“There has to be a reason why there aren’t more harpies.”
She rolled her eyes. “There are only female harpies. We’re hated. No one wants us. So we die out, no more are born. Simple math.”
“Can’t be that simple. What if someone is preying on your kind? I need to know so I can protect you.”
“Maybe you’re right. People hate harpies, which I can’t do a damned thing about. And you can’t change who your parents are.”
“Don’t forget, once people find out exactly what I am, they’ll want to use me.”
She sat up, clearly concerned. “What exactly are you?”
“A Storm Master.”
Her mouth fell open as she stared. Eventually, she swallowed and asked, “Like, the legends? The fae who can wield all magic? Some thought they were gods. Some wanted to rule all the lands.”
“We’re all different. It takes the right combination of magics to bring us about, and even then we’re rare.”
“Then how are you one?”
“Mother was half fire, half water fae. Father half earth, half air. I happened to wind up with equal parts of each.”
“Do you know any others?” she asked cautiously.
He smiled. “Yeah, but until that becomes common knowledge, it’s best to keep the secret.”
“So I shouldn’t tell anyone what you are?” she teased.
“Please don’t.”
“I won’t.” She sighed. “We can trust Brent, though. He’ll keep your secret.”
Kellan nodded. “I’ll take your word on that.”
“Then come back to bed.”
He lay down, pulling her into his embrace. “We’ll go to Brent first. Then you spend some time writing your article. Afterward, what do we do?”
“You take me wherever you want to go. Let me get to know you better. I have a feeling your story is far more interesting than mine.”
He pulled her closer. “Doubtful.”
* * * *
Nemia walked through thick forest high in the mountains in the young harpy’s dream. Zoe ran silently through the thick brush, her fear flowing freely.
“I’m coming for you,” a familiar voice snarled. “Run all you want, little bird. I’ll cage you once again.”
Hatred flowed through Nemia. One day she’d have her revenge, even if it came in the form of a mate fighting for his harpy. In fact, that was a more fitting death than anything she’d considered in the eons since he cursed her race.
Eldred had been the revered king of the Air Realm. That all fell apart when the Elder Guardians exiled him after he broke his treaty with her mother, the previous ruler of all harpies, and attempted to keep Nemia as a prisoner and slave.
Pain flared through her chest as she flowed toward Eldred. Zoe’s dream was purely nightmare, but she still needed to remove Eldred so she could talk with the young harpy, undistracted.
Wind flowed toward Zoe, dark swirls of shadow following as if his heart had been clouded with darkness that clung to his essence, swirling through him, tainting everything in his path.
And it seemed Eldred had gotten his claws into Zoe long ago. Was Zoe’s story the same as hers?
Nemia circled the dark wind, forming a shielding barrier, trapping the former air king. Eldred went wild, swirling, expanding, only to constrict in on himself and erupt again.
Zoe stopped running and raced back to watch the dazzling light trapped within Nemia’s magic. A curious smile tipped the corner of her mouth up. “Can’t get out, can you?” Her laugh was cold, certainly taunting Eldred. Her defiant spirit reminded Nemia of herself.
Eldred’s voice had taken on a crazed note. “Just wait, little bird. You’ll be mine. You always were. I warned you that you couldn’t keep a mate.”
“You lie!” Zoe screamed, slamming her hands against the shield, keeping him locked away from her.
Nemia flung her arm out and swept Eldred from Zoe’s dreamscape.
Zoe turned, searching the dark forest for any sign of another presence.
Nemia took shape and strode to Zoe, whose mouth fell open.
After a tense moment, she asked, “Who the fuck are you?”
Nemia’s brow arched. “Nemia. The first harpy Eldred attempted to claim. When it became clear Eldred would try to force a bond on me, I took matters into my own hands and mated the guard he placed at my door. He was meant for me. Eldred fell into a rage and cursed our whole race. All of us.”
Her mouth popped open. “You were watching us from the castle in the tree?”
Smiling, Nemia dipped her head slowly. “I’ve slept for many years, waiting for the one who could break the curse. The two of you breathed hope into me, and now I’ve come to help you, if I can.”
“Help me what?”
“Break the curse.”
“The curse?” She frowned. “Eldred is the one who cursed us? He was a king?”
“Ah, yes, ages ago. He lost the throne for breaking the treaty. All because he could never claim me.”
Zoe nodded but looked confused.
“He came to my mountain in an attempt to force my people under his rule. My mother made a deal that would keep our lands in exchange for allegiance, as long as he was given a chance to win my affections. He wanted me as his mate and promised if the union didn’t form, he would set me free.” She shook her head, a sneer pulling at her lips. “Eldred attempted to seduce me. Aurion was the guard who comforted me when I sat alone in my room crying. I asked him into my room, and we formed a mate bond before Eldred had a chance.”
“What happened?” Zoe asked, moving closer.
“Eldred cursed me as I took Aurion from the castle. He cursed all of us once he learned I was pregnant. The Elder Guardians refused to lift the curse because they feared what Eldred would do.”
“What happened to Aurion?”
“He grew sick and died in front of me. Then other harpies’ mates sickened every time they got pregnant. If the harpy left, the mate lived, but after the baby was born, the harpy died of the same ailments.”
“Cursed?” Zoe whispered.
“Aye. It’s only a matter of time before he grows sick. If you want to keep your mate, leave him once he starts coughing up blood. Let Eldred find you, then your mate will kill him, hopefully.”
Tears filled her eyes. “Eldred, the same Eldred who I wasted eighty years with?”
Nemia drew in a slow breath. “The same. I suppose he took you in with pretty words and promises, then locked you in a cage?”
“I fell for his charm in the beginning. I loved him for years, or thought I did. The more I struggled for freedom, the tighter the reins became.” She closed her eyes and a tear fell. “He took me places, but never let me out of his sight. Then left me locked in a room when I wouldn’t cooperate. Somewhere along the way I started to hate him.”
“The bastard hasn’t changed,” Nemia hissed. “He convinced himself his mate will be a harpy. You’re the most recent in a long line of harpies to fall prey to a predator.”
Resolve pushed away the sadness. Zoe finally met her gaze. “What makes you think my mate can kill Eldred? I’ve tried and failed.”
“He’s a Storm Master. I could feel his magic from the castle. If anyone is capable, he is. Eldred is the master of his element, but Kellan can master all of them.”
Then Zoe frowned. “How do you know our names?”
“I overheard the two of you while you were on my mountain.”
Her eyes widened. “I’m sorry we trespassed.”
Nemia reached out to smooth Zoe’s hair back from her face. “Easy, child. I’m not upset. In fact, I’m glad you woke me. I believe you two are the key to our freedom.”
“What if we don’t succeed?”
“Then all may be lost.” Nemia touched Zoe’s shoulder. “He will succeed.”
“I tried to kill Eldred once. I failed.”
“Kellan has great power within him. Everyone has a weakness. You need to find Eldred’s.”
&
nbsp; “How?”
“That’s up to you. Sooner or later Eldred will come for you.” Nemia placed a necklace around Zoe’s neck. “If you need help, grip the amulet and think of my castle. You’ll be whisked away from danger.”
Zoe looked down, then vanished.
The forest evaporated, leaving Nemia in her tower.
Chapter 4
Fear twirled through Zoe. The dream—nightmare really—had shaken her. Could the curse be real? Did Nemia exist?
Brent would probably know if she did, and maybe he had a more definitive answer about the curse. Zoe had never fully believed the threat. Kellan needed answers about the tattoos.
As for being pregnant, that wasn’t something she needed to worry about. She’d started birth control soon after leaving Eldred. It was a miracle she’d never become pregnant in all the years she’d thought she was in love with him.
She really hoped the dream was just that. In all her research, she’d never found any mention of Eldred or Nemia. Could whatever he did be so heinous the Elder Guardians wiped out all knowledge? She should have asked more questions before waking, but the thought of Eldred being an ancient, evil king twisted her in knots.
Kellan stepped between her legs with a grin. “You ready, gorgeous?”
She blinked slowly as she looked up at him. Kellan’s emerald eyes held her captive. He truly was a work of art. And there he stood, complimenting her—something she wasn’t used to.
“What’s that look for?” Kellan asked.
“Nothing. I’m ready,” she answered, managing a smile.
“You looked lost when I called you gorgeous. Talk to me,” he prompted softly.
Frowning, she shook her head. “Sorry. Long ago I foolishly let someone tear apart my confidence.”
“Zoe, I want to understand what happened with your ex. I need to know where he went wrong so I never make you feel that way.”
Blinking, she looked away. “I was naïve. He was so beautiful, and the way he looked at me…” She let out a heavy sigh and looked into Kellan’s emerald eyes. “At sixteen, I thought I was in love. He offered to show me the world. The one thing I wanted more than anything. My father warned me, but he didn’t explain. I was stupid and went with Eldred.”
“So young,” he whispered.
She nodded. “And foolish. In the beginning, he gave me everything I wanted. He showed me the world. Years later I realized he never let me out of his sight, that he wanted to control me. I was just a pretty possession. He never loved me.”
“Why did you stay?”
A strangled laugh broke free. “He lost interest in traveling, so he took me to a castle in Scotland that sat on a cliff and was surrounded by forest. I became restless, tried to leave. He locked me in the tower. When I wouldn’t cooperate, he’d leave me there for days, alone.”
“How did you escape?”
“He warded the tower to keep me in. There were only two people who could pass through the wards. Eldred and his servant.” Zoe sighed. The dragon tried to help her, but he was bound to follow every order Eldred uttered.
She stood and paced away. “I finally had enough. I attacked him, pierced his body with my talons, and flew through the open window, breaking the wards as I went. I believed he died when I slammed him into the wall and threw him into the sea.”
“Have you seen him since?”
She shook her head. “No. Luckily I never did see him again.”
“If I ever make you feel trapped, tell me. Whatever you want to do, wherever you want to go, we will.”
“I believe you.”
He had a way of wiping out the fear.
Forcing a smile, she turned to Kellan. “Eldred is in my past. I don’t want to think of him.”
“I don’t know, Zoe. You were with him most of your life. That can really fuck with you, especially if he fed you a ton of lies over the years. And this guy is a real asshole for making you believe you’re anything less than beautiful.”
“He said a lot of shit I no longer believe. Seriously, though, let’s talk to my boss. Maybe he can point us in the right direction to learn more about your tattoos. Besides, I need to make sure what direction he wants me to take with this article.”
“Any assistance I can give is yours,” Kellan promised, sincerity clear in his eyes.
His freely offered support warmed her deep inside. She pressed a kiss to his lips. “Come on. I’ll share more of my story.”
“I want all of your story, Zoe. We have time. Lead the way.” He made a gesture with his arm and followed Zoe as she headed for the door.
* * * *
Kellan hated the self-disgust that clouded Zoe’s beautiful blue eyes every time she mentioned her ex. He wanted to hunt the fucker down and teach him a lesson Eldred wouldn’t soon forget.
She still feared the asshole. Kellan wanted to end that. So damned tempting to go after him, but he didn’t want to leave her side to track down some bastard. Now, if the prick ever made an appearance, regardless of what Zoe thought, he would slaughter the fucker for hurting her.
He bottled up his emotions like Saressa taught him. The last thing Kellan wanted to do was upset Zoe with his murderous intentions toward the man who spent decades tearing her down.
Zoe led them to the building the publication operated from. The setup was much like what he expected to find in a legit magazine. He’d heard of In Other News. Until recently, he hadn’t concerned himself with Others. Perhaps he should have learned more about this world instead of focusing on all the wrong things.
He could have learned a lot from the paper. Seeing how the Silver Council kept anything non-human out of the general press, it made sense there would be a way for Others to get news about non-humans. Fae were so much different. At least those in Faery. Most of the fae chose to stay with their kind and ignore the rest.
A smiling receptionist greeted them. “Never expected the quiet one to kick so much ass.” She winked. “Who is your gorgeous hunk of man-candy?”
She laughed. “This is Kellan Storm.”
Her eyes twinkled. “Pleasure to meet you, Kellan. I’m Melaine.”
“Nice to meet you,” Kellan answered, pulling Zoe to his side.
“Brent’s ready for you, Zoe. Go on back.” The receptionist waved, then picked up the phone as it rang.
Zoe led him to the corner office.
Brent looked up from his laptop. His brow arched, but Kellan didn’t miss the concern in his blue eyes. “You mated.” He wasn’t at all surprised.
Kellan’s hands fisted. “Something wrong with that?”
Touching his arm, Zoe smirked. “That wasn’t an attack.”
Brent shook his head in amusement. Zoe didn’t seem to notice the underlying worry as she plopped down on a chair across from Brent.
Her smile brightened as she looked up at Kellan. “Yes, we mated, and we’re quite happy. That’s not why we’re here. I need to ask you something, but we’d both appreciate secrecy on the topic.”
Brent nodded. “Of course.” Nothing but truth flowed from him.
“Do you have any idea why tattoos would appear on Kellan after we mated?”
Brent sat up straighter. “What kind of tattoos?”
“Runes, each of the elements, a mythical sword.”
Brent looked back at Kellan. “Your mother was Saressa, correct?”
He nodded, uncomfortable with the fact Brent knew anything about him.
“Who was your father?” Even with the knowing look, there was no judgment.
Kellan took a quick breath. “Aeremaius.”
“You’re a Storm Master.” He stood up and moved to the wall behind him. He pressed on the flat surface and a panel sank back and to the right, revealing shelves of books.
Kellan brushed imaginary lint off his jeans. “I know a Storm Mistress, and she has no tattoos, or enchantments, even after her awakening.”
“She does not, but she was hidden on Earth since her birth. The enchantments would have dra
wn unwanted attention. Though, that’s not why I wanted to know what you are.”
Kellan frowned. “You know who I’m talking about?”
Brent rolled his eyes and faced Kellan. “Yes. I happen to know Toryn Flame quite well. His mate is Isadora Starling, who happens to be a Storm Mistress. I’ve considered her a friend for the last six years.” He met Zoe’s eyes. “Please keep that secret. The truth will come out at their wedding, but that won’t happen for a while.”
Kellan scrubbed his hand over his face. “I have no intention of sharing my cousin’s secret.”
“Touché.” One corner of Brent’s mouth tipped up. “I believe the sword may be the Elemental Sword of legend. Your mother’s father was the last known person to possess it, though he couldn’t use it. Makes sense he would give it to Saressa for safekeeping.”
Kellan’s head tipped to the side. “Why give it to me?”
“Not sure.” Brent scratched his chin. “What was your relationship with your mother?”
Kellan rubbed at his eyes and dropped into a seat. “Strained. I was a tool to be used most of the time. She only doted on me if it would get me to do what she wanted. We certainly weren’t close.”
“She raised you, right?”
“Yeah.”
“And why did she send you here?”
“She wanted me to keep Jayde away from Scotty. She would have preferred I kill her, but she didn’t specify, and I felt something for her.” He glanced over at Zoe and back. “I thought I could make her love me, until I realized how deep her feelings for Scotty ran.”
Brent swept his gaze to Zoe and said, “When you write the story, leave Kellan out. I assume you’d like to keep his secret.”
Kellan looked him dead in the eye. “I don’t want to be judged for my mother’s crimes—or my father’s.”
Brent nodded. “Your secret is safe with me. Though, keep in mind, it is possible the Elder Guardians would try to make you take a throne. I hear they’re trying to split the four kingdoms into separate realms. We’ll see how that goes.”
“I have no intention of going back to Faery for anything other than a brief visit with Zoe.” He took her hand and offered a smile.
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