“I blackened his eye.” Angeline startled slightly as Lucian’s laughter shook the air around them.
“Tell me, every detail if you will.” Lucian stared at her intently as she relayed the details of the confrontation. “That is the best news I have heard in a long while. I like you, Angeline. I should like to spend more time with you. Perhaps you would spar with me while I stay with Ryder?”
Angeline could not avoid the blush but forced herself to speak evenly, “It would be an honor, my liege.”
“Please do not call me a liege. And so you know, Ryder is not fond of it either. You are just as supernatural as we are. You need to relax.” Lucian frowned, “It is not good for such a young woman to be so serious all of the time. It’s not right.”
Angeline eyed him for a moment before responding, “I bear a burden, Lucian. I do not have the luxury of letting go or letting my guard down.”
“Aye, we all have burdens, woman. But life is not worth living if you find no joy in it. Balance, it is all about balance.” Lucian stared at her. “Now, tell me about your encounter with Roane again.” He begged her to re-tell the story a few more times and slowly, laughing louder each time. When Ryder emerged from the club she was on her sixth telling. Her boss was smiling as he approached them, a look she’d not seen on his face in some time.
“Angeline, I think you should ride with us.” Ryder pushed off the skeptical look she gave, “I know you can fit and I feel better having you with us. You can sit on Lucian’s lap and I will drive.”
“But –“ Angeline realized what he thought but Ryder raised a hand to tell her the conversation was over. Lucian took her by the elbow and led her around the side of the car, her briefcase already in his other hand.
“Just let it go, let him think what he will. Trust me, Ryder will worry less if he believes we are sleeping together.” Lucian’s whisper barely registered in her ear. Angeline didn’t like it but nodded obligingly anyway. She slithered onto Lucian’s lap, impressed that his hands remained firmly planted on his knee and the door behind her. Lucian asked her to re-tell her story about Roane a few more times before Ryder intervened.
“Angeline, I think it wise for you to take up residence in the manor, at least until Roane leaves town. I would feel better knowing that you are safe within the Durstine. I will have Rose set up a suite for you on the far side of the manor. There is a kitchenette and we can have your belongings delivered within the day. Give Rose a list of groceries you would like.” He looked at her sidelong but kept his hand on the wheel, his face expressionless. What could she say? Things were happening quickly, more quickly than Trin foresaw. Lucian’s arrival, moving in to Durstine, next would be Storm’s grand entrance into Ryder’s life. Angeline’s eyes flared with realization as she accepted his offer. There was work to be done and quickly. She longed for Trin’s guidance but knew the mirror to be off limits for now. No way could she slip in undetected, not with Dan living in Willow Wood. Not yet. They passed the rest of the ride in silence, thankfully. Angeline knew what she needed from Rosalee and what she would need to acquire on her own time.
She hurried away from the Immortals, anxious to find Rosalee but Ryder called after her before she could completely slip away.
“Oh, and Angeline, please have Rose send for a dress for you. I would like you to accompany us to dinner this evening at Il Bistro. Please be ready at four o’clock. Until then, make yourself at home.”
Angeline turned back toward them and offered her customary nod of understanding. “Yes, my liege. Thank you for your hospitality.” Lucian raised an eyebrow and shook his head, she knew why but it still seemed proper to refer to her employer with all the respect he deserved. Maybe someday things would change.
~
Again she felt uncomfortable in her own skin but at least the dress Rosalee selected for her was not as garish as those the housekeeper tended to wear. The sleek black number hugged and fanned and dipped in all the right places but could be considered conservative enough for the restaurant.
On the way to Il Bistro, Ryder gave a run-down of their company so she would be prepared to meet them and help guide conversation to safer topics if necessary but once they walked into the restaurant she knew nobody else would matter to Ryder. Across the room sat Storm Sullivan looking positively ravishing. At first glance she appeared to be a younger version of Trin but Storm’s slightly golden aura stood out in a way her aunt’s never did. Any supernaturals in the vicinity would pick up on her but Ryder was different. Ryder was meant to find Storm and so he did. Angeline watched as his eyes gravitated toward the semi-circle booth where Storm was flanked by Dan and Shane. Her heart sank but Angeline threw her shoulders back and moved with purpose, determined to ignore Dan at all costs. Instead, she focused on the hostess who led them to a large table already occupied by the Scottish Immortals, Kell and Pollux. Both men acknowledged her with slightly bulging eyes, a multitude of pleasant compliments and enough questions to distract her from Dan’s presence. Angeline seated herself beside Ryder, certain to give him direct eye contact to Storm, just a little nudge in the right direction.
Everything moved along smoothly until Angeline spotted Dorian gesturing to her from the back hall. Nobody else seemed to notice him. Angeline excused herself and slipped to the back of the restaurant. Dorian pushed her into one of the private restrooms and locked the door behind them. Only then did she realize his true condition, hair disheveled and adorned with a few twigs, his shirt sliced open and claw marks marred his smooth, pale chest beneath.
“Dorian! What happened?” Angeline began checking his chest, pulling twigs from his hair, and searching for signs of other wounds.
“Ah, cherie! Your concern would warm my heart if such a feat were possible.” Dorian laughed throatily at his joke. “I was on my way out of town, running as it were, you know how I enjoy nights like this, when I was attacked by a dozen or so creatures. I do not know what they were but I have never seen anything like them. They are trying to capture supernaturals. I had to come back to warn you and Ryder, they are seeking somebody specific. They were dim but strong with at least some wereblood in them. I must go now but promise me you will be safe, cherie.” Dorian took her hand in his and pulled Angeline in before she could react. His cool lips brushed hers sending chills through her body and then he was gone. Angeline frowned. It would be really convenient to disapparate like that.
Slightly dazed, Angeline made her way back to the table only to find it empty but for Pollux. He shrugged and pointed toward the side door where the other Immortals were sneaking out. He stood and smiled appreciatively yet again. “Ryder said to pay with the business card. I am going to run to the restroom before we head out, lass. Do not leave without me.”
The waitress approached as Pollux walked off, an irritated look on her pointed features. “Nice dates leaving you to pick up the tab.” She sneered, eyeing Angeline from head to toe clearly enjoying the situation. Indignation flared as the waitresses thoughts became clear.
“Oh dear, I guess you won’t be receiving a tip then, will you?” Angeline withdrew Ryder’s platinum company card from her handbag and smiled less than warmly at the waitress. “I believe this will cover it and I would suggest you not overcharge as Mr. Cohen will be less than thrilled to see anything more than $546.97 on his monthly statement. I assure you, he checks very closely.” Angeline watched the waitress open the bill and note the total. “Oh, and I can also guarantee you will not receive a call from my colleagues anytime soon so slipping your number onto the receipt would be a mistake. Now, move along, as you can see we are in quite the hurry.” Angeline gestured toward the door. The waitress opened and closed her mouth a few times. “Run along Kirstie, you wouldn’t want me to have a conversation with your manger, now would you?” She really didn’t have to add that last bit but it made the waitress move. Kirstie returned quickly, Angeline checked the total and signed off on the receipt with a flourish, stowing the card and receipt safely in her handbag. Pollux r
eturned and Angeline made a show of looping her arm through his. Thankfully, he played along.
“Come on, lass, let’s get out of here.” Pollux planted a warm kiss on her cheek before leading her away from the dumbfounded waitress. Once out of earshot, Pollux explained what happened and led her to the car. “I was supposed to stall you but I figured you had enough fun with that waitress, lass. You are a feisty fairy, aren’t you? Aye, indeed you are.”
“Does everybody know I am part fae?” Angeline flushed, concerned her hair didn’t cover her ears appropriately. Instinctively her hands found their way to the small points making certain they remained well covered.
“No, lass, not everbody but I would guess every supernatural can read it on you right quickly. Do not be ashamed, it is something we can all sense on each other, did you not know that?” Pollux leaned back against the car folding his arms over his chest.
Angeline felt the wind go out of her. “My mother told me it was a gift. I did not know all supernaturals could read others.”
“Oh, no, lass. Reading somebody and sensing blood lines are two different things. I can sense you are a fairy but not how much fae blood you possess and I certainly cannot read your thoughts or feelings.” Pollux smiled. He really was good looking in a boyish way. She could see how women appreciated his mannerisms and swooned in droves behind him.
“Well that is reassuring.” Angeline looked around the parking lot. Storm was bolting across the lot with Dan and Shane on her heels. Still no sign of Ryder, Lucian, or Kell. She and Pollux watched in amusement as Storm was helped into the black Hummer, gesturing wildly, with Dan and Shane working to calm her. Storm appeared livid. Angeline watched more intently before allowing herself to be excited. Storm showing signs of such intense emotion could only mean she was regaining her powers already. Things were definitely moving faster than she anticipated. “Pollux, are you and your brother loyal to Ryder?”
Angeline did not have to look at him to read the insult on his face. “Of course! Why would you ask that?”
“I am sorry, I needed to be sure. Are you going to be in town for a while?” Angeline closed her eyes allowing her other senses to watch him for a moment for a clearer read.
“We can. Why? You fancy us after all, lass?” Pollux wagged his eyebrows at her.
Pointing to Storm, Angeline opened her eyes and explained with as little information as possible. “That is Trin Sullivan’s niece. She is quite important and we need to make sure she and Ryder spend some time alone. I will arrange for you and your brother to view some places tomorrow and I can explain the rest later. Fair enough?”
“Aye, lass, fair enough. But if you change your mind,” Pollux trailed off, “well, most women say once you go Scot you never go back.” When Angeline shook her head, he shrugged and smiled, completely unabashed by his ridiculous advances. Pollux opted to watch Storm with interest instead and whistled as Ryder approached the Hummer. “This is going to be good, isn’t it?”
Lucian strode up, “Yes, my young Scot, it is about to get very interesting around here. Why don’t you and your brother go have some fun and I will take the lady back to Ryder’s manor. I am staying there for a while. You and Kell are welcome to stay on as well, of course.”
“It’s handled, Lucian.” Angeline frowned. She caught a flicker of the flame in his eyes, no imagining it this time. Things seemed to be unraveling faster for Lucian than he would likely admit. Angeline brushed the thoughts away; she promised Trin not to work out of order. “I am arranging for Kell and Pollux to tour some places of their own tomorrow.”
“Yes, I believe a foray into Ryder’s club is in order, there is much fun to be had this evening. Care to join us, Luc? Angeline?” Pollux looked hopefully into Angeline’s face. She could not help but smile, such a boyish expression in spite of his many years of life.
“I am afraid I have some business to attend to yet this evening, but thank you.” Angeline nodded tightly and made her way to the passenger side of Ryder’s car. She watched in the side mirror as Kell arrived and the three Immortals exchanged a few words and quick embraces. In another time she would have jumped at the opportunity to party until morning with the likes of those Scots. She could almost remember the taste of tequila burning down her throat, the throbbing beats of techno rippling against her skin, the brief respite from the weight of her real life. The car door opened and the memories slipped away again.
“Up for a spar, Ang?” Lucian started the car and thrust it in reverse, peeling out the of the parking lot before meeting Angeline’s eye. “You don’t mind if I call you Ang, do you?”
“No, Ang is just fine.” She grasped the side bar on the car door to brace herself in the seat as they flew through town, gliding between cars and running the occasional red light. “I am up for a spar. I dare say you need it.”
“And what do you mean by that?” Lucian’s voice took on a hard edge. She looked at him from the corner of her eye.
“Lucian, I know of your burden. I have seen the flame in your eyes more than once today. If sparring holds it at bay then by all means, let us fight until dawn.” Angeline held her voice even but kept her eyes trained on the road.
“What do you think you know, girl?” Lucian’s eyes roved over her but she refused to look his way.
“I know you were betrayed by the witch Morgaine to carry the burden of a Phoenix. You have sought her descendants in hopes of finding one to fulfill Morgaine’s promise to you. I also know that most of her line has been extinguished and I presume they met their end at your hands.” Angeline paused, watched Lucian’s frame relax and felt the car slow. “I do not judge you, Lucian, but I do not pity you either. Do the others know?”
Lucian remained silent for several minutes. He did not speak until they pulled into Ryder’s garage and turned off the engine. “Angeline, I ask you not to repeat any of this to another soul. I would not have a friend in the world if they knew everything. Do not speak of this to me again.”
“Indeed, my liege.” Forcing the surprise and shock out of her voice, Angeline opened the car door. Lucian put a hand on her arm and lightly tugged.
“Ang, do not call me ‘liege’ anymore. I did not mean to be so harsh, it just happens sometimes.” Angeline looked Lucian in the eye and saw the flames rolling around the pupil freely. “If you would truly help me then spar with me and allow the others to believe what they will.” He released her arm and the flames flickered slightly.
“Deal. Allow me a few moments to change my clothes and I will meet you downstairs.” Angeline slipped out of the car and into the house leaving Lucian to his thoughts.
Waiting
Angeline paced the main hall. She put on a pot of coffee and then paced the hall some more. Lucian’s text was too cryptic for her tastes. He would pay for that later. When the door opened and Ryder walked in he didn’t even see her. Angeline gasped. He was a complete mess, clothes filthy and torn, his shoulder clearly dislocated, and his normally well-groomed hair full of dirt and soaked with sweat. Lucian waved her off and gave the sign for five minutes. Great, more pacing. She prepared a tray with two cups of coffee, a bottle of water, the pain killers and the first aid kit. This would be a long night. Ryder’s groans echoed down the hall intermingling with the sounds of breaking bones. Angeline cringed with each one but managed to make it to Ryder’s suite without dropping the tray.
“I have a story for you, fairy girl.” Lucian took a cup of coffee from the tray, sipped it and then gulped it. “It’s going to be a long night.”
“Well, let me tend to his cuts and then we can talk. I put a whole pot on if you’d like to have some more.” Angeline didn’t wait for Lucian to move; she settled on the bed and began working the worst gashes with antiseptic.
“I wouldn’t waste too much time with that, he heals exceptionally fast. Leave him some pain killers and that bottle of water and he will be fine.” Lucian made for the door. “Seriously, come on, Ang, he will be fine. Ryder just needs to rest.”
/> Reluctantly, Angeline stood, collected everything but the water bottle and pain killers and followed Lucian back down to the kitchen. Once free of the tray, Angeline rocketed across the room to deliver a sharp blow to Lucian’s kidneys. He staggered forward a few steps before whirling to face her. “That’s for sending me a text saying ‘Ryder’s badly injured’ without elaborating. Don’t ever do that to me again.”
“Duly noted, fairy girl.” Lucian chuckled. “Now, if you are done punishing me, shall I fill you in?”
Angeline poured herself a mug of coffee, dropped a sugar cube in and leaned casually against the counter. “What happened to him? You seem to be fine.”
“She threw him out a window.” Lucian’s eyes flashed with amusement. “Seriously. Storm Sullivan threw him out a second story picture window.” Lucian lost it. His laughter echoed through the kitchen for several minutes before he calmed enough to appreciate Angeline’s stern expression.
“Storm threw him out a window? How?”
“Apparently they really got to know each other and then she found out about him being with her aunt and sent him flying out the window of her bedroom.” Lucian roared again. “Then these were-things attacked and we helped incapacitate them and she kicked him out. That woman knows how to rage.” Lucian nodded appreciatively.
Angeline’s head reeled. Things were happening very fast, much more quickly than Trin foresaw. She certainly never mentioned any were-things being involved. They had to be the same things that attacked Dorian. Perhaps the Unseen was onto them? Another player? “Lucian, can you tell me more about the weres?”
Lucian straightened and contained his laughter. “Sorry, you are right. Those things, they were hybrids of some kind. We couldn’t figure them out, definitely part were but something more. I think the Seraphs may be able to get you some blood samples; apparently they were on their way when we left. Wait, you do not seem at all surprised, Angeline?”
The Storm Sullivan Saga: The Emerald Seer Series Box Set Page 37