Storm Wrath

by Brandy L Rivers

  “Managing. Look, what’s the story with this mansion?”

  “A friend of mine owns it. A mage, actually. He’s not there but has granted me permission to use it. Don’t worry, it’s safe. I hired one of Toryn’s men to adjust the wards for you. Eldred shouldn’t be able to find you there. And there may be useful information for you in the library. Now go get some rest.”

  “Information?” she asked, perking up.

  “Yeah, but rest first. That can wait until morning.”

  “Good night, Brent.”

  “You too.” He hung up, and she climbed out of the car, making her way to the front doors.

  After a little exploring, she found the library and a room next to it. She flopped onto the bed and closed her eyes, beckoning sleep to find her.

  Arms wrapped around her, pulling her into the shining sun in the lake below Sky Top Mountain. She smiled at the dream and turned to find Kellan grinning down at her.

  She didn’t miss the worry. “Is this real?” she asked.

  “Dreamwalking. Better than calling. Feels like I have you in my arms. I’ve missed you so damned bad, Zoe.”

  “I’ve missed you more than you know. I hate not being there to take care of you while you’re sick.”

  He half laughed. “About the curse. You should have told me from the beginning.”

  She sighed. “I was hoping to find an answer before the curse took hold. I was probably pregnant by the time we started using condoms.”

  “Probably. But we would have been able to find Eldred and end him together.”

  Tears burned her eyes, even in the dream. “I was afraid you would leave before you got sick. Sure, I was selfish, but if my time was limited, I wanted all of it I could have.”

  “Nothing is going to tear us apart, gorgeous. Remember that promise I made? I meant it to my very soul.”

  “Forgive me?”

  “Promise you won’t ever keep anything like this from me, and I will.” Light shone in his eyes, giving her hope.

  “Never again. We’ll face everything together.”

  “Then I forgive you.” His lips closed over hers.

  She wound her arms around his neck and held on tight.

  Chapter 17

  Another month passed. Zoe had left the estate and had struck out on her own, moving from place to place, seeking more information. Like the fact the baby would likely come in a few weeks because harpies gestated for only three months. Her stomach had grown round, as if she were in her second trimester of pregnancy.

  Time was running out. Every day Kellan looked better in her dreams. She hoped he would be strong enough to come soon. Which meant she needed to find Eldred and see if she could get more information from him.

  Zoe walked into a diner in the village below the castle she once called home, and later her prison. She caressed her belly as she took a seat and picked up the menu.

  Ororo slipped into the booth across from her. “I wish you hadn’t come here, Zoe.”

  She smiled sadly. “I have no choice. I need to speak with Eldred.”

  “He’s going to lock you in your tower until he finds and kills your mate.”

  “Don’t, Ororo. I need to talk to Eldred. Don’t make this more difficult than it has to be.”

  “Are you hungry?” Ororo asked.

  “Yes.” She smiled slowly. “Are you going to allow me to eat first?”

  “Yes. Then I’ll take you to the castle.”

  “Thank you.”

  * * * *

  Kellan swiped the towel off the bench and wiped away sweat. Leon stood before him. He’d served as his physical therapist and personal trainer.

  “Tell me I’m cleared. I’m running out of time,” Kellan stated.

  Leon nodded. “You’re ready. Remember, Eldred is skilled in hand to hand, with weapons, and magic. You have all of that going for you, but Eldred has thousands of years of experience on his side. You’ll have to be smart when you attack him.”

  “Watch before I make a move. I got it.”

  “And you’re comfortable with the sword?”

  He nodded. “Thanks to you and the guys.”

  Toryn walked up. “Like Isa says, you’re family. Come on. I’m taking you to the plane.”

  “Thank you again, Leon.” Kellan started for the door. He looked at Toryn. “She’s going to Eldred today. I’m worried.”

  “She can handle herself.”

  “How can you be sure? He won’t fight fair.”

  “Neither will she. She nearly killed Eldred once. Maybe if she knew how easy it was for him to heal, she may have succeeded.”

  One corner of his mouth pulled up. He slid into Toryn’s Maserati and leaned back in the seat. It had been too long since he’d held his mate in his arms. He wanted to leave two weeks ago, when he thought he was back to normal. Scotty was the one who convinced him to stick around to build his strength.

  In that time, Kellan had honed his skills with the Elemental Blade and learned tricks to fighting creatures that could fade into air, thanks to Jayde.

  * * * *

  Eldred looked up from the book in his hands and found Zoe walking in. Radiant and very pregnant. His first instinct was to slide a blade into her belly and ensure the child’s death.

  Instead, he held off and offered a pleasant smile. “What brings you to me?”

  She stared into his eyes and drew a slow breath.

  “End the curse, Eldred. It serves no purpose.”

  His eyes narrowed as he stood and stalked toward her. Zoe didn’t back down. “What do you know of the curse?”

  “That because of you, my mate became sick and nearly died. That after I have my baby, I’ll become sick and die. If you ever cared about me, you would release me from the curse.”

  “I love you, Zoe. I always have. You’re the one who tames the rage inside.”

  She crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head. “Look at you now. You’ve barely got a leash on your rage.”

  “Give me a chance to prove I can be the better man. I’ve changed. You were right.”

  She laughed sadly. “How are you going to prove that? Locking me in the tower, refusing to let me leave? Then what? That will only make me hate you more than I do right now.”

  “I can’t allow you to leave, Zoe. If you don’t stay, you will certainly die. I can take the curse away if you’ll be mine.”

  “I don’t love you. Not anymore. You hurt me too damned much.”

  “Hurt? I hurt you?” He huffed a laugh. “You tried to kill me.”

  “You kept me locked in a cage, as if I were a pet. That’s not love, Eldred.”

  “I said I’ve changed. I’ll be a better man than him. Let me show you.”

  “And if you aren’t?”

  Eldred stepped closer and reached for her. She stepped back. He sighed. “You’ll see. Give me time. He’s not here, and he may never come. Let me try.”

  “And my child?”

  “Give me a proper chance, and you will keep your daughter. Your mate—that’s another story.”

  Zoe covered her belly with her hands. He wanted his own child growing there. Sooner or later, he would make that happen. Now that she’d mated, it was a possibility. Even if they never formed a bond, once a harpy mated, she could carry another’s child.

  Chapter 18

  The wind blew through the trees, whisking along the water behind the cabin Kellan bought her. She reached out to run her fingers over the bed frame.

  She was beginning to regret going to Eldred. If she could distract the bastard, Kellan could sneak up with a surprise attack.

  Hands curled around her hips, and she spun, flinching away until she saw Kellan standing before her. He’d gained some of the weight back that he’d lost while the sickness still held him.

  “Just me,” he said softly, studying her. “Did he touch you?”

  She threw her arms around his neck. “No. I’m back in my tower, untouched, and hating every moment of this c
harade. He talked to me for hours about how much he’s changed, how he’s going to prove himself the better man.” She buried her face against his neck. “He thinks I’m giving him a chance. I’m buying time. That’s it.”

  “Shh, gorgeous. I’m coming for you. I’m on a plane to Scotland now.”

  “I wouldn’t blame you if you left me alone.”

  “Don’t. I’m still with you, in our dreams, but it’s better than nothing.”

  “It is.” A smile graced her lips. “I nearly killed Eldred. I already know one weakness.”

  “What’s that?”

  “As long as a foreign object is embedded in his body, he can’t dematerialize. He can’t heal as long as something is in him. If I had known, I could have killed him all those years ago. But now he’s smarter. There’s nothing in my room I could use unless I break the mirror or window.”

  “That gives me a few ideas. This will all be over before you know it.”

  A smile lit her face as hope flooded in. “Hurry, baby.”

  “No matter what happens, I’ll free you from Eldred. You will be in my arms again.”

  “Can hardly wait.”

  He covered her belly with his hands. “And I can’t wait to meet our little girl.”

  Leaning back, she beamed at him. “You’re so young, though.”

  “Doesn’t matter. She’s part of you, part of me. She’s ours. She won’t have to deal with this damned curse. No other harpy will.”

  She fused her mouth over his. He would free her and love her.

  He gently pushed her back, smiling into her eyes. “He really hasn’t touched you?”

  She shook her head. “No. He’s never forced himself on me. He’s willing to wait until I break and come crawling back, but that will never happen.”

  “I won’t let him break you.”

  “Neither will I,” she vowed.

  * * * *

  Eldred paced the walkway at the top of the tower. He’d locked Zoe behind the door hours ago and had yet to hear a single sound. She had a lovely view, but no way to escape. Perhaps she was asleep, locked away from this world.

  All she had to do was submit, promise herself to him, and he’d lift the curse. These last five years had been the worst of his long life. Every damned day, he thought about Zoe and their first decades together.

  They’d have that again, someday. If only he’d realized his mistakes when he first made them, he could have corrected their path.

  He couldn’t stand not being in the room with her, but he needed to gain her trust. Eldred placed his hand on the door and the door grew transparent. Zoe had grown more beautiful since he’d last seen her. Must be the child growing within. Nemia had been the same way. He remembered the last time he saw the fierce beauty. Aurion was wrapped around her, covering her belly with his hand.

  Opening his eyes, he peered through the door with a spell. Zoe lay curled on her side, her hand covering her rounded stomach.

  A smile fluttered over her lips. Probably dreaming about her mate. Whoever the bastard was, he would kill him. He was unable to dig up any information on the man. Not even a name.

  So far, Zoe hadn’t volunteered any information.

  Sooner or later, he’d learn who stole her heart.

  Why did harpies have to be so fucking stubborn? Every one he’d chosen through the years fell for another man, tearing his heart out in the process. It was why he hadn’t lifted the curse.

  He would make her love him, or she would die like the rest. This time, he hoped she would love him.

  Chapter 19

  A week had passed with Kellan searching the highlands. He hadn’t found this Scottish town full of Others, mostly fae. The idea reminded him of Edenton, except it was a hell of a lot easier to get there.

  He felt time running out. She was so round in his dreams. He’d be excited if it weren’t for the fear he would miss his opportunity to kill Eldred.

  He threw the motel room door open and slammed it shut before falling on the bed. He dug out his phone and dialed Toryn.

  He finally answered, out of breath. “What’s up?”

  Kellan snorted. “Sorry to interrupt. How the hell do I find this town?”

  “You sent Aquila to watch over her, right?” Toryn asked.

  He paused, his head cocked to the side. “Shit, why didn’t I think of that?”

  “Because you aren’t a slave driver.”

  He nodded, though he couldn’t see him. “Suppose not.”

  Toryn said, “Call her, have her take you. Zoe only has about a week left.”

  “Thank you.”

  “A warning. When you do get there, find Lonny. Between the two of them, you should have a pretty good idea what is going on in the castle.”

  * * * *

  Zoe sat at the window, staring out at the water below. Tears flooded her eyes. Eldred had brought her meals she refused to touch. He continuously watched her belly with a sneer, causing her to wonder if he might attempt to poison her somehow.

  Someone was helping her, but they never spoke to her, nor did they make themselves known. She wanted to know who.

  Thank you, she mouthed.

  She could have sworn the wind whispered, You’re welcome.

  Once her meal was finished, she licked her fingers clean, then made her way to bed. She lowered herself on the mattress, hoping she’d been silent enough.

  Eldred had been more charming than ever. Eventually he would run out of patience. Madness lingered in his eyes. Would he actually hurt her this time? She did nearly kill him, after all.

  She closed her eyes and wished for sleep. Kellan said he was getting better, but if she slept long enough he would find her again.

  The door creaked open, and she relaxed further, praying to convince Eldred she really was asleep.

  “I’m starting to worry,” Eldred murmured. “You’re sleeping far too much, even for a pregnant harpy. And you refuse to eat the meals I bring you.” Concern dripped from his words, but she didn’t miss the jealousy hidden beneath. “Wake up, little bird. Let me take care of you.”

  She didn’t move, though she felt him draw closer.

  “Zoe, please wake up, love. I’ve been too harsh with you. You’ve had freedom so long you’ve forgotten how good it is to have someone care for you.”

  She refused to let the tears fall. He’d only know she was awake.

  “I can’t allow you to keep your mate, Zoe. I know you hate me for that, but you don’t understand. He will kill you if the curse doesn’t, or if I don’t kill him before he reaches you.”

  Shutting his words out proved impossible. Zoe pushed herself to the wall, sitting up. Her eyes narrowed on him.

  “Stop with your lies. All you want is a harpy. It doesn’t even matter who.”

  “It does matter who. Since meeting you, it’s been you. When I lost you, it was still you. Nearly five years and you are all I think about even now. Even with another man’s child growing in your womb.” A cold smile lifted his lips. “What do you think you know?”

  “You cursed my people, all because you wanted one who wouldn’t have you.”

  He hissed. “Nemia, the bane of my existence.”

  Zoe snorted. “Was she the only one who didn’t give in to your demands?”

  “You loved me once. I only demand you remember.”

  Zoe looked away. “I was young and stupid. I made mistakes, and I learned from them. Why do you think I left?”

  “You didn’t kill me.”

  Her eyes blazed. “My biggest regret.”

  “You can’t kill me, Zoe. I’m immortal. Stronger beings than you have tried and failed. Your mate will be no different. I know he comes for me. He’ll fall like the rest.”

  She huffed a breath. “We’ll see about that.”

  “I’ll let you watch as I destroy him before you,” he growled.

  “Nothing you say or do will gain my trust. I’ll never be yours.”

  He moved closer, bending to climb over
the bed.

  “No! My answer will always be no!” she shouted.

  Wind swirled from Zoe, shoving Eldred back. He hit the opposite wall.

  “Fine, starve in here. Until you’re ready to accept me as your lover again, I’ll leave you here, alone.”

  He stormed through the door, leaving her in silence.

  She settled into bed and closed her eyes, reaching for sleep.

  Starve, she wouldn’t. Sicken and die? If Kellan took too long, that was a possibility. She needed to find a way to get her child to safety. Or better yet, escape from this nightmare.

  * * * *

  Eldred stared at the door, seething. Zoe had changed. She’d truly loved him once upon a time. Now—she fucking hated him. He’d been so good to her. Took care of her. Her adventurous streak came out and no matter how many outings he took her on, it hadn’t been enough.

  As soon as he decided to try a new tactic, she tried to kill him. All these centuries and he’d never found his mate. He’d all but given up when he saw the beautiful girl on Nightwing’s property. He couldn’t resist seducing her.

  For years they were good. He wanted to recapture their time together, before she started to argue. Her rebellious streak grew, and he started to punish her by keeping her locked in the tower.

  And now that she had a mate, he feared he truly had lost her. “Ororo,” Eldred called.

  The dragon materialized before him in his human guise. “Yes?”

  “She doesn’t look starved. Has anyone been in her room?”

  “Not that I’ve seen,” he replied.

  “Perhaps she’s learned some trick.” Sighing, he looked at the dragon. “Find her mate. I want to know who and what he is.”

  “Have a name?”

  “Kellan.” Zoe often called his name in her sleep.