by Ciana Stone
Nevaeh wanted to be able to say no, but the truth was, Gabriel and Augustus both knew, as did Layla. Not that they'd try to exploit her for her. In fact, they hadn't asked anything of her.
Well, aside from letting Augustus bite her.
"Ah, I see on your face that you do have cause to doubt."
"You're wrong. Dead wrong."
"I wish I were, Nevaeh, but sadly I am not. Let's look at this another way, shall we? You obviously lent assistance during the fiasco at the estate of Asha Iltani. There was a temporal distortion and I suspect you are to be credited with that.
"And from what I have gleaned, Augustus asked that you give and take blood with him, making you linked with the Prince of the Vampire."
Nevaeh refused to acknowledge, but wondered where Elysia got her information.
"So, you helped Augustus and in appreciation he … what?"
It purely annoyed Nevaeh that Elysia spoke in such a supercilious tone. "For your information, Augustus and Layla are my friends. Why they even volunteered to pay for my dad's medical care. So here's what you can do with your bullshit about them not being my friends."
"Ah yes, people with the wealth of Midas offered money to help with care. Naturally they did not make any offer to a cure or heal."
"Well it's not like they could if they wanted to. He's in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's."
"Still within their power to cure. At least by some of their compatriots. Augustus could make him and as a Vampire he would be healed and immortal. And consider the power of the Fae. Eldric Whitehorse, the newly appointed Fae Council person has the ability. As does Gabriel of the Archangels. And yet, no one has offered such a thing – the one thing you want more than all else."
"That's not true."
"Oh but it is. Nevaeh, let me ask you… have you been seduced by someone of The Seven?"
"Of course not!"
"Really? There is not a male among them who has flirted with you, tried to become your friend or lover?"
A sick kernel of doubt formed in Nevaeh's gut. Gabriel. No, that can't be true. He wouldn't do that.
"It's not necessary to answer me, but be honest with yourself Nevaeh. Augustus and his inner circle are brilliant, calculating, and ambitious. They seek to overthrow the Council and usurp power so that they can destroy the peace accord and rule Earth."
"That's the craziest thing I've ever heard."
"Is it now? Then explain why they are the ones against having the portal between worlds reopened? Why are they against the Seven returning home from whence we came? If the Seven returned home, humanity would not face any threat from them. Why would anyone want to prevent that?"
"I don't know. I don't know anything about any of that. I just know that – that they're not bad people and – and if they could do what you say then they would."
Elysia shook her head. "Sadly you are wrong."
"Oh, then prove it."
"Very well."
"Excuse me?"
"I will prove it. I personally do not have the power to permanently cure your father, but I do have enough to give him temporary respite."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning that I can restore him to health for a few hours."
"That's just not possible."
"It is. Please, let me prove it. Let me prove to you that I'm not your enemy and that I was protecting you by taking you from the Vampire Queen's estate. If I can do that, will you help me prevent Augustus and his kind from starting a war that will see millions die? Neveah we have to stop this. Too many lives are at stake."
"That sounds … overly dramatic."
"But true. Let me show you what I can do and when you see and believe I promise you that I will enlist other Fae so that our combined power can cure your father. If we can do that, then I will ask for your help again. Will you at least let me try?"
"Let's say I said yes. What would you do?"
"I would call and book two tickets on the next flight to Orlando."
Nevaeh considered it. Chances were, Elysia was full of shit, but if she went along and was able to get on a plane and get home, she'd be able to ditch the bitch and call Layla and tell her what happened.
"Okay, fine. Do it."
"Thank you, Nevaeh. You won't be disappointed."
"That remains to be seen."
"And seen it will be." Elysia pulled a cell phone from the pocket of her slacks and placed a call on speakerphone, booking two first class tickets on the next flight to Orlando. They had an hour to get to the airport to make that flight.
She ended the call and stood. "Are you ready?"
Neveah stood as well. "You have no idea."
"Then let us depart." She pulled out her phone and made another call as she made her way into the apartment. "Please have the car brought around immediately. We are on our way down."
Nevaeh remained silent and followed Elysia to the door. If she suspected they were not headed for the airport, she was going to bolt. If they were going to the airport, then she'd play along.
Why? Because despite her desire to believe that Layla, Augustus and more importantly, Gabriel, had been genuine with her, if there was a chance in a million that someone on this planet had the ability to cure her father, she had to follow through. He might not be important to the world, but he was the most important person in the world to her.
*****
Gabriel landed beside the front porch of his house to find Severin sitting in one of the porch chairs waiting.
"Thanks for meeting me."
"You implied it was of great import."
"It is. It’s about Nevaeh Rockwell."
"Ah yes, I heard you are enamored of her."
Gabriel took a seat beside him. "This has nothing to do with that. I've heard that both the Daemons and Wizards are pursuing information on her. Now it appears the Fae are demonstrating interest as well. My question is why?"
Severin looked away for a few moments. "What do you know of Thelonious of the Daemons and Raj Ragnorok of the Wizards?"
"Obviously not enough or you wouldn't ask."
"Thelonious was very powerful, a leader among us, fair and just. He mated with a Fae, Zerena LaFoy of the Dark Fae. Together they had a daughter, Ameliana. When she achieved adulthood, she mated with Ragnorok and they had a son, Nathanial.
"Thanks to disputes among our kind, Ameliana was taken as hostage, to force Ragnorok into service for the Dark Fae. He refused and Ameliana was killed. But only after she had given birth to Nathanial. Ragnorok and his followers stormed the stronghold of the Dark Fae and many died, including Ragnorok.
"One of his loyal followers found Nathanial and spirited him away, placing him in the care of his grandparents, Thelonious and Zerena. To protect the child, they made the world believe they had died. They crossed into this world, changed their names, and raised the child.
"The name they took here on Earth was Rockwell."
"What?" Gabriel sat up straight in his chair, as if he'd been jabbed in the back. "You're telling me that Nevaeh's father is –"
"Daemon, Wizard, and Fae."
"Which makes Nevaeh?"
"More. Her father, who went by the name of Nate, met and fell in love with one of your kind. Gavreel."
"Gavreel? But she—"
"Was killed. Yes, by a Dark Fae."
"So Nev-"
"Possesses abilities of which she is quite unaware."
"And her father? Layla said he was in a hospital, suffering from Alzheimer's."
"That is untrue. He suffers, yes, but at his own doing. To protect Nevaeh from the same Dark Fae who killed her mother, Nathanial enlisted the help of his grandparents. Thelonious, Zerena, and Nathanial concocted strong magic, magic that mimicked the dementia that afflicts humans so that if he was discovered, nothing could be taken from his mind and Nevaeh would be safe."
Gabriel flopped back and stared out at the water. "And she has no idea who she really is."
"None."
"So that's why
you wanted the DNA test?"
"Yes."
"Okay, I'm confused. If you already knew, why do the test?"
"Confirmation. Gabriel, if what I've said is true and I believe it to be, Nevaeh may be able to help us forestall what could be great danger. Whoever conspired with Asha to destroy the peace accord will certainly try again. And, if it is, as we suspect, Dark Fae who managed to cross from the other side when Eldric and Ellie Whitehorse opened the door, we must stop them."
"Because?"
"Because their intent is not to integrate with humanity but to conquer it. You were young when you made the crossing and became enchanted by this world. You did not return as many of us did, to see the changes that occurred, the wars that ravaged our races and our world.
"When guardianship of the door was granted to the Whitehorse clan, many of us chose never to return. Strive ruled on our home world. It was better to live in the shadows on this world that see countless thousands die on our own.
"Now that door has opened and those aligned with the Dark Fae who thirst for blood and enslavement of humanity will not rest until it is reopened and their armies can descend upon this world."
Gabriel shook his head. He'd turned a deaf ear to such talk for centuries, not wanting to see the ugliness. Now, he realized he should have paid more attention. "And Nevaeh comes into play because…?"
"Because if the door opens, she can not only halt time, but do so selectively in order to give our army time to neutralize the threat."
"You're talking about war."
"Yes."
Gabriel put his hands to his face and then ran them back through his hair. "War is an ugly business."
"Sometimes to save a hand it is necessary to sacrifice a finger. What would you see Gabriel? Millions of innocents die for the ambition of a few who mean only ill, or the imprisonment of those war mongers so that bloodshed can be averted?"
"Hold on, imprisonment? Just how do you think you're going to accomplish that?"
"With Nevaeh's help. She can suspend time, Gabriel. For a few or for many."
"Ah, I get it. They could be frozen in time, held suspended."
"Yes. In a secure location, of course."
Gabriel nodded. "Thank you for being honest with me, Severin."
"Why would I be anything but, Gabriel?"
Gabriel smiled. "You know, it still bugs me that your kind is labeled as Daemon."
"It is only a word, Gabriel, not a definition. There are among my kind who lust for a dark path, just as there are among the other tribes. Good and evil, light and dark, neither can exist without the other. It is what balances the Universe."
"You're a wise man, Severin. I'm sorry I haven't gotten to know you better but I do consider you a friend."
"There is still time, Gabriel and I am honored to call you friend."
"And I, you."Gabriel offered his hand.
Severin clasped it. "Thank you. And as a friend, I now beg your help. We must locate Nevaeh before the Dark Fae warp her mind and turn her to their path."
"I've tried. So has Augustus. We can't find her."
"Then you look in the wrong place."
"Oh, well what's the right place?"
"She will go where her heart leads."
Gabriel's eyes widened. "Of course. Her father. I have to see Augustus. Do you – is it okay if I tell him what you told me."
"Of course, in fact, I will accompany you. There must be full disclosure between us if there is to be trust."
"Lucien's going to be fit to be tied, you know."
"Lucien believes he is the only among us with moral fiber strong enough to deal with such situations."
"He does have a high opinion of himself."
"Warranted, but at times an encumbrance."
Gabriel laughed. "Well said. So, you want a lift to the estate?"
Severin smiled. "I have my own means. See you there."
When he vanished, Gabriel chuckled. He'd just learned that an old earth saying was true. Never judge a book by its cover. He'd known Severin for nine centuries and not until today had he gotten a glimpse of who the man behind the stoic façade really was.
Chapter Eight
War. That's about the ugliest word ever invented. I don't hate much and certainly not easily but that is something I hate with great passion. I've seen my share of war and I don't want to see more.
Is there a chance we can avoid or avert war? The optimist inside says yes. If only that optimistic side could come up with a way of doing that. But strategy is not my strong suit. That's better left to people like Augustus.
Nevaeh was in knots by the time they reached the care facility where her father was staying. Despite her resolve, the things Elysia told her had doubt creeping into her mind. There was no reason for Gabriel to have been attracted to her. She was just a human and he was an Angel. Not to mention so gorgeous he could have any woman he wanted.
Nor did it make sense that Layla would offer to pay her father's medical expenses. Who did that after knowing a person for a day? And Augustus did insist on them sharing blood.
She didn't want to believe that they'd set out to deceive her but what did she really know about them? And Elysia really seemed forthright.
Still, she was going to reserve final judgement until she saw if Elysia could prove what she claimed. The idea that her dad could be cured was her biggest dream. Could it really be possible?
They were about to find out.
Nevaeh checked in at the front desk. "Hey Darla. How're you doing?"
"Nev! Hey, honey. How was your trip?"
"Interesting. How's Dad?"
"No change but he's been in good humor. I think he's awake, so go on it."
"Okay, thanks."
Nevaeh led the way to her father's room. He was sitting in a chair in front of the window, staring through the glass.
"Hey there, Nate. How're you doing today?" Nevaeh had learned not to address him as Dad. Every time she did, he got agitated.
"Oh, hey … uh, sorry, do I know you?"
"It's me, Nate. Nev. You remember? I was here a few days ago and we had ice-cream outside and played checkers?"
"Pistachio. I like pistachio ice cream."
"Yes. And maybe we can get some later. I want to introduce you to my friend, Elysia. Elysia this is Nate."
Elysia walked around to stand in front of Nate. She leaned down so that her eyes were even with his. "It's such an honor to meet you Nate."
He smiled uncertainly. "It is? Why?"
"Why because you're you."
He smiled again and offered his hand. Elysia took his hand in both of hers. Nate gasped and tried to pull his hand away but she was too strong. She pinned her gaze with his and started chanting words Nevaeh could not understand.
Whatever the words were, they must have frightened her father. He went white as a sheet and started to shake. "Elysia, stop." Nevaeh tried to pry Elysia's hands off her father but her grip held fast.
"Please. Elysia, stop."
Elysia did not pause. She continued her chant. Nevaeh watched her father. His breath was fast. Too fast. And his body was shaking as if he were having a seizure. When his eyes rolled back in his head and he went limp, she threw herself on Elysia, knocking her back against the window.
"What the hell are you doing to him? You're supposed to help him, not kill—"
Her sentence ended abruptly at the sound of her father's voice. "Nevie?"
Nevaeh whirled around. Her father gazed up at her. Her father. Not a man who'd lost his memory, but her dad.
"Daddy?"
"Nevie, honey, what have you done?"
Nevaeh was stunned. She didn't know what to say or do. She looked up at Elysia to see her smiling. "Uh, would you mind if I had some time alone with my dad?"
"Sure. I'll be outside. But, remember you don't have long."
"I know. I'll meet you outside."
The moment Elysia left the room, Nevaeh dropped down in a crouch in front of her fath
er. "Dad?"
"Nevie, oh honey, what did you do?"
"I can't explain, Dad. I just – I just had to see you and talk to you. I need you Dad. Elysia brought you back and she said she could do it permanently. I need you Dad. I need you."
"Nevie." He leaned over and gathered her in his arms. "I love you, honey. More than anything. You have to listen to me, honey and do as I say. Okay?"
"Okay."
She waited for him to speak again and when he did not, she pulled back. Her dad was gone. In his place was a man who looked uncomfortable and confused. She released him and stood. "Is there anything I can get for you Nate?"
"No. No. I'll just sit here and watch the birds. Thanks young lady."
Nevaeh nearly lost it. "You have a good day, Nate. I'll see you soon."
"Yeah, soon."
Nevaeh ran. From the room and through the facility and didn't stop until she was outside. Then she lost it. She sat down on the step and sobbed until her throat felt raw and there were no more tears left.
She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up. Elysia sat on the step behind her. "You don't have to put yourself through this Nev. I can make him well. With help."
"I…I don't…I…I have to think. I just need to think."
"Take all the time you need. I'll drop you home and then check into a hotel."
Nevaeh nodded and got to her feet as Elysia stood, then followed Elysia to the car. They climbed into the back seat and Nevaeh directed the driver to take them to Nevaeh's.
Nevaeh was silent the entire drive. When they pulled up in front of her duplex, she opened the door. Elysia reached out and took her arm. "I'll come by in the morning and we'll talk."
Nevaeh nodded and got out. She watched the car drive away and then turned toward the door of her duplex. It was then she realized she didn't have a key.
*****
Gabriel stood staring at the still figure of the man in the chair. Nevaeh's father stared blankly at the window, not blinking, not moving one muscle.
It was a sad sight and made sadder by the knowledge that he'd done this to himself to protect Nevaeh. Something was fundamentally wrong with his people and humans that people had to go to such extremes.
He put his hand on Nathanial's shoulder and closed his eyes. Angels rarely spoke of their powers but he did possess the ability to reach into Nathanial's mind and communicate what he'd learned from Severin.