I kept my face impassive. “What about immortals?”
“Anything,” he repeated.
I smiled into his opaque gaze. “Good to know.”
“I’m going to teach you basic martial arts defense to start.”
My smile quickly turned into a grimace. “If you tell me to go wax cars, I’m outta here.”
If I hadn’t been watching him, I would have missed the quick, genuine smile that skimmed across his face. Then his blank expression settled back in place. “My job is to train you to keep yourself alive.”
“Does this mean you’re not going to kill me?” I quipped before I could think better of it.
He let the moment draw out long enough to be awkward before saying, “My job was never to kill you.”
Teryl snorted and muttered something I couldn’t decipher. Falon continued to stare at me.
Yeah, awkward.
“That’s not what I heard. The Council—”
“The Council isn’t my employer,” he said, impatience obvious in the stiff set of his shoulders.
I tried to shrug off my unease. “Okay, well…I’m glad we cleared the air.”
Without warning, he switched subjects. “Shadow elves have an advantage over the other lines. Not only can they shadow but their reflexes are sharper. We’ll start with that. Block this.” He threw a jab, which I barely managed to avoid.
“What the— A little warning would be nice.”
“Yeah, because the bad guys always warn you first,” Teryl called out.
Falon turned and pinned Teryl with a hard stare, until Teryl held up his hands in mock surrender. “Sorry. I’ll shut up now.”
Smart aleck or not, he had a point. “Okay, sorry. What do I need to avoid?”
“Whatever is thrown at you.”
It was the last bit of advice Falon gave before he launched attack after attack. I was too busy trying to avoid injury to let the wisdom of those words sink in.
Chapter Eight
The stairs seemed impossibly steep as I headed out of the training room, up to the main level of the house. Muscles trembled in protest as I took each step with care. Falon had kept his end of the deal. He’d drawn no blood and he’d kept physical contact to a minimum. Essentially, he’d let me kick my own butt—thoroughly. To say it embarrassed me was an understatement. I’d stretched, tripped, slapped, and shifted my body in ways it should never, ever move. Each joint ached. Changing back into my own clothes had been quite a process.
But my ego had taken the worst beating. I was no Bruce Lee, but until today, I hadn’t considered myself a slouch, either. I walked and ran on a regular basis. I did vinyasa yoga. I even took the occasional weight lifting class. None of that had helped.
“So what did you learn?” Teryl asked, annoyingly cheerful.
I threw him a dirty look over my shoulder, immediately regretting the movement. “I hurt. This sucks.” I could barely lift my arm to massage my neck.
“Hmm…eloquent, but not quite what I meant.”
I stopped at the top of the stairs and bit my lip against a heartfelt groan of pain. If I had an ounce of energy to spare, I’d smack him upside the head. “My brain was jostled to the point where I can’t think straight. What do you want me to say?”
He stepped past me so he stood at the top of the stairs. It allowed me to look straight ahead, which eased the pain in my neck. All trace of humor fled his expression. “Fourth rule. Learn from each experience and use it to your advantage. Falon showed you his weakness today.”
I didn’t have the energy to shrug off his words. “The only thing I saw, repeatedly, was the mat. And the ceiling. And other parts of my anatomy I shouldn’t be able to see on my most flexible days.”
“As your adviser, I suggest you watch closer tomorrow.” He tapped me on the forehead. “Pay attention. He’s giving you an opportunity. Don’t blow it. Now let’s go get lunch.”
I wearily trudged after him, too tired to get pissed or think hard about his advice. “Care to give me a hint as to what I should be looking for, smart guy?”
Teryl led me to the sunroom, one of the few places in the house I didn’t mind. I accepted the chair he held out and sank carefully into it. “Let’s eat first.”
I wasn’t going to argue with that. A rare appearance by the sun filled the room with warm shafts of light. The weather in this part of the Pacific Northwest was usually rainy and overcast, so it was a welcome change. Two small love seats and cushy chairs were artfully arranged for a cozy get-together. Multiple plants added an earthy feel. I doubted my father ever set foot in here. It seemed untainted, almost—dare I say it—inviting.
One of the women I’d passed in the kitchen earlier brought in two plates and a pitcher of water. Lunch consisted of a simple turkey sandwich, green salad, and fruit slices. I devoured it all.
“I love a woman with a healthy appetite.”
I picked up a sliced carrot and bounced it off Teryl’s head. “Very funny. Now give me that hint about Falon, please.”
Teryl leaned back and stretched out his legs. “Watch his eyes.”
A laugh bubbled up, making my ribs ache. “They’re hard to miss. They’re white. Beyond that, there’s not much to see.”
“Do you mean that?”
I opened my mouth to say yes, but stopped when I saw the disappointment on his face. The look hurt more than the pain in my body—I didn’t need to let down anyone else in my life. Did I mean it? I gazed at the cold glass of water in my hands, as if it held all the answers. Teryl was right; I didn’t mean it. Falon’s eyes freaked me out, yes. Mostly because I had a hard time deciphering what or who he was looking at, and what he thought. The unknown bothered me more than anything. “No, that’s not what I mean.” I took a sip of water and then met his gaze. “I don’t want to watch his eyes.”
“Why?”
“Because I might see more in those vacant pupils than I want to.” And that was the truth. If I really looked into Falon’s eyes and discovered that I could see his thoughts, it would freak me out.
Teryl nodded. “You will. That’s the point.”
I tried not to shudder. I didn’t want to see the hunter in Falon. I had lived as prey most of my life, and you couldn’t pay me to go back to that state of terror. Not again. “I’m supposed to be the hunter now, not the hunted.”
“Exactly. Watch his eyes. See what he does.”
Horrified, I understood his meaning. “You want me to be like Falon?”
“Not like him, but just to pick up some tricks of the trade.” Teryl had the grace to look uncomfortable. “I know violence is a stretch for you, and that’s a good thing. But if you want to eliminate Jedren…” He trailed off, leaving the important point unsaid.
If I wanted to kill Jedren, I needed to think like a hunter. Well, crap. “I guess that makes Falon my new idol.” As much as I’d rather watch MacLean or Jax, Falon had an edge. His conscience wouldn’t cause him a moment’s hesitation. He’d do what he had to. Which was exactly what I needed to learn.
Teryl cringed. “You don’t have to say it like that.”
If I wanted a chance at getting rid of my father, I needed to lose my inhibitions and get past my squeamish nature. Which was easier said than done. I tipped my glass toward Teryl and took another sip. Time to get back to business. “What’s next on my schedule, oh wise one?”
“Ah…that would be a meeting with Maxim. You have”—he glanced at his watch—“exactly fifteen minutes until you’re due.”
“Why do I have to meet with him? Can’t you do that instead? You can be my stand-in.”
“He’s going to bring you up to speed on Jedren’s businesses, assets, and a lot of blah, blah, blah. Sorry, but you’re on the hook for this one.”
I relaxed back into the chair. I could probably handle the blah, blah, blah. “Sounds like a barrel of laughs. How long are we stuck there?”
“Two hours. But part of it will be spent on a video conference with the London office ma
nagers.”
I blanched. “I just got done getting beaten up, and I’m supposed to do a video conference?” I knew I looked like death warmed over. And that might be a generous description. My father would lose it if I met his managers looking like this. Appearances mattered in Jedren’s world.
Once, I’d made the mistake of showing up to dinner in a T-shirt and shorts. My punishment? No food for three days. Granted, it had been one of the lighter punishments I received, but when you’re eight years old, food is a big deal. From that day forward, I had been required to dress up for dinner, for guests, for Sunday brunch…for pretty much everything. Luke had spelled out future punishments should I dare show up inappropriately attired again.
Once is all it had taken for that particular lesson.
Teryl sighed. “Yeah, I bet that’s why Maxim scheduled it right after. It’s all-out war, as far as he’s concerned. He’ll use any and every advantage he can to discredit you. Because he has control of your schedule, it will be easier for him.”
That wasn’t news to me. And to be honest, I wasn’t all that concerned. One thing I could say about Maxim—he had always been consistent in his hatred toward me. I really didn’t care. I did, however, desperately crave a hot shower. At the very least, I wished I had enough time to run to the guesthouse to soak in Epsom salts for ten minutes and take a couple of ibuprofen. “What time will that be for the people in London?”
“Doesn’t matter. If Jedren wants them to meet you, it could be the middle of the night and they’d still be expected to show up.”
Teryl knew my father’s habits well, but it still seemed ridiculous. Thankfully, I could play Maxim’s little game. For now. I would gladly throw him under the bus if my father heard about my disheveled appearance, pointing out that Maxim’s schedule management skills were obviously sub-par, and he might need to be replaced. I doubt it would fly, but at least it would bother Maxim.
“Let’s get this over with.”
Teryl stood and offered me a hand up. “That’s the spirit.” His brown eyes crinkled at the corners. “Besides, we now have the opportunity to make Maxim look bad in front of another office.”
“Is that my best course of action, Mr. Adviser?” I placed my hand on the crook of his elbow. If he could help me to Maxim’s office, I’d be forever grateful.
“Absolutely. Just follow my lead. You’ll do great.”
I didn’t doubt him. If anyone knew how to schmooze, it was Teryl. He also knew how to throw the verbal dagger with precision. Good mood partially restored, I walked with Teryl to the east wing where my father’s offices were located, both of us wearing identical wicked grins. The afternoon had shaped up quite nicely.
…
I felt immeasurably better after the meeting. We managed to make Maxim look like the idiot he was, I met the London office with little issue, and I learned more than I ever wanted to about my father’s business locations. He owned multiple research facilities and had recently purchased a large amount of stock in a pharmaceutical company. This was in addition to his import business and real-estate ventures.
He had his hands in every imaginable pie. What bothered me was why. Once you got to a certain financial status, what was the purpose of accumulating more?
According to my schedule, I had to attend dinner with my father and the staff at six o’clock, and then I could call it a night. I had a couple of hours all to myself. A hot bath sounded like the perfect antidote for my aches and pains.
Teryl walked me back to the guesthouse. He seemed preoccupied. “I’ve got a few things to go over, but I’ll be there for dinner.”
“You’re coming back? Okay, good.” I didn’t want to go to dinner without reinforcements. I reached for the door handle, but then stopped. “Hey, Teryl?”
“Hmm?” He had walked halfway down the steps, but he turned back, still lost in thought.
“What is he really up to, my father? Why the sudden surge in medical businesses?”
He shook his head slowly. “I’m not sure. I have a feeling we’ll find out soon enough.”
I did, too, which worried me. The more I knew, the bigger the bull’s-eye on my back. “Okay, thanks. I have one more question. Do you think he’s got the house bugged?”
“Bugged?” Teryl laughed, amusement chasing away his preoccupied expression. “No. Jedren wouldn’t feel the need to spy on you using conventional methods.”
I felt better for approximately five seconds before he said in a more solemn tone, “He’s got oracles for that. They can tell him almost anything he’d want to know about your whereabouts or who you’re with. However, I don’t think he’ll even do that. He has you where he wants you. For the time being.”
I had nothing to say to that. I waved him off and walked into the house, shutting the door behind me with relief. I felt better just getting away from the main house. Small reasons to be thankful were better than nothing.
I hobbled my way upstairs, calling for Jax, but got no response. I found a note on the bed saying he’d be back for dinner. It fluttered back onto the comforter when I let my fingers relax. Quiet time, just for me. I heaved a deep, heartfelt sigh. I wouldn’t let a second go to waste.
First up was a long shower, where I let the hot water soothe my aching body. I’d known moving back would be a trial, but I wasn’t used to not having a moment to myself. Teryl, MacLean, and Jax would be my constant companions this week. Add Luna, Falon, and Maxim to the list, and my skin prickled with the need for a little breathing room. I missed my apartment. I missed my shop. I wished Jedren would do us all a favor and drop off the face of the earth.
I pulled on a robe and grabbed the remote for the big-screen television set up on one of the dressers in the bedroom. My mind needed a break. I flipped through the channels, settling on the cooking show. While the smiling host taught me how to make the perfect root vegetable gratin, I tried not to think about wanting to go home.
Teryl called up to me, jarring me out of my little pity party.
“Hang on,” I called down. “I’ll be there in a minute.”
The constant interruptions would drive me crazy before the end of the week, I knew it. I pushed irritation aside and threw on my comfiest yoga clothes. Maybe Teryl would let me sneak in a quick nap before we got back to business.
Or maybe I was wrong. I skidded to a stop when I saw it wasn’t Teryl who stood in the kitchen. I cleared my throat. “Hey.” MacLean always dressed for business, and today was no different. In a white oxford shirt and gray slacks, he looked like a sexy corporate man.
A tired, heartbroken one, with flowers in his hand.
Fire briefly flared in his copper eyes before he banked it. “These are for you. I know the timing is bad, but I want you to know I’m committed to you. To us.” The flowers were a gorgeous arrangement of white calla lilies and soft pink roses. And I felt so undeserving of anything from this man.
I swallowed the lump in my throat and said, “MacLean, they’re beautiful.”
I took the flowers and carefully set them on the table as he leaned against the counter in a deceptively casual pose. I could see the tension on his face.
“I’m sorry we haven’t had a chance to talk much. Things have been so…” I trailed off and tried to swallow. I couldn’t believe how nervous I was.
He wrapped an arm around me, pulling me to his side. His chin rested on the top of my head, and I inhaled the warm, spicy scent that was pure MacLean.
“I’ve missed you.”
Unexpected emotion welled inside me. “I missed you, too.”
He chuckled. “You don’t have to sound so surprised.”
I pulled away and flashed a rueful grin. “I’m not surprised. I just haven’t had a lot of time to focus on normal things. And the important people in my life.”
The planes of his face, the curve of his smile were so familiar to me, and yet I was so over my head here. I dropped my gaze and whispered, “I’m sorry.”
I wasn’t sure why I was apol
ogizing, but MacLean seemed to know.
“Don’t,” he said softly. “Don’t apologize to me. You’re my mate and we’ve been through a lot.” He pressed his lips together and looked away. After a minute, he sighed and folded his arms across his chest. “I will wait for you.”
I knew he would. And I had no idea how to acknowledge the enormity of that statement. It overwhelmed me.
MacLean watched me, those warm copper eyes swirling with emotions I couldn’t name. I wanted to look away. Granted, I’d never dealt with this particular conversation before, but the uncomfortable silence and the emotions made me itchy to get out of there. Even Falon would be a welcome diversion.
I didn’t know what to say.
MacLean knew it, too. He rubbed a hand across his face. “I’ve waited for you all these years. If you expect me to quietly walk away when I just got you back, think again. Jedren stole…” He stopped and took a breath. “It doesn’t matter now. Suffice it to say, I’m not giving up. Not when I know the truth.”
I found my voice. “The truth about what?”
A ghost of a smile drifted across his lips. “What happened between us. I haven’t told you everything. But it’s why I won’t walk away.”
I didn’t want to know. I couldn’t ask. I wouldn’t torture either of us like that. I noticed the weariness lining his handsome face. His auburn hair looked a little shaggier than I remembered.
“MacLean,” I whispered. My throat tightened as I held back emotion.
“Don’t be upset. Not for me. Not for us.” He stepped closer and reached out a hand, cupping the back of my head. He slowly lowered his mouth to mine, giving me plenty of opportunity to stop him. I didn’t.
I’d forgotten his touch, but the memories came back in an instant. It was more steady, more sure now. The stolen kisses of our past had been full of the passion and exploration of youth. This kiss was like a living flame. Desire ran so hot inside me, I could focus on nothing but MacLean.
Stone Cold Revenge (Set In Stone, Book Two) Page 7