Hunter: Faction 10: The Isa Fae Collection

by Angela Fristoe

  Reluctantly, he trailed after them. It might have been Thora’s choice to make, but he would do everything possible to stop it from coming to that. As long as he honored his commitments, Amadeus had no right to allow Sophie retribution.

  When he walked into the Chamber, he found Sophie standing in the center of round room. At the front of the room behind a large basin of alítheia water, was a long semi-circle table where the six Council members sat, along with two representatives from the Witches’ Grand Coven and Amadeus. Around the sides of the room, spectators filled the seats. Many he recognized as Council staff, and he spotted his sister sitting in the back. Thora was being led to a seat in the middle of the front row beside Anton Galani.

  “Garrett.” Amadeus’s voice boomed as a projection spell ensured everyone heard the proceedings. “Stand before The Council.”

  Garrett joined Sophie, who glanced at him with a look of utter confusion, and it threw him off completely. Why would she play innocent if she had told them he had rescinded his offer? And if she didn’t know what was going on, then who had called the meeting? And why?

  Madhavi, head of the Fae Council, rose from her seat with a graceful wave of her arms that sent the dangling sleeves of her dress fluttering around her.

  “Unity is the binding of two souls, aligned by the soul stars, to share their lives and purpose. It is a trust between the mates that forges an eternal bond that forsakes the will of the individual, and guides them in a united front against the temptations of those who seek to destroy it.”

  Garrett had heard Madhavi speak those same words at every unification ceremony he'd been to. Was that what this was?

  He glanced back at Thora, and his heart clenched at the haunted expression she wore. He didn’t want her to witness his unification to Sophie.

  “Unity between a breed and Fae is especially sacred,” Madhavi continued. “With Queen Tatiana’s sacrifice, the Fae Council and the Witches’ Grand Coven formed The Peace Treaty pledging an allegiance to protect the breeds from any harm that might befall them.”

  A sour taste filled Garrett’s mouth at the hypocrisy of her words. Of all the Fae, Madhavi benefited most from the abuse of the breeds.

  “To ensure no breed enters in to a union with another who may be intent only on obtaining their atern generating abilities, the treaty established the need for a family member to give consent for the bred to unite.” She lifted her arm and beckoned someone. “I call on the family of the breed Sophie to step forward.”

  Garrett twisted around to see Odessa make her way between the chairs until she stood beside Sophie.

  Madhavi’s eyes fell on Garrett, and something about her gaze made him realize whatever was about to happen had the potential to be much worse than he'd feared.

  “When a Fae or witch fails to uphold their obligations, it is a sad day for all,” she said before returning to her seat.

  Beside Madhavi, the Grand Witch Helen stood, her frail frame a stark contrast to the eternally youthful Fae surrounding her.

  “A charge was brought before The Grand Coven, and per The Peace Treaty, we shared it with The Council. As Madhavi said, it is a sad day when a Fae forsakes their duty.”

  “I’ve not broken my promise to Sophie,” he protested, anticipating their accusation. “I am prepared for unification when The Council grants permission on her birthday.”

  “I can verify this,” Sophie said, only adding to his confusion about the situation.

  Helen ignored them both.

  “For months Odessa has refused to grant approval for the unification of her grandchild, Sophie, with the Fae, Garrett Zannis. It was not the place of The Council to question her decision, nor did they.” Helen nodded to the others sitting at the table. “However, as Sophie’s twenty-fourth year ends, family approval will no longer be required. And in light of new information submitted to The Grand Coven, we requested this meeting to discuss the unification of Sophie and Garrett.”

  Helen placed her hands on the table and leaned forward. “Anton Galani, stand before this gathering.”

  Anton rose from his seat, a cocky smile marring his face. “My position within The Coven has been kept secret. Only the Grand Witch Helen knew of my duties here. To everyone else, I was just another guest visiting family. My real purpose was to determine the legitimacy of the unifications conducted at The Sanctuary.”

  Gasps spread through the chambers, and Madhavi scowled.

  “What is the meaning of this, Helen?” she demanded. “You placed a spy within these walls?”

  “With good reason,” Anton said. “Initially, all seemed well. The couples I came across seemed genuinely happy.”

  Moving his arms in a windmill motion, he generated a connection to the alítheia water, lifting it into a massive floating orb. Within it, images flashed by of smiling faces, until it showed Garrett’s face. Sophie stood beside him, but his gaze was locked on something else—someone else—outside of the memory.

  “But not everyone was as truthful in their commitments. I have reason to suspect the Fae, Garrett, has been… involved with the breed Thora.” In the orb, Garrett could be seen leaving Thora’s room as she watched behind him. Anton approached table. “I request an order for Garrett Zannis to reveal his memories of all events occurring since arriving at The Sanctuary with Thora.”

  Stunned silence echoed through the room as not a single soul dared even whisper. Memory reveals had never been ordered by The Council before. While he had taught Thora the trick, it had been on a small scale. A few images to elicit emotions. A full reveal was an invasion of privacy that was unheard of. He could almost see the frantic thoughts of Amadeus and Madhavi as they contemplated what ordering a memory reveal would unleash upon them. Finally, Marcella broke the uneasy tension, rising from her seat.

  “That is a broad request, and one I object to as I’m sure The Council does as well,” she said, her eyebrows lifting in expectation at the members who began nodding their heads. “Garrett’s position as a hunter entitles him to classified information, and his role as comptroller of The Depository requires him to frequently look over confidential accounts.”

  “True,” Madhavi agreed, her relief visible as she settled back in her chair.

  “The Coven demands answers,” Helen snapped. “Article Thirteen states we retain the right to call forth all evidence in a dispute.”

  “Perhaps a compromise then,” Marcella suggested. “Anton has insinuated Garrett betrayed Sophie with Thora. A simple memory request of events involving Thora would be all that was needed.”

  Madhavi nodded, and Garrett realized any hope of avoiding it was over. Within minutes, they would know he had broken his unification promise, and Sophie would be given permission to claim her restitution. Unless he stopped it. He could reveal The Council’s deeds, and they would let Thora walk out of here a free woman. Until they reassembled and began their abuse again. But it would give her time to strengthen her magic, maybe enough time that she'd find a mate who could protect her. If he didn’t, Sophie could demand banishment or service, or even death.

  He glanced at Thora, willing her to understand that he couldn’t let that happen to her. That he was willing to sacrifice the lives of thousands of breeds for her.

  Thora shook her head then rushed to edge of the basin before he had time to stop her.

  She stretched her arm out, and her hand cut through the water. The force of the magic arched her back and lifted her on to her tip toes. The images flew by, and at times it was like a movie until she yanked her hand free and sank to the ground. Nothing could have been more damning than the last image frozen in the orb. Garret’s face contorted in ecstasy.

  He rushed forward and helped Thora to her feet. She leaned in to him, and he supported her weight as she focused on regaining her energy.

  Behind him, Sophie gave a loud sob, and he would have believed her grief if he hadn’t known her feelings for him were only for what he could do for her.

  Madhavi cleared h
er throat. “Permission will not be granted for a unity between Garrett and the breed, Sophie.”

  “I request Sophie be returned to my custody,” Odessa said. “That this deceit would be allowed to go on in the very place that professes to be a sanctuary for breeds is unacceptable.”

  “Permission granted,” Madhavi said.

  A war of emotions exploded within Garrett. He would no longer be bound by the unification promise to Sophie, yet he had failed to uphold his duty. Sophie was back in the hands of Odessa, and any Fae her grandmother chose to lend her to.

  She stared up at him with harsh accusation, and all he could do was whisper, “I’m sorry.”

  How sorry could he be lately? He was sorry he'd failed her, he was sorry he'd hurt Thora, sorry he hadn’t stood firm in his obligations.

  Sophie faced The Council and lifted her chin. “I leave the fate of Garrett and Thora in your hands.”

  Odessa grasped Sophie’s arm and tugged her along out of the chamber. He'd expected some struggle from Sophie, but she went quietly, probably stunned from the sudden shift her life had taken.

  A firm resolve stiffened his spine. Regrets had done nothing for him. Now he needed to make things right.

  “They violated a unification trust,” Amadeus said. “This is one of the most grievous offenses within The Peace Treaty. I suggest banishment for both.”

  A rumble of agreement came from the table, and Garrett realized how in jeopardy his plan to expose their deception was. Banishment meant there would be no way for him to attend The Summit.

  “Sophie chose no retribution. She left the decision to the six Council members.” Marcella’s narrowed eyes focused on one Council member at a time until it came to a stop on Madhavi. There was no doubt her exclusion of Amadeus was intentional.

  “I would advise The Council to consider all consequences of any punishment handed out. If Garrett can no longer access The Sanctuary, The Depository will be required to close all accounts related to its business,” she said. “And Thora was not under trust, so such a punishment seems overly harsh, particularly when you consider the fate of Lorelle’s mate. It might give the appearance of unfair treatment of breeds and witches to know that a Fae who sold his mate to the Bascadors was given only a slap on the wrist, while a breed received banishment for a minor indiscretion.”

  Garrett marveled at his sister’s skill in manipulating The Council. Any doubt he might have had of her ability to rule as the Fae Queen was vanquished by her poise as she stared down each member.

  Madhavi gave a slight nod. “I agree with you, Marcella, but what other options do we have?”

  His sister’s lips twitched at having maneuvered them so easily, but when her smile turned to him, he realized her humor wasn’t directed only toward them.

  “Garrett could have his privileges within The Sanctuary restricted, including rescinding his access to the breed floor and the service wing,” Marcella suggested. It would make it a challenge for him to continue gathering information, but not impossible. “As for Thora, the choice should be hers. She may join the service staff, face banishment, or unite with Garrett.”

  Garrett’s jaw clenched. Thora didn’t deserve to be forced to make that choice. Another few weeks, and she'd be free to live as she wanted.

  “Is this an acceptable solution to The Coven?” Madhavi turned her attention to the witch.

  Helen stared at Marcella, her eyes narrowing for a moment before she inclined her head. “It is.”

  “Then the choice is Thora’s. Unification, service, or banishment.”

  In his arms, Thora tensed and shifted away from him. It was a subtle movement, but one that instantly told him what she planned to do.

  She would choose banishment. Not for lack of love, but because of the love she did have for him. She wouldn’t force him to unite with her.

  He slid his hand around the back of her neck, his fingers grazing her exposed skin. A shiver went through her, and he pressed lightly, sending a pulse of magic through her.

  “Unification.”

  The word slipped from her lips, and, immediately, her eyes widened in shock as her hand lifted to cover her loose lips. Garrett might have felt guilty if the answer hadn’t been her own. The spell he used had simply compelled her to speak her desire. One he knew she would have pushed aside so as to not force his hand. But she wasn’t forcing it on him.

  “Then let us begin,” Madhavi said.

  Unification ceremonies in The Sanctuary were few and far between, but when they did occur, they were lavish events held in the ballroom with guests from across the realm in attendance. It was the only time The Council opened the doors to non-family or hunters.

  Garrett and Thora’s unification was anything but elaborate. Madhavi recited the ancient phrases that bound their souls together, and then told them to kiss.

  He'd kissed Thora before, and while it was always amazing, the unification kiss was beyond anything he'd ever thought would exist. Her supple lips opened eagerly under the pressure of his tongue pressed in, eager for the unique taste of her. His fingers threaded through her hair, tipping her head to the side to deepen the kiss. As his tongue swept across hers, a surge of sensations flowed through him, leaving him desperate for more of her. The connection between them sparked a fire within his soul that urged him on in a wild call to her.

  Pain pricked at his shoulders as her fingers bit in to him. It was enough to draw him back to their surroundings and the crowd watching them.

  With a ragged breath, he rested his forehead on hers and closed his eyes.

  Of everything he'd thought that day would lead him to, he'd never anticipated that.

  His mate.

  Chapter 15

  She and Garrett were united. After weeks of trying to accept that he would never be hers, he belonged to her.

  The chamber room seemed to spin before her, and she held tight to his waist. He supported her as they made their way from the room and up the stairs to the guest floor.

  When they reached his room, he led her inside then sat down at his desk and pulled a notebook from underneath. She sat on the reading bench in the window and watched as he used some sort of magic spell to generate a flurry of sparkles around the book.

  Enclosed with him in the luscious space, reality swiftly began to take hold. When they first stood before The Council, she had expected the worst. She'd been prepared for banishment, or even death. Unification with Garrett had never seemed so impossible. Until suddenly it was done.

  Any reluctance she'd had vanished when he pressed his lips to hers, and now… the feeling of home was complete. Garrett was her mate. Not just for a few fleeting minutes, but for eternity. Yet it had been her choice. Not his.

  “Why?” she asked.

  Garrett looked up from where he'd sat at his desk, a quill in his hand.

  “Why what?”

  “Why did you do it? I never wished for unification to be forced upon you.”

  He came over to her and cupped her face in his hands, waiting until she met his gaze.

  “It was not force.”

  “An hour ago, you were ready to bind your soul to Sophie.”

  “So she wouldn’t have Amadeus force you in to service.”

  She shook her head. “But she was gone and you were free of your promise. Free. I told you a few weeks—”

  “Thora,” he interrupted her. “Perhaps our unification didn’t happen like it should have, but if there’d been no Sophie and no Council, we would be exactly where we are right now.”

  She wanted to believe him, but everything was still so new. How could she trust that he wasn’t simply saying that to ease her guilt?

  He caught her lips in a soft kiss that slowly left her thinking of nothing but him. When his fingers slipped up to play with the tips of her ears, she melted against him. Ripples of pleasure radiated through her.

  “Close your eyes,” Garrett said.

  Her eyes lids fluttered closed. Without sight, her other sens
es perked up. The heat of his body only inches away, warming her, his harsh breathing, and the rustling of clothing as he undressed. She started to open them, but he stopped her.

  “Keep them closed.”

  “You’re horrible to tease me,” she said with a smile.

  “After this afternoon, you’re complaining about me teasing you?” He traced a winding path down her arm with a finger.

  “I didn’t leave you wanting more.”

  “You’re wrong. I wanted more. I wanted to be inside you, feeling you tremble, milking me as you came.”

  Thora drew in a shaky breath, her body clenching in anticipation of the promise she heard in his words.

  “Lift your arms,” he ordered.

  She complied, and he pulled her shirt off, the cool air causing her nipples to pucker. She started to cover herself, but he caught her hands, pushing his fingers through hers and holding them at her sides. His lips closed around one, first sucking then lightly scraping his teeth across the rigid point.

  Her nipple popped free of his mouth, and he peppered her chest with butterfly kisses.

  “I’ve never seen anything as beautiful as you,” Garrett whispered. “The first time I saw you, running through the woods with your wild curls, I knew my heart was in trouble.”

  He let go of her hands, and stepped around her, pressing the length of his body against her from behind. Her head dropped back to rest on his chest, loving the delicious freedom of her breasts thrusting forward.

  He tugged her pants down, pausing on the way to leave a trail of kisses down her back and along the curve of her buttocks.

  “I had accepted that there was no chance for us, that our futures would eventually take different paths, but it was never what I wanted.”

  “Since the first night I kissed you, I’ve gone to bed hard. Making love with you here only made it worse. The smell of you lingered in my room, tempting me.” He kissed his way back up, and cupped her breasts, plucking her nipples and sending shocks of pleasure through her. “Every day I reminded myself that you weren’t mine. That I’d never have you again. That night in your room, I nearly gave in, but I knew then that Sophie would never release me. Not without hurting you.”