those words, spoken in a buttery voice, spread through my body like warm honey wine. When his scent hit me, I knew I was in trouble.

/>   I looked around frantically. I wasn't in my bed. I was under the covers of a large bed I didn't recognize with an extremely handsome fae sitting cross-legged at the foot, leaning against the bedpost. He was dressed in the usual black tunic and dark leggings, but this time he was barefoot.

  I pulled my hand under the blanket and let out a relieved sigh. I wasn't naked. I was still dressed in my usual PJ bottoms and tank top. My hair was loose and in my face. I pushed myself into a sitting position and flattened the mess on my head as best I could.

  "Am I at court?" I asked.

  "Yes."

  "Is this...is this your bed?"

  Finvarra grinned, his eyes raking over my body with mild curiosity. My skin heated. "No. This is a bed in a suite of rooms put aside for guests. Would you prefer to be in my bed? I can arrange that."

  I bit my lip and swallowed down the angry words that were about to explode out of my mouth. This was the King of Faerie. The True king. The One and Only King. The Original King. If I insulted him, he'd end me—maybe. I hadn't quite figured him out—yet. I dredged up my inner diplomat and asked, "Do you have something you wish to discuss with me?" I asked.

  "Yes, I do." Nothing else was forthcoming. A male of few words, when it suited him.

  "Could we hold this discussion at my house? Perhaps on my patio? It's lovely there. Garrett and my son will worry about me if they find that I've disappeared. Again."

  He tilted his head in thought. "Garrett still rests."

  "Yes."

  "Charles is at the home of a—a bear and two leopards."

  "Yes," I scowled. "I would appreciate it very much if you would stay out of my head."

  "You are my guest, so I will agree to this condition. In other circumstances, I may not." It was weird the way he could sneak in and out of my head without hurting me. He was so gentle about it.

  I tried again. "Lord Finvarra, Your Highness, I would be honored if you would join me for brunch on my patio. I will be happy to discuss whatever it is you wish to discuss while we dine."

  "Are you not comfortable here? I tried to make the bed and the chamber similar to your own."

  Ugh. He'd come into my bedroom and looked around before he'd taken me. What a jerk. This was like something Isaiah would pull. Maybe the King of Faerie had some demon blood.

  He was still waiting for my answer. I sensed he wanted the truth. "I feel—at a disadvantage here. Vulnerable."

  "That was not my intention. You were tired and I thought you would be more comfortable waking in a room like your own. We have important matters to discuss that cannot wait."

  "We do?"

  "Yes. I apologize. Now take me to your home." He stood and held out his hand, a hooded cape appearing on his shoulders. As soon as I touched his hand, I was standing beside him wearing my own version of the same kind of garment. He did like his costumes. I wondered if he'd ever read Robin Hood.

  Liam was on the patio discussing my disappearance with Aedus and Farrell when we arrived. They immediately dropped to one knee, then uttered, "Your Highness."

  He smiled in greeting. "Rise. Do you all live here with Jacqueline?" He seemed fascinated as he looked around.

  Aedus glanced at me in confusion, then back at his king. "N...No lord." I live in Cascade with my family. Liam and Farrell have homes both in this world and Cascade. We were gathered together here because we were concerned for Jacqueline's safety. Samson was whimpering at your door, so Liam went inside to check on you."

  I moved toward the patio door that led into the kitchen. "Please excuse me for a moment. I'm going to get dressed." I looked at Liam with pleading eyes. "I've invited Lord Finvarra to stay for brunch. Or is it lunch? I have no idea what time it is." I looked at the other two fae and snapped, "You can stay, too."

  Liam smiled. "It's only ten in the morning." He turned to his king. "What would you like to eat, Your Highness?"

  He scowled. "Call me Grandsire, Liam. I am not at court or even in Faerie, so I see no reason for such formality." He looked at Liam with curiosity. "You cook?" Liam nodded. "With the help of servants?"

  "No, Grandsire, only an occasional spell." He grinned. "I enjoy preparing meals all on my own."

  I heard Fin say as I opened the sliding door, "I think you should prepare Jacqueline's favorite midmorning meal. I fear I have angered her, which is not wise if one wishes to begin negotiations." He was teasing me, I knew, but he wasn't far off the mark.

  Cursing loudly while I threw clothes around inside my walk-in closet, I picked out my usual jeans and tee shirt then crept into the bedroom to find my favorite flip flops. Garrett needed his rest and I wasn't going to disturb him if I could help it.

  Couldn't I have one lousy day off? Now I had to sit through some long meal with a guy I wasn't sure I even liked, even though he'd saved my ass from Kennet.

  When I flashed back to the patio, Aedus looked at me with disapproval and shook his head. I slammed my hands onto my hips. "This is my home and I like to be comfortable. You fae are going to have to deal with it."

  Fin scowled at Aedus then smiled at me. "I find your attire delightful and am not at all insulted by its informal nature. As you say, this is your home and you have graciously invited me to share a meal with you. I thank you." He turned to Aedus. "Did my son, Caelen, not teach you manners? You are a guest. The laws of guest and host are sacrosanct."

  Aedus stood and nodded formally. "My grandsire is correct. I apologize, Jacqueline." There was a humorous glint in his eye.

  "Sit down. I forgive you. It's been a tough week for all of us." Farrell was helping Liam in the kitchen, so I had a chance to look closely at Aedus and Fin together. "I've always thought that you and your dad looked like brothers, Aedus, but you and Fin could be twins. Your coloring is exactly the same and except for your eyes, you're identical." Fin's eyes looked black, the purple only showing up in very bright light.

  "The male line with my Lady Aine is strong. She was Queen and wanted children. I was fertile and wanted her." He laughed. "I killed her consort, my brother, thereby demonstrating I would be the better match. She wisely made me king."

  "Argon and Kennet...."

  "...Jorrenn and Dinestri resemble their mothers, each of whom holds a special place in my heart. I look forward to traveling to Cascade one day to meet with them and my other grandchildren."

  "The female line is usually the stronger." Aedus explained." Linn looks like my lady, Philladre."

  "Not completely. She has your coloring and your smile." I looked at Fin. "Perhaps I should say your coloring and smile?"

  He put his arm around Aedus' shoulder, startling him. "My grandson is fair, do you not think so? Caelen, too."

  "At the risk of making your heads swell, I believe it would be difficult to find a female who'd disagree with you." They both laughed, their male egos warming under my appreciative gaze.

  Liam and Farrell brought the food and we began to eat. Coffee, juice, pancakes, bacon, and fruit salad. Yum.

  "What is this?" Fin held up a pancake, looking unsure. I explained and demonstrated using butter and syrup. He took a bite. "This is a sticky confection. You enjoy sweets?"

  "Oh yes, especially chocolate."

  "Chocolate?" He cocked an eyebrow.

  "After breakfast." We all began to eat in earnest.

  Fin pointed his fork at Liam. "I see that you favor your lovely mother, Lady Erin."

  "I will send her your regards, Grandsire." Liam said.

  "You hardly ever see her." Aedus snapped. "Or Father either."

  "Is there tension between you and Caelen?" Fin asked.

  "He dislikes that I spend most of my time here in this world." Liam grumbled.

  Fin tilted his head. "Your aura is as strong as any full-blood fae. Your bloodline dictates that you may live comfortably in either realm. You are a healer as well?"

  "Yes, lord...Grandsire." Liam smiled, real warmth alight in his eyes.

  Fin grinned back and took another bite of pancake. "These cakes
are very good." he mumbled while chewing.

  Even though he could be annoying as hell, it was hard not to like Fin. He was a little bit quirky and a lot scary, but there was something that drew you to him like the birds to the trees.

  "I will have a talk with my son, the curmudgeon." We all laughed at that. "His nature was always serious, but he and his ladies have done a fine job with both of you. It has been quite a long time since I've been with family." He turned to Farrell. "Farrell, I have had the pleasure of meeting your sister Kellaine. You are younger?"

  "Born one hundred years ago. My sister is over six hundred."

  "But she doesn't look a day over three hundred," I quipped. Several sets of eyes in various shades of purple turned in my direction. I lifted my hands and shrugged. "It's a human joke. Sorry."

  Fin blinked, then asked, "Now that we have shared food, Jacqueline, might we speak privately?" Without any hesitation the others stood, bowed and disappeared. A second later the table was magically cleared of all food, leaving only a flask of honey wine, two glasses, a carafe of coffee and two mugs.

  "Would you like wine, or would you perhaps walk with me? It is indeed lovely here."

  "I'll show you the work done by my demi-fey friends." I stood, surprised to find that I was trembling, not knowing what to expect from this alien being. My fae friends had left me alone with him, and because I trusted them, I was forced to trust him.

  He offered his arm and I hooked my hand over his elbow. "I will never harm you or your family, little mother. Do not fear for yourself or for them."

  Because I was touching him, the thrum of his magic, even here in my world, was distracting. "Could you block...um...dampen your magic? The vibration is hard to ignore." The magnetic pull turned my stomach upside down.

  "Of course." All was peaceful once again.

  We strolled together through the rose garden which was still in bloom despite the cooler weather. "Extraordinary," he said. I would never have thought to see pixie magic here in this world. Did they not suffer from the cooler temperatures?"

  I showed him their living quarters in the tree, including the covered passageways to the greenhouses and the house itself. The outer hutches stood empty at the moment, but were sometimes occupied by three or four rabbits or rats. They were skilled hunters as well as gifted gardeners.