Oak & Thorns

by Yasmine Galenorn

  LATE THAT EVENING, we met Rhiannon, Marilyn, and Ryan down by the beach. Rhiannon had brought a bouquet of white lilies, and she set them against the boulder where Jona’s body had been discovered. Marilyn watched silently, then carried Ryan down to the edge of the water and began stripping the both of them.

  “What are you doing?” Angel asked.

  “I’m going home. It’s time. Now that Jona’s murderer has been caught, I just…I’m ready to let go of this place. I’m taking Ryan and leaving.” She turned to the rest of us. “Thank you. I’d like to know who killed him, but just knowing that he’s been caught is enough for me.”

  “Where will you go?” Herne asked.

  She gazed out at the water, smiling. “We’ll swim up through the sound, then out into the open water. I contacted my family. There will be an escort waiting for us at the edge where the ocean pours into the straits.”

  Rhiannon was crying. “I don’t want you to go.”

  “I know, but Ryan needs to meet his family. I want him to know the ocean, like Jona and I knew it. I want him to listen to the waves and feel them in the very marrow of his bones. I’m not happy on land. I came here because Jona wanted to. Now that he’s gone, I’m ready to go home.”

  Rhiannon knelt beside Ryan and gathered him in her arms. “Don’t you forget me. Don’t ever forget Auntie Rhiannon.” The little boy looked perplexed but gave her a long hug.

  I walked down to the water’s edge and knelt, dangling my hand into the waves that crested on the shore. I closed my eyes and immediately found myself staring at the same elemental I had seen before. I summoned up an image of Marilyn and Ryan, then shrouded them in a cloak of protective energy, sending a question to the elemental. It caught my meaning and agreed. The water spirits would guard them on their journey.

  Herne was standing a little ways up the shore, staring at the forest behind him. Viktor had carried Yutani down the trail, carefully, and they were sitting on one of the driftwood logs, talking quietly. Angel moved over to me, taking my arm as she leaned against my shoulder.

  “I can’t help but think how much I would miss if I didn’t have this job,” she said. After a pause, she added, “I feel sorry for Rhiannon. She lost the love of her life, twice. First to Marilyn and then to Straff. Now, she’s losing the last bit of him. When Marilyn leaves with Ryan, Jona will be gone forever.”

  “Jona’s already gone,” I said. “Ryan isn’t his father. Children may carry the genes of their ancestors, but they aren’t the same. Not always.”

  “True.” Angel gave me a brief hug. “You’re a good testament to that.”

  “I certainly hope so.”

  “So, what about your grandparents?” She shaded her eyes, watching as Marilyn began to wade into the water, holding her son. “What are you going to do about them?”

  The hippocampus sat her child down into the water, and whispered something to him. As we watched, the boy slowly transformed into a small white foal and dove under the water. Marilyn changed shape, turning into a glorious white horse. Her mane fluttered in the breeze. Under the waning sunset, she forged her way into the water, right behind Ryan. The waves rose up around them and, with a sudden kick, Marilyn galloped into the cresting foam, diving below the surface. A flash of white fins appeared in place of her back feet, and she vanished below the waves. Then, they were gone. As Rhiannon broke into tears, Talia walked her back to one of the driftwood logs and sat with her, talking in soothing tones.

  I turned back to Angel. Rhiannon was shedding her past, even as Marilyn was headed toward her future. I thought about closure and the peace that it brought. Maybe it was time to face my past. Maybe I had to get to know it before I could ever hope to leave it behind.

  “I’ll call them. I’ll see what they have to say.” But I didn’t want to think about my grandparents right now. Instead, I inhaled a long breath filled with the scents of brine and seaweed and the salt sea air. “Let’s hope the inspector has good news for us when we get back.”

  “He does.” Angel grinned. “I got an email from him this morning. He found a few things that need to be addressed, but the house checks out.”

  And just like that, we had a new home.

  HERNE AND I sat on one of the driftwood logs, staring at the water. We had stayed behind while the others went back to the hotel to pack. We were all ready to go home.

  “Ember, I have something to say to you, and I don’t want you to answer me until you’ve thought about it.” He sounded so serious that I was worried.

  “What is it?”

  “I’m going to turn into my stag form and let you ride me back.”

  I snorted. “Is that all? Fine.”

  “No, twit-brain.” He playfully bopped me on the nose. “It’s just that… I don’t make a lot of hasty decisions. I’d rather think things through. But here’s the thing.” Taking hold of my hands, he stared down into my eyes. “I think I’m falling in love with you.”

  Before I could say a word, he jumped up and transformed into his stag form. As he knelt for me to get on his back, I stared at him, trying to decide what to say.

  But then I decided that words could wait. Because in my heart, I could tell that the fears of getting closer and of letting down my guard were melting. And it was because of Herne. And while he didn’t expect me to make a snap decision, I realized I had already decided.

  Feeling oddly at peace, I climbed aboard the silver stag and hung on as we began to lope back through the forest.

  If you enjoyed this book and haven’t read the first, check out THE SILVER STAG for the beginning of Ember’s story. Preorder Book 3—IRON BONES—now! And more to come after that.

  Meanwhile, I invite you to visit Fury’s world. Bound to Hecate, Fury is a minor goddess, taking care of the Abominations who come off the World Tree. The first story arc of the Fury Unbound Series is complete with: FURY RISING, FURY’S MAGIC, FURY AWAKENED, and FURY CALLING. There will be more Fury books coming.

  If you prefer a lighter-hearted paranormal romance, meet the wild and magical residents of Bedlam in my Bewitching Bedlam Series. Fun-loving witch Maddy Gallowglass, her smoking-hot vampire lover Aegis, and their crazed cjinn Bubba (part djinn, all cat) rock it out in Bedlam, a magical town on a magical island. BLOOD MUSIC, BEWITCHING BEDLAM, MAUDLIN’S MAYHEM, SIREN’S SONG, WITCHES WILD, BLOOD VENGEANCE and TIGER TAILS are available. And more are on the way!

  If you like cozies with an edge, try my Chintz ‘n China paranormal mysteries. The series is complete with: GHOST OF A CHANCE, LEGEND OF THE JADE DRAGON, MURDER UNDER A MYSTIC MOON, A HARVEST OF BONES, ONE HEX OF A WEDDING, and a wrap-up novella: HOLIDAY SPIRITS.

  The newest Otherworld book—HARVEST SONG—is available now, and the next, BLOOD BONDS, will be available in May 2019.

  For all of my work, both published and upcoming releases, see the Bibliography at the end of this book, or check out my website at Galenorn.com and be sure and sign up for my newsletter to receive news about all my new releases.

  Cast of Characters

  The Wild Hunt:

  Ember Kearney: Caught between the world of Light and Dark Fae, and pledged to Morgana, goddess of the Fae and the Sea, Ember Kearney was born with the mark of the Silver Stag. Rejected by both her bloodlines, she now works for the Wild Hunt as an investigator.

  Herne the Hunter: Herne is the son of the Lord of the Hunt, Cernunnos, and Morgana, goddess of the Fae and the Sea. A demigod—given his mother’s mortal beginnings—he’s a lusty, protective god and one hell of a good boss. Owner of the Wild Hunt Agency, he helps keep the squabbles between the world of Light and Dark Fae from spilling over into the mortal realms.

  Angel Jackson: Ember’s best friend, a human empath, Angel is the newest member of the Wild Hunt. A whiz in both the office and the kitchen, and loyal to the core, Angel is an integral part of Ember’s life, and a vital member of the team.

  Viktor: Viktor is half-ogre, half-human. Rejected by his father�
��s people (the ogres), he came to work for Herne some decades back.

  Yutani: A coyote shifter who is dogged by the Great Coyote, Yutani was driven out of his village over two hundred years before. He walks in the shadow of the trickster, and is the IT specialist for the company.

  Talia: A harpy who long ago lost her powers, Talia is a top-notch researcher for the agency, and a longtime friend of Herne’s.

  DJ Jackson: Angel’s little half-brother, DJ is half Wulfine—wolf shifter. He now lives with a foster family for his own protection.

  The Gods:

  Cernunnos: Lord of the Hunt, god of the Forest and King Stag of the Woods. Together with Morgana, Cernunnos originated the Wild Hunt and negotiated the covenant treaty with both the Light and the Dark Fae. Herne’s father.

  Morgana: Goddess of the Fae and the Sea, she was originally not divine, but Cernunnos elevated her to deityhood. She agreed to watch over the Fae who did not return across the Great Sea. Torn by her loyalty to her people, and her loyalty to Cernunnos, she at times finds herself conflicted about the Wild Hunt. Herne’s mother. The daughter of Merlin.

  Danu: Mother of the Pantheon. Leader of the Tuatha de Dannan.

  The Fae Courts:

  Navane: The court of the Light Fae, both across the Great Sea and on the east side of Seattle, the latter ruled by Névé.

  TirNaNog: The court of the Dark Fae, both across the Great Sea and on the east side of Seattle, the latter ruled by Saílle.

  The Ante-Fae:

  Creatures predating the Fae. The wellspring from which all Fae descended. Unique beings who rule their own realms. All Ante-Fae are dangerous, but some are more deadly than others.

  Blackthorn, the King of Thorns: Ruler of the blackthorn trees and all thorn-bearing plants. Cunning and wily, he feeds on pain and desire.

  Straff: Blackthorn’s son, who suffers from a wasting disease requiring him to feed off others’ life energies and blood.

  Playlist

  I often write to music, and OAK & THORNS was no exception. Here’s the playlist I used for this book. I consider two songs to be ‘theme songs’ for Oak & Thorns: King in the Tree by Shriekback, and Hymn to Herne, by S.J. Tucker.

  Alice in Chains: Man in the Box; Sunshine

  AWOLNATION: Sail

  Band of Skulls: I Know What I Am

  The Black Angels: The Return; Evil Things Don’t Play with Guns; Holland; Love Me Forever; Always Maybe; Black Isn’t Black; Young Men Dead; The First Vietnamese War; Manipulation; The Sniper

  Black Mountain: Queens Will Play

  Black Rebel Motorcycle Club: Feel It Now

  Boom! Bap! Pow!: Suit

  Broken Bells: The Ghost Inside

  Camouflage Nights: (It Could Be) Love

  Cobra Verde: Play with Fire

  Colin Foulke: Emergence, Caravella

  Corvus Corax: Filii Neidhardi; Ballade de Mercy

  Crazy Town: Butterfly

  Damh the Bard: Obsession; Cloak of Feathers; The Wicker Man; Spirit of Albion

  David & Steve Gordon: Shaman’s Drum Dance

  Death Cab For Cutie: I Will Possess Your Heart

  Donovan: Sunshine Superman; Season of the Witch

  Eastern Sun: Beautiful Being (Original Edit)

  Everlast: Black Jesus; I Can’t Move; What It’s Like

  Fatboy Slim: Praise You

  FC Kahuna: Hayling

  The Feeling: Sewn

  Fluke: Absurd

  Foster The People: Pumped Up Kicks

  Garbage: Queer; #1 Crush; Push It; I Think I’m Paranoid

  Gary Numan: Ghost Nation; My Name Is Ruin; Broken; I Am Dust; Here in the Black; Love Hurt Bleed; Petals; Cars (Remix)

  Gorillaz: Kids with Guns; Hongkongaton; Rockit; Clint Eastwood; Dare

  The Gospel Whiskey Runners: Muddy Waters

  Gypsy Soul: Who

  In Strict Confidence: Forbidden Fruit; Silver Bullets; Snow White; Tiefer

  Julian Cope: Charlotte Anne

  Justin Timberlake: SexyBack

  The Kills: Future Starts Slow; Nail in My Coffin; DNA; You Don’t Own the Road; Sour Cherry; No Wow; Dead Road 7

  Korn: Freak on a Leash

  Lorde: Yellow Flicker Beat; Royals

  Low with Tom and Andy: Half Light

  Marilyn Manson: Personal Jesus; Tainted Love

  Mark Lanegan: The Gravedigger’s Song; Riot in My House; Phantasmagoria Blues; Wedding Dress; Methamphetamine Blues

  Matt Corby: Breathe

  MIA: Bad Girls

  Motherdrum: Big Stomp

  Nirvana: You Know You’re Right; Come as You Are; Lake of Fire; Lithium; Heart Shaped Box

  Orgy: Social Enemies; Blue Monday

  A Pale Horse Named Death: meet the wolf

  Pearl Jam: Even Flow; Jeremy

  People in Planes: Vampire

  Puddle of Mudd: Famous; Psycho

  Rob Zombie: Living Dead Girl; Never Gonna Stop

  Roisin Murphy: Ramalama (Bang Bang)

  S. J. Tucker: Hymn to Herne

  Scorpions: The Zoo

  Screaming Trees: Where the Twain Shall Meet; Dime Western

  Shriekback: The Shining Path; Underwaterboys; This Big Hush; Now These Days Are Gone; The King in the Tree

  Tamaryn: While You’re Sleeping, I’m Dreaming; Violet’s in a Pool

  Toadies: Possum Kingdom

  Tom Petty: Mary Jane’s Last Dance

  Wendy Rule: Let the Wind Blow

  Wild Cherry: Play that Funky Music

  Zero 7: In the Waiting Line

  Biography

  New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance, and is the author of over sixty books, including the Wild Hunt Series, the Fury Unbound Series, the Bewitching Bedlam Series, and the Otherworld Series, among others. She’s also written nonfiction metaphysical books. She is the 2011 Career Achievement Award Winner in Urban Fantasy, given by RT Magazine. Yasmine has been in the Craft since 1980, is a shamanic witch and High Priestess. She describes her life as a blend of teacups and tattoos. She lives in Kirkland, WA, with her husband Samwise and their cats. Yasmine can be reached via her website at Galenorn.com.

  Indie Releases Currently Available:

  Wild Hunt Series:

  The Silver Stag

  Oak & Thorns

  Iron Bones

  Bewitching Bedlam Series:

  Bewitching Bedlam

  Maudlin’s Mayhem

  Siren’s Song

  Witches Wild

  Blood Music

  Blood Vengeance

  Tiger Tails

  Fury Unbound Series:

  Fury Rising

  Fury’s Magic

  Fury Awakened

  Fury Calling

  Indigo Court Series:

  Night Myst

  Night Veil

  Night Seeker

  Night Vision

  Night’s End

  Night Shivers

  Otherworld Series:

  Moon Shimmers

  Harvest Song

  Earthbound

  Knight Magic

  Otherworld Tales: Volume One

  Tales From Otherworld: Collection One

  Men of Otherworld: Collection One

  Men of Otherworld: Collection Two

  Moon Swept: Otherworld Tales of First Love

  For the rest of the Otherworld Series, see Website

  Chintz ‘n China Series:

  Ghost of a Chance

  Legend of the Jade Dragon

  Murder Under a Mystic Moon

  A Harvest of Bones

  One Hex of a Wedding

  Holiday Spirits

  Bath and Body Series (originally under the name India Ink):

  Scent to Her Grave

  A Blush With Death

  Glossed and Found

  Misc. Short Stories/Antholog
ies:

  Mist and Shadows: Short Tales From Dark Haunts

  Once Upon a Kiss (short story: Princess Charming)

  Silver Belles (short story: The Longest Night)

  Once Upon a Curse (short story: Bones)

  Magickal Nonfiction:

  Embracing the Moon

  Tarot Journeys

  For all other series, as well as upcoming work, see Website