Breaking Out

by Gayle Parness

CHAPTER TWO

  I found Jay outside his house polishing his motorcycle with a rag. He spent hours every day working on that machine. When he heard my footsteps, he waved at me without looking up.

  “We’re not taking the bike.” I said, dropping my backpack on the driveway.

  “Yeah we are. I have room for some of your stuff and you can keep the rest in the pack on your back.” He kept on polishing.

  “We’re taking the lines.” I was surprised by his change of heart.

  “Nah, we’re not.”

  “We discussed this. The sick feeling only lasts a minute or two.”

  “You can’t talk ‘cause you don’t feel it. It sucks eggs.” He picked up a different rag and started to clean the wheels.

  “Why’re you acting like a tool?” Now I was getting pissed off, which hardly ever happened between Jay and me.

  “You know I could break your nose over that remark.” He was still facing his bike, but his tone told me he was smiling.

  “Yeah,” I laughed. “But it’d heal in five minutes.”

  He finally turned around, throwing the rag on the seat. “Char, I hate the ley lines. And if we go your way we won’t have wheels.”

  Jay had a habit of breaking down everyone’s name to one syllable. His parents had tried for years to get him to call people by their full names, but Jay was a guy who didn’t see the point in dragging things out. So I was Char and that was cool with me.

  “We’re walking.” I moved closer, trying to get him to hear me.

  “Through the Sierras?” he asked.

  “People do it all the time. It’s called hiking and backpacking.”

  “It’s almost October. There could be snow.”

  “You’re a freakin’ bear with a thick fur coat.” Okay, enough. We’d talked about all of this for months. “What’s your problem?”

  He sighed, picking up the first rag and rubbing the side mirror, shining the chrome until it sparkled. “I don’t want to leave my bike. I just got it six months ago. It’d be perfect on 101, zipping around traffic, checking out the other bikers on the road. I had a dream that you and I were tearing down Route 1, the Pacific on our right, Malibu mansions up the hills to our left. Girls in bikinis were waving at us, throwing kisses, inviting us to join them on their beach blankets. ” He wiggled his thick eyebrows.

  I rolled my eyes. It was always food, girls and bikes with Jay. “You’ve had plenty of girlfriends.”

  “Are there ever too many?”

  “No matter what you dreamed about, we have a situation. We can’t take the bike.” I whistled, and out of the woods trotted Samson, his tongue hangin’ loose and his stubby tail wiggling a greeting. He and Jay always got along great.

  Jay scowled. “What the F is that mangy mutt doing here?”

  Except this one time. “He’s coming with us. Unpack your bike and park it in the garage.”

  “I thought you believed in dreams.” Jay got a towel and cleaned off his hands.

  “Some, but not those kinds,” I teased.

  “We never discussed the dog coming.”

  “I know.”

  “So…”

  “Sinlae told me to bring him.”

  “That little pixie has been bossing you around forever.”

  “That little pixie might be saving our lives by telling me to bring Samson. I’m not taking any chances.”

  “You’re just scared of her.”

  “Damn right.”

  I helped him wheel the bike inside the garage. After a lot of grumbling and some rearranging of equipment—did he really think he could hike through the Sierras carrying a soccer ball—Jay and I got the bike parked safely and covered with a tarp. In a few steps we were in the woods, hidden from passing motorists or joggers.

  I took hold of Jay’s shoulder and Samson’s neck then flung us into the lines of magic that flowed between dimensions and realms, allowing us to go where I chose in only a heartbeat of time. The sensation was calming, but it hadn’t always felt that way. When I first learned to use them on my own, I suffered the same way Jay did. But time helped me adjust, and now it was like soaking in a hot tub full of warm honey.

  We landed in the Sierras, the change in temperature a shock to our warmer body temps. While Jay moaned and groaned, I took a look around.

  Upper Kings Canyon was a remote area, with access to the Kings River, smaller streams and plenty of game. Hunting with firearms wasn’t allowed, but shifters in animal form could kill for a meal, just like any other animal predator would. Jay had his fishing license, so any fish we caught was cool to eat. We hadn’t brought much food, just spices, hot sauce and energy and granola bars. I knew which plants were edible, which would also supplement our diet, and we weren’t going to be sticking around more than a couple of weeks.

  We set up camp near a small stream and took a hike, enjoying the fresher air, the vibrant scents of a new territory and the view of the mountains. Samson chased squirrels, one his favorite activities at home and dug under rocks. I hoped there weren’t any hibernating snakes.

  “So where are you taking me, Char?”

  “What?” I looked up from my scan of the map.

  “Ya know, see the state, check out the views…blah, blah, blah. But where will we end up?”

  “We’ll have to wait and see.”

  “You have no definite plans? That’s not like you at all.”

  “Well, that’s the whole point, right?” I picked up a flat rock and skimmed it over a stream. It hit the far bank. “I don’t know what I’m like out in the real world. Maybe here I’m laid back and impulsive.”

  “Laid back is cool, but you’re a planner, a thinker. You must have something hovering in the back of your mind...something you’re maybe not telling me?”

  I did, but it was too early. “If I make a decision, you’ll be the first to know.”

  Jay flattened his mouth, shrugging. “Okay. But you can bounce your ideas off of me, ya know.” He skimmed a rock that sank about three quarters of the way across the stream.

  “That the best you can do?”

  “Winner cleans the fish?”

  “Deal.”

  No magic?”

  “No magic.”

  I won, but I helped with the fish anyway. So did Samson. Good thing we caught four.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Our trip to the city had been romantic and restful: two “r-words” missing from our lives ever since Garrett’s kidnapping. He’d wined and dined me with his usual flair, rented a yacht for a sunset cruise, captain and all, booked massages and spa treatments and spent many hours in our hotel suite tending to my every need.

  He was hiding something.

  I dropped my suitcase when I saw the note on our bed, but Garrett snatched it up before I had a chance to even look at the name on the envelope.

  “Before you read this, there’s something I should tell you.” He glanced around the room. “Let’s sit outside on the patio.”

  “Why?” I asked, beyond curious at this point.

  “Fewer readily available weapons.”

  “Those planters are heavy. I bet they can do some real damage.”

  “Ha.” He didn’t sound too confident. We sat on the scrolled bench near the fountain and he handed me the note. Mom was scrawled on the envelope in Charlie’s large handwriting. I stared at it, my heart pounding in my chest. This wasn’t good.

  Mom,

  Jay and I are traveling around California. Neither one of us has seen much of the state: me even less than Jay. Sinlae told me to take Samson, so I did. I hope that’s okay. I’m sure he’ll enjoy the change of scenery. I’ll keep him well fed and healthy. Jay and I are always hungry so don’t worry about us eating enough.

  I feel a little guilty about sneaking away like this, but I didn’t want to argue with you. I’m an adult now, responsible for my own actions, yet I’ve never been anywhere without a guard or a parent or a trainer nearby. California is more foreign to me than Faerie or the DR
and that shouldn’t be the case.

  We’ll be safe. I promise. If you think about our combined abilities, we’re a pretty awesome team.

  You’ll be glad to know that Sinlae and Dad both laid down the law about me calling home and I will as soon as I can. We’ll be hiking in the mountains for a while and it may not be possible right away.

  I’m sorry if my leaving upsets you. That’s the last thing I want to do. I love you. You’ve always been the perfect mom. I’ll miss you, too.

  Love,

  Charlie

  PS Dad: Thanks for your trust. I love you, too.

  I handed Garrett the note. When he’d finished reading, he was smiling. I asked, “When did you know?”

  He winced, already expecting me to hit the ceiling, or maybe his jaw. “Before I was kidnapped. Kyle came to me and mentioned that he’d overheard Jay and Charlie talking. We were going to confront them about it, but then I was taken and that idea went up the chimney. When we all came home safely, he was acting normally so I thought he’d dropped the idea. But one evening he asked me to get something out of his closet for him and I saw the backpack, fully packed with clothes and equipment. I talked to Kyle and we…” He paused.

  “You what?”

  “We decided it was time.”

  “You and Kyle decided?”

  “And Peter.”

  “Of course. Let’s not forget Peter.” The hurt in my tone was clear. Garrett must have heard it too, because he leaned forward and took hold of my hand.

  “Be honest, mon ange. If he’d come to you, you would have said no.”

  I stood because I needed some space. My heart was beating double time, my mind spinning in a million directions. Walking to the fountain, I sat on the edge, dipping my hand in the water, remembering the countless times I’d told Charlie to be careful not to fall in. How many times had I told him not to leave the property? How many times had I held him back?

  Sensing my pain, Garrett was beside me, stroking my back. He kissed my cheek. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I should have.”

  I didn’t deserve his tender care. “No. It kills me to say it, but you and Kyle and Peter did the right thing.” I moved away again, keeping my back to him. “You want honesty? I would have screamed no, maybe even called in the big guns. I might have sent him back to Isaiah.”

  “Jackie, don’t…”

  I started to pace. “I would have driven a steel wedge between Charlie and me. Hell, there’s probably one there already. Perfect mother, my ass.”

  “Your ass is delightful,” he teased, but I wasn’t in the mood. Garrett sighed, running a hand through his hair. “You’ve done your best under difficult circumstances.”

  “Charlie shouldn’t be afraid to tell me things. I did that to him.”

  “He’s your only child. It’s natural to be afraid for his safety.”

  “He’s yours, too, but you didn’t hold him back.”

  “We behaved as responsible parents. He understands that.”

  “Does he?” He waved the note in the air. “I’ve always been proud of him. I should have told him that. I should have…” I wiped away the first of many tears with my sleeve.

  “You have been a fine mother, Lady Jacqueline. He could not have had a better one.” My sweet demi-fey companion had arrived as she usually did when she felt my distress.

  Garrett laughed. “Even Sinlae agrees.”

  “He was not ready to take this journey until this moment. Do you believe I would have allowed him to leave if he was not prepared?” She flew to me, hovering only a few inches from my face. “You must let him go and discover who he is.” She caught one of my tears in her palm and drank from it. “It tastes of sadness and worry, but also of pride and love.”

  “I miss him already.”

  “I have made him swear on his blood to call you. He will not renege.”

  “Thank you, Sinlae.”

  “My lady.” She bowed and flew off, one of her males, Aymis, was there to catch her in a hug and take her inside the tree they’d made their home. She’d miss Charlie too.

  Strong arms circled my waist, pulling me against his firm body. “Forgive me.” Garrett’s sweet breath warmed my hair. He kissed my neck, waiting for my response.

  I twisted in his arms, facing him now, nestling my forehead against his shoulder. “I should be furious.”

  “Mm.” He kissed my hair, the vibration of his voice sending tremors over my scalp. “He’s ready, my love.”

  “He’s ready,” I echoed, hoping that saying the words would make it true.

  “We’ll tell the others?” He had this wary look, as if he expected me to do a 180 and punch him.

  “I think an evening with Sash, Rick and Elle would be perfect. You can call Aaron and the team. Finvarra and Isaiah can wait for the news.” I knew the fae and demon contingent would be the ones to complain the most.

  “Shall we?” He held out his arm and I placed my hand in the crook of his elbow. “I’ve sent a message ahead. Rick’s ordering your favorite pizza.”

  “Yum. Pizza is always a good first step toward forgiveness,” I teased.

  Garrett kissed my cheek, whispering in my ear, “It will be my pleasure to spoil you daily in the hopes that you may one day find it in your heart…”

  I pulled him down and kissed him. It was a very nice kiss, sweet and spicy. “Enough pathetic pleading. You’re forgiven.” We strolled through the garden, both of us laughing as we rounded the bend to see our friends waiting for us on the porch.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  The bear stalked us, relentless, his six hundred pounds of muscle, fur and bone padding through the forest growth with no more noise than a vampire on the hunt. My cheetah eyesight and hearing were superior to the bear’s but his sense of smell had him steadily narrowing the gap. In this form I was fast, faster than my counterpart, the single-natured creature found on the African plains. But the wooded geography hindered my speed, where the bear was in his element. Even though we were doing our best to throw him off track by scooting across streams and rolling in mud to hide our scents, he’d almost caught up.

  I stopped in my tracks. Now the bear was only fifty yards behind us. Samson turned and barked, wagging his tail.

  I held up my hands in defeat. “Okay, you win.” I’d already shifted back to my human form, walking toward the river to wash off some of the mud. It was making my skin itch. “From now on we rely on your nose when we need to track.” The grizzly rose up on his hind legs, becoming a ten-foot wall of growling and snarling beast, showing a lot of sharp teeth, dripping saliva down his chest and all over his rear paws. “Yeah, yeah, great show. But you might want to wash off that spit. Yuck.” Even Samson looked disgusted, and he licked his butt everyday.

  My rottweiler and I splashed around in the stream while Jay transitioned back to human. Samson whined in sympathy when we heard Jay moan. Transitioning back was tough when you didn’t have a connection to the ley lines.

  “I could help, ya know,” I called out, but all I got in return was a vicious snarl. Once, when we’d been in a hurry, I’d pulled on the lines to help him transition back faster. He’d almost killed me afterward, saying it was like being turned inside out and then stuck with needles. Ouch.

  He joined us in the water, diving under and coming up gripping two trout. Even in human form Jay’s hunting skills were crazy. We’d have another few fish in no time.

  Jay shook his head, his dark blonde mane spraying me with water. “When are we heading for civilization? I’m pretty much over all this spectacular scenery.” So far he’d been agreeable to following my plans, but he was getting bored. A bored bear was an annoying bear.

  “What kind of shifter are you?” I asked. “We shifters live to fill our lungs with pine-fresh air, to walk the ancient paths trod by dinosaurs and…”

  My head was suddenly under water, held there by a bear’s enormous paw. Jay was pretty good at partial shifts, which was tough when you were the one being maule
d. Samson was barking but he knew my pal was kidding around; otherwise Jay would’ve lost that paw. Samson had his own magic and it came out during battle, red eyes, longer fangs and all. I sputtered when Jay let me up again, smiling when I saw his ear-to ear-grin.

  “Real funny.” I shook out my hair, tilted my head and whacked the side, trying to get the water out of the other ear.

  “I could go for a good meal, Cuvier.”

  “Don’t call me that, remember? And what? You didn’t enjoy last night’s elk?”

  “The elk was the bomb, especially since I took it down, but I haven’t seen a female or a ball game in two weeks.”

  We crawled up on a couple of boulders, stretching out to catch some rays. Samson laid his head on my ankle and dozed off. He thought the elk was the bomb too.

  “All this time I thought food was your primary concern.” I said, leaning back and closing my eyes.

  Jay huffed in annoyance. “Sometimes I think you’re some old guy who took over my friend’s body. There’s only one true priority.”

  I laughed, batting away a mosquito. “And that’s why you want to go back to civilization, huh?”

  “One look at our tanned, fit bodies and females will be tearing off their clothes.” Jay stated with certainty, swatting away the mosquito’s two buddies.

  “More likely tearing out their hair.” The softer voice of a stranger had Samson instantly on his feet, barking and growling.

  On the far bank, a female fae held the reins of her horse as it drank from the river, stroking its neck and giving the two of us a long leisurely look. Jay and I were butt naked, spread out on our respective rocks like appetizers for our enemies. This was embarrassing.

  She was tall like all pureblood fae, her dark hair pulled off her face into a ponytail, not the common style for a lady of Faerie. Her eyes were blue, not purple like most fae, but from this distance I couldn’t tell whether she’d changed them with magic, a rare and difficult skill, or was using contacts. There was always the slim chance that she was half-blood, like me, but even then the fae genes won out over the other species’. When I was in faerie, I fit right in.