Crossroads

by Jennifer Ann Reed

  “Think, Kitra.” He shook my hands and I pulled back from him. “This is important.”

  “One path will lead to destruction and the other will save humanity.” I shrunk away from him. I wasn’t scared of him, but his reaction terrified me. “I’m sorry. That’s all I remember.” Elder Dylan’s face went slack as he stared off into the distance. “What are you thinking about?”

  “Kitra, I’m about to tell you something no one else knows.” He held my hands again and I felt the tremor moving from them into mine. “I did some horrible things during the war.” His war crimes. “I knew your mother before she met your father not long after Oberon, your grandfather, was killed on the battlefield.”

  “How?” I sat still, hanging on his every word.

  “She found me.” He closed his eyes and released a heavy breath. “She told me the Creator chose her to be his Champion during the war. That she was destined to usher in a new time among our people and I was chosen to help her.”

  “So, you think I really spoke to the Creator?” I didn’t know whether to be glad I wasn’t going crazy or wish it was all in my head.

  “Yes.” Elder Dylan surveyed the cloudless blue sky. “He can speak to us in many ways. We can’t put him in a box.”

  “Why did you believe her?” My mother was also a Champion?

  “Meghan was a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield, but she also carried herself with an honor I’d never seen before. She wasn’t prideful. More meek than anything and she always put others before herself. Her character was one of truth so why wouldn’t I believe her?” He sat back and ruffled his waves before leaning forward again. “I chose to believe all she said and followed what she’d have me to do. We never told anyone, but I received a mark that day.”

  “You were bonded? Like I am to my Guardians and Austin?” My mouth gaped as I rubbed my hands on the top of my jeans.

  “More of a Guardian mark.” He leveled me with his stare. “You can’t tell anyone what I’ve told you, Kitra. I’m afraid the information will turn the community on you. It’s unusual for a mother and daughter to gain Guardian marks, especially after it hasn’t been seen for hundreds of years.” If it was so important, why was he saying this out in the open? The question must have been written on my face because he rolled up his sleeve and pointed to three concentric circles touching at one spot. “This mark is ancient fae magic given to me by someone I haven’t seen in a long time. It silences any of my conversations to unwanted ears.” How convenient? What else hadn’t I learned about my other side?

  “Do you still have her mark?” I wanted to see it more than anything.

  “No. It faded the night she died.” His voice lowered and his chin wobbled.

  “Why weren’t you with us the night they died?” If he was her Guardian, he should have been there. “Why don’t I remember you?”

  “She asked me not to come.” Elder Dylan’s eyes brightened under his unshed tears. “It kills me inside to know I wasn’t with her. With her family. But I’m here now.” I scrutinized the man I thought I understood. I should have been wary of him, but the feeling of kinship only grew deeper. “You don’t remember me because she only met with me in private. She didn’t want anyone to know our mission.”

  “You said you did horrible things. What were they? Did she order them or did you do them on your own?” He cupped his hands over one of mine, patting it. “Please tell me.”

  “She ordered it.” The first tear fell and landed on our clasped hands. “I’m not going to go into detail about my crimes but know this, at times, I’m still haunted by my actions.” He took another deep breath. “Your mother said we did what we had to do to end the war and change the world. And she did change it. She started the demise of social biases and prejudices when she married your father. There are things I still don’t know. She was never satisfied with how things were going and grew more secretive before she got pregnant with you. That’s all I know, but I promise I will help you figure them out.”

  “Thank you for telling me, Elder Dylan.” I turned my hands and squeezed both of his. “What do I do now?”

  “I’m afraid there are darker times still to come and in the future the decisions you’ll have to make may feel like they could break you, but don’t lose yourself in them. I’ll help carry the burden if you’ll let me.” He kissed the tops of my hands. “Your uncle keeps peeking out the door. I’ll go do damage control and stop his worry.” He moved the chair back and went inside.

  My soul shuddered. He was right. I could feel the subtle change in the air. Something was coming and I wasn’t sure if I was prepared for it, but I wouldn’t give up easily. I’d fight to stop Aelfric and the Dark Ones with my very last breath.

  Chapter 19

  E VEN THOUGH ELDER Dylan reassured the others all was fine. I received several concerned stares when they thought I wasn’t looking. I didn’t know who was worse between Uncle Kalen, Caden, Ryn, and Austin. Maybe Austin since on a few occasions he got blasted with my unease about what the future held for me. I should hold a contest to see how many times they frowned and rubbed their chins. I knew I shouldn’t make a game out of their feelings, but it was the only thing keeping me sane.

  The worst part was being confined to Frost Manor. No amount of school work kept me occupied for long. Our teachers posted the assignments for the rest of the semester and I flew through them to stay busy. Idleness led to thinking about what the Creator wanted from me and worrying how my dreams were possible premonitions of what was to come. Elder Dylan didn’t think they were and believed it was my conscience’s way of dealing with the stress I’d undergone so far. For once, I’d love to get a clear picture on our situation instead of half guesses and wishful thinking.

  Sleeping was also an issue. Nonstop thoughts left me tossing and turning all night and I threw the blankets off before five one morning. There wasn’t any sense staying put and I crept downstairs to work on the rest of my schoolwork. Two hours later, I clicked send to turn in my last assignment until January and the finality of the simple movement of a button settled in my chest. Were all my decisions going to be made as quickly, or were they going to be methodical? Would I have time to even think them through? Elder Dylan promised to help me, but what if everything really did rest on my shoulders? What if I was forced to do something I didn’t agree with? Could I make a decision that went against my morals for the good of humanity? I was terrified I’d lose my true self in accomplishing what the Creator expected of me. He wouldn’t have chosen me if I’d fail? Would he?

  I heard the patio doors open and booted footsteps before their owner paused in the dining room’s doorway.

  “You’re up early, Sparkles.” Ryn’s steps had an extra swagger as he came towards me. He zeroed in on my sleep shorts and tank top with a heated grin. My skin flushed under the weight of his stare and I wished I’d changed before coming downstairs. “What are you doing?”

  “I finished my assignments.” I closed my laptop and stowed it in its cranberry colored case. “Why are you over so early?”

  “Thought I’d get in some extra training.” He pulled the hem of his orange t-shirt up and I reddened even further catching a glimpse of his ripped core. “My cut is fully healed.” Not thinking, I reached out to touch the pale silver line where his injury had been. I yanked my hand back before it made contact with his creamy skin.

  “You can touch me.” His hooded eyes glanced to my white knuckled grip. “I’m your soulmate. It’s only natural for you to feel the pull to touch me.”

  “I…I’m sorry. I can’t.” I turned my head and watched my swinging feet. “I barely know you, Ryn.”

  “Then get to know me.” He pulled out a chair beside me.

  “How are you okay with all of this?” I still didn’t raise my head. I didn’t trust myself around him.

  “I’ve lived with the knowledge of this bond for a long time. When I first got my mark, I swore I’d never care about the girl even if I ever found her.”
He chuckled and drummed his fingers on the table. “But look at me now.” I smirked up at him. “I’m throwing out all the stops to get you to notice me.”

  “I do notice you.” I stared at my feet again as my voice lowered. “That’s what scares me.”

  “You have nothing to fear from me.” Two long fingers lifted my chin. “I could never hurt you.”

  My magic unfurled, racing to meet the tips of his fingers. My tongue darted out to wet my bottom lip and his eyes followed the movement as his breath hitched. Forest green eyes collided with my emerald ones as his head tilted and he leaned into me. Sandalwood and ocean breeze encompassed my senses and warm breath smelling of cherries swept across my cheeks. Electricity filled the air as Ryn’s lips grazed mine.

  A slamming door from the front of the house startled me and I jerked backwards in my chair.

  “Anyone up yet?” Lucian called from the foyer.

  “Sorry.” What was I thinking? This wasn’t what I wanted. I grabbed my things and rushed from the room. Uncle Kalen was greeting Lucian when his eyebrows rose at my hasty retreat up the stairs, but he didn’t stop me and glanced towards the dining room.

  In my room, I changed into a pair of yoga pants and went back downstairs. I passed the dining room on my way to the gym, but Ryn wasn’t in there. If he was in the gym, I’d ignore him. Even though I said I’d get to know him, it didn’t mean I wanted to disregard my hesitations to start a relationship with Ryn. My feelings for Caden were still strong and any time Ryn pursued me, I couldn’t help but think of my blue eyed wolf. Caden felt like home. He was an old friend and I was comfortable around him. Maybe that was my problem with the sandy blonde fairy. I was frightened of something new.

  What would I say if Ryn was in the gym? How could I explain myself? I opened my wolf senses and heard him upstairs talking to Uncle Kalen and Lucian. At least I didn’t hear anyone in the gym. I needed some time to myself.

  Inside, I warmed up on the punching bag hanging from the ceiling. My eyes kept landing on the weapons wall and I walked over, taking my katana from the pegs it rested on. I hadn’t practiced with it since before I was taken to Aelfric. As I unsheathed it, light reflected from the metal and bounced off the walls. My grip on the hilt was reverent, I enjoyed the familiarity of the leather against my palms. One arc led to two and the kata I performed was a muscle memory dance. Fluid and graceful. The entire matted floor was my stage and I left no corner unused. All that mattered was numbing my brain and forgetting all my stress. When I was finished, I oiled and powdered the blade and put my katana back where it belonged.

  The doors opened and Caden and my other Guardians filed in.

  “You want to practice with us, Kitra?” Zander bent to stretch.

  “Sure.” I joined them on the opposite side of the room. “Where’s Austin?”

  “He and Gwen are helping Lilly stock medical supplies.” Allie bounced in and wrinkled her nose at my sweaty appearance. “How long have you been down here?”

  “A while.” I picked up a clean towel and wiped my face. “Why do we need medical supplies?”

  “Lilly’s orders.” Caden raised his arms over his head and a sliver of tanned skin flashed as his white t-shirt rode above the waistband of his black shorts. Drool pooled in my mouth and I had to look away. “After the last two incidents, she had Dad deliver supplies in case we needed them. Everyone ready?” His explanation didn’t surprise me. It was more common place for one of us to need a bandage these days.

  We went through drills for the next hour and I noticed how much faster and cohesive the boys worked together. Caden didn’t have to call out orders or critique them. It was almost as if they knew what he wanted, what he expected each second.

  Uncle Kalen whistled in our direction as Allie and Curtis were getting ready to spar.

  “It’s your lucky day.” Allie trailed her fingers over the buff blonde’s bicep. “Your friends didn’t get to see you humiliated.”

  “Whatever you say, Pixie Dust.” Curtis threw Linc’s nickname for her at his girlfriend. He bent and released an “oomph” as she skirted past him to the door.

  “I need everyone upstairs now.” Uncle Kalen’s bark raised the hair on my arms.

  We hustled to the dining room where Lilly, Lucian, Ryn and Chad were waiting on us. All their faces were grave and it was the first time I’d ever seen Lilly bite her fingernails. Austin and Gwen came in holding hands. I knew he’d eventually gather the courage to ask her out.

  Nice job. I grinned and his cheeks turned rosy. I’m happy for you.

  Thanks, Kitra. He brought Gwen’s hand to his lips and she leaned her head on his shoulder. If only it were that easy for me. Lucian drew my attention away from a dark haired wolf and golden fae.

  “I don’t even know where to start.” Our alpha’s eyes were lined in purple circles and his hair was tousled from his hands delving into it.

  “Dad, what’s going on?’ Caden stepped towards his father but stopped when Lucian looked up at him.

  “We know why Aelfric said he didn’t need Kitra anymore.” He shared a look with Uncle Kalen. “There’s another hybrid.”

  The room erupted in shouted chaos. There was another hybrid? Were they sure? How did they know?

  “Hey!” Uncle Kalen’s shout sounded like a buzzing fly with all the commotion around us. “I said HEY!” All noise ceased. “Let’s come down and talk this out.”

  “How did you find out about this other hybrid?” Ryn and Caden moved behind my chair.

  “Amara.” Chad’s bass voice boomed over the shocked silence. “She contacted me when she couldn’t get through to Lucian this morning.”

  “And?” Linc’s hands spread.

  “Amara found a journal belonging to Ciro.” As Lucian mentioned the the old coven leader’s name, my stomach clenched and threatened to empty. Ciro had tried to convince me he was my soulmate when Aelfric held me captive. Maybe that was another reason I was having issues with Ryn’s mark.

  “Ciro?” Caden glanced from his father to me as I squirmed in my seat.

  “In the journal, Ciro confessed that he was in love with a supernatural being of a different race.” Lucian placed his palms down on the table. “The girl left him abruptly and he found out several months later she was pregnant. She begged Ciro to leave her alone so their child wouldn’t be killed and then she disappeared.”

  “He never mentioned her name?” Zander crossed one ankle over the other and leaned against the wall.

  “No.” Lucian’s head shook. “Amara didn’t find it anywhere. Nor did she find any other information about the child.”

  “So, what now?” Lilly stepped forward.

  “We have to search the surrounding communities.” Chad unfolded the map containing all the places Aelfric had left macabre gifts for us to find. “I think the child’s mother has been hiding in a community already known for a hybrid.”

  “Hide in plain sight.” Chad turned to me with a grin. It made sense. No one would expect them when their sights were focused on someone else.

  “Yes.” He pointed to the marked areas. “I believe Aelfric found them by accident while he was pursuing Kitra. If Ciro saw his ex-girlfriend, he would have known her child was his and may have told Aelfric. I wouldn’t put it past him. He’s become unhinged and thirsty for power.”

  “He said he wanted to be on the winning side when they held me captive.” I didn’t make eye contact with the others.

  “So we’re searching for a needle in a haystack.” Curtis scratched his chin.

  “Wait. What about the gate?” The others turned at my panicked tone. “Why hasn’t it open?”

  “Because.” Elder Dylan walked in holding a book. “The hybrid has to have come into both sets of powers and it usually doesn’t happen until the age of seventeen to eighteen.” He snapped the book shut. “The gate won’t open without the blood of a fully transformed hybrid.”

  “And we don’t know the date when this other hybrid was born.” Aust
in held his head in his hands. “This changes things.”

  “Kitra.” Gwen grabbed my hand in hers. “Tell them what happened in the backyard.” I saw three sets of eyes narrow as their wolf ears picked up Gwen’s whisper.

  “What is Gwen talking about?” Uncle Kalen’s arms crossed in front of him and his brows furrowed.

  “One of Aelfric’s followers showed up here.” I twisted a strand of hair around my pointer finger. I knew why Gwen brought it up, but I wished she hadn’t.

  “And you didn’t tell me?” Uncle Kalen turned towards me. “Why?”

  “You’ve been worried enough.” I confessed to my lap. “I didn’t want to add to it.”

  “Kitra.” Uncle Kalen’s exhale was heavy. “You and the others.” He leveled them with his “Dad” stare. “Need to tell me, us really, when something happens. How else are we supposed to protect each of you?”

  “Protect all of us?” Linc bristled. “I can handle myself.”

  “Hate to break this to you.” Lilly walked over and squatted next to Linc. “But I see each and every one of you as mine to take care of now.” Linc’s eyes watered. “You may be tough and able to take care of yourselves, but I’ve become close to all of you. I love each of you and I would become a momma grizzly if anything happened to any of you.” Linc turned and hugged her tight, crying softly in her hair. It was the first time I’d seen his vulnerable side.

  When Linc let go of Lilly and wiped his face, he stared at the table and pulled his t-shirt up over his nose. We all pretended we didn’t see him fall apart at Lilly’s declaration and Uncle Kalen cleared his throat.

  “Tell me what happened outside, Kitra.” He and the other adults were rapt listeners as I described the girl in the creepy mask and how we’d fought and I’d used too much fae magic, resulting in my lack of energy. When he asked why the girl came after me, I told him she said she liked Aelfric’s original plan of using me as his sacrifice.

  “Alright.” Lucian rolled up the map. “Kitra is still a target and I don’t want any of you leaving the Manor yet.” He turned to the massive silhouette in the corner of the room. “Chad, I know you’re in charge of everything out in the field, but after this latest attempt on Kitra, I need you here.”